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\nimal January 1990
keepers'
-orum
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan January 1990
Assistant Editor: Alice Miser Volume Seventeen
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer Number One
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS - PROJECT HEADS
Conference, Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff. .Exchange
Cynthia Simpson, Brookfield Zoo
AAZK History... Committee
Art Goodrich, San Diego Zoo
International Affairs Coordinators -
Animal. Data, .Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to AAZPA/IZE
Kerry Hoffman, Reid Park Zoo
Keeper Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo Infant Development Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Keeper Training & Education
(includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink, Nat’l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
VACANT
Public Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Mona Keith, Calgary Zoo (east)
and Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Minnesota Zoo
Biological Values/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Brookfield Zoo
By-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Uniyersity .List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Jean Ragland-McMahan, Woodland Park Zoo/ Distribution Coordinator
Director of Chapter and — Regional Affairs Committee
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Toledo, OH
Assistant CRAC Directors
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo
Individual Regional Coordinators and the states they oversee are listed elsewhere in each issue of AKF.
This month's cover art features the Leopard Gecko (Eubelpharus macularius) drawn by
Marty Johnson, a senior majoring in zoology at Sonoma State University and an
Associate Member of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area AAZK Chapter. Leopard geckos
are a robust and beautifully patterned species with black markings over a purple, blue or
yellow hued background. They have slit pupils and a moveable eyelid. They have no
lamellae, but have claws. They are nocturnal and ground-dwelling , living in loose
communal holes and are native to Asia Minor and Northwestern India. Juveniles are
unspotted with broad dark brown horizontal stripes. Clutches consist of two eggs which are
laid when the females reach maturity at two years. The eggs take 9-14 weeks to hatch.
Thanks, Marty!
Scoops
and
Scuttlebutt
Smithsonian Special "ZOO" To Air This Month
"ZOO", a one-hour special that kicks off Smithsonan World's fifth season on PBS is
scheduled to air on Wednesday, 24 January at 8 p.m. EST (check local listings).
Producers David Grubin, Richard Rogers, and Pamela Mason Wagner spent six weeks at
the National Zoo in Washington, DC getting to know the animals, the animal keepers, and
the people who visit the zoo. Personal stories revolve around some of the NZP keepers,
among them the elephant keeper striving to take command of the dominant elephant; the
big cat keeper anxiously chaperoning the crucial first meeting of the lone Sumatran tiger
and a potential mate; a behavioral specialist treating a bear's stereotypic pacing; and the
gorilla keeper sending her charge off to the Pittsburgh Zoo in an attempt to liven up his love
life. There are also interviews wirh Dr. Michael Robinson, director of the National Zoo,
among others.
The following issues are explored in the documentary:
*Our innate behavior-does it have a built-in response in animals?
*The challenge of recreating animal habitats and providing outlets for natural
behavior-can a wild animal remain wild living in a man-made home?
*Animal conservation-encouraging animal reproduction in zoos.
*Managing animals in zoos-what is the price to pay to have wild animals near?
*Visitor education-educating zoogoers on disappearing species and their habitats
*Zoo history-from Persian "paraadeisos" to 19th-century zoos to habitat zoos,
man has been displaying wild animals for over 2,000 years.
"ZOO" is underwritten by Southwestern Bell Corporation, public television stations, and
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and is a co-production of WET A/Washington,
DC and the Smithsonian Institution.
A Message from the Host for Western IfegiQnal AAZPA Conference
The Sacramento Zoo will be hosting the Western Regional AAZPA Conference, 25-27
March, 1990. They are asking for participation in a marketplace of ideas. If you're
interested, please call Liz Brenner or Joyce Mansfield (916) 449-5166.
Also, if you need room for a special interest group meeting at this conference, please call
Susan Healy (916) 449-5166.
The Sacramento Zoo will be hosting two concurrent bird workshops during the regional.
These day-long workshops will focus on two groups of birds - flamingos and spheniscid
penguins. The workshops are being organized by the AAZPA bird curator group and will
1
Scoops and Scuttlebutt. Continued
include reports on field work as well as captive management. Payment of conference
registration will be necessary to attend these workshops. For information, call Peter
Shannon (flamingos) at the Audubon Zoo (504) 861-2537 or Patty McGill-Harelstad
(spheniscid penguins) at Brookfield Zoo (312) 485-0263.
Guatamalan Zoo Seeks Assistance in Obtaining a Computer
Lorena Calvo, General Curator of the Parque Zoologico Nacional, La Aurora,
Guatamala, recently wrote to AAZK Administrative Offices seeking assistance in
acquiring a computer. She writes that they are requesting the donation of a computer, old
or new, which needs to be IBM compatible and have a hard disk. ISIS has already donated
the ARK's program and the facility's animals are already marked. They already have a
printer, but need a computer to be able to be on-line with the ISIS and ARk's projects. If you
can help or know of someone who could assist in the acquisition of a computer for this
facility, please contact AAZK Administrative Offices for information on contacting Ms.
Calvo.
Correction
Please note that in the pull-out section of the December 1989 issue of AKF
(Zoo Infant Development Project Data Sheet), the address for Woodland
Park Zoo was incorrect. It should be 5500 Phinney Avenue North, not 550
Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103. We apologize for any confusion
this may have caused.
Zoo Atlanta Chanter Seeks Assistance in Sponsoring Foreign Keener's
Attendance at Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust
The Zoo Atlanta AAZK Chapter has been sponsoring Pundareeka Rao of the Mysore Zoo,
India for several years under the AAZK Foreign Keeper Sponsorship Program. He is
currently taking the Animal Management Correspondence Course through a university in
Great Britain. Susan Barnard of ZooAtlanta has notified our offices that Pundareeka has
just been accepted to attend an 18-week training course at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation
Trust. This will also include a two-week internship at the Marwell Zological Park in
England. The total cost of tuition is $1000, of which the Chapter has been able to contribute
$200. They are seeking assistance from other chapters or members to raise the rest of the
needed funding. Pundareeka wil be the first AAZK sponsored foreign keeper to have been
acepted by JWPT and his attendance at the course would be highly benefical to his skills as
a keeper. If any chapters or individual members would be interested in helping the cover
the tuition costs, please contact Susan Barnard at Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E.,
Atlanta, GA 30315. Contributions in any amount would be most appreciated.
Attention; Watch for Award Nomination Information Next Month
Be sure and check out the February issue of AKF for information about making
nominations for AAZK Awards for 1990. These awards, which include Excellence in
Zookeeping, Meritorious Achievement, and Certificate of Merit for Zoo Keeper Education,
will be presented at the 1990 AAZK Conference in New Orleans, LA. Beginning next
month, an article in AKF will explain the criteria for nomination in each award category
and give information on where to submit award nominations. This year's deadline for all
award nominations is 30 June 1990. The Chairperson of the Nominations & Elections
Committee is Jan McCoy at Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR.
2
From the President
Welcome to a new year, a new decade. This has been labeled "The Deciding Decade".
Many species that we have been working hard to save from extinction will either come
through the worst of the crisis or will disappear forever from the planet.
We, as professional zookeepers, must continue to strive towards successful breeding
programs and promote quality animal care, education and conservation issues.
I am proud to begin the 1990’s as the President of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.
I wil be ably assisted by the Board of Directors; Vice-President Bob Debets, Past-President
Frank Kohn and new Board Members Jan McCoy and Ed Hansen. Administrative
Secretary Barbara Manspeaker and AKF Editor-in-Chief Susan Chan will keep us all in
line. Our role is to guide the Association and to serve the needs of you, the members.
In the past, an issue that was of concern to a few individuals occasionally surfaced. They
thought the name American Association of Zoo Keepers was indicative of AAZK being an
association only for people from the United States. Considering that Canadians are now
President and Vice-President, I declare that issue, once and for all, dead and buried.
What's in a name when our goals are global, universal in nature? United we can,
hopefully, achieve these goals.
Here's looking towards a productive and positive New Year for AAZK as an association
and for all members as well.
Oliver Claffey
AAZK President
Metro Toronto Zoo
AAZK Announces New Professional Members
Jeffrey Smeraldo, Turtle Back Zoo (NJ)
Ingrid Jacobsen, Bronx Zoo (NY)
Kim Trautman, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
Dan Holloway, Wildlife Trails-Stone Mt. Prk (GA)
Kelly Foley, Wildlife Trails-Stone Mt. Prk (GA)
Vince Feuerstein, Wildlife Trails-Stone Mt. Prk (GA)
Margaret Holder, Wildlife Trails-Stone Mt. Prk (GA)
Denise Disch, Wildlife Trails-Stone Mt. Prk (GA)
Coleen Zahnke, Jacksonville Zool. Prk. (FL)
Stephen Krueger, Toledo Zoo (OH)
Michael Hoffmann, Milwaukee County Zoo (WI)
Joseph Bzdelik, Brookfield Zoo (IL)
Janet Reiter, Brookfield Zoo (IL)
Ken Ridgeway, Riverside Zoo (NE)
Judy Bauer, Wayne Newton Private Zoo (NV)
Lori Ebbinga, Santa Barbara Zoo (CA)
Dan Pearson, Metro
Dr. E. Tobach, Am. Museum of Nat. Hist. (NY)
Paul Kozakiewicz, Bronx Zoo (NY)
Sue Stoll, Wildlife Trails-Stone Mt. Prk. (GA)
Janice O'Brien, Lion Country Safari (FL)
Sharon Evans, BR Ranch (FL)
Dennis Robinson, Munici. Black Bear Hab. (TN)
Jeannie Rice, Jacksonville Zool. Prk. (FL)
Deborah Wofford, Jacksonville Zool. Prk. (FL)
Barbara Kastner, Columbus Zoo (OH)
Leanette Brown, Detroit Zoo (MI)
Kerri Slifka, Brookfield Zoo (IL)
Gail Perkins, Brookfield Zoo (IL)
Angela Pruitt, St. Louis Zoo (MO)
John Cohen, Denver Zoo (CO)
Yael Merav, Los Angeles Zoo (CA)
Catherine Snape, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont.)
Toronto Zoo (Ont.)
Renewing Contributing Members
Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL
Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, MO
Friends of the Topeka Zoo, Topeka, KS
Ellen Trout Zoo, Lufkin, TX
Gerald W. Murrie, San Diego, CA
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo Library, Bermuda
3
Coming Events
National WiMifsifehaMitators Association
"SYMPOSIUM ’90"
March 21-25, 1990 Ithaca, NY
To be held at Cornell University, the Symposium's featured topics will be Toxins in the
Environment and Oil Spills. Workshops will be held for acquisition of specific skills,
including diagnosis and treatment, care and management, public education, catastrophic
strategic planning. Workshops and lectures to include basic and advanced rehabilitation
techniques, veterinary procedures, educational and management needs. For further
information contact: Nancy Dabney, NWRA Announcement Chair, 2125 Wrens Way,
Clearwater, FL 34624.
1990 AAZPA IfcgiQnal Conferences
Central Regional - 11-13 March - for more information, contact Kathy Rickard, Gladys
Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, TX 78520 (512) 546-7187.
Western Regional - 25-27 March - For more information, contact Kim Parker,
Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 449-5166.
Southern Regional - For more information, contact Mary Leverette, Riverbanks Zoological
Park, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 779-8717.
Northeastern Regional - For more information, contact Gretchen Ellsworth, National
Zoological Park, 3000 Block of Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20008 (202) 673-
4666.
Great Lakes Regional - For more information, contact Jim Anderson, Fort Wayne
Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (219) 482-4610.
Gorilla Workshop
June 22-25, 1990 Powell, OH
The Columbus Zoo is hosting a three-day Gorilla Workshop with the emphasis on
behavioral solutions to behavioral problems in the captive gorilla population. For further
information contact: The Great Apes Staff, The Columbus Zoo, Box 400, 9990 Riverside Dr.,
Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3426; FAX (614) 645-3465.
Information Please
I am interested in knowing of any zoos using chemical means of birth control ion Giraffe
( Giraffa Camelopardalis), especially oral drugs in use. Also any information regarding
success in immobilizing adult giraffe would be appreciated; specifically techniques to
support animal's weight, head and neck during knockdown. Please write to: Lee Houts c/o
Sacramento Zoo, 3930 W. Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822 with any ideas or possible
solutions.
Information is requested on indoor enclosures for Musk ox with particular reference to
what design features have been included to avoid the build-up of excessive moisture after
daily cleaning. Any and all information on musk ox enclosures would be greatly
appreciated. Please send to: Bruce Dobbs, Energy Resources, 7895 SW Mohawk, Tualatin,
OR 97062, phone (503) 691-3969; FAX 503-691-3999.
4
iSy
Quality exotic
animal diets
Nutritionally balanced
Fixed formulation t Economical
When you need a complete line of
high-quality dry and frozen
animal diets for your feeding
program, call Animal Spectrum.
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U, A
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Frozen canine diet
Chunk and chopped horsemeat,
hearts, livers, rib, shank, and
knuckle bones
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The original gluten-free primate diets.
Banana flavored primate, 15% protein
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Omnivore dry
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Hoofstock supplement, with Selenium
Bulbless heaters— nothing to break.
Safe around all animals and
bedding material.
Even heat distribution in 240, 500,
or 750 wattages.
One call does it all
££ 1 -800-228-4005
In Nebraska, call collect 402/488-6492
Animal Spectrum, Inc.
Box 6307
Lincoln, NE 68506-0307
Births & Hatchings
Central Arizona Chapter AAZK...reports the following significant B&H at their member
institutions:
Wildlife World Zoo...is happy to report its first litter of 2.2 New Guinea singing
dogs ( Canis familiaris halstromi ) born 11-4-89. Although closely related to the Australian
dingo, not much is known about these dogs. It may be that the dingo, singing dog, and
similar dogs from South Asia and Southern United States fall into a category somewhere
between wolves and domestic dogs.
Between June and August 2.1 Scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah) were born. These
births are important for both our zoo and the SSP program. Other notable hoofstock births
were 1.0 Dama gazelle ( Gazella dama), and 0.1 Sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger). This
female represents the second birth of this species for our institution.
Three new exhibits will open between January and February 1990. A 3/4 acre rhino exhibit
that will house 1.1 White rhino will be constructed of utility poles around the perimeter 4 1/2
feet high on the animal side and 3 1/2 feet high to the public. The poles are cemented 30"
deep and 24" around. Next to the rhinos will be a tapir exhibit with the same type of
perimeter fencing around 1/2 acre. This exhibit will be planted with grass and have a pool.
The third new exhibit opening in February is a 3,300 squre foot tropical building. Reptiles,
amphibians, and invertebrates will make up 75% of the exhibits. The remaining 25% will
be birds and small mammals. The building will have 10 rooms (walk-in exhibits)
containing large snakes, monitors, and alligators. There will be 24 smaller exhibits that
will range from 6-10 square feet. The primate and bird exhibits will have outdoor/indoor
access and viewing, submitted by Kara Wells
Phoenix Zoo. ..the months of August through November have resulted in several
significant mammal births including 1.0 Suni ( Neotragus moschatus), 0.0.2 Red
kangaroo ( Megaleia rufa), 1.0 Colobus ( Colobus guereza kikuyuensis), 1.0 Sitatunga
{Tragelaphus spekei), 0.1 Muntjac ( Muntiacus reevesi), 0.0.2 Red-handed tamarin
( Saguinus midas), 0.1 Waterbuck ( Kobus ellipsiprymnus), and 0.1 Arabian oryx ( Oryx
leucoryx ) raising the total number of this endangered species bom at the Phoenix Zoo to 212
animals.
The most inspiring mammal birth occurred on 18 October when our 10-year-old female
Reticulated giraffe ( Giraffa Camelopardalis reticulata) "Chana" gave birth to her third
calf, a male named "Frisco". The calf was born prematurely and was extremely weak,
weighing just under 100 lbs and standing at a height of just under 5 feet. The calf was tube
fed for one week and was walking well within eight days. A reintroduction attempt with
the mother was made on the 9th day and although there appeared to be mutual interest, no
attempts at nursing were ever made. The calf continued to be hand-raised and bottle-fed in
visual proximity of the mother with short mother/calf introduction sessions.
There were concerns for the health of the mother as she retained the placenta for five days
before it was expelled. The mother was treated with antibiotics and no serious health
problems ever resulted. The continued health improvements of both mother and calf and
the gradual introduction with the remaining giraffes have resulted in both "Chana" and
"Frisco" being successfully placed in the multi-species African Veldt exhibit in late
November.
6
Births & Hatchings. Continued
Five-week-old Reticulated Giraffe "Frisco" with his 10-year-old mother
"Ghana" and five-year-old female "Jambo" at the Phoenix Zoo. After a
shaky start, the youngster is doing well and has been reintegrated back into
the herd along with his mother. (Photo courtesy of Dick George , Phoenix
Zoo Photo)
Other significant B &H include 0.0.12 Leopard tortoises ( Geochelone pardalis babcocki )
which were both artificially incubated and naturally hatched on exhibit; the birth of
approximately 50 Red-bellied pirahna, and the hatching of 0.0.7 Egyptian geese ( Alopochen
aegyptiacus ).
7
Births & Hatchings. Continued
On a sad note, the Phoenix Zoo has recently lost some long-time residents including a 19-
year-old male African lion ( Panthera leo ), a 15-year-old female Cheetah ( Acinonyx
jubatus), a 15-year-old male Timber wol£ ( Canis lupus), and a male White-fronted lemur
( Lemur fulvus albifrons ) that was wild-caught as an adult in 1969. submitted by Anita
Schanberger, Chapter Liaison, with help from Veldt keeper Teri Volk.
Audubon Zoo (New Orleans. LA)...the following are significant B&H that have occurred at
our zoo for 1989:
Mammals: 0.1 Sumatran orangutan ( Pongo pygmaeus abelli), 0.0.1 Black and
white colobus ( Colobus guereza caudatus ) and 1.1 (1 DNS) Talapoin ( Cercopithecus
talapoin) were highlights for our Primate Dept. The female orang, "Siabu", was born in
March and is being hand-raised along with another young female orang our zoo obtained
from Tyler, TX. Our significant hoofstock births include 3.0 Sable antelope
( Hippotragus niger ) and 0.1 South American tapir ( Tapirus terrestres). Audubon Zoo has
an excellent breeding history for the tapir. Finally, 0.0.1 Giant Indian fruit bat ( Pteropus
giganteus) was born in early November and was a first for our 4.3 group.
Birds: two species of hornbill have been successful with hatchings this year. Our
breeding pair of Rhino hornbills ( Buceros rhinoceros) continued their success by
producing a 1.0 chick. The only other pair breeding is at Discovery Island. 0.0.2 Wrinkled
hornbills ( Rhyticeros corrugatus) were produced also. Our pair of wrinkled hornbills were
the first to breed in captivity last year. 0.0.3 (1 DNS) Plate-billed mountain toucans
C Andigena laminirostris) were hatched during June and July. The Los Angeles Zoo is the
only zoo to have successfully reared this species. Our chicks were parent-reared. Other
significant hatchings include: 0.0.1 Hyacinth macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus),
0.0.11 (2 DNS) Caribbean flamingos ( Phoenicopterus ruber), and 0.0.8 (5 DNS) Javan tree
ducks ( Dendrocygna javanica).
Reptiles: hatching firsts for our Reptile Dept, were 0.0.4 Inland bearded dragons
( Amphibolurus vitticeps) from Australia and 0.0.42 Gaboon vipers ( Bitis gabonica
rhinoceros). Birth firsts were 0.0.17 Brazilian rainbow boas ( Epicrates cenchris
cenchris). submitted by Rhonda Votino, Chapter Liaison, Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter,
New Orleans, LA.
Lincoln Park Zoo...ret>orts the following B&H and acquisitions from August-October 1989:
on 4 October Lincoln Park received a mate for its 0.2 Koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus). The
three-year-old male is on permanent loan from the San Diego Zoo, as are the two females.
Each of the females, ages 9 and 11, had one offspring while at San Diego, and we are hoping
that they will reproduce here as well.
The Large Mammal Dept, is excited about the return of Bozie, 0.1 Asian elephant ( Elephas
maximus maximus) from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, MO. Bozie went to
Dickerson Park on 30 October, 1987 at age 12 in order to breed with their 23-year-ol.d male,
Onyx. The breeding was successful and a pregnant Bozie returned to Chicago on 10
October. The baby is expected in December of 1990.
So far this year our Small Mammal Dept, has had 10.9.4 births of the Short-eared elephant
shrew ( Macroscelides proboscideus) with 7.8 surviving. As a result of this success we have
been able to supply several other zoos with their own breeding pairs. Also, in September, we
received a new wild-caught 0.1 elephant shrew from the Philadelphia Zoo, representing a
new bloodline for our program.
Lincoln Park has also resumed breeding Pygmy marmosets (Callithrix pygmaea), and in
September 0.0.2 were born, the first since 1987.
A 0.1 Pacarana ( Dinomys branickii) born on 25 August, was the 8th birth since the zoo first
acquired these animals in 1982. The baby was pulled for hand-rearing due to apparent
maternal neglect, and unfortunately died at three days of age.
On 3 October a 1.0 La plata three-banded armadillo ( Tolypeutes matacus) was bom, the 4th
birth of this species in 1989 (0.0.1 DNS).
Births & Hatchings, Continued
In the Great Ape House, 23-year-old Chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes) "Vicki" gave birth to 1 .0
"Kiri" on 23 October. The sire is 11-year-old "M'Chawi" and "Kiri" is the second
offspring of this pair. Unfortunately, Vicki's milk production was insufficient and Kiri
has been pulled for hand-raising by Ape House keepers and Nursery staff.
Also being raised by the Great Ape House staff is "Bulera", 0.1 Western lowland gorilla
0 Gorilla gorilla gorilla), who was born 22 January 1989. Bulera is significant in that she is
the last offspring of Otto, one of the most popular animals in Lincoln Park Zoo's history.
Otto, who came to the zoo in 1968 at approximately 5-6 years of age, sired 10 young before his
sudden death in June 1988 from heart problems. Bulera's mother, "Benga" was the
second gorilla ever born at Lincoln Park back in Aporil, 1971. Bulera was removed from
her group due to a severe hand injury which she suffered in the exhibit on 4 March. She was
treated by specialists from the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and underwent
physical therapy until August. She will eventually be reintroduced to the gorilla group.
Additional Mammal Dept, births include: 1.0 Arabain oryx ( Oryx leucoryx) on 21 October,
and 1.0 Addra gazelle (Gazella damma ruficollis) on 23 August.
In the Reptile Dept. 0.0.7 Cuban boas ( Epicrates angulifer) were born in October. Although
Lincoln Park was one of the first institutions ever to breed these endangered snakes, it has
been several years since they have reproduced here.
The Reptile Dept has also produced 0.0.11 Leopard tortoises ( Geochelone pardalis) in order
to undertake a nutrition study in conjunction with Baer and Associates and the Zoo Animal
Hospital. The staff hopes that by studying the nutrition of these tortoises they will be able to
develop the ideal diet for all tortoises living in semi-arid to arid areas, in particular the
Radiated tortoise ( Geochelone radiata). Information compiled by Norah Farnham,
Chapter Liaison and Andy Henderson, Chapter President.
The Utah Chapter AAZK- .would like to report these significant occurances for three of our
establishments for 1989:
Hogle Zoological Gardens (Salt Lake City)...our Reptile Dept, had a pretty fine
year. They reported a hatching of 0.0.24 Green iguana ( Iguana iguana) which were sent to
the San Diego Zoo to be sent to Belize for a reintroduction project. Two firsts for the
department were a hatching of 0.0.5 Chuckwalla ( Sauromelus o. obesus) and a successful
incubation of 0.0.1 Desert tortoise ( Gropherus agassizi). We are very excited over the
desert tortoise hatching because it goes along with one of our goals of helping a threatened
species in our own backyard. We have just completed a large outdoor exhibit for the desert
tortoises which we receive through confiscations by the Utah Department of Wildlife
Resources.
In the Bird Dept, our biggest success story is the hatching of 0.0.2 (1 DNS) Bald eagle
( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) The first part of this success is the fact that both of the parents
are missing part or all of one wing. These birds were loaned to us by the USFWS because of
their injuries. They are exhibited with our Pronghorn ( Antilcapra americana) and two
Golden eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos). They picked a corner of the exhibit and built their nest
on the ground. They defended eggs and young vigorously, running and screaming at
anyone or anything which came too close.
The second part of this story is that at about 11 weeks old, we pulled the surviving fledgling
and shipped it off to Arkansas for a release program. At last report the bird was doing
wonderfully on its own. This project was accomplsihed with the cooperation of our
Department of Wildlife Resources, the Arkansas Department of Wildlife and the USFWS.
Another significant hatching is that of 1.1 Lesser magellan goose ( Chloephaga p. picta).
This is the second year we have bred this species. This season's clutch is amazing in the
fact that this was a double clutch. The first clutch was unfortunately destroyed by a predator
(raccoon) on the night it started to hatch. The adults than laid a second clutch of four eggs
and hatched out two goslings.
9
Births & Hatchings. Continued
We are continuing to have success with our Black -footed penguin ( Spheniscus demersus )
with a hatching late this summer of 0.0.1 chick.
Our Mammal Dept, had an excellent year. Our trio of Springhaas ( Pedetes capensis ) had
0.1 offspring. Because the mother was not taking care of it, we pulled it for hand-rearing.
Our nursery personnel did an outstanding job of fighting off several health problems and
reared a wonderful addition to our collection.
We had our first litters of African lion ( Panthera leo) since 1978. We had two litters of 0.1
each. They both were pulled for hand-rearing because of parental neglect.
We reared 2.0 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ( Ovis c. canadensis ), one of which was bottle-
fed with the herd after its mother died. We also had 0.6 (1 DNS) Llama ( Lama glama ) and
0.2 (1 DNS) Bactrian camel ( Camelus ferus bactrianus) born during this period.
We are very proud to announce that our Polar bear ( Urus maritimus ) has just given birth to
twins on 5 November. We are monitoring their progress by sound and video camera. We
will hopefully announce their public debut early next spring. This is our third sucessful
pregnancy but the first confirmed twins.
Willow Park Zoo (Logan, UT)...reports the following significant B&H: 1.0 (DNS)
Capuchin monkey ( Cebus apella), 0.1 Bennett’s wallaby ( Wallabia rufogrisca frutica), 0.2
Fallow deer ( Dama dama), 0.1 Rocky Mountain elk ( Cervus canadensis), 0.0.4
Himalayan monal ( Lophophorus impeyanus ), 0.0.6 Blue-eared pheasant ( Crossoptilon
auritum), 0.0.1 Brown-eared pheasant ( Crossoptilon mantchurium), 0.0.6 Cheer pheasant
( Catreus wallichi), 0.0.2 Temminck's tragopan ( Tragopan temmincki), 2.1 Common
shelduck ( Tadorna tadorna), 1.0 Maned goose ( Cheononetta jubata), 1.0 Nene goose
( Branta sandvicensis ), 0.0.2 Tundra swan ( Cygnus c. columbianus ), and 0.0.3 Orange-
winged Amazon Amazona a. amazonica).
Tracy Aviary (Salt Lake City)... had one very significant hatching this year. This
was the first time they hatched a Golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos ). Unfortunately the
female was killed by a vandal(s) a short time into the rearing period. Luckily though, the
male took over complete care without a hitch and the eaglet was successfully reared.
submitted by Stan Draper, Hospital and Bear Technician, Hogle Zoological Gardens, Salt
Lake City, UT.
Reid Park Zoo (Tucson. AZ)...a female Llama ( Llama glama) was bom on 25 October and
a male was born on 14 November. The female's mother died from complications which
developed during the birth and the young llama is being bottle-raised by zookeepers. The
young male is being raised by his mother and can be seen on exhibit in the llama yard.
There have been 12 llama births at Reid Park Zoo. Reid Park Zoo News Release.
10
Births & Hatchings. Continued
Baltimore Zoo. ..an artificially inseminated Lion-tailed macaque ( Macaca silenus ) gave
birth to 0.0.1 on 15 November. This is the first artificially inseminated lion-tailed
macaque to give birth on record at the Baltimore Zoo and possibly in the world. The female
was selected for the procedure due to her previous mothering experience (two infants
conceived naturally). The father had never produced offspring prior to this birth. The
female is part of the lion-tailed macaque SSP and is on breeding loan from the Como
Zoo in St. Paul, MN. The Baltimore Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of lion-tailed
macaques and is currently working to perfect the in-vitro fertilization and artificial
insemination techniques used to advance this endangeres species. Baltimore Zoo News
Release.
Lion-tailed macaque bora at the Baltimore Zoo
on 15 November, 1989. Conceived by artificial
insemination. (Photo by: Larry Canner)
11
Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary
Annual Report from Anna Merz
Nineteen-eighty-nine has been a good year for our rhinos thanks both to the "extension"
and to reasonable rains, 14 inches at time of this writing in mid-November. All have
remained in good condition as have the other animals. The great excitement of the year
has been the birth of our first white rhino calf, a male called N'Juku, to Marembo on 1
October. Though it is her first calf she is a most excellent mother and he seems to be
flourishing. Sarnia is now nearly five and about 2/3 grown. She is quite independent and
meets up with the other rhinos, but is still my friend and comes to the house regularly and
many evenings joins me and the dogs on our daily walks. Always she is gentle and
affectionate with me and my appreciation of her intelligence grows with my slowly
increasing understanding.
Thanks to Francis and Ian and our dedicated staff, the Shifta have not attempted to come
here yet but the murder of George Adamson brought home very clearly the threat to our
rhinos. George's death also came to me as a great shock and personal loss. I had four very
wonderful days at Kora with him last year just before Christmas and did not see him again.
His letters were a great source of both inspiration and encouragement to me.
To all of you who have helped me and particularly Andy Lodge and the members of the
Ngare Sergoi Support Group, I must say, on behalf of the rhinos and all of us here, a very big
thank-you. Andy has now left the Columbus Zoo in Ohio and is working full-time for the
Support Group and to raise public awareness on behalf of the rhinos and elephants of Kenya
and all Africa. Andy, thank you. Thanks to all of you we are not only able to run this place,
but to run it even better than before. Our security is updated and more efficient, we have
more men in the field and they are better trained and equipped and are full of enthusiasm.
Our re-housing project is well underway, partly funded by the Extension Acct. and partly by
WWF in Switzerland which has also given us a new Toyota Landcruiser. My personal
thanks go to Dr. Eva Metzger of Switzerland whose great generosity has enabled me to
replace my poor battered old Suzuki with a bigger and more comfortable model so that now
those of you who come and visit me can be driven around in much greater comfort.
It has been lovely meeting old friends again here and also meeting so many of my
supporters for the first time. I appreciate it greatly when people brave the hazards of my
cooking to spend a couple of days here so that we can really get to know each other and be
able to take a bit of time looking at the rhinos. I have been very busy this year trying to write
a book about the rhinos and my life here both to try and raise public awareness as to what
intelligent and fascinating animals they are and to try and raise a bit of money for them. I
have now reached the stage of searching for a publisher.
0Uv$
12
MEMO:
TO: All AAZK Members/Chapters
FROM: Bill Whittaker, Director of Regional and Chapter Affairs and
Nancy Pintavalli, Co-Director CRAC
RE: National Zoo Keeper Survey and Bowling for Rhinos Update
The National Animal Keeper Survey has been initiated to compile information which will
give us a much more accurate picture of the current state of our profession. It will also
enable us to insure that the future course of our organization accurately reflects the needs
and goals of the majority of professional keepers.
This is a very important project and the first challenge for the Regional Coordinator
System. Success will depend on all of us; coordinators, liaisons and keepers. We want to
survey every keeper we can reach. The USDA list of licensed animal exhibitors is the most
complete list of potential keeper employees. We have prioritized the list by type of facility:
Type 1 -- Zoos and Aquariums
Type 2 -- Parks, Ranches, Farms
Type 3 — Private Collections, Performers
We are targeting Types 1 and 2 totalng about 550 facilities. We separated the list by regions
and established a target load per coordinator of 10-15 facilities.
All coordinators have received a list of the target facilities assigned to them and should
have recruited a liaison at each one by 1 January. The coordinators will be supplied with
the survey to be distributed to their liaisons. The questionnaire is divided into two parts;
census and survey. The liaison will personally contact every keeper at their facility.
They will ask the keeper if he/she will participate by filling out the form. If the reply is no,
the liaison will fill out the census section with information known. If the response is yes,
the liaison will give the keeper the form and request that it be completed and returned by a
specific date. In the event a keeper fails to return the form by the deadline, the liaison will
fill out a census page.
The liaison will collect all completed forms, including a census form for each keeper
employed at the facility, and return them to the coordinator. When the coordinator has
received completed forms from all the facilities assigned to him/her, they will send them to
me.
Finally, a reminder that the 1989 Annual Financial Statement is due by 31 January, 1990.
As February fast approaches, many Chapters have elaborate plans underway for the 1st
Annual Bowling for Rhinos. We are currently taking orders for the sponsor sheets. This
is a two-part carbonless form available free of charge and which MUST BE USED FOR
THIS EVENT. I must know as soon as possible if your institution (you don't have to be a
Chapter to participate) is hosting a bowl-a-thon. Some items for sale nationally include:
Logo T-shirts by Bruce Wojcik of the John Ball Zoo (MI) (616) 776-2591; hand-painted
Ngare Sergoi rhino pins by Adrian and Val Haft of the Louisville, KY AAZK Chapter (502)
459-2181; and the official Bowling for Rhinos Logo patch by Suzanne Husband of Toledo
AAZK Chapter (419) 385-5721.
Please remember when planning your event to set sufficient guidelines for bowling
activities or any raffles that you might hold. If you have any problems or questions please
do not hesitate to call. Once again, official sponsor forms are available at no charge by
writing or calling:
Nancy Pintavalli (614) 766-6475 (home)
5903 Avery Rd. #B
Amlin, OH 43002 (614) 645-3400 (work)
If you have difficulty reaching me by phone you can send your request for Sponsor Sheets
by FAX. My FAX number is 614-645-3465--include your name, address, quantity of sponsor
sheets desired and date of your event.
13
The Non-Professional Member of AAZK
Jenny Cuccinello
Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
A non-professional member is in a good position to make a difference. We bring to the
association our varied experiences and talents and often have everyday contact with those
who can help make changes. I spend my days, evenings and weekends too, as a retail
manager. It is a balancing act between my customers’ wants and needs, upper
management's promotions and sales goals, and motivating sales associates. I enjoy the
opportunity to belong to an organization where I can help make a different kind of impact.
It is easy to feel uncomfortable as a non-professional member of a professional
organization, but remember you experience many of the same frustrations and challenges
in your occupation that keepers do; maybe you can offer suggestions to solutions.
Everyday we work with the people AAZK is trying to influence. By our enthusiasm and
involvement we encourage them to be aware of the world around them. We can help tap
these sources either for financial support or promotional help. You are our spokesperson;
you know their language.
In retail, money motivates. Companies get involved with community organizations and
concerns to enhance their image and increase business. What motivates people in your
field?
Your membership shows you care and want to be involved; the question is how? Committees
are a good way to get started. They help focus energy on specific goals and objectives. Are
you a student? Join the education committee; help us get your professors, class and school
involved. The fundraising committee needs you too! Maybe you have done a unique type of
promotion, know of a special way to market an idea or, better yet, just like to raise money
for good causes.
This is an active organization, but we can do more with your help. Whether or not you ever
become, or want to become, a keeper, your ideas, experiences and participation is vital to
this organization. We need your help to make it work. If you have questions or ideas call
or write your local chapter.
Let's make this a year of change and progress.
14
Book
Review
Ourselves and Other Animals
By Peter Evans (from the television series featuring
Gerald and Lee Durrell) Copyright 1987
Pantheon Books, New York, NY
220 pgs. including glossary and index
Hardback $24.95
Review by Adrienne Miller
Zookeeper I Acting Registrar
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence, RI
"To be healthy, it is necessary to make contact with other
kinds of living things. If human beings are going to reach
their full potential for health, they must not limit their
companionships to their own kind. If people are to come to
terms with their own animal nature, they must feel the rest
of the living world around them."
The above quote, found near the end of Ourselves and Other Animals, is from Dr. Alan
Beck, veterinarian and firm proponent of the use of animals for therapy. The last sentence
is an accurate summation of the concept this book explores. Based on the television series
featuring Gerald and Lee Durrell, its chapters touch on a variety of subjects, from finding
food to finding a mate, and how we humans really are just another species of animal trying
to survive. Through Mr. Evans' book we are "able to learn a little more about ourselves by
starting with other species." (p. 12).
There is a wealth of information contained in the pages here, with many interesting
anecdotes about animal life. Problems and successes for animals from ants to antelopes,
bunnies to bears, and prairie dogs to people are discussed in depth. The photographs are
excellent, with some of the best shots of invertebrates I've seen published. However, I did
not find the book as engrossing or absorbing as I kept wanting it to be.
Perhaps it was taken too literally from the television series. I often felt that I was reading
the script from a slide show or old-fashioned filmstrip with each paragraph telling its own
short story. I could almost tell where the break for commercials would be in the telecast.
The text was a bit choppy with little flow. The chapters, however, were well arranged,
starting with simple communication, traveling through family life, and ending with the
hotly-contested debate over conscious thought and "intelligence" in species other than our
own.
I may have found my reason for dissatisfaction with the book in the last chapter. While
discussing the variables of testing intelligence, the famous case of Koko, the signing
gorilla, was mentioned. The book stated that Dr. Penny Patterson "had been teaching
Koko since 1970 when she met the infant chimpanzee in San Francisco Zoo." I kept trying
to pass the use of the incorrect species off as an editors' error, but then I began to wonder, how
many other small errors were there? What other facts presented were in truth slightly
15
Book Review. Continued
incorrect? Maybe I just hadn't trusted the book's accuracy and that was my misgiving
from page one.
The chapter "People and Pets" was the most enjoyable one to me, probably due to my firm
belief in the necessity of interaction between our species and the rest of the animal world.
And reading Mr. Evans' description of newly clipped poodles as "hideous canine topiary"
made the entire book worth the read.
Chapter
News
AAZK Edmonton Chapter
Our Chapter has increased to 31
members. At our last two monthly
meetings we had guest speakers who
gave our Chapter very informative
talks. In October, Nancy Collinge,
who has done enormous studies on
Japanese macaques, spoke on her
work. In November, Bill Wishart
from Alberta Fish and Wildlife
presented his research on the hybrid
deer. This was especially interesting
to many of us as three hybrid deer
fawns were hand-raised at the zoo this
year. At our last meeting we also voted
on a Chapter logo (see insert), after a
very close vote we decided on the wood
bison as our symbol. The wood bison is
native to Alberta. Our logo was
designed by Chapter member Grant
Trachuk. We are now looking into
ordering crests and stationary.
We are continuing our fundraising for
the Ngare Sergoi Reserve in Kenya. So
far over $1330 has been raised with
more fundraisers set. With the extra
media coverage as well as the recent
episode of the TV series "McGiver"
being dedicated to the black rhino, we
are looking forward to increasing
public awareness on the subject. It is
encouraging also that a local
Edmonton high school's Conservation
Club has shown interest in joining
AAZK. The club, which is comprised of
about 36 students, wants to raise money
for conservation projects and is
looking towards making black rhinos
one of their causes. On behalf of the
Edmonton Chapter, we wish you all a
Happy New Year.
-Wendy Keeling
Chapter Member
Cypress Coast Chanter AAZK
The Cypress Coast Chapter held its
monthly meeting for November on
Wednesday, Nov. 8th at LionCountry
Safari in West Palm Beach, FL.
Chapter President William Garrison
stepped down from office due to
personal reasons. In accordance with
Chapter By-laws, the Board of Directors
appointed Chapter officer Tami Ryf to
the office of President.
Then Chapter member Susan Hall-
White was appointed to the office of
Chapter Secretary and the voting
members voted to allow Chapter
member Lauren Porter to assist with
duties of Chapter Treasurer.
-James D'Amico
Chapter Liaison
16
Chapter News. Continued
Toledo Chapter AAZK
The Chapter held its annual Haunted
House fundraiser October 27-29. The
event, held in the zoo's amphitheater
dressing rooms, brought in 4,263 people
and raised $6,813.00. The keepers also
participated in the zoo's Halloween
Pumpkin Patch in which children
follow a trail of lit pumpkins through
the zoo and stop at various theme
stations where people in costume hand
out treats.
Committee members are now in the
process of choosing a hotel site for the
1991 National AAZK Conference.
The Chapter began an annual
conservation grant of $500 to sponsor a
keeper to do conservation-oriented
research. This year's recipient
traveled to the Virgin Islands to help
our Curator of Reptiles, Peter Tolson,
with his study of the Virgin Island boa.
-Suzanne Husband
Secretary I Chapter Liaison
InflianaPQlis Zqq AAZK Chapter
We recently held our officer election.
Those elected are:
President..... Paula Reiss
Vice Pres.. ...Patty Peartree
Secretary Jan Dourlet
Treasurer Rose Baker
Chapter Lisiaon....Mark Marciniak
Our "Bowling for Non-Game"
fundraiser for Indiana Non-Game
Fund was a success raising almost
$600 for this worthy cause. We also
participated in Indiana DNR eagle
watch program. Members of our
Chapter went to an observation tower
and took notes on six hacked out bald
eagle chicks that are being introduced
back in Indiana. This lasted for most
of the summer and early fall.
We are currently forming a T-shirt
committee and gearing up for
February’s "Bowling for Rhinos".
- Mark Marciniak
Chapter Liaison
Beardsley Chanter AAZK
On 27 October we held the first in a
series of educational fundraisers.
George Zepko, long-time professor at
Wesleyan University, accepted our
invitation and gave a very
informative and interesting lecture on
the habits and habitat of Barn Owls.
The lecture followed a family of barn
owls from their mating, to hatching
and up to the time the young were
tagged and on their own. The lecture
was highlighted by the showing of one
of the zoo’s own barn owls.
The officers of the Beardsley Chapter
AAZK would like to thank George
Zepko, group members and all the
attending public for helping to make
our first function a success.
- April Fornabaio
Chapter Liaison
Huraet Park Zoo AAZK Chapter
The Burnet Park Zoo Chapter is pleased
to announce our newly elected slate of
officers for 1990:
President.....Tom LaBarge
Vice Pres Laina Matteson
Secretary. ....Holly Reid
Treasurer Nancy Porter
Our chapter has been collecting
donations for the World Wildlife Fund
and, to date, we have donated
approximately $1200.
The National Conference sponsored by
our chapter appears to have been a great
success. The financial report is now
being finalized and as soon as that
happens a Chapter financial report will
be submitted to the national
organization.
Our chapter plans to purchase a video
camera with some of the proceeds of the
conference. We plan to make this
equipment available to Chapter
members to be used for educational
purposes and for behavioral studies.
-Holly Reid, Secretary
17
Chapter News. Continued
Riverside Chapter AAZK
AAZK is pleased to welcome the
Riverside Zoo Chapter to the
Association. Their mailing address is
1600 S. Beltline Hwy., Scottsbluff, NE
69361. They were chartered by AAZK
on 10 October 1989. Their officers are:
President Pete Riger
Vice President Ken Ridgeway
Sec/Treas Carla Riger
Chapter Liaison Pete Riger
This new chapter has already begun
several projects including a Zoo Bowl
held in December, recycling project in
conjunction with local schools and a
conservation effort at Scottsbluff
National Monument with a local Boy
Scout troop in which unsightly debris
(dumped cans, etc.) are cleared up and
recycled with proceeds given to the
Monument.
San Diego Chapter AAZK
The San Diego AAZK Chapter recently
held a contest to choose a new logo (see
insert). Winning artist was Pilar
Rinky (WAP Cheetahs). The new logo
will appear on T-shirts, sweatshirts,
Chapter stationary, newsletter
masthead and other merchandise.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS
SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
The Chapter also remains active in the
AAZK Foreign Keeper Sponsorship
Program. They are currently
sponsoring a Thai zoo official and
recently approved sponsorship for
keepers at two Russian zoological
institutions.
The Chapter is also gearing up for
February's "Bowling for Rhinos"
fundraiser for the Ngare Sergoi Black
Rhino Sanctuary in Kenya. Even
before taking on this most recent
nationally-sponsored rhino fund-
raiser, the San Diego Chapter had
raised $2,832.00 locally for the reserve.
The Chapter also held a program
fundraiser for Mission: Wolf, a non-
profit organization, and a sanctuary
and refuge for wolves. In September,
Pamela Brown and Kent Weber of
Mission: Wolf presented an
educational show on wolf conservation
in the United States. Mission: Wolf
Sanctuary is located in the Sangre de
Cristo mountains in Southern
Colorado. Their wolves come from
people who had acquired them as pets
and then realized wolves don’t make
good ones. They are all maintained in
pack situations, but are separated by
sex during breeding season so that no
mating occurs. The monies generated
from the presentation, $300.00, were
donated to the sanctuary to help feed
and maintain the program.
The Chapter held its annual Christmas
dinner on 12 December. Joan Embery
was guest speaker with an interesting
topic: out-takes from her career which
included bloopers from Joan's
appearances on the Tonite Show, Merv
Griffin, etc., plus many from Animal
Express. Members brought potluck
dishes and also canned food items for
the Chapter's annual canned food
drive.
Guy Lichty writes: "The San Diego
Chapter would like to extend our
sincere gratitude to the Board and
membership of AAZK for awarding us
the bid for the 18th National Conference
in 1991. Many of- our committees are
already set up and in full swing. In
fact, watch the AKF in the coming
months for details on the 25th
Anniversary Conference Logo Contest.
A logo contest already, you say? That's
right! We want to stay on top of
AAZK's Silver Anniversary, and
we're starting right now.
You should be, too! Just think. ..if you
put away a quarter a day from now
until the fall of 1991, you'd have over
$250 to help get you to San Diego for the
best AAZK conference ever! Any
questions or comments, contact Guy
Lichty, 25th Anniversary Conference
Committee, AAZK, San Diego Zoo, P.O.
Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112 (619) 231-
1515 Ext. 4499.
-from The Keeper, Newsletter
of the San Diego Chapter 12/89
and letter from Guy Lichty
Raising £-e-e-gore!
Susan Tt. Barnard, Lead Keeper
Dept, of Herpetology, Zoo Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
"There was full moonlight, and 1 could see that the noise was made by a great bat, which
wheeled round - doubtless attracted by the light, although so dim - and every now and again
struck the window with its wings."
Bram Stoker in Dracula (1897)
Reluctantly, I surfaced to a state of consciousness, as I heard my husband, Steve, quietly
repeat my name. Again he whispered, "Sue, Sue!" I thought the worst; perhaps a killer
stalked the house and in my stupor I could not recall what procedures were recommended.
Again I heard, "Sue, Sue, wake-up!" I was thinking that if we remained still and quite, the
intruder might go away. I softly replied, "Yes, Steve, I'm awake!"
Suddenly, as if the room had been shattered by thunder, he bellowed, "Your bat is out! It's on
my neck!"
It all began on the afternoon of 3 June 1982. A strange air of fascination filled the Atlanta
Zoo reptile house as staff gathered around a cardboard box just delivered by some painters.
Scattered within were wrinkled, naked, baby bats hanging upside-down. We identified
them as big brown bats, but they looked like weird animated blobs from outer-space.
"Where did they come from?" a zoo keeper asked.
"Why are they painted?" another wanted to know. "Why were they taken from
wherever they were?" The questions kept coming.
Defensively, the painters spoke up. They said they were contracted to paint a house and
found the bats in the attic. They informed the owner, who hysterically proceeded to spray
them with an insecticide. Suddenly, according to the painters, it began to rain baby bats.
Mother bats were flying helter-skelter as the owner of the house continued the attack.
When the one-sided battle was over, the babies lay helplessly scattered about.
"A few fell into our paint cans, " one painter explained. "We brought them here
hoping you folks could help them in some way."
As a dedicated animal keeper I marvelled over their concern for the infant bats, but I
couldn't help wondering why Curator Hunt would allow a "box full of rabies" in the reptile
house. This thought must have crossed his mind too, because he instructed us to wear gloves
when we handled them. Like most folks, we were victims of alarmist propaganda, but our
bat education was about to begin.
On the way home with my bizarre brood, I stopped off at a veterinary clinic to purchase a
powdered milk diet for my babies. The technician handed me a can large enough to house
the tiny critters — it must have contained enough formula to feed all the bats in the world.
Rejecting the prepared diet, I intuitively decided upon a formula of condensed milk,
vitamin drop, and honey. Sure enough, all chowed down as if they hadn't seen food in two
days, which they hadn't!
19
Raising E-e-e-gore!, Continued
The following morning was my day off so I was able to focus my undivided attention on the
baby bats. All were alive, hungry and of course upside-down. For their comfort I had
prepared a warm nursery in a small fiberglass cage. It was lightweight enough for
carrying, was glass fronted for observing, and was tall enough for the baby bats to move up
and down to regulate their temperature. They scuttled about the upright cork bark, each
finding its own niche under the warm red light bulb that bathed them. I fed them, one at a
time, every two hours - one fed, and six to go; two fed, and five to go; and so forth, until all
had full bellies. The bats were easy to handle and they fed readily, making my task an
enjoyable one. All was going smoothly and I felt rather proud of the way I had mastered the
situation.
As the hours passed I looked forward to interacting with the bat brood. To my joy, feeding
time rolled around once again. ..three fed, and four to go; four fed, and three to go. As I
reached for number five, a chill ran through my entire body. Number five did not wiggle
and squeal as I plucked it off the bark. Its little body was cold and stiff; still clinging
upside-down as it had during life. As the hours slowly ticked by, more babies died. The
first to go were those covered with paint, then the tiniest of the group, and so on it went. I
began detesting a person whom I had never met. "Why?" I cried! How could anyone
maliciously attack such helpless animals? Then, I recalled my thought when I first peered
into the cardboard box: a box "full of rabies." How could I detest the person responsible for
the death of these innocent animals when, even as a professional, my thoughts about bats
were just as prejudiced?
By the time I had returned to work after the weekend, six babies had perished. I sent the tiny
bodies out to be examined for rabies. Not only were the bats free of rabies, but I learned that
there had never been a reported case from a big brown bat in Georgia.
Misunderstood and feared by many people, bats like Egore
fill an important ecological niche in nature consuming
many times their own weight in insects each day. (Photo
© Dr. Merlin Tuttle)
20
Raising E-e-e-gore?. Continued
The survivor was weak and dehydrated. It was time to set my old prejudices aside, rely on
my professional background, and do my best to save this bat. I started the mini creature on
forced fluids. Then I called Mr. Brad House, a man of impeccable credentials, and former
Curator of Mammals at the Bronx Zoo. We exchanged information and the campaign to
save the bat was under way.
Having but one bat left, I became aware of details that had previously escaped me. For
example, I realized "it" was a female. The bat was now known as little "Egore" (no
disrespect to Igor). As the many days passed her name sprouted more and more e's until
Egore became E-e-e-gore! She was so precious!
Like all growing mammals, Egore had to be weaned from the formula for a more
substantial diet, a mixture of ripe banana, cottage cheese, canned dog food, insects, and
vitamins. On this brew, Egore grew stronger. A rich, silky coat covered her wee body, and
because of her improving condition she began wing-stretching and grooming activities.
When I called "Egore," she responded with body language. Her tiny head cocked back and
forth and her big ears wiggled as she yawned wide, displaying her shiny new teeth. She
was developing into a beautiful and healthy young bat. It appeared that the time was
nearing when I would have to prepare Egore for the wild. This meant that she would have to
catch her own food like other bats.
"Sue, why are you doing deep-knee bends with Egore?" Steve inquired nervously.
He, no doubt, thought I had gone ’bats'.
"I'm teaching her how to fly," I replied; not really sure I was doing this quite right.
"There’s a better way," he said with authority. He was, after all, the director of the
zoo. "Give me that bat!" He placed Egore on the palm of his hand and raised his arm high
over his head. He then dropped his hand briskly as if to shake her off. Over and over he
repeated this motion, but Egore remained fast in his hand - she stuck tightly, so as not to be
"accidently" flipped off during these daredevil exercises. I inquired as to where he got his
bat training experience, and he sheepishly replied, "It works with birds!"
In spite of us, little Egore got the message. One evening, after being dropped from her
thumbs, she began fluttering her wings. She dropped into beanbag chairs and kamikazied
into walls. Night after night her flight training continued, as she slipped under
bookshelves, planters, or the stereo.
It was becoming quite clear that if Egore was to develop into a well-adjusted bat, I needed
advice from a professional bat person. After having read Bob Strohm's National Wildlife
article, "Most 'Facts' About Bats are Myths," is seemed Merlin Tuttle, Curator of
Mammals at the Milwaukee Public Museum was just the expert I needed.
"You said bats live HOW long, Dr. Tuttle?"
"Up to 30 years," he replied.
Thirty plus forty-eight. I found it hard to imagine myself at 78, crawling about every nook
and cranny in retirement city retrieving a pet bat.
"How can I prepare Egore for release?" I asked. Ignoring my question, he excitedly talked
about his favorite subject - bats! I learned that despite common misconceptions, most bats
are harmless and highly beneficial. They are not mostly carriers of dread diseases, such
as rabies, and even the few that do become sick are rarely aggressive. They are not blind,
do not become entangled in women’s hair, and do not infect people's homes with bedbugs.
Statistics show that even valued household pets, such as dogs, account for more human
harm in a single year than bats have in more than 30 years of record keeping. In the
relatively few instances when people are harmed by bats, it is usually because they
carelessly picked up an obviously sick individual. Bats that permit themselves to be picked
up are likely sick and should be avoided.
21
Rais in if E-e-e-gore!. Continued
Flight lessons became part of the daily
routine for Susan and Egore as the wildlife
rehabilitator attempted to adapt the tiny bat to
the rigors of surburban living. (Photo © Dr.
Merlin Tuttle)
Dr. Tuttle talked about bat diets. Most are insectivorous, though some are carnivorous and
hunt small animals, such as mice, fish, or frogs. Others eat nectar or fruit, making them
an important factor in the seed-despersing phase of plant reproduction; many
economically important plants depend on bats for pollination. The shelves of our grocery
stores contain many products from bat-adapted plants, including peaches, bananas,
avocados, almonds, cashews, cloves, and dates.
I learned that an insect-eating bat like Egore can consume up to 3,000 or more insects in a
single evening. I thought to myself about my little Egore, who should be learning how to
catch her own food. She was almost ready to be trained to catch whole insects. This
reminded me as to why I had called, so I politely interrupted, "Dr. Tuttle, bats are
fantastic, but how should I go about teaching Egore to survive in the wild?"
Apparently, I got his attention because he began telling me how "easy" it was. .."First
gather up some moths and beetles, and hold them between your fingers while you present
them to her. Let her become adjusted to the buzzing wings. Once she accepts noisy insects
from your fingers you’ll need to encourage her to..." As he continued to explain the
training program for hunting and catching insects in flight, I didn't have the heart to tell
him that Egore was scared silly of anything that moved in her dinner plate, much less
something that was going to buzz too.
22
Raising E-e-e-irore!, Continued
As I peered at my notes it was becoming clear that a person with Dr. Tuttle's bat knowledge
could easily train a bat to live in the wild. But I was devoted to my career in herpetology,
and had many projects and commitments that did not allow time for a repatriation project.
Living free, while a noble concept, was as alien to Egore as it was for a wild bat to live
inside my house. As Dr. Tuttle graciously educated me on the world of bats, I realized that
Egore had found her home. It was I who would have to adapt to a "wild" way of life.
Today, Egore has finally mastered house-flight. That is, when she is at flying weight. If I
unknowingly feed her too many mealworms she barely gets airborne. I call this "fat-bat
flight". Even little Egore is bewildered by her crash-landings. After all, her instincts tell
her that she should be agile and graceful. In fact, when she is at proper flight-weight, she
can maneuver better than a Sopwith Camel.
I talked with Curator Hunt about some of Dr. Tuttle's ideas. Howard had a few of his own,
too.
"Have you gone 'round the bend', Sue?" Steve exclaimed. I replied defensively, "It was
Howard's idea and I agree. This may be just the thing Egore needs to learn how to catch
insects, and it will help her keep in flying form." She no longer feared insects and I
thought that hanging her mealworms from the ceiling would heighten her mealtime
pleasures. There was also the possibility that she would learn how to catch insects in mid-
flight.
"You'll have to come up with a better idea," Steve informed me smugly, "because
they're wiggling free of the string and are all over the place."
Frustrated, I sewed the worms onto the string and let Egore loose to feast on the carefully
prepared treat. I was astonished at her outstanding aerobatics as she winged through the
dangling mealworms with precision. She darted to and fro, carefully avoiding any
contact with the mealworm-string maze. She made it very clear that dinner was to be
served on a plate and should not dangle from the ceiling. Steve also emphasized this point.
Egore's evening flights are routinely scheduled and carefully monitored for her safety.
Like most youngsters, however, she often finds a way around this structured existence by
finding escape routes from her cage. It takes time to develop a caging system for an
animal that flies like a bird, scuttles like a spider, and is as small as a mouse so she
sometimes makes unscheduled rounds at early hours of the morning. I fear she will one
day accidentally leave the house through the chimney.
So folks, if you see a bat silently flapping through the evening sky, hope it finds sanctuary.
It could be Egore making an unscheduled flight.
Photographs by Dr. Merlin Tuttle, Bat Conservation International, P.O. Box 162603,
Austin, TX 78716.
Post Script: Egore still thrives and is approaching her 8th birthday. Over the years, she has
helped to teach the public about the many benefits of bats, and has delighted thousands of
children throughout the Atlanta area with her "charming" mannerisms. Zoos wishing to
enhance their education and conservation programs should consider using hand-raised
bats in their live-animal demonstrations. For more information the reader can contact
Sue Barnard, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Rehabilitator, 6146
Fieldcrest Drive, Morrow, GA 30260, or call (404) 624-5618.
23
Legislative Outlook
By
John Stoddard
AAZK Legislative Advisor
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
Worldwide ivory trade halted
On 17 October 1989, the 103 nations that belong to the U.S.-sponsored Convention on Interna-
tional Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) voted in Lausanne,
Switzerland to enact a total ban on the international trade in ivory. The ban is to take effect
on 18 January 1990. The decision was seen as a major victory for Tanzania, Kenya, and
other countries in east, west and central Africa that have sought an international ivory ban
to help them protect their dwindling elephant populations.
Supporters of the ban argued that as long as there is a legal flow of ivory out of Africa it is
virtualy impossible to stop poachers from laundering illegally taken ivory through a
legally exporting country, and that the huge demand for legal ivory keeps prices high
enough to outweigh the risks of poaching. Opponents of the ban argued that countries that
have mananaged their elephant herds should not be punished for other nation's failure to
do so. In these countries elephant herds are stable and even growing, allowing individuals
to be culled and ivory sold. The money from the ivory is used to fund the elephant conser-
vation program.
The ivory trade has come under increasing pressure recently as a result of import bans this
past summer in some of the world's major ivory consumers: the European Community,
Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. The 17 October action makes these bans perma-
nent and closes all remaining markets.
Six African countries opposed the ban and three - Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe-
indicated their intent to file a reservation, a legal motion that would exempt them from the
decision. Such an exemption would allow member countries that can prove sound wildlife
management techniques to resume limited trade in ivory. This amounts to at least a two-
year moratorium because exemptions will not be considered until the next conference in
1991. Even then exempt countries may have a difficult time finding a buyer since no party
to CITES would be allowed to accept such ivory after the ban takes effect in January.
In further discussion on 19 October the conference delegates extended the ban to include
hundreds of tons of ivory already stockpiled. The convention’s secretariat had proposed an
exemption for stockpiled ivory because of fears that smugglers will move in to meet
demand if the sale of legally acquired stocks is outlawed. Delegates rejected the proposal
and voted to include stockpiled ivory, much of which is believed to be of illegal origin, in
the ban. Hong Kong, one of the largest producers of worked ivory, is believed to hold the
majority of stockpiled ivory. An estimated 3,000 craftsmen in Hong Kong carve and work
ivory.
In a related item, the U.S. delegation to CITES called for the United National Environmen-
tal Programme (UNEP) to investigate certain activities by the CITES Secretariat and its
head, the Secretary General. The action was prompted by the admission that $80,500 in
unexplained funds were generated from the sale of confiscated skins of endangered liz-
24
Legislative Update. Continued
ards that had entered Guyana illegally from Brazil. The Secretariat said that proceeds of
the sale were to be used to fund conservation efforts in Guyana.
The Secretary General has been under seige since it was discovered that he had arranged a
pre-convention meeting in Amsterdam of African and Latin delegates key to the ivory
issue, without the knowledge of the other Parties to the Treaty. The Secretariat has also
admitted accepting nearly $200,000 from ivory traders on behalf of CITES over the past sev-
eral years.
The Secretariat, who has been lobbying against an international ivory ban, was a key fig-,
ure in forging an amnesty for poached ivory that legitimized 89 tons of ivory in Burundi,
270 tons in Singapore, and more than 60 tons in Somalia.
>From World Wildlife Fund (news release) and articles posted on EcoNet Network
FWS listing changes
The following species were added to the Fish and Wildlife Service listings of Threatened
and Endangered Species during the months of March through June 1989.
Speckled pocketbook mussel
(Lampsilis streckeri)
Anastasia Island beach mouse
Southeastern beach mouse
Chinese river dolphin
(Lipotes vexillifer)
Endangered
Endangered
Threatened
Endangered
>From USFWS Endangered Species Technical Bulletin (Mar, May, and June 1989)
25
Limited Number of 1989 Conference
Proceedings Available for Sale
If you have not already ordered your copy of the Proceedings from the 1989
AAZK National Conference held inSyracuse, NY, there are a limited
number of copies available following the pre-order mailing. These will be
sold on a first come, first served basis. To order, fill out the form below and
return to AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Cost is $7.00 for AAZK members, $12.00 for non-members. Orders outside
the U.S. and Canada should add $3.00 extra per copy for postage costs.
Papers published in the 1989 Proceedings include: The Animal Data Transfer
Form • Update: Zoo Infant Development Project • Gummivory: It's Significance and
Potential Use in Captive Wildlife • Techniques Used in the Hand-Rearing and Subsequent
Reintroduction to Her Mother of a Lowland Gorilla • Hand-Rearing, Growth and
Development of Fisher • Zoo Atlanta's Search for the Red Ape • Management and Breeding
of the Southern White Rhinoceros • Quarantine and Acclimatization of Bee-Eaters at the
San Diego Zoo • Bull Asian Elephant Facility at Dickerson Park Zoo • Hand-Raising
Scarlet Ibis • Neonatal Growth Weights in Guenther's Dik Dik • The Making of a Zoo-The
Newark Mini Zoo • Research in Natural Habitat Enclosures at the Duke University
Primate Center • Introduction of a Male Colobus to an Existing all-Male Group • Behavior
and Management of Small Deer at the San Diego Zoo • Waste Reduction Program at
Metropolitan Toronto Zoo • The Use of Ultrasound in Managing a Breeding Colony of
Galago • Keeper Personality Survey • A Tropical Renaissance: It's All in a Day's Work •
Husbandry Notebooks and Unit Procedures • Rain Forest Husbandry at the National
Aquarium in Baltimore • Brookfield Zoo Intern Program • Developing Educational Shows
with Available Animals and Staff • M.A.Z.E. -Magnet Assisted Zoo Education • and The
Creation and Operation of a Native Hummingbird Exhibit. Also included in the
Proceedings are An Overview of the 1989 Meeting of the AAZK Board of Directors • A
Synopsis of the Australasian RAP Session • and the handout materials from a workshop on
"A Simple Method for Primate Cycle Evaluations".
1989 Conference Proceedings Order Form
I wish to order copy (ies)
AAZK Member _ Non-Member
($7.00 each) ($12.00 each)
Orders outside U.S. and Canada add $3.00 per copy for postage.
TOTAL ENCLOSED $
Name:
Address: — — — —
City: — — _____ — — — State/Province:
Zip/Postal Code: — — — _ — — Phone: _____
26
CHAPTER AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee - Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoo, 2700
Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609. (419) 385-5721 Ext. 251. Home address: 10740 Obee Rd.,
Whitehouse, OH 43571. (419) 877-0681 {h}. Assist. Directors- Colleen Kinzley (west) {312} 485-
0263 Ext. 489 [w]; (312) 442-5872 [h] and Nancy Pintavalli (east) {614} 645-3400 [w]; {614} 766-'
6475 [h].
REGIONAL COORDINATORS.
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 684-4880 [w]
for the States of WA, OR (North Pacific Coast)
Todd Cecil, San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. @ the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, CA 94132
for Northern California and Northern Nevada [South Pacific Coast]
Celeste Northrop, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, SanDiego, CA 92112
for Southern California and Southern Nevada [South Pacific Coast]
VACANCY for the States of ID, MT, WY (North Mountain)
John Turner, Denver Zoo, 23rd St. & Steele, City Park, Denver, CO 80205
for the States of UT & CO, (South Mountain)
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
for the States of AZ & NM [South Mountain]
Carla Wieser, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 10th St. & Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, NE 68107
for the states of NE & IA (North Plains)
Wendy Davis, Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., Duluth, MN 55807
for the States of MN & IA (North Plains)
Steve Tigges, Tulsa Zoological Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115
for the States of KS, OK, MO, AR (Central Plains)
Debbie Jackson, Little Rock Zoological Gardens, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
for the State of AR (Central Plains)
Rick Smith, ( St. Louis Zoo), 6316 Washington Ave., University City, MO 63130 (mailing address)
for the State of MO (Central Plains)
Joanna Arne son, Lee Richardson Zoo, P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846
for the State of KS (Central Plains)
Ann Marie Greco, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
for the States of TX and LA (South Plains)
Joe Rindler, Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Box 400, Columbus, OH 43065
for the States of OH and KY {Great Lakes Region)
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 {312} 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]
for the States of IL and WI (Great Lakes Region) {312} 442-5872 [h]
Lee Williams, Detroit Zoo, P.O. Box 39, Royal Oak, MI 48068
for the States of MI and IN (Great Lakes Region)
Alan Baker, Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13204 AND
Mark Hofling, Bronx Zoo, 185th St. & Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (212) 220-7115 {w}
(212) 543-2753 {h} AND
Jeannette Nadeau, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02905
for the States of ME, NY, VT, NH, MA, CT, and RI (North Atlantic Coast)
Jon Brangan, Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504 {804} 441-2374 [w]
{804} 625-0272 [h] AND
Rosemary Jalink, National Aquarium in Baltimore, , 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
for the States of PA NJ, DE, MD, VA. WVA & DC (Mid-Atlantic Coast)
Michelle Herman, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39209
for the States of TN and MS (South Atlantic Coast)
Fred Alvey, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315
for the States of GA and AL (South Atlantic Coast)
VACANCY for the States of NC and SC (South Atlantic Coast)
Betty Grogan, Jacksonville Zoological Park, P.O. Box 26767, Jacksonville, FL 332218 AND
Tarni Ryf, Dreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 AND
Mary Mure, Metrozoo, 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177
for the State of Florida
VACANCY for the State of Alaska
Dan Vitiello, Honolulu AAZK Chapter, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
for the State of Hawaii
Terry Male, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5
for the Province of Ontario, Canada
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5
for the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada & {204] 837-1635 [h]
States of ND and SD
Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo, Box 3259, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2R7
for the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada(403) 483-5525 [w]
Chantal Routhier, Granby Zoo, 347 Rue Bourget, Granby, Quebec, Canada J2G 1E8
for the Province of Quebec
27
AAZK Diet Notebook
Mammals, Volume 1
The AAZK Diet Notebook, Mammals - - Volume 1 contains
approximately 325 diets representing 213 species and subspecies
from fourteen participating institutions. The diets are arranged by
taxonomic order using ISIS numbers in a durable and attractive three-
ring binder. Each Diet Response Form included in Volume 1 contains
the following information: common name, scientific name, ISIS
number, the contributing individual, their institution and its address,
how long the diet has been used, whether the animals have bred while
on the diet, the diet ingredients, instructions for preparation, notes
and remarks, special considerations and nutritional analysis (if
available).
The Diet Notebook is a copyrighted publication of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., and may be ordered by filling out the
following form and sending it, along with a check or money order (U.S.
FUNDS ONLY) made payable to "AAZK Diet Notebook" to: Diet
Notebook Order, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Cost of the Diet Notebook is as follows: 1) AAZK Members $40.00; 2)
Non-members $55.00; 3) Institutions $70.00. These prices represent
prepaid order prices and include postage for the U.S. and Canada.
Those placing orders from overseas should contact AAZK
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 for
additional postage charges. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
V Sv- Sv- 9>r ctV- Sv- ctV- Sv- £*r-
AAZK DIET NOTEBOOK ORDER FORM
I wish to order ■ copy (ies) of the AAZK Diet Notebook,
(check one)
AAZK Member Non-Member Institution .
Total amount enclosed: $
Name:
Address: ...
City: State/Province:
Zip/Postal Code: Telephone:
ALL ORDERS MUST BE PREPAID
Opportunity Knocks...
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks /AKF. 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606. Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Our phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31; FAX # 913-272-2539.
EDUCATION CURATOR... responsible for all phases of zoo education programs.
Requires a degree in science/environmental related field and teaching experience.
Abilities must include volunteer supervision and development, staff coordination and
management, and creative planning for programs and future exhibits. Submit
letter/resume by 9 February 1990 to: John P. Chapo, Executive Director, Folsom Children's
Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 2800 "A" Street, Lincoln, NE 68502.
ANIMAL KEEPER/ AOUARIST..:r eauhes six months full-time experience with fresh
water or salt water animals in a public aquarium and be certifiable under one of the
accredited scuba programs. Responsibilities include maintenance of a variety of fresh
and salt water exhibits. Involved with zoo education, research and conservation
programs. Bachelor's degree in marine biology, fisheries biology or related subjects
preferred. Salary range $20,500 - $23,000, plus excellent benefits. Send resume by 19
January 1990 to: Personnel Dept., Cleveland Metroparks System, 4101 Fulton Parkway,
Cleveland, OH 44144. For questions, contact Dan Moreno, Area Supervisor, Rain Forest
& Aquatics at (216) 661-6500.
ANIMAL KEEPERIBIRD DEPARTMENT... Baltimore Zoo. Salary $15,000. Each
candidate must have graduated from an accredited high school and have one year of paid
experience in the care and handling of a variety of birds, excluding pets; or have
graduated from an accredited high school and have 6 months experience in the care and
handling of animals in a zoological institution; or have a bachelor's degree from an
accredited college or university in biology, zoology, animal science or veterinary
technology. This is an entry level position under the direct supervision of a Senior Keeper
and/or Curator. All resumes to be sent to: Fred Beall, Curator of Birds, Baltimore Zoo,
Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217.
Announcement: New Publication About Chimpanzees
We would like to announce a new publication dedicated entirely to the Chimpanzee ( Pan
troglodytes) called The Chimpanzee Newsletter. The goal of The Chimpanzee Newsletter is to
increase communication amongst all chimpanzee holders and those concerned with captive
chimpanzee welfare with the result of better understanding and improved management and
care routines.
Articles submitted to The Chimpanzee Newsletter should be less than 1,000 words, typed in
double space, and submitted in duplicate. Illustrations or photographs may accompany articles.
Articles can be about anything as long as it pertains to chimpanzees and the facilities and people
who work with them. Suggested topics include: Book Reviews, Grant Award announcements,
Case Histories, Facility Descriptions, Program Descriptions, Opportunities, News and Notes,
Birth and Death Announcements, etc.
The deadline for submission of articles is 30 days prior to publication date. The Chimpanzee
Newsletter is published quarterly on January 15, April 15, June 15, and September 15.
Co-editors of The Chimpanzee Newsletter are Susan Menkhus and Cindy Knapp. Editorial
consultant is Jo Fritz, Director of the Primate Foundation of Arizona (PFA). Susan Menkhus is
the PFA Staff Observer and Cindy Knapp is a PFA Caregiver. The Chimpanzee Newsletter is
published by the Primate Foundation of Arizona. Correspondence and articles should be sent to:
The Chimpanzee Newsletter, c/o The Primate Foundation of Arizona, P.O. Box 86, Tempe, AZ
85280.
29
AAZK, Committees (cont.)
INDEX FOR 1989
Awards, Nominations
37,47,80,129,
145,370-1
(c) indicates a correction
Biological Values for Mammals III
366
(?) indicates information please
Book Review Coordinator
367
(K) indicates a keeper aiert
By-laws Review
369
(P) indicates a photograph
Chapter and Regional Affairs (CRAC) and
! 18,44,60,74,
Regional Coordinators
100,112,143,
SUBJECT
PAGE
177,206,209,
AARDWOLF Proteles cristatus. birth
115
241,276,282,
AARDVARK Orycteropus afer
209
294-5,310,317,
birth
115
324,356,369,
AAZK
395,412
Accessories
Conference Bids/Book Committee
370
Auto decals
198,243,277
Conservation (CPR)
351,362,392
Belt buckles
208,229,280
Habitat Subcommittee S SOS
363
Bumper stickers
264,411
Diet Notebook
281,(7)281,366
Charms
198,243,277
Exhibit Design Form
373
License plates
198,243,277
Foreign Keeper Sponsorship Program
63-5,91-2,
Magnetic keeper safety signs
311,413
194,385-6
Mugs
198,243,277
History
373
Patches
198,243,277
International Affairs
368
Pin
198,243,277
Keeper Accommodation List (KAL)
370
Sticker
198,243,277
Keeper Training & Education
01,369-70
Sweatshirt
198,243,277
Keeper Training Videotape Project
275,372
T-shirt
198,243,277
Legislative Advisor
371
Ecosystem Survival Plan
397
Liason to AAZPA 4 IZE
371
'89 Conference
153
Manual of Resources
368
Animal Data Transfer forms
02,103,145,
Nominations 4 Elections
109,245,368
282,349
Public Education
371
Awards
318-20
photos requested
31,385
excellence in zoo keeping
37,47
solicited answers
33,184,363
national honorary lifetime membership
351
Public Relations Liaison
371
nominations
02,80,145
Research/Grants
372
Board
349
Staff Exchange
371-2
Election forms
18 insert
Zoo Infant Development Project
367-8,398-400
Nominees
109
forms
400insert
Overview of 1989 meeting
364-75
Zookeeper Exchanges
132
President's Message
38,74,112,146,
Zoonotic Disesases Handbook, 2nd edition 367
209,211-2,247,
Zoo/University List
373
285,314,351,
Fax machine number
145-6
392
General membership meeting minutes
375
Chapters
Members, new Contributing
38,148,182,
fund raisers
01,232,301,
214,272,284,
302,303
394
logos
201
new Professional
02,38,82,141,
news
29-31,65-6,
148,182,214,
101-3,132-6,
272,284,346,
173-6,199-201,
354,394
210,232-4,256,
renewing contributing
148,182,214,
300-4,339-40,
272,284,346,
376,396-7
354,394
newsletters
201
National Conference
photo contest
227-9
agenda
286-7
projects/products
374
Australasian Rap Session
181
statements of worth
313
final word
360
Committees
Proceedings order form
313,322,349
Animal Data Transfer forms
372-3
Reference search update
223
Approach to Zookeeping
367
Statement of Purpose and By-Laws
182
30
AAZPA Conservation Endowment Fund Auction
120
ADDAX Addax nasomaculatus, birth
06,187,251
AGOUTI, golden-rumped (Brazilian)
Dasyprocata aauti . acqisition
288
birth
250
AMPHIBIANS, diets
(?)281
ANIMAL DATA TRANSFER FORMS
02,103,145,
ANIMAL DEATH FORM REPORT
282,349
377-80
ANIMAL KEEPER FORUM (AKF)
365-6
Artwork
02
Book Review Request forms
55
Fax machine number
145-6
Indexes
37,81-2,393-4
Letters ot the Editor
46
Statement of ownership
382
ANTEATER, qiant Myrmecophaaa tridactvla.bir.
115
ANTELOPE
hi ackbuck Antilope cervicaDra, birth
117,251
sable Hippotraqus niaer, birth
251,352
spiral horned
193
AOUDAD Ammotraous lervia. birth
251
APE, Barbary see under MACAQUE
ARACAN, areen Pteroalossus viridis, hat.
113
ARMADILLO, La Plata three-banded
Tolypeutes matacus. birth
316
AUDUBON PARK & ZOOL. GAR.: Supplemental
Feeding Protocol for W. Lowland Gorilla
341-6
AUSTRALASIAN
Green Tree Pythons problem feeding
09-10
What's Up Down Under
170-2
AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY OF ZOOKEEPERS
1987 Conference Proceedings
172
Keeper accomadation list
172
Membership
171
AWARDS & GRANTS
AAZK Awards see under AAZK
AAZPA
390
Centennial awards for zoo research
281
Nixon Griffis Fund, grants
62,230
UFAW scholarship
309
World Wildlife Fund Conservation Award
182,244
BABIRUSA Babyrousa babyrussa
216,218-9
BABOON
195,359
Gelada Therooithecus aelada . birth
06
Guinea P. oaoio cvnoceohalus, birth
389
mandrill Papio sphinx, arm fracture
408
birth
353
BANDICOOT
28
BARBET. D'Arnaud's TrachvDhonus darnaudii.
hatching
291
BAT
American, native
(?)119
bia brown Eptesicus fuscus
Microchip implant identification
50-2, (P)51
Sexual Harassment of Hand-raised
163-5
fruit
EayDtian Rousettus aevoticus. aco.
149
Mexican Artibeus iamaicensis. birth
117
BAT, fruit (cont.)
Rodrioues PteroDus rodricensis
62
birth
219,291,389
insectivorous
leaf-nosed, short-tailed
(?)94
Carollia perspicillata. birth
250,352
long-nosed
Mexican Leotonvcteris nivalis
159
Sanborn's Leotonvcteris sanborni
159
vamoire Desmodus rotundus, birth
BEAR
05,41
Alaskan Ursus arctos. availability
(K)201
black Ursus americanus. availability
(K)201
arizzlv Ursus arctos horribilis. birth
77
polar Ursus maritimus
77,(7)116,135,
313
sloth Melursus(=Ursus) ursinus. birth
117,119
spectacled Tremarctos ornatus. birth
119,216
BEAVER
195
mountain Aclodontia rufa, birth
290
BEE-EATER
(7)189
BINTURONG
302
BIRD OF PARADISE, red Paradisaea rubra
(P)116
hatching
113,186
BIRDS
28
Baby bird diets
337
Geomatrix Matting for Foot Problems
195-7
Practical Avian Triage
325-38
BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS
05-7,41-4,76-
8,113-9,149-
53,185-7,216-
22,249-51,288-
92,316,352-4,
388-90
format
07
BISON, American L. b. bison , birth
290
BLESBOK Damaliscus dorcas. birth
290,352
BLUEBIRD
339
BONGO Traaelaohus eurvceros. acquisition
289
birth
42,222,289
BOOK REVIEWS
Animal Extinctions :What Evevone Should Know54
Chipmunks & the Siberian Chipmunk in
Caotivitv
231
Communication & Expression in Hoofed Mam.
193-4
Elephant Who Walked to Manchester
154
Encyclopedia of Animal Evolution
252-3
Eve and the Aoes
154
Orana-utan
142
Orphans of the Wild
358-9
Primate Societies
296
Translocation of Wild Animals
409-10
Zoo Desian: Realitv of Wild Illusions
323
BROOKFIELD ZOO: Be a Slug
127-8
BUFFALO, water (Asiatic) Bubalus arnee
236
Hand-raising
27-8
BURNET PARK ZOO
Red Wolf Pup Reintroduction
203-4
BUSHBABY see GALAGO
31
BUSHBUCK. harnessed Traqelaphus s. scriptus
COLOBUS, black and white Colobus ouereza
(?)153,318
birth
217
birth
389
BUSTARD, white-quilled black
Colobus ouereza kikuvuensis. birth
05,222
Afrotis atra afroides. hatchino
288
COLUMBUS ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
CAMEL
Crate Training a Reticulated Giraffe
122-6
.Arabian (domestic) Camelus dromedarius
(?)359,(?)416
ISEC update
53
Bactrian Camelus b. bactrianus r birth
290,316
CONDOR, Andean Vulture orvphus. hatching
115,152,218
CARACAL see under LYNX
possible hatching
291
CASSOWARY
357
California Gvmnoovps californianus
115.
double wattled (two-wattled) C. casuarius
320
hatching
218., (c)249
hatching
288
possible hatching
117-8,152
CAT
CONFERENCES/SYMPOSIUMS/WORKSHOPS
ancillas Felis tigrina
168
AAZK National Conference, 15th
04,40,49,75,
Brazilian
53
111,148,183,
black-footed Felis nioripes
53
213,245,248,
civet Civettictis civetta. acquisition
117
283,360
exotic diet
(?)416
Northwest Regional, 3rd
39
Geoffrey's Felis qeoffroyi
168
AAZPA Annual Conference
04,40,111,148,
leopard Felis benqalensis
168
183,213,248,
birth
117
283
Amur Felis benoalensi euptilura. birth
149
Regional Conferences
03,39,73,75,
food presentation methods
309
281,313,315,
margay Felis wiedii
168
350,387
Rare Cats Imported by ISEC
271-2
American Minor Breeds Annual
111,147
Small Cats in Big Trouble
168
Animal Behavior Society
349
wildcat see WILDCAT
Applying Behavioral Research to Animal
CATTLE
Management
03
Dexter, birth
249
AZAD, 5th annual
147,183,213
gaur Bos qaurus. birth
42
AZVT, 9th annual
148,183,213,
Scottish highland, birth
251
248,283
C.A.U.Z.
223
Bear, Spectacled: 1st Sym. Proceedings
116
CAVY. Pataaonian Dolichotis Dataaonura. bir. 290
Cons. & Captive Prop. Reptiles & Amp.
110
CHACHALACA , arav-headed Ortalis cinereiceDS
Elephants: the Deciding Decade
350
hatching
06
Elephant Workshop, 10th annual
184,214,245,
CHEETAH Acinonvx iubatus
174,230
248,283,315
acquisition
388
Environmental & Conservation Education
213
birth
77-8,216,388
Fertility in Great Apes
04,40,75,111,
observation program
262
147,183
CHEVROTAIN
Gorilla Workshop
315,350,385,
mouse deer Traoulus meminna. acouisition
117
387
CHIMPANZEE Pan troalodvtes
139,173,195,
Herpetological Sym., 13th Intern'l
147,183
230,319
ICPWA Conservation Workshop
131
birth
06,217,288-9
Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust
140-1
Estrous Cycles in Captives
95-9
Marine Animal Trainers, 17th annual
214,248,283
Survey of Status in Japan
401-7
National Wildlife Rehabilitators
387
CHIPMUNK
231
Neonatal Husbandry 4 Med. Care Proceedings 235-8
Taaias sp. : cone for medicating
162
Nutrition of Captive Animals, Dr. School
248,284,315,
CIVET, nalm Paradoxurus hermaDhroditus, bir. 117
350,387
COATI, white nosed
(?)210
Pheasant 4 Waterfowl Society, American
184,213,283
COCKATOO
Preservation/Conservation Workshop, 2nd
03,39,75,111,
bare-eyed, hatching
185
147
great sulphur-crested, hatching
185
Recycling Workshop
238
Major Mitchell's, hatching
185
Urban Wildlife, National Spposium
284,315
Holuccan, hatching
185
Wildlife Rehabilitation Spposium
03,39,75
Dalm Probosciaer aterrimus
245
Wolf, Mexican
300-1
black, hatching
185
Zooculturists', International Society
04
rose-breasted, hatching
185
Zoological Horticulture
145
umbrella, hatching
185
Zoo Medicine
256
32
rfwuiRF ( sun Aratinaa solstitialis, hatchino 119
COURSER, cream-colored, hatching
216
cm?., black Limocorax flavirostra, hat.
354
CRANE
Demoiselle Anthropoides virao . hatchino
149
hooded Grus monacha, hatching
291
Sarus Grus antioone. hatching
117,388
sandhill Grus canadensis, acquisition
388
Stanley Anthropoides paradisea, hatching
06,352
CRAYFISH, Shasta Pacifastacus fortis
159
CURASSOW
bare-faced Crax f. fasciolata. hatching
06
great Crax ruba, hatching
06
lesser razorbill Crax mtu tuberosa. hat. 06
(crestless) Crax tomentosa. hatching
187
DEER
brocket, red Mazama americana. birth
77,388
fallow Dama dama, birth
117
mouse see CHEVROTAIN
Pere David's Elaphus davidianus. birth
219
sikar Formosan Cervus nippon taiwanus.bir. 290.291
thamin, birth
117
tufted. Western Elaphodus c. cephalochus
193,319
Vi sayan
159
DIK-DIK
Kirk's Madoaua kirki, birth
187,292
Gunther's Madogua cruentheri, birth
117
DOG, bush Speothos venaticus. birth
149
DOLPHIN
259
Atlantic bcttlenose Tursioos truncatus
239-40,259
DONKEY, Mediterranean miniature, birth
249
DOVE see also PIGEON
crested quail Geotrvoon versicolor
hatching
114
Jambu fruit, hatching
216
DREHER PARK SCO: recipe medicating primates
10
DUCK
195,337
bronze-winged Ana s specularis, hatching
352
canvasback Avthya valisineria, hatching
352
Mandarin Ajj( oalericulata
$317
hatching
289
pintail Anas acuta, acquisition
388
hatching
221,289
Bahama Anas b. bahamensis, hatchino
354
ruddv Oxvura iamaicensis, hatchino
250
runner ?, acquisition 1
17
white-faced whistlina Dendrocvana viduatan
hatching
288,354
wood Mx. sponsa
339
hatching
289
DUIKER
blue Cephalophus monticola. birth
249
red-flanked Cephalophus rufiiatus, birth
42,118
zebra Cephalophus zebra, birth
118
EAGLE, bald Haliaeetus leucoceohalus
78,388
hatching
249
ECHIDNA, short-nosed Tachvolossus aculeatus
birth
152
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Animal Management Course: India
Biological Studies in the Field
91-2
92
Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust
140-1
Rain forest child
238
Rain forest materials
238
EIDER, common Somateria mollissima . acqu.
388
ELEPHANT
32,54,(7)189,
203,397
African Loxodonta africana
230
(S. African! bush L. a. africana
292
poaching, legal 4 illegal ivory sales
56-8, (P)57,59
61-2,139,180,
181,189,209-
10,210,240
Asian
73,172
chaining
(K)36
Workshop Steering Committee Report, 9th
86-8
ELEPHANT MANAGERS ASSOC, application
89
EMU Dromaius novaehcllandiae
172,187,
(7)210,357
hatching
149,221
ENCOURAGING WORD
ENGLAND ZOOS
180
Cotswold Wildlife Park:
Green Tree Pythons Feeding
09-10
The Monkey Sanctuary: new enclosure
381
Zoological Society of London: Gibbon Duets 305-7
FELID5
319
FERRET
195
black-footed: Success Story?
68-9, (P)69
FINCH
337,338
red-eared firetail
172
FISH, diets
(7)281
anael. aueen Holacanthus ciliaris. acau.
150
butterflv , foureve Chaetodon caoistratus. 150
catfish, tiger-striped
Merodontotus triarinus. aauisition
221
chichlid, Lake Victoria, hatching
388
Haolochromis so. "red, 'black" , acouisitionl50
Haplochromis obliauidens. acauisition
150
hatching
221
Nedchromis nioricans, aca.
150
Proanathochromis oellearini. acauisition 150
hatching
221
Psammochromis rioonianus, acauisition
150
hatching
221
darter. Boulder Etheostoma so.
159
flatfish
54
morav. areen Gvmothorax funebris, aca.
150
puffer
54
pupfish
desert Cyorinodon macularius. acq.
119
Salton Sea Cyprinodon macularius, hat.
149,221
remora Echeneis naucrates. acq.
150
shark 54
stingray, yellow Urolophus iamaicensis. acl50
tilefish, sand Malacanthus plumieri , acq. 150
trumpet fish Aulostomus maculatus. acq. 150
33
FISHER Hartes pennanti , birth
249,(P)250
FLAMINGO
195
GIRAFFE (cont.)
American
196, (P) 196
barinao G. c. rothschiidi, birth
316
Caribbean, hatching
352
mandible fracture
172
Chilean Phoenicopterus chilensis. hat.
354
Masai G. c. tiuDelskirchi . birth
118,353
greater, hatching
218
reticulated Giraffa c. reticulata
(P)123 ,319
FLORA, Eucalyptus
103
acquisition
117
FOOD PRESENTATION METHODS
309
birth
77,117,221,
FOX, Arctic
195
250-1,291
swift
396
crate training
122-6
FROG
GLIDER, suaar Petaurus breviceDS, birth
41,250
leaf tree Phyllomedusae spp.
(?)40
GOAT, (domestic) Nubian Capr§ hircus. bir.
290
Araentine waxy Phyllomedusa sauvaaeii
(7)40
GONOLEK, black-headed (Barbary SHRIKE)
New World orange-legged
Laniarius barbarus. hat.
115,288
Phyllomedusa hvpochondrialis
(7)40
GOOSE
337
Poison dart (arrow) Dgndrobates spp.
(7)189
Canada Branta canadensis
01
qreen & black Dendrobates auratus, hat. 249
acquisition
117
vellow & blue Dendrobates tinctorius.hat.249
Aleutian
01
yellow banded Dendrobates leucomelas.hat.249
Egyptian Alopochen aeovotiacus. hatching
290
FROGMOUTH, Tawny Podaraus striaoides. hat.
114
lesser snow/blue, hatching
290
FUNDRAISERS
Maaellan Chloephaaa picta. hatchina
288
AAZK Chapters
339,340,376
macule Anseranas semiDalmata
172
AAZK Conservation Committee
351
Nene Branta sandvicensis. hatchina
150,221
Adopt-an-Acre
340
snow
195
Can Remover Team
158
GOPHER, pocket
195
Ecosystem Survival Plan (ESP)
01,137,201,
GORILLA
201,405
232,302,362
Western lowland Gorilla a. aorilla
230, (P)342
Elephants: the deciding decade
350
birth
05,06,41,117,
"Rockin for Rhinos"
303
151,151-2,
Zoo bowl for rhinos
301,317,362,
219,(c)249,354
395
supplemental feeding protocol
341-6
GADWELL Anas streDera, acauisition
338
GRANBY ZOO: Can Remover Team
158
GALAGO (BUSHBABY)
GUENON
Seneaal Galaao seneaalensis , birth
117
DeBrazza Cercouithecus nealectus
181
thick-tailed Galaao crassicaudatus, birth 77
birth
42,292
GAUR see CATTLE
Diana CercoDithecus diana. birth
119,185
GAZELLE
moustached CercoDithecus ceDhus. birth
118
addra Gazella daraa ruficollis. birth
316
spot-nosed
05
Arabian sand Gazella subautterosa marica
HAHMERKOP Scouus umbretta. hatchina
352,354
birth
115
HARTEBEEST AlceiaDhus buselaohus
62
dama Gazella dama. birth
06,115
Jackson's A. b. iacksoni, birth
115
Grant's Gazella aranti rossevelti
194
HAWK
195,197, (P)197
birth
316
Harris Parabuteo unicinctus, hatchina
213
Indian Gazella dorcas bennetti , birth
117
HERON, boatbill C. cochlearius. hat.
292
Mhorr Gazella dama mhorr
237
HIPPOPOTAMUS HiuuoDOtamus amDhibius. birth
288
slender-horned Gazella leDtoceros. birth
(P)42,43
HOATZIN ODisthocomus hoa2in
230
SDeke's Gazella SDekei. birth
115,217
HORNBILL
Thompson's
194,200
black & white casqued
(P)267,(P)268,
GERENUK Litocranius walleri. birth
118,151,217
Bvcanistes subcvlindricus
(P)26S
GIBBON
307
breeding
265-70
Kloss
305
oreat Buceros bicornis. hatching
216
Moloch
305
arev Tackus nasutus. hatchina
354
white-cheeked Hvlobates concoior leucoaenvs(P)222
Jackson's Tockus iacksoni. hat.
114
birth
219, (c)249
HORSE, Mongolian wild (Przewaiski's)
(P)220
white-handed (Lar) Hvlobates lar
(7)40
Eauus Drzewlaskii. birth
219,288,291
birth
352,388
HUMMINGBIRD
(7)359
Duets
305-7
HUMOR
GIRAFFE Giraffa cameloDardalis
(7)153,359,397
Be a Slug
127-8
acquisition
117
Surviving Harsh Southern Arizona Winters
104-5
34
HVRAX, frock) Cape Procavia capensis
(?)153
birth
389
they, Siberian Capra ibex siberica, birth
389
IBIS
hadada Haaedashia haoedash, hatching
354
hermit (Waldrapp) Gernonticus eremita, hat
.220,352
ILLUSTRATIONS AND COVER ART
Aardvark
July
Avian bandaging
329
Avian feather and hemorrhage control
332
Avian leg anatomy
330
Avian wing anatomy
328
Bear, polar cub with vet
October
Chimpanzee
10,403,404
Cockatoo, palm
August
Elephant, African
88
Gibbon
307
Goose, Canada
January
Guenon, De Brazza's
June
Hawk
253
Jaguar
November
Kudu, greater
March
Lion, African
April
Oranguatan, Bornean
February
Otter, American river
May
Owl, barred
December
Parrot
14
Penguin
31
Prairie dog - cone for medicating
162
Rhinoceros, Black
September, 386
Rhinoceros, Sumatran
85
Tiger
17
Wolf
204
IHPALA Aepyceros n. rendilis
236,236
INDIA ZOOS
Dr. Reuben David obituary
202-3
Mysore Zoo: Animal Management Course
91-2
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO: Penguin Sexing by Blood
273
INFORMATION PLEASE
AAZK Chapter newsletter & logo
201
ape, Barbary
94
bat, American native
119
bat, insectivorous
94
bear, polar fur
116
bee-eaters
189
bibliographies
223
bird band donation
181
camel maintenance
359
pregnancy detection
416
captive-bred vs. pet trade specimens
295
cats, exotic, diet
416
Chameleon, Johnson's
40
coati, white-nosed introduction procedures
210
constrictors, nutrition & related diseases
359
cookbooks wanted
246
diets for diet notebook; reptiles,
amphibians, fish, & invertebrates
281
duck, Mandarin breeding program
317
elephant vaginal cytology studies
189
INFORMATION PLEASE (cont.)
emu, common 210
exotic animal attacks or escapes 176
Frog, Dendrobatis spp. , breeding 189
Frog, leaf tree 40
fundraiser, adopt an animal 295
Gecko, leaf-tailed 77
Gibbon, white-handed hand, esp. raising 40
Giraffe - overgrooming 153
high desert species 119
hummingbirds 359
Hyrax, Cape - hand-rearing 153
Macaque, lion-tailed, overgroaming 40
Marmoset, Goeldi's 04
"mission statement" 295
Monkey, black howler - hand raising 119
Monkey, black and white colobus-peridontal 153
native wildlife experts for list 94
Owl, burrowing 119
Panda, red 300
psittacine maintenance 246
Rabbits, pygmy 119
Rat, kangaroo 119
skeletal specimens 94
Snake, arboreal- problem feeding 10
South American mixed species exhibits 04
Tamar in, cotton-topped 04,317
golden lion 04
Wedell's 04
white-lipped 04
turtle, infant fungal infections 416
red-bellied short-necked 150
vaginal cytology studies & procedures 189
waste management program 119
INSECT
beetle
hercules, Southwestern Dynastes qranti 230
Kretschmarr Cave mold
Texamaurops reddelli 159
Tooth Cave ground Rhadine persephone 159
bug, yellow-veined leaf-footed
Thasus acutanoulus 230
harvestman, Bee Creek Cave Texella reddelli!59
katydid, Costa Rican predaceous
Lirometopum coronatum 230
pseudoscorpion, Tooth Cave
Hicrocreaoris texana 159
scorpion, Kenyan tailless whip Tarantula sp230
INT'L. SOCIETY ENDANGERED CATS (ISEC) 53,271-2
INVERTEBRATES, diets (?)281
JAGUAR Panthera onca 349
birth 05
JAPANESE ZOOS: ZooDel: Survey of Status of
Chimpanzees in Japan 401-7
JERSEY WILDLIFE PRESERVATION TRUST 140-1
JUNGLEFOWL, green Gallus varius. hatching 288
KANGAROO
tree, Husbandry Notebook 37
Matschie's Dendrolaous matschiei. birth 290
35
KANGAROO (cont.)
LIZARD (cont.)
Western orev Macropus fulainosus melanoDS
gila monster, reticulated
319
birth
389
skink, prehensile-tail Corucia zabrata
KEEPER ALERT
birth
218,250
Alaskan brown & black bear availability
201
LLAMA Laia alama. birth
251
elephant chaining
36
LORIKEET see also LORY
zoo science BS & MS program
246
scaly breasted
KEEPER TRAINING
Trichoalossus c. chlorolepidotus, hat.
218
video tape: feeds and feeding
275
LORIS, slender Loris tardiaradus
172
safety
275
birth
151
KENYA DIARY part 1, 2, 3, 4
166-8,190-2,
slow Nvcticebus coucana. birth
151
224-6,260-2
Dvamv Nvcticelus Dvanaeus, birth
78
KINGFISHER
LORY see also LORIKEET
Guam (Micronesian) Halcyon cinnamomina
(P)114
oreen-naoed Trichoalossus haematodus. hat. 288
hatching
113,250,352,
LOS ANGELES ZOO: Adventure Island
160-1
389
Hope for the Future
83-5
KINKAJOU Potos flavus
319
LYNX, caracal Felis caracal
62
birth
41
MACAQUE
KOALA
103
Barbarv Macaca svlvanis
(?)94
KOKLASS Pucrasia macrolopha, hatchina
288
JaDanese Macaca fuscata
396
KUDU
birth
290
greater Traaelaphus strepsiceros
73
lion-tailed (wanderoo) Macaca silenus
(?)40
birth
251,389
birth
149,316
lesser Traaelaphus imberbis
193
oiatail Macaca nemestrina
76-7
birth
288
birth
76
LANGUR
MACAW
Hanuman Presbytis entellus
(P)187
areen-wina Ara chloroDtera, hatchina
05,185,186
birth
187,222
hvacinth Anodorhvnchus hvacinthinus
14
silver-leafed Presbvtis cristatus
(P)116
hatching
352
birth
113
scarlet, hatching
185
sDectacled Presbvtis obscurus, birth
117,352
MAGPIE
LEGISLATIVE OUTLOOK
32-3,61-2,138-
• red-billed (blue) Urocissa ervthrorhvncha
9,159,234-40,
hatching
250,352
258-9,357-8
short-tailed Cissa thalassina. hatching
288
LEMUR
396
MANATEE
101
black Leiur l macaco, birth
316
MANDRILL see under BABOON
blue-eyed (Sclater's), birth
292
MARMOSET see also TAMARIN
296,320
crowned Lemur coronatus. birth
389
common Callithrix iacchus
172
dwarf, fat-tailed Cheiroaaleus medius, bir.389
Geoffroy's (white-faced)
aray aentle Haoalemur ariseus . birth
292
Callithrix iacchus aeoffrovi. birth
117,149,250,
ring-tailed Lemur catta, birth
222,250,290,
352
352
Goeldi's Callimico aoeldii
(?)04
ruffed Lemur varieaatus. birth
185
birth
115,119,389
black & white, birth
217
Dvamv Cebuella Dvomaea. birth
41,217,250,352
red Lemur (=Varecia) varieaatus ruber
MEERKAT, slender-tailed Suricata suricatta
birth
05,292,316
birth
113
LEOPARD
358,359
MERGANSER, hooded Meraus cucullatus, hat.
250,352
Indochinese (South Chinese)
METRO TORONTO ZOO: Photo contest
227-9
Panthera Dardus delacouri. birth
05,288
Reference Search Project
223
snow Panthera f=Unical unica
64,(P)220
MOLE-RAT. naked HeteroceDhalus alaber
43 , (P)43
birth
219,288
birth
43
LIOCICHLA. red-faced Liocichla Dhoenicea.hat.390
MONGOOSE, EavDtain Heroestes ichneumon
113
LION
202
MONKEY
African Panthera leo
109
Cercooithecine
320
LIZARD
colobus see COLOBUS
Chameleon. Johnson's Chaemaeleo iohnsonii (?140
Diane see GUENON
crocodile Shinisaurus crocdilurus, hat.
41
Goeldi's see MARMOSET
gecko, leaf-tailed Uroplatus fimbriatus
11,(1)11
howler, black Alouatta carava
(?)119
acquisition
11
birth
119
36
MONKEY (cont.)
Patas Ervthrocebus f =CercoDithecus ) Datas
05
birth
185
proboscis Nasalis larvatus
(P)07
birth
06,186
spider
black-handed Ateles aeoffroyi. birth
251
brown headed Ateles fusciceos robustus
birth
185
spot-nosed see GUENON
squirrel, Bolivian
Saimin sciureus bolivianensis
115
woolly Laaothrix laaotricha
301,381
MOOSE, Alaskan L alces gioas, birth
289
MOT-MOT, blue-crowned Hotmotus motmota
319
hatching
352
MOUNTAIN GOAT Oreamnos americanus
194
birth
217
MOUSE
albino
50
harvest Micromys mintus. birth
117,250
MOUSEBIRD, speckled Colius striatus, hat.
290
MUNTJAC, Reeves Muntiacus reevesi , birth
251
MUSK OX Ovibus moschatus, acquisition
150,185
birth
291
MYNAH, Bali Leocopsar rothschildi. hatching 186
gold-crested, hatching
216
NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
Valdez, Alaska oil spill fund
146
NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS:
Device for Medicating Prairie Dogs
162
NETHERLAND ZOO, OUWEHAND:
Breeding Black & White Casqued Hornbill
265-70
NEW YORK AQUARIUM: Discovery Cove
308
NGARE SERGOI RHINO SANCTUARY
110,132,200,
newsletter
339,339,386
246
NILGAI Boselaphus traaocamelus . birth
117
NUMBAT
172
OBITUARIES
Allen, Joseph
73
David, Dr. Reuben
202-3
Finken, Siegfried (Fred)
256
OCELOT Felis oaradalis
53
OCTOPUS Octopus vulaarus. acquisition
150
OKAPI Okapia iohnstoni
199
birth
389
OPOSSUM
195
ORANG-UTAN
66,172, (P)202
Bornean Ponao p. pvamaeus
230,405
37
birth
05,186,291
Sumatran
37
ORYX
Arabian Orvx leucoryx. birth
42,115,118,
scimitar-horned fayx damnah
187,217,316
62
birth
06,115,251,
288,290
OSTRICH 195,357
blue neck Struthio caielus. hatching 187,251
OTTER 195
American river Lutra(=Lontra1 canadensis 145,320
birth 249
Asian small-clawed Anoyx cinera . acq. 288
sea 61
OWL 195,197
barn Tyto alba, hatching 290
barred Strix Mia 385
burrowing (?)119
snowy Nyctea scandiaca. hatching 389
PACA Cuniculus paca, birth 316
PANDA, giant 170
red (lesser) Ailurus fulaens 172, (?)300
breeding behavior 19-26
management 298-300
PARROT 337,338
Amboina king, hatching 185
Amazon, plain colored (mealy)
Amazona farinosa. hatching 288
Australian green-wing, hatching 185
Bahama 174
blue-crowned (hanging) Loriculus aaloulus
hatching 389
eclectus Eclectus roratus. hatching 185,352
hawkheaded Deroptyus accitrinus. hat. 114
PARTRIDGE
chukar Alectoris chukar 13-4
crested wood Rollulus roulroul, hat. 250
PEAFOWL, Burmese (green) Pavo muticus. hat. 117
PENGUIN 304
black-foot (jackass) Spheniscus demersus 274
hatching 114,388
Galapagos Spheniscus mendiculus 274
gentoo Pyaoscelis papua 273
Humboldt Spheniscus humboldti 274
hatching 251
Magellanic Spheniscus maaellanicus 274
rock hopper Eudyptes crestatus 273
hatching 290
sexing by blood feather analysis 273
spheniscid newsletter 274
PESTICIDE LICENSES 410
PHEASANT
golden Chrvsolophus pictus. hatching 352
Malayan peacock Polyplectron nu malacense
hatching 07,221,291
PHOENIX ZOO: Bird Keeper 13-4
Cheetah Observation Program 262
PHOTOGRAPHS
Bird bandaging and splints 330-1
Bird of paradise, red chick 116
Elephant, poached African 57
Ferret, black-footed 69
Fisher kit 250
Flamingo, American 196
Gazelle, slender horned baby 42
Gibbon, white-cheeked 222
37
PHOTOGRAPHS (cont.) PUBLICATIONS (cont.)
Giraffe, reticulated
123
ASZK 1987 conference proceedings
172
Gorilla, lowland feeding
342
Bibliographies and reading lists from AAZPA110
Hawk
197
Buyer Beware
94
Hornbill, black 4 white casqued
267,268,269
Ecologically Safe Alternatives, Greenpeace
! 192
Horse, Mongolian wild with foals
220
Exotic Animals as Pets
133
Kingfisher, Guam chick
114
International Zoo Yearbook 1987
253
Langur, Hanuman
187
Penguin, spheniscid newsletter
274
Langur, silver-leafed
116
Persistent marine debris: challenge & resp.
238
Leopard, snow with cubs
220
San Diego wild animal park neonatal sym.
238
Microchip implant - bat
51
Symposium on Spectacled Bear proceedings
116
Hole-rat, naked baby
43
Thylacinus
171
Monkey, proboscis
07
Tree Kangaroo Husbandry Notebook
37
Orang-utan
202
"What Kind of Animal are You?"
102
PIG see SWINE
"Zoos Today and Tomorrow"
184
PIGEON see also DOVE
bleeding-heart
Zockeeping as a Career brochure
198,243,277,
365
Bartlett's Gallicolumba criniaer, hat.
114
RABBIT, pygmy
(?U19
Luzon Gallicolumba luzonica. hatchina
114
RACCOON Procvon iotor
crop milk
186
device for medicating
162
crowned
174
RAPTORS
337
blue (common) Goura cristata
13
RAT, kangaroo
(?)11S
areen Treron australis, hatching
354
Stenhen's Dioodomvs stephensi
159
green-naped pheasant, hatching
44,186
REID PARK ZOO: Harsh S. Arizona Winters
104-5
Mauritius pink Columba mayeri . hatching
291
REFERENCE SEARCH PROJECT
223
Wonaa Leucosarcia melanoleuca
172
REINDEER Ranaifer taranaus. birth
221
PITTA, banded Pita guaiana, hatching
07
REPRODUCTION
PITTSBURG ZOO: Pesticide License
410
Bat, Rodrigues fruit
62
PLATYPUS
172
Camel, domestic pregnancy
(?)416
PORCUPINE
Caracal Felis caracal
62
albino
202
Cheetah Observation Program
262
crested Hvstrix africaeaustralis. birth
389
Cheetah ovulatory cycle monitoring
230
African Hvstrix cristata, birth
05
Chimpanzees; estrous cycles
95-9
Indian Hvstrix indica, birth
117
Elephant, African estrous cycle
230
Drehensil-tailed Coendou Drehensilis. bir.316
Gorilla, in vitro fertilization 4 transfer
230
POSSUMS, Leadbeater's
170
Hornbill, black 4 white casqued
265-70
POTTO Perodicticus uotto. birth
78
Insects
230
PRAIRIE DOG
195
Orangutan ovulatory cycle monitoring
230
black-tailed Cvnomvs ludovicianus
Oryx, scimitar-horned
62
Cone for Medicating
162
Perissodactyls, diagnosis of pregnancy
230
PRIMATE FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA: Estrous
Prcinus orca
62.
cycles in Captive Chimpanzees
95-9
Python, olive
172
PRIMATES
REPTILES, diets
(?)281
recipe for medicating orally
10
RHEA Rhea americana
357
PROJECT MANAGING FOR ZOOS
15-7
hatching
221,251
PRONGHORN Antilocaora americana, acq.
288,289
RHINOCEROS
83
birth
217-8,221,288,
288,289
black Diceros bicornis
59,83,174,281,
339,410
PROSIMIANS
296
acquisition
221-2,388-9
PSITTACINES
( ? } 246
birth
117,290,316
PUBLICATIONS
Diceros bicornis michaeii, acquisition
353
AAZK '89 Conference Proceedings
313,322,349
Diceros bicornis minor, acquisition
353
AAZK Diet Notebook Mammals, Vol. I
34,70,106,178,
Javan Rhinoceros sondacius
83
205,242,278,
Indian Rhinoceros unicornis
83
281,347,414
Sumatran Dicerorhinus sumatrensls
83-5
AAZK Membership Directory
198,243,277,
Dicerorhinus s. sumatrensis
83
365
Go to U.S. Zoos
67
AKF Indexes
37,81-2,353-4
hairy-eared (Asiatic two horned)
American Forests
184
Dicerorhinus s. lasiotis
83
38
RHINOCEROS (cont.)
STARLING
Sumatran, hairy-eared (cont.)
emerald Laraorotornis iris, hat.
250
Hope for the Future
83-5
Iona-tailed alossv Lamorotornis caudatus
white Ceratotherium simum
59,83,410
hatching
352
RIVERSIDE ZOO: Trial and Error
408
STILT, black-necked HimantODUS mexicanus.hat.288
roadriinner Geococcyx californiana. hat.
288
STORK, milky wood, hatching
216
SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK:
SUNBIRD. buff-throated Nectarinia adelberti,
Hand-Raised Domestic Water Buffalo
27-8
hatching
288
Non-Domestic Neonatal Husbandry & Medical
SUNBITTERN EurvDvaa helias, hatchina
114,288,352,
Care Conference
235-8
389
SAN FRANCISCO ZOO: Avian triage
325-8
SUNI Neotraaus moschatus, birth
187
screamer, crested Chauna torquata, hatchina
114
N. m. akelevi, birth
291
SEA LION
28,320
SWAN
337
California Zalophus californianus. birth
316
black Cvanus atratus
13
SHEEP
hatching
117
Dali Ovis dalU dalU, birth
389
black-necked Cvanus melanocorvDhus, hat.
289,354
desert biahorn Ovis canadensis mexicana
truiDeter C. cvanus buccinator, hatchina
353
birth
05
SWINE
domestic Ovis aries
Vietnamese pot bellied pig, birth
352
Churro, birth
218
Yorkshire pig, birth
290
Romney, birth
290
TAHR. Nilairi Hemitraaus hvlocrius. birth
41,352
mouflon Ovis musimon, birth
251
TAMARIN see also MARMOSET
296
SHRIMP, Alabama cave Palaemonias alabamae
159
cotton-topped Saouinus Oj. oedipus
(?)04, (?)317
SIAMANG Hylobates syndactylus. birth
291
birth
185
SIFAKA. verreauxs Prooithecus verrauxi, bir.150
emperor (Sii), birth
217
SLOTH
aolden-headed Leontopithecus f =Leontideus )
Hoffman's Choloepus hoffmanni
115
rosalia chrvsomelas. bir. 152.389
two-toed Choloepus didactylus, birth
251
golden lion
SNAKE
Leontopithecus f=Leontideus) r. rosalia
(7)04
aboreal problem feeding
iio
birth
115,118,185
boa
(?)359
relocation
153
Dumeril's AcrantODhis dumerili. hat.
218,292
moustached Saauinus mystax, birth
186
copperhead, Southern
red-handed Saauinus midas, birth
06,186
Aakistrodon c. contortrix. hatchina
291
Wedell's
(?) )04
garter, San Francisco
white-lipped
(?)04
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia. hatching
187
TANAGER
pine, Northern
diademed (diamond)
PituoDhis m. melanoleucus. hatchina
152
Steohanoohorus diadematus, hatchina
41,250,352
python
(?)359
aolden Tanaara arthus, hatchina
389
carpet Morelia soilotes varieaata
09
turoauoise Tanaara mexicana. hatchina
389
Children's Liasis childreni
09
TAPIR
olive Liasis olivaceus
172
Brazilian Taoirus terrestris, birth
117,186,288
tree.oreen Chondroohvthon viridis . f eedina09-10
Malayan Taoirus indicus. birth
41,251
rattlesnake
TARSIER Tarsius svrichta, birth
78
Eastern diamondback Crotalus adamanteus
TAYRA Eira barbara, birth
251
hatching
152
TEAL
South Western spectacled
chestnut Anas castanea. hatchina
289
Crotalus mitchelli Dvrrhus. hatchina 05
cinnamon Anas cvanoptera. hatchina
289
SPARROW, dusky seaside
159
Laysan, hatching
290
SPIDER, tooth cave Leptoneta mvooica
159
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
SPOONBILL. African Platalea alba, hatchina
78,151,390
Discovery Channel
28,312
SPRINGBOK Antidorcus marsuDialis, birth
352
"Ivory Wars"
189,312
SPRINGHAAS Pedetes capensis. birth
119
Peaceable Kingdom
282
SQUIRREL
Safari Live! African Watch
234,312
fox Sciurus niaer, birth
41,352
TERN. Inca Larosterna inca, hatchina
389
ground
28
TIGER
Malayan aiant Ratufa bicolor, birth
149
Benaal Panthera tiaris
202
Prevost's, birth
41
birth
117
white phase, birth
221
39
TIGER (cont.)
Siberian Panthera tiaris altaica. birth 219
Sumatran Panthera tiaris suiatrae. acq. 288
TINAMOU, elegant crested Eudronia eleaans.hat.06
TOAD, Puerto Rican crested, hatching 117
TOPI Damaliscus lunatus topi 194
acquisition 289
birth 221
TORTOISE
pancake Halacochersus tornieri. hatching 41,250,316
radiated Geochelone radiata. hatching 316
TOUCAN
channel-billed Ramphastos vitellinus . hat. 113
keel-billed Ramphastos sulfuratus 14
spot-billed Selenidera maculirostris. hat. 113
toco, hatching 288
TROUPIAL L icterus, hatching 292
TRUMPETER, common Psophia crepitans, hat. 389
TUATARA 170,172
TULSA ZOO: Geomatrix Hatting for Avian Feet 195-7
TURTLE 32
Bategur, painted, acquisition 07
infant fungal infections (?)416
mud, scorpion Kinosternon scopioides. hat. 77
red-bellied short-necked Emydura subglobosa(?)150
hatching 150
sea 94,357
slider, red-eared Trachemvs scripta 230
snapping, New Guinea Elseya novaouineae
hatching 77
VETERINARY SECTION
Animal death form report 377-80
Avian Foot problems - matting 195-7
Avian Triage 325-38
Baboon arm fracture 408
Baby bird diets 337
Cheetah immune system in vitro 230
Elephant vaginal studies (?)189
Giraffe mandible fracture 172
Gorilla, lowland, supplemental feeding 341-6
Macaque -goat milk formula for neonatals 76-7
Medicating prairie dogs, etc. 162
Microchip implant - bat 50-2
Neonatal husbandry & medical care conf. 235-8
Oryx, artificial insemination 62
Penguin sexing by blood feather analysis 273
Pigeon crop milk 186
Primate - medication recipe 10
Turtle, infant fungal infections (?)416
Vaginal cytology studies (?)189
Hater Buffalo - hand raising 27-8
Zoo Medicine Symposium Series 256
VIDEO TAPES
Feeds and feeding 275
Zoo Keeper safety 275
VIEWPOINT
Addendum to August 1988 11
Blood on Our Hands 59-60
From the Humane Society of U.S. 11-2
VIEWPOINT (cont.)
Must Zoo Remain Irrelevant Response
156-8
Why have Conferences
90,130-1
VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM: small cats
168
VULTURE
kina Sarcorhamohus papa
13
hatching
115,152,222,
291
Rupoell's ariffon Gvos rueppellii. hat.
186
WALLABY
195
Bennett Macropus rufoariseus frutica,birth250
WAPITI Cervus elephaus canadensis, birth
290
WARTHOG Phacochoerus aethiocicus
318
acquisition
221
birth
216
WASHINGTON PARK ZOO: Lesser Panda Management
298-300
Red Panda Breeding Behavior
19-26
WATERBUCK Kobus elliosiovrmnus. birth
389
WATERFOWL
337
WHALE
32
fin
32
killer Orcinus orca
62,103
sei
32
What's in an Animal Name
254-5
WILDCAT
Arabian desert Felis silvestris aordoni
271-2
birth
354
Indian Felis silvestris ornata
272
Israeli Felis silvestris tristrami
272
Scottish Felis silvestris arampia
272
Tanzanian Felis silvestris taitae
272
WOLF
Arctic Canis luous hudsonicus. birth
288
red Canis rufus areaorvi
acquisition
218
pup reintroduction
203-4
timber, Northern Rocky Mt.
340
WOODLAND PARK ZOO: AKF Indexes
81-2,393-4
Update: Zoo Infant Development Project
398-400inserts
WOODPECKER
redrumoed areen Picus e. ervthroovaius.hat
.250,352
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
stricter controls on elephant ivory sales
181
ZEBRA
Grant's Eauus burchelli. birth
251,389
Grevy's Equus arevyi. birth
05,288,352
Hartman's mountain Eauus zebra hartmani
birth
118
ZOO ATLANTA:
Microchip Implant for Bat Identification
50-2
Sexual Harassment in Big Brown Bat
163-5
40
AAZK Membership Application
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ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan February 1990
Assistant Editor: Alice Miser Volume Seventeen
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer Number Two
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS - PROTECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange
Cynthia Simpson, Brookfield Zoo
AAZK History-Committee
Art Goodrich, San Diego Zoo
International Affairs Coordinators -
Animal Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to AAZPA/IZE
Kerry Hoffman, Reid Park Zoo
Keeper Accommodations-Lisl
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An. Appr.Qach-J.Q_Zp.Qlie.epmg
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo Infant Development Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Keeper .Training & Education
(includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
VACANT
Public . Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Mona Keith, Calgary Zoo (east)
and Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Minnesota Zoo
Biological Yalues/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Brookfield Zoo
By-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Universitv List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Jean Ragland-McMahan, Woodland Park Zoo/ Distribution Coordinator
Director of Chapter and — Regional-Affairs Committee
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Toledo, OH
Assistant CRAC Directors
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo
Individual Regional Coordinators and the states they oversee are listed elsewhere in each issue of AKF.
This month's cover features artwork by Dorothy G. Kline, artist and Kansas City Friends
of the Zoo member. The Common Eland (Taurotrogus oryx) , at 1500-2000 lbs, are the third
largest antelope. They are used as a domestic animal for milk and meat in parts of
Africa and have recently been imported to Asia for this purpose. The K. C. Zoo has been
awarded a Gold Propagator's Certificate from AAZPA for 50 young born at our zoo. The
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus cygnus buccinator) , the largest North American swan, has
been quite successful at the K.C. Zoo with 37 hatchings as well as eggs sent for surrogate
parent hatching. The K.C. Zoo has participated in programs to reintroduce these birds to
their native habitat. Thanks, Dorothy!
Scoops
and/^
' x Scuttlebutt
Conference Proceedings Now Available
The Proceedings of the 15th National AAZK Conference held October 1-5, 1989 in Syracuse,
NY are now available. If you either ordered a copy prior to the conference or placed an
order at the conference you should receive it soon. They were mailed in mid- January. If
you have not ordered your copy and would like to do so, please fill out the Conference
Proceedings Order Form in this issue of AKF and return to Administrative Offices in
Topeka. The cost per copy is $7.00 for members and $12.00 for non-members. Orders from
outside the U.S. and Canada should add $4.00 extra for postage and handling. We have
only ordered a limited number beyond what were pre-ordered, so if you want a copy you
should act promptly.
Please Note Change of Address for Diet Notebook Coordinator
Effective immediately, the correct mailing address for Susan Bunn Spencer, Coordinator
for the AAZK Diet Notebook Project is P.O. Box 5823, Bridgeport, CT 06610 OR do Beardsley
Park Zoo, Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610. Susan has left the Minnesota Zoological
Garden to accept a keeper position at Beardsley and all correspondence should be sent to the
addresses given above. Brint Spencer, past AAZK Board member and Coordinator for the
Reptile portion of the Diet Notebook Project may be reached at the same address. Please
note this change in your Directory or personal address files.
APT Forms Available Upon Request
Animal Data Transfer Forms for zoos and aquariums are available free of charge upon
request. This is a service provided by AAZK. Contact: Bernie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo,
500 Burnet Park Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204. If your facility is not already using the ADT
Form, encourage your administration to implement its use whenever an animal is
shipped.
Zqq infant PfiYdopment Project Cots Off to a Good Start m 1939
I would like to thank Bill Fagerland, Woodland Park Zoo; Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis
Zoo; and Carolann Curry, Mill Mt. Zoo for so promptly turning in ZIDP Forms before the
end of the year. Patti turned in about a dozen forms. If this is any indication of what we
can expect in 1990, the project should really begin to blossom. Thanks so much. I am also
in need of coordinators for the bird and reptile sections. If you are interested, please let me
know by the end of February if possible. If you need Zoo Infant Development Forms, you
can request them by writing to me at Woodland Park Zoological Garden, 5500 Phinney
Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103. - Harmony Frazier -Taylor, ZIDP Coordinator
41
Scoops and Scuttlebutt. Continued
Conference Planning Update
For those members planning on attending upcoming AAZK National Conference, the
following information is provided:
1990 AAZK National Conference
1991 AAZK National Conference
1992 AAZK National Conference
(AAZK's 25th Anniversary)
New Orleans, LA
Toledo, OH
San Diego, CA
November 4-8, 1990
undecided as yet
undecided as yet
AAZK Conferences are generally held in the Fall of each year (September or October). The
New Orleans Conference is being held later in order to avoid the height of the hurricane
season in that region. Information on the 1990 New Orleans Conference, especially
important information on the post-conference trip to Belize, appears elsewhere in this
issue. Please check it out as deadlines are soon. If you have questions about either the
Toledo 1991 or San Diego 1992 conferences you may contact Bil Whittaker at the Toledo Zoo
or Terri Schuerman at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We will publish dates for the
1991 and 1992 conferences as soon as they have been confirmed by their respective
committees.
From the President.
On December 26, 1989, Jean Hromadka died after a long struggle with cancer. I know that
this news comes as a shock to many of you who knew Jean personally or through her
messages in AKF as President of AAZK. Jean served on the Board of Directors from 1984
through 1987 and as the Association’s President from 1985-87. She devoted most of her
spare time to bettering AAZK, its Chapters and its professional image. She was a friend
and colleague to all who were touched by her happy spirit and intense enthusiasm.
-Frank B. Kohn, Immediate Past President
It was with great sadness that we learned of the untimely death of a friend, fellow zookeeper
and Past-President, Jean Hromadka. She was a warm, energetic woman with a wonderful
sense of humor. Her dedication to AAZK and all it stands for should always be
remembered. We must find the best way to pay tribute to someone of her stature.
-Oliver Claffey, AAZK President
The AAZK Board of Directors is currently exploring ways to establish a lasting tribute to
Jean Hromadka, possibly in the form of an award named in her memory or a grant or
scholarship of some kind. More information will be forthcoming on this in a later issue of
AKIL
As a more immediate tribute to Jean’s memory, AAZK will be collecting contributions
from individuals or Chapters to send to The African Wildlife Foundation. These
donations will be earmarked to be used for:
1. Public Education in the U.S. on the current poaching situation and the illegal
ivory trade.
2. To support elephant research in Amboselli National Park.
3. To help fund anti-poaching activities, including support materials such as
two-way radios for anti-poaching patrols.
If you would care to contribute to this memorial contribution to The African Wildlife
Foundation in Jean's memory, please send your donations to AAZK Administrative
Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. We ask that you make checks payable to AAZK
and send them by April 1, 1990, if possible. We will then forward a single check and list of
contributors on to The African Wildlife Foundation. Please address your envelope to:
Jean Hromadka Memorial Fund.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Many things have come to pass in the year of 1989, but only one event stands out in my mind
as being unforgettable - the passing of a true friend, Jean Hromadka.
Jean was many things to many people - a past AAZK President, an inspiration to
zookeepers, a President of our local South Florida AAZK and its founder. If you knew her
personally she would do anything to help a friend in need.
Early in her career Jean worked at the San Jose Children's Zoo in California. She raised a
baby elephant and from that moment on her love of these large pachyderms grew. After
moving to Florida, Jean got a keeper position at the Miami Metrozoo. This is where she
would get the chance she had waited for - to work with big elephants.
Jean contributed much to an already established elephant department. She constantly was
aware of the responsibility of working elephants and educated the public about the ins and
outs of elephant handling. She was well respected by all who knew her and those who knew
her work.
Her next career move took her to the zoo she had always wanted to work at, the San Diego
Zoo in California. She grew professionally and became a key member of the elephant
department at the San Diego Wild Animal Park under Alan Roocroft.
Just following a much deserved promotion to lead keeper of the elephant department, Jean
found out she had cancer of the liver. Unfortunately our modern medical science was
unable to help her, but many friends sent her cards and gifts. I am told by a friend who was
with her to the end that those cards and gifts were the highlight of her days. She was
constantly overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of those who sent money to help her pay the
bills.
Jean is no longer in pain now, but it was painful to hear the news that she was physically
gone. I know that Jean is still with us in spirit. There is at least one memory we will each
carry with us of her work, her humor or her irrepressible personality and she will be
missed.
Rachel Watkins Rogers
Zookeeper, Metrozoo
(Editor's Note: Having had the great opportunity and genuine pleasure of working with
Jean Hromadka during her years as AAZK Board member and AAZK President, I know
what a great void has been left in the zoological community by her passing. Her boundless
energy and enthusiasm, her dedication to AAZK and its goals, and her caring and concern
for all creatures on both sides of the zoo guardrails will always be an inspiration to me
personally and professionally. SC)
43
AAZK Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for 1989!
The AAZK Awards Committee would like to begin accepting nominations for the awards
to be presented at the 1990 AAZK Conference in New Orleans. In the following months
there will be information concerning the qualifications, nomination procedures,
selection procedures and an explanation of the AAZK Excellence in Zookeeping (EZ),
Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education (CMZE) and Meritorious Achievement (MA)
Awards.
The deadline for all award nominations in 1 June 1989. All award nominations
received after 1 June will be reviewed for 1991, so please keep this in mind when
submitting your nominations.
All awards given by the AAZK do not have a minimum or maximum number offered
each year. Also, if the nominees do not meet the qualifications and nominators do not
follow the nomination procedures, they will not receive the award for which they were
nominated. Please include scientific names of animals when they are included in the
nomination of a special or outstanding breeding acknowledgment.
Please submit all nominations to: Jan McCoy, AAZK Awards Chair
Washington Park Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR 97221
AAZK Excellence in Zookeeping Award
This award is given to keepers who go beyond what is considered "average" in the areas
of dedication, commitment, and professionalism in the field of zookeeping. In fulfilling
the animal’s needs, a keeper must have a knowledge of the animal's behavior,
physiology, and natural history. This is the essential knowledge necessary for
effectively maintaining a species in captivity. The excellent zookeeper must excel in
one or more of these areas but not be lacking in any of them.
Qualifications;
1. The nominee must be a full-time animal keeper, employed in any North American
zoological institution, aquarium or related facility.
2. The nominee must have been employed at least two years on permanent status at a
zoo, aquarium or related facility.
3. The nominee must be nominated by 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. Lis and document outstanding achievements: exhibits, breeding, education, etc.
3. List any extra activities outside of zoo, aquarium or related facility work: working
with conservation groups, youth, wildlife officials, etc.
4 Deadline for nominations is JUNE 1st of each year.
Selection Procedure;
The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each
nominee.
44
9
Coming Events
Conference on the Herpetology of
the North
February 17-18, 1990 Los Angeles, CA
Sponsored by the Southwestern Herpetologists Society. Will feature papers, banquet. For
information contact: SHNAD, Southwestern Herpetologists Society, P.O. Box 7469, Van
Nuys, CA 91409.
National Wildlife Jkhabilitetors Association
I'SYMFOSIUM W
March 21-25, 1990 Ithaca, NY
To be held at Cornell University, the Symposium's featured topics will be Toxins in the
Environment and Oil Spills. Workshops will be held for acquisition of specific skills,
including diagnosis and treatment, care and management, public education, catastrophic
strategic planning. Workshops and lectures to include basic and advanced rehabilitation
techniques, veterinary procedures, educational and management needs. For further
information contact: Nancy Dabney, NWRA Announcement Chair, 2125 Wrens Way,
Clearwater, FL 34624.
Arizona Wolf Symposium '90
March 23-24, 1990 Phoenix, AZ
Co-sponsored by P.A.Ws. (Preserve Arizona's Wolves) and the Arizona chapter of the
Wildlife Society, the symposium will be held at Arizona State University. The symposium
will explore a wide variety of topics about wolves including status in captivity, range
management, education and recovery programs for the Red Wolf, Rocky Mountain Wolf
and the Mexican Wolf Speakers will include U.S. and Mexican biologists, captive
breeders and educators. David Mech, the nation's premier wolf biologist, will be the
keynote speaker. Mike Seidman, of the Central Arizona Chapter AAZK, will present a
paper discussing attitudes towards wolves. The subject of wolf reintroduction will be
debated by a panel including a rancher, congressman, hunter and environmentalist. To
receive an information/registration packet, please write or call: Terri Volk, 6236 S. 10th
St., Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 276-2849.
1990 AAZPA Regional Conferences
Central Regional - 11-13 March - for more information, contact Kathy Rickard, Gladys
Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, TX 78520 (512) 546-7187.
Western Regional - 25-27 March - For more information, contact Kim Parker,
Sacraamento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 449-5166.
Southern Regional - 8-10 April - for more information, contact Mary Leverette, Riverbanks
Zoological Park, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 779-8717.
Northeastern Regional - 29 April - 1 May -for more information, contact Gretchen
Ellsworth, National Zoological Park, 3000 Block of Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington,
DC 20008 (202) 673-4666.
Great Lakes Regional - 6-8 May - for more information, contact Jim Anderson, Fort
Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (219) 482-4610.
45
Coming Events. Continued
Third International Symposium
on Lion-tailed Macaques
May 23-25, 1990 San Diego, CA
To be held at the San Diego Zoo, the program will feature invited lectures, paper sessions,
workshops, and tours of San Diego's unique facilities. Major issues to be discussed
during the symposium are habitat conservation, captive mangement, and reintroduction to
wild reserves. Individuals having relevant work to present are asked to contact the
symposium organizer by 1 March, 1990. Send inquiries and information to: Dr. Donald
Lindburg, Zoological Society of San Diego, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112.
Second International Symposium
on the Biology of Deer
May 28-June 1, 1990 Mississippi State University
A sequel to the international symposium on the Biology of Deer Production held in
Dunedin, New Zealand in 1983, this symposium will convene scientists, managers, and
farmers concerned with the biology and management of cervids. The symposium will
offer plenary lectures, oral and poster presentations, and informal workshops wherein
scientists can present and discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the biology of
cervids as well as their application to the management of farmed and wild deer. For
further information, contact: Dr. Robert D. Brown, Chairman, Biology of Deer Symposium,
Dept, of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Drawer LW, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (601) 325-
3830; FAX 601-325-3299.
Gorilla Workshop
June 22-25, 1990 Powell, OH
The Columbus Zoo is hosting a three-day Gorilla Workshop with the emphasis on
behavioral solutions to behavioral problems in the captive gorilla population. For further
information contact: The Great Apes Staff, The Columbus Zoo, Box 400, 9990 Riverside Dr.,
Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3426; FAX (614) 645-3465.
&
AAZK Announces New Professional Members
Jane McCleary, Baltimore Zoo (MD)
Julie Heininger, Columbus Zoo (OH)
Kathryn Anderson, Minnesota Zoo (MN)
Kimberly Sunblad, Prescott Animal Prk(AZ)
Rob Steele, Palo Alto Jr. Museum/Zoo (CA)
Bridget Burke-Johnson, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont)
John Arrvda, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont)
Dorothy Ahler, WILDFUR (AL)
Suzan Campbell, Detroit Zoo (MI)
Michael Salmon, Ramsey Prk Zoo (MN)
Robert Merz, St. Louis Zoo (MO)
Amy Williams, Sacramento Zoo (CA)
Sandra Bokovoy, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont)
Keith Whelpdale, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont)
Renewing Contributing Members
Minnesota Zoo Library, Apple Valley, MN
46
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November 4-8, 1990
New Orleans, LA
NEW ORLEANS -- Good food, good music and good times!
Jazz, cajun, French Quarter, Mardi Gras, Superdome and steamboats. All
this and more come to mind when you think of New Orleans.
Our conference headquarters is the Clarion Hotel on famous Canal Street.
This is easy walking distance to the French Quarter, the Mississippi River
and the streetcar line. While in New Orleans, we will visit the brand new
Aquarium of the Americas which will open fall 1990. New at the zoo will be
the Tropical Bird House, to open this summer. Our award-winning
Louisiana Swamp Exhibit and Reptile Encounter are other highlights of the
zoo.
The weather in November ’’averages 61°*’. Chances are it will be warmer
than that. Although November is technically during hurricane season, we
feel sure the only Hurricanes you’ll be experiencing are the 32oz. kind
served at Pat O'Brien’s.
New Orleans is a city you have to see for yourself. Please join us November
4-8 for a lot of learning and a whole lot of fun!
Post-Conference Trip to Belize
Attention all sun worshipers! The Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter is
planning a special post-conference trip. Taking advantage of our close
proximity to Central America, a trip to Belize has been planned. We
have scheduled a 4-day, 3-night stay on Ambergris Caye, an island on
Belize's Great Barrier Reef and only 15 minutes from the mainland.
Birding, snorkeling, windsurfing, day sails and more are available on
the island or, of course, you can always choose to just bake in the sun!
The trip will cost $442.00 double occupancy. This includes your room,
round trip airfare and all hotel tax and service charge. No meals are
included. We will leave New Orleans on Saturday, 10 Nov. and return
on Tuesday, 13 Nov.
Because the rooms are already reserved, we need you to decide quickly if
you'd like to go! We need to hear from you bv 1 March if you'd like to go
and receive a deposit of $150.00 bv 1 April Please call or write to Carolyn
Kennedy or Cathi Lehn at P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178 (504)
861-2537. Deposit checks made out to Audubon Park Zoo AAZK Chapter
and mailed to the above address.
For those of you wishing to stay closer to home, information on other post-
conference trips will appear in later issues oiAKF.
The Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter
Invites You to Join Us for the
16th National AAZK Conference
November 4-8, 1990
Clarion Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Southern Hospitality at its Best!
49
DOWN
UNDER
By
Judie Steenberg , Keeper
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle , WA
DOWN UNDER is an information
column about Australasian ani-
mals. While there are a number
of Keepers who work in Austral-
asian Units, or routines, oft times
a Keeper will have a few species
of animals from the Australasian zoogeographical region on their string or routine. It is
hoped this section will contain information on birds, mammals and reptiles.
This column is intended to:
-share experiences and information to improve the care and management of
Australasian animals.
-seek information and advice on problems that occur.
-serve as a forum through which to make comment, to ask questions, to
critique, or to verify information.
Please send your materials (a question, a paragraph or an article) directly to Animal
Keepers' Forum. Topeka Zoological Park, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606, Attn:
Susan Chan.
Scrub Typhus Triggers Exciting Discovery
by f Jane Mundy
reprinted from NEWS ( Association of Zoo Friends)
Taronga Park Zoo
7(2): 19, 1989
Taronga, in cooperation with researchers from the Australian Museum, is to take part in a
captive breeding program that may save Papua New Guinea's largest living endemic
mammal from extinction
Almost daily, species of mammals, birds and reptiles throughout the world are becoming
extinct because of the impact of progress and development on their natural environment.
So it comes as welcome news that Dr. Tim Flannery, head of the Australian Museum's
mammal section, has added a new species to the depleted list of those remaining.
Flannery has discovered a native Papua New Guinea mammal previously unknown to
Europeans and, in cooperation with Taronga Zoo, is soon to begin work on a captive
breeding program that may see its diminishing numbers stabilize and even grow.
That the mammal, a large black tree kangaroo now thought to be the largest living endemic
Melanesian mammal, was discovered at all was a quirk of fate. Had Dr. Flannery not
50
DOWN UNDER. Continued
been struck down by scrub typhus while on an investigative expedition to the Toricelli
Mountains in northern Papua New Guinea in 1985, he might never have stumbled on the
clue to the existence of this elusive creature.
As it was, one of the porters who carried the ailing Dr. Flannery to the local mission station
happened to be wearing a curious talisman round his neck. Through the fog of his fever, Dr.
Flannery thought it to be the claw of a large mammal - unlike any other species he had seen
in the area, but similar in some respects to many tree kangaroos already in the collection at
the Museum in Sydney.
When opportunity knocks, not even typhus will deter a true scientific detective, and Dr.
Flannery made sure he didn't leave Papua New Guinea without first acquiring that
strange claw. But it wasn't until three years later that he was able to return to the
Torricellis with his research assistant, Tish Ennis, to track down its origins.
To the native mountain people the claw was not such an enigma. They recognized it
immediately as belonging to the large, black creature that lived in the treetops high in the
cloud-enshrouded mountaintops above their village. These creatures had thick fur, small
ears, well-developed hind legs, a tail which helped them balance on the branches, and fully
grown were up to two meters long, the native people said. The creature was becoming rare,
they said, and so for them the claw pendant was quite a prized possession.
Dr. Flannery's search for a live specimen proved frustrating. If the creature did exist, it
was not going to give itself up easily, and after 10 days fruitlessly combing the cold, damp,
dark mountain rainforests for some sign of its presence, the prospects of finding it looked
grim.
Dr. Flannery had packed his bags and was ready to admit defeat when down from the
mountains came an old village man and his dog, the latter bearing the coveted quarry.
Unfortunately it was dead - a baby about one meter long and just out of the pouch. It was
thought to have been killed by the dog but perhaps was simply found abandoned.
Although a lesser prize than the live specimen he sought, this was at least real proof for Dr.
Flannery of the existence of the species, and it remained only to return with it to Sydney
and to compare it with other specimens so that its precise identity could be established.
The discovery was a real coup for Dr. Flannery. He identified the species as a black tree
kangaroo, one and a half to two meters long and weighing 20kg in maturity. This made it
not only the largest tree kangaroo known, but also the largest endemic mammal from
Melanesia. Its total population is thought to be no more than a few hundred , and its
distribution is limited only to the mossy forests on the summit of the Torricelli Mountains.
For this reason, Dr. Flannery says it is vital to conserve the few remaining animals
immediately and to begin a captive breeding program at Taronga Zoo aimed to swell their
numbers for the future.
The first task will be to return to Papua New Guinea to survey the habitat of the tree
kangaroo and to locate live specimens. These will be 'radio-tracked' to gather more
information about where and how they live, where they range, what they eat, and whether
they are social or solitary. This kind of data is essential so that a captive environment can
be created which as closely as possible simulates their natural one.
Time is also needed to acclimatize the animals to human contact. Taronga keepers , and
later vets, will be sent to the Toricellis to experience the habitat for themselves and to get to
know the animals before they are dispatched south.
Then the task will be to construct an authentic breeding area - one where temperatures are
controlled so that it is always cold, where the forest floor is always dark and wet and where
mosses, orchids and epiphytes cling to the branches of the trees much as they do in the
rainforests of southwest Tasmania.
51
DOWN UNDER. Continued
If Australian rainforest plants prove to be unsuitable, seeds and small saplings of
indigenous trees may have to be brought down from Papua New Guinea. They will be
cultivated in the greenhouses of Sydney’s Botanic Gardens before being transplanted at
Taronga.
The unusual jaw musculature of this particular species compared with other tree kangaroo
species suggests that although probably also a herbivore, it may have an unusual diet. This,
or substitutes equivalent in nutrients, will of course have to be made available.
Although Dr. Flannery's discovery of this new species of tree kangaroo is of great
importance in itself, its preservation is going to depend on far more than simply
increasing its numbers in a captive environment. Dr. Flannery says the predictament of
its dwindling numbers is a function of the greenhouse effect that is likely to see a 4° C rise
in the world's temperatures over the next 40 years.
"At the end of the last Ice Age 20,000 years ago, the world's temperature rose 8° C, and this
caused the tree-line in New Guinea to rise by 2000 meters. If we can use this as a predictor,
another 4° C warming will result in the tree-line rising a further 1000 meters, and if this
happens, some of the most diverse species on earth, including tree kangaroos, will simply
be pushed off the top of these mountains," he said.
"The habitat of this mammal is already very small. We think it is only 39 square
kilometers, and if it shrinks further, the species may become extinct naturally as a direct
result of the greenhouse effect. Indeed, if we had not found it now, the species would
probably have had only another 20 years on the planet."
As part of its conservation charter, Taronga is an enthusiastic participant in captive
breeding programs for this and other endangered species, many more of which are to be
found in the retreating rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
Only one in six of all rainforest species have been discovered, let alone studied or
described in detail, and as man destroys the world’s rainforests at the rate of a hectare per
second, how many of those species as yet undiscovered will survive to add to our knowledge
and appreciation of the richness and diversity of life on this planet?
Educational Tidbits
Submitted by Barbara A. Birney, Ph D.
Visitor Research and Exhibit Evaluation
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
A Citizen’s Guide to Plastics in the Ocean; More than a litter problem (1988) offers
information about the problem itself, legislative efforts to act on it, potential solutions, and
a resource listing of government and private agencies trying to help. For more
information, contact the Center for Environmental Education, 1725 Desales St., N.W., Ste.
500, Washington, DC 20036.
Exhibit planners may be interested in The Experience of Nature: A Psychological
Perspective (1989) by Rachel and Steven Kaplan. Among other topics, the book discusses
how people perceive natural settings and variations between different groups. For more
information contact: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 32 East 57th St., New
York, NY 10022.
Animals and People Sharing the World (1988) edited by A.N. Rowan may be of relevance to
any zoo personnel interested in the attitudes of people towards animals. For information
contact: University Press of New England, 17 1/2 Lebanon St., Hanover, NH 03755.
52
Nixon Griffis Fund for Zoological
Research Awards Four Grants
The Nixon Griffis Fund for Zoological Research (NGFZR), established in 1984 by New
York Zoological Society Trustee Nixon Griffis, awarded four research grants in November
1989. The recipients were:
Katherine A. Bell and Barbara Baker, DVM, Riverbanks Zoo; and Robert
P. Lawler, PhD, University of South Carolina
"DNA Fingerpruinting for the Determination of Parentage in
Wild Caught Black Howler Monkeys ( Alouatta caraya )"
Carol Glick, Arizona State University
"Examination of Social Effects on the Number of Ovulatory Cycles
to Conception in Captive Female Lowland Gorillas ( Gorilla g. gorilla )"
C. Douglas Page, DVM, Jacksonville Zoo; and Michele Mautino, DVM,
University of Florida
"Comparative Pharmacokinentics of Trimethoprim/Silfadiazine
Administered Intravenously and Orally to Captive Elephants"
Dennis A. Thoney, PhD, New York Aquarium
"The Effects of Trichlorfon, Mebendazole, and Praziquantel on
Various Stages of Monogenea (Platyhelminthes) Infesting
Aquarium Fishes"
Nixon Griffis Fund for Zoological Research grants are available to members of the zoo and
aquarium community. Fund recipients may be keepers, curators, veterinarians, or
research and consulting biologists. Grants, not to exceed $3000, are awarded semi-
annually. Closing periods are 1 January and 1 July. For information about the Fund and
grant application procedures, contact John Behler, Coordinator, Nixon Griffis Fund for
Zoological Research, do New York Zoological Society, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY 10460.
Scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah)
9
53
A Diary of Two Swift Fox
(Vulpes velox) Pups
By
Penelope West, Affiliate Member
AAZK Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The swift fox, a member of the canid family, gets its name from its speed. Individuals
have been clocked at 60km/h, but because of their smallness they seem to move at even
greater speed. It is about 40% smaller than the red fox and about the size of a house cat. The
adult male averages 2.45 kg and the female 2.25 kg. They stand 30 cm at the shoulder and
have a total body length of 80 cm1.
On 26 May, 1989, the Valley Zoo in Edmonton received two swift fox pups from the Wildlife
Reserve of Western Canada at Cochrane, Alberta. They were brought to Edmonton by the
Canadian Wildlife Service for the Valley Zoo to hand-raise for display and breeding. The
male was named "Spice" (DB: 19 May ’89) and the female "Sugar" (DB: 14 May ’89).
Valley Zoo Volunteers, who work in the nursery under the guidance of zoo staff, helped to
care for the foxes from their arrival at the Zoo until they were moved to their permanent
quarters at three months of age. Every Sunday, beginning on 28 May, 1989, the author, as
one of the Valley Zoo Volunteers, kept a personal diary of the development and interactions
of the foxes on a weekly basis until they were placed in their outdoor pen. The following is
an excerpt from that diaiy.
DIET: Weeks 1 & 2 - feline mammalac. Weeks 3 & 4 - formula + strained baby food - veal
being preferred to chicken or beef. Week 5 - canned cat food + formula + water in separate
dishes to take as they wished. Weeks 6-8 - formula (changed to 1/2 evaporated milk and 1/2
water) + canned cat food + water. Weeks 9-11 - canned cat food + water. Week 12 - meat +
cat chow + water.
28 MAY - Sugar has her eyes open but Spice's eyes are closed. Both are crawling and look
much like kittens with light, short, thin coats.
4 JUNE - Sugar looks more like a fox now and quite curious. She is walking with a little
stagger, trying to clean herself and starting to bite. Spice's eyes are open and he is trying to
stand but unsteady. He still does not look like a fox. Their coats are becoming longer and
thicker. They have what appears to be a full set of very tiny teeth. When trying to take
pictures of the pups together Sugar took after Spice and began biting him. We had to hold
them to protect Spice from harassment. Earlier in the week the zookeepers separated the
pups in the cage placing Spice in a box as Sugar was chewing on his penis.
11 JUNE - Sugar very aggressive and becoming better coordinated. She plays a little,
chews and bites. Becoming more foxlike, her ears stand up perkily and she can sit now.
Spice looks as Sugar did last week. His legs are much stronger, his ears are still floppy
and he sleeps most of the time.
18 JUNE - The zookeepers have replaced the box with the cage from a birdcage. The foxes
can see and touch each other but Sugar cannot physically harass or chew on Spice unless his
tail or ear protrudes through the bars. We are now putting them on the nursery floor for
exercise while we clean their cage and prepare their diets. Sugar very playful. She like to
run and jump and is starting to play with sticks. Spice now walks better. He still shows the
week's difference in development. He has foxlike features now with ears erect. He seems
to have a skin problem on his stomach and is constantly licking and chewing himself.
This has been reported to the zookeepers.
Canadian Wildlife Service, 1983
54
A Diary of Two Swift Fox Pups. Continued
Male Swift Fox, Spice, on 4 June, 1989 weighed 200 grams. Note: The notebook is 6 3/4 "
by 4 1/4" and was used for size comparison of the pups when photographed. (Photo:
Penelope West)
25 JUNE - Veterinarian says Spice sucks his tummy out of habit. He prescribed "Variton"
cream as the taste discourages his licking. We put cream on his penis whenever he starts to
suck it. Sugar and Spice played and ran together. They are very inquisitive and much
more agile. Spice beginning to stand his ground with Sugar.
2 JULY - Sugar and Spice are now sleeping together with no barrier. Spice no longer
sucking himself. They play well together and are into everything. Sugar got a cloth out of
the nursery bedding box and when Spice grabbed it too there was a snarling match until
Spice was given one of his own. Sugar played with a grape for 5 minutes before losing
interest. They both practiced stalking and pouncing skills. Both aggressive now - Sugar
no longer totally dominant as Spice stands his ground. When they knocked over the long
handled squeegee, they jumped back when the handle hit the floor with a loud ’crack’ and
then Sugar bit the handle for scaring her. Both are comfortable with being handled. When
they got into a spat in their cage I told them to "knock it off and they stopped immediately,
undoubtedly responding to my tone of voice.
9 JULY - Pups were moved from the nursery cage to a room in the center aisle of the Saito
Centre where they have a large play area. Sugar and Spice are sleeping curled up together.
They are developing a strong odor. While weighing and photographing them in the
nursery, we drew quite a crowd of interested visitors. We took the pups out to "meet the
people", holding them close and securely, and did not allow them to be patted. The pups
were a little unsure about the people at first but were quite happy when they realized they
would remain snugly held in our arms. They are beginning to play with us now.
16 JULY - Pups are very playful. They use us to hide behind from each other and then
pounce on their playmate. Practicing their hunting skills (stalking, hiding, pouncing) as
they play. They are interested in playing with objects. Each displayed dominance over
their own toy. They have a blanket for bedding which doubles for tug-of-war.
23 JULY - Took the pups outside, one at a time, for 15 minutes each. Spice more relaxed
than Sugar. Balloons frighten them. Their acute hearing was evident in their reaction to
sudden sounds like squeaky cart wheels, kids' cries, etc. While outside they were happy as
long as they were held securely in my arms. When given the chance to sit on my lap, Sugar
55
A Diary of Two Swift Fox Pups. Continued
reached up to be picked up as she was too unsure to enjoy just sitting. They will be fine once
they get used to the noises and movement outside. They are used to very quiet surroundings
in the nursery/Saito Centre. When photographing them in the nursery, Sugar spotted a
cage of small birds and began stalking them. The birds were not amused!
30 JULY - Zoo visitors are intrigued with the pups. Spice loves to get his tummy scratched.
Both curled up on my lap and dozed for a few minutes until they were ready to play again.
Sugar loves to play with the remnant of a stuffed toy while Spice plays with my notebook.
'£>«*." - 4i<>M jcsCXo
§■»
Hill
: '■ '' ' .. .
|hHhHh|
»I1I1H1»H1 m
Male Swift Fox, Spice (1) at weight of 530 grams and female Swift Fox, Sugar (r) at
weight of 745 grams on 25 June, 1989. (Photo: Penelope West)
6 AUGUST - Greeted gladly by the pups who were looking forward to someone to play with
them. They are enjoying their new area and are very happy. As I was changing film in
my camera, Spice grabbed the camera lens cover and ran off with it before I could stop him.
He buried it in the straw. I took the carrying case off the camera to open the camera box and
Spice swiped that too. I put the empty film box in my pocket and as I was putting the film in
the camera Sugar stole the box. They are certainly "swift". It took me a few minutes to get
the items back. They had a great time chasing each other, stalking and pouncing.
13 AUGUST - The foxes were moved into their outdoor pen on 11 August. They are enjoying
the added space to play and are actively exploring their new area. They are
curious/concemed about their new neighbors (a family of lynx, a pair of wolves and a pair
of cougar) located across the walkway on the south side of their pen. The two elephants
across the drive/walkway to the north of their pen are not so interesting. When a raven
flew over their pen the pups dove for cover; however, they soon learned to ignore birds. Care
of the pups is now being given by the zookeepers.
POSTSCRIPT
Since this diary was completed the pups have adjusted fully to their new surroundings and
totally ignore their neighbors. They still enjoy playing with the staff/volunteers. They
have begun to dig new holes in their pen and like to play together by the hour to the delight of
zoo visitors. Unlike swift fox in the wild, they are out during the day which is a boon to
visitors as previous swift fox in the exhibit were out only early in the morning or in the
evening when the zoo was closed.
56
A Diary of Two Swift Fox Pups. Continued.
Figure 1
WEIGHT MEASUREMENTS
( An i®als weighed 6:00 p.m. every Sunday)
SUGAR ( female) SPICE (male)
Age
(days)
Weight
(grams)
% gain of
body weight
Age
(days)
Weight
(grama)
% gain of
body weight
May 28, 1989
14
210
9
145
June 04, 1989
21
295
29*
16
200
28%
June 11, 1989
28
410
29%
23
270
26%
June 18, 1989
35
585
30%
30
370
28%
June 25, 1989
42
745
22%
37
530
31%
July 02, 1989
49
940
21%
44
705
25%
July 09, 1989
56
1125
17%
51
880
20%
July 16, 1989
63
1300
14%
58
1045
16%
July 23, 1989
70
1485
13%
65
1245
17%
July 30, 1989
77
1680
12%
72
1445
14%
August 06, 1989
84
1750
4%
79
1555
8%
NOTE: average adult
weights1
: female
2250 grams
■ale 2450 grains
‘Canadian Wildlife Service, 1983
Figure 2
GROWTH CHART OF SWIFT FOX PUPS
ZOO ARRIVAL - PERMANENT QUARTERS
WEIGHT IN GRAMS
2300
2100
1900
1700
1500
1300
1100
900
700
100
— - •
! !
t | _ .
i
1 ..... ..
\:’Jy
j
i
i
!
r ■ -
i fipL
uJSL
i
...
l
! f !
i - ■ j i -
j.
I
i "
H
i
1
r- • -- --
! ! J
1
r ! 1
~t j ■“!
!
MAY 28 JUN 11 JUN 25 JUL 9 JUL 23 AUG 6
JUN 4 JUN 18 JUL 2 JUL 16 JUL 30
AVERAGE ADULT WEIGHTS
$ 2250 GRAMS
Cf 2450 GRAMS
£
BD 14-05-89
cf
BD 19-05-89
57
A Diarv of Two Swift Fox Pups. Continued
The public is very interested in these small animals and asks numerous questions about
them.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The Valley Zoo Volunteers, who work long hours to care for the Swift Fox and the other
nursery residents, are a dedicated group who donate their time for the well being of the
Valley Zoo inhabitants.
The Governments of Canada, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Wyoming and Colorado;
Valley Zoo (Edmonton, Alberta) and Calgary Zoo (Calgary, Alberta); the Universities of
Calgary and Manitoba; Wildlife Reserve of Western Canada (Cochrane, Alberta); Lost
River Ranch (Manyberries, Alberta); Moose Jaw Animal Park (Moose Jaw,
Saskatchewan); Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation and World Wildlife
Fund (Canada) are working together to implement the Swift Fox Recovery Plan. The Swift
Fox Conservation Society was formed in Alberta to assist and to educate the public about the
species.
REFERENCE:
Russell, Richard H. Hinterland Who's Who - Swift Fox, Canadian Wildlife Service,
Environment Canada, 1983.
Male Swift Fox, Spice, on 2 July, 1989 at a weight of 705 grams. (Photo: Penelope West)
58
Zimbabwe, Africa
Conservation 2000 is a club founded recently by two Zimbabwean girls, Charlie Hewat and
Julie Edwards, in their aim to make people more aware of the serious threat to wildlife and
its environment made by man not just in their native Zimbabwe but worldwide.
In 1987 the two girls underwent a mammoth sponsored cycle ride from the United Kingdom
to Zimbabwe, a distance of some 22,000 kms (approx. 10,000 miles) to raise money for the
Zimbabwe National Conservation Trust. The money raised was used to buy badly needed
vehicles for use by the anti-poaching patrols in the National Parks. On the ride, which took
them through sixteen countries, the girls gave a series of lectures/slide shows about the
ride, the work of the National Parks and highlighted the serious threat to the Black Rhino
from poaching.
In April/May 1990, the girls are planning to undergo another cycle ride for the rhino; this
time across the United States of America. Although the itinerary is subject to change, the
route will take in Philadelphia (PA), Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Atlanta (GA), Birmingham (AL), Memphis (TN), Dallas, Fort Worth and El
Paso (TX), Phoenix (AZ), and into California via Palm Springs. People with whom the
girls are currently scheduled to meet include President George Bush and film stars Jimmy
Stewart and Stephanie Powers, both of whom are heavily into conservation; and the girls
are also going to be making an appearance on the Johnny Carson Show.
Mr. Harry Tennison of the Game Coin Organization (Ft. Worth, TX) made the invitation
to Charlie and Julie to travel to the U.S. and will be organizing the U.S. side of the trip; but
Conservation 2000 would be interested to hear from any zoos or wildlife institutions which
are situated along their planned route (or near to it) that would be interested in having the
girls present a slide lecture show about the ride, National Parks in Zimbabwe and their
future plans for Conservation 2000.
Conservation 2000 has just recently started their own monthly newspaper called
"Conservation Now". The entire paper is devoted to animal and environmental issues
from around the world. If you have an animal story, unusual animal photograph or
animal jokes that you would be willing to share with us Conservation 2000 would like to
hear from you with a view to possibly using them in future issues of the "Conservation
Now" newspaper. Contributors on a regular basis (if used in the paper) will get a year's
free membership to Conservation 2000 and receive 12 monthly issues of the newspaper.
Memberships in Conservation 2000 are available at the following rates: U.S. £35.00
airmail or £10.00 surface mail; Europe £30.00 airmail or £10.00 surface mail.
International money orders should be sent in sterling to: "Conservation Connections",
Midland Bank, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK.
If you wish to contribute to the newspaper, have the girls give a slide show on their U.S. trip
or wish to know more about Conservation 2000, please contact me: Philip Wooton,
Conservation 2000, c/o Munn Publishing P/L, P.O. Box UA 460, Union Avenue, Harare,
Zimbabwe.
59
Good-bye to a Longtime Friend
Milwaukee's Tanga Dies
By
Karin Newman , Chapter Liaison
Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter
Milwaukee, WI
In March, 1988, Dr. Bruce Beehler, Assistant Director of the Milwaukee County Zoo,
represented the MCZ at a meeting to finalize the North American Species Survival Plan
(SSP) for gorillas. The captive gorilla population had been gradually declining, thus
making it essential to increase the reproductive rates of the gorillas already in captivity.
Future plans for Milwaukee included the building of a new Great Ape facility that could
eventually house two extended family groups of gorillas.
The immediate plan centered around the establishment of a social group of Western
Lowland Gorillas headed by Tanga, our silverback male. Tanga had been introduced to a
number of females with no success, but finally it seemed as if the zoo could look forward to
their first gorilla birth. The year after the SSP meeting was spent socializing Tanga with
three females in their mid-twenties and a juvenile male. One year and eight months after
that important gorilla SSP meeting, Tanga crawled up on his shelf in mid-afternoon and
died of congestive heart failure. He was approximately 30 years old. Milwaukee's
immediate hopes for their first successful reproducing group of gorillas faded with his
death.
Tanga came to Milwaukee on 25 April, 1960. He was wild-caught from the Cameroons and,
at 17 pounds, was probably under a year old. He came with a female, Terra, who was of the
same age and the two were raised together. Because of their relationship as they grew up,
they never showed any interest in breeding when they matured. In 1980, reproductive
specialists did a sperm check on Tanga and found that he did have good sperm motility.
The MCZ obtained a female named Diane from the Los Angeles Zoo who became Tanga's
companion. Tanga impregnated Diane twice, once in spring of 1983 and once in the
summer of 1984. Unfortunately, Diane did not carry either fetus to term. She aborted her
second fetus in July, 1984 when approximately two months pregnant and never fully
recovered. Diane died on 18 July 1984 at 20 years of age from hydatid cyst disease with
secondary peritonitis. Another female, Mesou, was brought from Chicago one month after
Diane's death. Tanga did breed with her but because of her age and physical condition, she
never conceived. In June, 1985, Femelle, a 23-year-old female from Washington D.C.'s
National Zoo, came to Milwaukee on a breeding loan. Femelle and Mesou did not get along
well and the zoo staff favored Femelle to stay with Tanga. Femelle and Tanga bred and in
December, 1986, the zoo was about to realize their first born gorilla. Tragically, Femelle's
infant was stillborn due to umbilical strangulation.
The MCZ had an opportunity to increase their chance for their first successful gorilla birth
when they acquired five gorillas from Wassenaar Zoo in The Netherlands. Two females,
Linda and Ngajji, were in their early 20's and had both been reproductively successful.
These females were brought to Milwaukee in September of 1988 to be introduced to Tanga.
The other three gorillas were sent on loan to other zoos. Linda and Ngajji were first
introduced to Femelle, then to Obsus (an eight-year-old juvenile male). By spring 1989 they
were introduced to Tanga and, after a few skirmishes, were getting along fairly well. At
465 pounds, Tanga was definitely in charge of the group.
In September 1989, Tanga developed a cough that was believed to be bronchitis. Antibiotics
were administered but his health did not improve. In October he was very lethargic and the
antibiotic regimen was continued. The zoo and veterinary staff did all that was possible to
improve his condition, but on 20 October, 1989 Tanga succumbed to congestive heart failure.
60
Oood-bve to a Longtime Friend-Milwaukee’s Tanga Dies. Cont'd
Sam LaMalfa, Area Supervisor of Primates, had cared for Tanga since the gorilla's
arrival in 1960. Sam and Tanga had developed a special relationship. "We're part of their
[the gorillas'] life, part of their social group even though we are not physically living within
the group," Sam reported. "Tanga and I enjoyed a certain rapport. I was not just a feeder,
but an individual to him. He would know who he could intimidate (gardeners,
maintenance workers, other keepers) but he would rarely try anything on me. To him, I
was predictable, safe. At times, Tanga would try to 'protect' me by slapping the window
when I was talking to people in front of his cage. Whether that action was caused by
jealousy or a wariness of strangers is unknown. But I was definitely a part of his world.
And to me, he was a buddy, a friend, family."
Milwaukee's silverback male, Tanga, in his
outdoor enclosure in 1988. He died in October
of congestive heart failure. (Photo: Mike Nepper,
Milwaukee County Zoo)
LaMalfa's sentiments express the feelings of many of the zoo staff and the Zoo Pride
volunteers as well as the zoo's visitors. Tanga had proven to be a successful breeder and the
hopes for future reproductive accomplishments rested with him. But he was also a friend, a
well-recognized individual at the zoo and he was a part of our world in Milwaukee.
Hopefully, the information that keepers and curators gained during his life will help the
Milwaukee County Zoo to make advances in fulfilling its long-term commitment to the
conservation of the gorilla. Currently, arrangements are being made to bring another
silverback male to Milwaukee to complete our group.
9
61
Lion-Tailed Macaques Move to
Sun Bear Forest Exhibit
at San Diego Zoo
From Zoological Society of San Diego News Release
When Leo the lion-tailed macaque ( Macaca silenus) and his six mates scampered across
the vines and branches of their new Sun Bear Forest enclosure for the first time last June, a
bright new chapter opened in the saga of a most remarkable primate and the San Diego
Zoo's most intense effort to save a vanishing species.
With fewer than 2,000 lion-tailed macaques said to remain in southern India's Western
Ghat Mountains, the black monkeys with strikingly silver "manes" and tufted tails are
one of the world's most critically endangered mammals.
At the San Diego Zoo, where 39 lion-tailed macaques constitute the world's largest captive
colony, the prized primate is the most intimately studies species, with the Zoological Society
of San Diego’s Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES) leading an
international effort to preserve the macaque and to eventually return it to wild rain forest
habitats.
Led by CRES behaviorist Dr. Donald Lindburg, the Zoo's lion-tailed macaque program has
recorded 25 births in the last decade. To gain knowledge that may lead to the macaques'
return to the wild before the next decade is out, the San Diego Zoo lion-tailed macaques have
had their hormone levels evaluated through daily urine samples, and their individual
behaviors and group dynamics observed, tabulated and computer analyzed.
The macaques here have been extensively videotaped. Their vocalizations have been
recorded, sonographically charted and a "copulation call" discovered. Their nutrition has
been quantified and qualified. The genetics of each individual animal has been studied to
recommend mating partners. Their estrus cycles are diagramed, their semen collected
and deposited in the "Frozen Zoo". Lion-tailed macaques have had sonograms and blood
work-ups. Every animal is daily noted in the species 'studbook' and its future determined
by a consortium called a "Special Survival Plan" (SSP).
One of three San Diego macaque breeding groups-the seven animal troop led by alpha
male Leo-now live in the spacious, lushly-planted enclosure in the Zoo's multi-million
dollar Sun Bear Forest complex. The innovative habitat provides masses of trees and logs
for climbing, rubber-coated "monkey-proof' jungle vines for swinging, and even streams
and ponds for the occasional swims that these mostly-arboreal monkeys have been known
to take. The other two lion-tailed macaque groups live in unique, off-exhibit facilities.
The SSP for lion-tailed macaques involves San Diego and 24 other North American zoos in
an effort to establish a self-sustaining, genetically divergent macaque population. With
more than 250 lion-tailed macaques in the SSP, the North American program is reaching a
stability stage, and animals are being exchanged with similar lion-tailed macaque
programs among European and Asian zoos.
Lindburg, other CRES scientists and San Diego Zoo personnel have played a major role in
propelling the lion-tailed SSP to its current successful status. Before Lindburg began his
work almost 10 years ago, there were many more questions than answers regarding the
valuable animals. Birthrates were low, infant mortality rates were high and very little
was known about the species in general.
Using non-invasive research methods such as behavioral observations, routine physical
exams, hormone analysis from daily urine samples and even semen evaluation,
Lindburg and a plethora of CRES staff including geneticist, endocrinologists, a
62
Lion-tailed Macaques at the San Dieffo Zoo. Continued
The Lion-tailed Macaque has been extensively studied by CUES scientists at San Diego.
They hope the knowledge gained from these studies will allow for eventual reintroduction of
these animals to their former wild habitat in India. (Photo by Ron Garrison. © Zoological
Society of San Diego)
reproductive physiologist and behavior specialists gained a better understanding of lion-
tailed macaque management, social requirements, nutrition, reproductive systems and
behaviors, and housing needs. Because of all the knowledge gained about the macaques,
San Diego Zoo and other zoos have had a rise in birthrate.
In one of his earliest CRES projects, Lindburg solicited zoos from around the country to
send San Diego Zoo all of their non-reproducing lion-tailed macaques so the CRES team of
experts could analyze their reproductive systems and behavior to determine what was
wrong. A newly-built, off-exhibit Primate Research Pad provided ample space to house the
rare primates. Some lion-tailed macaques were successfully introduced to new monkey
troops, and they subsequently produced offspring. Others were discovered to be unable to
reproduce.
Through years of collecting daily urine samples and studying the hormones of females,
normal reproductive cycles have been determined. If a female doesn’t have a baby even
though she's of breeding age and behaviorally normal, her hormone levels can be
analyzed to find out why.
A birth watch has been conducted on every pregnant female since 1980, so now we know
intricate details about labor signs, the average number of contractions, the actual birth and
even the fact that births occur at night. Because CRES scientists have noted the
characteristics of lion-tailed macaque births, problem deliveries can be anticipated if the
mother-to-be exhibits unusual signs prior to giving birth (such as having more than 50
contractions during the second stage of labor or beginning labor in the middle of the day).
63
Lion-tailed Macaques at the San Diego Zoo. Continued
Social structure of lion-tailed macaque troops has been defined through long-term
behavioral observations. The macaques are extremely social animals and live in troops of
up to 20 animals, which are mostly females, babies and juveniles led by a dominant male.
Although monkeys within the troop are closely bonded to each other, they are very
aggressive toward macaques from other troops. Because the macaques are xenophobic, this
can cause major problems when trying to introduce a new animals to a troop to expand its
genetic blood lines.
However, many successful introductions have occurred at San Diego and at other zoos
because of San Diego's pioneering efforts. For example, in several cases, an orphaned
offspring has been adopted by a surrogate mother and then integrated into a new troop
situation. A system has been developed for introduction, which allows younger, smaller
macaques to escape from larger, more aggressive adult males into an adjoining enclosure
through a tunnel that is only large enough for the small animal to fit through.
San Diego Zoo observers have discovered that lion-tailed macaques are incredibly
intelligent and manipulative. The monkeys invent games and do things cooperatively.
Two macaque males might carry a long stick together, one at each end, and then break the
stick into pieces to form perches. Lion-tailed macaques often prop branches against walls
and climb them, essentially creating ladders. With this kind of knowledge, zoos can
create better environments for their monkeys, thus stimulating more natural behavior.
Changes in nutrition and even the way food is served can make a difference. Zoo
behaviorists compared giving lion-tailed macaques chopped versus whole fruits and
vegetables. In the past, the Zoo served chopped food because it was believed that by serving
the food in smaller portions, dominant animals couldn't monopolize the favorite foods and
vegetables; therefore, the food would be more equally distributed. The CRES study showed,
however, that when food was offered whole, total food consumption increased, as did the
average feeding time. The monkeys spent more time peeling and dividing the food into
chewable portions, just as they do in the wild. In addition, the macaques ate a greater
variety of foods when it was served whole, even though dominant animals did, indeed
monopolize some of the preferred items.
Zoo researchers recently discovered a female lion-tailed macaque "copulation call". The
study kept track of the females' vocal behavior and determined that certain calls are under
the control of female sex hormones and are used to solicit males for breeding. Sonographic
analysis helped determine the variations of the breeding calls from other behavioral calls,
which were difficult to detect by human hearing. An interesting side note to the copulation
calls is that in two-thirds of the cases, the female doing the calling was focusing her
attention on a male in another cage and not the dominant male of her own troop. Lindburg
theorizes that perhaps this helps contribute to widening the genetics pool for macaque troops
in the wild by attracting outside males, although more studies need to be done to reach a
definite conclusion.
The San Diego Zoo has a 66-year history of exhibiting lion-tailed macaques and in the
1970's took the initial steps in urging AAZPA to secure the future of these rare primates.
The Zoo furthered its commitment to save macaques when Lindburg was hired in 1980.
Lindburg participated in the first-ever international lion-tailed macaque symposium,
held in 1982 at the Baltimore Zoo, which was a turning point for the macaque's future.
Scientists, government officials, educators and primate specialists gathered to discuss
conservation steps. The outcome was a petition to the AAZPA requesting than an SSP be
developed to save the monkeys from imminent extinction.
The North American SSP for lion-tailed macaques was organized in 1983 and the precious
primates from all U.S. and most Canadian zoos were listed in a formal studbook. The
"studbook" which is a record of all lion-tailed macaques, births, deaths, helps ensure that
there is as wide a representation of various macaques in the gene pool as possible.
64
Lion-tailed Macaques at the San Dieffo Zoo. Continued
Also in 1983, a colony of 15 lion-tailed macaques from the private collection of Prince
Rainier of Monaco was added to the San Diego Zoo's population. That addition provided a
much-needed new line of genes to the North American macaque population.
A 1986 lion-tailed macaque symposium raised the prospect of reintroducing the monkeys
into preserves in their native Indian rain forest habitat. Mid-summer of this year, the
"Monaco macaque troop" was moved to an off-exhibit, three-quarter acre breeding corral at
the Wild Animal Park to test procedures relevant to a possible reintroduction into the wild.
Because of the corral’s large size, Lindburg expects that the Monaco troop will eventually
take on the behavioral characteristics of a wild troop.
Currently in the works are plans for a 1990 international lion-tailed macaque symposium,
tentatively set for San Diego, that will address a whole new set of issues that comes with the
success of the North American SSP. And, with the knowledge that comes with our SSP,
similar lion-tailed macaque management plans are being organized in Europe and
Japan.
Reproduction has been one of the areas of concentration in the CRES study. Hormonal
testing has helped to determine which animals are reproductively sound and in some cases
changing the animal's social group has led to successful reproduction. (Photo by Ron
Garrison. © Zoological Society of San Diego)
65
Reflections on Rhum
Part I
sy
Robert Berghaier , Senior Keeper
Philadelphia Zoological Society
Philadelphia, PA
During the spring of 1985 I had the opportunity to participate in an Earth watch project on the
Scottish island of Rhum. This project involved the study of Manx Shearwaters, a pelagic
bird. Since my interest lies primarily with mammals, my choice of this post might seem
unusual. I freely admit that before I reached Rhum, I had little interest in shearwaters.
The Isle of Rhum itself was a different story. Rhum is considered by many to be the finest
nature reserve in the United Kingdom. Being an island, it is isolated and, at 64 square
miles, large enough to have a wilderness feel to it. Rhum also has a diverse bird population
of nearly 200 species, seals and otters living along its shores, feral herds of goats, highland
cattle, and ponies, and the best studied herd of red deer in the world.
The red deer of Rhum have been the subject of one of the longest and most important studies
in behavioral biology. The Red Deer project has produced fascinating data on the
reproductive strategies of male (stags) and female (hinds) deer. The Rhum researchers
were not surprised by the fact the strongest stags were the most successful in fights and
therefore produced the most offspring. It was, however, a surprise when it was found that the
most prolific female deer shared their territories with closely related hinds. What appears
to be happening is that successful females hold territories that contain nutritious grazing.
The winters on Rhum are very harsh. Calves raised on milk from hinds that hold good
territories gain weight more rapidly and therefore have a better opportunity to survive the
winter. Male calves from dominant females leave their mother's territory after one year
of age. They do not return until they are established breeding males. Most female calves of
dominant females stay within their mother's home range. They too have a high calf
survival rate, and their females calves in turn stay within the home range. The Rhum
study data seems to show that kin selection occurs in female red deer with females willing
to share territories and resources with closely related animals. This study has important
implications for the controversial field of social biology. The Rhum deer project results
show strong support for sociobiological theory and is often cited in its defense. As a result I
did not want to pass up the opportunity to spend an extended stay on the island. I did not
however expect to find shearwaters to be such fascinating birds.
The Manx shearwater is a pelagic bird of slender build, 14 inches in length. It has long
narrow wings and a short tail which assists it in gliding over the ocean searching for
small fish and eels to eat. Its upper parts are sooty-black color while its under parts are
white. You can quickly identify flocks of shearwaters at sea by the alternate flashes of
their black and white coloration produced by the birds turning together. The effect
reminded me of college football crowds in grandstands, who in unison turn place cards,
producing messages or their university's symbol. Spying a flock of shearwaters over the
ocean you see black at first, then white, then black again. I never grew tired of watching
them.
A shearwater spends much of its life at sea except for breeding and rearing its young. It is
then they return to land and excavate a burrow. The most successful colonies are found on
islands with soft soil and few ground predators. Rhum meets both of these conditions.
Shearwaters form breeding pairs. After their one egg is laid, the two take turns incubating
the egg and fishing for food. They sometimes have to travel long distances to find fish.
One shearwater was recorded to have undertaken a 1200 mile round trip journey while
feeding a chick. After the chicks fledge, the shearwaters in the North Atlantic spend the
winter feeding off the east coast of South America. At a quarter of a million, Rhum was
66
Reflections on Rhum. Part 1. Continued
considered to have the largest colony of shearwaters in the world. However that population
estimate was done in the 50's by an aerial survey followed up by a ground count using a
small sample. Our Earthwatch group was the first of a series of teams being sent to
determine the present population and to monitor future population trends of the birds.
To get to Rhum, you first have to get to the Port of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland. The
best route, and the one I took, involves taking a night train from London to Glasgow. At
Glasgow you transfer on the Western line going through Fort William until you reach the
last stop, Mallaig. Mallaig is a rather bleak looking fishing port. If you saw the movie
"Local Hero" you know what Mallaig looks like, since much of the movie was filmed
there. From Mallaig, one has to catch the morning ferry to one's final destination, Rhum.
Our team rendezvous was on the ferry dock where we introduced ourselves.
One of the benefits of doing an Earthwatch project is getting to work closely with, and
thereby getting to know, your fellow participants. On both of the projects I have undertaken
I had pleasant and interesting companions. Our group of five consisted of Daphne, an
Environmental Protection Agency administrator, who had some great stories about
working with her ex-boss Ann Buford; Lynn, a social worker and working mom;
Priscilla, who while the oldest at 55 was by far the best hiker; a fellow keeper, Gary Horn,
from the Brookfield Zoo; and me. The principle investigator was Dr. Robert Furness from
the University of Glasgow, one of the foremost seabird biologists in the world.
Dr. Furness' involvement in this project was due to his interest in the population trends of
sea birds in the British Isles. He theorizes that the expanded British fishing industry in the
post-WW II years has helped increase sea bird numbers. This change was caused by the
heavy industry pressure on large predatory fish such as cod. As cod stocks decreased, sand
eels, which are their major prey, increased. Sand eels in turn are the preferred prey of
British sea birds and, as a result, these bird's populations rose significantly. Now,
unfortunately, the British fishing industry is turning to sand eels. The catch is converted
to livestock feed and is primarily used for poultry. Bob feels that as a result sea bird
populations will seriously decline. So it seems that the future of sea birds in Britain may
ultimately be tied to chickens. Setting up a method of monitoring shearwater populations
on Rhum, the bird's largest nesting colony and heaviest users of sand eels, would allow
him to see if his theories are correct. He also hopes to sound the alarm to the government if
bird populations drop as dramatically as he fears.
Before we left Mallaig we saw a grey seal in the harbor. On the ferry ride to Rhum we
spotted eider ducks, kittiwakes, guillemots, shags, gulls, and a several small flocks of
shearwaters. Dr. Furness pointed our Rhum and asked us what we thought of the very
rugged looking peaks in the south of the island. This corner of the island has five
mountains, the shattered remains of volcanoes sixty million years old. The highest,
Askival, is over 2600 feet above the beaches of Rhum. We found out that most of our work
would take place on those peaks. Well, the expedition briefing did state that you would have
to be physically fit to participate.
I guess I was lulled into disbelief of possible hardship because of our living
accommodations. Field projects are often known for primitive housing conditions. My
first, in Peru, had us living under an open-sided thatched shelter in the middle of the
jungle. On Rhum. however, we would live in Kinloch Castle. The castle, built at the turn of
the century, was one of the first houses in Europe to have electricity and central heating.
The front of the castle was decked out in Edwardian splendor. The main hall had trophy
heads of stags shot on the island. The castle had a game room, sitting parlors, library, and
a grand dining room. Our group stayed in the back of the castle's servants quarters, now
used as a hostel. We were allowed the use of the front of the castle when higher paying
guests were not present. During our stay hardly any "proper guests" were in residence so
we had free run of the place. The game room had a billard table, and Dr. Furness tried his
best to teach us 'Yanks’ that magnificent British pool game, snooker. Our meals were
provided for us and we took turns washing dishes. It was a very pleasant stay.
Since the hostel is used by most visitors to Rhum we got to meet lots of great Scottish folks.
The Scots are a friendly people and fond of Americans. One evening we were invited by the
67
Reflections on Rhum. Part 1. Continued
Rhum reserve staff to a Ceilidh, an evening of dancing to traditional Scottish melodies,
and of course, with the Scots, lots of drinking. Most scientists doing research on Rhum also
stay at the hostel. Those we met during our stay included two geologists who were studying
the volcanic history of the island, and a geneticist who was studying the gene flow in
Rhum's introduced rats. Their presence provided some excellent dinner conversation.
While we were on the island, an archaeological team was excavating a suspected Neolithic
tool making site. We also got to meet some of the red deer researchers including Fiona
Guiness. Ms. Guiness is one of the original pioneers of the deer project. She is one of the
heirs of the Guiness brewery fortune and could be considered a bit of an eccentric. She
spends nearly all of her time on Rhum living in a small cottage in Kilmory Glen, the site
of the best deer calving grounds. Our team also got to work directly with Kate Thompson, a
graduate student who was studying shearwater fledgling success. Bernie Zonfrillo later
joined the project at the invitation of Dr. Furness. Bernie, a surveyor by trade, is a well
respected amateur British ornithologist. His knowledge and dry wit added much to our
expedition.
As I mentioned before, the Rhum reserve staff made us feel welcome. Perhaps the person
that I found the most inspiring was Laughton Johnson, the chief conservator of Rhum.
Even though Rhum is considered to be a showcase of British nature conservation it is also a
badly damaged ecosystem. Originally Rhum was covered by forest. This was burnt off
and cut down by the resident crofters (fishermen/farmers) who settled on the island. The
introduction of sheep in the last century was the final end of Rhum's woodlands. Between
the grazing of the sheep, and the burning done to improve that grazing, the forest of Rhum
became a moor of heather and tussock grass. With the drop in plant diversity the numbers
of other forms of life declined. The replacement of sheep with red deer did not change the
situation.
Shortly after the Nature Conservancy was given the island, plans were made to start a
rehabilitation project. Its ultimate purpose was to restore as many of the original plants
and animals found on Rhum as possible. The area around the castle was fenced off from
deer and a forest was planted. Laughton has expanded these exclusion plots to other places
on the island. These areas have been planted with some of Rhum's original vegetation
which managed to survive on the face of cliffs and the side of steep ravines. Other plants
were brought from the mainland. As the restored forest continues to grow, the diversity of
birds and insects does also. Laughton has plans to introduce roe deer to help browse and
thereby stimulate growth in the replanted areas. He feels that the red deer are too
unselective a browser to be used in this capacity. He would also like one day to bring
mountain hare to the island to provide prey for large breeding raptors. Rhum is the most
ambitious ecological restoration project in the British Isles. Much of Laughton's work is of
the pioneer variety and the methods that prove successful on Rhum can be used to restore
other areas of Scotland. The complete restoration of Rhum will not be completed until long
after Laughton Johnson is gone. In that, however, lies the real essence of conservation,
working to preserve a species or ecosystem today so that future generations may one day
experience their existence. The fact that you may never see the results is immaterial.
To Be Continued.
68
Gorilla. Struggle for Survival in the Virunsas
Photographs by Michael Nichols
Essay by George B. Schaller
Aperture Foundation, 1989
20 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
112 pages Hardback $29.95
Review by Melba T. Brown
Elephant Keeper
National Zoological Park
Washington, DC
Gorilla is a profound piece of work. Through the vivid and often spectacular photographs by
Michael Nichols and an essay by the renowned zoologist, George B. Schaller, the reader is
swept into the beautiful yet tragic world of the mountain gorilla, Gorilla gorilla beringei.
Mr. Nichols' pictures along with descriptive captions evoke a wide range of emotions.
Often, they are simply breathtaking as in "Moonlight and shooting stars over the crater at
Mt. Visoke's summit..."; sometimes, they are humorous as in "The riotous offspring of
Ziz..."; they are devastating as in "Pandora's deformed hand..."; they are powerful as in
"Mrithi cracking bamboo..."; and, perhaps most importantly, they are promising as in
"Four-month-old Ugenda...". Mr. Nichols gives us a compelling glimpse of the culture.
He shows us how the people are becoming educated about the plight of the gorillas. The
reader is left with a sense that progress is being made in the conservation of these
endangered primates. Yet, far too much still needs to be done.
In his accompanying essay, George Schaller gives a concise historical account of the
gorillas and their encounters with mankind. He writes of his early experiences with these
animals as well as those of Paul du Chaillu, Carl Akeley, Dian Fossey and others.
At the end of the book, there is a chronology of significant events concerning gorillas.
Also, there are several organizations which are listed that are active in mountain gorilla
conservation.
This book is of the utmost quality. Anyone who has marveled at gorillas or has a passing
interest in them must read and see this book. After having seen it, one would undoubtedly
appreciate gorillas more fully and want to protect them more aggressively.
69
Chapter
News
Greater Baltimore Chapter
This past year has been a busy one for
the Greater Baltimore Chapter of
AAZK. The Chapter was established in
1989, encompassing members from the
Baltimore Zoo and the National
Aquarium at Baltimore. We also
designed our Chapter logo which will be
printed on all Chapter correspondence.
This year was mostly one of getting
ourselves organized, and deciding on
what projects we should focus on.
Our first project was recycling which
we put into effect immediately. It made
quite an impact when it helped us
realize what we were able to recycle just
among ourselves and other keepers.
Two other projects we have been
working on will be put into effect in
1990. We have several parking meters
that were refurbished and donated by
the City of Baltimore. We will be
designing the graphics, and have them
installed permanently around the zoo.
Each meter will be for a specific project,
and we have selected five to begin with -
Bali Mynahs, Chesapeake Bay
Foundation, Lion-Tailed Macaques,
Delmarva Fox Squirrels and Rhinos.
Each meter will be placed near an
exhibit that ties in with the project, and
hopefully will raise the awareness of
the visitors, as well as raise money!
Another project we are working on ties
in with a Maryland tradition - the
Preakness. Since no glass bottles are
allowed on the grounds, after the race
the infield is littered with aluminum
cans. Our President, Rosemary Jalink
inquired about what was done with the
aluminum, and the possibility of our
Chapter collecting it. The offer from
the Preakness management was that
we were to come to the track the day
after the race, and bag all of the trash on
the infield. We could keep all of the
aluminum and they will pay us $2,500
for the work. We are cooperating with
the volunteer coordinators of the
Baltimore Zoo, the Aquarium, and the
National Zoo to recruit volunteers to
help. The support has been
overwhelming. We plan on using the
money raised to purchase rain forest
land.
The final objective of our Chapter this
past year was to schedule a speaking
engagement with Andy Lodge. We
have the talk scheduled for 3 February
1990, and we are holding a 50/50 raffle
to raise money for the Rhinos. We
want to thank everyone who has been so
helpful in getting our Chapter off the
ground in '89.
-Chris Bartos, Secretary
St. LQpig Chapter AAZK
On Sunday, 1 October, the St. Louis
Chapter of AAZK raised over $250 by
holding a rummage sale at Soulard
Farmers market. Zoo staff, friends
and relatives appreciated a chance to
clean out their closets. We have had a
lot of success and support with this type
of fundraiser and always appreciate a
chance to pick over the donations first.
Special thanks go to Ann, Joe, Betsy,
Colleen, Louise, Frank, and Martha
and everyone else who donated time
and items.
Our monthly calendar has proven
successful in getting the word out about
our monthly meetings and lectures.
Membership and participation has
increased. Thanks to Rick, Betsy, and
all our new members.
Our September lecture, "Trees and
Shrubs of the St. Louis Zoo", presented
by horticulturists Jim Walling and
Ted Hornbeck, was a fascinating
presentation and lively discussion. In
October, Rick Smith, V.P. and Chapter
Liaison, presented a discussion on the
changes in AAZK regional and liaison
policies. Rick also reviewed the
National AAZK Conference in
Syracuse which he attended between
Dead concerts. George Winkler, Zoo
entomologist, gave a fascinating
lecture-discussion on our collection of
arthropods and their management in
The Living World, the Zoo's newest
building.
As part of our efforts to increase keeper
professionalism, the St. Louis Chapter
provided partial support to Jeff Ettling,
70
Chapter News. Continued
reptile keeper, to attend the symposium
on the Biology of Pit Vipers at the
University of Texas, Arlington. Jeff
gave a poster presentation titled
"Recent cases of color aberrancy and
hybridization in New World
Agkistrodon ". He gave a summary of
his presentation at our lecture in
December. Currently Jeff is working on
a Masters thesis involving systematics
of midwestern populations of
copperheads.
We moved our winter benefit concert to
the spring to make way for "Bowling
for Rhinos" this month at Tropicana
lanes. We are also experimenting with
alternating noon monthly meetings
with evening pot-luck meetings off Zoo
grounds involving good food and more
time to chat and get down to business.
Rick Smith, Chapter Liaison
Riverside Chapter AAZK (Scottsbluff,
NE)
On 1 December 1989, the staff of the
Riverside Zoo formed the Riverside
Chapter of the AAZK to aid in the
continuing growth of our zoo and to
support conservation causes. On 2
December we kicked off our first
fundraising effort with Zoo Bowl '89.
We scraped together the staff and a few
friends (10 bowlers in all) to raise
almost $650.00. The majority of the
proceeds will be used to help fund our
new Raccoon Exhibit. We also
purchased a blender for the Nursery
and a food processor for the
Commissary Building, and sent
"Christmas presents" to both ISEC and
the Isle Roy ale Wolf-Moose Studies.
Next in the plans is a recycling project
with the local elementary schools. We
are going to hold a contest at a "trial"
school to see which class can bring in
the most aluminum cans. If all goes
well we will take it to the rest of the area
schools. The Zoo Society has also given
us control of the pop machine and we
have seen $100.00 in profit so far.
All in all we have had a pretty busy
month and hope to continue keeping
busy. Further proceeds are slated for
continuing in-house construction of
new exhibits and a Keeper Expense
Fund to help contining education of the
staff.
-Pete Riger, Chapter Liaison
San Diego AAZK Chapter
On 17 January, the San Diego Chapter
hosted Jeff Zuba, a veterinary resident
as their guest speaker. Jeff spoke on
"The Plight of the Wolves in Isle
Royale: A Study of the Population
Decline".
The social portion of the meeting
included beverages and Mexican
appetizers brought to the meeting by
Chapter members.
-Chapter Flyer
Tuqsqh AAZK Chapter
The Tucson Chapter/AAZK has been
busy (like every other chapter) getting
ready for Bowling for Rhinos.
Tucson's group will be bowling at the
local lanes on the 24th of February.
The Chapter held a "Swap Meet" in
November that raised $250.00 (Our
dinner of barbequed chicken for the
workers got better reviews than the
junk we sold).
The Chapter also voted on a revised
design of our original logo, the
hummingbird. The logo will soon
appear on our stationary and
advertisements. The logo was
designed by commercial artist Dale
Choan.
The "Little Chapter That Could" never
seems to get enough. We are now
developing a marketing strategy that
hopefully will increase the professional
membership of AAZK.
The Tucson Chapter/AAZK would like
to extend our deepest sympathies to the
family and friends of Jean Hromadka.
She was a very dedicated and
professional keeper as well as a good
friend. We will truly miss, but never
forget her.
-Gale London, Chapter Liaison
9
71
CHAPTER AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee - Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoo, 2700
Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609. (419) 385-5721 Ext. 251. Home address: 10740 Obee Rd.,
Whitehouse, OH 43571. (419) 877-0681 {h}. Assist. Directors- Colleen Kinzley (west) (312) 485-
0263 Ext. 489 [w]; {312} 442-5872 [h] and Nancy Pintavalli (east) {614} 645-3400 [w]; {614} 766-'
6475 [h].
REGIONAL, C.OQHDINATQI^S
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 684-4880 [w]
for the States of WA, OR (North Pacific Coast)
Todd Cecil, San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. @ the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, CA 94132
for Northern California and Northern Nevada [South Pacific Coast}
Celeste Northrop, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, SanDiego, CA 92112
for Southern California and Southern Nevada [South Pacific Coast]
VACANCY for the States of ID, MT, WY (North Mountain)
John Turner, Denver Zoo, 23rd St. & Steele, City Park, Denver, CO 80205
for the States of UT & CO, (South Mountain)
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
for the States of AZ & NM [South Mountain]
Carla Wieser, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 10th St. & Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, NE 68107
for the states of NE & LA (North Plains)
Wendy Davis, Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., Duluth, MN 55807
for the States of MN & IA (North Plains)
Steve Tigges, Tulsa Zoological Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115
for the States of KS, OK, MO, AR (Central Plains)
Debbie Jackson, Little Rock Zoological Gardens, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
for the State of AR (Central Plains)
Rick Smith, ( St. Louis Zoo), 6316 Washington Ave., University City, MO 63130 (mailing address)
for the State of MO (Central Plains)
Joanna Ameson, Lee Richardson Zoo, P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846
for the State of KS (Central Plains)
Ann Marie Greco, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
for the States of TX and LA (South Plains)
Joe Rindler, Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Box 400, Columbus, OH 43065
for the States of OH and KY {Great Lakes Region)
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 {312} 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]
for the States of IL and WI (Great Lakes Region) {312} 442-5872 [h]
Lee Williams, Detroit Zoo, P.O. Box 39, Royal Oak, MI 48068
for the States of MI and IN (Great Lakes Region)
Alan Baker, Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13204 AND
Mark Hofling, Bronx Zoo, 185th St. & Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (212) 220-7115 {w}
(212) 543-2753 {h} AND
Jeannette Nadeau, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02905
for the States of ME, NY, VT, NH, MA, CT, and RI (North Atlantic Coast)
Jon Brangan, Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504 {804} 441-2374 [w]
{804} 625-0272 [h] AND
Rosemary Jalink, National Aquarium in Baltimore, , 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
for the States of PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA. WVA & DC (Mid-Atlantic Coast)
Michelle Herman, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39209
for the States of TN and MS (South Atlantic Coast)
Fred Alvey, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315
for the States of GA and AL (South Atlantic Coast)
VACANCY for the States of NC and SC (South Atlantic Coast)
Betty Grogan, Jacksonville Zoological Park, P.O. Box 26767, Jacksonville, FL 332218 AND
Tami Ryf, Dreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 AND
Mary Mure, Metrozoo, 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177
for the State of Florida
VACANCY for the State of Alaska
Dan Vitiello, Honolulu AAZK Chapter, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
for the State of Hawaii
Terry Male, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5
for the Province of Ontario, Canada
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5
for the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada & {204] 837-1635 [h]
States of ND and SD
Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo, Box 3259, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2R7
for the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada(403) 483-5525 [w]
Chantal Routhier, Granby Zoo, 347 Rue Bourget, Granby, Quebec, Canada J2G 1E8
for the Province of Quebec ^
Limited Number of 1989 Conference
Proceedings Available for Sale
If you have not already ordered your copy of the Proceedings from the 1989
AAZK National Conference held inSyracuse, NY, there are a limited
number of copies available following the pre-order mailing. These will be
sold on a first come, first served basis. To order, fill out the form below and
return to AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Cost is $7.00 for AAZK members, $12.00 for non-members. Orders outside
the U.S. and Canada should add $3.00 extra per copy for postage costs.
Papers published in the 1989 Proceedings include: The Animal Data Transfer
Form • Update: Zoo Infant Development Project • Gummivory: It's Significance and
Potential Use in Captive Wildlife • Techniques Used in the Hand-Rearing and Subsequent
Reintroduction to Her Mother of a Lowland Gorilla • Hand-Rearing, Growth and
Development of Fisher • Zoo Atlanta's Search for the Red Ape • Management and Breeding
of the Southern White Rhinoceros • Quarantine and Acclimatization of Bee-Eaters at the
San Diego Zoo • Bull Asian Elephant Facility at Dickerson Park Zoo • Hand-Raising
Scarlet Ibis • Neonatal Growth Weights in Guenther's Dik Dik • The Making of a Zoo-The
Newark Mini Zoo • Research in Natural Habitat Enclosures at the Duke University
Primate Center • Introduction of a Male Colobus to an Existing all-Male Group • Behavior
and Management of Small Deer at the San Diego Zoo • Waste Reduction Program at
Metropolitan Toronto Zoo • The Use of Ultrasound in Managing a Breeding Colony of
Galago • Keeper Personality Survey • A Tropical Renaissance: It's All in a Day's Work •
Husbandry Notebooks and Unit Procedures • Rain Forest Husbandry at the National
Aquarium in Baltimore • Brookfield Zoo Intern Program • Developing Educational Shows
with Available Animals and Staff • M.A.Z.E. -Magnet Assisted Zoo Education • and The
Creation and Operation of a Native Hummingbird Exhibit. Also included in the
Proceedings are An Overview of the 1989 Meeting of the AAZK Board of Directors • A
Synopsis of the Australasian RAP Session • and the handout materials from a workshop on
"A Simple Method for Primate Cycle Evaluations".
1989 Conference Proceedings Order Form
I wish to order copy (ies)
AAZK Member Non-Member
($7.00 each) ($12.00 each)
Orders outside U.S. and Canada add $3.00 per copy for postage.
TOTAL ENCLOSED $
Name: _
Address:
State/Province:
Phone: _____
City:
Zip/Postal Code:
AAZK Diet Notebook
Mammals, Volume 1
(gMQDUHE P®HMI
The AAZK Diet Notebook, Mammals - - Volume 1 contains
approximately 325 diets representing 213 species and subspecies
from fourteen participating institutions. The diets are arranged by
taxonomic order using ISIS numbers in a durable and attractive three-
ring binder. Each Diet Response Form included in Volume 1 contains
the following information: common name, scientific name, ISIS
number, the contributing individual, their institution and its address,
how long the diet has been used, whether the animals have bred while
on the diet, the diet ingredients, instructions for preparation, notes
and remarks, special considerations and nutritional analysis (if
available).
The Diet Notebook is a copyrighted publication of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., and may be ordered by tilling out the
following form and sending it, along with a check or money order (U.S.
FUNDS ONLY) made payable to "AAZK Diet Notebook" to: Diet
Notebook Order, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Cost of the Diet Notebook is as follows: 1) AAZK Members $40.00; 2)
Non-members $55.00; 3) Institutions $70.00. These prices represent
prepaid order prices and include postage for the U.S. and Canada.
Those placing orders from overseas should contact AAZK
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 for
additional postage charges. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
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March 1990
i nimal
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ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan March 1990
Assistant Editor: Alice Miser Volume Seventeen
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer Number Three
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD. OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS--.-. PROJECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange
Cynthia Simpson, Brookfield Zoo
AAZK History Committee
Art Goodrich, San Diego Zoo
International Affairs Coordinators -
Animal Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to AAZPA/IZE
Kerry Hoffman, Reid Park Zoo
Kc-CPfi-Accommodations . List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach, .to . Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo Infant Development Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations-Liaisou
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Keeper-Training & Education
(includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
VACANT
Public-Education. .Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Mona Keith, Calgary Zoo (east)
and Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Minnesota Zoo
Biological -Yalues/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative— Advisor
John Stoddard, Brookfield Zoo
Bv-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Universitv List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases ..Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Jean Ragland-McMahan, Woodland Park Zoo/ Distribution Coordinator
Director Of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Toledo, OH
Assistant CRAC Directors
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo
Individual Regional Coordinators and the states they oversee are listed elsewhere in each issue of AKF.
This month's cover art is of a Wart Hog (Phacocheorus aethiopicus) drawn by Dave
Ackerman, a herbivore I carnivore keeper at the Columbus Zoo, Powell, OH. A member of
the even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) , the Wart Hog forages diurnally in most of Africa
south of the Sahara. They have masses of dense tissue called "warts" to protect the jaws
and eyes from another's tusks. A kneeling behavior is present in newborn nursing
piglets and embryos even have callosities on the forelegs! Wart hog burrows are dug to
depths to allow protection against cool temperatures and predators with wet grass often
added to provide higher humidity. Warm temperature is important because they lack fur
and subcutaneous fat. Gestation ranges from 171-175 days with an average of 2-3 young
born although up to 8 young have been recorded. They graze on grass, bark, roots, berries
and carrion An excellent sense of hearing and smell make up for poor eyesight in this
species. Thanks, Dave!
Scoops
and
Scuttlebutt
Two of AAZK's Founding Members Retire at San Diego
On 31 December Animal Care Manager Dick Sweeney and Senior Keeper Dennis Melvin
retired from the San Diego Zoo. Both were among the original founding members of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers at the San Diego Zoo in 1967. AAZK wishes to express
their thanks to Dick and Dennis for all their efforts in getting AAZK started, and for their
continuing support through the years. We wish them both much happiness in their
retirement.
New Chair Named fpr.AAZK CQmmi.tte-
Susan M. Barnard, Senior Reptile Keeper at Zoo Atlanta and former AAZK Board member,
has been named the new chairperson of the AAZK Research/Grants Committee. AAZK
offers two $500 grants annually for keeper-initiated research projects. To obtain grant
guidelines and application forms, contact Susan at Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E.,
Atlanta, GA 30315.
Second Edition of Handbook of Zoonotic Diseases Now Available
The Second Edition of the AAZK Handbook of Zoonotic Diseases, edited by Bruce Clark,
Toledo Zoo, is now available from Administrative Offices. This 40-page reference work
contains listings of the 200+ animal-related transmissible diseases including
information on ethiologic agents, means of transmission to man, global distribution,
alternate or intermediate hosts, human incubation and human symptoms. The work also
contains the AAZV Guidelines for Preventative Control, a section on Disinfection and
Hygiene as well as a Glossary of Terms and a Bibliography. This edition has been
formatted in AKF size and the zoonotic disease listings are in an easily readable text form
rather than in the more difficult to use chart form which appeared in the First Edition.
Prices for this handbook are as follows: Professional AAZK Member - $5.00; All other
AAZK membership categories - $6.50; Non-Members - $8.50. Prices include postage and
handling within North America. Orders outside the U.S. and Canada must add $3.00 per
book for overseas postage. Checks or money orders should be made payable to "AAZK" in
U.S. FUNDS ONLY. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. An order form will appear in
the April 1990 issue of AKF.
AAZK wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Bruce Clark for his many hours of
exhaustive research which allowed this work to become a reality.
77
Scoops & Scuttlebutt. Continued
Zqq Atlanta t q Host Natipn^i Workshop pn B^havigml Research
Zoo Atlanta will host this year's national workshop on "Applying Behavioral Research to
Zoo Animal Management" from 2-9 June in Atlanta, GA. Participants will learn how to
develop and participate in behavioral research projects and apply the results to specific
management problems. This year's workshop will include topics and projects in
mammalian, reptilian and avian behavior. Dr. David Chiszar of the University of
Colorado will give the keynote lecture. Many additional activities are planned as well,
including an ice-breaker and a field trip. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants.
Registration fee for the workshop is $150.00 if paid by 1 May, 1990. After 1 May, the
registration fee is $175.00. Priority will be given to zoo staff from AAZPA accredited
institutions. For further information and a registration form, contact: Dr. Terry Maple,
Director, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315.
Subscriptions fa (forilk .Gazette. Ayaikbk
From its inception in 1987, the purpose of Gorilla Gazette has been to provide a networking
system among gorilla keepers. All costs have been willingly absorbed by the Columbus
Zoo. Since that time, requests have been received from numerous individuals and
institutions to be added to the mailing list. While these requests have been honored, the
volume has grown to the point where it is now appropriate to institute a subscription fee.
Consistent with the commitment of the Columbus Zoo Great Ape staff to facilitate keeper
communication, all institutions housing gorillas will continue to receive at least one
complimentary copy of Gorilla Gazette. Individuals/institutions connected with Gorilla
SSP and Studbook or otherwise directly associated with the welfare of gorillas will also
receive courtesy copies.
For others interested, the subscription rate for Gorilla Gazette is $10.00 for the calendar year
of 1990. Individuals beginning subscriptions will receive appropriate back issues from
1990 plus the new issues for the remainder of the year. To order, send name and full
mailing address along with a check or money order made out to "Columbus Zoo" to:
Gorilla Gazette, Columbus Zoo, P.O. Box 400, Powell, OH 43065-0400.
Ngare Sergoi Rhino Pins Available
Valerie Haft (keeper at the Louisville Zoo)
and Linda Morgan (a psychiatric nurse &
AAZK member) have designed a pin with a
black rhino on it with the proceeds going to
the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary in
Kenya. The background is brightly colored
in purple and yellow. The pins come on a
card that contains information on Ngare
Sergoi and the plight of the black rhino with
the information on who one may contact for
further information.
The pins cost $12.00 each with all proceeds
going to Ngare Sergoi. They may be
ordered through the Louisville Chapter of
AAZK, 1100 Trevillian Way, P.O. Box
37250, Louisville, KY 40233. Be sure to
include name and complete mailing
address when ordering. Make checks
payable to "Louisville Chapter AAZK".
U.S. Funds ONLY Please.
78
Coming Events
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
March 21-25, 1990 Ithaca, NY
To be held at Cornell University, the Symposium's featured topics will be Toxins in the
Environment and Oil Spills. Workshops will be held for acquisition of specific skills,
including diagnosis and treatment, care and management, public education, catastrophic
strategic planning. Workshops and lectures to include basic and advanced rehabilitation
techniques, veterinary procedures, educational and management needs. For further
information contact: Nancy Dabney, NWRA Announcement Chair, 2125 Wrens Way,
Clearwater, FL 34624.
Arizona Wolf Symposium '90
March 23-24, 1990 Phoenix, A Z
Co-sponsored by P.A.Ws. (Preserve Arizona's Wolves) and the Arizona chapter of the
Wildlife Society, the symposium will be held at Arizona state University. The symposium
will explore a wide variety of topics about wolves including status in captivity, range
management, education and recovery programs for the Red Wolf, Rocky Mountain Wolf
and the Mexican Wolf. To receive an information/registration packet, please write or
call: Terri Volk, 6236 S. 10th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 276-2849.
199Q AAZPA Regional Conferences
Western Regional - 25-27 March - For more information, contact Kim Parker,
Sacraamento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 449-5166.
Southern Regional - 8-10 April - for moie information, contact Mary Leverette, Riverbanks
Zoological Park, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 779-8717.
Northeastern Regional - 29 April - 1 May -for more information, contact Gretchen
Ellsworth, National Zoological Park, 3000 Block of Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington,
DC 20008 (202) 673-4666.
Great Lakes Regional - 6-8 May - for more information, contact Jim Anderson, Fort
Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (219) 482-4610.
Third International Symposium
qu Lion-tailed Macaques
May 23-25, 1990 San Diego, CA
To be held at the San Diego Zoo, the program will feature invited lectures, paper sessions,
woprkshops, and tours of San Diego's unique facilities. Major issues to be discussed
during the symposium are habitat conservation, captive mangement, and reintroduction to
wild reserves. Individuals having relevant work to present are asked to contact the
symposium organizer by 1 March, 1990. Send inquiries and information to: Dr. Donald
Lindburg, Zoological Society of San Diego, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112.
79
Coming Events. Continued
Second International Symposium
on the Bfotogy oflto
May 28-June 1, 1990 Mississippi State University
A sequel to the international symposium on the Biology of Deer Production held in
Dunedin, New Zealand in 1983, this symposium will convene scientists, managers, and
farmers concerned with the biology and management of cervids. The symposium will
offer plenary lectures, oral and poster presentations, and informal workshops wherein
scientists can present and discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the biology of
cervids as well as their application to the management of farmed and wild deer. For
further information, contact: Dr. Robert D. Brown, Chairman, Biology of deer Symposium,
Dept, of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Drawer LW, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (601) 325-
3830; FAX 601-325-3299.
Gorilla Workshop
June 22-25, 1990 Powell, OH
The Columbus Zoo is hosting a three-day Gorilla Workshop with the emphasis on
behavioral solutions to behavioral problems in the captive gorilla population. For further
information contact: The Great Apes Staff, The Columbus Zoo, Box 400, 9990 Riverside Dr.,
Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3426; FAX (614) 645-3465.
199Q AAZPA Annual Conference
September 23-27, 1990 Indianapolis, IN
For further information, contact Travis Edenfield, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West
Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 (317) 638-8072.
Information Please
I am looking for any information on the natural history and husbandry techniques of the
Solomon Island giant skink ( Carucia zebrata ) and the Madagascar day gecko ( Phelsuma
madagascas cariensis grandis), i.e. diet supplements, humidity and temperature levels,
enclosure design, incubation techniques, etc. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Also
any experience with thyroid conditions in day geckos would be useful. Please send to:
Stacy A. Seguin, #7-18 Windmill Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3R 3A1.
We are interested in information concerning the successful breeding of Hoffmann's two-
toed sloths ( Chloepus hoffmanni). The zoo also needs information on estrus, menstrual
cycles, gestation periods and the types of diets the breeding animals were fed. Please send
information to: Sally Lieb, General Curator, Dreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West
Palm Beach, FL 33405.
I am interested in any information in regards to mixed hoofstock exhibits. Particularly
eland/zebra and nilgai/blackbuck interactions. Please include any other species housed
with these, male/female ratios, total number of animals per exhibit and overall area of
exhibit. If a rough topographical map could be included, it would be extremely helpful.
Please send to: Ted Strikwerda, c/o Bowmanville Zoo, 340 King St. E., Bowmanville,
Ontario, Canada L1C 3K5.
AAZK Award Nominations Are Now Beinff Accepted for 1990!
The AAZK Awards Committee would like to begin accepting nominations for the awards
to be presented at the 1990 AAZK Conference in New Orleans. In the following months
there will be information concerning the qualifications, nomination procedures,
selection procedures and an explanation of the AAZK Excellence in Zookeeningr (EZ),
Certificate of Merit for Zookeeuer Education (CMZE) and MeritoriQUS..Agh.i.ey-£mj£nL(MA)
Awards.
The deadline for all award nominations in 1 June 1990. All award nominations
received after 1 June will be reviewed for 1991, so please keep this in mind when
submitting your nominations.
All awards given by the AAZK do not have a minimum or maximum number offered
each year. Also, if the nominees do not meet the qualifications and nominators do not
follow the nomination procedures, they will not receive the award for which they were
nominated. Please include scientific names of animals when they are included in the
nomination of a special or outstanding breeding acknowledgment.
Please submit all nominations to: Jan McCoy, AAZK Awards Chair
Washington Park Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR 97221
AAZK Meritorious Achievement Award
This award is given to professional members of AAZK or AAZK-affiliated Chapters for
outstanding achievements in the zoo or aquarium field and related activities. This
award covers activities outside the scope of the Excellence in Zookeeping award. This
would include such things as keeper participation in AAZPA Bean Award projects,
individual breeding projects carried on outside of the zoo proper, wildlife conservation
efforts, zoo and wildlife education programs and other related activities.
Qualification?;
1. The nominee must be a full-time keeper (professional AAZK member) , employed in
any North American zoo. aquarium or related facility. In the case of an AAZK-
affiliated chapter it must be 'In good standing" and have an up-to-date charter with the
AAZK.
2. The nominee must have been employed at least one year on a permanent status at a zoo,
aquarium or related facility. In the case of an AAZK-affiliated Chapter, it must have
been on active status for at least a year.
3. The nominee must be nominated by his or her peers or colleagues; while supporting
nominations may be submitted by other zoo, aquarium or related facility personnel.
The nominators need not be 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 a peer or colleague.
2. List and document the outstanding achievements: AAZPA Bean Award project
participation, exhibits, breeding, conservation, etc.
3. The deadline for nominations is JUNE 1st of each year.
Selection Procedure:
The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each
nominee.
81
1990 State of the Association Report
By
Oliver Claffey
AAZK President
As we enter the final decade of the twentieth century, the American Association of Zoo
Keepers continues to work toward (promoting), encouraging and educating ourselves, the
zoo community and the public-at-large of our commitment to exotic animal care of the
highest calibre, and the needed effort to protect what is left of the earth's natural resources
and animal life.
Our membership continues to grow - we now have over 2600 members worldwide. Many of
our members are active in local chapters which often may hold regular meetings, invite
guest speakers and get involved in fundraising activities for various purposes. We
currently have 65 active Chapters of the Association.
The Conservation, Preservation, Restoration Committee (CPR) was established at the 1989
National Conference to concentrate local chapter fundraising projects into national efforts.
Board member Bob Debets chairs the CPR Committee. This year we will be concentrating
on the nationwide "Bowling for Rhinos" to raise funds for the Ngare Sergoi Rhino
Sanctuary in Kenya and the Ecosystem Survival Plan’s support of the Guanacaste National
Park in Costa Rica. The ESP is a project conceived and implemented by the Greater San
Francisco Bay Area Chapter of AAZK under the coordination of Norman Gershenz.
The Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee (CRAG) has been revamped by Bill
Whittaker. Its purpose is to build the Chapter/Regional System into a ^veil-integrated,
efficient team of people who ensure that the membership is informed of all that is going on
within the Association and what is required of the Chapters.
Nineteen-eighty-nine was a landmark year for AAZK as we were granted a 501(c)(3) tax
status which makes us a non-profit organization. This should allow us to obtain lower
mailing rates and enable us to more easily accept large contributions and grants from
interested agencies. Under this new classification, these donations are fully tax-
deductible. This new tax status also places us under greater obligation to provide financial
information to the Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, all Chapters must submit an
annual financial statement to Administrative Offices.
The computerization of Administrative Offices has enabled Administrative Secretary
Barbara Manspeaker to run the Association's day to day business more efficiently.
Animal Keepers' Forum has benefitted enormously and Editor-in-chief Susan Chan
continues to produce a monthly journal of increasingly higher calibre. We have a backlog
of articles awaiting publication, but members are still encouraged to submit material for
AKF. A review system for technical and research articles is being implemented.
The recently updated Zookeeping as a Career brochure is nearing completion after a lot of
hard work by the Public Education Committee chaired by Ellen Bradfield of Zoo Atlanta.
The AAZK Diet Notebook has given the Association credibility and respect from people
throughout the zoo community. Preparation is underway for the Mammals Vol. II edition
and the Bird Section. Susan Bunn Spencer, now at Beardsley Park Zoo, has done a
wonderful job of coordinating this project.
Biological Values for Selected Mammals III, a cooperative project of the Greater San
Francisco Bay Area Chapter and AAZK, should be published this year. Also the second
edition of the Zoonotic Diseases Handbook, edited by Bruce Clark of the Toledo Zoo, should
be available next month.
Data is now being collected for the Zoo Infant Development Project by Harmony Frazier-
Taylor at the Woodland Park Zoo. All members are encouraged to submit material for this
82
1990 State of the Association, Continued
important reference work. Project forms on which to submit your data are available from
Harmony.
Still in the works is the textbook "An Approach to Zookeeping" under the guidance of Pat
Sammarco at Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, FL.
The next edition of the AAZK Membership Directory will be put together in the summer of
1990. Members will be receiving Directory Information Cards in April. You are urged to
return this card promptly so that you will be listed correctly. Members who do not return
their information card will not be included in the Directory.
The Book Review Committee chaired by Rick Emmer of Cleveland MetroParks Zoo
continues to publish reviews of works relevant to the zookeeping profession.
The AAZK Manual of Resources which covers all aspects of AAZK including history, by-
laws, projects and constitutional requirements is nearing completion by Elandra Aum of
Woodland Park Zoo. This manual will be sent to each Chapter and evolved from the
Chapter Liaison Packet conceived by the late Jean Hromadka.
The By-laws Review Committee, chaired by Marilyn Cole of the Metro Toronto Zoo, is
presently revising and making some additions to the existing By-laws. Areas being
looked at for additions/revisions include rules for Chapters, the nominations & elections
protocol and procedures regarding contractual agreements.
The Nominations & Elections Committee is now chaired by David Luce of the Fresno Zoo.
David will be making preparations for the 1991 Board of Directors election and all
interested professional members should think now about running for a Board position.
We now have almost 80 international members and the International Affairs
Coordinators, Pam McDougall [west] and Mona Keith [east] of the Calgary Zoo work to keep
in touch with our sister organizations in other countries and to coordinate the Foreign
Keeper Sponsorship Program.
Keeper Training and Education Materials (KTEM) is an amalgamation of several
committees. Rosemary Jalink of the Baltimore Aquarium and Marilyn Cole of Metro
Toronto Zoo currently head KTEM, whose purpose is to provide training materials
(manuals, videos and slide programs) and information on available library and reference
materials for research.
The Keepers Accommodations List (KAL) now has 67 contacts in 27 States, 5 Provinces and
6 foreign countries. The master list is kept by Heidi Manicki at Toronto and Barbara
Manspeaker at Topeka A.O. Members wishing to travel and stay with keepers should
contact Heidi with a list of the zoos they wish to visit.
The AAZK Awards Committee headed by Jan McCoy of Washington Park Zoo began
publishing criteria for awards and eligibility for award nomination in last month's AKF.
Further information on the awards nomination process appears in this issue and will also
appear in the April AKF. We hope to introduce a new award for Excellence in Exhibitry in
the near future.
Annual Conferences are becoming more complex in organization and structure and are
being attended by increasingly larger numbers of delegates. Bids from chapters to host a
conference will now be sought three years in advance. This should enable host chapters to
more adequately prepare for a conference.
The 1990 Conference will be in New Orleans; 1991 will be hosted by the Toledo Zoo Chapter;
and 1992 will see us in San Diego for the 25th anniversary of the founding of AAZK - in the
place where it all began.
I urge any member who has never attended an annual conference to do their utmost to
83
1990 State of the Association, Continued
rectify that situation. To attend a meeting with two or three hundred other like-minded
keepers is an exhilarating and rewarding experience.
Tim Kelly of Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, is putting together a manual for prospective
host chapters. Anyone interested in hosting the conference for 1993, 1994, 1995 or even 1996
should contact Tim.
The role of the Legislative Advisor is to keep the membership updated on governmental and
political regulations concerning conservation and zoological issues. John Stoddard of
Chicago continues to perform these duties admirably.
Ex-Board member Susan Barnard of Zoo Atlanta has recently taken over chairing the
Research/Grants Committee. Two grants of $500 each are available annually to keepers
interested in pursuing research projects at their zoos. Susan can provide guidelines for
grant applications.
The Keeper Training Videotape Project has been at somewhat of a standstill for several
years despite the fact that this is a self-sustaining project, i.e. funds generated by the sale of
the two existing videos are available for the production of future videos. Anyone interested
in producing a training video should contact Marilyn Cole, Production Coordinator. After
having handled the distribution of the training tapes for the past year, Jean Ragland-
McMahan, Woodland Park Zoo, has turned this aspect of the project over the
Administrative Offices. Orders for the training tapes "Safety: An Attitude Adjustment"
and "An Introduction to Feeds and Feeding" should be directed to A.O.
The Animal Data Transfer Form is one of the most successful ideas conceived by the
AAZK Bernie Feldman of Burnet Park Zoo has guided this project from its inception and
the ADT Form is used by many zoos throughout North America. Forms are free, courtesy of
AAZK, and are intended to accompany animal shipments and highlight aspects of the
animals' nutritional, medical, behavioral and individual requirements.
The Exhibit Design Form grew from an idea at the 1983 Conference in Philadelphia.
Information is gathered pertaining to new exhibits or renovated ones and is intended as a
guide to zoos/people designing an exhibit for the same or similar species. Mark de Denus at
Assiniboine Park Zoo is currently streamlining the form and this project. We hope to have
it available in the near future.
The AAZK History Committee agreed to undertake the job of producing a 25th Anniversary
book detailing the changes AAZK has undergone since 1967, with the intention of having the
booklet available at San Diego in 1992.
The Zoo/University List Project has compiled the institutions that offer programs or courses
relating to captive wild animal care. The list can be obtained from Mike Illig at
Washington Park Zoo. If you are aware of colleges or universities which offer such courses
in your area, please pass this information along to Mike so that we can maintain as
comprehensive a list as possible.
In the song "Slip Away" (Proceedings of the 15th National AAZK Conference - 1989) I wrote
'Whatever you put in, comes back to you again.' I have always been a strong believer in
that statement. I ask all AAZK members to get involved in your organization. Zookeeping
is a team effort and, as a team, we can make a difference.
84
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Births & Hatchings
Correction: In the January AKF. the Audubon Zoo B&H report listed that that insitution's
Sumatran orangutan infant born last March, was being hand-raised with another young
female which Audubon obtained from Tyler, TX. The young female, Feliz, was actually
obtained from Brownsville, TX. correction submitted by Rhonda Votino, Audubon AAZK
Secretary.
Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens...the Robert R. McCormick Bear and Wold Habitat at
Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens in Chicago, IL was constructed as part of the Large
Mammal Area, at a cost of $11.7 million, and opened in 1982. In the fall of 1988, it was home
to one adult pair of Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ), three adult pairs of Spectacled bears
( Tremarctos ornatus ), and two adult pairs of Maned wolves ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ).
The east side of the building has three outdoor habitats for spectacled bears, and the west
side also has three habitat areas for maned wolves. Found at the north end is one of the
most impressive habitats for polar bears in the nation. It includes tiered rock areas, a
266,000 gallon fresh water pool with underwater viewing windows, and a separate salt
water pool. The interior of the building includes dens for all habitats, specially designed
cubbing dens, kitchen facilities, a keeper access hallway that runs the length of the
building, and the basement which houses the huge filtration system for the polar bear
exhibit pool. We are also fortunate to have video surveillance in three denning areas, one
set up for each species.
"Bear Line" keepers, Victoria Henrie and Diana Weinhardt, had their hands full this past
winter. Our female polar bear, Chukchi (named after the Alaskan Sea), is eleven years
old, born in 1977, and hand-raised in the LPZ nursery. Our male, Thor (named after the
Norse God of Thunder), is also eleven years old and was captive bom in 1977 at the San
Francisco Zoo. This pair finally produced their first viable cub on 22 November 1988, but
unfortunately the female cub survived only three weeks. At the time of death, weight was
3.62 lbs, ears were up, eyes closed; and necropsy showed a full stomach of milk. Cause of
death was undertermined. Due to our video camera in the den, we were able to observe that
Chukchi was an excellent and very attentive mother throughout her cub's short life. After
the pair was reintroduced in January 1989, breeding was observed in February and March.
We are eagerly anticipating another birth, and our hopes are set high for subsequent
successful rearing.
As for our maned wolves, unfortunately no pups were produced by either pair, and no
breeding activity was observed by these very shy, secretive animals.
On a happier note. ..we had spectacled bear cubs bustin' out all over the place! This species
is the only bear endemic to South America, is extremely endangered, and was gives SSP
status in 1988. Speckles (#192), a seven-year-old female, who had been paired with a seven-
year-old male named Goliath (#194), gave birth to 1.1 cubs on 28 November, 1988. This was
her second litter, and these cubs are second generation on the sires' side, and third
generation on the dams' side.
The male cub is named Freckles, and his facial markings are the perfectly symmetrical
"spectacles", which are so rarely seen. His sister is a real "show-stopper" though, looking
as if she had been playing in a can of white paint. Her face is entirely white with the
exception of a black patch surrounding her left eye (looking very much like "Spuds
86
Births & Hatchings. Continued
McKenzie"). The white markings continue down her throat to the chest, and then are
followed by a dash on her stomach. She also has white fur across her toes on both of her hind
paws which gives the appearance of her wearing little slippers. At four months of age, we
discovered that she had blue eyes. We have found this to be quite unusual, as spectacled
bears are born with brown eyes. American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) are born with
blue eyes, which start to change to brown at around four months of age. As a yearling, her
right eye (white side of face) is still blue, while the left eye (surrounded by black patch) has
changed to brown on the upper half and blue on the lower half. This dual color has
remained unchanged for the past few months. Her name is Nieve, which is Spanish for
snow.
The other female is a seven-year-old named Goggles (#195). She was paired wih an eight-
year-old male named Miggy (Miguel-#183). Her second litter arrived on 31 December
1988. The 1.0.1 cubs represent a second generation birth. Both cubs appeared healthy, but
one disappeared approximately on the seventh day. The surviving male cub is named
Ditka, after the Chicago Bears' football coach.
Our third pair appears to be finally mature enough for breeding this year. Mike (#233) is a
four-year-old male who gained some notoriety in Chicago this past spring by escaping
from his outdoor habitat. This occurred after he shifted a huge log in the bottom of the yard.
Just by chance it was propped up against the exhibit wall, allowing him, but not his smaller
mate, to climb out. He was sedated without incident after a 15 minute excursion in the
immediate area. His mate is a three and a half-year-old female named Hallie (#265).
This summer we witnessed some serious courting behavior on Mikes' part, but Hallie
loudly rejecting his advances. So far no actual breeding has been observed, but we are still
optimistic.
Lincoln Park made a special commitment to the survival of this species when it received
its first pair of spectacled bears in 1988. Both were wild-caught in Ecuador. In 1974, the
first viable cubs were born. In the following years, 1976-1979, five cubs were born and
successfully mother-reared. In 1981, one cub (Miggy/#183 Miguel) was born and hand-
raised after its mother died when he was only four months old.
After Lincoln Park opened the new Bear and Wolf Habitats in 1982, cubs were not produced
again until 1986, when five cubs were born to three pairs. In 1989, with a total of nine bears
(6 adults, 3 cubs/ 5.4) and along with other bears (7.6) on breeding loans, shows Lincoln
Park Zoo to manage or own over 20% of the captive population of spectacled bears in North
America.
With the continuing successes of this twenty-year conservation program (8.7.5/Total LPZ
births), other projects have been initiated. Grants received in 1986 and 1987 provided for
research on captive behavior at Lincoln Park Zoo. The three studies conducted were
mother/infant behavior in a cubbing den; spectacled bear vocalizations; and exhibit usage
by this species. In 1984, Lincoln Park Zoo became the publisher of the International
Studbook for the Spectacled Bear. In October of 1988, Lincoln Park Zoo hosted the First
International Symposium on the Spectacled Bear, and plans for the second symposium are
now in motion, submitted by Victoria Henrie, Bear Line Keper/V.P. Lincoln Park AAZK
Chapter .
Greenlaw (Puvallup. WA)...as reported in the March 1989 issue of AKF. the first born at
this facility 12-3-89 was to a formerly abused Pigtail macaque ( Macaca nemistrina). The
mother, a mature monkey, perhaps even aged, lacked fingers and toes and had been housed
here for eights months prior to delivery. She received special care and diet to compensate
for the obviously deficient amenities previously available to her. After self-delivering,
cleaning and nursing the newborn female offspring, on the fifth day this mother
unaccountably began to systematically chew off the toes of her baby.
The youngster then was removed from the mother, given medical care, fed goat's milk in
preference to other standard formulas, having its needs supplied by humans. As this
87
Births & Hatchings. Continued
female infant grew, it was carefully reintroduced to the small colony where further
education was administered by another female macaca who took a great liking to it.
The natural mother, who heretofore had been somewhat of an unpleasant tyrant, again
delivered, cleaned and nursed another infant, a male born 21 September 1989. Constant
vigil ensued making certain the second infant was not in peril. Lavish wooden bowls of
nuts and parrot seeds were provided in addition to the regular diet of chow, yogurt, grubs,
fruits and vegetables - hoping to replace the proclivity toward bone munching.
Last year's female infant, abused by
its natural mother and so removed,
with another adult female who adopted
it.
The formerly abusive mother with her
male infant bom in September. She is
caring for this infant with no signs of
abuse.
As of this writing (20 Dec/89), not only is this mother continuing to nurse and nurture her
new infant male, she is often observed hugging that male youngster with one arm while
her other arm is drapped across the shoulders of her 1988 female model.
So, the mystery remains - what went right this time? The weather was more balmy in
September than December? The seeds and nuts kept the mouth so busy there was no time for
chewing bones? The mother preferred male offspring to female? Whatever the case, there
appears to indeed be hope after prior post patrum failure, submitted by Rosemary
Greenlaw.
Metro Toronto Zoo...three rare Cheetah iAcinonyx jubatus ) cubs (2.1) were bom 27 October.
These cubs represent only the second cheetah births in the fifteen year history of the Metro
Toronto Zoo. Because cheetahs are an endangered species in the wild and do not reproduce
well in zoos, these births are especially significant. Relations among the zoo’s male and
female have been more than a litle platonic in recent years. The three cubs are the
successful product of new breeding approaches. Operating on the premise that "familiarity
breeds boredom", we arranged to trade several cheetahs back and forth with the African
Lion Safari. As a result of this "mix and match" approach, successful breeding took
place.
Births and Hatchings. Continued
Careful monitoring of the cubs by their keepers led to the early detection of health problems
in the female and she was removed for emergency, life-saving surgery. Shortly after this,
the two male cubs began to lose weight and were taken to the Zoo's Health Unit at the age of
about two and a half weeks. As a result of the separation from their mother, unavoidable for
health reasons, the cubs will not be reintroduced to the adults for several months and will
not be on public display until spring. We are a cooperating zoo in the Cheetah SSP. Metro
Toronto Zoo News Release, 23 January 1990.
Los Angeles Zoo...is pleased to report the following significant occurences from November
1989 to January 1990: our female Sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus ) Henrietta gave birth to two
cubs on 22 December, but only one survived and is being hand-raised in our Adventure
Island Nursery. This is our first sloth bear birth in fourteen years, the last being
Henrietta’s birth. At birth the cub weighed 439 grams and on 23 January weighed in at 2815
grams. Native to East India and Sri Lanka, sloth bears are very different from other bears
with their long hair and long curved claws. The claws, along with their snout and tongue
are used for digging open termite mounds, blowing away the dust and sucking up the prey.
They also forage for fruits and flowers.
On 18 December, 1989 triplet (1.2) Babirusa ( Babyrousa babyrussa ) were bom. Our adult
pair were originally from the Antwerp Zoo and arrived at the Los Angeles Zoo on 14 April,
1989. Prior to this date the two had not been introduced to each other; after their introduction
on 13 June, they were inseparable. Babirusas usually give birth to twins and our triplets
are strong and healthy. At this time mom and kids are being kept separate from the male
and will be introduced to each other when the piglets are approximately five months old.
Babirusa, an endangered species from the Celebes, means "deer pig" in Indonesian,
given the name because they browse more like a deer than a pig. They have four tusks
which sweep backs towards their forehead making them an ineffective weapon. The tusks
can reach ten inches in length.
0.2 Spekes gazelle ( Gazella spekel ) were bom on 20 November and 20 January. The spekes
are only found in the deserts of Somalia and little in known about them. The fawns are
approximately 1600 grams at birth. These gazelles have a swelling on their noses which
inflates when they are alarmed.
On 24 November we had a male Black duiker ( Cephalophus niger) bom and on 5 January,
a male Zebra duiker ( Cephalopus zebra) was born. There are seventeen species of duikers
and the Los Angeles Zoo has three species: Black, Red Flanked and Zebra. We are the only
zoo in the United States with these three species of duikers. Duiker is Afrikaan for "diver",
the name having been given them for their habit of diving into cover when disturbed. They
have short forelegs and longer hindlegs and their bodies are arch shaped. The genus
Cephalophus refers to the long crest of hair between their frons and this genus is forest
dwelling.
We have also had 0.0.1 Fish eagle ( Haliaetus vocifer ) hatched during this period. Our
female is caring for her chick in their nest. Found throughout Africa south of the Sahara,
they are not considered threatened or endangered in the wild, but there are only 12 African
fish eagles in captivity and this is the first captive-born chick. The eggs were incubated for
six weeks by the female. The adults have a white head, chest and tail with a chestnut belly.
When calling the birds throw their heads backwards and their call is almost gull-like,
wild and far-carrying.
On 22 July, 1989 we received 1.2 Saiga antelope ( Saiga tartarica ) from the Oklahoma City
Zoo. The male, Boris, was bom on 4 May, 1986, and the females, Leticia and Natasha, were
born 5 May and 20 June 1987 respectively. This species is found from Carpathians to
Mongolia to Western China. Their coat is a sandy color and the males' horns are amber
and translucent. They have a large proboscius and during the males' rut his proboscis
increases in size. The only other zoo in the U.S. to exhibit Saiga is San Diego.
89
Birthg. gpifl .Hatching^ Continued
Once again the Los Angeles Zoo is fortunate to be able to care for a newly captured female
Sumatran rhinoceros for the winter before it goes to its new home at the New York
Zoological Park. "Augustina" was captured in August 1989 and her age is estimated to be 3-
5 years. These rhinos, found in the rain forests of Southeast Asia, are endangered and
number approximately 700 in the wild. There are only five species of rhino left and only
one of these, the White Rhino is not considered endangered. The Sumatran is the smallest
of the rhinos and has two skin folds, one across the shoulders and the other across the
hindquarters. Their bodies are covered sparcely with hair, submitted by Linda Cory ,
Chapter Liaison , Los Angeles Zoo AAZK Chapter , Los Angeles , CA.
Metro Boston Zoos.. .on 8 December, 1989 the 0.1 Dwarf Forest Buffalo 'Red Sonya’
( Syncerus caffer nanus) gave birth to a male calf. This marks both the first time this
species has bred at MetroParks Zoo and the first successful birth at the African Tropical
Forest exhibit. The calf, named 'Lenie', stood and nursed shortly after birth and was
observed eating hay and grain only four days after he was born, from Keeper News,
newsletter of the Metro Boston Chapter AAZK, January 1990.
North Carolina Chapter AAZK...renorts notable births and hatchings from 1 October - 31
December 1989 from each participating institution:
Duke Primate Center.-.notable births at the Duke University Primate Center
include that of another Sifaka ( Propithecus uerreauxi ) on 28 December to one of our
females, Cornelia. This is her fourth offspring since her arrival in May 1982. This
increases our total population of this very rare and beautiful species to 18 with 6.8.1 Sifaka
and 1.2 Golden crowned sifaka ( Propithecus tattersalli). submitted by Ruby Ange,
Research Tech, DUPC, Durham, NC.
North Carolina Zoological Park. ..notable births include a male Gerenuk
C Litocranius walleri) in October and a male Kirk's dik-dik ( Madoqua kirki) in
December. Both animals are doing well and being raised by their parents, submitted by
Cynthia Noe-Hanson, Secretary / Chapter Liaison , N.C. Chapter AAZK.
The Jackson Zoological Park.. .in Jackson, MS would like to announce the following
significant births, acquisitions and deaths from September-December 1989: Births
included 1.1 Chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes), 0.1 Lion-tailed macaque ( Macaca silenus), 0.1
Black spider monkey ( Ateles paniscus), 0.2 Colobus monkey ( Colobus guereza ), 0.1 Dama
gazelle ( Gazella dama), 1.1 Sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger), 1.0 Reticulated giraffe
( Giraffa camelpardalis reticulata), and 0.0.1 Cotton-top tamarin ( Saguinus oedipus).
Acquisitions of note include: 1.1 Clouded leopard ( Neofelis nebulosa), 1.1 Cheetahs
( Acinonyx jubatus), 1.1 Sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus), 0.1 Springbok ( Antidorcus
marsupialis), 0.1 California sea lion ( Zalophus calif ornianus), and 1.0 Grand eclectus
parrot C Eclectus roratus). Deaths were: 1.0 Jaguar ( Panthera onca), 1.0 Common hippo
t Hippopotamus amphibius), and 1.0 Grand electus parrot ( Ecelctus roratus). submitted by
Pat Steele, Chapter Liaison, Jackson, Mississippi Chapter AAZK.
Houston Zoo Chapter AAZK...renorts these significant births and hatchings from the many
of 1989.
Our Bird Department has success with many rare and rarely bred species. These are a few
examples: 0.0.3 Helmeted Curassow ( Rax pauxi); 0.0.1 Hyacinthine macaw
( Anodorhyncus ), this is the second year in a row that this pair has produced and raised a
chick; 0.0.3 Green hunting cissa ( Cissa chinensis), this is our second successful hatching
of this seldom bred species; 0.0.1 Nocturnal curassow ( Nothocrax urumutum); 0.0.3 Golden
headed quetzal ( Pharomacrus auriceps), we have hatched 16 of these remarkable birds
since 1986, 14 of which have survived past 30 days; 0.0.3 Silver-eared mesia ( Leiothrix
90
Births and Hatchings. Continued
argentauris ); 0.0.3 Lilac breasted roller ( Coracias caudata ); and 0.0.1 Lady Ross' touraco
( Musophaga rossae), we are one of only three institutions in the U.S. to breed this species.
Our Mammal Department had a good year as well. The hoofed mammal section reports
these births: 0.1 Nile lechwe ( Kobus megaceros), this infant was hand-raised and is now
with the group; 2.1 Dorcas gazelle ( Gazella dorcas), this has been a successful group and all
offspring were parent-raised; 0.1 Besia oryx ( Oryx gazella besia ); 1.1 Sable antelope
( Hippotragus niger), this makes seven Sables born at the Houston Zoo since 1986; 3.0 Cape
hartebeest ( Alcelaphus buselaphus ); and 1.1 Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasi ).
In Felines: 0.1 Serval ( Felis serval ); 0.2 Black leopard ( Panthera pardis ), this was the first
litter for this female who proved to be a good and protective mother; and 0.0.2 Caracal ( Felis
caracal damarensis ).
From Primates: 0.1 Spectacled langur ( Presbytis obscura ), this brings our population of
this species to 7.6, 4.5 of which are in one social group; 1.1 Red capped mangabey
( Cercocebus torquatus torquatus ). All these primates were parent-raised.
Our Small Mammal House has enjoyed continued success with its colony of Vampire bats
( Desmodus rotundas), which has been self-sustaining for over 15 years. Births were also
recorded in our Rousette fruit bat ( Rousettes aegyptiacus ) and Mexican fruit bat ( Artibeus
jamaicensis) groups as well as these others: 0.0.1 Pygmy marmoset ( Callithrix pygmaea)-,
0.1 Bolivian gray titi ( Callicebus moloch donacophilus ); 0.1 Prehensile-tailed porcupine
( Coendu mexacanis); 0.0.2 Mouse lemur ( Microcebus murinus); 3.0 Jaguarundi ( Felis
yagouaroundi), our Jaguarundi pair have proven to be very good parents, and are housed
together even when the female has kittens; and several litters of Prevost's squirrel
( Callosciurus prevosti).
From the Children's Discovery Zoo: 0.1 Patagonian cavy ( Dolichotis patagona), parent-
raised; 1.1 Fennec fox ( Fennecus zerda ), parent-raised; 3.2 Red-necked wallabies
C Macropus rufogriseus), parent-raised; and 0.2 Binturong ( Arctictus binturong). This was
the first litter for this young female. They did not thrive with their mother and were hand-
raised.
Our Reptile Department is pleased to announce their second hatching of a clutch of
Rowley's pit viper ( Bothriechis rowleyi). We are the only institution to breed this viper,
which may be extinct in the wild. There were also these significant hatchings: 0.0.3
Yellow headed gecko ( Gonatodes albuqularis ); 0.0.15 African spur-thighed tortoise
( Geochelone sulcata ); 0.0.36 Dying poison arrow frog ( Dendrobates tinctorius ); 0.0.5 Red
foot tortoise ( Geochelone carbonaria); 0.0.7 Pueblan milksnakes ( Lampropeltis tiangulom
campbelli ); 0.0.2 Palm viper ( Bothriechis aurifer ); 0.0.3 Angolan python ( Python
anchictae ); 0.0.1 Prehensile-tailed skink ( Corocia zebrata ); 0.0.50 Climbing toad
( Pedostibes hosii), this is only the second captive breeding of this species; and 0.0.2 New
Calidonian gecko ( Rhacodactylus chahoua ), this is the first captive breeding of this
species, submitted by Steve Howard, Chapter Liaison, Houston Zoo AAZK Chapter,
Houston, TX.
Columbus Zoo...the months of November, December and January provided the Columbus
Zoo with many significant births (cheetah, gorilla, warthogs, etc.) and acquisitions (7
Loggerhead turtles to be used in a ground-breaking study and the reintroduction of
Malayan tapir into our collection).
Our Aquarium continues to advance in terms of both captive propagation and research. In
December, 0.0.7 Loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta ) were brought to Columbus as part
of a cooperative research program between our Aquarium, the Virginia Institute of Marine
Sciences, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In addition to our seven, there are eleven turtles at the other institutions involved in this
study. The purpose of this program is twofold. While in captivity, data will be collected on
growth rates, diets and behavior. After about two years, all 18 will be released at the Back
Bay National Wildlife Refuge at Virginia Beach. The 10 most hardy individuals will be
91
Births & Hatchings. Continued
outfitted with satellite transmitters to track their movements. It is hoped that data collected
from this can be used to determine if captive raised turtles can adapt to the wild and
survive. If so, this will give concrete evidence that "head starting" is a viable
conservation and management tool. ("Head starting" means raising sea turtles in
captivity during their first few years because infant mortality is astronomical in the wild
due to a variety of natural and man-made factors.)
In fact, our Aquarium has already been involved in this "head start" research. In 1986, the
zoo received 1.1 hatchlings that were abandoned. On 4 October, 1989 the male, Columbo,
was released at Back Bay after being outfitted with a satellite transmitter that is uplinked
with a NOAA satellite used to track hurricanes. Through this method "Hurricane
Columbo's" movements are being tracked daily. This winter he has ranged as far north
as Maryland, but has since moved back down to South Garolina-Georgia area, where the
warmer waters are probably more to his liking! Valuable data is being gathered on his
movements, dive intervals, etc. This is the first time such a study is being done, and the
Columbus Zoo has made a heavy financial commitment to it by purchasing several of the
satellite transmitters. In addition, a large, colorful graphic display in the Aquarium
public aisles gives up to date reports on "Hurricane Columbo's" whereabouts as well as
educating the public on the plight of the highly endangered sea turtles.
The Aquarium also continued to enjoy hatching success these past months with its desert
pupfish ( Cyprinodon macularius ) and most of the eleven species of endangered Lake
Victoria Haplochromine cichlids in the collection. One of the cichlid species (Astatotilapia
brownae ) had an eye-catching specimen hatch on 27 January because this individual is two-
headed, an extremely rare occurrence. While of dubious scientific value, "Jo-Jo" is
noteworthy if only because of all the media attention and local publicity this tiny creature
has generated for us.
Several noteworthy events have also occured in the zoo's ungulate collection. On 1 Nov.,
our Yellow-backed duiker ( Cephalophus sylvicultor ) pair had their second offspring, a
male that DNS. At first the infant appeared to be doing well, but it soon became apparent by
the amount of time that he spent at the mother's nipples that he was not obtaining sufficient
milk. He was pulled for hand-rearing, but died soon afterward. On 4 Nov, 0.2.1 Warthogs
( Phacochoerus aethiopicus ) were born. Although no actual breedings were observed (only
some breeding behaviors) plans were made to separate the pair in case of an impending
birth. But before they were separated the mother gave birth resulting in 0.0.1 dying as a
result of cagemate (father) trauma. These are the first offspring for our pair, who were
born at the Los Angeles Zoo, and the mother is displaying good maternal care. The mother
is almost two years old, and the sire is about two and a half. Although quite numerous in
their native Africa, warthogs are still scarce in the U.S. due to importation restrictions on
swine. In fact, these births are the first outside of Los Angeles since warthogs have again
been permitted in this country.
On 8 Jan. a 0.1 South American tapir (Tapir us terrestus ) was born. This birth is the 21st
South American tapir born at Columbus. She is the fourth offspring for the 10-year-old
male, Cupp, and the third for the nine-year-old dam, Honeydew. This baby was born in the
same enclosure with her father, and all three continue to stay together with no
complications. Finally, on 8 Nov., Columbus acquired a 0.1 Malayan tapir ( Tapirus
indicus ) from the Milwaukee County Zoo. This animal, who will be a year old this month,
represents the reintroduction of these striking black and white animals to Columbus after
an absence of about seven years. We are currently searching for a mate for her. In
addition to the South American and Malayan tapirs, our zoo also houses a pair of Baird's
tapirs ( Tapirus bairdi).
Columbus' 19th gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla ) birth occurred on 10 Nov. when a female
was born. Owned by San Francisco, she is the daughter of Columbus-owned "Toni" and
San Francisco-owned "Sunshine". She was pulled at eight days of age when the mother's
behavior changed in what the staff perceived as an inappropriate fashion. Shortly
thereafter a medical condition (pilondial cyst) was diagnosed in Toni which perhaps
contributed to her behavioral changes. However, her offspring (still unnamed), continues
to do well in the nursery. Another notable primate birth occurred on 28 Jan. in the
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Births & Hatchings. Continued
Children's Zoo. A Colobus monkey ( Colohus guereza kikuyuensis), as yet unsexed, was
born to Char who has been in the Columbus collection since her birth at Columbus over eight
years ago.
Christmas Eve brought Columbus its 25th litter of Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). All 2.2 are
doing well and being mother-reared. The Cheetahs & Bears department also acquired a
0.1 Wolverine ( Gulo gulo), Gassy, on 5 Jan. Wild-caught in the Yukon Territory, Canada,
she will eventually be paired with our male, Smokey, who has been in the collection for
three years, submitted by Beth Pohl, Columbus Zoo AAZK Treasurer and Carl Gyarmaty.
Philadelphia Z00...B&H from October 1989 to January 1990 include:
Birds: our pair of Red-rumped green woodpeckers ( Picus e. erythropygius ) hatched
their fourth clutch in January. Unfortunately, the chick did not survive and was found
outside the nest. The one surviving chick from the first clutch is doing well. We believe
the Philadelphia Zoo is the first to hatch this species in captivity.
Mammals: we now have a second pair of Prevost's squirrels ( Callosciurus
prevosti ) that are breeding with 0.0.2 pups born in December. A difficult species of squirrel
to breed, this is one of the species our mammal department is concentrating on to develop a
breeding and husbandry protocol.
In our Small Mammal House we have had great success with three of our small primates.
Our pair of Lesser slow loris ( Nycticebus pygmaeus), a threatened species, had 0.0.2 young
in January. These offspring are second generation captive bred.
The Philadelphia Zoo has the largest North American colony of Geoffroy's marmosets
( Callithrix jacchus geoffroyi). It was increased by triplets (2.1) born to the pair in our
Small Mammal House. The Philadelphia Zoo has been actively breeding this species since
1984. It is known that this female can only raise one offspring successfully at a time. The
two males were pulled and they are currently being hand-raised. The female was left with
the group to be mother-reared.
Our Pygmy marmosets ( Cebuella pygmaea) are doing just as well and had their fourth set
of twins since their arrival in 1987. All offspring were mother-reared and all but one is
still in the group.
In May of 1989, we acquired a colony of Naked mole rats ( Hetercephalus glaber). About one
month later the female aborted eleven fetuses. She bred again and in November she had
four young. Two were lost in the nest. The other two lived only for a short time with the
oldest lasting a week. At the end of January, she had another litter of 19 with at least 15 still
going strong after 10 days, submitted by Beth Schwenk, Chapter Liaison.
Papers will be accepted on all aspects of zookeeping. The papers will be
limited to 20 minutes followed by a five-minute question and answer period.
"Guidelines for Typing Papers for AAZK Conference Proceedings" will be
published in a future issue ofAKF. These guidelines should be followed by
all authors. The papers will be published in a Special 1990 Conference
Proceedings. A copy of the paper must be turned in to the Program
Chairman prior to presentation.
Please submit an outline or abstract by 15 July 1990 and include the
following informatrion to be considered for acceptance:
Name of Presenter
Zoo Affiliation
Position/Title
Title of Paper
Equipment Needed
Send to: Carolyn Kennedy, Program Committee
AAZK Conference ’90
P.O.Box 4327
New Orleans, LA 70178
REMINDER
All those delegates planning on going on the Belize Post-Conference trip are reminded
that their deposit of $150.00 is due hv 1 April 1990. Checks should be made payable to
Audubon Part Zoo AAZK Chapter. For more information contact Carolyn Kennedy or
Cathi Lehn at P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178 (504) 861-2537. The trip is planned
for Sat., Nov. 10 to Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1990.
94
The Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter
Invites You to Join Us for the
16th National AAZK Conference
November 4-8, 1990
Clarion Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Hope To See You There!
95
International Training Center for the Captive
Breeding of Endangered Species
Purpose: to train individuals in the techniques of captive breeding of a variety of
endangered species so that they can advance the cause of wildlife preservation in their
respective countries.
Background: The Wildlife Preservation Trust is an international nonprofit
organization dedicated to the support of captive breeding of endangered species. It supports
projects in captive breeding, field surveys, reintroduction, research and education. The
zoological facility for the Trust's work is located on the island of Jersey, Channel Islands,
British Isles. This facility is both a zoo and breeding-research facility for endangered
species, and has a collection of over 100 species of birds, mammals and reptiles. The
International Training Center is an educational facility for training in captive breeding
and species conservation; it combines dormitory, classroom and research facilities for
students, staff and visiting scientists.
Program: the training program consists of six, ten or sixteen weeks of intensive work in
all divisions of the zoo. Trainees work in close contact with zoo staff in all phases of
animal keeping and breeding. Each trainee spends two weeks in each section and a final
two weeks on an independent project. Daily duties are supplemented with weekly
seminars on a variety of topics. The program is flexible in terms of length and focus.
Eligibility: the program is designed for individuals with previous practical experience
with animals: zoo and animal center staff and postgraduates in conservation-related
fields.
Application: applications may be obtained from the address below. Selection is made in
August of each year. Applications should be submitted by 1 July for training beginning
the following year.
Location: Jersey, Channel Islands, British Isles Dates: starting date by arrangement
Fees: Tuition is £100 (approximately $165). Full room and board costs are £91
(approximately $150) per week. Trainees are responsible for air fare to and from Jersey,
Channel Islands, as well as personal expenses.
For application and further information write or call:
Training Program
Wildlife Preservation Trust International
34th St. and Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-3636 - telephone
(215) 222-2191 - FAX
♦♦♦Deadline for application for 1991 positions is 1 July 1990.***
96
Big Five Expeditions invite you to join them
ON TWO INCREDIBLE EXPEDITIONS
DESIGNED AND PRICED ESPECIALLY FOR A.A.Z.K. MEMBERS...
BIGFIVE
Our 2nd Annual Camping Safari to Botswana
October 09 - 23, 1990
Personally led by: Adam Hedges
Professional Naturalist, East & Southern Africa
Highlights include:
Land & Air from New York (based on double occupancy throughout)
Kalhari Desert • Okavango Delta • Moremi National Park • Chobe Na-
tional Park • Victoria Falls • Walking Safari in Delta • White River
Rafting on the Zambezi! • 4x4 Safari Vehicles • All Meals & Wine in
Botswana • Professional Naturalist/Guide Throughout, licensed by the
Botswana Department of Wildlife & National Parks
Price per person: $3299.00
Note: Airfares are subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of the carrier(s).
India Wildlife Safari
November 9-24, 1 990
Personally led by: Steven Lee Tomey,
Rhinoceros Keeper, St. Louis Zoo
Highlights include:
Land & Air from New York (based on double occupancy throughout)
Delhi, Old & New • Corbett National Park (White Tiger) • Kaziranga
Game Sanctuary (game viewing by elephant) • Bandipur Sanctuary (Previ-
ously private reserve of the Mharajah of Mysore) • Mudumalai Sanctuary •
Periyar Game Sanctuary (finest habitat of the Asiatic Elephant , where boat
travel is the only means of transportation) • Kerala Coast
5-Day Optional Extension to Nepal
Highlights include:
Kathmandu • River Rafting on Trisuli River • Elephantback Safari in
Chitwan National Park
Main Tour: Price per person: $291 1 .00
Extension: Price per person: $ 675.00
Note: Airfares are subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of the carrier(s).
For further information and free brochure , please contact:
Big Five Expeditions LTD: 2151 E. Dublin-Granville Road: Suite 215:
Columbus: OH: 43229: Tel: 800-541-2790/614-898-0036
Chapter
News
Rockv Mountain AAZK Chapter
Our Chapter has been focused on the
"Bowling for Rhinos" and it has come
along successfully. Due to our
hardworking Treasurer, Marlene
Kumpf, the list of bowlers, sponsors
and prizes grew rapidly. It was held
on 18 February from 7-9:30 p.m. (A
report on the financial success of this
and other Chapters will appear in an
upcoming issues of AKF. Ed.)
Recently we have purchased an acre of
rainforest from the Ecosystem
Survival Plan initiated by the Greater
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of
AAZK.
We have elected to make donations to
two appeals. We sent $50.00 to the
Monkey Sanctuary in England for
their Woolly Monkey enclosure and
$150.00 to Sharon Matola and the Belize
Zoo so they may purchase a research
station needed to house their Education
and Research Department. We wish
them success in their projects.
-Gail Suzanne Chacon
Corresponding Secretary
Metro Boston Chaste
Two Chapter members, Tom Aversa
and Kathy Clark, received funding
assistance from the Chapter to attend
conferences. Tom attended the
National AAZK Conference in
Syracuse, NY and Kathy attended the
Dr. Scholls Conference on Nutrition of
Captive Wild Animals in Chicago.
The Chapter also spent $25.00 to
purchase materials to make parrot toys
for the zoo's psittacine residents. The
keepers will be making the toys.
The Chapter is currently putting
together a slide show entitled
"Zookeeping As A Career" which when
completed will be available to
interested groups.
-Keeper News newsletter of the
Metro Boston Chapter AAZK
Riverside Chapter AAZK
The Riverside Chapter, located at the
Riverside Zoo in Scottsbluff, NE,
recently designed a logo for their
Chapter (see insert). The design was
by Pete Riger, Keeper; the artwork by
Cheri Heiberg.
Pete explained the significance behind
the design by saying: "We used
animals native (or once native) to the
Nebraska plains. This fits in with our
zoo's 'native theme' which includes
bison and pronghorn in a mixed
species exhibit. The North Platte River
runs behind our zoo and the Scottsbluff
National Monument 'looms' in the
background and is easily seen from
the bison overlook."
The address for the Riverside Chapter
is c/o Riverside Zoo, 1600 S. Beltline
Hwy., Scottsbluff, NE 68631.
-Chapter Submission
Jackson. Mississippi Chanter AAZK
Newly elected officers for 1990 are:
President.. ..Michelle Herman
Vice Pres Marcia Riedmiller
Secretary Coleen Zahnke
Treasurer. ....Dave Culbertson
Chapter Liaison. ....Pat Steele
Historians.... .Deborah Wofford
Coleen Zahnke
-Pat Steele, Chapter Liaison
98
Chapter News. Continued
Greater San Francisco Bav
Area Chapter^AZK
The most recent issue of Species, the
newsletter of the GSFBA Chapter
contained an update on the Ecosystem
Survival Plan and the Adopt an Acre
Program. Schoolchildren from as far
away as Florissant, MO, Dewey, AZ,
and Anchorage, AK have actively
raised funds to purchase rainforest
land. The ESP continues to receive
excellent press coverage with recent
articles appearing in Zoo Life .
National Gardening, and the
February issue of Organic Gardening.
ESP Project Coordinator Norman
Gershenz has also accomplished quite
a coup by arranging for Adopt An Acre
advertising on all the Rapid Transit
BART trains in the Bay area with
information appearing every 20
minutes on electronic message boards.
This promotional consideration was
donated. Way to go, Norm!
To date, ESP has raised over $31,000
and has purchased over 240 acres of
tropical rainforest.
Congratulations to everyone involved
in the ESP for their hard work and
continuing dedication to this
worthwhile and important
conservation effort!
-Editor AKF
San Diego Chapter AAZK
Newly elected members of the San
Diego Chapter Board of Directors are:
Lance Aubrey, Steve Castillo, Kathy
Duke and Chris Schmitz. Continuing
Board members are: Teresa Everett,
Nolan Harvey, Andrew Johnson, Kim
Livingstone and Chris Peterson.
Celeste Northrop recently announced
her resignation from the Bard due to
her expanding commitments in
editing The Keener, the S.D. Chapter
newsletter, and her duties as Regional
Coordinator.
In other Chapter news, Wild Animal
Park veterinarian Dr. Jack
Oosterhaus presented a seminar in
February on the recent pregnancy and
cesarean section of Jean the Asian
elephant at the WAP. He also showed
video footage of the procedure. In
March, the chapter's guest speaker was
Steve Joines, Senior Aquarist at Sea
World who presented a program on
sharks including a behind-the-scenes
tour of Sea World's shark exhibits. In
April the Chapter will hear from WAP
Curator of Birds Bill Toone on his bird
collecting adventures in Papua, New
Guinea.
-The Keeper, newsletter
Jan./Feb. 1990
North Carolina Chanter AAZK
For the period October-December 1989,
our Chapter was involved in the
following activities. On 7 and 8
October, the Chapter participated in an
annual fundraiser at the "Fall
Festival" in Asheboro. A booth was set
up and we sold bluebird boxes, Chapter
T-shirts and baked goods. All
bluebird boxes were sold. On 14 and 15
October, the Chapter provided
assistance at the national onference of
the American Association of Zoo
Veterinarians which was held in
Greensboro and hosted by the North
Carolina Zoological Park. Four
Chapter members attended their first
AAZK national conference in
Syracuse, NY, 1-5 October. On 1
November, the slide show presentation
that the Chapter put together for school
groups was given to the Keepers'
Forum group at the North Carolina
Zoological Park.
-Lucy Segerson, President
Philadelphia Zoo AAZK Chapter
As of January 1990, our Chapter has
new officers:
President Teri Maas
Vice Pres Kim Trautmann
Secretary.. ...Christina Carbone
Treasurer.. ...Gina Wilson
Chapter Liaison. ..Beth Schwenk
On 21 January, we held our first keeper
morning of this year. We began this
fundraiser last year with four being
held throughout the year. Members of
the zoo pay a small fee to work side by
99
Chapter News. Continued
side with a keeper for an hour in the
morning. This gives the participants
a chance to learn what it is we actually
do.
As far as conservation projects go, we
adopted and modified the program
initiated by the Greater San Francisco
Bay Area AAZK Chapter to adopt land
through the Ecosystem Survival Plan.
We looked into using their parking
meter idea but due to regulations, we
could not do the same thing. We
decided instead to collect the money
from the outdoor viewers located
around some of our exhibits. We call it
"Change for a change" and have put
stickers on all our viewers explaining
how the money will be used.
We are also getting ready for our
"Bowling for Rhinos" night on 18 Feb.
We have the use of an entire bowling
alley with enough room for 60 bowlers.
At this time we have over 60 people
willing to bowl and who are looking
forward to a night of fun.
-Beth Schwenk,
Chapter Liaison
Toledo Chapter aazk
Elections were held on 15 February.
The new officers are:
President Suzanne Husband
Vice Pres Kathi Benner
Secretary Sharon Simmons
Treasurer Mike Dilley
The Chapter is selling "Bowling for
Rhinos" patches and has already
turned a profit. Anyone interested in
purchasing patches please contact Bill
Whittaker.
Greater Baltimore Chapter AAZK
As 1990 begins a new decade so does
our Chapter begin its second year in
existence. At our January meeting we
held office elections-newly elected for
1990 are:
Co-Presidents Deb Wainright and
Joanne Shaffer
Vice Pres.... .Rosemary Jalink
Treasurer Karen Brown
Secretary Christine Bartos
Chapter Liaison. ....Kathy Konwin
On 3 February, after much
anticipation, our co-sponsorship of
Andy Lodge's lecture on the efforts of
the Ngare Sergoi Reserve was a great
success. Andy's presentation was
very inspirational to both keepers and
zoo members alike. Through
fundraising efforts of our Chapter, the
National Zoo chapter and "passing the
hat" after his talk, over $700 was
donated to the reserve. Our chapter is
very proud of Andy’s commitment to
saving not only the black rhino but
other endangered African species.
Our chapter is now gearing up for two
major fundraisers this year. First, we
will be setting up parking meters
whose proceeds will go towards five
elected conservation projects.
Secondly, May will keep us busy with
Preakness clean-up. We have made
an arrangement with Pimlico Race
Track to clean up the infield after the
Preakness. All aluminum collected
will be recycled and this money plus
the flat fee for the clean-up will be used
to purchase rain forest land.
Below is the newly adopted logo for the
Greater Baltimore Chapter.
A hotel has been selected for the '91
National Conference. Committees are
already starting now to make this a
great conference. If you need
information on the conference, please
contact Suzanne Husband.
-Suzanne Husband
Chapter Liaison
-Kathy Konwin ,
Chapter Liaison
100
Double Dilemma
By
Tom Alvarado, D.V.M .
Gladys Porter Zoo
Brownsville, TX
The story of the twin orangutans, born 14 days apart, has always intrigued me. Vivi (bom
on 29 October 1987) and Segundo (born on 12 November 1987) were recorded as twins from
Susie, a Sumatran orangutan, because she was in possession of both babies when the births
were discovered and no other female orangutan showed evidence of recent birth.
Twinning days apart has been observed in humans where there is a significant difference
in size of the fetuses. The larger fetus physically forces the smaller fetus out of the uterus
without inducing "labor". This type of twinning is an extremely rare occurrence in
humans, and it had never been reported in orangutans.
I first came in contact with the "twins" when they were 6 months old. At that time, they were
showing differences in growth rate and physical characteristics such as coat color, body
conformation, and facial features. In the summer of 1988, Segundo developed a formula
intolerance and was gaining weight poorly. At that time, Segundo was larger that Vivi.
Vivi started growing much more rapidly than Segundo and, in my opinion, started to show
personality traits and physical features that were remindful of another adult female
Sumatran orangutan, Valentine.
I started to seriously doubt that the orangutans could be twins, but without a witness to both
births, it was difficult to prove. With help from a group of researchers at the National
Cancer Institute, who have been working with orangutan genetics for a number of years, I
began to investigate the problem.
In this photo taken in February of 1988, Segundo and Vivi looked very much like mirror-
images of each other. At this time it was assumed that the two were twin siblings. (Photo
courtesy of Gladys Porter Zoo)
101
Double Dilemma. Continued
We decided to do a genetic analysis of our Sumatran orangutans; similar analyses are
performed in human paternity suits. In January 1989, we began collecting blood and skin
samples from certain members of our orangutan group. We collected samples from Vivi,
Segundo, Susie (alleged mother of twins), Valentine (suspected mother of one of the twins),
Fu Manchu (father), Tammy (unrelated female), Feliz (Susie’s most recent baby) and Vic
(Valentine's most recent baby).
Using a techniques called "DNA fingerprinting", samples of DNA from each of our
orangutans were isolated and compared. The DNA molecule is very complex and there are
repetitive sequences within a molecule that are unique to each individual; every
individual also has some sequences inherited from parents.
In this technique, the DNA is first extracted from the samples and purified. Enzymes are
then added to break the DNA into fragments of varying lengths. These fragments are then
separated into specific length groups, using a technique called gel electrophoresis. Certain
sized fragments are then chemically treated in such a manner as to cause each normally
double-stranded DNA fragment to become "unzipped" into two long single strands. A
radioactive material, called a probe, is then added; it bonds with certain specific sequences
of chemicals found in the DNA strand and not with others. Certain chemical sequences
that have interacted with the probe can be made visible on film because of the radioactive
nature of the probe. The pattern looks something like the bar codes used to identify items at
the grocery store. The band pattern produced is as unique as a set of fingerprints.
After weeks of testing, the verdict was turned in. The data indicated that Vivi and Segundo
are not twins. With this information, we were able to piece together the circumstances of the
births of Vivi and Segundo.
As the "twins" grew, they began to display not only marked physical differences but also
personality characteristics which led Dr. Alvarado to begin investigation of their lineage
using a process called ’DNA fingerprinting". (Photo courtesy of Gladys Porter Zoo)
102
Double Dilemma. Continued
Sometime during the night of 29 October 1987, Valentine gave birth to Vivi. At some point
during the night, Susie, pregnant herself, took the baby from Valentine and never returned
it. Susie probably was not lactating fully at that time, the baby did poorly and was removed
for hand-rearing. Two weeks later, Susie gave birth to Segundo.
At this time, Vivi and Segundo are doing well and can be seen at the Children's Zoo. Susie
had a female baby, Feliz, on 23 December 1989. The baby had to be removed for hand-
rearing and is presently living with a young male Sumatran orangutan at the Audubon
Zoological Park in New Orleans. Valentine had a male baby, Vic, on 5 February 1989.
Valentine is being an excellent mother and she and her baby can be seen on the orangutan
island.
(Editor's note: The above is reprinted from Gladys Porter ZOO NEWS (Vol. 19, No. 3, Issue
3, 1989) published by The Valley Zoological Society, Brownsville, TX, with permission of the
author.
Husbandry Hint.
Reprinted, from TIGERTALK, National Zoological Park,
Washington, DC - January 1990 - Margie Gibson, editor
HUNGRY FOR CRICKETS? Feeding crickets to the Zoo's small mammals was
problematic because the animals either feasted on an overabundant supply when they were
first fed, or the crickets would hop away before the animals found the tasty insects.
Solution? Dispense the crickets gradually through a specially-designed cricket feeder!
Bill Xanten, collection manager, is trying the idea out in the Small Mammal House. He
has been looking for small, attractively -shaped logs that he sends to the Zoo's cabinet shop
where Zoo carpenters transform them into cricket feeders.
According to cabinet shop foreman Wayne Callender, the log is split in half, hollowed out,
and the top inch or so sliced off. The top is re-attached so it can swivel back and forth over
the hollowed out section and act as a lid to keep the crickets in. Small holes, varying in
size, are drilled at irregular spots throughout the length of the log so the insects (mealworms
have also been used) can crawl out. So far, brothers Bruce and Harry Miller in the cabinet
shop have made about six feeders, four of which have found their way into the dwarf
mongoose and pygmy, black-tailed and Geoffrey marmoset enclosures. Xanten is
experimenting temporarily with the other two feeders in various exhibits to see which
animals make the best use of the logs.
About twice a week the feeder-logs, which blend in with the greenery in the enclosures and
look like any old branch, are stocked with crickets. Xanten explains, "The animals hang
around the logs, watching for the insects. They're never sure which hole a cricket will
crawl out of." Since the holes are different sizes, the marmosets and dwarf mongooses can
probe inside with their diminutive paws and the shrews poke their long noses into the bigger
holes, searching for insects. And because the residents of the Small Mammal House work
harder to catch their food, they're more active and interesting to watch.
103
Discovery Intensifies Commitment
to the Environment - Network Goes
'Green' for the 1990s
On the verge of a new decade destined to be remembered for its focus on global
environmental issues, The Discovery Channel (TDC) is committing its extensive
programming, public relations, marketing and educational resources to make the public
aware of the precarious state of the earth's ecology.
Discovery officially launches its new environmental initiative in March 1990 when the
network examines the state of the world's oceans through two world premieres, The Blue
Revolution (a TDC international co-production) and Black Tide (a TDC original
production). The Blue Revolution, an eight-hour series, looks at how the oceans have
affected our history, economics, literature and science. It concludes with a program that
offers a report card on the health of the world's seas.
Black Tide, a one-hour special, will examine oil spills around the world using the Exxon
Valdez accident of a year ago as a foundation. Airing on the anniversary of the Valdez
disaster, this powerful program will be followed by a one-hour "town meeting" that puts the
aftermath of the Valdez mishap into perspective.
An acquired two-hour series titled Sea of Slaughter, which airs during the weeks of 5-12
March, details game and wildlife devastation in Canada and the northern Atlantic.
Combined with Black Tide and The Blue Revolution, Sea of Slaughter will complete
Discovery’s comprehensive examination of the current state of the world's oceans.
Also in March TDC will launch a new programming feature titled, Green Alert, which will
appear during programs that carry an implicit environmental message. The Green Alert
will put an environmental context around many TDC documentaries by adding a layer of
information during the program that sharpens the message being delivered. The update
will be presented through a variety of techniques that will enhance the content of the
program. The objective of providing this "value-added" information is to help viewers
better understand the environmental relevance of core TDC programs.
April marks the 20th anniversary of Earth Day which was set up to develop awareness of the
environmental state of our planet. TDC will inaugurate its Earth Day awareness
campaign on 5 April with the premiere of a seven-hour series titled Planet Earth. This
series will take a close look at the geology, and geography of the planet as it relates to man's
dependence on natural resources.
The on 20 April, TDC will launch a three-hour miniseries by Paul and Ann Ehrlich titled
Earth. This series provides a comprehensive report card on the environmental issues
facing the planet and the prospects and conditions for its survival. These episodes air over
the weekend of 20 April at 8:00 p.m. (ET).
To launch Science and Technology Week on 22 April, which coincides with the official
anniversary of Earth Day, TDC will devote Discovery Sunday solely to environmental
issues. The final hour of Earth will kickoff the evening at 8:00 p.m., followed by a special
report to be announced at 9:00 p.m. (ET), and concluding with the final episode of Blue
Revolution at 10:00 p.m.
Looking to the future, TDC will carry environmental themes each month to compliment its
other programming genres. May will feature primates and big cats; June, TDC's 5th
anniversary, will feature endangered species; July looks at sharks in Shark Week III.
Other environmental series will be announced for July, August and September during the
first quarter of 1990. TDC will also seek to couple its efforts with partners such as World
Wildlife Fund and National Wildlife Federation and others to expand the support for
numerous environmental causes.
®
104
Book
Review
Mammalian Dispersal Patterns: The Effects of Social
Structure on Population Genetics
Edited by B. Diane Chepko-Sade and Zuleyma Tang Halpin
University of Chicago Press 1987: Chicago & London
342 pgs. $19.95 paper/$55.00 cloth
Review by Kathy Clark
Zoo Attendant I
Metroparks Zoos
Boston, MA
Mammalian Dispersal Patterns is a collection of papers based upon a symposium given in
1984 by the American Society of Zoologists. The symposium-and the resulting book-was a
collaborative effort of anthropologists, population geneticists, behaviorists and zoologists,
who joined to discuss their theoretical work and practical application of population genetics
and mammalian dispersal.
The book is divided into five parts, including an introduction by William Sheilds of the
State University of New York. Sheilds provides a useful overview of the information
provided within the text as well as an invaluable set of terms and standardized definitions
that make reading this volume and similar works much more clear. The other sections of
Mammalian Dispersal Patterns are: Empirical studies of dispersal in populations with
known individuals, Dispersal Patterns and Genetic Structure, Demography, Dispersal
Patterns and Genetic Structure, and Mathematical Models of Population Structure.
A basic background in genetics as well as-a good math background will provide an "easier
read" and utilization of this book, but it is not essential. Much information can be gleaned
from its various chapters that deal with empirical studies of dispersal patterns, mating
systems and population structure. Of particular interest to those in the zoo keeping field is a
paper by Alan Templeton, as well as the concluding chapter by Chepko-Sade et. al.
Templeton's work, entitled "Inferences on Natural Population Structure from Genetic
Studies on Captive Mammalian Population", is an extensive study regarding the effects of
inbreeding and outbreeding on captive populations. Chepko-Sade et. al. provides a
unifying ending to the volume, and how many of the ideas contained therein can be
practically studied and applied. While the more mathematically inclined might have an
easier time with this chapter, a great deal of information is still contained regarding
maintaining genetic diversity in both wild and captive stock.
Mammalian Dispersal is not intended for light reading, but is rather a good research guide
with thought-provoking facts and theories from different disciplines.
105
AAZK Keeper Training Video Tape Project
The goal of the AAZK Keeper Training Video Tape Project is to
produce quality video tape training programs suitable to supplement
existing in-house training of entry level keepers. These tapes are not
intended to be a complete training program in themselves. All
proceeds generated from the sale of training tapes will be used to
finance production of future training tapes. Two tapes are currently
available.
Zoo Keeper Safety Attitude Adjustment - This 18-minute
program does not attempt to address the numerous variable specifics
of this subject. It presents a safety approach to the job of zoo
keeping, and promotes constant awareness and personal
responsibility for safety.
A Zoo Keener's Introduction to Feeds and Feeding - A half-hour
introduction to the complex subject of feeds and feeding of zoo
animals. Topics covered include what, when, and where to feed.
AAZK Keeper Training Video Tape Purchase Agreement
Responsibilities and Restrictions of the Buyer
1) The tape may not be duplicated or made available to any person or
institution for the purpose of duplication.
2) The tape may not be utilized for any commercial purpose.
3) Should the buyer decide the tape will not be useful to their train-
ing program, the undamaged tape may be returned within
14 days of receipt for a partial refund - $10 for BETA and VHS,
$18 for 3/4-inch. For orders shipped outside USA please add
$5.00 for postage and insurance.
I, the undersigned, accept the responsibility for the restrictions
listed above.
Name: (type or print)
Signature:
Date:
Organization/Institution:
Shipping Address:
City: State: Zip:
Telephone: ( ) ______
Tape Title: —
Format: BETA VHS 3/4 INCH
$25 $25 $35
Make checks payable to: ' AAZK "
Mail To: Training Videotapes, AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage
Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Reflections on Rhum
Part 2
Robert Berghaier, Senior Keeper
Philadelphia Zoological Society
Philadelphia, PA
Our typical days on Rhum would start with breakfast at 6:00 a.m. We would then gather
our gear and start hiking up into the rugged southeast corner of the island. Most of Rhum is
a boggy moor; however, a trail system allowed us decent hiking. It would usually take us
two hours to climb to 2000 feet. Most of the larger shearwater colonies were located at this
level, along the steep slopes of three mountains. Our grids for population counts were set up
in this area. Each grid was measured out with string in 10 x 100 meters, with ten, 10x10
meter sections. Some grids were laid out horizontally across the slopes, while others ran
vertically up the sides. Within each section of the grid every burrow was counted. Burrows
were considered either as occupied (having droppings or feathers along the front or sides)
or unoccupied (burrows not having the signs found at the occupied burrows). Totals of each
section and grid were noted. The four corners of each grid were marked with a metal
stake. This would allow future teams to plot out our original grid and replicate a burrow
count to see if the shearwater numbers in that grid had changed. This method would
provide a means to monitor shearwater population trends for the future. Dr. Furness
selected grid sites that were located at the edge of colonies, with the idea that change would
be most evident at the fringe rather than at the center. Our team set up a dozen grids. A few
were situated on slopes of 50-60 degrees in steepness. Moving up and down those transects
after climbing for several hours to reach them did tax one's endurance. The preliminary
data count seems to show that the shearwater population on Rhum is larger than first
expected. However, it is also concentrated in a smaller area of the island.
Occasionally we managed to pull a shearwater out of its burrow to measure and band it.
Shearwater burrows are several feet in length and often weave around boulders. Bernie
was very adept at using a snare or his arms to reach in a burrow to snag a bird. Nearly all
shearwaters captured were found to have brooding patches on their stomaches. This was a
sign that they were sitting on eggs. This seemed to show that egg production was at high
levels. After banding, birds were returned to their burrows.
Our team was also expected to record the presence and condition of any dead shearwaters
that we found. The condition of the carcasses provided clues as to how the birds died.
Shearwaters have several predators. Peregrine falcons are probably the most common;
however, recently introduced white-tailed sea eagles may be preying heavily on
shearwaters. The sea eagles were eliminated in Rhum and the rest of Scotland at the turn
of the century. Several years of releasing captive-reared fledglings have produced an
adult population which is starting to nest and lay eggs. The eagles seem to be another
Rhum reintroduction success story. Shearwater carcasses that were found plucked and
with most of the breast meat removed were considered to have been killed by birds of prey.
Most remains that we found consisted of birds who starved to death, or were killed by rats or
deer(!), after becoming wedged in rocks. Shearwaters are built to soar over the waves and
not built to land easily on the earth. When returning to their burrows they can get their long
wings caught between rocks or damage themselves while landing. This makes them easy
prey for rats or deer. It is theorized that the deer are attracted to the shearwater burrow
because of a lush growth of grass that carpets the more dense colonies. This growth is the
result of the fertilizer provided by the shearwaters habit of defecating outside of its burrow's
entrance. If the deer find a stranded shearwater, they will eat the bird since their normal
grazing on Rhum is poor in nutrients. Before Dr. Furness' study was undertaken, it was
suspected that herring gulls might be heavy predators of shearwaters. After our team and
following Earthwatch groups teased through hundreds of discarded gull feeding pellets it
was found that rats form their main prey.
107
Reflections on Rhum. Part 2. Continued
Shearwaters often contribute to their own demise by their constant burrow digging.
Shearwaters are attracted to large colonies of their kind. As more birds burrow at heavily
used sites, the soil in such areas becomes unstable. Rocks will shift, crushing birds in their
burrows, or entire sections of colonies will be washed out by heavy rains. While setting up
our grid system we saw lots of evidence of this process. We often worked through
abandoned areas that contained loose sandy soil which made it difficult even for us not to
slide downhill.
Our team's work schedule was tied to the unpredictable character of Rhum's weather. The
ocean's influence on Rhum provided: quick weather changes. We did not go up into the
mountains if the weather was rainy or cloudy. Being caught on such open slopes with a
hard rain or poor visibility due to fog would be hazardous. Because of the open character of
Rhum's moors of tussock and heather, their was very little shelter from the wind or sun.
However, whenever the winds died down in the lower elevations, that scourge of the
northern latitudes-midges-would appear. These tiny flies produce a painful bite. If I had
any part of my face or hands exposed without insect repellent, the midges quickly produced
little lumps. I began to look forward to windy, cloudy days.
On days with poor weather, we hiked to various areas of the island to look for shearwater
colonies or the birds remains. This gave us an excellent opportunity to observe the
island's wildlife. We spotted grey and harbor seals and one otter. Our group spotted dozens
of species of birds; golden and sea eagles, loons, curlews, red grouse, and golden plover.
Along the cliffs offshore were gannets, shags, gullimonts, razor bills, redbrested
mergansers, and greylag geese. I spotted some 60 species of birds in all.
We saw hundreds of red deer, some on slopes so steep I wondered if they were part mountain
goat. The deer of Rhum have no natural predators. Two factors limit their numbers. The
first is the hard winters of Rhum; the second is hunting. Hunting on Rhum is strictly
controlled through the 'stalker' system. The stalker is a professional hunter who is trained
to selectively cull older or sickly deer from the herd. The stalker will also guide hunters
who pay for the privilege to hunt deer. This form of hunting simulates natural predation.
This is in marked contrast to deer hunting in North America where only trophy-sized
males are killed or other deer are culled at random. All monies obtained from venison
sales, hides and hunting fees go back into operating Rhum.
When the stalker system was explained to me, one thought occurred to me-wolves! Rhum
may be the only area in the United Kingdom where wolves could be reintroduced. The
island is large enough to have a viable population, and isolated enough to prevent wolf
escapes to the mainland. An ample prey base exists in both wild goats and deer. Dr.
Furness at first scoffed at the idea; however, we later discussed whether the shearwaters
would be affected. Bob felt that nesting shearwaters would provide a temporary bonanza for
a large predator, but wolves probably would not limit their numbers. Laughton Johnson told
me that a British University team had actually already proposed the idea. He personally
felt that such a project is years away, if it would ever be tried at all. Wolves would, of
course, seriously affect the Red Deer project, many of whose subjects we saw. Since these
deer have bright plastic collars or ear tags on them, to facilitate identification, it is easy to
differentiate them from their unstudied neighbors.
We also got to see the feral herds of domestic animal resident on Rhum. The Rhum ponies
are the most strictly controlled. These medium-sized ponies are descendents of
Scandinavian stock. Every year they are rounded up during deer stalking season. The
adults are used as pack animals to carry deer carcasses while the foals are sold off. The
shaggy, reddish and long-horned highland cattle are left nearly unmanaged. The only
exception to this is the selling of calves if the herd's numbers reach a certain level.
Laughton believes that the presence of the cattle herd improved the grazing of the moors.
Since cattle are unselective feeders, unlike deer, they remove heather and tussock and
thereby allow more nutritious grasses to grow.
The goats are surely the wildest in both their lack of management and looks. Some of the
longhaired and horned males looked more like markhor than the descendents of domestic
108
Reflections on Rhum. Part 2. Continued
goats. When the Nature Conservancy first took over Rhum one of their first projects was to
destroy these animals. Goats are usually thought of as being fatal to island ecosystems,
and Rh urn's population was considered no exception. Several attempts to eliminate them
were tried. All failed due to the wariness of the goats, and their ability to take refuge on the
sheer sea-facing cliffs of the island. It was then decided to study the ecology of the Rhum
goats. It was found that the animals will probably never become a real problem since their
numbers are limited by the hard Rhum winters. Rhum's goats originated from
Mediterranean stock which give birth during the months of January and February. While
these months in the Mediterranean have mild weather, in Rhum they are cruel times of
snow and cold. Few kids survive and the numbers of goats stay nearly the same year after
year.
Our exploratory hikes sometimes became almost forced marches, but we got to see nearly
every corner of Rhum. The scenery was spectacular along the shore. There were high
cliffs, caves and rocky beaches. One beach contained pieces of a hard quartz-like rock
called Blood Stone. It has a blue-green color with red flecks contained throughout it. It
easily breaks and can be sharpened into a cutting edge or point. It was used by Neolithic
man for spear and arrow points. The source of the rock was Bloodstone Hill which was
made entirely of the mineral.
During the course of one hike we discovered that one hill, Fionchra, which was identified
by air as having large shearwater colonies, did not show any signs of ever being occupied
by the birds. Furness determined from this that the 50's survey was very inaccurate. From
the tops of Rhum's mountains on a clear day we could see the Isle of Skye and the Scottish
mainland. The views were breathtaking, especially from the high peaks in the southeast.
Climbing in this section taxed our hiking abilities during the day. We were also to
undertake some night trips to this area to band shearwaters.
Shearwaters are at their most vulnerable when they return from feeding at sea and attempt
to reach their burrows. Their inability to move when they first land on the ground provides
an ideal opportunity to collect birds for banding. This part of the project turned out to be the
most fascinating part of the two-week stay.
We would set out from the castle at 10 p.m., while it was still light, to hike to Kate
Thompson's camp at the foot of Hallival. Due to Rhum's location in the northern latitudes
(Rhum is further north than Moscow) it did not get dark until nearly midnight. It took
about an hour and a half to reach the site. By now it was dark and the shearwaters would be
arriving in an hour or so. We sat around, caught our breath, and had some tea and biscuits
(cookies). I also tried to take a brief nap in spite of the cold. At midnight we climbed again
for about a half hour, using flashlights. During the final climb we reached the main
concentration of borrows on Hallival. On the way up we could hear the shearwaters, who
had been left with the eggs, cooing. It is speculated that the sound helps guide their partner to
the right burrow. Occasionally a whizzing sound would occur overhead. That was the
sound of the shearwaters flying low, trying to judge the approximate location of their
nesting burrow. Sometimes a dull thud would be heard. That was the sound made by a
landing bird.
These sounds at first were sporadic. They seemed to be muffled by the light mist covering
the slopes of Hallival. Our first night climb took place on a cloudless night so our visibility
for hiking was adequate. That was, however, not ideal conditions for the shearwaters.
Only a few birds, probably several hundred, were trying to land where we set up our
banding station. We were told that the shearwaters would be easy to catch once they hit the
ground. However, everytime we tried to snatch one up it would quickly push itself into a
nearby hole or rock crevice. Some even managed to fly off just out of our reach. I first tried
staying quietly behind a rock, trying to grab any birds that landed nearby. That technique
got me one capture at first, but none followed. All the rest just managed to elude my grasp.
We all became frustrated, except Gary. Being a bird keeper must have helped since he
developed an effective method for shearwater capture. Gary discovered that if you shone
your flashlight into the eyes of a shearwater that had just crash-landed, the bird would
remain mesmerized. Then, while keeping the light beam on the eyes, one could climb close
to the bird, make a quick grab, and capture it. I tried his method and caught six
shearwaters. There were a total of 29 shearwaters caught that night. Gary got all but nine.
109
Reflections on Rhum, Part 2. Continued
As we climbed up and down the steep slopes of Hallival the shearwaters continued to arrive.
You could hear them flying by just above us but out of sight in the darkness. The sound
made as they buzzed overhead is almost indescribable. The closest noise to it in my mind is
the sound effect that they use in war movies to depict the sound of incoming artillery shells.
The whizzing noise combined with the cooing of thousands of shearwaters in their burrows
gave an eerie atmosphere to the entire proceedings. By 3 a.m. the birds stopped arriving
and we started back down Hallival to the castle and our beds.
On the night on the 4th of June we undertook our second trip for shearwater banding. The
previous night banding occurred on a relatively clear night. Other clean nights had
followed and the offshore shearwaters who fear such nights, due to a great risk of being
picked off by peregrine falcons, stayed at sea. Earlier that day, Bemie showed us flocks of
shearwaters, in the thousands, circling off of Rhum's southeast coast. Some of these birds
had not come to shore for several days. Their mates, sitting back in the burrows, must have
been very hungry. Bernie mentioned that this night's banding could prove very
successful.
That night we arrived at the main colony concentrations at 12:30 a.m. It was a very misty
night. Unlike the last night hike we saw no stars, or lights from the port of Mallaig on the
mainland. Already birds were arriving. The cooing, the thuds of landing birds, and that
whizzing sound were much louder and more frequent than the previous night. Birds were
all over the place. By the beam of a flashlight traversing the sloped, scores of birds could be
seen crawling across the ground. Dozens were landing almost constantly around our
banding station. As strange as the sounds were last time, they were even more so now. We
were rather amazed by all of this activity. Bernie mentioned later that witnessing such a
natural phenomenon must have had an almost supernatural effect on more early visitors to
Rhum. He speculated that the Viking name given to one of the mountains just to the
southwest of the main nesting colonies, Trollaval, may be linked to the shearwaters.
Trollaval means "Mountain of the Trolls". One can easily imagine what vikings on a
ship offshore of Rhum must have thought after hearing those strange sounds coming from
shore on a dark foggy night.
This time, using Gary's method, I started catching lots of birds. Sometimes I would bring
two or three back to the banding station with me. Gary and I caught so many birds that a
backup occurred with the banding team unable to process the ones we caught. For nearly a
half hour we took a coffee break until the banders cleared the backlog, with each shearwater
carefully weighed, measured, banded and released. One bird that I had brought back was
already banded. The team initially thought that it was a shearwater we had just processed.
Dr. Furness recorded the number and found out later that this individual had been banded
on Rhum 10 years previously. Gary and I caught shearwaters with relative ease until 2
a.m. For the next half hour birds landed sporadically and then not at all. We finished the
last of our coffee and started back towards Kinloch and sleep. That morning's work had
netted over 130 shearwaters.
Later that day we left Rhum. The ferry picked us up in the afternoon. It had three other
stops until we reached Mallaig. From the ferry we saw seals, a few puffins, kittiwakes,
eider ducks, gullimonts, and other seabirds. We also saw several flocks of shearwaters. I
imagined, fancifully perhaps, that some of these birds might be the same ones whose
burrows we counted, or individuals that we banded. As the flock turned in unison over the
waves you would see black, then white, black and then white again.
For information on Earth watch, write to:
EARTHWATCH
10 Junipur Road, Box 127
Belmont, MA 02178
(617) 489-3030
110
CHAPTER AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee - Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoo, 2700
Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609. (419) 385-5721 Ext. 251. Home address: 10740 Obee Rd.,
Whitehouse, OH 43571. (419) 381-0377 (h). Assist. Directors- Colleen Kinzley (west) {312} 485-
0263 Ext. 489 [w]; {312} 528-8412 [h] and Nancy Pintavalli (east) {614} 645-3400 [w]; {614} 766-
6475 [h].
REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 {206} 625-2244 [w]
for the States of WA, OR (North Pacific Coast)
Celeste Northrop, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, SanDiego, CA 92112
for Southern California and Southern Nevada [South Pacific Coast]
David Luce, Fresno Zoo, 892 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728 (209) 488-1549 [w]
for Mid-California [South Pacific Coast]
VACANCY for the States of ID, MT, WY (North Mountain)
John Turner, Denver Zoo, 23rd St. & Steele, City Park, Denver, CO 80205
for the States of UT & CO, (South Mountain)
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
for the States of AZ & NM [South Mountain]
Carla Wieser, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 10th St. & Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, NE 68107
for the states of NE & LA (North Plains)
Wendy Davis, Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., Duluth, MN 55807
for the States of MN & IA (North Plains)
Steve Tigges, Tulsa Zoological Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115
for the States of KS, OK, MO, AR (Central Plains)
Debbie Jackson, Little Rock Zoological Gardens, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
for the State of AR (Central Plains)
Rick Smith, ( St. Louis Zoo), 6316 Washington Ave., University City, MO 63130 (mailing address)
for the State of MO (Central Plains)
Joanna Ameson, Lee Richardson Zoo, P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846
for the State of KS (Central Plains)
Ann Marie Greco, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
for the States of TX and LA (South Plains)
Joe Rindler, Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Box 400, Columbus, OH 43065
for the States of OH and KY [Great Lakes Region)
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 {312} 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]
for the States of IL and WI (Great Lakes Region) {312} 528-8412 [h]
Lee Williams, Detroit Zoo, P.O. Box 39, Royal Oak, MI 48068
for the States of MI and IN (Great Lakes Region)
Alan Baker, Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13204 AND
Mark Hofling, Bronx Zoo, 185th St. & Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (212) 220-7115 {w}
(212) 543-2753 {h} AND
Jeannette Nadeau, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02905
for the States of ME, NY, VT, NH, MA, CT, and RI (North Atlantic Coast)
Jon Brangan, Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504 {804} 441-2374 [w]
{804} 625-0272 [h]
for the States of PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA. WVA & DC (Mid- Atlantic Coast)
Michelle Herman, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39209
for the States of TN and MS (South Atlantic Coast)
Fred Alvey, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315
for the States of GA and AL (South Atlantic Coast)
VACANCY for the States of NC and SC (South Atlantic Coast)
Betty Grogan, Jacksonville Zoological Park, P.O. Box 26767, Jacksonville, FL 332218 AND
Tami Ryf, Dreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 AND
Mary Mure, Metrozoo, 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177
for the State of Florida
VACANCY for the State of Alaska
Dan Vitiello, Honolulu AAZK Chapter, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
for the State of Hawaii
Terry Male, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5
for the Province of Ontario, Canada
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5
for the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada & [204] 837-1635 [h]
States of ND and SD
Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo, Box 3259, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2R7
for the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada(403) 483-5525 [w]
Chantal Routhier, Granby Zoo, 347 Rue Bourget, Granby, Quebec, Canada J2G 1E8
for the Province of Quebec
111
®AAZK Diet Notebook
Mammals, Volume 1
The AAZK Diet Notebook, Mammals - - Volume 1 contains
approximately 325 diets representing 213 species and subspecies
from fourteen participating institutions. The diets are arranged by
taxonomic order using ISIS numbers in a durable and attractive three-
ring binder. Each Diet Response Form included in Volume 1 contains
the following information: common name, scientific name, ISIS
number, the contributing individual, their institution and its address,
how long the diet has been used, whether the animals have bred while
on the diet, the diet ingredients, instructions for preparation, notes
and remarks, special considerations and nutritional analysis (if
available).
The Diet Notebook is a copyrighted publication of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., and may be ordered by filling out the
following form and sending it, along with a check or money order (U.S.
FUNDS ONLY) made payable to ’ AAZK Diet Notebook" to: Diet
Notebook Order, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S. A.
Cost of the Diet Notebook is as follows: 1) AAZK Members $40.00; 2)
Non-members $55.00; 3) Institutions $70.00. These prices represent
prepaid order prices and include postage for the U.S. and Canada.
Those placing orders from overseas should contact AAZK
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 for
additional postage charges. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
2s*- a1*- V 2s*- 2*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*- 2s*-
AAZK DIET NOTEBOOK ORDER FORM
I wish to order ■■ copy (ies) of the AAZK Diet Notebook,
(check one)
AAZK Member __ Non-Member Institution .
Total amount enclosed: $
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ALL ORDERS MUST BE PREPAID
112
Limited Number of 1989 Conference
Proceedings Available for Sale
If you have not already ordered your copy of the Proceedings from the 1989
AAZK National Conference held inSyracuse, NY, there are a limited
number of copies available following the pre-order mailing. These will be
sold on a first come, first served basis. To order, fill out the form below and
return to AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Cost is $7.00 for AAZK members, $12.00 for non-members. Orders outside
the U.S. and Canada should add $3.00 extra per copy for postage costs.
Papers published in the 1989 Proceedings include: The Animal Data Transfer
Form • Update: Zoo Infant Development Project • Gummivory: It's Significance and
Potential Use in Captive Wildlife • Techniques Used in the Hand-Rearing and Subsequent
Reintroduction to Her Mother of a Lowland Gorilla • Hand-Rearing, Growth and
Development of Fisher • Zoo Atlanta's Search for the Red Ape • Management and Breeding
of the Southern White Rhinoceros • Quarantine and Acclimatization of Bee-Eaters at the
San Diego Zoo • Bull Asian Elephant Facility at Dickerson Park Zoo • Hand-Raising
Scarlet Ibis • Neonatal Growth Weights in Guenther's Dik Dik • The Making of a Zoo-The
Newark Mini Zoo • Research in Natural Habitat Enclosures at the Duke University
Primate Center • Introduction of a Male Colobus to an Existing all-Male Group • Behavior
and Management of Small Deer at the San Diego Zoo • Waste Reduction Program at
Metropolitan Toronto Zoo • The Use of Ultrasound in Managing a Breeding Colony of
Galago • Keeper Personality Survey • A Tropical Renaissance: It’s All in a Day's Work •
Husbandry Notebooks and Unit Procedures • Rain Forest Husbandry at the National
Aquarium in Baltimore • Brookfield Zoo Intern Program • Developing Educational Shows
with Available Animals and Staff • M.A.Z.E.-Magnet Assisted Zoo Education • and The
Creation and Operation of a Native Hummingbird Exhibit. Also included in the
Proceedings are An Overview of the 1989 Meeting of the AAZK Board of Directors • A
Synopsis of the Australasian RAP Session • and the handout materials from a workshop on
"A Simple Method for Primate Cycle Evaluations".
1989 Conference Proceedings Order Form
I wish to order copy (ies)
AAZK Member Non-Member
($7.00 each) ($12.00 each)
Orders outside U.S. and Canada add $3.00 per copy for postage.
TOTAL ENCLOSED $
Name:
Address: — - — — __________ — _
State/Province:
Phone: _____
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Opportunity Knocks
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks IAKF. 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606. Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Phone (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31; FAX (913) 272-2539.
INTERNSHIPS. ..two Keeper positions. Ten-week internship during summer of 1990
(dates flexible). Stipend of $600.00 provided by the Friends of the Salisbury Zoo and Zoo
Commission. Will work under general curator or lead keeper. Written inquiries only.
Those interested should provide the names of three references and apply in their own
handwriting, regarding personal background. Send to: Donald D. Bridgwater, Director,
Salisbury Zoological Park, P.O. Box 3163, Salisbury, MD 21802.
MAMMAL KEEPER. ..to work in the Carnivore, Small Mammal and Australian
sections. Daily responsibilities include animal care and maintenance, daily record
keeping and interactions with the education staff and the public. Two (2) years experience
desirable. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume and statement of
interest by 15 March 1990 to: Personnel Department, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road,
Brookfield, IL 60513.
ANIMAL KEEPER. ..a,t Baltimore Zoo. Salary $15,000-$17,000. Each candidate must have
one year paid experience in the care and handling of a variety of animals, excluding pets;
or 6 months experience in the care and handling of animals in a zoological institution or
have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, zoology,
animal science, or veterinary technology. Under the direct supervision of a Senior
Keeper and/or Curator. Send resume to: Personnel Department, Baltimore Zoo, Druid
Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217.
VETERINARY TECHNIC I AN. ..requires a degree as a Veterinary Technician or
Animal Health Technician and/or valid license or be eligible for a New York State
license. Prefer some exotic animal experience with background of native wild animal
care. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Send cover letter and
resume to: Kimberly G. Davidson, General Curator, Utica Zoo, Steele Hill Road, Utica,
NY 13501. EOE.
The following two positions are available at Soco Gardens Zoo. Resume should be sent by
15 April 1990 to: Soco Gardens Zoo, Rt. 1, Box 355, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.
SEASONAL ZOOKEEPER-GXJIDE. ..several positions available May-October (or, per
school schedules). Good opportunity for those desiring PAID zoo experience. Requires
high school diploma. Prefer persons with some experience in the care of small and large
mammals. Good communications skills and neat appearance essential. Duties include
cleaning of exhibits, feeding and caring for small and large mammals and talking to
groups. Salary $175.00 per week. Lodging, utilities and uniforms furnished.
ZOO & REPTILE KEEPER... requires high school diploma. Some zoo experience
prefered. Good communication skills and neat appearance essential. Must be able to talk
to groups. Other duties include the care and feeding of small and large mammals and a
reptile collection, cleaning of exhibits and some construction. Starting salary $12,870 per
year plus health insurance.
HEAD KEEPER... monthly salary $1744-$2120, benefits to include City-paid PERS; no
Social Security tax deduction. Under direction, plans, supervises, coordinates, and
participates in the care and management of animals; the maintenance, repair and
construction of facilities; and various activities specific to the Zoo Division. Desirable
qualifications for education and experience are four (4) years of progressively responsible
experience in zoo operation/animal care including some supervisory experience, and
graduation from a two-year community college with an emphasis in a related field.
114
Opportunity Knocks. Continued
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a related field is
desirable. Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the
required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Application forms and a complete job
description may be obtained from City of Eureka, Personnel Office, 531 K Street, Room 102,
Eureka, CA 95501, (707) 443-7331, Ext. 254; FAX (707) 442-3989. Final filing date is 13
April, 1990 at noon. Resumes are encouraged, but must be accompanied by an official city
application. EOE.
BIRD KEEPER... requires high school diploma and one year's experience in a zoological
institution caring for and handling a variety of birds. Raptor experience would be helpful
but not required. Salary $15,726-$! 9,063. Contact City of Springfield Personnel Dept., at
(417) 864-1607 or write them at 830 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 for an
application. Closing date is 31 March 1990.
AVICULTURIST...reamres a Bachelor's degree in zoology and/or experience in caring
for an avian collection at a zoological park. Duties will include daily care and
management of a significant bird collection; propagation program planning; regular
reporting; and some writing. Location: St. Catherine's Island Wildlife Survival Center
near Savannah, GA. Salary: Commensurate with experience, includes attractive fringe
benefits package. Send resume to: Angelo Monaco, Personnel Manager, NY Zoological
Society, 185th St. and Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460.
ANIMAL KREPER/EL/EPHANT&...pTefeT experience in care and handling of elephants.
Degree in biological sciences desirable. Salary $9.89 to $11. 39/hr. plus excellent benefits.
Send resume by 31 March 1990 to: Personnel Dept., Cleveland Metroparks System, 4101
Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144. For questions contact Ken Pekarek, Mammal
Supervisor/Head Keeper at (216) 661-6500.
ZOOKEEPER...the Minnesota Zoological Gardens is currently accepting applications to
establish an eligible list for Zookeeper vacancies. These positions require professional
experience in the zoo and aquarium field (related experience and education applicable)
with demonstrated experience in zoo animal management, feeds and feeding, animal
health, zoo exhibition, human relations skills, and zoo concepts. Salary $20,066-
$25, 098/year. Interested candidates should contact Terri Johnson, Minnesota Zoological
Garden, at (612) 431-9219 to receive a job announcement and application. EOE.
COMMISSARY MANAGER. ..responsible for inventory, stocking food and supplies for
entire zoological collection. Supervisory and interpersonal skills preferred. Salary
range $14,000-$21,500. Resume to Richard M. Hurst, Director of Human Resources,
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.
ANIMAL KEEPERS... the Zoological Society of Philadelphia has several openings for
Animal Keepers to work with Mammals, Reptiles and Birds. Positions will be filled at the
Apprentice level, however, all applicants must possess the following minimum
qualifications, including high school diploma or equivalency exam and a minimum of 1
year experience with captive animals. Prefer college degree in biology or related field.
Must have good writing, verbal and recordkeeping skills, and the desire to expand
knowledge of husbandry and captive animal handling; ability to work with a variety of
animals and a flexible work schedule. Reptile Keepers must successfully complete
poisonous animal handling training within 1 year.
General responsibilities include daily care, feeding and health and safety of animals;
exhibit cleaning and maintenance; behavior observation and recordkeeping; interacting
with visitors. Keepers must be willing to participate in on-going career development and
training programs.
Annual salary low $20' s with liberal benefits program. Applicants should send
professional resume, career goals and 3 letters of recommendation from professional
associates to : Personnel Department, Philadelphia Zoo, 34th and Girard, Philadelphia,
PA 19104.
115
Opportunity Knocks. Continued
WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE CURATOR..needed in Monrovia, Liberia for joint project of
Friends of Animals (FoA) and the Republic of Liberia. Just opening orphanage, will be
rehabilitation center for eventual release of primates, reptiles, duikers and birds, etc.
Responsible for supervising all aspects of the orphanage from physical facility to
veterinarian care. Minimum of a bachelor's degree in field biology or its equivalent.
Three to five years experience in animal protection, rehabilitation and/or exotic animal
husbandry strongly preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to
FoA do Zephyr Carlyle, 16981 Via Tazon, Suite S, San Diego, CA 92127.
ANIMAL KEEPER with Vet Tech experience reqm tree?... duties would include care and
feeding of a collection of mammals, birds and reptiles. Applicants should also have
experience running fecals, taking blood, giving shots and keeping records. Need a self-
starter who will work with a minimum of supervision. Salary commensurate with
experience. Send resume to: Vince Hall, Claws 'n Paws Wild Animal Park, R.D. #6,
Lake Ariel, PA 18436. Telephone (717) 698-6154. Position open until filled.
&
AAZK Announces New Professional Members
Stephanie Lydon, Walter D. Stone Mem. Zoo (MA)
Scott Lockhart, Acadia Zoo (ME)
Stefano DeRosa, Central Park Zoo (NY)
Marian Duffy-Sykes, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
Oscar Hernandez, Miamo Metrozoo (FL)
Debi Talbott, Busch Gardens (FL)
Richey Placek, Columbus Zoo (OH)
Dino Michalski, Toledo Zoo (OH)
Thomas Benner, Toledo Zoo (OH)
Tina Sheets, Columbian Park Zoo (IN)
Andrea Perry, John Ball Zoo (MI)
Susan Wahlgren, Cosley Animal Farm (IL)
Tom Mendelson, Scales & Tales Children’s Zoo(IL)
Janet Couch, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Denise M. Steig, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Kristin Zabawa, Los Angeles Zoo (CA)
Marla Bronovich, Sea World (CA)
Rich Johnson, Pt. Defiance Zoo/Aqua. (WA)
Doran Deck, Riverview Park Zoo (Ont.)
Cheryl Frederick, Franklin Park Zoo (MA)
Scott Grierson, Acadia Zoo (ME)
Joseph Krause, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
Steve Cepregi, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
Lauren Corrado, Busch Gardens (FL)
Lynn Aderholt, Walt Disney World (FL)
John Grigore, Toledo Zoo (OH)
David Ross, Toledo Zoo (OH)
Robin Wrights, Toledo Zoo (OH)
Brian Ballard, John Ball Zoo (MI)
Kathy Brown, Blank Park Zoo (IA)
Brad Reynolds, Grindstone Valley Zoo (IL)
Lyle R. James, Topeka Zoo (KS)
Darcy Henthorn, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Gary Lee Davidson, Los Angeles Zoo (CA)
Joseph Kuhn, Sea World (CA)
Lee McDaniel Huggett, C. Paddock Zoo (CA)
Bill Liggett, Pt. Defiance Zoo/Aqua. (WA)
Robert Smerage, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont.)
Monica Wrobel, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont.)
New Contributing Members
Tony Vecchio, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
Mike Basel, Fun Safaris, Bloomingdale, IL
Renewing Contributing Members
Virginia Zoological Society, Inc., Virginia Zoo, Norfolk, VA
Friends of the Zoo, Greenville Zoo, Greenville, SC
Steven Graham, Detroit Zoological Park, Detroit, MI
Calgary Zoological Society, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
116
AAZK Membership Application
Name check here if renewal [ ]
Address
City
State/Province Zip
□ $30.00 Professional
Full-time Keepers
□ $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
□ $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
□ $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
Zoo Affiliation (if any)
□ $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
□ $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Zoo Address
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH.
OF THE PRECEDING MONTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers' Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.S A.
mi
0 8 0
* &£
PS*
Animal
Keepers'
Forum
April 1990
(WiM
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan April 1990
Assistant Editor: Alice Miser Volume Seventeen
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer Number Four
Animal Keepers:' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS - PROJECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review. Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange
Cynthia Simpson, Brookfield Zoo
AAZK.-HistQry-.„Committe.e
Art Goodrich, San Diego Zoo
Keeper Training & Education
(.includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
Susan M. Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
Public Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
International Affairs Coordinators - Mona Keith, Calgary Zoo (east) Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
Conservation. Preservation. Restoration (CPR1 Committee - Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Animal Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK— Liaistm„tfl— AAZlEA/IZE
Brint Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Keeper Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo-Infant. Development Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet-Note book
SusanBunn Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Biological Values/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative .Advisor
John Stoddard, Chicago, IL
By-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Universitv List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper... Training....Yideotap£
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Order/Distribution Center at AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Toledo, OH
Assistant CRAC Directors
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo
Individual Regional Coordinators and the states they oversee are listed elsewhere in each issue of AKF.
This month 's cover features the Crested Seriema ( Cariama cristata) drawn by Jami Steele
a keeper / educator at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. Seriemas are found in
the pampas or grasslands in eastern and central Brazil. They are strong runners and
will fly only when pressed. They are omnivores and include snakes as a regular part of
their diet. Due to their loud yelping calls, young seriemas are often taken from nests and
hand-raised by country people as watch dogs. Thanks, Jami!
Chapter Logo Registry Being Updated
The Chapter Logo Registry, first completed in December of 1988, is now being updated.
This registry, which will be sent to all active AAZK Chapters when completed, is not only an
historical record of logos adopted, but also can be used to assist newly formed Chapters in
designing their logos without duplicating the designs already adopted by an existing
Chapter. Request letters and Chapter Logo Questionnaires have been sent to all Chapters for
which we currently do not have a logo on file. Once we have heard from these Chapters, we
will put the new logo registry together and hopefully have it out to all Chapters by early
summer.
The following is a list of Chapters for which we have logos on file: Metropolitan Boston,
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo, Greater Baltimore,
The Virginia AAZK, North Carolina Chapter, Greenville Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, Jacksonville
AAZK, South Florida AAZK, The Smoky Mountain AAZK, Jackson Zoo, Columbus AAZK,
Greater Cleveland AAZK, Detroit AAZK, Milwaukee County Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Flint
Hills Chapter, Little Rock Zoo, Riverside Chapter, Central Arizona, Tucson AAZK, Los
Angeles Zoo, San Diego AAZK, Greater San Francisco Bay Area AAZK, Honolulu Zoo,
Portland AAZK, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Edmonton Chapter AAZK.
If your Chapter is not listed above or you are listed and have changed your logo since
December 1988, please send us a copy of your new logo along with information on when it
was adopted, who was the designer and if the design has particular significance to animals
at your zoo, etc. Many thanks for help on this project.
Videotape Update
By Marilyn Cole, Production Coordinator
Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Who knows more about animal care than zookeepers— experienced animal care
professionals? Who better, then, to develop video training tapes for new keepers than
members of AAZK?
To date, two have been completed and are available for purchase from Administrative
Offices: one on Safety: An Attitude Adjustment and the other on An Introduction to Feeds
and Feeding. These were done by Wayne Buchanan of Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA
and the AAZK Chapter members of the Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Canada. It's a start, but
more keeper training tapes are needed in order to cover the wide range of knowledge
required by members of our profession.
Don't be afraid of taking on such a project. Within the AAZK membership there is a wealth
of practical experience to share. Within every community, production help is available for
117
Scoops & Scuttlebutt Continued
the asking. Local cable companies, community colleges, advertising agencies, and even
high schools have the equipment and skills to help you, and will respond positively with the
right approach. Funding for production costs is available through the AAZK Videotape
Project.
Make it happen! For further information, contact: Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box
280, West Hill, Ontario M1E 4R5, Canada.
APT Forms Available Upon Request
Animal Data Transfer Forms for zoos and aquariums are available free of charge upon
request. This is a service provided by AAZK. Contact: Bernie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo,
500 Burnet Park Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204. If your facility is not already using the ADT
Form, encourage your administration to implement its use whenever an animal is
shipped.
Elephant Conference T-Shirts SUB. Available.
T-shirts from the 1989 Elephant Workshop held in Tulsa are available for $10.00. All sizes
are available. Please make checks payable to Tulsa Zoo Friends and send to: Steve
Tigges, Tulsa Zoological Park, 5701 E. 36th St. N., Tulsa, OK 74115.
From the International Affairs Cwrdi.natQrs
AAZK members and Chapters are reminded that we still have a list of foreign keepers who
are interested in being sponsored for membership in AAZK. If you or your Chapter are
interested in participating in the Foreign Keeper Sponsorship Program contact either Pam
MacDougall or Mona Keith at the Calgary Zoo, Box 3036, Station B, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada T2M 4R8.
Qn j^n^ryatiQn?--CQ.n,tagt foe CPfi Committee
If you have questions concerning AAZK’s conservation activities you are advised to
contact Bob Debets, Chairman of the Conservation, Preservation and Restoration
Committee (CPR). Bob is at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. If you have questions
specifically about "Bowling for Rhinos" contact Nancy Pintavalli at the Columbus Zoo.
For questions on the Ecosystem Survival Plan (ESP) contact Norman Gershenz at the San
Francisco Zoo.
Zoo Atlanta to Host National Workshop on Behavioral Research
Zoo Atlanta will host this year's national workshop on "Applying Behavioral Research to
Zoo Animal Management" from 2-9 June in Atlanta, GA. Participants will learn how to
develop and participate in behavioral research projects and apply the results to specific
management problems. This year's workshop will include topics and projects in
mammalian, reptilian and avian behavior. Dr. David Chiszar of the University of
Colorado will give the keynote lecture. Many additional activities are planned as well,
including an ice-breaker and a field trip. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants.
Registration fee for the workshop is $150.00 if paid by 1 May, 1990. After 1 May, the
registration fee is $175.00. Priority will be given to zoo staff from AAZPA accredited
institutions. For further information and a registration form, contact: Dr. Terry Maple,
Director, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315.
118
From the President
I recently went Ten-Pin Bowling (something I have not done since my early teens!) with 98
other Toronto people. The event was BOWLING FOR RHINOS. I had a great time. The
event has been happening in many other places throughout North America over the past
month or so. Monetary totals are not yet in, but all indications point to a great success in
this endeavor.
BOWLING FOR RHINOS 1990 was the project by the Species Sub-Committee of the AAZK
Conservation, Preservation and Restoration Committee (CPR). Thank you to the many
people who participated in this first AAZK-sponsored nationwide fundraising event. Plans
are underway to expand the range of projects and species to be assisted in the future.
There have been recent instances of Chapters entering into legal contracts without the prior
knowledge or approval of the Board of Directors. I believe the Chapters were acting in good
faith, however, any Chapter binding to a contract in fact binds the entire Association to that
contract (Article VII, Section 5 AAZK By-Laws). All members are urged to read our By-
laws. Copies are available from Administrative Offices. I must ask all Committee
Chairpersons, Liaisons, Coordinators and Chapter Presidents to go through the official
governing body of the Association - the Board of Directors - as they conduct AAZK business.
The annual midyear Board Meeting at Topeka has been arranged for June 4-5. The
purpose of the meeting is to discuss business that has arisen since the 1989 Conference.
Anyone who has an idea or concern should contact any Board Member before May 15, so
that we may include it on our agenda.
CT3 <3 Pi\
AAZK Announces New Professional Members
Robert P. Busa, Franklin Prk. Zoo (MA)
Amaya Murphy, Van Saun Prk. Zoo (NJ)
Edgardo Cruz, Bronx Zoo (NY)
Sheri Williams, Ross Prk. Zoo (NY)
Marie Galloway, National Zoo (DC)
Barbara Brand, Sea World (FL)
Darren Browning Alligatorland Safari Zoo (FL)
Deborah Dorsey, Opryland U.S.A. (TN)
Patricia Currie, Columbus Zoo (OH)
Patricia Spinning, Akron Zoo (OH)
Charles Webb, Blank Prk. Zoo (IA)
Jim Hlavac, Wildwood Prk. Zoo (WI)
Beckee Niemackl, Topeka Zoo (KS)
Nancy Childress, Tulsa Zoo (OK)
Andrea Anders, Houston Zoo (TX)
David Sena, Alameda Prk. Zoo (NM)
Lee McDaniel Huggett, Chas. Paddock Zoo (CA)
Peter H. Klose, Jui
Andrew Thorburn, Acadia Zoo (ME)
Joseph Mahoney, Bronx Zoo (NY)
Jo Anne Cuzdey, Ross Prk. Zoo (NY)
Gina Wilson, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
Michael Bartlett, Sea World (FL)
Lisa Samuels, Busch Gardens (FL)
Donald Smith, Birmingham Zoo (AL)
Cindy Pinger, Memphis Zoo (TN)
Dave Winkler, Akron Zoo (OH)
Michael Hawkey, Detroit Zoo (MI)
Patrick Standley, Blank Prk. Zoo (IA)
Scott Wisherd, Lake Superior Zoo (MN)
Lynn McDuffie, LA Purchase Gdn/Zoo (LA)
Timothy Steinmetz, Houston Zoo (TX)
Judith Fabian, San Antonio Zoo (TX)
Peter Balcaen, San Diego Zoo (CA)
Trish McElroy, Los Angeles Zoo (CA)
s Cat World, Inc. (ONT)
Renewing Contributing Members
National Zoological Park, NZP Library, Washington, DC
Sally G. Christman, El Paso Zoological Society, El Paso, TX
Nancy Hanson, Lakeview Terrace, CA
AAZK Award Nominations Are Now Beinff Accepted for 1990!
The AAZK Awards Committee would like to begin accepting nominations for the awards
to be presented at the 1990 AAZK Conference in New Orleans. In the following months
there will be information concerning the qualifications, nomination procedures,
selection procedures and an explanation of the AAZK Excellence in Zookeeping (EZ),
Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education (CMZE) and Meritorious Achievement (MA)
Awards.
The deadline for all award nominations in 1 June 1990. All award nominations
received after 1 June will be reviewed for 1991, so please keep this in mind when
submitting your nominations.
All awards given by the AAZK do not have a minimum or maximum number offered
each year. Also, if the nominees do not meet the qualifications and nominators do not
follow the nomination procedures, they will not receive the award for which they were
nominated. Please include scientific names of animals when they are included in the
nomination of a special or outstanding breeding acknowledgment.
Please submit all nominations to: Jan McCoy, AAZK Awards Chair
Washington Park Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR 97221
AAZK Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education Award
This award is given to individuals, institutions, and organizations in the zoological
community most actively promoting educational programs for zookeepers. This may
include: Keeper training courses, staff seminars and reimbursement for formal
education would be considered programs that are descriptive of this award.
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 existence for at least one year.
Nomination£nQc.e.dure;
1. If you feel that your institution, organization or 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 current Director.
4. Deadline for nominations is JUNE 1 of each year.
Selection Procedure:
The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each
nominee.
120
Births & Hatchings
Attention All Those Submitting B&H: Since we reformatted the B&H column last year, we
no longer accept submissions which are only numerical listings of animals born or
hatched at a facility. We request that those submitting B&H do so in a text format, noting
why a particular B&H is significant to their institution (i.e. first captive, first at that
particular facility, SSP animal, successful B&H due to management changes, etc.).
Different criteria make a B&H significant to its institution or the zoo community as a
whole. Please look through the B&H columns of the past year to see acceptable formats.
Also, we request that you include the scientific name (as per ISIS) with your submissions.
Please try to submit your B&H at least quarterly as we do not have the room to run each
institution's listing containing a full year’s propagation efforts. Also, we request that you
please send your submission double spaced. We welcome black and white photos to use with
your submissions; be sure to list appropriate photo credit. Many thanks! Editor
XteJMmLZflfl ...is proud to announce the following B&H from 1 July through 31 December
1989: From the Reptile Section - 2 Red-faced or scorpion mud turtles ( Kinosternon
scorpiodes ), 1 Emperor or alligator newt ( Tylototriton verrucosus ), 18 Black Forest cobras
( Naja melanoleuca), 5 Horned pale (eyelash) vipers ( Bothrops schlegeli). These are all
first hatchings for the Detroit Zoo. Also hatched was 1 Tokay gecko ( Gecko gecko).
The Bird Section can boast 2.0 Cutthroat finches ( Amadina fasciata), 8 Greater flamingos
( Phoenicopterus roseus ), 1 Rockhopper penguin ( Eudyptes crestatus ), 1 Bahama pintail
( Anas bahamensis), and 1 Spur-winged plover ( Vanellus spinosus). This is the second
year in row that our flamingos have nested and raised young.
Most of our mammal births are from the Hoofstock Section: 1.3 Greater kudu ( Tragelaphus
strepsiceros), 2.2 Scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), 0.1.2 Formosan sika deer
( Cervus nippon taiwanus), and 1 Blesbok ( Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi). Also born were
I. 0 White-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar), and 2 Patagonian cavy ( Dolichotis patagona).
A branch of the Detroit Zoo, the Belle Isle Zoo, has produced 1.0 Llama (Lama glama
glama), 2 Red kangaroos (Megaleia rufa), and 3 Western grey kangaroo (Macropus
fuliginosus melanops ). Also associated with the Detroit Zoo is the Belle Isle Aquarium
which produced 15 Dwarf freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon magdalenae). submitted by
Leslie Keys, Secretary, Detroit Zoo AAZK Chapter, Detroit, Ml.
Assiniboine Park Zoo (Winnipeg). ..with five births in 1989, Assiniboine Park Zoo
continues its successful breeding program of Lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus).
This brings our total number of births to 87. The first lion-tailed macaque birth at APZ
occurred in 1966. A new breeding male arrived from Czechoslovakia in March and has
been introduced to three young females (born at APZ) to make up our third breeding group.
His prodigy should make their appearance in the spring of 1990.
J. J. and Charlie, the breeding pair of Lar gibbons (Hylobates lar) had two offspring this
year. The first, a female, was born in January. It was found dead in the morning due to
trauma. The gibbon group, which consists of 3.1 animals, 2.0 being the offspring from 1983
and 1986, are confined to small quarters during the winter and stress from overcrowding
may have led to the baby's death. J.J. and Charlie's fifth baby was bom in September and
is doing well. The sex is so far undetermined.
121
Births & Hatchings. Continued
Other notable primate births include 0.1 Black crested mangabey ( Cercocehus aterrimus ),
2.0 Barbary macaque ( Macaca sylvanusi, 0.0.2 Common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus ),
and three sets of twin White fronted marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus geoffroyi). The birth of
the Common marmosets is rather interesting as there is no longer a male marmoset in the
exhibit and an Emperor Tamarin ( Saguinus imperator ) has taken over parental duties.
Our American bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucephalus) raised two chicks this year bringing
their total breeding record to 9. Their first nesting was in 1983 and they have produced
young every year since. The also were successful hatching two chicks in 1985.
The Slender-tailed meerkats ( Suricate suricate ) produced their first litter in April. This
litter of four was raised with no apparent problems but subsequent litters were
cannibalized. The meerkats are temporarily housed in the zoo hospital pending the
completion of the Kinsmen Discovery Center. The hospital was undergoing construction
this summer and there was lots of noise and disturbance which may have been the cause of
such behavior.
The Amur leopard cats ( Felis bengalenses euptilura ) successfully raised 2.1 kittens. This
litter follows an unsuccessful litter in the summer of 1988. This time the male was quickly
removed from the enclosure following the birth of the kittens and the female was disturbed
as little as possible. All entry to the exhibit was done via the furthest door to the den box and
was kept to an absolute minimum, submitted by Valerie Norquam, Chapter Liaison,
Assiniboine Park Zookeepers Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Central Florida Chapter . AAZK ...reports notable B&H from its participating facilities for
1989: Submitted to AKF by John Beasley, Chapter Liaison, Central Florida Chapter AAZK.
Cypress Gardens. ..on 3 August, triplets were born to our Cottontop tamarins
( Oedipoodimas oedipus). This was the third birth for this particular pair. Unfortunately,
only two of the offspring survived. These juveniles (1.1) are doing quite well.
A male Muntjac deer ( Muntiacus reevesi) was born on 5 November in our free flight
aviary where he resides with five other muntjacs and several species of birds. Finally, on
9 December, our three-year-old Capybara ( Hyarochoeris hydrochaeris ) gave birth to a
single offspring. The two adults and juvenile showed no ill effects from our recent
unusual cold spell and are quite healthy, submitted by Kelly Webb Fad, Animal Care,
Cypress Gardens, FL.
Hatchings include 0.0.1 Citron crested cockatoo ( Cacatua sulphurea citronocristata) which
is being hand-reared by our aviculture staff because these particular parents destroy their
eggs. Other notable hatchings include 0.0.2 African grey parrots which are currently
being raised by their parents. Once they reach 2-3 weeks of age they will be pulled and
raised by the aviculture staff. Also, fourteen Emu eggs ( Dromaius novaehollandiae ) are
now incubating in our incubators. submitted by Kelly Hall, Animal Care, Cypress
Gardens, FL.
Central Florida Zoological Park...the bird department is proud to announce two
first-time hatchings at the Central Florida Zoo. First and foremost, that of our Hyacinth
macaws ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus). After laying infertile clutches for three years,
they finally hatched out one healthy chick (0.0.1) on 20 June 1989. The hatchling tipped the
scales at 860 grams at the age of five weeks when it was pulled for hand-rearing. Our
second significant hatching came from our Red lord amazons ( Amazona autumnalis
autumnalis ) that hatched out 0.0.2 healthy chicks on 6 June 1989. These were both removed
for hand-rearing, submitted by Bonnie Breitbeil, Keeper, Central Florida Zoo.
Endangered New York Turtles Hatch at Burnet Park Zqq
Two bog turtles ( Clemmys muhlenberg) hatched at Burnet Park Zoo on 18-19 February 1990.
These hatchings are the first of this New York endangered species to hatch at the zoo and
are an important part of Burnet Park Zoo's Bog turtle Conservation Program. This
122
Births & Hatchings. Continued
program involves field surveys and radio telemetry studies which will hopefully lead to
head-starting and re-introduction of the bog turtle into its historic range in Western New
York.
Two Bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenberg) were hatched at the Burnet Park
Zoo in Syracuse, NY during February. Burnet Park is involved in a Bog
Turtle Conservation Program for this endemic endangered reptile.
The February hatching resulted from an on-going experiment designed to evaluate the
feasibility of increasing the reproductive out-put of captive bog turtles. Turtles were shifted
from a naturalistic outdoor enclosure to a heated indoor enclosure following a six-week
fall brumation period. The shift resulted in courtship, breeding and nesting from two of
three females. The group will be returned to the outdoor enclosure in early spring to re-
enter a state of brumation and hopefully emerge and breed with the onset of warm weather.
The potential of doubling the reproductive out-put may be a very important management
tool in the conservation of this and other species with naturally low fecundity.
For more information on Burnet Park Zoo's Bog Turtle Conservation Program, please
contact Dave Collins, Senior Keeper, Reptiles and Birds, Burnet Park Zoo, Syracuse, NY.
Omaha's Henry Poorly Zoo...beginning 1 January 1990 we are reporting births, hatchings
and acquisitions in the following areas:
Cats/Bears: born on 18 Feb. were twin Ring-tailed lemurs C Lemur catta ), bringing the
group total to 7.6.2. Also born on 8 March were 0.0.3 Bengal tigers ( Panthera tigris tigris).
Two were orange phase and one was white. This brings our total population of white tigers
to 5 in a complex which currently houses 50 cats total.
123
Births & Hatchings. Continued.
Our Hoofstock crew received 0.1 Bactrian camel ( Camelus bactrianus) from the Detroit
Zoo. Births include 1.2 Nile lech we ( Onototragus megaceros ). These animals are in the
SSP program. Currently we have 10.11.0. On 8 March a female Reticulated giraffe
( Giraffa Camelopardalis reticulata ) was born, raising the herd total to 2.6.0.
Small Mammals: on 9 March 0.0.1 Indian fruit bats ( Pteropus gigantacus ) was bom. This
is the first birth of this species at our zoo in three years.
Primates/Pachyderm crew received 1.0 White rhino ( Ceratotherium simum ) on SSP
breeding loan from the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Our Bird department has had 0.0.3 hatchings of Emu ( Dromiceius novae-hollandiae ) since
January. Also hatched were 0.0.2 Cape Barren goose ( Cereopsis novae-hollandiae ), 0.0.1
Crested tinamou ( Eudromia elegans), and 0.0.2 NeNe chicks ( Branta sandvicensis) which
hatched on 3 March, submitted by Diane Callaway, Chapter Liaison, Omaha AAZK
Chapter, Omaha, NE.
®
Information Please
WILDFUR has recently received its first case of the protozoan infection Besnoitia darlingi
in a adult male Virginia opossum. My veterinarian (Dr. Jane Nall, DVM) and I wondered
whether anyone might be willing to share any information on cases of this type. What
percentage of opossums, if any, have you received with this infection? With what
medication and dosage have you treated them? What survival rate have you experienced?
We would be grateful for any and all information that you might be able to offer. We are
currently treating this opossum with Albon (sulfadimethoxine) at 120mg/100ml of
drinking water. Please send information to: Dorothy C. Ahler, WILDFUR, 718 Chambers
Dr., Huntsville, AL 35801.
Keepers and other interested staff have begun to meet here at Metro TorontoZoo to promote
and facilitate our continuing quest for environmental and behavioral enrichment for the
animals in our collection. Our group would be most pleased to hear what the rest of you are
doing along these lines. Please write with information on strategies, devices or techniques
to: Charles Gutherie, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, Westhill, Ontario, Canada M1E 4R5.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is looking for information on heights and weights of Reticulated
Giraffes at birth. They have recently experienced the birth of a male who weighed 185 lbs at
birth and was 72 inches tall. Others who have experienced births of larger than usual
giraffe babies are asked to send any pertinent information to: Ray Bamrick/Diane Hagey,
Elephant/Giraffe Dept., Pittsburgh Zoo, P.O. Box 5250, Pittaburgh, PS 15206.
I am looking for information on color ratios of Amazon tree boa ( Corallus e. enydris or
cooki ) litters, along with color descriptions of both parents. The information is to be used in
a study of color inheritence in this highly variable species. You may send descriptions,
color photos, or just a postcard and I will return a data sheet and color pattern key. Please
send to: A1 Winstel, 2651 Cornwall Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45231.
124
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Coming Events
1990 AAZPA Regional Conferences
Southern Regional - 8-10 April - for more information, contact Mary Leverette, Riverbanks
Zoological Park, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 779-8717.
Northeastern Regional - 29 April - 1 May -for more information, contact Gretchen
Ellsworth, National Zoological Park, 3000 Block of Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington,
DC 20008 (202) 673-4666.
Great Lakes Regional - 6-8 May - for more information, contact Jim Anderson, Fort
Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (219) 482-4610.
XhinUntcruatioiud Symposium
on Lion-tailed Macaques
May 23-25, 1990 San Diego, CA
To be held at the San Diego Zoo, the program will feature invited lectures, paper sessions,
woprkshops, and tours of San Diego's unique facilities. Major issues to be discussed
during the symposium are habitat conservation, captive mangement, and reintroduction to
wild reserves. Individuals having relevant work to present are asked to contact the
symposium organizer by 1 March, 1990. Send inquiries and information to: Dr. Donald
Lindburg, Zoological Society of San Diego, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112.
Second International Symposium
on the Biology of Deer
May 28-June 1, 1990 Mississippi State University
A sequel to the international symposium on the Biology of Deer Production held in
Dunedin, New Zealand in 1983, this symposium will convene scientists, managers, and
farmers concerned with the biology and management of cervids. The symposium will
offer plenary lectures, oral and poster presentations, and informal workshops wherein
scientists can present and discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the biology of
cervids as well as their application to the management of farmed and wild deer. For
further information, contact: Dr. Robert D. Brown, Chairman, Biology of deer Symposium,
Dept, of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Drawer LW, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (601) 325-
3830; FAX 601-325-3299.
Gorilla Workshop
June 22-25, 1990 Powell, OH
The Columbus Zoo is hosting a three-day Gorilla Workshop with the emphasis on
behavioral solutions to behavioral problems in the captive gorilla population. For further
information contact: The Great Apes Staff, The Columbus Zoo, Box 400, 9990 Riverside Dr.,
Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3426; FAX (614) 645-3465.
1990 AAZPA Animal-Conference
September 23-27, 1990
Indianapolis, IN
For further information, contact Travis Edenfield, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West
Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 (317) 638-8072.
126
The African Adventure Comes to America:
A New Exhibit at Brookfield Zoo
By
David Thornton , Keeper
Brookfield Zoo , Brookfield, IL
Every year about this time people start to look for signs that winter is over. The first robin, a
crocus, and of course Groundhog Day fuel our hopes that spring is coming. At Chicago's
Brookfield Zoo, there is another sign of spring: the opening of a new exhibit.
Following the first exhibition of dung beetles in the world (April 1987 AKF), and last year's
opening of The Fragile Slugs (April 1989 AKF). the zoo has embarked on a major
renovation campaign designed to expand their ability to meet the urgent conservation
needs of the 90's. The first phase, opened April 1st, has created the most interesting mixed-
species exhibit in the world.
The northwest section of the park has housed the zoo's ungulate collection for over 40 years.
When the time came to renovate the functional, but badly outdated facilities, it was natural
to again call on the designers of the slug exhibits.
"Nearly every zoo has built or is designing a mixed species exhibit, trying to come up with
something different to draw visitors," explained David Thornton, principle architect and
Lead keeper. "The basic nature of this type of exhibit limits what you can do. Instead of
complicating the design, we chose to make it simpler. Using the MegaYard® concept has
allowed us to create a more natural setting, and to solve some of the visitor complaints from
other exhibits."
Joanne Leveille, Assistant Lead Keeper of the Forest area, discussed one of the exhibit's
goals, "One of the complaints visitors had of mixed species exhibits is that you can only
create the illusion of open spaces and predator-prey interactions to a certain point. People
still know about hidden fences and moats. The main focus of our work then was to go past
that point and really surprise them."
Each of the entrance points to the African Adventure takes the visitor through a grove of
trees to a small hill which gives a breathtaking overlook of the entire exhibit. What the
visitor sees is essentially one 30-acre enclosure containing forest, plains, river, and
swamp habitats. A river runs from north to east cutting off the northeast corner into an
exhibit for Grevy’s zebra. The river and a large pool which forms in the exhibit center
house hippo and African waterfowl. The swamp, on both sides of the river on the north, is
home to sitatunga and waterbuck. The northwest and west areas are heavily forested,
providing habitat for okapi, bongo, and yellow-backed duiker. The rest of the exhibit is
open grassland, featuring giraffe, ostrich, Grant’s zebra, black rhino, Grant' s gazelles,
cranes, and in the southeast corner, lion - all without separating moats or fences.
The MegaYard® concept has two main goals: preserve the vista and use as much high-tech
as you can. "The public wants that view of open space, to believe they're in Africa,
explained Diane Bell, Assistant Lead Keeper of the Plains area. "No matter how well you
camouflage a building, you always hear, 'What about the vista?' The only solution is to
remove the building." The three ungulate holding barns, each using state-of-the-art
HVAC, lighting, and manure removal systems to make the physical aspects of zookeeping
as easy as possible, are along the west and north sides of the exhibit, shielded by berms and
heavy planting. The lion corner, however, was the most difficult to develop.
"When we first began discussing species, we knew we wanted a large predator in the
exhibit, but that seemed impossible to accomplish without barriers," said David, "I should
have known Tawny would have something up her sleeve!" Tawny Carlson, creator of the
slug forest, came up with an underground holding area, reached by ramps hidden in the
rocky outcroppings. The small pool is actually a skylight covered with water. Tawny also
127
The African Adventure Comes to America. Continued
developed the revolutionary system which allows the exhibition of predators with prey
animals.
Nearly invisible, each lion wears a special collar. Patterned after electronic fences for
dogs, these industrial strength models confine the pride to the southeast corner, allowing
free access to their territory by the other animals but preventing the lions from hunting.
Stephanie Rhodes, Assistant Lead Keeper of the River and Swamp areas, described the first
days. "There was an initial adjustment period for everyone with animals running every
which way but after watching the lions hit the boundary a few times, the limits are now well
known by all the animals. It was almost funny to watch the lions standing there dazed,
like they'd hit a brick wall. The gazelles and zebras know just how far they can stray into
the lion's territory without getting caught, and I think both groups enjoy the occasional
chase!" The lions are also fed a Commissary specialty, a gazelle shaped fortified meat loaf
with imitation bones, which keeps their hunting instincts satisfied.
Pretty impressive? Never before has an exhibit been created that was able to completely
immerse a visitor into the African experience. Even better, all the animals have bred and
raised young while on exhibit. But wait, there's more....
"The other design complaint we tackled was that mixed species exhibits in the northern
states are very seasonal. Many of the animals are not winter hardy, leaving empty
exhibits for a large part of the year," related Tawny. "To solve this, we created the only
dual-season mixed species exhibit in the world, changing the African Adventure to the
American Adventure."
The habitats created for the African animals are perfect for displaying the North American
collection: Moose, elk, white-tailed deer, otters, beaver, porcupine, buffalo, turkey, and
wolves. During the winter, the African animals stay in the barns using spacious auxiliary
holding yards, weather permitting. During the summer, the American animals have free
access to the zoo's undeveloped west end. They too have all bred successfully.
The excitement over this new concept was the main reason construction was so quickly
completed. "The dual season exhibit creates a reason for summer visitors to return in the
winter and vice versa. It provides additional learning experiences, especially about our
native wildlife," explained David. "The animals benefit too, from the change in
surroundings. Depending on the animals, the occupants can be changed daily." The
signage, double-sided African and American, is just rotated depending on the occupants.
Any problems? "The beetles can be difficult to get in for the winter, especially Huey,
Dewey, and Louie," Joanne said, referring to the dung beetle colony and the triplet sons of
Jo-Jo, which take care of the summer yardwork. "They're a lot like Jo-Jo but the exhibit is
so large you can usually get in and out before one of them spots you." Jo-Jo, unruly as ever,
continues to torment the zoo's elephant keepers. It can also be hard to spot some of the
smaller animals, but the addition of a boardwalk and treehouse observation area will help
to solve this complaint.
So what's next? "We are already planning a mountain habitat along the north and west
sides that would completely disguise the holding bams and allow us to exhibit Nubian ibex,
Barbary sheep, Bighorn sheep, and hopefully the first captive exhibition of Canyon moose."
Diane said. "We'd also like to add a desert habitat, but that's a while away."
Stephanie added, "We are working on getting the elephants out in the exhibit, at least for
part of the day. The problem is they go right for the trees! After that who knows? But there
are still more continents left!"
I guess we'll just have to wait until next year.
(Author's note: Special thanks to Tawny Carlson (as usual) for her inspiration. Special
thanks to Diane Bell, Joanne Leveille, and Stephanie Rhodes, the zookeepers of the 90's, for
their help and inspiration. Enjoy! DBT.)
128
CURATORS
Discover An Opportunity.
Opportunities to oversee a lush, tropical sanctuary for rare and exotic
birds, mammals, and reptiles don’t happen all the time. The Walt
Disney World Co. is looking for someone to help develop one of the
world’s most intriguing zoological parks. Responsibilities include
management of all animal husbandry and training programs, exhibit
design, and development of educational activities. If you possess the
following qualifications, come and discover the outstanding benefits
of being in charge of Discovery Island.
Ph.D. in Zoological Sciences or related field preferred. Minimum
experience of seven years as a Curator for an established zoo,
including at least two years at the management or administrative
level. Prefer active member of AAZPA
If interested/qualified, send resume with salary history in
confidence to:
Walt Disney World Co.
Professional Staffing
P.O. Box 10,090 (DRD-DI-01)
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Fax: (407) 828-8165
©The Walt Disney Company
World Co.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
129
Chapter
News
^at^.nonda^aptei:MZK
Officers for 1990 are:
President Rachel Rogers
Vice Pres Randy Brockmeyer
Secretary Daniella Wooddell
Treasurer Dolora Jung
Chapter Liaison Mary Mure
The Chapter is planning on
participating in the "Bowling for
Rhinos" fundraiser in April during the
national Earth Day celebration.
Among some of the goals for 1990 is to
foster a better rapport with area
facilities, such as Parrot Jungle,
Monkey Jungle, Costello Hammock
and to organize a more unified group of
animal keepers in the South Florida
area.
The mailing address for the SFAAZK is
South Florida Chapter AAZK, 12400 SW
152 St., Miami, FL 33177 (305) 251-0403.
--Rachel Rogers, President
Granville Zqq Chapter
Elections were held on 17 January for
our 1990 officers. They are:
President Ann Bushman
Vice Pres Anke Meyer
Secretary Brina Mauro
Treasurer Teresa Bora
Chapter Liaison Janie Raxter
Ninteen-eighty-nine was a very
productive year for the Chapter
pertaining to fundraisers and
activities. On August 19-20 and 26-27,
we held a fundraiser for the
Programme for Belize. We showed
educational video films, had poster
displays, sold T-shirts and collected
aluminum cans to raise funds for the
Programme and promote rainforest
awareness. We raised over $500.00,
which allowed us to purchase 10 acres of
land to be held in trust for the people of
Belize and managed by
conservationists. This year we were
able to donate $200.00 to the Zoo Outreach
Group, and send several auction items
to the National AAZPA Conference in
Pittsburgh, to be auctioned off at their
fundraiser.
Fortunately, we were not affected by
Hurricane Hugo, which stuck the coast
of South Carolina around Charleston
with tremendous force. We would like
to thank the many AAZK Chapters that
called us to check on our well-being
after the storm. We donated t-shirts to a
shelter in Charleston and sent animal
food to the coastal Human Societies that
were affected.
Two of our keepers attended the
Elephant Management Workshop in
Tulsa, OK in November. They came
back with lots of useful information that
was presented at our Christmas
meeting.
We would like to have all AAZK
Chapters continue to send us
information concerning animal
attacks on humans. We are revising
and reprinting our Exo.tic, Animal? a§
Pets brochure. The new pamphlet will
bear our new logo, designed by Vicki
Roth, our former president. The
pamphlets are available to those
chapters or individuals interested for a
minimal fee.
-Janie Raxter, Chapter Liaison
Topeka Zoo AAZK Chanter
During the months of February, March
and April, our Chapter celebrated Earth
Day in a BIG WAY! We gave
presentations to local elementary
schools on the plight of the rainforests.
Along with a music video, slides and
games, the presentation encouraged the
kids to raise money through recycling
campaigns. The money will go to adopt
acres of rainforest through the Greater
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter’s
Ecosystem Survival Plan. We are
hoping to adopt as many acres as
possible for the citizens of Topeka.
Also in February, with the help of a local
businessman, our Chapter placed six
Bluebird boxes around our
Conservation Propagation Center. We
are hoping to help bolster the bluebird
population around the area.
130
Chapter News. Continued.
Last October (’89) we put the finishing
touches on the renovation of an old unit
that will now be used for our two female
Binturongs. Renovation efforts
included painting the unit, adding
natural substrate to replace the concrete
floor, and planning and arranging
naturalistic exhibit ’furniture' for the
animals. We were able to test the unit
with one of them and she enjoyed it
immensely.
-Ron Ringer , Chapter Liaison
Central Florida Chapter AAZK
The Central Florida Chapter of AAZK is
off to a terrific start. After receiving
our chapter charter and electing officers
in September, we launched our first
Chapter fundraising campaign. This
was the sale of keychains shaped like
the state of Florida with a Florida
panther depicted on the face. The sales
have been brisk and we are finally
getting off our feet financially
speaking.
We are now gearing up for our first
Chapter project: Bowling for Rhinos.
The enthusiastic response we've
received so far has been great and all of
our Chapter members are really excited
about this event. A real bonus for our
Chapter is that Andy Lodge will be
speaking the night before our BFR.
This should serve as a great motivation
for all of us bowlers to break 200!
-Kelly Webb Fad, President
Kansas City Chanter AAZK
The Kansas City Chapter held our third
annual Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser
for the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary
on 18 February at King Louie
Ranchmart. Twenty-seven bowlers,
including five zookeepers from the
Sunset Zoo, Manhattan, KS, and our zoo
director, Ralph Waterhouse,
participated in raising over $3,000 for
the Sanctuary. Rhino Support Group T-
shirts and official Bowling for Rhinos
patches were sold. Our Chapter is proud
to be the originator of the bowl-a-thon for
Ngare Sergoi, and will continue to
support the Sanctuary with ongoing T-
shirt sales in the coming months.
Our Chapter Liaison, Dale Freking, has
concluded his keeper exchange and
working tour of Australia and is due
home this month. Those who have
received letters from Dale know that his
trip has been a great success and we all
look forward to his return.
Kansas City zookeepers and staff
continue to recycle aluminum cans
with special bins for their deposit within
the zoo. Our zoo management also
elected to participate in a paper
recycling project that includes all
departments of the Kansas City, MO
municipal operations. We at the zoo
appreciate the efforts of all city staff to
improve our local ecology.
-Karen Kline, President
Little Rock Chapter AAZK
Newly elected officers are:
President.. ...Ken Kundel
Vice Pres.....Sydney Tanner
Treasurer Marie Schmude
Secretary Debbie Jackson
Ninteen-eighty-nine was a busy and
productive year for our Chapter. We
have several methods of raising funds.
Our largest and most profitable is the
Annual Zoo Run, held inOctober. This
year our Fifth Annual Zoo Run had over
120 entries and made over $800. Many
hours of planning and organizing are
required to make this 5-K event a
success. Marie Schmude has
coordinated the run for the last five
years. This year she is handing the job
over to Janet Cooper, but will remain
available as a consultant. Thanks
Marie!
We also handle the sales of the National
Logo T-shirts, colder holders, and
sweatshirts. Sales are generally good,
although they vary according to season.
The pop and coffee machines in our
keepers' quarters are run by the
Chapter, which provides year-round
income. Our ongoing aluminum
recycling project takes care of the cans.
131
Chapter News. Continued
Our conservation activities were
focused on bats. We constructed and
installed bat boxes in the zoo last
spring. Bat Conservation International
offers a very nice slide show about bats
and their conservation. We purchased
it and showed it at our AAZK booth
during the Little Rock Zoo's
Spooktacular event near Halloween.
Plans for bat boxes were also available
at the booth.
Our Zoo's biggest event is Zoo Days
which takes place in August. The
AAZK booth featured a display of diets
that zoo animals eat. This was well
received by the public.
Our Education Committee has been
presenting a program on zoo keeping to
school children. When requested, a
keeper will visit the school, present a
slide show, and answer questions. This
program has been well received and
requests for it are increasing. We're
working on updating the slide show.
This year should be an equally
productive one. We're already
planning to participate in the Zoo's
Earth Day celebration this month.
-Ann Rademacher,
Chapter Liaison
Zoo Atlanta AAZK Chapter
Our Chapter has been preparing for
"Bowling for Rhinos" which was held
on 7 April. We delayed the bowlathon so
we could also tie in the opening of the
Zoo's new Black Rhino Exhibit.
Recently a travel fund for travel in
conservation and education was made
available to members of Zoo Atlanta's
Keeper staff. The Gaston Travel Fund
is being donated to the Zoo by John and
Jane Gaston. The funds would be
available once a year for a zookeeper to
travel overseas for purposes of self-
education, research and conservation.
Our Chapter made a donation to Mark
and Delia Owens who recently visited
Atlanta. The Owens study lions in East
Africa. Another donation was made to
The Nature Conservancy to purhase an
acre of rainforest.
-Lisa P. Hughes,
Chapter Liaison
Information Please
Ross Park Zoo and representatives from the New York State College of Veterinary
Medicine at Cornell University are collaborating in a research project to measure
reproductive hormones in exotic carnivores. The Zoo's Siberian Lynx pair is part of this
project. Additionally, Ross Park is attempting to inventory and enumerate the species and
would appreciate hearing from institutions/individuals having this species in their
collections who have not bee contacted. Information can be sent to: Dr. Daniel Nielsen,
DVM, do Ross Park Zoo, 185 Park Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903.
Anyone having information on the successful breeding of Hyacinthine Macaws
( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) or on general husbandry of these birds is asked to send it
to: Karyn Tunwell, c/o Metro Toronto Zoo, P.O. Box 280, West Hill, Ontario M1E 4R5,
Canada.
We are interested in obtaining information concerning the head-starting of freshwater
turtles (specifically Pseudemys) in reference to sustained water temp., photoperiod,
duration of head-starting, and diet. Any information or data on this topic would be very
helpful. Please sent to: Zoo Dept., New England Science Center, 222 Harrington Way,
Worcester, MA 01604.
132
° nFrom Sierra Club national news on EcoNet Computer Network
Federal judge denies Navy motion on dolphin suit
A federal judge has denied a Navy motion to dismiss a lawsuit attempting to stop the Navy
from using dolphins as nuclear submarine guards. The lawsuit, filed in April 1989 by a
coalition of animal rights and environmental groups, seeks a permanent injunction
preventing the Navy from using the warm-water Atlantic dolphins in the cold waters of
Puget Sound. The lawsuit argues that the Navy violated the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) when it decided to use the dolphins at the Bangor submarine base.
U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour ruled that the Navy and the Commerce
Department must follow the laws of NEPA when capturing and using dolphins. Wrote
Coughenour: "The fundamental problem with the Navy's analysis is that it does not
provide for NEPA review at any point in the process, yet the Navy's controversial decision
to take dolphins from the wild is clearly a major federal action with an effect on the
environment."
The Navy has not released information either on the number of dolphins involved or how
they would be deployed at Bangor, where Trident submarines are based, but it has been
reported that the animals would be used as perimeter defense to detect possible underwater
swimmers intent on sabotaging the submarines.
>From Greenpeace news on EcoNet Computer Network
Tuna labeling bills in House and Senate
Legislation has been introduced recently by Rep. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sen. Joseph R.
Biden (D-DE) that would require the labeling of all canned tuna products containing tuna
caught in a manner that causes the deaths of dolphins.
141
Legislative Undate. Continued
The number of dolphins killed by the U.S. tuna fleet has declined by more than 90% since
the early 1970's due to increased regulation and the fact that many tuna boats have been re-
registered under foreign flags. While the U.S. fleet must follow strict regulations to
minimize dolphin mortality in the tuna nets, the practices of the foreign fleets are more
difficult for the U.S. to influence. Up to 100,000 dolphins are still killed each year in the
Eastern Tropical Pacific by U.S. and non-U.S. tuna fleets setting seines "on dolphin" to
catch the yellowfin tuna swimming beneath.
The U.S. is the world's largest tuna market and these bills would allow the U.S. consumer
to make an informed decision when purchasing tuna products.
In addition to tuna caught "on dolphin", labeling would also be required for tuna caught in
fisheries that use driftnets of more than one and a half miles long. Hundreds of dolphins,
whales, sea birds, and non-target fish species are killed in these driftnets.
>From Environmental Defense Fund (EDF Letter, Jan. 1990) and Greenpeace news on
EcoNet Computer Network
Wildlife report available
The fifth annual Audubon Wildlife Report is now available. As in earlier editions, the
primary focus is on federal wildlife conservation policy. This year's report includes
sections on such topical issues as global warming, conservation of ancient forests in the
northwestern U.S., wetlands preservation in the Southwest, and trends in water laws in the
West. The Audubon Wildlife Report can be obtained directly from the publisher for $39.95,
plus applicable tax. Send check or money order to: Academic Press, Book Marketing
Department, 1250 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Reports for past years are also
available.
New information on import of sport-hunted African elephant trophies
Assistant Secretary of the Interior Constance Harriman recently clarified current U.S.
policy on importation of sport-hunted African elephant trophies into the U.S. The current
policy was made in accordance with the African Elephant Conservation Act, and is
consistent with the recent reclassification of this species from Appendix II to the more
critical Appendix I under CITES. This reclassification was adopted during an
international conference of CITES member nations in October 1989 and became effective
on 18 January 1990.
Beginning on that date, no African elephants or parts may be imported into the U.S. without
a CITES Appendix I import permit issued by the USFWS and an Appendix I export permit or
re-export certificate from an ivory-producing country that has submitted an export quota for
1990. The USFWS will consider issuing import permits only for noncommercial trophy
imports from nations with healthy elephant populations and strong management programs
that clearly enhance the survival of the species and effectively control poaching. Current
information on particular elephant populations and management practices indicates the
Service may not be able to justify issuance of import permits for trophies taken in countries
other than Zimbabwe, and possibly South Africa, on or after 18 January 1990.
If a sport-hunted trophy shipment is consigned to a common carrier for export to the U.S.
prior to 18 January 1990, and it is not accompanied by a CITES Appendix I permit but
otherwise meets all U.S. and CITES import requirements, as a general rule and until
further notice, the Service will not refuse clearance. Imports without required permits and
documentation will be seized and forfeiture procedures initiated.
Additionally, the USFWS will propose a reclassification of most African elephant
populations from "threatened" to the more critical "endangered" status under the U.S.’s
142
Legislative Update. Continued
Endangered Species List. The reclassification would cover elephant populations in all but
three African countries™ Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Service has
determined that populations in these countries have remained stable or increased and
sufficient management and protection policies are currently in force. Because the
elephant is already listed on Appendix I of CITES, most international commercial trade in
elephants or parts has ceased. An endangered status on the ESL would halt interstate
commerce and impose stricter permit regulations for possession or for importing the
species for scientific or enhancement purposes.
>Department of the Interior news releases 7 February & 16 February 1990
Reclassification of bald eagle under consideration
The USFWS has announced it will undertake a comprehensive review of American bald
eagle populations to determine if the species may warrant reclassification from
"endangered" to the less critical "threatened" category under the Endangered Species Act.
In making the announcement, Service Director John Turner said, "The dramatic growth
of eagle populations in recent years leads us to think the species may no longer be in
danger of becoming extinct. It is possible a reclassification to threatened may reflect more
accurately the species' actual biological status. I want to emphasize the Service is not
considering removing the bald eagle from the protection of the Endangered Species Act. A
reclassification to threatened, should we decide that is warranted, would continue to offer
the full protection of the Endangered Species Act. The Service will review the results of the
1990 bald eagle breeding season nationwide before deciding whether to propose
reclassification."
Currently, bald eagles are listed as endangered in 43 of the conterminous states and
threatened in Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The bald eagle
has never been listed in Alaska, where populations have continued to thrive and now
number approximately 30,000. From estimates as low as 400 nesting pairs in the early
1960's, their numbers improved to a minimum of 2,600 nesting pairs in the conterminous
states in 1989.
> Department of the Interior news release 7 February 1990
143
Limited Number of 1989 Conference
Proceedings Available for Sale
If you have not already ordered your copy of the Proceedings from the 1989
AAZK National Conference held inSyracuse, NY, there are a limited
number of copies available following the pre-order mailing. These will be
sold on a first come, first served basis. To order, fill out the form below and
return to AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Cost is $7.00 for AAZK members, $12.00 for non-members. Orders outside
the U.S. and Canada should add $3.00 extra per copy for postage costs.
Papers published in the 1989 Proceedings include: The Animal Data Transfer
Form • Update: Zoo Infant Development Project • Gummivory: It's Significance and
Potential Use in Captive Wildlife • Techniques Used in the Hand-Rearing and Subsequent
Reintroduction to Her Mother of a Lowland Gorilla • Hand-Rearing, Growth and
Development of Fisher • Zoo Atlanta's Search for the Red Ape • Management and Breeding
of the Southern White Rhinoceros • Quarantine and Acclimatization of Bee-Eaters at the
San Diego Zoo • Bull Asian Elephant Facility at Dickerson Park Zoo • Hand-Raising
Scarlet Ibis • Neonatal Growth Weights in Guenther's Dik Dik • The Making of a Zoo-The
Newark Mini Zoo • Research in Natural Habitat Enclosures at the Duke University
Primate Center • Introduction of a Male Colobus to an Existing all-Male Group • Behavior
and Management of Small Deer at the San Diego Zoo • Waste Reduction Program at
Metropolitan Toronto Zoo • The Use of Ultrasound in Managing a Breeding Colony of
Galago • Keeper Personality Survey • A Tropical Renaissance: It's All in a Day's Work •
Husbandry Notebooks and Unit Procedures • Rain Forest Husbandry at the National
Aquarium in Baltimore • Brookfield Zoo Intern Program • Developing Educational Shows
with Available Animals and Staff • M.AZ.E.-Magnet Assisted Zoo Education • and The
Creation and Operation of a Native Hummingbird Exhibit. Also included in the
Proceedings are An Overview of the 1989 Meeting of the AAZK Board of Directors • A
Synopsis of the Australasian RAP Session • and the handout materials from a workshop on
"A Simple Method for Primate Cycle Evaluations".
1989 Conference Proceedings Order Form
I wish to order copy (ies)
AAZK Member Non-Member
($7.00 each) ($12.00 each)
Orders outside U.S. and Canada add $3.00 per copy for postage.
TOTAL ENCLOSED $
Name: — —
Address:
State/Province:
Phone:
City:
Zip/Postal Code:
CHAPTER AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee - Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoo, 2700
Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609 (419) 385-5721 Ext. 251; (419) 381-0377 (h). Assistant Directors:
- Colleen Kinzley (west) [312] 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]; (312) 528-8412 [h] and NancyPintavalli
(east) (614) 645-3400 [w]; (614) 766-6475 [h].
REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 {206} 625-2244 [w]
for the State of WA (North Pacific Coast)
Mike Ulig, Washington Park Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221
for the State of OR (North Pacific Coast)
Celeste Northrop, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, SanDiego, CA 92112
for Southern California and Southern Nevada [South Pacific Coast]
David Luce, Fresno Zoo, 892 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728 (209) 488-1549 [w]
for Mid-California [South Pacific Coast]
VACANCY for the States of ID, MT, WY (North Mountain)
John Turner, Denver Zoo, 23rd St. & Steele, City Park, Denver, CO 80205
for the States of UT & CO, (South Mountain)
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
for the States of AZ & NM [South Mountain]
Carla Wieser, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 10th St. & Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, NE 68107
for the states of NE & LA (North Plains)
Wendy Davis, Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., Duluth, MN 55807
for the States of MN & IA (North Plains)
Steve Tigges, Tulsa Zoological Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115
for the States of KS, OK, MO, AR (Central Plains)
Debbie Jackson, Little Rock Zoological Gardens, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
for the State of AR (Central Plains)
Rick Smith, ( St. Louis Zoo), 6316 Washington Ave., University City, MO 63130 (mailing address)
for the State of MO (Central Plains)
Joanna Ameson, Lee Richardson Zoo, P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846
for the State of KS (Central Plains)
Ann Marie Greco, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
for the States of TX and LA (South Plains)
Joe Rindler, Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Box 400, Columbus, OH 43065
for the States of OH and KY {Great Lakes Region)
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 {312} 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]
for the States of IL and WI (Great Lakes Region) {312} 528-8412 [h]
Lee Williams, Detroit Zoo, P.O. Box 39, Royal Oak, MI 48068
for the States of MI and IN (Great Lakes Region)
Alan Baker, Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13204 AND
Mark Hofling, Bronx Zoo, 185th St. & Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (212) 220-7115 {w}
(212) 543-2753 {h} AND
Jeannette Nadeau, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02905
for the States of ME, NY, VT, NH, MA, CT, and RI (North Atlantic Coast)
Jon Brangan, Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504 {804} 441-2374 [w]
{804} 625-0272 [h]
for the States of PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA. WVA & DC (Mid- Atlantic Coast)
Michelle Herman, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39209
for the States of TN and MS (South Atlantic Coast)
Fred Alvey, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315
for the States of GA and AL (South Atlantic Coast)
VACANCY for the States of NC and SC (South Atlantic Coast)
Betty Grogan, Jacksonville Zoological Park, P.O. Box 26767, Jacksonville, FL 332218 AND
Tarni Ryf, Dreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 AND
Maiy Mure, Metrozoo, 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177
for the State of Florida
VACANCY for the State of Alaska
Dan Vitiello, Honolulu AAZK Chapter, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
for the State of Hawaii
Terry Male, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5
for the Province of Ontario, Canada
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5
for the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada & {204] 837-1635 [h]
States of ND and SD
Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo, Box 3259, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2R7
for the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada(403) 483-5525 [w]
Chantal Routhier, Granby Zoo, 347 Rue Bourget, Granby, Quebec, Canada J2G 1E8
for the Province of Quebec
NOW AVAILABLE
Zoonotic Diseases. 2nd Edition
AAZK is pleased to announce the availability of the Second Edition of the
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook. This 40-page reference work details the most
common zoonotic diseases, offers guidelines for preventive control and covers
personal hygiene and disinfection procedures.
This Second Edition contains expanded listings of zoonotic diseases and has
been formatted in 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" AKF size. Information on each disease is
presented in a text format which includes Ethiologic Agent, Means of
Transmission to Man, Global Distribution, Alternate or Intermediate Hosts,
Human Incubation and Human Symptoms. Editor for this volume is Bruce
Clark of the Toledo Zoo.
Copies may be purchased by
completing the order form
below. Prices are: $5.00 for
Professional AAZK members;
$6.50 for all other AAZK
membership categories; and
$8.50 for non-members. The
prices include shipping and
handling within North America.
Orders outside the U.S. and
Canada should add $3.00 for
foreign postage by Air Mail.
Make check or money order
payable in U.S. FUNDS ONLY
to: "AAZK". Please allow 3-4
weeks for delivery.
Zoonotic Diseases
Published by
The American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Please send copy/copies of the AAZK Zoonotic Diseases Handbook to:
NAME:
ADDRESS: —
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY; P AF AS INST Non-Mem
TOTAL AMOUNT INCUDED: $
Send to: Zoonotic Diseases, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
146
Opportunity Knocks...
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks I AKF. 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606. Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Phone (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31; FAX 913-272-2539.
Z O O KEEPER ...responsibilities include the care and observation of zoo animals,
maintenance of exhibits, recordkeeping, and interaction with docents and public.
Requires High school diploma or equivalent and experience with captive animals.
Experience may be substituted for education. Salary $14,000-$20,000, excellent benefits.
Contact Personnel Department, City of Little Rock, City Hall, Little Rock, AR 72201, phone
(501) 371-4590. Application filing deadline is 4 May 1990. EOE.
HOOFSTOCK KEEPER...v>osition requires a degree in zoology or related field and two (2)
years experience with hoofstock. Duties include animal care, facility maintenance and
interpretive tours. Weekend work is required. Salary negotiable. Send resume, letter of
intent and three (3) references by 10 May 1990to: John Fleming, Dept, of Wildlife
Conservation, White Oak Plantation, 726 Owens Rd., Yulee, FL 32097.
ZOO ATTENDANT /ELEPHANT HANDLER...requires high school graduation plus one
year experience with elephants. Will assist trainer and participate in African elephant
husbandry program and exotic hoofstock management. Salary: $1,266-$1, 668/month plus
benefits. Send resume directly to: Reta Gaebler, City Hall Personnel Department, 414 East
12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Closing date is 1 May 1990. EOE/MF/H.
YETERIJXA^fJfECHNWJANJNTERNSHIR:. a one-year position is available - pending
funding by an IMS Conservation Project Support Grant - starting in September 1990.
Requires two years' experience or certification. Will assist in the daily medical
management of the zoo's collection and the operation of the zoo's clinic. Send
resume/transceipts/three references to: Dr. Carolee Wallace, Staff veterinarian, Burnet
Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syreuse, NY 13204. Deadline 30 June 1990.
ZOOKEE PER. ..requires Associate’s degree in an animal-related field plus two years’
experience as a keeper, or a Bachelor's degree in biology or related field. Responsible for
daily care of domestic and exotic animals and exhibit/grounds maintenance. Salary $5.00-
$5. 90/hr plus excellent benefits. Send letter and resume by 30 April 1990 to: Mike Borders,
Director, Scovill Children's Zoo, 71 South Country Club Road, Deactur, IL 62521.
CAREGIVER! CHIMPANZEES... requires B.A. in Zoology, Biology, Anthropology or
related fields of study and ability to work well with peers. Commensurate experience will
be considered. Assist in the responsibility for maintaining and caring for approximately
65 chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes). Salary negotiable. Excellent benefits. Equal
opportunity employer. Note: AH personnel must have a negative T.B. skin test and a
negative hepatitis B antigen test. Send letter of interest, requested salary, resume, and
three (3) references to: Jo Fritz, Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P.O. Box 86,
Tempe, AZ 85280.
ZOOKEEPERS ////...the Abilene Zoological Gardens has two (2) openings for Zookeepers
I/II to work with mammals, reptiles and birds. All applicants must possess the following
minimum qualifications including high school diploma or GED (level of experience will
be considered); must have good writing, verbal and recordkeeping skills; and the desire to
expand knowledge of husbandry and captive animal handling; requires ability to work
with a variety of animals on a felxible work schedule. Annual starting salary $12,754-
$14,798 plus benefits. Applicants should send resume to: City of Abilene, Pam Collins,
Director of Administrative Services, P.O. Box 60, Abilene, TX 79604. Deadline is 30 April
1990. EOE/AAE.
147
Opportunity Knocks. Continued
PENGUIN KEEPERS. ..the John G. Shedd Aquarium is nearing completion of a new $43
million Oceanarium project. Included in the project will be a penguin habitat housing
approximately 30 birds. There are several positions available for keepers with penguin
experience, particularly with gentoo, rockhopper, and macroni penguins. Salary will be
commensurate with experience. Send resumes to: Jim Robinett or Ken Ramirez, John G.
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. For further information you
may call (312) 939-2426.
FLORIDA OPPORTUNITIES.. .are you looking for a new location for your talents
working with exotic animals? If you have experience with zoological animals and would
like to work in Florida, please send your resume. Also looking for a groom to back up the
leopard and tiger acts. Experience needed with big cats. Write to: Jungle Larry's
Zoological Park, P.O. Box 7129, Naples, FL 33941 or call (813) 262-5409.
ZOOKEEPER INTERNSHIPS...non-va\d positions available to qualified college students,
pursuing degrees in zoology, biology, or related field. Eight to ten week programs offered
during the summer of 1990. Will receive training in animal care, veterinary practices,
education, public relations and other support aspects of a zoo operation. Please send cover
letter, resume and references to: Kimberly G. Davidson, General Curator, Utica Zoo, Steele
Hill Road, Utica, NY 13501.
&
Nine Ways to Kill an Association
Here are the Nine Commandments for making sure your association meets a certain
death:
1. Don't participate beyond paying your dues - let "them" handle things. Then complain
that members have no voice in what goes on.
2. Decline all offices and committee appointments - you're too busy for them. Then offer
vociferous advice on how "they" should do things.
3. If appointed to a committee, don't work - it’s a courtesy appointment. Then complain
because the organization has stagnated.
4. If you do attend management meetings, don't initiate new ideas. Then you can play
"devil’s advocate" to those ideas submitted by others.
5. Don't rush to pay your dues - they're too high anyway. Then complain about poor
financial management.
6. Don't encourage others to become members - that's selling. Then complain that
membership is not growing.
7. Don't read the mail from headquarters - it's not important anyway. Then complain that
you're not kept informed.
8. Don't volunteer your talents - that's ego fulfillment. Then complan that you're never
asked, never appreciated.
9. And, if by chance the organization grows in spite of your contributions, grasp every
opportunity to tell the youngsters how tough it was, how hard you worked in the old days to
bring the organization to its present level of success.
Reprinted with permission from
Professional Grounds Management Forum, Vol. 12, No. 9. September, 1988. from The
Buckeye Nurseryman. The Landscape Contractor, February, 1987.
w
148
AAZK Membership Application
Name
check here if renewal [ ]
Address
City State/Province Zip
□ $30.00 Professional
~~ Full-time Keepers
if] $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
□ $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
□ $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
□ $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
Zoo Affiliation (if any)
□ $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Zoo Address
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S. A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH
OF THE PRECEDING MONTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers' Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.SA.
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Animal
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Forum
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORIJM. 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan May 1990
Assistant Editor: Alice Miser Volume Seventeen
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer Number Five
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster:
Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debcts, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS ~ PROJECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review. Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
SlaH-Exchange
Cynthia Simpson, Brookfield Zoo
AAZK History Committee
Art Goodrich, San Diego Zoo
International-Affairs. -Coordinators -
Keeper -Training & Education
(includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
Susan M. Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
Public Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Mona Keith, Calgary Zoo (cast) Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
Conservation, Preservation, Restoration ICfR) Committee - Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Animal Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to. AAZPA/IZE
Brim Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Keeper. Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo InfanL-Deyelopment- Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK MannaL oL.Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
SusanBunn Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Biological Values/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Chicago, IL
By-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Universitv List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Yideotane
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Order/Distribution Center at AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka
Director of Chapter and RegionaLAffairs Committee
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Toledo, OH
Assistant CRAC Directors
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo
Individual Regional Coordinators and the states they oversee are listed elsewhere in each issue of AKF.
This month's cover features the Giant Panda (Ailluropoda melanoleuca) drawn by Hank
Tusinski, Affiliate Member, Bronx, NY. This critically endangered species is native to
China where it is now found only in isolated populations. Although declared a ‘national
treasure* in China, the panda still faces some threat from hunters I poachers, but its
primary danger is loss of habitat and food sources. Pandas have not bred well in captivity
with very few of the captive births resulting in viable offspring. Research continues both in
captivity and at research stations in China on the reproductive physiology of the panda.
Thanks, Hank!
Scoops ^
and^^
Scuttlebutt
AAZK Seeking Section Coordinators for Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Project Coordinator for the AAZK Diet Notebook, is looking for
individuals interested in volunteering to serve as Coordinators for the Reptile Section or
the Fish Section of the project. If you are interested, you may contact Susan c/o Beardsley
Zoological Gardens, Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610. A job description for these
positions will appear in next month's AKF.
Nominations and Election Announcement
Next month the nomination process for the 1991 Board of Directors election will begin.
There will be three seats which will be up for election, those of Oliver Claffey, Frank Kohn
and Bob Debets. The term of office will be from 1 January 1992 to 31 December 1995. The
nomination forms which contain a summary of the duties and qualifications for the BOD
and the nomination procedures will be in the June AKF. This is an excellent opportunity
for you to take part in helping to guide your professional organization into the future. If you
would like more information contact: David Luce, NEC Chair, Fresno Zoo, 894 W.
Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728.
(
Member Notice on Big-5 Safari Ad
It has come to our attention that some AAZK members are confused by a recent
mailing they received from Big-5 Expeditions advertising two safari trips - one to
India and one to Botswana. The literature in the mailing implied that this was
an AAZK sponsored and/or endorsed trip. This is not the case-AAZK has
nothing to do with this trip nor is AAZK receiving any financial consideration
from Big-Five Expeditions. Permission to use AAZK's name in the safaris'
promotional materials was never requested by Big-5 nor authorized by AAZK.
Advertisements for these safaris appeared in the March and April 1990
issues of AKF. However, appearance of a paid advertisement in the
journal and the sending of individual mailings to AAZK members without
prior endorsement authorization are two different matters.
We hope this has cleared up any confusion which may have existed about this
matter.
149
From the President ,
I would like to stress to all our members, especially those conducting any AAZK business,
projects, etc., the importance of communication. Because AAZK has grown so much and we
are spread out all across North America, it is more important than ever that we keep in
touch with what is going on in our Chapters, Projects and Committees. All Association
matters transacted verbally, in person or electronically, must be followed up by a letter. I
realize that with all our busy schedules it is sometimes difficult to keep up with
correspondence, but it is very important to make such correppondence a priority. Getting
things in writing should ensure that no misunderstandings can arise.
Regional Conferences are scheduled around this time of year, better traveling weather is
with us; these are always good opportunities to see other zoos and meet and talk with other
zoo professionals.
I was recently visited by four officers of the Toledo Zoo Chapter. We spent the better part of a
day communicating. We worked on a solution to a problem that had arisen concerning By-
laws compliance, and I gave them advice on their preparations for hosting the 1991
National AAZK Conference. We toured the Toronto Zoo and compared species
management and husbandry techniques. These four dedicated AAZK members traveled
from Toledo to Toronto and back on the same day, to communicate on a personal level. I
will be writing to the Toledo Chapter President, Suzanne Husband, to confirm our
conversations on AAZK matters.
Communication is a two-way street. If we all work together, we can prevent problems and
misunderstandings and work towards reaching AAZK's goals.
cte, siy
Oliver Claffey
AAZK President
AAZK Announces New Professional/Contributing Members
Debra G. Simms, WW I Memorial Zoo (MA)
Eugene Bailey, Lion Country Safari (FL)
Kathy Anderson, no zoo listed, (FL)
Jo Ann Jansing, Louisville Zoo (KY)
Michele Holland, Fossil Rim Wildlife Cntr. (TX)
Kevin Yates, San Diego Wild Animal Prk. (CA)
Brian Phelps, San Jose Zoo (CA)
Doug Knuff, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont.)
Jim Andelin, Andelin Acres (VA)
Craig Snodgrass, Lowry Prk. Zoo (FL)
Tim Tetzlaff, Jungle Larry's Zoo (FL)
William Pittenger, Columbus Zoo (OH)
Mary Kieser, Southern Nevada Zool. Prk.
Kristina Oden, no zoo listed, (CA)
Cesare Filice, Ontario, Canada
Ariel Shamir, Metro Toronto Zoo (Ont.)
New Contributing Members
International Society for Endangered Cats, Inc., Columbus, OH
Big 5 Expeditions, Columbus, OH
Dr. William C. Sadler, Purina Mills, Inc., St. Louis, MO
Torben Platt, Kent, WA
Renewing Contributing Members
Don D. Farst, DVM, Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, TX
Denver Zoological Foundation, Denver Zoo, Denver, CO
Wayne G. Homan, General Curator, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ
Edmonton Parks & Recreation Resource Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Coming Events
Third International Symposium
on Lion-tailed -Macaques
May 23-25, 1990 San Diego, CA
To be held at the San Diego Zoo, the program will feature invited lectures, paper sessions,
workshops, and tours of San Diego's unique facilities. Major issues to be discussed during
the symposium are habitat conservation, captive management, and reintroduction to wild
reserves.
Second International Symposium
on the Biology of Deer
May 28-June 1, 1990 Mississippi State University
A sequel to the international symposium on the Biology of Deer Production held in
Dunedin, New Zealand in 1983, this symposium will convene scientists, managers, and
farmers concerned with the biology and management of cervids. The symposium will
offer plenary lectures, oral and poster presentations, and informal workshops wherein
scientists can present and discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the biology of
cervids as well as their application to the management of farmed and wild deer. For
further information, contact: Dr. Robert D. Brown, Chairman, Biology of Deer Symposium,
Dept, of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Drawer LW, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (601) 325-
3830; FAX 601-325-3299.
The 14th International Hcroetological Symposium
on Captive Propagation and Husbandry
June 20-23, 1990 Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
For further information contact Dr. Michael Uricheck at (203) 754-6839.
The International Society of Zooculturists
June 21-24, 1990 Cincinnati, OH
Third annual conference at Cincinnati Zoo. For further information contact the office of
Executive Director Ed Maruska, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St.,
Cincinnati, OH 45220.
Gorilla Workshop
June 22-25, 1990 Powell, OH
The Columbus Zoo is hosting a three-day Gorilla Workshop with the emphasis on
behavioral solutions to behavioral problems in the captive gorilla population. For further
information contact: The Great Apes Staff, The Columbus Zoo, Box 400, 9990 Riverside Dr.,
Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3426; FAX (614) 645-3465.
Herpetologists League/Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Combined Annual Meeting
August 5-10, 1990 New Orleans, LA
Held at Tulane University. For further information, contact Dr. Harold Dundee, Dept, of
Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 865-5191.
151
Coming Events. Continued
Wilfltfe-CQn$eryatiQn in Metropolitan Environments
A National Symposium on Urban Wildlife
November 11-14, 1990
Cedar Rapids, IA
For more information contact: Natinal Institute for Urban Wildlife, 10921 Trotting Ridge
Way, Columbia, MD 21044 (301) 596-3311 or (301) 995-1119.
Information Please
I am interested in any information regarding the display and care of Black Howler
Monkeys ( Alouatta caraya ) or White-handed Gibbons ( Hylobates lar ). Exhibit design,
photos, special care, diets, and other information would be appreciated. Please send to:
Mike Thell, Primate Keeper, St. Paul's Como Zoo, Midway Parkway and Kaufman Drive,
St Paul, MN 55103.
We are interested in hearing from any institutions or keepers who have experienced
chronic bloody and/or loose stools in their Capybaras ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris ). We
have experienced this problem with animals in our collection and have been unable to
determine either a cause or cure. Anyone who has had such problems with their capybaras
is asked to send anv information, including diets and treatment used with these problems
to: Barb DeBoer, c/o John Ball Zoological Garden, 1300 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
We are trying to compile information on captive African servals ( Felis serval ) and would
greatly appreciate those keepers working with servals sending information on diet,
housing, exhibit design, breeding habits, number of offspring, ages of parents and any
other pertinent information they may have to: P.A.W.S., Box 121, New Berlin, WI 53151.
We are looking for information on Gemsbok, or South African Oryx {Oryx gazella). Our
main area of concern is temperament of the animals, but any information on housing, diet,
and breeding would also be appreciated. Please send to: Terry Male, c/o Metro Toronto Zoo,
P.O. Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, M1E 4R5 Canada. Our FAX # is 416-392-4979.
For the past several years, our Chapter has been experiencing great difficulty in getting
permission to do voluntary work of any kind for our zoo due to the interpretation by the zoo's
city government of the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) laws regarding overtime. These
laws state that any task which could be part of a keeper's regular job duties (as outlined in
our job description) must be paid overtime, and of course our zoo cannot afford this extra
budgetary expense, besides the fact that it would eliminate any “voluntary” projects the
Chapter wishes to perfrom. We have suggested the use of signed waivers, but were told that
they would not be legally binding. If any Chapter has any information or ideas as to how
these laws can be dealt with or worked around, we would love to hear from you. Contact Ron
Ringer or Gretchen Zeigler c/o Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
152
Births & Hatchings
Metro Toronto Zoo...is pleased to report the birth of 1.0 White rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium
simum simum ) and the birth of 0.1 Pygmy hippo ( Choeropsis liberiensis). These births
occurred in January 1990.
On 19 March 1990, the Metro Toronto Zoo opened the Spotted-necked Otter Exhibit. The
exhibit was designed and built by zoo staff and features sculptured rockwork and tropical
plants typical of a rainforest stream. Underwater viewing allows visitors to enjoy the
playful otters flaunting their swimming and diving skills in the two pools. This exhibit
was funded by the Zoological Society of Metropolitan Toronto and The Mclean Foundation,
In addition to the otter exhibit, “Singing in the Rain”, a new interpretive display featuring
frog breeding at the zoo has opened. It includes a video and a question and answer board to
test visitors' knowledge of amphibians. This was funded by a Federal Government
Science and Technology grant and the video was produced by a local cable television
company, submitted by Neil Porter, Chapter Liaison.
Keeper Ken May with 0.1 White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) bom
at the Metro Toronto Zoo in January 1990. (Photo courtesy Metro Toronto Zoo)
153
Births & Hatchings. Continued
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. ..1989 was a very productive year for us here at the zoo.
Heading up the list of significant births is “Mookie” a 1.0 Chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes )
born 9 June to 0.1 “Jackie” and 1.0 “Jimbo”. This was Jackie's second infant towards
which she showed all the proper chimp maternal behaviors, but failed to lactate. After 24
hours of observation, the baby was pulled and hand-raised by our consulting veterinarian.
A three months of age, Mookie came back to the zoo and was placed in a nursery type
situation. Feedings, changings and playtime is divided among 6-8 different keepers, both
male and female. We feel this has been advantageous to the infant's adjustment by not
being totally attached (imprinted) to one individual and this will hopefully help in the
future when he goes to another institution.
Also in the Primate and Cat Department we celebrated the births of our fairly consistently-
reproducing primates: 1.2 Geoffroy's tamarin ( Sanguinus geoffroyi), 1.1 Ringtail lemur
( Lemur catta ) and 1.1 Goeldis monkeys ( Callimico goeldii). Two firsts for both our zoo
and the animals were exciting additions - in December a 1.0 baby Siamang ( Hyolobates
syndactylus ) was discovered clinging to its mother. Right from the start, “Honey” was a
very attentive first-time mother and “Ugh Mug” did his part as dad. In the “Animals of
China” section we were very pleased with the birth of 2.0 Binturongs ( Arctictis binturong).
Once again, this first-time mother instinctively knew what to do and successfully raised
both young.
One of the most unusual births was not the animal but rather the situation. In July, two Red
Kangaroo ( Megaleia rufa ) joeys were observed peeping from their mothers' pouches. Soon
thereafter it was observed that one joey was being pushed from the pouch and kept trying to
gain access to the other mother's pouch. Natural mother and baby were isolated and it
became apparent the adult female rejected her infant. At that time it was decided to bring
in the other mother (mother to the adult female and grandmother to the rejected infant) and
see what might transpire. The orphaned joey immediately went to “Grandma” who
accepted and successfully raised both young joeys. In other marsupial births, 1.2 Bennetts
wallabys C Macropus rufogriseus) joined the collection.
The already largest and most genetically diverse herd of Masai giraffe ( Giraffa
Camelopardalis tippelskirc ) in the U.S. welcomed the addition of its newest members, 2.0
“Bernie” and “Teddy”. They represent the first offspring sired by 1.0 “Bert” with 0.2
“Lyndi” and “Twiggy”. This brings our current herd size to seven with one more due in a
month or so. Also born in the African Plains were 1.0 Grant's zebra ( Equus burchelli ) and
1.0 Waterbuck ( Kobus ellipsoprymnus ).
In the Bear Department, our Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) have come through again this
year successfully producing 2.0 twin cubs. This was 0.1 “Snowball” and 1.0 “Nauyat's” 9th
and 10th cubs. The three adults (“Daisy ” being the other female) have successfully raised
a total of 16 cubs.
The hatchings this year were average in quantity but high in quality. 0.0.5 Spur-winged
goose eggs ( Plectropetrus gambensis ) were pulled when the mother left the nest and were
placed in an incubator, hatched and raised to adulthood. A first for our zoo was the clutch of
0.0.2 Greenwing macaws ( Ara chloroptera). Other Psittaciforme hatchings include two
endangered species, 0.0.2 Scarlet macaws (Ara macao ) and 0.2 Military macaws ( Ara
militaris). Including these last two chicks, the total number of offspring from the Military
macaw pair numbers 26. “Whiskey” and “Bandit”, Citron cockatoos ( Cacatua sulphurea
citrinocristata ) are a pair it was thought would never reproduce. Both came to us as donated
pets that “outgrew” their homes. They were introduced and placed into a cage complete with
nestbox. Shortly thereafter, 1 egg was laid, hatched and mother-reared. So don't give up on
those “pets” that can’t be reintroduced.
The last of our hatchlings was the first Macaroni penguin ( Eudyptes chrysolophus) hatched
at CMZ. Both parents, along with 8 others, were taken from the wild in 1985 as youngsters
and allowed to pair on their own. After numerous infertile eggs, a fertile eggs was laid,
incubated and raised successfully by both parents, submitted by Debbie Copeland, Vice
President, Greater Cleveland Chapter, Cleveland, OH.
154
Births & Hatchings, Continued
These 2.1 Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs were born at the Metro Toronto Zoo on 27 October
1989. They represent only the second cheetah births in the 15 year history of the facility.
(Photo courtesy Metro Toronto Zoo)
St. Louis AAZK Chapter.. .announces the following significant B&H at their institution
from June to December 1989:
The hoofed mammal area has had its usual steady flow of new births. The most notable
was a male Speke’s gazelle ( Gazella spekei ) born 13 June. As a potential breeder, he
increases the population of this species to 12.20 individuals in North American
institutions. A Lesser kudu ( Tragelaphus imberbis ) from the zoo's herd gave birth to a 0.1
calf on 16 December. The St. Louis Zoo has long been a forerunner in the propagation of
this species, the zoo's symbol. Other hoofed mammal births include: 1.0 Sable antelope
(Hippotragus niger) bom on 17 August, 0.1 Addax ( Addax nasomaculatus ) born on 9 July,
1.1 Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis ) born 7 May and 22 June, and 1.0 Gerenuk
(. Litocranius walleri walleri) born 7 December. The St. Louis Zoo is currently one of only
five North American institutions to house gerenuk.
The elephant house was the site of three births: 0.1 Nile hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus
amphibius) born 12 August; 0.1 Pygmy hippopotamus ( Choeropis liberiensis ) born 1
December; and 1.0 Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus ) born 5 December. Sadly, the elderly
mother of the pygmy hippo died suddenly one month after the birth and the baby is now
being hand-reared by elephant house keepers.
Other mammal births around the zoo include twin (0.0.2) Cotton-top tamarins ( Saguinus
oedipus) bom at the primate house on 29 October. A trio of California sea lions ( Zalophus
calif ornianus ) were born in June, 0.2 survive. These two surviving pups give the zoo a total
of sixteen sea lions born here since 1979.
The bird department is proud to report two major hatchings and a complement of other
successes. In 1988, the St. Louis Zoo was the only North American zoo to successfully hatch
the Bateleur eagle (Tetrathopius ecaudatus). Our good fortune has continued into 1989 with
another hatching (0.0.1; on 9 December. The second important hatching was 0.1
155
Births & Hatchings. Continued
Micronesian kingfisher ( Halcyon cinnamomina ) produced by our pair on 28 August.
Notable North American hatchings include 0.0.2 Trumpeter swans ( Cygnus cygnus
buccinator) on 18 June; 0.0.3 Aleutian Canada geese ( Branta canadensis) in June, and
0.0.20 Ruddy ducks ( Oxyura jamaicensis). In July, 0.0.2 Paradise cranes ( Anthropoides
paradisea) and 0.0.4 East African crowned cranes ( Balearica regulorum ) were hatched
out. Also hatched in the month of July was 0.0.1 Temminck's fruit dove ( Ptilinopus
porphyrea). The bird house's Pied imperial pigeon pairs ( Ducula bicolor) have had a good
showing with two hatchings on 3 November and 26 December. The nine Pied imperial
pigeons on display here make up a significant portion of the captive population.
The reptile house had several significant B&H during 1989. Leading the list were 12
Emerald tree boas ( Corallus caninus) born 6 September. Six Ball pythons ( Python regius)
and 15 Blood pythons {Python curtus) all hatched on 30 June. The Blood python clutch was
especially noteworthy in that it is the second successful reproduction of this pair in less
than a year. In addition, 1 Leopard gecko {Eublapharis macularius) hatched on 25 June
and 3 Philippine sailfln lizards {Hydrosaurus pustulatus) hatched on 25 August. All of
these animals are on display in the reptile house, submitted by Steven Tomey and Ross
Horton, St. Louis AAZK Chapter, St. Louis, MO.
m
Conservation:
Can We Fit It In Our Show?
By
Tara Gifford and Marty Sevenich
Seven Seas Panorama
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
Since 1962, when Brookfield Zoo built the original Seven Seas Panorama, the zoo has
maintained a marine mammal facility. Through the years, the zoo has been home to
dolphins, seals, walrus, and sea lions. For more than a quarter of a century, there has been
a dolphin show or training demonstration of some type. The show has evolved through the
years, but recently we have been striving to add more educational content.
Balancing education and entertainment is always a difficult task. The ideal is to have
visitors learn about the animals while having fun. The Brookfield Zoo dolphin show has
long had a number of educational aspects, including the dolphins' physical adaptations to
the water, mammalian characteristics, demonstrations of strength and agility, and
behaviors that occur naturally.
This past year our goal was to incorporate a message about conservation into the show. We
wanted people to learn not only about the Brookfield Zoo dolphins, but also to discover
something about the dolphins' ocean home, their relatives in the wild, and other creatures
who share their marine habitat.
We decided first to focus on the growing problem of plastic waste. Plastic waste fatally
impacts the lives of thousands of marine animals. Animals become entangled in plastics
and drown. Some plastics, confused as food items, are ingested. Could we convey the
urgency of this issue without lecturing our audience?
Staff brainstorming sessions were held and we decided to put the conservation message in
the form of a skit. It had to be short and to the point. We wanted it to be strong yet
entertaining. The animals had to have an active role without distracting the audience
from the conservation message. What did we come up with?
156
Conservation; Can We Fit It In Our Show?, Continued
Bermuda shorts and a flowered shirt enter stage left. A "tourist" strolls past the pool,
drinking soda pop and tossing plastic litter into the dolphins' pool. When all of the garbage
is in the pool, the dolphins are cued by the trainer to throw the garbage out of the pool, directly
at the tourist.
The tourist seems surprised and confused about what to do with the plastic garbage. The
trainer on stage motions to the garbage can labeled "Please don't pollute, save our oceans
and lakes". The tourist deposits the garbage in the can and the dolphins thank the tourist by
doing tail slaps and presenting the tourist with a fish as a sign of appreciation.
During the skit, a recorded message explains how plastics can kill wildlife, how much of it
is dumped into the oceans, and what individuals can do to help the situation. The entire
skit lasts about two minutes before the rest of the dolphin show begins. The audience seems
to enjoy and understand the conservation skit.
During the conservation skit at the Brookfield Zoo's Seven Seas Panorama, dolphin
"Nemo" throws plastic garbage back at the "tourist". (Photo by Rich Weissensel)
This project has been more than writing a script and choosing appropriate music. There
were a number of other factors involved: the trainers acting, designing the props, and
training the dolphins for their role in the conservation message.
Another factor was designing "garbage" for props. It was important that this garbage could
not harm the animals or our visitors. It had to be large-so the visitors could see it and the
dolphins could not swallow it. The props also had to be light weight so they would not injure
the tourist or zoo visitors. Our show props include sytrofoam cylinders that resemble soda
pop cans, two-liter plastic bottles, and a garbage bag wrapped around a pool float.
Next we trained the dolphins for their role in the skit. They needed to do three types of
behaviors: play behavior, toss the garbage out of the pool, and show their appreciation when
the tourist properly disposed of the trash.
157
Conservation; Can We Fit It In Our Show?. Continued
Playing in the water needed to be surface behavior. We used previously trained back floats
and speed runs. To toss out the garbage, we trained the dolphins to throw objects at a kick
board target, keeping the objects under control until we decided exactly where we wanted the
props to be thrown. Initially, we used familiar toys, then desensitized the dolphins to our
prop garbage. The appreciation was previously trained tail slaps with one dolphin
presenting a fish to the tourist.
At the end of the show there is a reminder to keep all dolphins' homes clean-and we ask the
audience to pick up their own garbage before they leave. Since we started the conservation
message we have seen a cleaner stadium and have had positive feedback from zoo visitors
who enjoyed hearing about conservation. They have encouraged us to expand our
conservation topics.
Our conservation skit has room for improvement. We would like to refine the taped
message, perfect the trainer's timing, and increase the dolphins' involvement. We could
also expand it by involving the sea lions, with the potential for many humorous variations.
If the sea lion came to the dolphin show, instead of tossing the garbage out of the pool, the sea
lion could deliver it right to the tourist or to the trash can. Another possibility is to do a
pollution message at the sea lion exhibit about plastics or about not feeding zoo animals.
At Brookfield Zoo we have found that by adding a two-minute conservation message to our
dolphin show, we have made a positive step in increasing public awareness and, we hope,
increasing our visitors' respect for the environment. It is an important part of our
responsibility as educators not only to protect the animals in our care, but also protect their
wild relatives. With this in mind, we intend to address tuna fishing, oil spills, and drift
net fisheries in the future.
If we start today, the oceans of tomorrow can remain a resource that all living creatures can
share.
158
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The Rehabilitation of Bats
By
Ken Kundel, Keeper
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
Once again in June and July (1989) we received injured bats for rehabilitation. Injuries
ranged from heat stress (the most common type) to broken wings. All but two bats were
received with heat stress. Generally we see female bats with three young. It would appear
that caring for more than two babies is more than the female bat can deal with, she becomes
dehydrated and exhausted from carrying the extra weight.
Usually we get tree bats; as the females of this group carry their young rather than setting up
a nursery colony like the bats which frequent attics and caves. These bats are the Hoary bat
( Lasiurus cinereus ) and the Red bat ( Lasiurus borealis). We also see Brazilian free-tailed
bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis) and the Big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus ) since we have
colonies of both in the Zoo.
When I receive a bat, it is examined to determine the nature of its injury. If it is heat stress
and the bat is carrying young, the female will be given as much Gatorade® as she will take
in two or three feedings and she will be offered ’bat food' once. The young will be given
Gatorade® once and will be fed watered-down evaporated milk every two hours and are left
clinging to their mother during the entire operation. Just before releasing the female and
her young, the young are evaluated for health and alertness. If there are any young that are
weak or slow to respond to stimuli, they are removed for hand-raising; or if the female is
caring for more than two babies the "extra" babies are also pulled.
With the female bat now ready to release with as many as two strong babies, we now await
dark. Bats must be released in the evening as the bright light of the day (even a cloudy one)
will confuse the bat and lead to its demise. The baby bats that are pulled from their mothers
will be set up in a nursery cage and begin their lives with a foster mother. The reason I pull
the "extra" babies is that a female bat seems to be able to care for only two little ones at a
time. This gives the released female and two babies a better chance of survival.
The nursery cage consists of a 10-gallon aquarium. The bottom of the aquarium is covered
with newspaper to make cleaning easier. Big brown bats and Brazilian free-tailed bats
have a piece of cork bark on one side of the cage for a roost. Hoary bats and Red bats have a
small branch on one side for a roost. The tree bats will become greatly distressed if they are
kept in a cage that is not furnished with a small branch, even if there is other roosting
available. All bats are offered water in a shallow dish on the opposite end from their roost
area. Cages must be cleaned every day as the baby bats are susceptible to many diseases.
Baby bats are housed three to four per cage and by species. If you mix some species or
overcrowd your cages the bats will kill each other.
The first day or two baby bats are fed every two hours until they become accustomed to my
feeding method. I use a lcc syringe with a piece of rubber tubing attached to the end for a
nipple. They usually start refusing some feedings and eating more at others. When the
baby bats are two weeks old they feed about every six hours. By the fourth week they are
feeding at dusk and dawn. For the first three weeks baby bats are fed watered-down
evaporated milk with vitamins added. During the fourth week they are offered 'bat food';
this consists of Espalac® or Unilact® (a carnivore milk substitute), ground mealworms,
ground whole adult mice (mice are cooked to kill any infectious organisms), vitamins,
gelatin and water. This has the watered-down evaporated milk added to aid in the weaning
process. The bats' new diet is served in a shallow dish, like a baby food jar lid. As the bats
start to accept the new diet, less and less milk is added.
160
Rehabilitation of Bats, Continued.
As the bats are being weaned they start to exercise their wings in preparation for their first
flight. In order to get the bats ready to release, they have to learn to fly. For this I use an
empty room that could be closed tightly. The bats are allowed to fly until they are tired.
Although the first few flights ended with a crash, the bats soon had flying mastered. The
next thing to do was to train the bats to catch and eat moths and other nocturnal insects.
This is done by first placing whole insects into the 'bat food' and getting the bats used to
eating the insects. I then start offering live insects in the food dish. When the bats are
accepting the live food regularly, I start playing catch with the bats while they are
exercising and cut back on the solid food offered in the dish. Once they are catching and
eating insects this way they are flown in a room full of nocturnal bugs. Attracting insects
is easy to accomplish by leaving a window open and a light on in the exercise room. By
watching the bats fly and by taking a preflight weight and a post-flight weight it can be
determined if the bat is catching insects on its own. When the bat is feeding itself it is
ready to release the next evening.
Although no rehabilitation program is totally successful, I was able to release 60% of the bats
I received. I also leaned many things from each bat that did not make it to a releasable
point. Part of what was learned from the bats that died was the problems of the 'bat glop'
formula. Bats fed this diet usually lost their hair and died two weeks later. It was decided
that since no causative agent was found that the problem was probably dietary in nature.
After consulting extensively with Dr. Baeyens DVM, we decided to make the following
changes:
“bat glop”
use equal parts by wt.
mealworms
hard-boiled egg yolk
cottage cheese
banana
pinch of pervinal
“bat food”
50g mealworms
20g Espalac®
50g whole cooked mouse
5g pervinal
5 ml linatone
50mg vitamin C
1 packet gelatin
Bats that were fed the "bat food" after losing their hair usually grew their hair back and
progressed to the point of release.
In the years to come I shall be banding all of the bats that I release in an attempt to track
down their colonies and to check their progress.
Rehabilitating bats has been as rewarding as it has been aggravating and even with the
successes this year, I hope to do even better next year.
Literature Cited
Baeyens, M. D.V.M., Personal communication
Barnard, S.M. 1988, Hand-raising Infant Insectivorous Bats, Animal Keepers' Forum
15(7):224-226.
Barnard, S.M. 1986. Feeding Captive Insectivorous Bats: Maintenance of Food Colonies
Animal Keepers' Forum 13(3):81-87.
Barnard, S.M. 1984. Hand-raising Insectivorous Bats. Animal Keepers' Forum.
ll(8):254-259.
Soagy, D. Bat Biologist, U.S. Forest Service, Mount Ida, AR. Personal communication.
Tuttle, M. Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX. Personal communication.
161
Book
Owls of the Northern Hemisphere
By Karl H. Voous Illustrated by Ad Cameron
The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA 1989
Hardcover, 320 pp. $55.00
Review by Nancy Bent, Keeper
Bird Department
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
This excellent book by a Dutch team of ornithologist and illustrator will be a welcome
addition to any natural history library. Ad Cameron's artwork alone would make it a
worthwhile buy. The pictures are precise in their rendering and accurate in their use of
color, setting each owl in a sketchy depiction of its habitat. They are also extremely
beautiful - presenting markings, plumage attributes, and general body attitude in such a
way that the "gestalt" of each owl species is readily apparent. There is also a page of the
artists' preliminary sketches presented for each species. I could find little to quibble with
about the illustrations, even of owls I was most familiar with.
The text is equally superb. Dealing with the 47 species of owls occurring north of the tropics,
the author does not try to present a handbook on owls nor a dry scientific treatise. He refers
to the text as a "work of love", and the writing style is perfect for the layperson. The species
descriptions are self-contained. Each combines a general summary with a detailed
account. Each species' write-up is divided into the following sections: (1) introductory
remarks, (2) general, (3) geography, (4) structure, hearing and vision, (5) behavioral
characteristics, (6) ecological hierarchy, (7) breeding habitat and breeding, (8) food and
feeding habits, (9) movements and population dynamics, (10) geographic limits, (11) life in
man's world, and (12) concluding remarks. The author includes a summary of all that is
known about each topic for each species, and points out areas of controversy or aspects where
more research is needed.
The book includes a range map for each owl in a separate section following the species
accounts. The maps show each species' distribution on a map of the world, which gives a
good general idea of where each owl is found. For more exact locating of an owl on the edge
of its range, or for those species with a patchy distribution, regional handbooks or field
guides would have to be consulted.
The major flaw with this otherwise fascinating book is the bibliography, and this cannot be
blamed on the author. The publisher has made the questionable decision to string the
citations one after another as a single block of text, rather than the more usual method of
listing each citation separately. Though the author’s names are printed in capital letters,
the print is so small that it is difficult to locate a specific citation. Therefore, though the
bibliography appears to be very complete it is extremely frustrating to use. I can only guess
that the publisher selected this method as a space-saving device, but it is a major distraction
from an otherwise beautifully-presented book.
Overall, I would recommend this book highly, despite the less than useful bibliography.
The art and text make it well worth the somewhat steep price. If individuals cannot afford
it they should urge their zoo or public library to purchase it, as this definitive book will be
appreciated by all users.
162
Brooding Behavior of Spot-Billed
or Grey Pelican ( Pelecanus philippensis)
at Arignar Anna Zoological Park,
Madras, India
By
Dr. S. Paulrqj, A. Manimozhi and S. Kalyanasundaram
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Madras-48, India
Introduction
A perusal of recent volumes of International Zoo Yearbooks revealed that there is no record
on the breeding of the Grey pelican ( Pelecanus philippensis ) in captivity although many
reports were available about the breeding of other pelican species. Grey pelicans are reared
in many zoos and also bred in a few zoos in India (The Guindy Deer Park, Madras, India
has been successfully rearing and breeding this pelican for the past three years - personal
communication from K.K. Chaudhuri, Wildlife Warden, Madras). There are many
reports on the pelicanrys in India indicating certain aspects of breeding (Gee, 1960), but no
detailed reports are available on their breeding behavior. The present study may be the first
report on the brooding behavior of the Grey Pelicans.
Hpuging and Feeding
Young grey pelicans (4 pairs) of the age of about a month were captured from a wild nest
during April 1986. Initially they were reared in small cages for about six months. Then
they were released into an aviary along with herons and egrets. They wrere fed with fresh
dead Tilapia fish. They showed mating activity (mounting) during March of 1988.
However, they neither built any nest nor laid any eggs. As they were disturbing the nests of
the herons and egrets inside the aviary, they had to be separated and were kept in an
enclosure (12.4 m x 12 m x 3 m height) and provided with a pond measuring 10.25 m radius
and 0.5 m deep. Along with these grey pelicans, other birds such as teals, cormorants,
gulls, darters, etc. (total 32 birds including pelicans) were also kept.
Brooding Behavior
(
The pelicans showed mating activity during March 1989 and started laying eggs in one of
the feed vessels which was made of concrete (0.30 diameter). After seeing this, nesting
materials such as twigs and hay were provided near the nesting site. The pelicans
collected the nesting materials and built a nest in the same feed vessel. The female laid
eggs and started brooding the eggs from the date of the laying of the first egg. The exact date
of laying of each egg by this particular female were not recorded. Another female also
started laying eggs in another feed vessel kept near the previous one. This female started
laying her eggs only after a nest had been constructed out of the provided nesting materials.
The eggs were laid on 8, 14 and 17 March, 1989.
Qbs&ryatiQn Q.f(.hg, Brooding BphayiQr
Observation on the brooding behavior of these two sets were made from 12 March 1989
onwards during the day from 0800 to 1700 hours daily. Both pairs took part in brooding, but
only on their own eggs. Sexes were identified by the presence of longer bills on the males
(Ali and Ripley, 1983). Apart from this characteristic, we also noted that dots on the males'
bills were darker and more prominent than those on the females (see Fig. 1). To facilitate
easy identification of each pair, each bird was marked with iron wire rings. The two pairs
never attempted to brood the others' eggs although their nests were located very close to each
other.
163
Brooding Behavior in Grey Pelicans, Continued
Observations on the following aspects were made:
1. Duration of brooding, by both the male and the female.
2. Flippering of wings during brooding.
3. Brooding temperature.
4. Defensive behavior.
FIGURE 1: A male (bill with dark pigmentation) and a female pelican brooding over the
eggs near the water tank. Observe also the position of the wings and the nesting materials.
Observation and Results;
During the observation period, the male and female of each pair took shifts in brooding
their clutches. The duration of brooding by the male and the female during the observation
period revealed that the male spent more time in this activity than did the female. This is
statistically significant only in the case of the first-laid clutch ('t' - 6.2: n = 22; p < 0.05).
Both the males and females sat over the eggs by keeping their webbed feet on the eggs and
covering them with their under body parts. They never used their wings to cover the eggs
(Fig. 1). On many occasions both the male and female pelicans raised their wings slightly
and started flippering.
Such flippering behaviors were observed up to 11 times in a day (mean: 7.81 SD ± 2.11, n = 21
for the first clutch; mean: 7.48 SD ± 2.54; n - 21 for the second clutch). The duration of
flippering for each occasion ranged between one minute to 34 minutes (mean duration 9.38
minutes SD ± 1.94, n = 21 for the first clutch; mean duration 10.09 minutes SD ± 1.73; n = 21
for the second clutch. The time of day variation of the duration of flippering is shown in
Figure 2.
The brooding temperature was noted by keeping a thermometer in the clutch. The average
brooding temperature for the male was 98.7° F ± 0.87 (n=6) and for the female it was 98.5° F ±
1.5 (n=6). There is no significant difference between sexes in their brooding temperatures.
While comparing the body temperature (this was determined by inserting a thermometer
into the cloaca) with the clutch temperature, the former was always higher and ranged
between 104° F to 108° F with a mean of 105.5° F ± 1.4 (n=6). The body temperatures of male
and female were not considered separately.
164
Brooding Behavior m Grey Pelicans, Continued
During our observation it was found that the male was very aggressive while sitting on the
eggs. When a human approached very near to the clutch (about 3 meters) the female tended
to fly away from the nest, whereas the male became aggressive and started attacking the
intruder with its beak while remaining on the clutch. This sort of aggressive behavior was
also noted when other birds (including those of the same species) came near the nest.
Both sets of pelicans were brooding their eggs continuously until 4 April 1989. On that date,
a cobra was noted at the site and the pelicans flew away from their clutches. After that,
neither male or female of either pair resumed brooding. On 10 April 1989 we removed the
eggs from both clutches and tested them to determine is any embryo development was
present. The single egg from the first clutch did not show any embryo development. The
eggs (3 in all) from the second clutch were examined and did have live embryos in them.
This was revealed when one of the eggs was broken. It was then decided to brood the other
two eggs from this clutch under a domestic fowl. Our attempt was successful and one of the
two eggs hatched out on 20 April 1989 and a fully-developed hatchling was obtained. But the
domestic fowl never showed any parental care and it simply ran away from the brood once
the hatchling starting coming out of its egg. This hatchling was then hand-reared by
feeding it minced fish. Although the young pelican was feeding normally, it died six days
after it had hatched.
FIGURE 2: Time of day variation in the flippering activity of the brooding pelicans.
165
Brooding Behavior in Grev Pelicans, Continued
Discussion
Captive breeding of pelicans was reported in brown pelicans ( Pelicanus occidentalis ) by
Dooley (1969) and in hybrid pelicans (P. crispus and P. rufescens) by Klos (1979). The
incubation period reported by them for the hybrid pelicans was 35 days and for the brown
pelican it was about 33 days. Salim Ali and Ripley (1983) reported 38 days of incubation for
grey pelicans. Our grey pelican eggs took 42 days for hatching (including 6 days of non-
incubation period).
The practice of brooding only their own eggs by pelicans was reported in brown pelicans
(Dooley, 1969). This same practice was observed by us for grey pelicans. We further
observed that any pelican eggs from one clutch which were placed with eggs of another
clutch, were broken by the brooding pelicans.
The incubating temperature of grey pelicans (36.96° C to 37.09° C) observed by us was the
same for hybrid pelicans (37.6° C to 37.8° C) reported by Klos (1969).
The flippering activity of the brooding pelican showed two peaks. The exact reason for this
flippering activity is not known. Such flippering may increase body temperature.
There are no reports regarding male aggressiveness during brooding in pelicans.
The breeding period of grey pelicans in captivity coincides with the breeding periods in the
wild (Gee, 1960 and Neginhal, 1977).
The first author wishes to express his sincere thanks to M. Colleen Kinzley of Brookfield
AAZK Chapter, for sponsoring me as a member of AAZK which is encouraging me to
publish our observations in Animal Keepers' Forum on a regular basis. The authors wish
to express their sincere thanks to Mr. S. John Joseph, Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests, Mr. P. Padmanaban, Chief Wildlife Warden and to Mr. P.K. Ponnusamy,
Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park for their encouragements. This is publication
No. 9 on captive breeding from this Zoological Park.
Eteferfinraa
Dooley, R.E. and Heyland, R., 1969. Notes on breeding Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus o.
occidentalis). Int. Zoo Yb. Vol. 9. 120-121.
Gee, E.P. 1960. The breeding of the Grey and Spot billed Pelican (. Pelecanus philippensis).
J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Vol. 57(2): 245-251.
Klos, U., 1969. A brief note on the incubation and rearing of pelican hybrid. Int. Zoo. Yb.
Vol. 9 121-122.
Neginhal, S.G., 1977. Discovery of pelicanry in Karnataka. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc..
Vol. 74(1): 169.
Ali, S. and Ripley, S.D., 1983. Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Delhi.
Oxford University Press, Oxford and New York.
166
m£ A
S' p/4cE T o 670 plant species collected from
Zimbabwe and Kenya during a field study in September; results are currently being
summarized. The project involved researchers from the New York Zoological Society,
Wildlife Conservation International, the Zambezi Rhino Project, and World Wildlife
Fund. Information on vitamin E levels in diets of free-ranging elephants and rhinos, as
well as physiological and clinical studies in zoo animals, should assist in evaluating and
improving captive feeding programs for these critically endangered species.
The Dark Side
By
Lisa A. Landres, Investigator
The Humane Society of the United States
Washington , DC
On 21 January, 60 Minutes featured an investigative report that dealt with the surplus
animal problems faced by many zoos. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) felt
the report was informative, but unfortunately it uncovered only the tip of the iceberg.
The surplus animal situation is best known to those keepers working around hoof stock, big
cats, and the few other prolific species. These are the areas where unplanned or
indiscriminate breeding often take place. Therefore, it is certainly no surprise to those
working with these animals that surplus may be sold to animal dealers on a routine basis,
destination unknown. The zoos apparently feel that upon transferring an animal to a
licensed dealer, their responsibility ends. However, as you know, that dealer can then sell
the animal to someone else. It can end up at an auction, a research facility, hunting ranch,
circus, or in the hands of a private individual. Once at an exotic animal auction, the
animal goes to the highest bidder, period.
This is beyond the control of the zookeeper unless a united front approaches the zoo
management and proposes alternatives. Such alternatives might include chemical or
surgical contraception, or merely separating males from females. One solution to the
problems of exotic animal auctions and hunting ranches is to stop the problem at a major
source: zoo surplus.
Now, what about the surplus animals that never leave the zoo grounds? What about all the
animals, large and small, that have been pushed off into a corner behind the scenes,
somewhere in your zoo? Excess animals within zoos are often condemned to live out their
lives (or a large portion of them) in holding cages, meant for temporary placement only.
Often, these animals are forced to live in tiny areas, frequently in isolation, often without
proper shelter or adequate facilities to meet their basic needs, for months or even years on
end. This is the dark side of the zoo, the part we try to forget or rationalize away, in order to
keep both our sanity and our jobs. Sometimes these holding areas are so barren that we see
normal animals begin to exhibit abnormal behaviors, many times leading to self-
mutilation. Have you ever been so disturbed that you couldn't sleep because of some of the
miserable lives animals lead right inside the zoo? Even in the best of zoos there are
conditions that lead to heartache for a compassionate keeper, and suffering (mental and
physical) for the excess animals.
I know this is true because I worked at the San Diego Zoo for over 10 years, and I saw surplus
animals regularly living for extended periods in small, temporary holding cages. I
commiserated with fellow keepers at the sad fate of many of these "excess" animals. We
tried (often in vain) to get conditions changed or improved. However, the wheels of
progress turn slowly, even in the bigger zoos. I met with and spoke to keepers from other
zoos who expressed the same dismay and frustration as we felt. I learned that an awful lot
of animals in zoos throughout the country are not being treated fairly or humanely, even
within the best of zoos. I began to realize that if things like that occur in the larger zoos, they
must be even worse elsewhere. I also came to realize that there are alot of fine, dedicated
keepers out there who really care, and who are just as upset and frustrated as I am. I now
feel that we need to work together to make progressive changes within our zoos. Our
concern, first and foremost, should be for humane care and maintenance of all animals
within the zoo.
168
VIEWPOINT. Continued
Many times zoo animals suffer out of neglect; not necessarily keeper neglect, but rather
institutional neglect. Often, animals reduced to mere numbers, become a low priority
item. Often it appears that zoo management doesn't care or understand the real problems
and concerns involved in daily animal care. Welfare issues seem to be easily ignored.
How many times have you heard the phrase, "No overtime", even though you are
understaffed and good, decent animal care is impossible under the circumstances. Zoos
all over claim that they're low on funds, but they still have an obligation to provide for all of
their animals. This includes proper housing, food, mental and physical stimulation,
socialization, and an adequate number of professional zoo keepers to properly care for and
maintain the animals. The priorities of the zoo keepers (usually animal care and welfare
first) and the priorities of zoo management (often economic concerns first) are frequently
in conflict. Zoos that claim that they don't have enough money to properly provide for their
animals shouldn't have them. The USDA Animal Welfare Act provides zoos with the
MINIMUM standards they must comply with in regard to facilities, space requirements,
food, sanitation, veterinary care, employees, handling, and transportation. Contact your
local USDA office to get a copy of the Animal Welfare Regulations, and refer to Subchapter
A, Subpart F. Read it and use it; it might help in some circumstances.
What about the treatment of animals used in rides and shows? What about the handling
and training of animals? These can be areas of great concern. It is sometimes difficult
and often frustrating to bring animal welfare concerns to the attention of zoo management,
only to see no action taken. Many keepers are afraid to do so, afraid to rock the boat or be
labeled a trouble maker. That's really a shame because ultimately the animals are the
ones who suffer. But, if you feel your job is at risk, it can be an intimidating prospect at
best. Believe me, I know, because I was the one who brought to the attention of zoo
management the beating of Dunda, the African elephant at the San Diego Wild Animal
Park. I learned first-hand how difficult it can be when you speak out for animal welfare
issues within the zoo.
There are places to turn, however, if you have animal welfare concerns that are not being
addressed properly (or at all) within your institution. One of the places you can turn is to
The HSUS. I am now working as an investigator dealing with captive wildlife issues.
Because I was a keeper, I know first-hand the kind of problems you may be dealing with. I
understand the setting in which you work and have seen many of the situations you are
facing. I also understand the politics of zoos and the risks of going "outside" for help. But
you do not necessarily have to risk your job to make a confidential report or complaint. The
HSUS wants zoo animals to receive the care that the animals deserve and that zoos are
obligated to provide. We want to work together with zoo keepers and other zoo staff to assure
that only the highest standards of professional animal care are employed. Let's face it, we
all want the same thing: the elimination of unnecessary suffering, neglect or abuse of zoo
animals.
Please contact us if you have an animal welfare problem at your zoo, or know of a problem
that is not being handled properly. Call (202) 452-1100. There is something you can do, and
you don’t have to do it alone. HSUS, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.
169
Kenya Diary
1990
By
Andy Lodge
Ngare Sergoi Support Group, Inc.
Columbus, OH
On the Brink of Extinction; A Ngare Sergoi Journal
Jan 8, 1990 ■ Arrived in Nairobi late last night. Bill
Pittinger, a friend of mine from Columbus, is with me this trip.
When we arrived we found out Bill's luggage didn't. We will
have to spend an extra day in Nairobi to see if the bags catch up.
Jan 9 - Had to leave this morning, the bags didn't show up. Hope they do soon. Arrived at
the reserve at about two o'clock in the afternoon. Anna and Sarnia were waiting for us.
Sarnia is no longer the little girl, but a three-quarter grown female rhino. The reserve is
greener and prettier than I've ever seen it, lots of rain this year. Anna looks well, and
seems to be doing fine. Spent the rest of the day getting settled in.
Jan 10 - Went out this morning to look at the rhino. It was good to see my old friends
again. They look happy and healthy. Got a look at the new white rhino calf. People from
Audubon Magazine were here today. The magazine is doing a full issue on African
wildlife and want to do an article on Anna. I drove the photographer around to take photos
of Anna and Sarnia. I hope the article will bring more attention to the plight of the black
rhino.
Jan 11 - Did the rhino check this morning and went to visit William Craig to work out
details for a touring company in New York. SafariWorld wants me to lead Kenya tours
for them, with two days here at Lewa Downs, and a tour of the Ngare Sergoi Rhino
Sanctuary and a chance to meet and talk to Anna. William, who is in charge of the
tourist operation, was most cooperative and said we could surely work something out and
make it an interesting and educational experience for the people who take these tours.
This evening Anna and I went over the books and totaled up the donation for the year
from the Ngare Sergoi Support Group. Thanks to the hard work and unselfish generosity
of a lot of good people, particularly the American Association of Zoo Keepers, I’m happy
and proud to report we have sent $42,000 to protect and care for the rhinos of Ngare Sergoi.
Everyone involved with this project sends their sincere thanks to the concerned and
caring people of North America.
Jan 12 - On the rhino check this morning we observed the young bull, Kelele, breeding
with a cow named Stumpy. It was great to see Kelele breeding as he was young and
always intimidated by Godot, the magnificent bull that was tragically slaughtered by
Shifta in Meru Park after he was moved from here in 1988. I know an animal like Godot
will never be replaced, but we all hope for the best in young Kelele. This evening, Bill,
Anna, and I took dinner up on top of one of the mountains on Lewa Downs. We had a nice
picnic with a beautiful view of the reserve in the full moonlight. On the way back we saw
eyes shining in the distance. With the aid of our flashlights we watched two cheetahs on a
night hunt. A good ending to a good day.
Jan 13 - Today's Bill's birthday. As he likes horseback riding, Anna took him to a
friends to go riding. As I don't do well with horses and never enjoyed riding, I stayed
back to read and work on my diary and some other articles. For lunch we went to a place
called Kentrout, it's a trout farm and it also serves one of the best lunches around. It also
is one of the few places you can see colobus monkeys. We were lucky enough to see two of
these beautiful primates today.
170
Kenya Diary 1990. Continued
When we returned to the reserve Jane Craig called on the radio to tell us that the elephants
had come on to Lewa Downs last night. Bill and I drove over in the Suzuki four-wheel
Anna lets me use while I'm here. We counted around sixty-six, with many calves. The
elephants here are not nervous and don't run when they see people like they do in most of
Kenya. It seems they know they're safe inside the boundaries of Lewa Downs and
needn't be in constant fear of sudden death.
Jan 14 - Word came that a wild rhino has been seen near Womba. Anna, Bill, and I,
along with three trackers are leaving in the morning to see if it’s there; if it is, Ian Craig
will have a capture team ready to go. As luck would have it I came down with dysentery
today, if it doesn't clear up I'll stay back and rest and recover, as I want to be well enough
to help on the capture. I would never go on a search or capture if I wasn’t 100%. Getting a
rhino to safety is far more important than to try to go and end up being a burden, which I
feel would be selfish and stupid, so I'll rest tonight and hope I feel better tomorrow.
Jan 15 - I'm feeling much better this morning. We left the reserve for a six-hour drive
over some very rough roads to reach the area where the rhino has been seen. We arrived
at a Samburu village in the area and met with the people who were to take us to the rhino.
We drove back into the bush as far as we could in the four-wheel truck, parked, and Anna
and the trackers went on foot, leaving Bill and I to watch the truck and equipment. They
were gone about an hour and returned with the great news that they had found fresh rhino
tracks. As we were too far away to contact the reserve by radio, we left immediately to get
to the top of a mountain about half way back towards the reserve. We reached the foot of the
mountain after dark and proceeded up the steep road to the top. On reaching the top Anna
contacted the reserve with the good news. Ian Craig set the wheels in motion for the
assembly of the capture team. Our trackers built a fire and made some Samburu tea, and
some corn meal type of substance which we ate and then threw our sleeping bags on the
ground to get some rest. We will leave for the reserve first thing in the morning.
Jan 16 - Woke up to a beautiful sunrise far atop the mountain; what a quiet, wonderful
place this is. We made tea and loaded the truck for our return. Arrived back at the
reserve about ten o'clock. Anna filled Ian in on the trip and plans are to leave for the
capture Friday. I’m excited as I will be participating in my first wild rhino capture. If
people ever wonder if the donations to this project are well spent, believe me these people
are doing a hell of a job. They truly care and are the most dedicated conservationists I've
ever had the honor of knowing. The rest of the day was spent sorting our gear and making
plans for the upcoming capture.
Jan 17/18 - These last two days have been spent getting everything ready for the capture;
we leave early in the morning.
Jan 19 - Ian and Jane Craig picked me up around seven in the morning for the trip up.
Bill and Anna will follow later. We arrived in the area around two o'clock. The first
thing we did was set up a base camp and clear the runway for William Craig and the
super cub, our small airplane. Tim, our chopper pilot, arrived as did Deiter, our vet.
Colin Fracombe and his wife, Rocky, are here also. Colin runs the Laikipia rhino
reserve. I was glad to see him, it had been three years. By dusk everyone had arrived,
including the Kenya Rhino Capture Team with the crate. Had dinner and everybody
went to sleep early as we start tomorrow as soon as it's light.
Jan 20 - Set out this morning in groups of four to try and pick up the tracks. About eleven
o'clock it rained which will wipe out last night’s tracks and make it much more difficult
to locate the rhino in an already difficult, dense and bushy area. I went up with Tim in
the chopper to look for him, but no luck. In fact no luck today at all; will do the same
tomorrow.
Jan 22 - More rain last night, but everyone got an early start. About two o'clock fresh
tracks were found. Tim and the vet plus Bill were in the chopper. Bill is videoing the
capture attempt. I'm with the Kenya Capture Team with the big lorry containing the rhino
crate. We are in radio contact with the chopper, the trackers are very close but haven't
sighted it yet. It's getting late and at three o'clock it was called off because there would be
171
Kenya Diary 192& Continued,
a lack of daylight if the rhino is darted now. But everyone is optimistic about tomorrow
and let's hope the rain holds off. Tomorrow will be our last chance as the chopper must go
back to Meru, so the animal must be found by two o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Jan 23 - No rain last night. We have an early start, must find it today. Around ten
o'clock the animal was spotted. Things started to move fast. Bill went in the chopper
with the vet, I was on the ground with the capture team. At eleven o'clock the animal was
darted. We moved quickly with the crate through heavy bush, cutting a path with
machetes as needed. Reached the downed rhino in about twenty minutes. We were told
we had an eight-year-old male in excellent condition. Great news as it will be a new
blood line for the females of Ngare Sergoi. The crate was lowered and moved into place,
the rhino’s head was maneuvered into the front of the crate with a rope attached to his head
going out a hole in the back of the crate. We had about twelve men on the rope to pull and
the rest of our people behind him to push. The vet gave him the reversal drug, he came up
very fast and ran into the crate.
We have some great video of him charging into the crate. Bill was knocked off the back
by the impact of the animal hitting the back of the crate, but did a great job of getting most
of the crating on tape. The rhino was secured in the crate and loaded on the truck for the
trip back to the reserve. He will be released in a holding pen at the reserve till he settles
down and then let out with the others.
Being here and experiencing this operation gives me a new appreciation of what
professional and dedicated people I have the privilege of working with and supporting
through the Ngare Sergoi Support Group. I know the money we send to Kenya is used in
the most urgent and important conservation efforts to save this great animal. I know
some people in the States wonder if the money is being used wisely, I hope you believe me
when I tell you it couldn't go to a more hard-working and dedicated group of people than
the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Team.
Today has been a day I shall remember always. I know my decision to devote my entire
efforts to help this project is paying off and I will continue to do all I can to make sure they
can continue with this effort. As we are breaking camp, a near tragedy happened as
William Craig took off in our small place; the motor seized about two minutes off the
ground and he was forced to make a crash landing in heavy bush. Thankfully he was
alright, but the poor little super cub wasn’t. We will have to leave the plane till we find a
truck to come back and get it. We left two men to guard it till then. Bill and I leave
tomorrow for home with the knowledge that there is hope for the future of the wildlife in
Kenya.
(Andy is available to give talks on Ngare Sergoi and the plight of the black rhino. You
may contact him by writing Ngare Sergoi Support Group, Inc., P.O. Box 29503, Columbus,
OH 43229 or by calling (614) 885-0458.)
172
Kenyan Safari for Ngare Sergoi
Support Group
NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 8, 1990
Two weeks in which to explore the best Game Reserves and Parks of
Kenya and meet Anna Merz in her rhino sanctuary at Lewa Downs.
View the game of Amboseli in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro; see
the variety of unique species that make the rough, dry terrain of
Samburu their home; wonder at the prolific birdlife at Lake Nakuru and
cross the floor of the Great Rift Valley to visit the Masai Mara, northern
extension of the legendary Serengeti Plain.
Under the leadership of Andy Lodge, Coordinator of Ngare Sergoi
Support Group, we invite you to join a group of like-minded travellers
who have taken the plight of the Rhinoceros to heart and wish to make
a positive contribution to the fight to save the species of Kenya.
The itinerary comprises two nights each in Nairobi, Ambosili, Lewa
Downs, Samburu and the Masai Mara, and one night at Lake Naivasha.
Transportation will be in new Nissan Vans with velour-covered bucket
seats, operated by friendly, expert drivers. At Lewa Downs your game
viewing on the Ranch will be with a member of the Craig family in their
four-wheel drive vehicle.
Round trip air travel is on Pan American Airways scheduled flights.
Land cost per person sharing twin accommodations is $1799 which
includes a donation of $150 per person to Ngare Sergoi. The single
supplement is $425, but single accommodations are limited. Group
airfare from New York is $1430 plus applicable taxes. Special add-on
fares are available from connecting cities and will be quoted upon
request.
A deposit of $400 per person will reserve your place and should be
sent to:
Safariworld! Ngare Sergoi Support Group
40 East 49 Street P.O. Box 29503
New York, New York 10017 Columbus, OH 43229
(212) 486-0505; 1-800-366-0505 (614) 885-0458
Paid Advertisement
173
Legislative Outlook
By
John Stoddard
AAZK Legislative Advisor
Chicago, IL
Condor Range & Rivers Act
Please note the following corrections to the report on condor habitat protection that appeared
in the April 1990 AKF.
H.R. 1473, which passed the House last October, would protect 387,000 acres of wilderness,
add three rivers to the Wild and Scenic River System, and study one river for possible
future inclusion.
There is also another bill — S.637 — that concerns itself with condor habitat preservation but
environmentalists claim that it is not as strong as S.1625. Both Senate bills are awaiting
committee action.
> From Sierra Club national news on EcoNet Computer Network
Recycling fever hits Congress
Numerous bills promoting recycling, packaging reduction, waste reduction, and
consumer awareness have been introduced into Congress over the past few months. The list
below gives the titles or brief descriptions of the various pieces of legislation.
H.R. 500
H.R. 586
H.R. 871
H.R. 1457
H.R. 1593
H.R. 1652
H.R. 1691
H.R. 1804
H.R. 1810
H.R. 2115
H.R. 2156
H.R. 2162
H.R. 2284
H.R. 2648
H.R. 2676
H.R. 2845
H.R. 2853
H.R. 3032
H.R. 3094
H.R. 3105
H.R. 3127
H.R. 3264
Recyclable Materials Science and Technology Development Act of 1989
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act
Establishment of a National Packaging Institute
Waste Reduction Act
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1989
Recycling Information Clearinghouse Act of 1989
Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 — tax on paper products that
don’t contain a minimum amount of recovered material.
Municipal Solid Waste Reduction Act of 1989
Amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act to promote recycling activities.
Plastic Container Labeling Act of 1989
Plastic Container Identification Act of 1989
Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Act of 1989
Amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act to regulate disposal of ash.
Consumer Products Recovery Act of 1989
Establishment of a Solid Waste Prevention Program
Recycling Promotion Act
Battery Recycling and Research Act of 1989
Recycling Act of 1989
Amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act
Recyclable Consumer Plastics Act of 1989
Establishment of national goals for reduction and recycling of solid waste.
Clean Environment Protection Act
174
Legislative Outlook. Continued
H.R. 3268
H.R. 3395
H.R. 3463
H.R. 3483
H.R. 3516
H.R. 3641
H.R. 3654
H.R. 3663
H.R. 3735
H.R. 3736
H.R. 3737
Solid Waste Transportation Act
Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Act of 1989
Requires the Federal Government to recycle materials.
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act of 1989
Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 — income tax credit for the
recycling of hazardous wastes.
Environmental Crimes Act of 1989
Newspaper Incentive Recycling Conservation Act of 1989
National Recyclable Commodities Act of 1989
Waste Materials Management Act of 1989
Waste Export Control Act
Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 — excise tax on certain uses
virgin materials.
of
S. 196 Municipal Waste Combustion Control Act of 1989
S. 932 Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act
S. 1112 Municipal Solid Waste Source Reduction and Recycling Act
S. 1113 Waste Minimization and Control act of 1989
S. 1181 Consumer Products Recovery Act of 1989
S. 1237 Degradable Commodity Plastics Procurement and Standards Act of 1989
S. 1585 Solid Waste Compact Act of 1989
S. 1754 Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments Act of 1989
S. 1762 Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act of 1989
S. 1764 Newsprint Recycling Act of 1989
S. 1884 National Recyclable Commodities Act of 1989
S. 1885 National Recyclable Commodities Financing Act of 1989
S. 1921 State Regulation of Solid Waste in Interstate Commerce, Authorization
> From Global Action Network on EcoNet Computer Network
Wild Chimpanzees Given Endangered Status
The Interior Department Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Constance
Harriman, announced that wild populations of the chimpanzee and all populations of the
pygmy chimpanzee are to be reclassified from their current “threatened” status to the more
critical “endangered” status under the United States Endangered Species Act. Captive
chimpanzees are to remain listed as threatened and subject to special regulation.
“Most populations of wild chimpanzees have deteriorated to such an extent in the last
decade that ‘endangered* best describes their status in the wild,” Harriman said. “This
action provides wild chimpanzees additional protection under the Endangered Species Act
and should provide a strong deterrent to individuals who illegally remove chimps from
dwindling wild populations.”
The Department's USFWS will continue to employ current special regulations to govern
captive chimpanzee populations held in the U.S. The agency also will tighten import
restrictions on captive chimpanzees from countries having wild populations in order to
discourage any further taking of chimpanzees from the wild.
The Service proposed this action in February 1989 after conducting a comprehensive status
review of wild chimpanzees and pygmy chimpanzees. The review was prompted by a peti-
tion to reclassify the species submitted by the Jane Goodall Institute, World Wildlife Fund,
and the Humane Society of the United States in November 1987. The petition presented evi-
dence of a drastic decline in wild chimpanzee populations due to massive habitat destruc-
tion, fragmentation of populations, excessive local hunting, and international trade.
The chimpanzee has disappeared from 5 of the 35 countries in which it is known to have
occurred. Its numbers have been reduced to fewer than 1,000 individuals in 10 countries; to
175
Legislative Outlook. Continued
fewer than 5,000 in six others; and to fewer than 10,000 in 2 of the remaining 4 countries.
The estimate of total wild chimpanzee numbers is approximately 175,000.
An estimated 1,100 to 1,450 chimpanzees are held by biomedical facilities in the U.S. and
many are part of a national captive chimpanzee breeding program. Without the availabil-
ity of these captive chimpanzees, the Service believes research probably would be done by
others, perhaps in foreign countries using wild-caught animals and their progeny. Thus,
the Service believes severe restrictions on the use of captive animals in the U.S. could both
discourage breeding efforts here and lead to greater demand for wild-caught animals else-
where. The Service will closely monitor the viability of the U.S. captive population.
The pygmy chimpanzee occurs only in Zaire. It is considered common only in a few
scattered localities, with the most reliable population estimate being around 15,000
animals. It is threatened primarily by habitat loss though slash-and-burn agriculture and
commercial logging, and by local taking for food, pets, or use in religious rituals. The
pygmy chimpanzee actually is about the same size as the chimpanzee but has a narrower
chest and larger lower limbs.
Very few chimpanzees have been legally imported to the U.S. since the chimpanzee was
listed as a threatened species in 1976. However, commercial trade has continued else-
where, and there has been a trend toward the killing of adult females both for local use as
meat and in order to secure young chimps for export. Chimpanzees reproduce slowly, with
few adult females raising more than two young to maturity.
According to Dr. Goodall, “The continued removal of infants from wild populations (even
if it does not involve the killing of breeding females) will, within a relatively short period
of time, bring wild chimpanzees to the verge of extinction in Africa.” Chimpanzees also
are susceptible to many of the diseases that afflict people, and wild populations are being
exposed to infectious diseases as they come into increasing contact with expanding human
populations.
>from Dept, of Interior News Release, March 12, 1990
In December 1988, Victoria Scrivener was killed by a tiger at the Taronga Park Zoo in
Sydney, Australia. As a matter of policy when a work-related death occurs involving an
animal keeper, AAZK sends a letter of sympathy to the family and zoo. We expect and
usually receive no reply. Several months following the tragedy I received a moving letter
from Victoria's mother. Although Victoria was not a member of AAZK, the letter from her
mother conveys the deep bonds which seem implicit between all keepers and other zoo folks.
I want to share the letter from Vicki's mother with the membership as the following letter of
sympathy from AAZK represented the membership and so the membership should also
share the feelings of Vicki's mother. On behalf of the AAZK I want to thank you, Mrs. Iris
Scrivener for sharing the love of your daughter with us.
- Frank B. Kohn
To the Parents and Family of Victoria Scrivener:
On behalf of the American Association of Zoo Keepers I want to extend to you our deepest
sympathy over the death of your daughter, Victoria.
The small size of the world's zookeeping force creates a very close network of people who
may be strangers but still have much in common. When a tragedy of this nature happens,
we are all affected and grieve together.
176
Victoria Schrivener Letter . Continued
Comforting words are difficult to find at a time like this. I did not know your daughter
personally, but I believe that she was working as a keeper out of dedication and love.
Animal keepers all want to preserve the wildlife that makes this world so beautiful and
unique. I know that your daughter's efforts in her chosen field made you proud of her.
Our hearts are with you.
Sincerely,
Frank B. Kohn, President
Dear Mr. Kohn,
How can I find adequate words to thank you and the members of the American Association
of Zoo Keepers for their most moving letter to us following the death of my daughter,
Victoria.
Coming as it did only fourteen months after the sudden death of her father, you can imagine
how it has devastated the lives of her brother, Andrew and myself and so we were touched
indeed to know that our loss was being shared by the people unknown to us, far across the
world.
Animal keepers are very caring people, I know and our Vicki was immensely interested in
all aspects of animal life and preservation and in the different methods used by zoos world-
wide to keep endangered species from extinction and in the most suitable conditions for
their well-being and comfort. She had a fine collection of reference books which were in
constant use as she was not one to undertake something new without first reading all she
could about the subject.
She was an "Out-door" girl who in her spare time loved nothing better than to ride her
beloved horse along our bush trails accompanied by her faithful Great Dane or to compete
with one or the other in Show events; so her life was truly dedicated to animals and her work
at Taronga the fulfillment of an early ambition.
Your letter will always remain one of my most treasured possessions and I am sorry it has
not been acknowledged long before this but it has only just been passed on to me this week.
Andrew joins with me in thanking you once more for your very special letter. It is only
with such kindness and support that we will be able to face future in which there is no Vicki.
Yours Sincerely,
Iris Scrivener
The late Vicki Scrivener with
giraffe 'Terry" at Taronga Zoo,
Sydney, Australia.
177
Chapter
News
Metro Toronto Zoo Chapter
Newly elected officers are:
President Karen Mottram
Vice Pres Andrew Lantin
Vice Pres Dan Pearson
Secretary Dianne Devison
Treasurer Harry Hofauer
Conservation Officer.. Luisa Steinsky
The Chapter would like to thank
Marilyn Cole for several years of
devotion to the position of President of
the MTZ Chapter. Marilyn decided this
year that it was time for someone else to
be elected to the office, so she can get on
with the many other projects she has
taken on for AAZK.
In February the MTZ Chapter held a
wine and cheese meeting and
membership drive. The night was a
success as several new members
joined, including Dr. Rapley, the new
Executive Director of Biology &
Conservation, and with Dr. Rapley's
support we should be able to sign up more
members.
Our “Bowling for Rhinos” was held on
19 February and it was a successful and
fun-filled night.
The Chapter has taken on Sears Canada
to have them remove the python skin
cowboy boots from their stores and
spring/summer catalogue. It seems
that Sears is noting that this particular
species ( Python reticulatus ) is listed as
CITES Appendix II, on which species
are defined as “threatened with
extinction”. So it seems that Sears is
quite comfortable with the destruction of
these animals until they are termed
“Endangered Species” and listed on
Appendix I. We also realize that other
western shops sells them, but we feel that
Sears, as a corporate leader, should take
a stand and remove them from their
stores. This idea was started by Luisa
Steinsky, the Chapter Conservation
Officer.
-Neil Porter, Chapter Liaison
Louisville AAZK Chanter
The Chapter has been very active with
“Bowling for Rhinos”. They
challenged the Indianapolis Zoo for
most money earned and also got
Domino's Pizza to donate a dollar for
every stamped coupon redeemed. They
are also selling the Ngare Sergoi rhino
pins which sell for $12 and may be
ordered through Valerie Haft at
Louisville.
Other projects have been zoo tours for
company picnics, sponsoring keepers to
attend conferences, and co-sponsoring
a Raptor Rehab program. The Chapter
had a photo booth at Halloween where
children could have their pictures taken
in the batmobile. The photo booth
project brought in $1700 with the Chapter
spending $200 for the batmobile and
$400 for film. Most of the proceeds went
to the Raptor Rehab program.
Future projects still in the planning
stages are a grant program for AAZK
members, a support group for
International Society for Endangered
Cats, conference sponsorships and a
video library.
-Valerie Haft
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Chapter
Current officers for the Chapter are:
President Elaine Kirchner
Vice Pres Beth Skiles
Secretary Michelle Alwine
Treasurer Mary Lyon
Chapter Liaison. ...Margaret Borg
Brookfield Zoa AAZK Chapter
The Brookfield Zoo Chapter continues
its monthly lecture series. Carolyn
Raffensperger from the Sierra Club
spoke in February and in March the
Chapter heard from Dr. Monte Loyd of
the Chicago Rainforest Action Group.
The Chapter held a Silent Auction which
netted them $1,300 and also participated
in concert with the Lincoln Park
Chapter in “Bowling for Rhinos”.
-Colleen Kinzley, President
178
Chapter News. Continued
Lincoln Park Zoo AAZK Chapter
Lincoln Park Chapter, in an effort to
increase AAZK awareness and
membership, formed a membership
committee to speak to each keeper
personally. The Chapter has two
meetings per month, one for officers
and one for the general membership.
Last quarter's activities included a pool
tournament fundraiser, “behind-the-
scenes” tour of the zoo for Brookfield Zoo
and Shedd Aquarium colleagues, a
booth at the National Dog show where we
sold T-shirts, etc. which made $156, and
provision of coffee breaks for delegates
at the Dr. Scholl Nutrition Conference.
The Chapter also participated in
“Bowling for Rhinos”.
-Norah Farnham, Chapter Liaison
Cleveland Metroparks Chanter
Current Chapter officers are:
President Scott Wright
Vice Pres Deb Copeland
Secretary Nancy Wright
Treasurer Kim Miller
Program/Entertainment
Chairman.. ..Jeff Polcen
The Chapter held a program at a local
school and received $66.96 (186 lbs. of
aluminum cans) collected by the school.
The money went to Guanacaste Natinal
Park, Costa Rica through the GSFBA
Chapter's Ecosystem Survival Plan
program. The Cleveland Chapter also
participated in “Bowling for Rhinos”.
-Nancy Wright, Secretary
Columbus Zoo AAZK Chanter
The Chapter is working on a sunscreen
project and “Bowling for Rhinos”.
Also, it continues to hold keeper
luncheons and to collect aluminum
cans and glass for Ngare Sergoi Support
Group and other conservation projects
(National Audubon Society Project
Puffin, Ohio Non-game Wildlife Fund,
etc.). In exchange for time sorting cans
and glass, the Chapter will pay $1.00 per
hour towards a member's local and
national dues.
-Nancy Pintaualli, President
Greater San Francisco Bay
ikea Chapter
At their April meeting Chapter
members heard guest speaker Ron
Martorana speak on “The Role of
Vitamin E Supplementation in
Elephants and Indian Rhinoceros”.
Ron is a Veterinary Technician at the
S.F. Zoo. Ron also reported on the Dr.
Scholl’s Nutritional Conference held in
Chicago.
The Chapter sponsored a booth for Earth
Day 1990 at which they sold Rainforest
Crunch, described as “an all natural,
addictive buttercrunch chock full of
brazil and cashew nuts harvested from
the Amazon rainforest.” The Chapter is
selling Rainforest Crunch as a
fundraiser with profits going toward the
purchase of habitat through the
Ecosystem Survival Plan. If your
Chapter might be interested in selling it
for a fundraiser, contact the San
Francisco Chapter for further
information.
-Chapter Flyer
Toledo Chanter AAZK
Due to the responsibilities of her new
position as President, Suzanne
Husband has resigned as Chapter
Liaison. Tom Benner will now hold the
position. Please direct all pertinent
information to him.
The Chapter has awarded its 1990
research grant to Bruce Clark. Bruce, a
senior keeper in our mammal
department, will use the $500 grant to
help finance a primate study in Peru.
We have also formed a committee to
refine the grant's rules and procedures.
The Chapter recently participated in a
local mail's charity bazaar. The
Chapter was able to inform the public
about the organization while raising
money for the 1991 Conference.
-Suzanne Husband /Tom Benner
Limited Number of 1989 Conference
Proceedings Available for Sale
If you have not already ordered your copy of the Proceedings from the 1989
AAZK National Conference held inSyracuse, NY, there are a limited
number of copies available following the pre-order mailing. These will be
sold on a first come, first served basis. To order, fill out the form below and
return to AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Cost is $7.00 for AAZK members, $12.00 for non-members. Orders outside
the U.S. and Canada should add $3.00 extra per copy for postage costs.
Papers published in the 1989 Proceedings include: The Animal Data Transfer
Form • Update: Zoo Infant Development Project • Gummivory: It's Significance and
Potential Use in Captive Wildlife • Techniques Used in the Hand-Rearing and Subsequent
Reintroduction to Her Mother of a Lowland Gorilla • Hand-Rearing, Growth and
Development of Fisher • Zoo Atlanta's Search for the Red Ape • Management and Breeding
of the Southern White Rhinoceros • Quarantine and Acclimatization of Bee-Eaters at the
San Diego Zoo • Bull Asian Elephant Facility at Dickerson Park Zoo • Hand-Raising
Scarlet Ibis • Neonatal Growth Weights in Guenther’s Dik Dik • The Making of a Zoo-The
Newark Mini Zoo • Research in Natural Habitat Enclosures at the Duke University
Primate Center • Introduction of a Male Colobus to an Existing all-Male Group • Behavior
and Management of Small Deer at the San Diego Zoo • Waste Reduction Program at
Metropolitan Toronto Zoo • The Use of Ultrasound in Managing a Breeding Colony of
Galago • Keeper Personality Survey • A Tropical Renaissance: It's All in a Day’s Work •
Husbandry Notebooks and Unit Procedures • Rain Forest Husbandry at the National
Aquarium in Baltimore • Brookfield Zoo Intern Program • Developing Educational Shows
with Available Animals and Staff • M.A.Z.E.-Magnet Assisted Zoo Education • and The
Creation and Operation of a Native Hummingbird Exhibit. Also included in the
Proceedings are An Overview of the 1989 Meeting of the AAZK Board of Directors • A
Synopsis of the Australasian RAP Session • and the handout materials from a workshop on
"A Simple Method for Primate Cycle Evaluations".
1989 Conference Proceedings Order Form
I wish to order copy (ies)
AAZK Member Non-Member
($7.00 each) ($12.00 each)
Orders outside U.8. and Canada add $3.00 per copy for postage.
TOTAL ENCLOSED $
Name: _
Address:
State/Province:
Phone:
City: —
Zip/Postal Code:
CHAPTER AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee • Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoo, 2700
Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609 (419) 385-5721 Ext. 251; (419) 381-0377 (h). Assistant TWr-tn^-
- Colleen Kinzley (west) [312] 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]; (312) 528-8412 [h] and NancyPintavalli
(east) (614) 645-3400 [w]; (614) 766-6475 [h].
REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 {206} 625-2244 [w]
for the State of WA (North Pacific Coast)
Mike Mig, Washington Park Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221
for the State of OR (North Pacific Coast)
Celeste Northrop, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, SanDiego, CA 92112
for Southern California and Southern Nevada [South Pacific Coast]
David Luce, Fresno Zoo, 892 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728 (209) 488-1549 [w]
for Mid-California [South Pacific Coast]
VACANCY for the States of ID, MT, WY (North Mountain)
John Turner, Denver Zoo, 23rd St. & Steele, City Park, Denver, CO 80205
for the States of UT & CO, (South Mountain)
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
for the States of AZ & NM [South Mountain]
Carla Wieser, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, 10th St. & Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, NE 68107
for the states of NE & IA (North Plains)
Wendy Davis, Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., Duluth, MN 55807
for the States of MN & IA (North Rains)
Steve Tigges, Tulsa Zoological Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115
for the States of KS, OK, MO, AR (Central Plains)
Debbie Jackson, Little Rock Zoological Gardens, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
for the State of AR (Central Plains)
Rick Smith, ( St. Louis Zoo), 6316 Washington Ave., University City, MO 63130 (mailing address)
for the State of MO (Central Plains)
Joanna Ameson, Lee Richardson Zoo, P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846
for the State of KS (Central Plains)
Ann Marie Greco, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
for the States of TX and LA (South Plains)
Joe Rindler, Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Box 400, Columbus, OH 43065
for the States of OH and KY {Great Lakes Region)
Colleen Kinzley, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 {312} 485-0263 Ext. 489 [w]
for the States of IL and WI (Great Lakes Region) {312} 528-8412 [h]
Lee Williams, Detroit Zoo, P.O. Box 39, Royal Oak, MI 48068
for the States of MI and IN (Great Lakes Region)
Alan Baker, Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 1 3204 AND
Mark Hofling, Bronx Zoo, 185th St. & Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (212) 220-7115 {w}
(212) 543-2753 {h} AND
Jeannette Nadeau, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02905
for the States of ME, NY, VT, NH, MA, CT, and RI (North Atlantic Coast)
Jon Brangan, Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504 {804} 441-2374 [w]
{804} 625-0272 [h]
for the States of PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA. WVA & DC (Mid-Atlantic Coast)
Michelle Herman, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39209
for the States of TN and MS (South Atlantic Coast)
Fred Alvey, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315
for the States of GA and AL (South Atlantic Coast)
VACANCY for the States of NC and SC (South Atlantic Coast)
Betty Grogan, Jacksonville Zoological Park, P.O. Box 26767, Jacksonville, FL 332218 AND
Tami RyfiJJreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 AND
Mary Mure, Metrozoo, 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177
for the State of Florida
VACANCY for the State of Alaska
Dan Vitiello, Honolulu AAZK Chapter, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
for the State of Hawaii
Terry Male, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5
for the Province of Ontario, Canada
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5
for the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada & {204] 837-1635 [h]
States of ND and SD
Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo, Box 3259, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2R7
for the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada(403) 483-5525 [w]
Chantal Routhier, Granby Zoo, 347 Rue Bourget, Granby, Quebec, Canada J2G 1E8
for the Province of Quebec
181
NOW AVAILABLE
Zoonotic Diseases. 2nd Edition
AAZK is pleased to announce the availability of the Second Edition of the
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook. This 40-page reference work details the most
common zoonotic diseases, offers guidelines for preventive control and covers
personal hygiene and disinfection procedures.
This Second Edition contains expanded listings of zoonotic diseases and has
been formatted in 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" AKF size. Information on each disease is
presented in a text format which includes Ethiologic Agent, Means of
Transmission to Man, Global Distribution, Alternate or Intermediate Hosts,
Human Incubation and Human Symptoms. Editor for this volume is Bruce
Clark of the Toledo Zoo.
Copies may be purchased by
completing the order form
below. Prices are: $5.00 for
Professional AAZK members;
$6.50 for all other AAZK
membership categories; and
$8.50 for non-members. The
prices include shipping and
handling within North America.
Orders outside the U.S. and
Canada should add $3.00 for
foreign postage by Air Mail.
Make check or money order
payable in U.S. FUNDS ONLY
to: "AAZK". Please allow 3-4
weeks for delivery.
Zoonotic Diseases
Published by
The American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Please send copy/copies of the AAZK Zoonotic Diseases Handbook to:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY; P AF AS INST Non-Mem
TOTAL AMOUNT INCUDED: $
Send to: Zoonotic Diseases, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks /AKE 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka , KS
66606 . Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Phone (913) 272-5821 Ext 31; FAX 913-272-2539.
ELEPHANT KEEPER...exoenenced in the care and handling of elephants. Call or send
resume to Terry Wolf, Lion Country Safari, P.O. Box 16068, West Palm Beach, FL 33416
(407) 793-1084.
SENIOR ANIMAL KEEPER. ..strone background in Mammal, Bird, and Herptile
husbandry essential. Duties include management of primate collection housed in
hospital and quarantine of all incoming animals; responsible for day-to-day
management of staff of 3 including organizing schedules along with good
communication skills between vet and staff; animal keeper duties required. Two year's
paid experience in the care and handling of animals (non-pet related) and bachelors
degree in biology, zoology, animal science or veterinary technology required. One year's
supervisory experience in related field preferred. Send resume to: Personnel
Department, Baltimore Zoo, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217.
The follow three (3) positions are open at Wildlife Safari , P.O. Box 1600, Winston, OR
97496 (503) 679-6761. If interested you should contact either Dr. Michael Briggs or Judy
Zeno.
ELEPHANT KEEPER... responsible for 2.5 African elephants 9 - 23 years of age.
Previous experience desirable, but other qualifications will be considered. Will be
required to care for elephants and eventually handle animals during rides and
educational shows. Opportunity for participation in reproductive research.
UNGULATE/CARNTVORE RANGER. ..responsible for care of a variety of free-ranging
hoofstock and/or carnivores in drive through park. Involves diet preparation, feeding,
cleaning and a variety of other tasks. Will also be assisting in reproductive studies on
large cats.
VOLUNTEERS. ..are needed for innovative no-human contact fawn rehabilitation
program. Will gain experience in mammal rehabilitation as well as assist in research.
Can be applied towards college credit. Great working conditions and pleasant location.
ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN. ..ex perience with exotic animals required.
AHT certification preferred. Duties include: lab work, supplies'
maintenance/inventory/ordering; support services to veterinarian; MedArks records;
and nursery assistance in handraising ungulates and carnivores. Send letter and
resume to: John Lukas, Director, White Oak Plantation, Rt. 3, Box 226, Yulee, FL 32097.
RELIEF KEEPER. ..part-time to assist the Director. Weekend availability required,
$7.50/hr. to start. Prefer previous experience in felidae. Duties to include daily animal
care and maintenance, record keeping, and enclosure upkeep. Must be extremely
responsible and be available for flexible hours. Send letter of intent and resume to:
Brandy Powers c/o Protective Association for World Species Sanctuary, Box 121, New
Berlin, WI 53151.
ANIMAL HANDLER. ..seeking individual with exotic/zoo animal experience-elephant
handling experience preferred. High school diploma or GED required. Responsibilities
include exhibit maintenance, basic animal husbandry, some diet preparation, ability to
work well with veterinarian, and interact with the public. Salary $400 per week. Send
resume and at least three (3) references to: Attn: Dr. Kispert, 3276 Auburn Rd., Utica, MI
48087.
183
Opportunity Knocks. Continued.
ZOOKEEPER. ..requires two years of college-level coursework in zoology or related field
and two years' experience in animal care at an accredited zoo. Qualified applicants will
be placed on a register to fill future vacancies in all areas. Applicants with experience
handling and caring for elephants are encouraged to apply for anticipated elephant keeper
and/or lead keeper vacancies.
For application materials, submit a stamped, self-addressed legal size envelope to: Larry
Alcantara, City of Seattle Personnel Department, 446 Dexter Horton Building, 710 2nd
Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.
ZOOKEEPERS! ANIMAL TRANSPORT ASSISTANTS..* isit the country's zoos - and get
paid for it. AAZPA Registered Animal Supplier is looking for some energetic, well-
groomed, resourceful people to assist in the transport of zoological specimens between zoos.
Must be willing to work with a wide variety of animals as well as a very flexible work
schedule. Good driving record a must. Requirements include high school diploma
(college preferred) and experience working with exotics, with emphasis on hoofstock.
Ability to present neat, clean appearance when representing company. Salary: House
plus utilities, and starting pay of $10,000/yr. Send resume and 2 references to: Zoological
Animal Exchange, P.O. Box 164, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 (703) 291-3205.
ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNIC IAN. ..requires animal health technician degree and/or
valid license or be eligible for New York State license. Prefer some exotic animal
experience with a background of native wild animal care. Salary commensurate with
experience. Send cover letter/resume to: Tim French, General Curator, Ross Park Zoo,
185 Park Avenue, Binghamton , NY 13903. EOE.
W
Information Please
We are interested in information regarding the management, training, etc. of male
dromedary camels ( Camellus dromedarius). Any information or data would be greatly
appreciated. Please send to: Gail Weber, c/o Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester,
NY 14621.
I am interested in any information concerning the successful breeding of the Magpie goose
( Anseranas semipalmata). If possible, please include exhibit layout, diets used, and
whether birds were housed in pairs or larger groups. Also please indicate if birds were
pinioned. Please send to: Tim Snyder, c/o San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., San
Antonio, TX 78212.
For the first time in many years, we have had some mites on our snakes. In the past we
have used the Shell "No Pest Strips" to irridicate the mites, but would like to find out what
things other keepers have found to work on this problem.
We have lost several tamarins to Crypttococcosis that our vet thinks may be coming in on
the straw bedding. I would be interested in hearing from other facilities that have had
similar problems.
If you can help with information about either of the above, please send to: Peggy Ferebee,
Curator of the Zoo, The Natural Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408.
AAZK Membership Application
Name
check here if renewal [ ]
City
□ $30.00 Professional
L~ Full-time Keepers
□ $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
□ $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
Zoo Affiliation (if any) _______
Zoo Address _ — ___________ —
State/Province Zip
□ $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
□ $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
I 1 $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keeners' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keeners' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TEL
DEHaLERECEDING MONTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers’ Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.SA.
Forwarding & Address Correction Requested
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Animal
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Forum
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
June 1990
Editor-in-chief: Susan Chan Volume Seventeen
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer Number Six
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster:
Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD QF-.MREC.TQRS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008 Immediate Past President
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS - PROTECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange
Cynthia Simpson, Brookfield Zoo
AAZK History Committee
Art Goodrich, San Diego Zoo
International Affairs Coordinators - Mona
Conservation, Preservation* Restoration
Keeper Training & Education
{includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink, Natl Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
Susan M. Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
Public-Education... Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Keith, Calgary Zoo (east) Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
(CPR) Committee - Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Animal Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to AAZPA/IZE
Brint Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Keeper Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo Infant-Deyelopment Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Biological Values/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Chicago, IL
By-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Universitv List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Order/Distribution Center at AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka
Director of Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Toledo, OH
Assistant CRAC Directors
Colleen Kinzley, Knowland Park Zoo (Oakland, CA) and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo (Columbus, OH)
Individual Regional Coordinators and the states they oversee are listed elsewhere in each issue of AKF.
This month's cover is a tribute to the late Jean Hromadka, past AAZK President and
elephant keeper at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It was drawn by Yoshi. Yonetani of
ZOO /Del, Kobe, Japan, from a photograph he had taken of Jean on his last visit to the San
Diego area. As Yoshi. wrote with this drawing: “ It's an unbelievable matter, but Jean is
alive in our spirits forever. Sa-Yo-Na-Ra! (So long)”. Thanks, Yoshi.!
Scoops
and
Scuttlebutt
AAZK Awards $500 Research Grant
The AAZK Research/Grants Committee proudly announces their award of $500 to Wendy
Lynn Marshall, Erie Zoological Gardens, for her research project entitled “The Use of an
Enzyme Immunoassay for Urinary Pregnanediol-3-glucuronide to Detect Pregnancy”.
Congratulations, Wendy!
AAZK will annually award two (2) grants of $500 each to keepers interested in pursuing a
specific zoo-related research project. Anyone interested in submitting a proposal should
address their application requests to:
Sue Barnard, Chairperson
AAZK Research/Grants Committee
Zoo Atlanta - Deptartment of Herpetology
800 Cherokee Ave., SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
National Wildlife KehabiHtators Announce Grants Program
The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association announces its small grants program.
This program makes available two $1,000 research grants in the field of wildlife
rehabilitation. Each may be applied to one large project or several smaller research
projects totaling less than $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit
a typewritten proposal that includes: name(s) and resume of personnel involved, objectives
of the project, a brief description of how the project will be carried out, a brief literature
review, and an itemized budget.
An annual report on progress is required. It is expected that those receiving MWRA support
will present the results of their projects at an NWRA national meeting within 2 years of
receipt of the grant. The deadline for submitting proposals for research grants is 15
December of each year. Recipients will be announced at the NWRA annual meeting in
February and in writing.
Proposals should be submitted to: Mark Pokras, DVM, Tufts University School of
Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Clinic, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536.
AAZK Chapters Makes Donations for Carver Brochure
The Board of Directors of AAZK wish to thank the members of the Zoo Atlanta Chapter and
the Flint Hills Chapter (Manhattan, KS) for their generous donations toward the printing of
the newly revised “Zoo Keeping As a Career” brochure. Zoo Atlanta Chapter sent AAZK $240
and the Flint Hills Chapter contributed $100. Public Education Chair Ellen Bradfield and
185
Scoops & Scuttlebutt Continued
her committe have worked very hard to revise and update the text and new photographs have
been acquired which will not only enhance the look of the brochure, but will also exemplify
the work done by zookeepers. AAZK Administrative Office receives many, many requests
for this brochure and often times AAZK Chapters use them at career fairs and other public
events. The brochure has done much to not only inform those interested about the career of
zookeeping, but has also helped to give AAZK a higher public profile. The new brochures are
scheduled to be available by mid-summer.
IAC Seeks Contacts in South and Central America
The International Affairs coordinators are wanting to expand the Foreign Keeper
Sponsorship Program to South and Central America and Africa. Currently nearly all
sponsored keepers are from India and Thailand. They are seeking contact people in those
areas who could help coordinate selection of keepers to be sponsored. If you know of
individuals in Central or South America or Africa who might be willing to help get the
Foreign Keeper Sponsorship Program started in their area, please contact either Pam
McDougall or Mona Keith at the Calgary Zoo, P.O. Box 3036, Station B, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada T2M 4R8.
The IACs and AAZK wish to again thank those individuals and Chapters who are currently
participating in the Foreign Keeper Sponsorship Program. Current sponsored keepers and
their sponsors are:
Oscar Habet, The Belize Zoo, Belize, Central America - Beth Poff, Mill Mountain Zoo.
Mr. Babubai, Hill Garden Zoo, India - Tucson AAZK Chapter
Dr. Prakash Amte, Amte's Animal Ark, India - Chinook AAZK Chapter (Calgary)
Pundareeka Rao, Chamarajendra Zool. Gdns, India - Zoo Atlanta AAZK Chapter
Keymoon Srimuang, Zool. Organization of Thailand - San Diego Chapter AAZK
Dr. Lala A.K. Singh, Similipal Tiger Reserve, India - Susan Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
K. Moktan, Padmaja Naidu Himilayan Zoo, India - Rocky Mt. AAZK Chapter (Denver)
Nandini Rangaswamy, Coimbatore Zool. Prk. Society, India - Metro Toronto Chapter
S.K. Mohanty, Nandankanan Biological Prk, India - Flint Hills Chapter (Manhattan, KS)
Nasker Devi, Dept, of Forests, India - Judie Steenberg, Woodland Park Zoo
Dr. S. Paulraj, Anna Aragar Zool. Prk, India - Brookfield AAZK Chapter
Alexander Peal, Head of Wildlife/ Nat's Parks, Liberia, Africa - Metro Toronto Chapter
Sophon Dummi, Khon Khen Open Zoo, Thailand - Melba T. Brown, National Zoo
Usha Matthews, Zoo Negara, Malaysia - Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Khoo Say Kin, Zoo Negara, Malaysia - Nancy Hanson, Los Angeles Zoo
Duan Xo, Beijing Milo Ecological Research Cntr. - Art Cooper, Front Royal Research Cntr.
Vijayraj Jajeda, Shri Sayaji Baugh Zoo, India - Jacksonville Zoo AAZK Chapter
Apidet Singhasanee, Zool. Prk. Organization of Thailand - Jeffrey Briscoe, N. Hollywood,
CA.
AKF Associate Editor Leaves Topeka
Alice Miser, who has been an editor for Animal Keepers' Forum since 1983, is leaving that
position due to a career move. She is taking a position at the Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo,
WI. We wish to thank Alice for her years of dedication and commitment to AAZK and the
Forum. She has been an invaluable resource for technical questions and advice as well as
an energetic and enthusiastic co-worker. She will be missed. We wish her much success
in her new position. Ron Ringer will continue as Associate Editor for AKF.
Diet Notebook Project Seeks Coordinators
Susan Bunn Spencer, Project Coordinator for the AAZK Diet Notebook, is looking for
individuals interested in volunteering to serve as Coordinators for the Mammal, Reptile
and Fish Sections of the project. A Section Coordinator Job Description appears below. If
186
Scoops & Scuttlebutt, Continued
you are interested, please contact Susan c/o Beardsley Zoological Gardens, Noble Avenue,
Bridgeport, CT 06610.
Section Coordinator Job Description
PURPOSE: The purpose of these positions is to solicit and review diets and facilitate the
work of the Project Coordinator.
REPORTABILITY:
i. AAZK Diet Notebook Project Coordinator
ii. AAZK Board Overseer
iii. AAZK Board of Directors
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
I. Solicit and collect diets
II. Review diets for accuracy of common and scientific names, orders, address,
spelling, punctuation, etc.
III. Maintain an index of species, number of diets per species and contributing
institutions.
IV. If possible transfer information to an IBM Paradox 2 program.
V . Reply promptly to inquiries concerning the Diet Notebook Project.
VI. Maintain semi-annual updates to the Project Coordinator as to the status of
the section.
“Bowling for Rhinos” Update
As most of you are already know, the first National“Bowling for Rhinos” went better than
expected with 37 institutions participating. The returns have been slow, but at this time, 10
May, over $50,000 has been earned from 20 events. I have received reports from all over the
country stating how this event brought everyone closer together in this team effort. Many
good suggestions have also been made for next year's events through the use of the
questionnaire as well as letters, phone calls, etc.
If you have not yet submitted your event's income, please do so right away! We are trying to
secure an airplane for the Ngare Sergoi Preserve to replace the one that crashed after the
rhino capture, so that the sanctuary can operate at peak efficiency (see article on rhino
capture in May 1990 AKF. p. 170). We will also continue to help finance the much needed
supplies as we have done in the past. Everyone involved has done a wonderful job to help
make this event such a succes. Once again, I would like to thank the Kansas City Chapter
for being the originator of this great idea.
As the rest of the proceeds continue to come in, I will keep you informed of our total as it
grows, as well as what plans we have for it. At this time, we expect Ian Craig of Lewa Downs
(home of Ngare Sergoi Sanctuary) to be at the conference in New Orleans. I would also like
to hold a workshop during the conference so that everyone can voice their opinions and
suggestions about the “Bowling for Rhinos” event - both past and future. Thank you ALL for
your hard work and dedication.
-Nanci Pintavalli, Bowling for Rhinos Coordinator
-Andy Lodge, Ngare Sergoi Support Group, Inc.
187
From the President
The mid-year Board meeting is set for the 4th and 5th of June. We have prepared the
itinerary and included in the list of topics to be discussed are By-laws revision, the
upcoming New Orleans Conference and the Chapter and Regional Affairs Committee.
Four Board members are planning to attend and we hope for a very productive meeting.
In New Orleans we will be voting on the location of the 1993 Annual Conference. I invite
all Chapters to seriously consider hosting a conference. Please direct all inquiries and
bids to Bob Debets, AAZK Vice President, at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Canada.
If you have never attended a national AAZK conference before, I would encourage you to
begin making plans now for New Orleans. Having the opportunity to meet with colleagues
from all over the country and exchange ideas on animal keeping is a very rewarding
experience. If you can't make the 1990 event, look towards 1991 in Toledo or AAZK's 25th
anniversary in San Diego in 1992.
As noted in this month's report from Coordinator Nanci Pintavalli, the first National
“Bowling for Rhinos” appears to have been an overwhelming success. The Board wishes to
express their sincere appreciation to all those who helped to make this fundraiser so
successful. We will be discussing the BFR event at New Orleans and looking also into
other areas of conservation towards which we can direct our energies and fundraising
abilities. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Finally, following the death of AAZK past president Jean Hromadka, a memorial fund was
set up to collect contributions to be sent to the African Wildlife Foundation in Jean's
memory. Funds totaling $410 have been forwarded on to the AWF and have been
designated for use in public education on the plight of the African elephant and for anti-
poaching operations.
The heavy visitor season for zoos is now upon us and will keep all of us extra busy the next
few months. I hope you all have a successful and rewarding summer and that I will have
the opportunity to see many of you in New Orleans in November.
OLe, S4s
Oliver Claffey, President 0/
Dear Editor:
On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to the many friends
of Jean Hromadka. Your outpouring of financial support, gifts, cards and letters, flowers,
and words of encouragement and prayers were not only overwhelming to Jean, but to our
entire family.
Jean’s zest for life, love of animals, and her wondrous sense of humor will always be
remembered by all of us who knew her. We want the members of AAZK to know that they
will always be remembered for their kindness and caring spirit.
Joe Hromadka, Jr.
188
Coming Events
The 14th international Hmretologjcal Symposium
on Captive Propagation and Husbandry
June 20-23, 1990 Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Gorilla Workshop
June 22-25, 1990 Powell, OH
The Columbus Zoo is hosting a three-day Gorilla Workshop with the emphasis on
behavioral solutions to behavioral problems in the captive gorilla population. For further
information contact: The Great Apes Staff, The Columbus Zoo, Box 400, 9990 Riverside Dr.,
Powell, OH 43065. (614) 645-3426; FAX (614) 645-3465.
Herpetologists Ueague/Soriety for the Study of Amphibian? and Reptiles
Combined Annual Meeting
August 5-10, 1990 New Orleans, LA
Held at Tulane University. For further information, contact Dr. Harold Dundee, Dept, of
Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 865-5191.
1980 AAZPA Annual Conference
September 23-27, 1990 Indianapolis, IN
For further information, contact Travis Edenfield, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West
Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 (317) 638-8072.
18th Annual Conference of the International
Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA1
November 4-9, 1990 Chicago, IL
Hosted by the Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
Will include formal presentations, poster session and informal presentations such as
videos/films. Theme for this year's conference is “Developments in Marine Mammal
Public Display and Research”. First Call for Papers now being issued-abstracts due by 15
August 1990. Conference hotel site is the McCormick Center Hotel. For further
information and registration materials, contact: Randy Brill, Vice-President/IMATA,
NOSC - Code 511, P.O. Box 997, Kailua, HI 96734-0997 USA.
Wildlife Conservation in Metropolitan Environments
A National Symposium on Urban Wildlife
November 11-14, 1990 Cedar Rapids, IA
For more information contact: National Institute for Urban Wildlife, 10921 Trotting Ridge
Way, Columbia, MD 21044 (301) 596-3311 or (301) 995-1119.
189
Births & Hatchings
The Los Angeles Zoo...is pleased to report these significant births from February to April
1990 — on 10 March one of our Red-crowned mangabeys ( Mono mangabey con ) named
“Red” gave birth to a male. On 13 March, the infant was found dead of a skull fracture. On
13 March, another one of our females, “Stub”, also gave birth to a male. Stub is a young,
inexperienced female and gave up her baby to Red, who has been caring for the infant ever
since then. These two females now have a very special relationship. Stub grooms and
“visits” the baby, but it is Red, who by the stimulation of the infant's suckling was able to
resume lactation, who now does the “mothering work”. These births are also signiflcat
because these are the first offspring from our new breeding male, “Guy”, who is six and a
half years old and from West Germany, submitted by V. Bingham, Primate Keeper
Red-crowned mangabey females at the Los Angeles Zoo. Animal on the right is the birth
mother “Stub” who gave up her male offspring to the more experienced female “Red’ who is
now suckling the infant. Photo by: Tad Motoyama.
190
Birth§..& Ea$ghmgS* Continued
On 20 February, Pandora, our 23-year-old Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) gave birth to her
fifth offspring, a male. Pandora was born at our zoo and raised in our nursery.
Remarkably she has raised all of her offspring (total 2.3, the oldest being 14 yrs.) despite
never having had the experience of watching other females care for and raise their babies.
The Los Angeles Zoo is very proud to announce the hatching of 0.0.3 California condors
( Gymnogyps calif ornianus). On 24 March, “Kareya”, meaning “creator of all things” was
hatched. On 15 April, “Tumusai”, whose name means “spirit or shadow”, was hatched.
And finally on 25 April, “Maluk” cracked out of its shell. Its name means “condor”. The
chicks will be sexed when they are approximately three months of age. This brings the
world population of California condor to a total of 38, 19 of which are at the San Diego
Condor facility and 19 at our facility. A total of fifteen eggs have been laid this season. If
everything continues going as well as it has, California condors may be re-released back
out into the wild as early as next year.
In January, Michael Dee, Curator of Mammals and Jeff Briscoe, Lead Keeper-Large
Mammal Section, escorted 1.2 Gaur to Malaysia. These three animals were surplus to the
North American SSP population, there destination was the Melakan Zoo. In exchange, the
Malayasian Game Department had secured two young female Asian elephants for the L.A.
Zoo. Their ages are approximately three and five and they now join 1.1 Asian elephants
that we received last year. One of our adult females, “Geeta”, 35 years old, has taken over
caring for the your young, active and entertaining kids.
On 28 January, the L.A. Zoo received a male African pangolin ( Manis pholidota ), which
had been confiscated from a shipment of tropical fish in a plane which had departed from
Nigeria. Pangolins have horny, overlapping scales on their head, body, legs and tail
which are shed periodically. These unusual animals look like artichokes. When he
arrived at the zoo he weighed in at four pounds. A variety of diets were tried
unsuccessfully; he is now on an Echinda diet and has gained weight. He is rightfully been
nicknamed-Clingon-as he has become very attached to his keeper.
In March we received 3.3 White-fronted marmosets ( Callithrix geoffroyi) and 3.3 Kuhl's
black-eared marmosets ( Callithrix kuhli ) from Rio de Janiero. The Kuhl's at one time
were considered a subspecies of Callithrix penicillata and some believed a hybrid between
Callithrix geoffroyi and Callithrix penicillata Research now shows that the Kuhl's is quite
a distinct animal and worthy of recognition as a full species of its own. Other than the Los
Angeles Zoo, Jersey is the only other zoo to house the Kuhl’s black-eared marmosets.
submitted by Linda Cory, Chapter Liaison, Los Angeles AAZK Chapter.
On 5 December the Los Angeles Zoo community was saddened by the death of Sally, the
orangutan matriarch and grandmother who died of heart failure. Sally, the mother of
seven orangutans in zoos around the world, had been at L.A. since 1956. Two of her seven
offspring, Ember and Eloise, are still at L.A. She had adopted and fostered offspring
rejected by their own mothers. Sally's grandson, two-year-old Michael Anthony, was her
last nursing. Michael has since been adopted by his aunt, Ember, who cared for him when
Sally was busy, -from GLAZA news, Feb. 1990.
Monkey Jungle. Inc. (Miami. FL)...is proud to announce the following births: 0.0.3
Golden lion tamarins ( Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia). In our Marmoset Compound we
have three groups of Golden lion tamarins and three other species of tamarins in a unique
outdoor enclosure in which eight cages, sectioned by wire mesh, makes a territory for each
group.
Group 1 consists of two adults (Rambo and Juanita) and one subadult male and two
juvenile males. This group has been very accomplished at raising young and on 21 April,
Juanita gave birth to twins.
191
Births & Hatchings. Continued
Group 2 is two adults (Marino and Robin) and their infant bom on 20 April. This birth is
significant in that this pair had been housed next to a pair of aggressive Geoffrey's
tamarins (S. oedipus geoffroyi) for over a year and no live births had occurred. We believe
the stress caused by fighting between the two species was a factor in the unsuccessful
breeding attempts of this pair. We responded by relocating them to another enclosure
between a pair of Red-bellied tamarins ( Saguinus labiatus thomasi ) and their offspring
and Group 1 Golden lion tamarins. It was commonly thought that housing two of the same
species next to each other would interfere with breeding; but both pairs were successful.
This was the first live birth for this pair but unfortunately one twin was stillborn.
Group 3 is a pair that has been together for about a year. They are interacting well but as of
this report there has been no offspring.
Also worth noting was our first birth in recent years of a White-handed gibbon ( Hylobates
lar) bom on 12 Otober 1989. We are glad to report that he is doing great! submitted by Patti
Brinkley, Primate Keeper, Monkey Jungle, South Florida AAZK Chapter, Miamo, FL.)
Chamaraiendra Zoological Garden (Mysore. India)...has reported the following
significant births and hatchings during 1988 and 1989: Pundareeka Rao, warden, relays
the exciting news of the birth of a Black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis) at their facility.
Other live births include four Civit cat (' Viverricula indica), five Toddy cat ( Paradoxurus
hermaphroditis) six Tiger ( Panthera tigris), two Jungle cat ( Felis chaus) and one Leopard
cat ( Felis bengalensis ).
Important hoofstock births include one Indian camel ( Camelus dromedorius), one Thamin
deer ( Cervus eldi) and four Indian gazelle ( Gazella gazella). During this time two Brown
lemur ( Fulvis fulvis ) were also born.
Significant hatchings include two Sarus crane ( Grus antigone) and six Black swan
( Cygnus atratus ). New additions for 1988 and 1989 include 1.1 Giraffe (Giraffa
Camelopardalis), 0.2 Brown lemur ( Fulvis fulvsi ), 1.1 Red Kangaroo {.Macropus rufus)
and 1.1 Asiatic lion (Panthera leo ). submitted by Lisa Hughes, Zoo Atlanta Chapter
Liaison. This Chapter sponsors Pundareeks Rao in the Foreign Keeper Sponsorship
program.
The Dreher Park Zoo is proud to
announce their first successful
breeding of a Hoffman’s
sloth (Choloepus hoffmani). The
group of 1.2 was acquired from
Lincoln Park Zoo in 1985. They had
been housed at Lincoln Park Zoo
since 1977 and were listed as born in
1975. Both females had miscarried
in past years. We instituted a diet
change in January of 1990 based on
the Burnet Park Zoo's diet and feel
this may have led to the successful
birth of a single youngster on 10 April
1990. (Photo: Gail Schneider,
Executive Director, Dreher Park Zoo,
West Palm Beach, FL)
192
Births & Hatchings. Continued.
The Milwaukee Countv Zoo... would like to announce the following significant births,
hatchings and acquisitions from October 1989 through April 1990.
The Aquarium and Reptile Dept, has been busy acquiring new species for the zoo. 2.2 Terre-
de-haut racers ( Alsophis antillensis sanctorum) and 1.1 Terre-de-bas racers (A. a.
danforthii) were collected from their respective islands in the Lesser Antilles, a group of
islands north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. Although these snakes are not currently
protected, their numbers are diminishing. Curator Rich Sajdak, along with Bob
Henderson of the Milwaukee Public Museum, will be conducting research on their
reproductive behavior and development.
The MCZ has also acquired a Goliath frog ( Conrana goliath ) which is very rarely exhibited
in zoos, and a male Alligator snapper ( Macroclemys temmincki ) which is endangered in
a number of areas of the U.S.
On 6 April, the female Emperor scorpion ( Pandanus sp .) was seen with babies riding on
her back. This was quite a surprise since she had been living alone since her arrival a
year ago. Evidently, scorpions can store sperm for a while before the eggs are fertilized.
The babies will ride on the mother's back until their first molt. At this time, they will jump
off, and will then be housed individually.
Our collection of Red empress cichlids ( Aulonacara similis ) have been breeding
successfully. These valuable mouthbrooding fish are from Lake Malawi in eastern
Africa. The female carries the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch and develop
into juveniles, and she continues to protect them until they can survive on their own.
In March 1990, a Ruppell's griffon vulture ( Gyps rueppellii ) chick hatched and is now
being hand-raised. This is believed to be the first attempt at hand-raising in this species.
The chick is kept in an incubator and is fed by hand puppet to prevent it from imprinting on
people. At about six weeks of age, the chick was allowed visual access to its parents. The
parents are both wild-caught and this is their first offspring.
MCZ's long history of successful Polar bear ( Thalarctos maritimus ) births began 70 years
ago when the first polar bear ever born in captivity was produced at Milwaukee. This
success continued through the years and most recently, first-time parents “Mishka” and
“Callisto” produced Milwaukee's 27th polar bear cub on 14 December 1989. Mishka, a eight-
year-old female, came to the zoo in 1983 on a long-term breeding loan from the Henry
Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE. As of this date, mother and baby are on exhibit in a rear holding
area that has been opened to the public.
Our Small Mammal House has been very effective in maintaining self-sustaining
colonies of fruit and vampire bats. Since October 1989, 5 Straw-colored bats ( Eidolon
helvum ) and 6 Ruwenzori long-haired fruit bats ( Rousettus lanosus) have been born and
mother-reared. MCZ is the only zoo listed in ISIS to exhibit Ruwenzori long-haired fruit
bats. 4.0 Vampire bats ( Desmodus rotundas ) have been born in the last couple of months
which brings the number of births to 37 since 1973. Other significant births in the Small
Mammal House include 0.2 Tayra ( Eira barbara ) and 0.0.2 Ruffed lemurs ( Lemur
variegata).
On 25 April, “Mac”, a 405-pound silverback Western lowland gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla),
arrived on breeding loan from the Kansas City Zoo to begin a new life in Milwaukee. Mac
is a 27-year-old wild-caught male who will be introduced to our group of one juvenile male
and three adult females after 4-6 weeks of quarantine, submitted by Karin Newman,
Chapter Liaison, AAZK Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI.
193
AAZK Announces New Professional/Institutional Members
Jeanine Jackie, Stone Zoo (MA)
Ralph Aversa, Bronx Zoo (NY)
Virginia Theis, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
David Shipper, L.A.B.S. Inc. (SC)
Janis Thompson, Chehaw Wild Animal Prk.
Karen Kuebel, Monkey Jungle (FL)
Jennifer Lealos, Monkey Jungle (FL)
Nancy Reinert, Discovery Island (FL)
Regan O'Rourke, Washington Prk. Zoo (IN)
Sally Petrella, Detroit Zoo (MI)
Laszlo Szilagyi, Lincoln Prk. Zoo (IL)
David Tieszen, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Richard Lockwood, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Rick Tucker, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Denise Anderson, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Daphne Nickisch, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Eileen Castle, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Daniel Fox, Tulsa Zool. Park (OK)
Katie Knight-Monteiro, ExotiCare (TX)
Elizabeth Davis, Santa Barbara Zoo (CA)
David Linderman, Noah’s Ark Zoo (OR)
Dan Wallace, Nat'l Animal Agency (Ont.)
Christine Underwood, Stone Zoo (MA)
Barry Buchalter, DVM, Howard Beach, NY
Christine Weickert, National Zoo (DC)
Nick Cavalluzzi, Silver Springs (FL)
Melody Kelley, Monkey Jungle (FL)
Marlene Wright, Miami Metrozoo (FL)
Vicki Call, Lion Country Safari (FL)
Mary Beth Chandler, Toledo Zoo (OH)
Stacey Ellis, Mesker Prk. Zoo (IN)
Sarah Dunn, Fejeruary Zoo (IA)
Jacquelyn Ott, St. Louis Zoo (MO)
Joe Branham, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Robin Hurley, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Richard Smith, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Mike Boisvert, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Carl Sandefer, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Kenneth Hovey, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Colette DeGrange, Houston Zoo (TX)
Christine Bobko, Denver Zoo (CO)
David Illig, Washington Prk. Zoo (OR)
Jack Simmons, Woodland Prk. Zoo (WA)
John Rehmann, Nat'l Animal Agency (Ont.)
(GA)
Renewing Contributing Members
Gene DeBever, Chicago, IL
Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Garden, Lincoln, NE
Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Saskatoon, S.K., Canada
Information Please
Patricia McNaught, AAZK/EFBC Chapter President is conducting a special research
project on changes in the papillae on the feline tongue. She will be sending out special
survey sheets to 500 institutions. If you or your institution would like to participate in this
project, please contact Mrs. McNaught at (805) 256-3793/3818 or do The Exotic Feline
Breeding Compound, HCR 1, Box 84, Rosamond, CA 93560.
I would appreciate information from anyone who has successfully raised a Black-footed
(Jackass) penguin chick without tube feeding. Please include specifics on diet, feeding
tools, technique, etc. Send information to: Kristin Zabawa do Los Angeles Zoo, Adventure
Island, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
We are composing a paper on the effects of World Wars I and II on zoos in Germany,
France and England. If you have any information on the topic, or know of anyone who
does, please notify Rana Bayrakci and Kit Niemann at the Point Defiance Zoo and
Aquarium, 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407-3218.
194
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You Too Can Breed Dwarf Lemurs
By
Karen L. Anderson, Keeper
Mammal Dept, Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, IL
Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemurs ( Cheirogaleus medius ) are found only on the island of
Madagascar and are restricted to the dry forests along the west coast. One of seven species
in the family Cheirogaleidae, fat-tailed dwarf lemurs have evolved in an environment in
which there are great fluctuations in rainfall and food availability. During the dry season,
when fruits and flowers are much less available, these lemurs enter a state of true
hibernation lasting 6-8 months. Toward the end of November, at the onset of the rainy
season (summer), the lemurs emerge from their tree trunk cavities. At this time, they will
mate and produce offspring (usually two). Gestation lasts 61 days and the young are born
fully furred and with their eyes open. Development is rapid as they must quickly put on
enough weight to last through the rapidly approaching dry season (winter). Adults increase
their weight by as much as a third primarily by storing fat in the tail.
Housing
At Brookfield Zoo, two pairs of lemurs were received in May, 1987 from Duke Regional
Primate Research Center, Durham, NC (Duke RPRC). They were set up in pair situations,
but each individual resided in a separate cage for gradual introduction to its mate. All
animals were initially on a reversed light cycle with 6 hours of dark and 18 hours of light.
Each cage was furnished with small branches, small hollow logs, grape vines, a few rocks
and plastic plants. Small bark chips were used as substrate in all cages. One pair was
exhibited in two wooden cages with glass fronts. Each cage measured 4' high x 2.5’ wide x
3' deep. The cages were connected by a 4-inch diameter plastic tube with a 1/4" wire mesh
door wedged in place to keep the individuals separate. The second pair was initially set up
in two stainless steel cages (each 2' 3" wide x 2' 3" high x 2’ deep) with glass fronts. These
cages were also connected by a four-inch diameter plastic tube with 1/4" mesh wedged in
place. These exhibits were utilized through winter and spring (1987-88).
In late May, due to changes in the building collection, the pair occupying the stainless steel
cage were moved off exhibit. A further cage transfer was then implemented on 30 July
(1988). The lemurs went back on public exhibit in a pair of stainless steel cages located in
the diurnal section of the building. These cages were of dimension very similar to those
steel cages previously described and furnished in the same manner. These cages were also
connected with four-inch diameter tubing 32" long. The light cycle for this area of the
building is 10 hours light and 14 hours dark. However, there are opaque skylights in this
section and thus the daylight period is actually extended during our summer under these
somewhat natural light conditions.
The pair of lemurs occupying the wood cages were also transferred to another exhibit much
larger in size but on the same reversed light cycle. This exhibit measures 8' high x 4' deep
and has a triangular shape, 3.5' at front and 1' at back. Keeper access to this cage is by a
sliding glass door located on the front (public) side of the cage. The lemurs are provided
with numerous hollow logs, a large upright hollow tree section, numerous small diameter
branches (approx. 1" to 1 1/2"), tan bark for substrate, and a few plastic plants for aesthetics.
Dried leaves, alfalfa and dried grass are also added.
In all cases, the cages are spot cleaned daily ( water changes, feces and food scraps
removed). On a monthly basis, the cages are stripped of substrate and disinfected. Wood
cage furniture is scrubbed with hot water and any nonporous furnishings are scrubbed with
disinfectant. Animals are removed during cleaning and are weighed at this time. The
lemurs have remained in these cage setups for over a year and are in these respective
exhibits at the time of this writing (January 1990).
196
You Too Can Breed Dwarf Lemurs, Continued
Diet
Since their arrival at Brookfield, the lemurs have been fed a diet developed at Duke RPRC
as follows:
Per Individual:
Summer Piet Winter Piet
1 TBSP mixed fresh fruits & vegetables 1 slight TBSP fruit & vegetables
1 TBSP Cracked Hi-Protein 1/2 TBSP Cracked Hi-Protein
Monkey Chow (Purina) Monkey Chow (Purina)
1 TBSP Purina Cat Chow 1/2 TBSP Purina Cat Chow
Above supplemented by sprinkle of Gerber Hi Protein Baby Cereal and 1 drop multivitamin
(summer and winter).
At Brookfield, the summer diet is gradually implemented beginning at the end of March
and by the end of April the lemurs are receiving the full amount. Beginning December 1st,
the diet is gradually decreased over 2-3 weeks to the winter diet amounts. These diet
changes mimic to some extent what would naturally occur in the wild. Our lemurs, while
never actually going into hibernation, show a decrease in their activity level.
Behavior and Reproduction
Introduction
In the initial exhibit cages gradual introductions were planned with lemur pairs first
having visual and olfactory access to each other through wire mesh. Eventually the mesh
would be removed enabling the lemurs to have direct contact. This was to be done under
constant supervision by keepers. If no aggression was observed, the lemurs would be given
access to each other throughout the day with only minimal keeper observations and
eventually ending with the lemurs having access to both cages continuously.
The pair originally housed in the two cages introduced themselves three days faster than
planned after the screen mesh door was pulled out of place by one of the lemurs. Since little
aggression was observed at this time it was decided to leave the pair together with access to
both cages. The only aggression observed occurred at feeding time. This was alleviated by
placing a food pan in each cage. Gradually, more aggression was observed, with the
female being the aggressor, so it was decided to switch males between the pairs. The other
pair (housed in stainless steel cages) had not been introduced yet. The swap occurred on 26
July 1987. The introduction between the aggressive female and the "new" male began this
same day with the pair having access to both cages continuously by the end of the day. As
before, some aggression was seen at feeding time but was alleviated by placing the food
pans in different locations within the cage. Meanwhile, the introduction between the other
pair was proceeding without any problems and was completed by 9 August 1987. The pairs
were housed in the exhibits described without any problems throughout the subsequent
exhibit transfers which were described in the housing section.
^productive behavior
During their time at Brookfield no breeding activity of the pairs displayed nocturnally has
been observed by our staff. The pair exhibited on the diurnal cycle is rarely observed as
they are only active at night as expected. One of the reasons for exhibiting a pair on the
diurnal cycle was to eliminate disturbance by staff and public during their "nocturnal"
active period (at the time we had no facilities to house them off-exhibit without disturbance
by staff activities).
197
You Too Can Breed Dwarf Lemurs, Continued
On 25 July, 1989, the pair housed diurnally was more active and vocalizing more than usual
during routine morning cleaning. The following day, one lemur dropped onto the keepers
hand during cleaning, returning to the tube connecting the cages after the keeper withdrew
their hand. It was noted the lemurs had constructed a nest of grape vines and plastic plants
in this tube. It was suspected that infants could be present. On 30 July, five days later, it was
decided to check the tube for infants. The tube was disconnected from the cages and nest
material carefully pulled out. Two infants were observed with the adults. Quickly the nest
material was returned and the tube reconnected to the cage. The infants were first believed
to be one to two weeks old but after consulting the literature on infant development it was
decided they were only five days old. The changes in adult behavior observed probably co-
incided with the birth of the young. The adult male was left with the female and infants
since there was no observations of any aggression and the male was always found to be
sleeping with the group. On 3 September (38 days after the birth), it was decided to proceed
with the monthly cage cleaning/disinfecting.
At this time we also checked on the lemurs by removing them from the nest tube to a holding
bucket. When the nest material was removed it was discovered that there were three
infants. All looked healthy and had grown in size. Sexes were determined as 2.1.
Determining sex in young lemurs can be difficult as the vaginal opening is not developed
at this early age. After the cages were cleaned, all lemurs were returned to their cages.
Over the next few weeks activity increased in the afternoons at feeding time. The young
began to eat solid food and would appear out of their nest as soon as the food was placed
within the cage. The young and adult female seemed undisturbed by the presence of the
keepers at this time. The total amount of food was increased to equal five adult portions.
The young increased in size rapidly and by late September were nearly the size of the
adults. Also beginning in late September their activity decreased during the day and
during October their food intake also decreased as expected. During both the October and
November monthly cage cleaning, the young were examined and sexes confirmed as 2.1.
At the time of this writing (Jan. 1990), all five lemurs remain together. Plans are to surplus
some of the young and separate any remaining offspring next spring before the breeding
season (late April, early May). We expect the adults to breed and produce offspring again.
This birth represents the first dwarf lemur birth at Brookfield. I believe the reasons for our
breeding success with this pair are minimizing disturbance during the nocturnal phase
and establishing a light cycle and diet regime similar to natural conditions.
With the status of many lemur species threatened in Madagascar, this birth is viewed as a
positive step in the conservation of the fat-tailed dwarf lemur. While Duke RPRC has been
very successful at breeding dwarf lemurs, it is important to establish satellite populations
in the advent of health or other disaster at any one location. Certainly other zoos could also
be successful in breeding this species.
Reference
Charles-Dominique, P., H.M. Cooper, A. Hladik, C.M. Hladik, E. Pages, G.F. Pariente,
A. Petter-Rousseaux, and A. Schilling. 1980. Nocturnal Malagasy Primates: Ecology,
Physiology and Behavior. Academic Press, New York.
198
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Nominee Biographical Form for AAZK Board of Directors
(To be completed by Nominee)
1. Name: _
Address:
Phone:
PLEASE LIST THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
2. Professional Background: (places of employment, length of service, titles)
3. Membership in AAZK:
a) National: number of years
Activities:
b) Local Chapter(s): number of years, offices held, involvement in activities.
4. Educational Background:
5. Memberships in Affiliate Organizations: (AAZPA, Audubon, etc.)
6. Other information the nominee feels to be pertinent:
7. References (one or two): gave name, address and phone number where they can be
reached:
8. Nominee's Signature:
9. Form must be received by NEC Chair bv 31 January 199L Send form to: David Luce,
Fresno Zoo, 894 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728.
Windhoek/Etosha Pans/Waterburg/Koakoveld
Skeleton Coast/Swakopmund/Johannesburg
Departure New York , February 19, 1991 for 19 days of Excitement
1 day spent on a private guest farm, most excellent area for birding
4 days in the Etosha Pans Area salt pan - an enormous shallow depression over
100 km across with numerous perennial springs around its edges. Here large
concentrations of game and birdlife will whet your appetite.
3 days camping in the Damaraland area, looking for the desert elephant, black
rhino and viewing rock paintings, large specimen of the well known ancient
plant - Welwitschia Mirabillis.
4 days on the Skeleton Coast, wind swept sand dunes, open gravel plains and
treacherous coastline. A region of rare beauty, with canyons, sand-dunes and
small groups of hardy desert animals. The Cape Cross seal colony, where seals
breed in their tens of thousands. Wander around the lively old town of
Swakopmund and visit Walvis Bay with time for fishing.
2 days in the Johannesburg area with optional tours to the world famous Pretoria
and Johannesburg Zoos, to meet your colleagues and friends.
Total Safari Cost, Land/Air $2895.00 per person double occupancy
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-323-8020
P.O.Box 178, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
How Sweet It Is!
One of the most innovative methods to raise funds for conservation has also turned out to be
one of the tastiest. Ben Cohen of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream has created an organization
called Community Products, Inc. Their new product, Rainforest Crunch, sinks its teeth
into the complicated issues of tropical deforestation. One of the issues that they are
addressing is the creation of a sustainable resource so the people of the rainforest can
harvest natural products such as brazil and cashew nuts. It develops a sound economic
base and an incentive to use the rainforest as a renewable resource.
The profits from the sale of each 8 oz. box of Rainforest Crunch are distributed in the
following ways: 40% goes to rainforest preservation organizations, 20% goes to 1% for
Peace - an initiative to redirect 1% of the U.S. military budget to peace through
understanding activities, 10% goes to employee profit sharing, and 30% is reinvested in the
company.
The Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter has had great success selling Rainforest
Crunch. “Our Chapter furthers the Rainforest Crunch cycle by taking the profits from the
Chapter's retail price and investing them in the Ecosystem Survival Plan to purchase and
set aside rainforest,” stated Norm Gershenz, originator of the ESP.
All participating GSFBA Chapter members have found it difficult to sell it and not eat it
all. However, Chapter members are not the only ones selling Rainforest Crunch for the
ESP Program. High schools, elementary schools, a travel agency, and the San Francisco
Zoo Gift Shop are all assisting the Chapter in this effort.
If your Chapter is interested in selling Rainforest Crunch as a fundraiser, contact Norm
Gershenz at the San Francisco Zoo. He can give you details on how to obtain this product
from the manufacturers. Remember — Rainforest Crunch, if you don't eat it, it won't be
there, from SPECIES, Vol. 4, No. 2, March I April 1990 GSFBA Chapter Newsletter.
The Fish and Wildlife Reference Service:
Answers to Your Conservation Questions
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides federal grant funds to state fish and wildlife
agencies. The state agencies conduct research and report back to the FWS. These results
are in the form of reports. Approximately 1,000 of these reports are added to the FWS
Reference Service each year.
The FWRS collects, indexes, stores, and makes available research reports developed by
state fish and wildlife agencies, Cooperative Fishery and Wildlife Research Units, and
Endangered Species Recovery teams. The Reference Search also conducts literature
searches of the FWRS database, producing bibliographies for requestors. Requestors can
then choose reports they wish to read. FWRS publishes a quarterly newsletter, which is free
upon request; the newsletter notifies readers of new reports and services.
Users can obtain answers from FWRS in several ways. The Service provides a toll-free
number for requestors to order database searches and reports. FWRS also accepts requests
via the mail or in person. The FWRS is specially organized to accomodate visitors and to
provide a full range of onsite services at its reading room. All users have access to the
report collection and to the staff for assistance in defining information needs, identifying
materials, and answering questions.
Fees are charged for some services and to some categories of users. Call our toll-free
number 1-800-582-3421 for more information.
202
Chapter
News
St. Louis AAZK Chapter
The new year began with a
fascinating lecture by guest speaker
Kurt Miller who spoke about his
involvement with a chimpanzee
release project in Liberia. Kurt
worked for the New York Bloodcenter
Lab doing research on hepatitis and
river blindness. Chimps used for lab
studies were involved in an intensive
reintroduction project into the wild of
Liberia. Kurt spent several months
working with the reintroduction
project, socializing chimps into
groups placed on river islands and
monitoring their status.
In February, the St. Louis Chapter held
“Bowling for Rhinos” at Tropicana
Lanes. A total of twenty bowlers,
including some very enthusiastic
docents, participated over two days of
bowling to raise $2,400 for rhino
conservation. Our Chapter chose to
split the proceeds between the Ngare
Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary in Kenya and
the Operation Stronghold project in
Zimbabwe's Zambezi River Valley.
Prizes were awarded to the top male
and female bowlers, top fund raisers,
and bowlers with the most gutter balls
and the most strikes. Banana
Republic, Beldt's Aquarium, Inc.,
Cheshire Inn, The National Bowling
Hall of Fame, and the St. Louis Zoo's
gift shop generously provided the
prizes. The St. Louis Chapter has a
limited number of “Bowling for
Rhinos” posters available for
purchase at $5, postage paid. Please
contact Rick Smith, Chapter Liaison,
at 6316 Washington, University City,
MO 63130.
During March, elephant keeper Steve
Tomey showed slides of last year's
zookeeper trip to Botswana and
Zimbabwe. Steve's beautiful slides
gave the audience a sense of the
pleasures and wildness associated
with a camping safari. On 11 March,
we hosted the student chapter of the
“Wildlife Society” from the
University of Missouri-Columbia at
the zoo. A behind-the-scenes tour of
the Aquatic House and Herpetarium
was given by Rick Smith and Jeff
Ettling, respectively.
Current projects and a “Bowling for
Rhinos” update were discussed at our
March meeting, a Mexican fiesta pot-
luck held at Ross Horton's. We are
conducting a contest for a Chapter
logo, hosting a BBQ at the first night of
“outside the zoo volleyball”, a possible
benefit concert in the summer, and
developing a series of meetings
regarding zookeeper professional
development.
April saw a flurry of activity as the zoo
and our Chapter prepared to celebrate
Earth Day. Keepers Angela Pruitt
and Ross Horton designed and
constructed a rhinoceros costume for
the “All Species Parade” sponsored by
the zoo.
-- Rick Smith Chapter Liaison
Greater Sap Frara jgco Bay
Area AAZK Chapter
People came to solve a mystery and be
part of the solution and that is exactly
what happened on 22 April at the
Mason Street Theater in San
Francisco. A special performance of
the comedy murder mystery play “Bar
None” by Odaat Productions was a
benefit for the Chapter's Ecosystem
Survival Plan/Adopt an Acre
Program.
The evening began an hour before the
performance with hors d'oeuvres that
were generously donated by Tutto
Bene and Prego. The wine was
donated by Trefethen Vineyards.
Before the play began, Norman
Gershenz thanked the 200 people in
attendance for their support. Cheryl
Madsen and Rich Baker, producers of
the play, were thanked for their
efforts. Norman reported that so far
the ESP Program has raised close to
$50,000 for the preservation of
threatened and endangered
ecosystems.
During the first act of the fun-filled
play, the characters made several
references to the benfit. When asked
203
Chapter News. Continued
to explain a briefcase full of money,
one character explained, “That is
Adopt an Acre money!”. The first act
ended with a murder. With the help of
a detective the audience keeps the
stage suspects honest as they
reconstruct the crime in the second
act. During questioning one suspect
turned to the audience and exclaimed,
“You folks are not very nice for being
environmentalists!”. The play ends
after the audience vote for who the
murderer is.
The sum of $4000 was raised from this
benefit performance. Special thanks
go to Katheryne and Peggy Erigero
who handed out ESP information and
sold Rainforest Crunch in the lobby.
The play was one of the most
entertaining ways to raise funds for
conservation.
The Chapter also participated in
activities during the 20th
Anniversary of Earth Day. They had
booths at Crissy Field in San
Francisco and the City of Davis where
they sold rainforest T-shirts,
Rainforest Crunch and provided
information on the ESP/Adopt an Acre
Program. Almost $370 worth of
rainforest acerage was purchased at
the Chapter's table by members of the
the public. A total of about $1 300 was
raised during the weekend Earth Day
celebration.
-from
newsletter of GSFBA Chapter
EhiladdRlriaZQQ AAZK Chapter
The Philadelphia Chapter would like
to share one of our successful projects
with other chapters. We have found
another way to get our “No Feeding”
policy across to the public. Our
Chapter bought buttons with this
design (see insert) for the employees
of the Philadelphia Zoo including food
service, animal staff, maintenance,
administration and the docents.
Everyone is very excited about
wearing the buttons and the street sign
yellow color seems to draw the public’s
attention. Our gift shop also ordered
some to sell to the visitors.
Since we have been so successful with
this project, we would like to extend it
to other zoos and chapters. If you
would like to order some, they are
available at 60 cents each for
quantities of up to 100 or 40 cents each
for 100 or more. It is also possible to
remove the Philadelphia Zoo logo from
the button, but we cannot replace it with
another. Contact: Philadelphia
Chapter of AAZK, Philadelphia Zoo,
34th Street and Girard Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104.
-Philadelphia Chapter Flyer
Exotic Feline Breeding Center (EFBC)
The EFBC Chapter, located in
Rosamond, CA, has been busy
making plans to man a booth for
EFBC at a local Flea Market. A new
educational booth has been constructed
by Chapter members to enlighten the
general public about the plight of
endangered felines as well as to what
EFBC is doing to help. The booth made
its debut at a local Earth Day
celebration and was a real crowd
pleaser. A compact display was also
constructed that could fit inside a
smaller vehicle. It traveled to an
Earth Day celebration in Bakersfield,
CA.
The AAZK/EFBC Chapter has also
created a “Zookeeper” patch to sell as a
fundraiser for the Chapter. This patch
depicts the average zookeeper's typical
“Tools of the Trade” - a shovel and
rake crossed over a bucket. A little fly
204
Chapter News. Continued
hovers above the rake and shovel so
there won't be any error about what the
bucket is for. On top of the patch are
the words “Parchere Tempus Noster”
which means “In our spare time”.
The Chapter gave some local priests
and a language professor headaches
over finding the Latin translation.
Apparently, Latins didn't have any
spare time. Basically as busy as
zookeepers get, someone is always
asking them to do a little extra “in
your spare time” and there seems to be
less and less of that around. At the
bottom of the patch are the words
“Zookeeper”. The patch has a light
blue background with dark blue trim.
This humorous patched is priced at
$4.25 each which includes shipping
costs. California residents must add
appropriate sales tax. Anyone
interested in purchasing a patch or
patches can send a check or money
order to: AAZK/EFBC Chapter- Patch
Order, HCR 1, Box 84, Rosamond, CA
93560-9705.
The Chapter, now well into its first
full year, recently became a silver
sponsor of another staff fundraiser:
“Fabulous Feline Follies” a black-tie
banquet scheduled for November. The
$250 donation from the Chapter will
help cover expenses. Anyone
interested in helping to sponsor the
event or wishing to come to this
evening of fun and raffles, please
contact Pat McNaught at the address
given above.
-Pat McNaught , President
Los Angeles
In January elections were held. The
new Chapter officers for 1990 are:
President..... Marilyn Fackler-Gray
Vice President.. ...Kim Brinkley
Secretary.....Carole Carniaux
Treasurer..... Jeff Holland
Chapter Liaison... ..Linda Cory
Recently at a Chapter monthly
meeting our guest speaker was Andy
Lodge, former elephant keeper at the
Columbus Zoo. $1800 was raised for
the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Project which
helps protect the dwindling population
of black rhinos in East Africa.
In March, our guest speaker was one
of our own animal keepers, Lindsey
Kocincki, from the Marmoset Colony.
She spoke on her recent month-long
trip to the rainforest of Brazil where
she helped prepare the release site for
Golden Lion Tamarins that she
raised at our zoo, and which are now a
part of the National Zoo's
reintroduction project.
For our May AAZK meeting our guest
speaker was our vice president, Kim
Brinkley who is our Bison String
Keeper. In January Kim
accompanied three Pronghorn fawns
that she had raised to Pretoria, South
Africa. She gave a slide presentation
of the two weeks she spent settling the
fawns in at their new home and
exploring parks and reserves in South
Africa.
--Linda Cory, Chapter Liaison
North Carolina Chapter AAZK
Newly elected officers for the Chapter
are:
v.
President... ..Lucy Segerson
Vice Pres.. ...Louise Martin
Treasurer..... Ruby Ange
Secretary/Chapter Liaison...
Kathy Trogdon
7qq Atlanta aa%k Chapter
Newly elected officers are:
President.. ...Charles Horton
Co-VP's.. .Emma Woods-Cusson and
Vince Feuerstein
Treasurer..... Gary Roesinger
Secretary. ....Laura Kinkaid
Chapter Liaison.. ...Lisa Hughes
Our “Bowling for Rhinos” was held on
7 April and was a great success! Andy
Lodge recently visited our Zoo and our
Chapter was able to give Andy part of
the money raised from the event. The
money will be used immediately by
Ngare Sergoi to replace their spotter
airplane.
205
Chapter News. Continued
Our latest fundraiser allows the zoo
visitor to have their picture taken with
a costume character. Our Chapter has
already been able to pay for the
camera and initial film expenses
with the first character photographing.
We are also working on having a
booth at a local flea market as another
potential fundraiser. All items sold
would be donated by Chapter
members.
-Lisa Hughes, Chapter Liaison
Toneka Chanter AAZK
Now that Earth Day has come and
gone, our Chapter has had time to sit
back and reflect on our
accomplishments. We surpassed our
wildest dreams by raising enough
money to purchase 30.5 acres of
rainforest. Our presentations at the
local elementary schools inspired the
kids to raise enough money for 25
acres alone. The rest of the money
came from Earth Day events which
were co-sponsored by our Chapter and
the Friends of the Topeka Zoo. There
was a Rainforest Fun Run, a city-
wide recycling campaign as well as
donations and the sale of Rainforest
Crunch. A total of $3991 .00 was raised
for the Adopt-an-Acre Program. We
also sold buttons, bumper stickers,
note cards made from recycled paper
and held a raffle to raise money for
our Chapter.
To give our Chapter a steady source of
income, we purchased a spiral
wishing well. We are hoping it will
give us the resources to participate in
different conservation projects and
also allow us to fund Chapter projects
at our zoo.
-Ron Ringer, Chapter Liaison
New Chanters Welcomed
AAZK is pleased to welcome the
following two new Chapters into the
Association:
OKC Zoo Chapter
Made up of members from the
Oklahoma City Zoo, the Chapter's
mailing address is 2101 NE 50,
Oklahoma City, OK 73111. Their
officers are:
President Darcy Henthorn
Vice Pres Denise Steig
Sec/Treas Janet Couch
Chapter Liaison.. ...Denise Steig
John B J1 Zoological Gardens Chanter
Address for the Chapter is 1300 W.
Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49418.
Current officers are:
President Babr De Boer
Vice Pres... ..Phyllis Wojcik
Secretary Jim Klinesteecker
Treasurer.. ...Cheryl Schuneman
Chapter Liaison.... .Bruce Wojcik
Where To Purchase Chapter Products
AAZK Logo Coffee Mugs - Milwaukee
County Zoo AAZK Chapter, 10001 W.
Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI
53226. $5.50 each.
AAZK “I Zoo! Zoo You?” Bumper
Stickers - High Plains AAZK Chapter,
Lee Richardson Zoo, c/o Joanna
Arneson, P.O. Box 499, Garden City,
KS 67846. $2.50 each.
AAZK Magnetic Keeper Safety Sign -
Flint Hills AAZK Chapter, Sunset Zoo,
11th & Poyntz, Manhattan, KS 66502.
$10.85 each plus $1.00 P&H.
AAZK Logo T-Shirts ($8.50),
Sweatshirts ($18.00) and Colder
Holders - Little Rock Chapter AAZK,
Little /Rock Zoo, #1 Jonesboro Drive,
Little Rock, AR 72205
AAZK Logo Auto Decals and Stickers -
Mill Mountain AAZK Chapter, Mill
Mountain Zoo, Inc., P.O. Box 13484,
Roanoke, VA 24034. Decals - $2.50
each; Stickers $1.50 lg./$0.75 small.
206
Safari for Ngare Sergoi
Support Group
- DECEMBER 8, 1990
Two weeks in which to explore the best Game Reserves and Parks of
Kenya and meet Anna Merz in her rhino sanctuary at Lewa Downs.
View the game of Amboseli in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro; see
the variety of unique species that make the rough, dry terrain of
Samburu their home; wonder at the prolific birdlife at Lake Nakuru and
cross the floor of the Great Rift Valley to visit the Masai Mara, northern
extension of the legendary Serengeti Plain.
Under the leadership of Andy Lodge, Coordinator of Ngare Sergoi
Support Group, we invite you to join a group of like-minded travellers
who have taken the plight of the Rhinoceros to heart and wish to make
a positive contribution to the fight to save the species of Kenya.
The itinerary comprises two nights each in Nairobi, Ambosili, Lewa
Downs, Samburu and the Masai Mara, and one night at Lake Naivasha.
Transportation will be in new Nissan Vans with velour-covered bucket
seats, operated by friendly, expert drivers. At Lewa Downs your game
viewing on the Ranch will be with a member of the Craig family in their
four-wheel drive vehicle.
Round trip air travel is on Pan American Airways scheduled flights.
Land cost per person sharing twin accommodations is $1799 which
includes a donation of $150 per person to Ngare Sergoi. The single
supplement is $425, but single accommodations are limited. Group
airfare from New York is $1430 plus applicable taxes. Special add-on
fares are available from connecting cities and will be quoted upon
request.
A deposit of $400 per person will reserve your place and should be
sent to:
Kenyan
NOVEMBER 24
Safariworld!
40 East 49 Street
New York, New York 10017
(212) 486-0505; 1-800-366-0505
Ngare Sergoi Support Group
P.O. Box 29503
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 885-0458
Paid Advertisement
Patagonian Cavy Survey Results
Submitted By
Lori Monska-Wright, Keeper
Herbivore I Carnivore Complex
Columbus Zoo, Powell , OH
In 1987, the keeper staff of the Columbus Zoo’s Herbivore/Carnivore Complex initiated a
survey on the Patagonian cavy or mara ( Dolichotis patagonum ) in captivity, focusing on
various medical and husbandry aspects. A primary motivation for this survey was the fact
our zoo was experiencing severe dental and other medical problems in some of our cavies.
We mailed this survey to 24 institutions that, according to ISIS files, were maintaining
maras in the spring of 1987. Eighteen of these (72%) were returned. After reviewing these,
we sent a second questionnaire to some institutions to clarify and expand on some of their
information and statistics. A few of these were returned, providing further details for our
survey. We wish to thank all of those who took the time and effort to respond to our survey.
Below is a list of the responding institutions, followed by a summary of the information
and statistics received.
Birmingham Zoo
Calgary Zoo
Columbus Zoological Gardens
Dallas Zoo
Denver Zoological Gardens
Fort Worth Zoological Park
Houston Zoological Gardens
Lee Richardson Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens
Little Rock Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles Zoo
Metro Toronto Zoo
Montgomery Zoo
New York Zoological Park
Oklahoma City Zoological Park
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo
Washington Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo
DIET:
Patagonian cavies are offered a wide variety of diets among the 19 institutions (including
Columbus) that responded. 74% of the respondents provide a pelleted or sweet feed grain
ration, either alone or with supplements. Other zoos offered a diversity of feeds. Carrots,
apples, sweet potatoes, and lettuce are the most widely fed produce. Other greens offered
included cabbage, spinach, escarole and endive. Other produce offered either regularly or
sporadically includes bananas, pears, broccoli, oranges, celery, white potatoes, corn on the
cob and grapes. Peanuts and sunflower seeds have also been fed. One zoo reported that
they do not feed their cavies produce; two zoos feed it eveiy other day and one offers it every
other week.
As for hay, generally first, second and third cutting alfalfa is provided. However, some
zoos offer timothy, prairie/coastal hay, fourth cutting alfalfa, or grass in addition to or
instead of the alfalfa. Wheat and bamboo have also been offered, and browse is regularly
provided by 63% of the zoos. A handful of zoos don't supplement with trace mineral salt or
selenium: however, one of those does provide pet drop vitamins. Please see Appendix I for
an analysis of some of the feeds used.
HEALTH:
As already stated, one of the principle reasons for the survey was to gather health
information because our animals were experiencing several major medical problems,
most notably abnormal tooth growth, gum problems, ear attenuation, and weight loss.
However, most of the institutions responding did not seem to experience many occurrences
of these problems. On rare occasions, four zoos found it necessary to trim teeth on their
animals. Few also reported any incidence of weight loss, tooth abscess, or ear attenuation.
No causes for the above were listed. Routine worming occurs in approximately half the
zoos; others worm when parasites or evidence of them are found.
208
Patagonian Caw Survey Results. Continued
REPRODUCTION:
Two zoos reported observing signs of breeding behavior. The Fort Worth Zoo stated that the
courting male is very attentive to the female in estrous and grooms her. Also, he is usually
very vocal and hyperactive at this time. On the other hand, the female shows little interest,
initially sits down when mounted, but then she becomes aggressive. At the Little Rock Zoo,
males were observed following females and sniffing and rolling in the latter's scats. The
males would chase the female for about one day before she was receptive. The courting
male would also chase the other male frequently at this time. A few places reported fighting
among the males in the presence of an estrous female.
Maras prefer spring and summer as mating seasons with fall also reported as a time of
courtship activity. Only four of the returned surveys recorded instances of pair bonding,
although several sources of literature claim adult maras pair bond for life, both in the wild
and in captivity. Average litter size is reported as 1-2; a litter of up to four was reported.
Zoos that recorded high neonate mortality rates attributed this to inbreeding. About half of
the zoos surveyed reported that they had to hand-raise at least one cavy. Please see
Appendix 2 for some of the diets used in hand-rearing situations.
BREEDING AGE:
Insufficient data was provided to report.
IDENTIFICATION:
Ear tagging is the preferred method of identification; tattooing and ear notching are also
used. Some places use a combination of these methods.
EXHIBIT:
According to survey results, all reporting zoos except Calgary have year-round exhibits. In
about half of these, maras are displayed in mixed species environments. Among the
species they are kept with are llamas, alpacas, capybaras, red brocket deer, Brazilian
tapirs, mountain tapirs, rheas, Orinoco geese, and great gray kangaroos. At the Houston
Zoo, they have been housed with llamas, sheep, wallabies, turkeys, pheasants, emus and
Galapagos tortoises.
Dirt, grass and sand are the main substrates used in mara exhibits. Also mentioned in the
survey were mulch, cement and small sized gravel. Many of the enclosures are lightly
landscaped, primarily with trees and shrubs. 79% of the respondents said their exhibits
were either lightly landscaped or not at all. Exhibit sizes ranged from 20' x 20' to 125' x
175*.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Only one zoo has never recorded any observation of the cavies rolling in dust or covering
themselves with it. Netting is the preferred method of capture, accomplished by either
herding the animals into a corner or utilizing a tunnel or nest box. Two institutions
reported that they hand-catch their cavies.
209
Patagonian Caw Survey Results. Continued
APPENDIX I
Grain
Protein (%)
Fiber(%)
Fat
Amaunt/Animal
Billie Allen Sweet Feed
12
l/21b
Dog Food
-
Monkey Chow
-
Rabbit Pellets
-
Guinea Pig Chow
18
16
4
2 parts
Hoofstock Grain
16
13
3
2 parts
Primate Biscuit
-
-
-
1 part
Rabbit Chow
14
1/2 cup
Monkey Chow
1 1/2 cup
Oats
1/2 cup
Rodent Lagomorph pellets
15
free choice
Rodent Chow
25
Primate Chow
25
...
Purina Balance Blend
10
2 cups
Purina Fresh Start D&H *
--
...
Guinea Pig Chow
18
15
1.8
11b
Universal Grain
18
1 cup
HMS High Fiber
free choice or
Herbivore Diet
16
1 cup with
High Fiber Primate Diet
23
1 cup primate
Sweet Feed
12.5
1/4 cup
Horse Chow
12.5
1/4 cup
Dog Chow
21
1/4 cup
Rabbit Chow
16
1/4 cup
Macro Mix
23
--
8
0.6039kg
Waynes Dry Dog Food
25
free choice
Rolled Oats
10
1 cup
Purina Sweet Feed
"Special Mix" **
19
1/2 lb
Blue Seal Herbi Mix
16
2 cups
ADF16
17.5
5 1/3 oz
High Fiber Monkey Chow
25
free choice
ADF16
17.2
13.5
3
1/4 quart
Rodent Chow
23
6
4.5
*Llama diet cavies have access to
**Special mix for Oklahoma City Zoo
The percentages were recorded as they were reported in the survey.
210
Patagonian Caw Survey Results, Continued
APPENDIX 2
Formulas for Hand-Rearing
Houston Zoological Gardens
Nipple - human Even-flo®
Formula - Esbilac® mixed, for canine, with water
Metro Toronto .Zoo
Nipple - Curity® baby nipples
Formula - A) 1 part goat’s milk to 3 parts water
B) SPF Lac® undiluted to start, later adding Pablum, calcium,
Sandoz, ABDEC
Weaning - at approximately 1 month of age young should be eating solids readily
Denver Zoological Gardens
Reported the cavy was approximately 1 month old
Nipple - human premature nipple
Formula - 1 part evaporated milk to 1 part water
Weaning - started at approximately 50 days over a 2 week period. Feedings
(4 oz. per feeding) reduced from 3 feedings per day to 2 and then 1 ,
then none.
Columbus Zoological Gardens
Formula - A) 4 oz Esbilac® plus 4 oz homogenized milk with 1 egg yolk
B) Esbilac® (Pedialyte® added as needed to dilute concentration
to prevent diarrhea.)
Started with lOcc per feeding at 30cc began weaning
Weaning - at approximately 30 days gradually decreased amount and number of
feedings.
If anyone would like more information, they may contact Lori at (614) 645-3412.
211
Book
The Encyclopedia of Animal Biology
Edited by R. McNeill Alexander
Equinox (Oxford) Ltd. 1987
Facts on File, Inc. 460 Park Ave. S.» NY, NY 10016
144 pp. hardcover $24.95
Review by Tom Aversa
Senior Keeper
Boston Metro Zoos
Boston , MA
This book is a useful reference source for zoo keepers and other people involved in any field
of biology. It is actually one of Facts on File's four-part series which also includes the
Encyclopedias of Animal Behavior, Animal Evolution, and Animal Ecology.
This fact-filled volume is edited by R. McNeill Alexander, who is a long-time professor of
zoology at the University of Leeds. He combines his material with information written by
seven other educators from five continents, and brings things together into a very cohesive
book.
The format of the book is that of a pictorial encyclopedia. Each page is packed with colorful
photographs, diagrams, excellent illustrations, and charts and graphs where applicable.
The book can be enjoyed on two levels. It is an excellent reference tool, and can be
consulted when specific information is needed, or it can be browsed as a "coffee table" type
of book. The casual reader can get a great deal out of the book just by looking at the pictures
and reading the in-depth captions.
The encyclopedia is divided into nine main sections. Each provides lots of information on
basic animal biology. The Animal Kingdom is the first and perhaps most useful section. It
provides an easy to use chart which outlines the animal phylums and taxonomy.
Subsequent sections examine molecules, cells, feeding and digestion, gas exchange and
circulation, the internal environment, and the senses. The movement of animals, their
coordination and control, and reproduction and development are also examined.
The scope of this book is extremely broad. The real value of the encyclopedia is the breadth
of general biological wisdom that is found between its covers. Basic biological concepts are
elucidated, and this can be very useful for the zoo keeper who may have forgotten some of
these basics along the way.
212
NOW AVAILABLE
Zoonotic Diseases. 2nd Edition
AAZK is pleased to announce the availability of the Second Edition of the
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook. This 40-page reference work details the most
common zoonotic diseases, offers guidelines for preventive control and covers
personal hygiene and disinfection procedures.
This Second Edition contains expanded listings of zoonotic diseases and has
been formatted in 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" AKF size. Information on each disease is
presented in a text format which includes Ethiologic Agent, Means of
Transmission to Man, Global Distribution, Alternate or Intermediate Hosts,
Human Incubation and Human Symptoms. Editor for this volume is Bruce
Clark of the Toledo Zoo.
Copies may be purchased by
completing the order form
below. Prices are: $5.00 for
Professional AAZK members;
$6.50 for all other AAZK
membership categories; and
$8.50 for non-members. The
prices include shipping and
handling within North America.
Orders outside the U.S. and
Canada should add $3.00 for
foreign postage by Air Mail.
Make check or money order
payable in U.S. FUNDS ONLY
to: "AAZK". Please allow 3-4
weeks for delivery.
Zoonotic Diseases
Published by
The American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Tnc.
Please send — - — copy/copies of the AAZK Zoonotic Diseases Handbook to:
NAME: _ :
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY; P AF AS INST Non-Mem
TOTAL AMOUNT INCUDED: $ .. ..
Send to: Zoonotic Diseases, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
§AAZK Diet Notebook
Mammals, Volume 1
The AAZK Diet Notebook, Mammals - - Volume 1 contains
approximately 325 diets representing 213 species and subspecies
from fourteen participating institutions. The diets are arranged by
taxonomic order using ISIS numbers in a durable and attractive three-
ring binder. Each Diet Response Form included in Volume 1 contains
the following information: common name, scientific name, ISIS
number, the contributing individual, their institution and its address,
how long the diet has been used, whether the animals have bred while
on the diet, the diet ingredients, instructions for preparation, notes
and remarks, special considerations and nutritional analysis (if
available).
The Diet Notebook is a copyrighted publication of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., and may be ordered by filling out the
following form and sending it, along with a check or money order (U.S.
FUNDS ONLY) made payable to "AAZK Diet Notebook" to: Diet
Notebook Order, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S. A.
Cost of the Diet Notebook is as follows: 1) AAZK Members $40.00; 2)
Non-members $55.00; 3) Institutions $70.00. These prices represent
prepaid order prices and include postage for the U.S. and Canada.
Those placing orders from overseas should contact AAZK
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 for
additional postage charges. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
ctV- 2s*- Sv* v%Bam®? 1LA
n 4*% mm
N^Lzutins ‘Tutfriis
FRENCH QUARTER - Established in 1718, the French Quarter today is a 90-
square block area bordered by the river. In 1856, Place d’Armes was renamed
to honor General Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson
Square is now the hub and heartbeat of the Quarter and the quiet, white St.
Louis Cathedral watches over it. Sexy, Sassy, Brassy Bourbon Street - it's a
pedestrian mall, a food fair, a jazz festival. Dixieland, rhythm and blues and
cajun music pour out of the jazz clubs and at Preservation Hall on St. Peter,
$2.00 buys you the best traditional jazz in the world. The French Quarter
combines the earthy and the ethereal, the chi-chi and downright cheap, the
old and the new.
CREOLE - A full-blooded West-Indian born in the colonies. The Creoles
imbued the city with grace, grandeur and romance. And the Creoles created a
world famous cuisine.
CAJUN - French settlers from Acadia (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) who
settled in Southern Louisiana. Cajuns brought a new exuberance and zest to
the region. Today most of southwestern Louisiana is called Acadiana, or
Cajun Country. The devil-may-care Cajun spirit flavors the food, music and
atmosphere of south Louisiana and New Orleans.
CREOLE CUISINE - a creation of French and Spanish settlers, characterized
by the sauces. Creole sauces are creamy and full-flavored with the rich use of
herbs and spices.
CAJUN COOKING - tends to be more robust and hot-peppery than Creole.
The two styles have combined over the last several years to form Louisiana
cooking. In New Orleans, food is the main attraction.
CITIES OF THE DEAD - Because of the low water table, burials in New
Orleans are above ground. The cemeteries with their tombs, temples and
mausoleums look like small cities. They range in size from the small St.
Louis Cemetery which dates from 1788, to the enormous Metarie Cemetery
which was once a race-track.
BEIGNET (bin-yea) - a square shaped pastry, a donut without a hole liberally
sprinkled with powdered sugar. A New Orleans tradition served at Cafe du
Monde in the Quarter.
CAFE-AU-LAIT - a half-and-half blend of strong chicory coffee and hot milk.
DRESSED "PO-BOY" - a sandwich served on French bread "dressed" with
mayo, lettuce, pickle and tomato.
NAME
1990 NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCE
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
NOVEMBER 4 - 8, 1990
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT
(one name only per form)
RETURN THIS FORM AND FEE TO:
1990 NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCE
AUDUBON ZOO
P.O.BOX 4327
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70178
ADDRESS
CITY STATE/PROVINCE —
ZIP CODE TELEPHONE ( )
ZOO AFFILIATION
AAZK COMMITTEE MEMBER: YES NO
WILL BE SUBMITTING A PAPER: YES NO ($25.00
will be refunded from registration fee on acceptance of paper)
HOW MANY NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCES HAVE YOU ATTENDED?
PARTICIPATING IN ZOOLYMPICS: YES NO
BRINGING AN AUCTION ITEM: YES NO
VEGETARIAN: YES NO (Specify Type)
INTERESTED IN A CONFERENCE T-SHIRT? YES NO
( S M L XL)
ARRIVAL DATE AND TIME:
AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:
Member or Spouse $75.00*
Non-Member $90.00
Late Fee $10.00 (After 1 October 1990)
TOTAL $
* Conference Proceedings costs are included in registration fee.
Daily Rates for individual events are available. Contact TERRY CARR for details
at (504) 861-2537.
PLEASE MAKE PAYMENTS TO: "Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter*’
HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST
1990 National AAZK Conference
November 4-8, 1990
New Orleans, Louisiana
Clarion Hotel
New Orleans
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
ZIP CODE
ARRIVAL DATE
ROOM GUARANTEED BY:
_ STATE/PROVINCE
TELEPHONE # ( )
CHECK-OUT DATE
Mastercard Visa American
Express
CREDIT CARD# EXPIRATION DATE
OR CHECK. (Make check payable to CLARION HOTEL NEW
ORLEANS). First night's deposit or credit card guarantee required.
Reservations MUST be received 30 davs prior to the opening date of the
Conference ip qr
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AAZK DIET NOTEBOOK ORDER FORM
I wish to order — . copy (ies) of the AAZK Diet Notebook.
(check one)
AAZK Member Non-Member Institution .
Total amount enclosed: $
Name: -
Address: .
City: _ State/Province:
Zip/Postal Code: Telephone:
ALL ORDERS MUST BE PREPAID
NOW AVAILABLE
Zoonotic Diseases. 2nd Edition
AAZK is pleased to announce the availability of the Second Edition of the
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook. This 40-page reference work details the most
common zoonotic diseases, offers guidelines for preventive control and covers
personal hygiene and disinfection procedures.
This Second Edition contains expanded listings of zoonotic diseases and has
been formatted in 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" AKF size. Information on each disease is
presented in a text format which includes Ethiologic Agent, Means of
Transmission to Man, Global Distribution, Alternate or Intermediate Hosts,
Human Incubation and Human Symptoms. Editor for this volume is Bruce
Clark of the Toledo Zoo.
Copies may be purchased by
completing the order form
below. Prices are: $5.00 for
Professional AAZK members;
$6.50 for all other AAZK
membership categories; and
$8.50 for non-members. The
prices include shipping and
handling within North America.
Orders outside the U.S. and
Canada should add $3.00 for
foreign postage by Air Mail.
Make check or money order
payable in U.S. FUNDS ONLY
to: "AAZK". Please allow 3-4
weeks for delivery.
Zoonotic Diseases
Published by
The American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Please send copy/copies of the AAZK Zoonotic Diseases Handbook to:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY; P AF AS INST Non-Mem
TOTAL AMOUNT INCUDED: $
Send to: Zoonotic Diseases, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks /AKE, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606. Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Our phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31; FAX - 913-272-2539.
AVIARY KEEPER ... Avicultural Breeding & Research Center has positions open -
cleaning, feeding and caring for Cockatoos, Macaws, Amazons and a small variety of
Hornbills and Waterfowl. Responsibilities include repair of aviary, cages, nestboxes,
and understanding of the birds and a careful study of their eating habits with the ability to
discern problems through not eating, fecal change and physical look. Salary $13,000
- $16,000 range. Onsite housing available. Polygraph required. Send info (background
experience, personal resume) to : E. Trent Swigert, Curator of Birds, 1471 Folsom Road,
Loxahatchee, FL 33470 (Palm Beach area) or phone (305) 793-5135.
ZOOKEEPER/Topeka Zoo...requires high school diploma. College-level biology courses
and one year paid zoo experience desirable (relevant unpaid experience may substitute).
Salary $16,578 - $22,477/yr. plus benefits. Recruiting for openings August 1990-January
1991. Send resume to: Personnel Dept., City of Topeka, P.O. Box 1996, Topeka, KS 66601.
ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN... maintenance of hospital and quarantine collection,
assist veterinarian in surgical procedures, various lab work and record keeping. For
more information, call Jean Benchimol, General Curator, The Zoo, (904) 932-2229 or send
letter of interest and complete resume to: The Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL
32561.
BIRD KEEPER/Philadelphia Zoo...responsible for care, feeding, health and safety of
captive exotic birds; exhibit maintenance; behavior observation; recordkeeping;
interaction w/visitors. Qualifications include high school diploma or GED; prefer
Biology or Zoology degree; at least 1 year captive exotic experience; writing, verbal and
recordkeeping skills. Must work with variety of animals and flexible schedule. Salary
low $20's w/ benefits. Send letter, resume and 3 professional letters of recommendation to:
HDR, Philadelphia Zoo, 34th & Girard, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
VETERINARY TECHNIC I AN. ..requires veterinary technician certification and
technician experience with zoo or exotic animals. Will assist in the daily medical
management of the zoo's collection and the operation of the hospital. Salary $24,000 with
excellent benefits. Send cover letter and resume to: Julie Pelto, DVM, Staff Veterinarian,
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI 02905.
The following two keeper positions are available at the Roger Williams Park Zoo,
Providence, RI. Salary for each position is $24,000 with excellent benefits. For either
position send cover letter and resume to: John Croxton, General Curator, Roger Williams
Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI 02905.
ZOOKEEPER ...requires two years’ experience. Bachelor's degree in biological sciences
preferred. Responsible for daily animal care, behavioral observation, and
exhibit/grounds maintenance. Will work with mammals, birds and reptiles.
ZOOKEEPERIELEPH ANTS. ..requires two year's experience working with elephants.
Bachelor's degree in biological science preferred. Will work with other mammals and
birds in addition to 0.3 African elephants.
SUPERVISORY KEEPER/BIRDS...responsibi\ities include managing daily operations,
overseeing care of birds, and supervising staff in assigned area. Also engages in direct
animal care, particularly of soft-billed birds. An ideal candidate will have at least four to
five years animal care experience with emphasis on birds and some supervisory
experience. College degree in biological field preferred. Excellent benefits. Salary
$28, 296/year. Sumbit resume, letter of interest and references by 25 July 1990 to Personnel
Office, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 65013.
251
J
Opportunity Knocks, Continued
ZOOKEEPER...f\iU-time position - we are seeking an energetic self-starter to work with a
wide variety of animals including 95 sp. of mammals, birds, herps, fish and
invertebrates. Applicant must have a working knowledge of the care of exotic animals in
a progressive zoo situation. Must be willing to participate in the design of new exhibits.
Minimum qualifications; high school graduation, college preferred; experience working
with exotic animals in a zoo setting; knowledge of current zoo philosophy; willingness to
accept responsibility and work with a team. Salary $5.10-$5.45/hour plus benefits. Send
resume to: Steven M. Wing, General Curator, Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical
Gardens, 2800 “A” Street, Lincon, NE 68502. Closing date is 24 July 1990.
KEEPER (£).<,. must be experienced with equids and other ungulates. Degree in biology or
related field preferred. Must be supportive of captive breeding/con servation research
programs. Will assist in the design/development/construction of animal programs and
facilities. Send resume and references by 31 July 1990 to the International Center for the
Preservation of Wild Animals, Inc., 85 East Gay Street, Suite 603, Columbus, OH 43215.
EOE.
ELEPHANT KEEPER... no elephant experience necessary but must have proven animal
experience with other species. $20,000+ salary with excellent benefits package. Send
resume and references by 31 July 1990 to the Personnel Department, Kings Island, OH
45034. EOE.
Information Please
I am looking for any information on any record of a Ruffed lemur ( Variegatus ), ever
having two separate litters from the same female a little over a month apart. Neonates in
both litters were physically fully-developed except for one in the second litter which weighed
only 32 grams. The first birth, in which there was only one neonate (stillborn), occurred at
the end of the 90-105 day gestation period from when breeding was observed (birth at 103
days). Please send any information to : Tim Guthrie, Wildlife Safari, P.O. Box 1600,
Winston, OR 97496-0231.
We are beginning studies on Clonophis kirtlandi and would be grateful for any
information that you may have available. We’re looking for literature, bibliographies,
information on natural history, husbandry, present range, and especially diet and
nutrition. We would be more than happy to share any of our information. Contact: Bill
Quatman, Louisville Zoological Garden, 1100 Trevillian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, or
call (502) 459-2181, ext. 388.
We work with black bears in the Rare and Wild America Show at the San Diego Wild
Animal Park. We are interested in hearing from anyone who works with black bears in a
show setting. We work with two neutered males, ages 3 and 4. As these animal approach
sexual maturity, we have had some problems with restlessness and inattentiveness in the
animals during their shows. So far we have experienced no actual aggression, but are
curious to know if this behavior is a prelude to possible aggression. If you have any
information please write or call either Lisa DeFino or Dave Nix, Rare and Wild America
Show, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Route 1, Box 725E, Escondido, CA 92025 (619) 738-
5076.
I am interested in any information regarding the hand-rearing of Spider Monkeys (Ateles
geoffroyi ) and their subsequent reintroduction to an established group. If possible, please
include diets used, age at reintroduction, group dynamics and any other pertinent
information. Please send to: Anne Baker, Curator of Primates, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 S.
Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513.
252
AAZK Membership Application
Name check here if renewal [ ]
Address — —
City
State/Province
Zip
□ $30.00 Professional
Full-time Keepers
□ $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
□ $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
□ $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
Zoo Affiliation (if any) —
Zoo Address
□ $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
□ $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH
OF THE FREC.EDm.GMQ.MTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers' Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.S A.
Forwarding & Address Correction Requested
H 05 o
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Animal
Keepers'
Forum ^
August 1990
M .
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer
August 1990
Volume Seventeen
Number Eight
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster:
Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008 Immediate Past President
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS -- PROTECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange
Dale Frerking, Kansas City Zoo
AAZK History Committee
Rachel Rogers, Miami Metrozoo
International Affairs Coordinators - Mona
Conservation. Preservation. Restoration
Keeper Training & Education
{includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink Krussman, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
Susan M. Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
Public Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Keith, Calgary Zoo (east) Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
1CPR) Committee - Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Animal Pata...Iransfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK....LiaisQn to AAZPA/IZE
Brint Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Keeper Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
ZQQ..Infant-D.e.Y£iQpmeiii..E£Djeci
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public-Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet. N.ot.e.hmiL
Susan Bunn Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Biological Values/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Chicago, IL
Bv-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Uniyersity List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Order/Distribution Center at AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka
AAZK Chapter-Network System
Coordinator - Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Co-Coordinators
Colleen Kinzley, Knowland Park Zoo (Oakland, CA) and Nancy Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo (Columbus, OH)
This month's cover features the Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) drawn by Ann
Bushman, a keeper at the Greenville Zoo, Greenville, SC, and President of their AAZK
Chapter. The Ring-tailed lemur lives only in Madagascar, a large island off the coast of
Africa. They are a predominantly ground-dwelling species, runing about on all fours
with their tails held up in the air. They are gregarious and highly sociable, living in
troops of 5-30 individuals. The Ring-tailed troop is a matriarchy. Ringtails are an
endangered species because of human encroachment and habitat destruction. Thanks,
Ann!
Scoops
and/
Scuttlebutt
Canadian 800 Number Added at AO
Last month we announced the installation of a toll-free 800 number for AAZK
Administrative Offices in Topeka. That number is 1-800-242-4519. However, Canadian
members need to be aware that this number does not work when calling from Canada. The
Canadian 800 number is 1-800-468-1966. We hope these numbers will make it easier for
members to have easy access to Administrative Offices.
Heads
All Committee/Project Heads are reminded that their annual reports are due by 15
September. They should be sent to your Board of Directors Oversight. Filing an annual
report is one of the responsibilities required of all committee/project chairs. All
committee/project reports are put together into books for the Conference Board meetings in
New Orleans. Copies of the reports will also be available for any member who would like to
see them during the conference.
AnriLEools Article Taken Seroiuslv Bv Some
It appears that David Thornton's article “The African Adventure Comes To America: a
new exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo” which appeared in the April 1990 AKF has been taken as a
serious article by some rather than the April Fools whimsey it was intended to be. Like
David's other articles ("Having A Ball With Beetlemania” [April 1987]; “First We Get
Moose and Squirrel: A History of Meese in America” [April 1988]; and “Be A Slug:
Invertebrate Exhibition for the 90's” [April 1989]) , this one was intended to be for fun. We
apologize if it gave anyone another impression or caused any embarassment or problems
for any individual or institution. We will make sure a disclaimer follows any such
articles in future.
What's In A Name? Russian Linguist Seeks Answers
AAZK Administrative Offices have received a letter from Peter Sekirin, an Associate
Professor in the Linguistics Dept, at Kiev Pedagogical Institute, USSR He is in the process
of writing a book about the names people give to animals in different languages. He would
very much like to hear from American zookeepers about the names given to animals at
their institutions. He is seeking at least 200 names from any species of animals. If you
would like to contribute to his efforts, send your list of the animals at your zoo (does not need
to be your entire collection!) and their names (plus any significants for the name) to AAZK
AO, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. We will forward any information we receive on to
Peter in Kiev. This could be a fun Chapter project!
253
Scoops & goulttebpit, Continued
l^ggarch Grants Available frgmAAZK
The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. awards two grants of $500 each annually to
zoo keepers interested in pursuing a specific zoo-related research project. Anyone
interested in submitting a proposal should address their application requests to: Sue
Barnard, Chairperson, AAZK Research/Grants Committee, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave.
S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315.
Section Coordinators Named for Zoo Infant Development Project
The following individuals have been named section coordinators for the Zoo Infant
Development Project which is under the direction of Chair Harmony Frazier-Taylor,
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA:
Birds
Softbill Section
Kim Livingstone
San Diego Wild Animal Park
Birds
-
Hookbill Section
Maggie Liguori and
Terri Maas
Philadelphia Zoo
Reptile/Amphibian Section - Jeanne Boceongelli
Turtle Back Zoo
Note from the Editor,
For several months we have been seeking a source of recycled paper for use in printing
Animal Keepers' Forum. We think we have finally located one which we can afford (I
know it's a crime that recycled paper cost more!) and we will begin using it for AKF with
the September 1990 issue. This month you may notice some difference in the cover stock-
that's because it's recycled paper as well. We don’t really feel that the use of recycled paper
will interfer with the quality of the publication and, more importantly, as an association
concerned with all aspects of our environment, it only makes good sense for us to use
recycled products whenever possible.
— — ■ — — — ■ — — 1 \
World Wildlife Fund
Conservation Award
World Wildlife Fund is requesting nominations for the 1990 Conservation Award
to be presented to an AAZK Chapter for its contributions to conservation. The
selection will be based on the significance and impact of the Chapter's conservation
project(s). Nominations should include a description of the project(s) along with
reports, articles, press clippings, etc., that the projects) produced. These projects
can encompass education, research, or fund-raising for conservation activities.
The nominated project(s) should be AAZK Chapter initiated and supported.
Please submit nominations to: Rich Block, Director of Public Programs
World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
The deadline for submitting nominations is 15 September 1990.
V. /
254
Coming Events
IggQ.AAZgA-Ammal Conference
September 23-27, 1990 Indianapolis, IN
For further information, contact Travis Edenfield, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West
Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 (317) 638-8072.
10th Annual AZH Conference
October 7-11, 1990 Columbia, SC
The Association of Zoological Horticulture will hold its conference at the Riverbanks
Zoological Park. Pre and Post Conference tours will be available. For information and
registrationcontact: Jim Martin do Riverbanks Zoological Park, P.O. Box 1060, Columbis,
SC 29209-1060 Phone: (803) 779-8717.
Biodiversity and Landscapes: Human Challenges.
for. .Conservation in the Changing World
October 22-25, 1990 University Park, PA
Organized by the Center for BioDiversity Research, Environmental Resource Research
Institute, Penn State, the conference will approach biodiversity from the biological,
humanistic, ecological, and socio-economical perspectives and will explore initiates in
conservation, preservation, restoration and human survival. Will include speakers,
panel discussions, public forum and field trips. Registration fee is $50.00. For more
informationc ontact: Dr. K.C. Kim, 117 Land and Water, Center for BioDiversity
Research, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802 or call (814) 863-0159.
16th Annual AAZK National Conference
November 4-8, 1990 New Orleans, LA
Hosted by the Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter. Information and registration forms may be
found in the green insert in each month’s issue of AKF. Any additional questions should
be directed to Terry Carr at the address given in the insert.
lSlh.Armual Conference, of the International
Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMA.TA1
November 4-9, 1990 Chicago, IL
Hosted by the Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
Will include formal presentations, poster session and informal presentations such as
videos/films. Theme for this year’s conference is “Developments in Marine Mammal
Public Display and Research”. First Call for Papers now being issued-abstracts due by 15
August 1990. Conference hotel site is the McCormick Center Hotel. For further
information and registration materials, contact: Randy Brill, Vice-President/IMATA,
NOSC - Code 511, P.O. Box 997, Kailua, HI 96734-0997 USA,
255
Births & Hatchings
Philadelphia Zoo...would like to report the following B&H from February through May
1990:
Reptiles: 0.0.2 Prehensile-tailed skinks ( Corucia zebrata ) were bom with only one
surviving. Established in the early 70's, Philadelphia Zoo has the largest breeding colony
of this animal in the United States.
Birds: there is a lot of activity in the Bird Dept. now. First we have 0.0.2 Hermit
ibis ( Geronticus eremita ) chicks. We have been involved in the Hermit ibis breeding
program since 1980. Annually, we have been producing 2-3 chicks. There are also 0.0.2
Guam rail ( Rallus owstoni ) and 1.0 Micronesian kingfisher ( Halcyon cinnamonina)
chicks. These birds are part of the Guam Bird Rescue project. 0.1 Superb fruit dove
( Ptilinopus superbus ) was hatched. This is the second chick from the same female, but with
a different male. Also hatched are 0.0.1 Sunbittern ( Eurypyga helias ), 0.0.2 Diademed
tanagers ( Stephanophorus diadematus), two clutches of Blue crowned hanging parrots
(. Loriculus gallgulus ), and 0.0.3 Silver-eared mesia ( Leiothrix argentaurus ). One of these
did not survive.
On a sad note, the Bird Dept, lost 4 out of 6 Amakihi ( Hemitragus virens ). They died
suddenly of stress and aspergillosis following a malfunction of the heating system. This
group had been maintained successfully in good condition since December 1988.
Mammals: two pairs of Geoffroy's marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus geoffroyi) gave
birth to twins. Both of these adult pairs are second generation captive-bred. For one pair, it
was their first offspring. This was especialy exciting since the male was hand-raised by
keepers and staff at the zoo. We also had 0.0.18 Naked mole rats ( Hetercephallus glaber)
born. This is the second surviving litter with eight doing well at day 50. We now have two
additional colonies established.
We finally had successful breeding with our Short-eared elephant shrews ( Macroscelides
proboscideus ). The two pairs bred producing two and one offspring respectively-one did
not survive. A male Aardvark ( Orycteropus afer) was born and was being successfully
cared for by its mother. But it died at five days due to complications from environmental
factors.
The Mammal Dept, has also acquired some new and exciting animals. We now have a
male Malayan tapir ( Tapirus indicus ) from New York Zoo to pair with our breeding
female. She had produced 0.3 offspring prior to the death of her mate in 1989. She is
expecting in late summer/early fall of this year.
A female Warthog (Phacochoerus aethiooppicus ) came to us from the L.A, Zoo to be paired
with a male we have had since last summer. We are now planning an introduction
program for them.
This summer, as our highlight exhibit, we have a pair of Giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga
tridactyla) on loan from San Diego Zoo. Three Capybaras ( Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
also share the exhibit and it is working well.
We would like to express our regret at the loss of Submarie, our Nile hippopotamus
( Hippopotamus amphibius ). She died at the age of 41 years after producing 12 offspring at
our zoo. submitted by Beth Shwenk, Chapter Liaison, Philadelphia Zoo AAZK Chapter,
Philadelphia, PA.
256
Births & Hatchings. Continued,
Dreher Park Zoo (West Palm Beach. FL).. announces that their prolific reptiles have been
reproducing at a remarkable rate. In the last few weeks the breeding group (1.2) of Yellow-
footed tortoises have produced 25 eggs and 9 offspring. Other neonates include 5 Gopher
tortoise, 20 Brazilian boa (live birth), 9 newly hatched Albino king snakes and 4 Florida
king snakes. In addition, the Everglades rat snake has laid 23 eggs and the Gulf
Hammock rat snake 19 eggs, for a grand total as of 6 July of 77 eggs and 47 offspring. All
of the eggs are being incubated and more boas are carring babies so more births and
hatchings are expected. News Release 6 July 1990-Dreher Park Zoo.
EuBdc 'Education Committee
In the November *89 issue of AKF. the Public Education Committee solicited answers from
the membership to questions frequently asked by zoo visitors. The committee is seeking
the “best” answers to such questions to incorporate in a booklet. The following is the ninth
question restated and the “best” answer to that question. Another frequently asked question
will appear at the end of this article - please take a few minutes and put your thoughts
together and send them to Ellen Bradfield at the address given below.
Question #9 was: Do wild animals make good pets?
The answer to Question # 9 is:
Keeping a wild animal as a pet is truly a contradiction in terms when we consider that (1)
one definition of “pet” is: domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than usefulness,
and (2) a definition for “wild” is: a natural or undomesticated state or existence;
uncontrolled. Wild-caught animals often don’t make it to the pet store. Careless capture
methods, poor transportation conditions and unprofessional handling may cause up to ten
animals to die for each live one that is finally sold. Even captive-bred animals have
complex needs that very few people are equipped to properly maintain. Individuals usually
can't offer wild animals the proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care that they need to
survive. Wild animals have aggressive instincts that lead to unpredictable and
dangerous behavior, and if they are denided proper interactions with members of their own
species they may develop severely neurotic behaviors. Additionally, many wild animals
carry diseases that are transmittable to man. Please don't try to make a “pet” out of a wild
animal! (Thanks to Paula Jewell of the Humane Society, Rosanna Strong, Dave
Zimmerman, Maureen Anderson and Rena Schlisky for their input.)
Question # 10 will be: Why can't I see the animals?
Please send any answers, comments or suggestions to: Ms. Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
AAZK, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30318.
Information Please
I am interested in the zoo diets of Debrazza Monkeys ( Cercopithecus neglectus), especially
the type of monkey chow fed (i.e., high fiber, etc.) as well as browse offered. Please send
diet information to: Kathy Clark c/o Franklin Park Zoo, Pierpont Road, Dorchester, MA
02021.
257
NOTICE TO MEMBERSHIP
By-Laws Revision
Beginning with the 1987 National Conference in Milwaukee, the AAZK Board of Directors
appointed a special committee to annually review the Association's By-laws and
recommend any additions, deletions or revisions which became necessary. Following are
the revisions which the committee has suggested and which the AAZK Board of Directors
endorsed at their mid-year meeting in June.
These changes affect membership, chapters, meetings, revenues and refine our focus on
the goals and objectives of AAZK. A Statement of Professional Ethics has also been added.
Compare these changes with the current By-laws of 1988. Copies of the 1988 By-laws may be
obtained from Administrative Offices if you do not have a copy.
The following revisions will be voted on by the attending membership at the 1990 National
Conference in New Orleans, LA. On behalf of the Association I hereby give notice of these
intended changes as specified in our current By-laws in Article IV, Sec. 1c. Anyone
wishing to comment on or question any of these changes should direct correspondence to
Barbara Manspeaker at Administrative Offices or to any member of the Board of
Directors. Legal assessment to insure that these revisions comply with the corporation
statutes of the State of Kansas, the site where the Association is incorporated, is required
before final ratification is possible.
e.
Oliver Claffey £/
AAZK President
C Editor's note: In the following proposed by-law revisions, the revised portions are
underlined and the portions being deleted are in parenthesis. SC)
Statement of Purpose
This Association is organized not for profit, and is an organization incorporated
exclusively for educational, scientific and charitable purposes, and has been duly accorded
non-profit status under the laws of the United States of America. The objects and purposes
shall be:
Statement of Professional Ethics
In_a.rd.erjp promote h igh .standard 5Lfl.fg.on duct in our profession, the AAZK h.as.fo.rnmlate.d
Ihfi, folio w i n g .basis. p rin q i p] g s. fpr t.bg gu.idanflfl. pf it? member?,
As a member of the AAZK, I pledge to:
Promote the interest of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Inc, and to do my full
share of the work required of me bv AAZK. Maintain the highest standards of personal.
professional and business conduct and behavior. Display the highest integrity, the best
judgement or ethics possible and use mv professional skills to the best interest of AAZK.
Issue no statement to the media, the public or members which I know to be false.
misleading, or prejudicial to the Association. Endeavor at all times to improve AAZK.
?oos. aquariymg and related facilities through publications, cQnseryatlaD_p.r.Qj££t.§.,and any
other avenues available to me through the Association, and advance the understanding of
all nature to the coTniPunity in which l liv.^
258
Proposed By-laws Revisions. Continued
Article II, Sec. 4 becomes Article Vm, Sec. 1
Sec. 5 becomes, Sec. 4
Sec. 6 becomes Sec 5
Sec. 7 becomes Sec 6
Sec 7a becomes 6a
Sec 7b becomes 6b with the following changes:
"....Affiliate members shall not be entitled to vote or hold elective office except on a local
level, but they may hold appointed national office.
Sec 7c becomes 6c
Sec 7d becomes 6d
Sec 7e becomes 6e
Sec 7f becomes Sec 6f with following changes:
Contributing: Any (organization or) individual who wishes to contribute the sum of Fifty
Dollars ($50.00) or more to the treasury of the Association for any use deemed suitable by the
Directors of the Association. This category of membership shall not be entitled to vote or
hold elective or appointed office, but is entitled to receive a tax receipt for a charitable
donation,.
Section ffgig new
■Organizatijans/Instltutions: Anv organization or institution that wishes to contribute the
sum_Q_fiEifty__D_on ars ($50.00) or more to the treasury of the Association for any use deemed
suitable. by the Directors .otth.e. Association, This member ?biq_cat.ogoiyJ? subject todBoar-d of
Directors approval. This category of membership shall not be entitled to vote or hold
elective or appointed office, but is entitled to receive a tax receipt for a charitable donation.
Section 8 becomes Section 7 with the folowing changes:
Ea.ch.-jn embers shall receive two (2) notices prior to the, expiration of their
membership. If, at that time terminated."
Sec 8a becomes 7a
Sec 8b becomes 7b
Sec 9 becomes Sec 8
Sec 10 becomes Sec 9
Sec 11 becomes Sec 10
Sec 12 becomes Sec 11
Sec 13 becomes Sec 12
Article III Elections/Appointments
Section 2 The President shall appoint a Nominations and Election Committee of at
least three professional members. This committee shall.. Board position.
Section 4 Anv member eligible to vote in the election of the Board of Directors and
adjn-i.s-Q.ut of the country._at.the tirne. Qf.the.., holding .of ■suoh.,.an.£.le.clion may cast. an absentee
ballot.. prior to the said, election, by contacting the chairperson of the Nominations and
Elections Committee who will then provide the said member with the appropriate form.
Section 6a All Project Chairs/Coordinators shall send to the Administrative
Offices within Ihixty-iMI days of. their resignation/remoyal notice, all_matfi.rj.als
pertinent to the project.
259
Proposed By-laws Revisions. Continued
Article IV. Section 2
“The bidding shall take place at an annual conference at least three (3) years prior to...”
and
Following “All meeting bids require the approval of the Board of Directors.” the following
will be added: “Once, aChapter has been awarded a conference bid, it is empowered bv the
AAZK Board of Directors to sign whatever contracts are necessary to conduct conference
arrangements,”
Article V, Section 1
Fifth, to appoint (an) executive committees (and other committees), and to delegate to such
committees any of the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the conduct
and affairs of the Association, except the power to adopt, amend or repeal by-laws. Any
such committee shall be composed of two or more (Directors) Board members.
Sixth, to appoint such commitees and chairs/coordinators necesarv to execute the
pj.Qie£Ls/ar.Qgram,s. -Qf.lhg.As.sQ.ci ati rw*
Sec 13 Fees and Compensation. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for
their services as Directors. Nothing chapter. If necessary the travelling expenses for
th_e.PEg£.ident shall be paid for by the Association. Registration far the Poard and Executive
Staff shall be paid fo bv the host chanter. Travel and accommodations for the mid-year
Board meeting shall be paid for by the Association for the President and Vice President.
Expenses for other attending Board members shall be paid for as approved by thfi majority
of the Board Members. Registration, travel and accommodation expenses for the
President, or other designated Board Member, to attend the national American Association
of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) conference shall be paid for by the
Association. In the event of any discrepency certain circumstances.
Sec 14 Add after “May hire a secretary... Association.”
(new paragraph) Mav seek legal and/or financial counsel.
Article VII, Section 9 Allocation of Funds. Any funds generated by a national conference
which remain after costs will be split equally by the host chapter and the National
Association.
Everything past the above beginning with "Any chapter product... and ending with “...any
split of profits." becomes Aritcle VIII, Sec. 7.
Article Vm - Chanters
Section 1 (from Article II, Sec. 4) Chapters of the Association may be established and must
be chartered by the Association in accordance with the procedures in the by-laws as
established by the Board of Directors.
Section la Newlv formed chanters of the Association are exempt from an initial chartering
fee.
Section lb The recharter date for all chanters shall hereby be 1 March of each . calendar
year. The recharter fee shall be set bv the Board of Directors.
260
Proposed By-laws Revisions. Continued
Section 1c Chapters failing to comply with fees and required reports bv their annual
recharter date shall be considered in noncompliance and their charter subject to
revocation, They will be given a 3Q-day grace period.
Section % .All gh apt.erj$,lllgh,glLbfe,_^ubi egt-t9 jh e BY.~la.w5 gf the, parent asgQgiatipn, Chapter?
may adopt adendums .to .these byr.laws regarding. chapter elections and day to day business
of the chapter
Section 3 In order to become a chapter member, an individual must first be a member of the
national body, (.refer to Article II. Sec. .4)
Section 4 Thg local chapter may elect Executive Officer? to organize and operate the
functions of that chapter, and the names of these officers will be reported to Administrative
Offices annually at their rechartering date.
Section 5 The Treasurer of each local chapter is responsible for providing a yearly
accounting of funds, to Administrative .Qfricea.aLthe re.charter.date., A standardised form
will be provided for thj,s..purpgaa.
Section 5a All chapter monetary transactions shall require the signature of two chapter
officers.
Section 6 No individual member or chapter officer may enter into any contract utilizing
chanter-generated funds or execute any instrument in the name of, or on behalf of the
corporation without the prior consent of the Board of Directors of the Association.
Similarly, no individual shall have any power or authority to bind the corporation by any
contract or engagement, or to pledge its credit or to tender it liable for any purpose in any
amount, without the prior consent of the Board of Directors of the Association. Chapters are
empowered. tQ..e.nter into contracts for less than Sl.QQQ.QQ without PQQr-acpiQyal.Qf.thfi-E.Qani
gf Directors,
Section 6a Chanters mav not hold permanent title to real estate or vehicles of any kind.
Section 7 Anv chapter nroduct/proiect which uses the AAZK logo and/or is marketed
nationally must receive prior approval from the Board of Directors. Anv chapter
product/project which-.is. identified with the National Ajssogi.at.ion. by name or logo and is
marketed on a national basis must receive prior , approval from the Board of Directors, All
profits made on such products/proiects previously approved bv the Board of Directors must
be split equally between the chapter _ and, the— National . Association. Chapter
products/proiects not using the National AAZK Rhino Logo mav be marketed at national
anim.al.i;.g.nferenees..with.o.u.t-any-Split of profits.
Section 8 In the event of the dissolution of a chapter, all funds remaining in the chapter
trjeasmy-jyill.be forwarded-to. the National Association for di.str.ib.u.ti.Qn-th.r.ough the
Conservation. Preservation and Restoration Committee to projects s.ancti.onedJ?y. AAZ.K,
Article Vm Amendments now becomes Article IV Amendments
261
MEMO:
TO: All AAZK Members
FROM: Mark de Denus, Coordinator AAZK Chapter Network System
RE: Membership Services
Dear Fellow Members:
During the month of June, the AAZK Board of Directors met in Topeka, Kansas for their
mid-year meeting. At this time, I was approached to consider accepting the position of
Coordinator of the Chapter Network System. After some deliberation, I have accepted and
have, to date, been reviewing the current system. Recommendations and modifications
are currently before the Board for their consideration and approval.
I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know who I am by giving you a bit of my
background. I was bom in Washington, DC in 1950, but have lived in Canada for the past
39 years. I have been a zoo keeper at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba
since 1976. Currently a keeper in the Zoo's Tropical House, my field of interest is primates
and keeper education. A special interest for me is the status and management of the
Lion-tailed Macaque of Southern India. In the past I have served on various committees
and boards. I was a Board member of the Zoological Society of Manitoba for seven years,
and served as contributing Editor of their publication, ZOOLOG. I established and edited a
zoo newsletter for three years as well as established our AAZK Chapter, the Assiniboine
Park Zoo Keepers Association. In 1986 I co-chaired the National AAZK Conference in
Winnipeg with Tim Kelly and Bob Debets. I am currently Chapter President, Chairman of
the Training and Orientation Team at our zoo, AAZK Exhibit Design Form Chairperson
and Coordinator for the AAZK Chapter Network System.
I believe that the American Association of Zoo Keepers is a fundamental requirement for
those individuals in the animal care profession who want to learn and to participate on a
personal level. Personal and professional growth - one by one or chapter by chapter or
institution by institution - that, to me, is what AAZK has and will continue to accomplish
and support. It is through the membership's ideas, opinions, directions, feedback and
contributions that the organization itself flourishes and survives.
I look forward to serving the membership of the AAZK through this position as Coordinator
and hope to provide a system and a service that will continue to enhance our growth as
individuals and as a great organization. I would like to thank those professional
individuals who have worked hard over the past number of years to put the fundamentals of
a membership system together. I do not know all the names but Debbera Stecher, Diane
Krug, Chris Garland and Bill Whittaker should be acknowledged. I would also like to
thank the Board for their confidence.
Sincerely,
Mark de Denus
262
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San Diego Holds Non-Domestic
Neonatal Symposium
(Editor's note: The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park combined for the
Zoological Society of San Diego Non-Domestic Neonatal Symposium held 2 February 1990.
Following are Titles and Abstracts from the Symposium. Further information or copies of
the papers are available for those titles marked with ** You may contact Karla
Michelson, Lead Keeper, Veterinary Services Dept., San Diego Wild Animal Park, 15500
San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027-9614.)
Psy^lQBarent Qf the Pre-Ruminant Stomach; A Kespert.PerspectiYe
Kelly D. Bender, Senior Keeper and Shannon L. Beeler, Keeper - Animal Care Center, San
Diego Wild Animal Park.
ABSTRACT: In order to provide the best possible care when hand-rearing neonatal
ruminants, it is important to have an understanding of the basic anatomy and development
of the animal's stomach during the pre-ruminant stage.
Since the rumen is not designed to digest milk, it is necessary that the milk be diverted to
the abdomen where it can be effectively digested. This is accomplished by the properly
functioning esophageal groove and by using the correct feeding techniques.
When determining diet increases or weaning schedules, it is important to understand the
comparative changes in size and function of the chambers as the pre-ruminant stomach
develops into a fully functioning ruminant stomach.
**DeveIopment and Diseases of the Pre-Ruminant Stomach
Jack L. Allen, D.V.M., Associate Veterinarian, San Diego Wild Animal Park.
ABSTRACT: This paper is concerned with a review of the anatomy, development and
diseases of the pre-ruminant stomach. Commonly recognized stomach dysfunctions
include but are not limited to the following:
1. abomasal reflux
2. incomplete closure of the esophageal groove
3. sudden abomasal dilation with loss of motility
4. trichobezoar in the rumen
5. bloat
6. complications from oral antibiotics
7. impaired microbial colonization of the forestomach
8. inability or failure to eructate
■**Pim* 4°Ba S§§§
Conference *90 Tentative Schedule
Sunday. 4 November
- Open Board Meeting
- Registration
- Ice Breaker
Monday, 5 Ngyemfre*:
- Paper Sessions
- Workshops
Tuesday. 6 November
- Tour Aquarium of the Americas
- Lunch on Riverboat
- Workshops
- Silent Auction
Wednesday. 7 November
- Tour of Zoo
- Awards
- ZOOlympics
Thursday, g November
- Paper Sessions
- Banquet/Live Auction
The daily fees for the Conference, excluding the banquet, are $20.00 per day.
A Reminder:
Don't forget to inform us if you would like to hold a workshop. Spaces are limited.
Also, we need to know if your Chapter needs exhibitor space for selling stuff (you know, belt
buckles, decals, mugs or whatever).
And if you were wondering about the kinds of papers you might expect to hear, here are some
examples:
- Management and Breeding of Puerto Rican Crested Toad
- Conservation of the Cuban Hutia
- Hand Raising Pinnipeds
- Analysis of the Captive Population of Colobus
- Racetrack Trash Becomes Rainforest Bash
- Bats: rehabilitation for release
- Cheetah Breeding
- Hand-rearing of Humboldt Penguins
...and much, much more!
1990 NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCE
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
NOVEMBER 4 -8, 1990
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT
(one name only per form)
RETURN THIS FORM AND FEE TO:
1990 NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCE
AUDUBON ZOO
P.O.BOX 4327
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70178
ADDRESS
CITY
ZIP CODE
ZOO AFFILIATION
AAZK COMMITTEE MEMBER: YES NO
WILL BE SUBMITTING A PAPER: YES NO ($25.00
will be refunded from registration fee on acceptance of paper)
HOW MANY NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCES HAVE YOU ATTENDED?
PARTICIPATING IN ZOOLYMPICS: YES NO
BRINGING AN AUCTION ITEM: YES NO
VEGETARIAN: YES NO (Specify Type)
INTERESTED IN A CONFERENCE T-SHIRT? YES NO
(S M L XL)
ARRIVAL DATE AND TIME:
AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:
Member or Spouse $75.00*
Non-Member $90.00
Late Fee $10.00 (After 1 October 1990)
TOTAL $
* Conference Proceedings costs are included in registration fee.
Daily Rates for individual events are available. Contact TERRY CARR for details
at (504) 861-2537.
STATE/PROVINCE
TELEPHONE ( )
PLEASE MAKE PAYMENTS TO: "Audubon Zoo AAZK Chapter''
HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST
1990 National AAZK Conference
November 4-8, 1990
New Orleans, Louisiana
Clarion Hotel
New Orleans
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE/PROVINCE _____
ZIP CODE _______ TELEPHONE # ( )
ARRIVAL DATE CHECK-OUT DATE
ROOM GUARANTEED BY: - Mastercard Visa American
Express
CREDIT CARD# EXPIRATION DATE
OR - — — CHECK. (Make check payable to CLARION HOTEL NEW
ORLEANS). First night's deposit or credit card guarantee required.
Resermtiflos MUST be received
Conference in order to receive Conference-Rate- a 72-hour cancellation is
required for a deposit refund.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SINGLE $68.00 — DOUBLE $68.00
TRIPLE $78.00 QUAD $88.00
I WILL BE SHARING A ROOM WITH:
Rates quoted are subject to local taxes, currently 11%, plus a New Orleans convention
center tax of $L00 per occupied room, per night.
Check-in time is after 3 P.M. and check-out time is Noon. Telephone number for the
CLARION HOTEL is (504) 522-4500 or outside Louisiana Toll-free 800-824-3359.
RETURN THIS FORM TO:
CLARION HOTEL
Reservations
American Association of Zoo Keepers
1500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Guidelines for Typing Papers for AAZK Conference Proceedings
1. Manuscripts intended for publication should be submitted on one side of 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
Pages should be neatly typewritten using a 70-space line. You will have narrow
margins on Pica type and wider on Elite. This format makes it more consistant for the staff
to figure number of characters per line/lines per page.
2. Papers must be double-spaced. This will also make it easier for you to read when you
present it.
3. Titles should be brief and descriptive. Put the title of the paper on the first sheet as well as
your name, title or classification, zoo identification, city and state. Number pages
consecutively in the upper right-hand comer.
4. All graphs, charts and illustrations must fit within a 6" by 10" border. These must be in
black and white only (no faded gray xerox copies, please) and should each be submitted on a
separate sheet of paper and not run within the text.
5. Presenters are encouraged to submit photographs to accompany their text in the published
proceedings. Photos must be black and white and should be clean, of good contrast and
preferably on glossy stock. 5" x 7" works best for our purposes, but other sizes are acceptable.
Be sure and give photographer's name if other than your own.
6. Please use the metric system for weights and measures (standard equivalents may be noted in
parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed
as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs., etc.).
7. Use both scientific and common name the first time a species is mentioned in the text.
Thereafter the common name may be used.
8. Avoid footnotes. Identify Registered or Trademark products by ® or ™ respectively.
9. References should be listed alphabetically at the end of the paper - author's surname first
(Ricter, J.W., , 1984, How To Be A Good Keeper. AKF. Vol. 11, No. 6: 12-22) Within the text,
references should be cited as Ricter (1984).
10. Manuscripts must be submitted before presentation.
(Editor’s note: For further information on how to prepare and submit a paper for either a
National Conference or for submitting for publication in Animal Keepers' Forum, please see
"How To Write It Right!", January 1986 AKF, pages 23-26. Reprints of this article are
available by writing the editor and encloising a self-addressed, legal-sized stamped
envelope.)
Keepers Alert
We have a pair of unrelated Red Fox born Spring 1990 which are unreleasable. We are
seeking a good home for them. Interested zoos shoudl contact wildlife rehabilitator Fran
Essex at 11101 S. 98th, Lincoln , NE 68526 or call (402) 423-8122. If no answer, please leave
message on the machine.
303
Legislative Outlook
By
John Stoddard
AAZK Legislative Advisor
Brookfield, IL
Chimpanzees reclassified as endangered
On 12 March the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) increased protection of chimpanzees
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by upgrading their status from Threatened to
Endangered. This ruling applies to wild populations of the chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes)
and to wild and captive populations of the pygmy chimpanzee ( Pan paniscus).
P. troglodytes historically ranged over much of equatorial Africa, from Senegal in the west
to Tanzania in the east. The much rarer P. paniscus is found only in part of southern
Zaire. In 1976, both species were listed by the FWS as Threatened. Since that time, however,
their status has continued to decline due to massive habitat destruction, commercial
exploitation, and excessive hunting for food. The reclassification is intended to more
accurately reflect the current biological status of both species.
In the case of P. troglodytes, captive populations will remain classified as Threatened, and
individuals of that species held legally in the United States will continue to be covered by a
special regulation that allows their use for certain activities (such as medical research)
that are otherwise prohibited.
> From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin (April, 1990)
Emergency protection listings
Effective 5 April, the Steller (northern) sea lion ( Eumetopias jubata) was listed as a
threatened species under an emergency rule which expires 31 December 1990. The number
of Steller sea lions observed in certain Alaskan rookeries has declined by 63% since 1985
and by 82% since 1960. The declines are accelerating and are spreading to previously
stable areas. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will study whether the
species should be listed as threatened or endangered, possible causes for the decline, and
measures to prevent further declines.
Effective 4 May, the golden-cheeked warbler ( Dendroica chrysoparia ) was listed as an
endangered species under an emergency rule which expires on 2 January 1991. The FWS
based the emergency listing on habitat destruction due to land clearing, both legal and
illegal, in Texas.
> From AAZPA Communique (June 1990)
MMPA state veto amendment defeated
On 23 May, the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee debated an amendment
that would give individual states the right to veto Federal permits issued under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The amendment, known as the Goss Amendment, was
304
Legislative Outlook. Continued
added to the Tuna Labeling Act in the Fisheries, Wildlife Conservation, and the
Environment Subcommittee.
An alternative amendment, the Manton-Bateman Amendment, was offered in the
Committee to strike the Goss Amendment on the grounds that it resulted in a major policy
change to the MMPA but was added in Subcommittee without benefit of hearings.
A lengthy debate ensued on the subject of public display permits under the MMPA, and the
Manton-Bateman amendment was adopted by voice vote.
> From AAZPA Communique (July 1990)
Biodiversity bill passes House Science Committee
The National Biological Diversity Conservation & Research Act (H.R. 1268) was approved
by the Science Committee in the House of Representatives on 12 June. The bill now moves to
the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee for consideration before it can be brought to
the House floor for a final vote.
The bill would establish the National Center for Biological Diversity & Conservation
within the Smithsonian Institution. The Center would focus on five areas, as mandated by
H.R. 1268: (1) development of a federal strategy for preserving biological diversity; (2)
review of this key principle in preparing environmental impact statements; (3)
coordination of federal, state, and private efforts; (4) research and education; and (5) data
management and dissemination.
> From Sierra Club National News on EcoNet computer network. _
Update on African Elephant
Conservation Fund
Compiled and edited by Susan D. Chan
Editor, Animal Keepers' Forum
Almost $700,000 is available this year in aid for the African elephant through the first seven
projects approved by the USDI 's Fish and Wildlife Service under the authority of the Afri-
can Elephant Conservation Act passed in 1988.
“This money represents $350,000 from the African Elephant Conservation Fund, and gen-
erous matching grants received from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the European Eco-
nomic Community, the the local governments of Gabon, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Zambia
and the Central African Republic,” said Constance Harriman, USDI Assistant Secretary
for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
The approved projects were selected from 25 submitted to the USFWS for consideration.
Five will directly involve anti-poaching efforts. The remaining projects involve develop-
ment of elephant conservation plans for African countries, and the establishment of a
TRAFFIC office, a WWF program, in Tanzania to monitor and report on commerce in
ivory and other wildlife products in eastern and southern Africa.
As part of a related activity, Harriman and several wildlife experts from the USFWS trav-
eled to Zimbabwe and Botswana last month for a first hand look at how these countries have
enhanced their elephant populations through management techniques and conservation
305
Elephant Conservation Fund IJedate. j Continued
measures. While there the team observed anti-poaching measures, and elephant marking
and tracking activities used to monitor the overall elephant population.
The African Elephant Conservation Fund was established in 1988 under the African Ele-
phant Conservation Act. The Act authorizes appropriations of up to $5 million per year
through 1992 for a grant program to provide financial assistance to support African ele-
phant research, conservation, management, and protection programs. Congress appropri-
ated $500,000 in fiscal year 1990, and the administration has requested $1 million for fiscal
year 1991.
Of the $500,000 appropriated in fiscal 1990, the congress specified that $150,000 be directed to
law enforcement efforts. This money will fund a law enforcement seminar to be held in
Tanzania which will bring together for the first time high level wildlife and customs offi-
cials from all African nations with elephant populations to discuss anti-poaching efforts
and other topics concerning the illegal commercialization of wildlife.
Here's what the seven approved projects look like:
1. Southern Africa: Anti-poaching assistance to Zambia:
AMOUNT MATCH TOTAL
$75,000 $75,000 $150,000
Approximately one-third (204,000) of the current continental elephant population is found
in Southern Africa and concentrated in three of the eight Southern African countries of
Botswana (68,000), Zimbabwe (52,000) and Zambia (32,000). Of these three, the Zambian
populations have experienced significant declines due to poaching. The WWF has pledged
to provide matching funds to be used for anti-poaching activities. Zambia still has
substantial habitat with low human populations and little conflict with domestic livestock,
which will allow for long-term conservation of the elephant if poaching can be brought
under control.
2. East Africa: Anti-poaching assistance to Tanzania:
AMOUNT MATCH TOTAL
$75,000 $40,000 $115,000
Approximately 20 percent (110,000) of the current continental elephant population is found
in East Africa with three countries still having significant populations: Tanzania (61,000),
Sudan (22,000) and Kenya (16,000). All have experienced significant declines due to
poaching and loss of habitat. Funds will be provided to Tanzania to assist in equipping the
government's special anti-poaching operation, a joint venture between the military, the
police, and the anti-poaching unit. If poaching can be controlled, the southern habitat of
Tanzania provides the best hope in East Africa for the long-term preservation of
substantial elephant populations.
3. Central Africa: Anti-poaching to Gabon:
AMOUNT MATCH TOTAL
$30,000 $15,455 $45,455
Approximately 45 percent (277,000) of the current continental elephant population is found
in Central Africa. Of these, over 30 percent of the population is found in two countries,
Zaire (112,000) and Gabon (74,000). Only Gabon appears to have a stable population; all
others have experienced significant declines, again almost entirely due to poaching.
Funds will be provided to Gabon in cooperation with the WWF to fund and equip an anti-
-poaching effort, in the game reserve of Petit Loango. Positive anti-poaching efforts now are
critical to protect one of the few remaining substantial, relatively unpoached elephant
populations.
306
Elephant Conservation Fund Update. Continued
4. An.ti:agag.hiii^a^i^ajQ££jQJhe Central African-BfimabliiLlGABl:
AMOUNT MATCH TOTAL
$40, 000 Matching and Total to be determined
The elephant population in CAE is estimated to be approximately 23,000. Recent data indi-
cate that significant declines due to poaching have occurred. Efforts are underway to estab-
lish preserves in the Dsanga-Sanga forest complex in the tri-country area of CAE, Congo,
and Cameroon through the WWF, the European Economic Community, and U.S. AID.
Anti-poaching actions are critical to protect elephant populations until these reserves can be
established.
5. West -Africa: JEtephant conseryatioiLaasifitaiisfi to Prukm.^.Ea£Qu
AMOUNT MATCH TOTAL
$75,000 $16,600 $91,600
While only 3 percent (19,000) of the current continental elephant population is found in
West Africa, this area is important to maintain the genetic viability of elephant
populations, particularly for forest elephants. Of the six countries with significant
populations, Burkina Faso has the highest concentration with approximately 4,500. That
country has developed a detailed conservation program, that if implemented, can provide
for sustainable resource conservation using the elephant as a model. Funds will be
provided to assist in elephant population inventories and provide field equipment for anti
-poaching efforts. The success of the Burkina Faso project may well influence the ultimate
survival of the African elephant in West Africa.
6. Establishment of a TRAFFIC office for East/Southern Africa:
amount match total
$20,000 $130,000 $150,000
The international TRAFFIC network exists to monitor wildlife trade and utilization, and
to provide assistance to government agencies in implementing wildlife trade controls.
While the transfer of the African elephant to Appendix I has significantly diminished
legal trade in ivory, there is a critical need for additional monitoring efforts. As a number
of countries have taken reservations against the Appendix I listing, and as large ivory
stockpiles remain worldwide, some trade continues. This is a joint project with WWF-US
and International.
7. Support for the African Elephant Conservation Coordinating Group (AECCG);
AMOUNT MATCH TOTAL
$35,000 $68,000 $103,000
The AECCG was convened in July 1988 to prepare the African Elephant Action Plan, which
establishes the basic principles and priorities required to conserve the African elephant.
To support the overall Action Plan, this group is coordinating the development of country
plans which step the Action Plan down to country priorities and is assisting in the develop-
ment of specific project proposals for funding. An additional role of the group is the coordi-
nation of priority projects for funding with potential governmental and nongovernmental
donors. The United States became an active member of the group in 1989.
> Material Excerpted in part from Department of the Interior News Releases August 1990
307
Behavioural Pattern in the Indian
Wild Dog in Captivity
(with special reference to mating)
By
N. Sanjeev Kumar*, V. Chandrasekar* and
Dr. M. Chandrasekaran, M.A., M.V. Sc.
*Students of Veterinary Medicine
Mmductioa
The wild dog belongs to the genus Cuon and the species alpinus. 'Unlike its domestic
counterpart, it is shorter in height and more lengthy. The head and the body appears
similar to that of a domestic dog that has run wild by coloration. Usually the whole body is
rusty red, except for the tail. The tail resembles that of a jackal. It is long and covered with
black bushy hair except at the base where it has a rich rusty hair. The newborn are deep
dusky in color.
Wild animals in general show a characteristic variation in their mating behaviour under
conditions of captivity. Our interest was to study the behavioural pattern of this species in
captivity with special reference to mating.
.Qb.ggryation_&_Bj,S£\i§si,C)p
The present study was made in the Aringar Anna Zoological Park during the month of
October 1989 between 0900 and 1600 hours 1ST under conditions of captivity.
Head: The ears are short and rounded with whitish hair on the inner surface. It lacks the
lower molar so that there are only six cheek teeth in the lower jaw.
Body: The legs are shorter and have somewhat elongated feet with copious hair growing
between the pads. The thorax is protruded outwards while the abdomen is distended. There
are six to ten pairs of mammae from sternum to abdomen. The adults have a strong foxy
smell.
Measurements:
Length: 60-80cm from the tip of the muzzle to the origin of the tail - 30-50 cm.
Height: 50 cm at the shoulders
Weight: 14-21 kg (average is 16 kg).
Lifespan in Cantivitv: In the Aringar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) the animal has been
living for the past 5 years and three months.
Housing:
The animal needs a comparatively large cage because it needs exercising ground as the
animals in the wild are extremely athletic. The dimensions of the main cage at AAZP are:
308
Behavioural Pattern of Indian Wild Dogs iiiLCmriMtv. Continued
Length:
8 meters
Width:
5.45 meters
Height:
5.5 meters
Dimensions
of the internal
Length:
2 meters
Width:
2 meters
Height:
2 meters
CA&E
The floor of the main cage was made of sand and the cage was exposed outside by welded
wire mesh. The roof was made of branches and twigs. The internal cage was made of
concrete walls plastered with mud.
Feed:
The animal in captivity must be provided with the same type of food which it takes in the
wild. The feed requirement of a 16 kg (36 lb.) animal in captivity per day is: 72. Og protein,
3.6g fat, 114.0g of carbohydrate, 720-900 calories of energy, 0.3 to 0.5g of calcium, 0.2g of
phosphorus, l.Og of sodium chloride and 2800 IU of vitamins.
From the data (given in Tables I, II, III & IV) it was found that 700 grams of beef, 250ml
milk and 100 grams of liver can achieve the energy requirements. But there is a slight
deficiency of carbohydrate when individual constituents contributing energy is
considered. But this reduction is necessary because the animal is not as active as in the
wild.
Characteristics & Habits (in the wild):
The wild dog is gregarious and (exclusively) carnivorous. They usually hunt in pairs,
attacking prey of any size such as wild sheep, pig, antelope and deer. Since they are not
quarrelsome they attack and share food in groups.
Characteristics & Habits (in captivity):
The animals show a high degree of alertness. They have a large flight and social
distance. They are excited even by small sounds. The animals when afraid show a
characteristic move. They stand on their hind legs and keep their front legs on the wall of
the cage and take the head backwards.
The wild dogs usually like to be in burrows made by them in the sand flooring of their cage
rather than the animal house. They show a particular likeness towards water (especially
at higher temperature of day). They dip in water every twenty minutes (at the temperature
of between 36° C to 38° C). The animal keeps watch by walking to and fro only on the sunlite
side of the enclosure even though sounds may come from the other side, it appears the dogs
feel danger only comes from the sunlite side.
Reproduction and behaviour
The gestation period of the animal is 60-70 days. The animal comes into heat earlier in
captivity (in the months of Sept-Oct.) in the AAZP while in the wild heat occurs during
October-N ovember.
Detection of heat in wild dogs:
1 . Prelordosis - the tail shoots up to a vertical position and slightly inclined to a side (left or
right).
309
Behavioural Pattern of Indian Wild Dogs m Captivity* Continued
2. The female dog turns its head to bite its tail so hard even causing injury.
3. If the female gets into heat, the male detects it and starts urinating and defecating in
the same place as the female.
4. The female urinates in a characteristic way carrying its body upright on the front legs.
5. The male and female call each other by a chattering yap.
6. Lordosis is exhibited.
Mating behaviour in captivity in AAZP:
The mating behaviour was observed for eighteen times and a sequence of proceedings was
observed:
Step 1: the female makes the characteristic chattering call. It stands on the front legs
upside down and urinates. The tail of the female shoots up.
Step 2: the male smells and licks the female's urine. It then smells the female's genitals.
When the male smells the urine it does it in a characteristic way by lifting one of its front
legs.
Step 3: the male then dips into water in the tub and approaches the female.
Step 4: the female again urinates in the same characteristic way and also defecates in the
same place. Now the penis of the male protrudes and it is in a state of arousal and its tail is
up.
Step 5: Coitus - the female first exhibits lordosis than stands in such a way that the distance
between the fore and hind legs (on the ground) is less than normal. The tail of the female is
up and the vulva exposed for mating. The male stands on the hind legs with the fore legs on
the back of the female and coitus occurs. This continued for three minutes.
Step 6: Tie or locking - after the mating is over the male and female were standing with
their tails upright but the bodies were in the tail to tail position. This continues for three
minutes. When undisturbed they sit down in face to face position. After the third minute of
tie only the glans penis remains unreleased.
The male usually tries to get out of the tie by pulling out but thereafter the female licks the
penis and at times does this till the tie is over. When the animals are disturbed during the
tie they stand in tail to tail position and pull in opposite directions. But the male, due to its
power, pulls the female to its side. It is only during this process that the deposition of sperm
takes place. During the tie position the prostrate of the male is being squeezed and during
each squeezing the semen is being deposited in the female genital tract.
Step 7: the tie continues for five minutes. Even after the tie is over, a portion of the penis is
out of the prepuce for another five minutes.
Reproductive sequence (when male gets arousability first):
Step 1: the male does the chattering yap and it urinates for the female to smell it.
Step 2: the female smells male's urine and licks it and also urinates in its characteristic
way in the same place as the male.
Step 3: the female dips into water.
Step 4: the male smells and licks the urine of the female and then dips into water after the
female has come out of the water tub. Then it carries the female's hind part by keeping its
head in between the two hind legs of the female in the inguinal region*
310
Behavioural Pattern of Indian Wild Dogs in Captivity, Continued
Example Diagram Representing Mating
^ The place where female urinated.
\|^ Die place where male urinated (when it is aroused)
'4$^ The area of female defecation
Area of mounting
S& Area of tie
Area of urination of male if it doesn't like mating (away from female)
Important Observations
l)
Proceedings of Mating
Duration
Mounting
3 minutes
Tie
5 minutes
2) When the male is not aroused or dislikes mating it urinates in some other place
rather than the same place where female urinated.
3) The defecation by female may or may not occur prior to mating but urination is
an essential sequence.
4) During mating the animals are not affected by disturbances of any type, like
threatening or shouting. But during tie, even minute disturbances have a
profound effect on the animals’ behaviour.
5) It has been observed that any other animal watching a sexual intercourse
becomes aroused.
311
Table I
Constituents of Food (in 100 grams)
Behavioural Pattern of Indian Wild Dogs in Captivity. Continued
0
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312
’Applied Nutrition" by Rajalakshmi
Ttohaviom-al Pattern of Tndian Wild Dogs in CapJaadfaZ. Continued
313
BehaviowaLPattem of Indian Wild Dogs in Captivity. Continued
73
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314
Brackets represent the energy in calories
Table IV
Minerals and Vitamins Given in Food for Each Animal
Behavioural Pattern of Tndi^ra Wild in CaniMfe* Continued,
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341
LINK System Overview. Continued,
DEFINITIONS AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Definition: Liaison and Information Network for Keepers (LINK)
Link is the major system of CQTTimynication and coordination between
AAZK members, Administrative Offices and the Board of Directors. It has
one coordinator and two assistant coordinators. Its major function is to
oversee, monitor and facilitate AAZK chapters in respect to function and
conformity to national by-laws and constitution; to provide information to
and from chapters, associate institutions and individual members to the
appropriate levels of the AAZK organization and to coordinate general
communication for the AAZK.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITIONS IN THE LINK SYSTEM
Candidates for the positions of regional coordinator, chapter or institutional liaison should
possess the following qualities:
a) must be a current member of the AAZK;
b) possess a firm commitment to the zookeeping/animal care profession
evidenced by years of service, contribution, recommendation of
colleagues, etc.;
c) initiative and perseverance;
d) good communication skills;
e) be able to meet the needs of the position as required by the Association;
f) familiar with the goals and by-laws of the AAZK.
Definition: LINK Coordinator
A position appointed by the AAZK Board of Directors. The LINK Coordinator will
oversee and monitor the membership services system which assists chapters and
members of AAZK. This position will provide and coordinate a main
communication link between the AAZK Board, A.O., Chapters, individual
members and any institutional associations.
Job Description: LINK Coordinator
1 . will oversee the network of membership that encompasses AAZK;
2. will monitor the needs of membership and provision of information and
resources, through the existing Regional Coordinator system, and assist where
applicable or warranted;
3. will monitor and provide direction and guidance to chapters to ensure
consistency and compliance with the by-laws and constitution of AAZK. This
will be done, primarily, through the R.C. system by provision of guidelines for
chapter formation and charter, chapter function and financial responsibilities,
provision of resources to enable chapters avenues of fundraising, etc.;
342
LINK System Overview. Continued
4. will serve as the major communication link between AAZK chapters,
Administrative Offices and the Board of Directors in regard to the financial
responsibilities and requirements for chapters;
5. will monitor the R.C. system to ensure its consistent, efficient and useful
function as the local communication network for membership;
6. will correspond directly with R.C.'s and Chapter Liaisons on a regular basis;
7. will recommend for appointment qualifying candidates for R.C. positions and
submit names for Board approval;
8. will review the LINK system on a regular basis for evaluation and modification
and will solicit input from the membership;
9. will report directly to the AAZK Board of Directors on a semi-annual basis by the
submission of a written report. This will be required at the mid-year and annual
Board meetings.
Definition: LINK Assistant Coordinator (AC)
An appointed position of the LINK System approved by the AAZK Board of
Directors. There are two positions - east and west. Each position is directly
responsible to the LINK Coordinator. The AC oversees the general function
and activities of the Regional Coordinators in their area and assists where
necessary. An AC must be a member of the AAZK.
Job Description: LINK Assistant Coordinator (AC)
1. will assist the Coordinator in overseeing the network of AAZK
membership;
2. will monitor the needs of membership by working directly with RC's and
provide information and resources;
3. will assist RC’s with their support roles of the chapter formation and
function process;
4. will monitor the RC systems in their area to ensure effective function and
active operation;
5. will correspond directly with RC's and Chapter Liaisons on a regular
basis;
6. will recommend candidates for RC positions to the LINK Coordinator by
submitting a written report on the candidate stating background and any
qualifications or reference material;
7. will report directly to the LINK Coordinator on a semi-annual basis by the
submission of a written report. It will be required one month before the
mid-year and annual meetings. The report will consist of an overview of
chapter, institutional and member activities as they relate to the AAZK
organization.
343
LINK System Overview, Continued
Definition: Regional Coordinator (RC)
An active member of the AAZK who is responsible for networking a particular
region of North America. Their prime responsibility is to provide communication
and resources to the AAZK membership in the immediate area and encourage
active involvement in chapters and in programs and projects. Recruitment of new
members and institutional liaison is also encouraged. An RC is an appointed
position approved by the AAZK Board of Directors.
Job Description:
1. serve as communications link between all members, chapters and animal care
facilities in the region;
2. encourage the establishment of an AAZK institutional liaison at animal care
facilities in your region that do not have a local chapter;
3. an RC may advise or assist, if required, in chapter liaison selection. The choice
of a Chapter Liaison should be made at the local level using the reasonable
discretion of the institution's members. The selection of Chapter Liaison is by
local appointment or election;
4. be available to provide membership information for individuals and chapters
within the region;
5. will provide his or her name, zoo and home phone numbers if appropriate for
AKF publication and update as necessary;
6. will be required to send semi-annual report forms to chapters and collect these
completed forms by March and July of each year.
7. contact chapters and respond to any questions, concerns, or requests from
chapters or individuals;
8. use the information given in Chapter reports to assist in making semi-annual
reports to the Assistant Coordinators of LINK. These reports will be due by mid-
March and mid- July of each year;
9. training and assistance for chapter/institutional liaisons;
10. all RC's are encouraged to establish a regional liaison council and/or give
AAZK chapter workshops in their region to provide information, communication,
training and support to liaisons, officers, and all other interested members;
11. contact other animal care institutions, in particular, universities, veterinary
clinics and nature centers and provide information about the AAZK;
12. encourage and coordinate regional activities, both professional (i.e., workshops,
conferences, etc.) and recreational (i.e., zoofaris to regional facilities, parks,
spelunking, white water rafting, sky-diving, etc.).
344
LINK System Overview. Continued
Definition: Chapter/Jnstitutional Liaison
An active member of the AAZK who is the main communication link between a
local AAZK Chanter (or an associate institution) and the LINK system. The Cl/IL's
prime responsibilities are to report and provide information from the AAZK
organization to the local membership (projects, programs, National committees,
etc.) through the assistance of RC'snd report by written submission on a semi-
annual basis to the LINK system regarding chapter and membership status,
function and participation.
jQfrBgiggriptiQn;
1. will act as an AAZK representative to an associated institution and its
employees;
2. will encourage membership in the AAZK by promoting it as a professional support
organization;
3. initiate, where possible or appropriate, the formation of a chapter under the RC's
guidance;
4. communicate chapter or member concerns to the RC or LINK Coordinator for
advisement on action;
§. submit a semi-annual report of chapter activities to the RC. The report would be
due for completion by 15 February and 15 June of each year;
6. submit directly to AO. a written report on the financial state of their chapter on a
yearly basis. This would be done by the submission of a 'Net Worth Statement'
for the chapter. It would be sent directly to AO. by Feb. 15, of each year;
7. submit appropriate copies of chapter or institutional publications, handouts, etc.,
to the RC that may be of resource value to the AAZK membership;
8. sit on a Regional Liaison Council, if the region has one.
The issue of Regional Liaison Committees should also be addressed. I recommended the
following:
- the name be changed to Regional Uaison. CouPClI
- the description would be as follows:
The Council would consist of a Chapter Liaison or an Institutional Liaison from
interested animal care facilities in a region. It will be established and chaired by
the Regional Coordinator in that region. Establishment of such a council is
entirely discretionary and should be formed only as local needs warrant. In
regions that have more than one RC, the LINK coordinator will recommend
appointment of the chairperson, based on local recommendations.
The Council will act as a support group for the region, encouraging inter-chapter
communications, activities (local and regional fund-raising), support and
guidance. The council can provide a forum for discussion and resolution of local
chapter or member problems, and develop regional projects that would draw upon
larger resources and strengthen regional bonds.
The RC Chairperson is responsible for informing the Assistant LINK Coordinator
of all activities of the Regional Liaison Council by submitting the minutes of such
meetings. The RC Chairperson is required to obtain Board approval through the
LINK system for any projects or initiatives of the Council as is required by AAZK
By-laws and Constitution.
345
Windhoek/Etosha Pans/Waterburg/Koakoveld
Skeleton Coast/Swakopmund/Johannesburg
Departure New York , February 19, 1991 for 19 days of Excitement
i|
1 day spent on a private guest farm, most excellent area for birding
4 days in the Etosha Pans Area salt pan - an enormous shallow depression over
100 km across with numerous perennial springs around its edges. Here large
concentrations of game and birdlife will whet your appetite.
3 days camping in the Damaraland area, looking for the desert elephant, black
rhino and viewing rock paintings, large specimen of the well known ancient
plant - Welwitschia Mirabillis.
4 days on the Skeleton Coast, wind swept sand dunes, open gravel plains and
treacherous coastline. A region of rare beauty, with canyons, sand-dunes and
small groups of hardy desert animals. The Cape Cross seal colony, where seals
breed in their tens of thousands. Wander around the lively old town of
Swakopmund and visit Walvis Bay with time for fishing.
2 days in the Johannesburg area with optional tours to the world famous Pretoria
and Johannesburg Zoos, to meet your colleagues and friends.
Total Safari Cost, Land/Air $2895.00 per person double occupancy
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION. . . . 1-800-323-8020
P.O.Box 178, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
AAZK Diet Notebook
Mammals, Volume 1
The AAZK Diet Notebook, Mammals - - Volume 1 contains
approximately 325 diets representing 213 species and subspecies
from fourteen participating institutions. The diets are arranged by
taxonomic order using ISIS numbers in a durable and attractive three-
ring binder. Each Diet Response Form included in Volume 1 contains
the following information: common name, scientific name, ISIS
number, the contributing individual, their institution and its address,
how long the diet has been used, whether the animals have bred while
on the diet, the diet ingredients, instructions for preparation, notes
and remarks, special considerations and nutritional analysis (if
available).
The Diet Notebook is a copyrighted publication of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., and may be ordered by filling out the
following form and sending it, along with a check or money order (U.S.
FUNDS ONLY) made payable to ’’AAZK Diet Notebook” to: Diet
Notebook Order, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S. A.
Cost of the Diet Notebook is as follows: 1) AAZK Members $40.00; 2)
Non-members $55.00; 3) Institutions $70.00. These prices represent
prepaid order prices and include postage for the U.S. and Canada.
Those placing orders from overseas should contact AAZK
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 for
additional postage charges. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*— 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*- 5s*-
AAZK DIET NOTEBOOK ORDER FORM
I wish to order ■ copy (ies) of the AAZK Diet Notebook,
(check one)
AAZK Member Non-Member Institution .
Total amount enclosed: $ ___
Name: . .
Address:
City: State/Province:
Zip/Postal Code: Telephone: „
ALL ORDERS MUST BE PREPAID
Solitary Confinement
By
Alan Roocroft
Manager, Elephant Programs
Zoological Society of San Diego
As Told To
Alison Davis Tibbits
Elephants are highly dependent on the family unit as the basic social structure of their
lives. These animals interact many times daily, teaching and assisting each other as well
as expressing friendship and affection. The herd, without human interference or
influence, allows every elephant's personality to evolve at its own rate. The young
animals develop social skills and confidence during this time, learning from the older
elephants who serve as role models. The dominant female matriarch oversees herd
behavior, monitoring both immediate and extended family.
In contrast, a captive elephant all alone lacks the very core of its existence, the presence of
its own kind. Deprived of such companionship and support, the single elephant lives in a
setting best described as "solitary confinement".
What does "solitary confinement" mean to an animal? Why would anyone professing to
care about elephants tolerate such an arrangement, much less practice it? Instances of this
situation do occur, however, even with zoos and self-proclaimed "animal rights" people. In
fact, it may be preferable to keep no elephants at all rather than have so few that adequate
companionship cannot be provided. An ideal minimum population would be four or more
animals. The more elephants are studied and understood, the less accurate is the old belief
that "a zoo is not a zoo without an elephant".
There is no question that the keepers' time with a solitary elephant is doubly important
because these people provide the animal's only social interaction. A single elephant is
severely handicapped when he or she has inadequate contact with people. Captive elephants
with insufficient social stimuli often develop behavior problems directly traceable to
apprehension and/or boredom. Physical signs of deep-seated psychological problems
include:
1) rocking in place, on or off chains — this is the most common sign of neurotic
behavior, beginning during the early years and stemming from restriction of
movement or being ill at ease in the surroundings.
2) hitting head on wall or gate
3) tapping the tip of the trunk on wall or gate
4) pulling on one or both mammary glands
5) rubbing chains along the tusks
6) banging chains on the floor
7) holding the trunk in the mouth while rocking
8) lifting rear leg and touching trunk
9) pulling the skin under the chest
10) continued or increased apprehension following a change of location - as in a
move from the outdoors to the bam
Solitary Confinement. Continued
Different individual personalities and early experiences can result in a variety of
problems. Therefore, everyone who owns or keeps a solitary elephant is urged to observe the
animal frequently, watching for indications of psychological distress. Solitary living
also increases the two other principle anxiety-producing dilemmas of captivity: 1) boredom
and, 2) inadequately trained keeper personnel.
Boredom is often a severe problem for the captive animal. Elephants in the wild devote
about eighty percent of their day to searching for and consuming food, traveling twenty to
thirty miles seeking sustenance. In captivity, delivery of food to the enclosure removes
any need to roam and forage, at the expense of losing an important daily challenge to the
animals' ingenuity, intelligence and physical exertion.
The remaining twenty percent of every day for elephants in the wild is spent associating
with one another. This time of psychological development includes caring for and
interacting with each other and the environment. Such opportunity does not occur for
solitary animals except when provided by satisfactory keeper contact. Keepers must fill the
void created by the absence of normal herd activities.
It is essential for keepers to understand the elephant's basic physical and mental needs and
to read their behavioral signals. About half of the captive animal's basic requirements are
physical, for food, water and clean surroundings. Their other necessity is for occupational
labor which provides work to keep minds and bodies in top condition.
Elephants need to move from place to place, to pull, haul, carry, or lift every day. Private
zoos and individuals who routinely work their animals fulfill this requirement well,
resulting in animals who sleep better and do less random eating. Depending on the
setting, other types of useful work may include rides, shows, public feedings, long walks,
and behavior demonstrations. Stimuli which can be made available outdoors include the
following:
1) fresh piles of dirt in which to dig, roll and play
2) regular browse to manipulate and munch
3) burial of branches, roots and rocks for the animals to discover and dig up —
this is particularly helpful if there are only a few animals.
Almost any opportunity for movement helps an elephant eliminate boredom. One exception
to this generalization involves including young elephants in children's zoos. Such an
animal, isolated from the influence of other elephants, soon learns undesirable habits such
as head-butting or striking out with its trunk. Actions regarded as" cute" by uninformed
visitors will become serious difficulties in the future.
Aware and alert keepers not only provide vital care and companionship, but can spot and
address behavior problems. These problems develop in the early years due to inadequate or
irregular training, or from hasty training which expects too much too soon. Consistency is
the most important word in the trainer's vocabulary during the elephant’s infancy and
adolescence. Consistency is vital to establishment of positive behavior in adult life.
Personality traits such as stability, dependability, nervousness, aggressiveness, and
timidity are rooted in the levels of self-confidence and expectation established early in the
animal's life. The trainer's motto must be : "Do Today What You Will Do Tomorrow".
Elephants do not read minds and frequent deviations in routine can't be explained to an
animal.
Constant reinforcement of behaviors after training is completed eliminates confusion. A
confused elephant can be a dangerous one. Without continual reinforcement, the animal
is never sure what to anticipate and this can adversely affect personality development.
Similarly, praise and reprimand must be delivered promptly to achieve lasting impact.
The animal has to be able to recognize cause-and-effect.
349
Solitary Confinement. Continued
Because many zoo herds are created from unrelated animals, herd dynamics require a
minimum of five years to become firmly established. Elephants are valuable animals,
and in a confined space they require keeper supervision for protection and interception of
problems as they arise. Herd dynamics are negatively affected if: 1) there is frequent
personnel turnover; 2) levels of interest in the animal differ widely among keepers, or; 3)
the keepers' background experience varies too much. Problems with captive elephants
occur when humans cannot or do not perform their jobs properly.
Problems of solitary confinement could also occur when there is more than one animal. A
threesome may develop a two-against-one relationship, and three is a typical number of
elephants found in zoos. In an even larger group, one elephant can become the "lowest one
on the totem pole" and the object of isolation by the other animals. If there are enough
animals in the larger group, the segregated one may in time form a social sub-group within
the main herd, as has happened at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Dunda, 19, had a long history of aggression and abnormal behavior stemming from
rejection by other elephants. This behavior began at the San Diego Zoo when Dunda was
quite young. She became chronically agitated and insecure as "odd one out" in the herd.
After years of bullying from other elephants, she was transferred to the Wild Animal Park
for breeding. In time, she developed a small sub-group of friends, first with Bisi and then
Tateema and Wanki. Prior to this new association, Bisi was also alone and suffering
great anxiety due to being separated from Connie, her Asian elephant friend of many
years. Bisi paced along the moat between the African and Asian enclosures daily for a
couple of years after the separation until she and Dunda befriended one another. While the
main herd seems more ready to accept Dunda today, the lack of self-confidence resulting
from her years of submission prevents her from integrating with the others.
An animal may be hard to handle because of mistreatment or solitary conditions imposed
on them for an extended period. One such elephant is Cindy, an Asian with a checkered
history of living alone for many of her 26 years. During her seven years at the Wild
Animal Park she injured two keepers, but got along very well with several others. She is
an insecure animal with no self-confidence and her nervous system easily overloads
resulting in confusion which leads to aggressive behavior.
Elephants must be taught how to live in the world, and this vital assignment falls to older
herd members. The matriarch is the storehouse of the herd's lessons and wisdom. She
leads members in teaching survival skills to the young. Eating, drinking, socializing,
birth, death, locating water holes and finding new feeding grounds are all factors an
elephant must know to survive. When older animals are eliminated, the remaining
elephants, particularly the orphans, cannot fill the vacant roles if they have not seen prior
examples. A great void then exists in the family unit.
Adolescence, from ages 8 to 14, is a very impressionable period for elephants. They
approach sexual maturity eager to learn about life. Their young bodies mature and change
like that of a human. The female usually delivers her first calf between the ages of 10 and
12. The male matures a little later. Young bulls of about ten years are chased off from the
herd to live alone or with a bachelor herd with bulls of various ages.
It has been suggested that, if an elephant is too difficult to train, euthanasia might be
justifiable. This idea prompts the theoretical question of what contribution these animals
could make if allowed to live. Are they valuable as future leaders precisely because of the
difficult traits they display? Could a potentially important addition to the gene pool be lost if
the animal is eliminated?
Such questions have no proven answers at this time, but do beg the issue of how serious it
might be to remove an animal just because he or she is an inconvenient nonconformist.
Might it be simply that the animal's intense dislike of someone or something in its past
manifests itself as dangerous behavior when the elephant’s excellent memory is reminded
of the offender? This certainly occurs in a human with a similar problem.
gplitory Confinement, Continued
The field of elephant management needs to develop a level of professionalism appropriate
to the importance of our mission. The situation for elephants world-wide grows more
serious by the week, and the animals now in our care represent some of the best hopes for
perpetuation of the species. A thorough apprenticeship, with a high level of education and
training, plus appropriate compensation, is needed to attract and retain the most capable
and caring individuals for elephant management. Acknowledgement of the traditional
values of hard work, loyalty, understanding and respect will further enhance the
attraction of deeply dedicated people.
In summary, the most satisfactory and successful management of captive elephants comes
through those institutions whose highly trained and devoted people best know and
understand the animals. Possession of credentials does not guarantee this knowledge,
unless accompanied by a breadth of hands-on experience. An elephant’s well being further
requires the sociability and stability of sufficient fellow elephants to simulate a family.
Such cannot be achieved when this elephant lives isolated and alone in solitary
confinement.
9
Send “I Can” Signals
—reprinted in part from The office Professional with the permission of its editor, Andy
Reynolds.
Sure, she has the skills to do the job, but her attitude...
Case closed. Future dim.
His skills need work, but his attitude is like
money in the bank...
Although “good attitude” rarely appears in a job description, supervisors generally value it
ahead of the technical skills needed to do the job. Employees with a positive attitude rarely
find themselves out of work. In fact, this trait is identified with advancement and
expanding career opportunities.
Managers find that employees with a positive attitude can be taught technical skills while
those with a negative attitude have trouble understanding what is wrong with their
performance and in changing their ways.
A positive attitude about oneself and one's work leads to taking responsibility and acting
with integrity.
Three primary qualities make an attitude “good”.
Team spirit. People who are willing to cheer the organization to success usually realize
that a slight difference in effort can make a big difference in results. People with team
spirit do their best to do the job right because they know the quality of work they do affects the
work of others.
Desire. The will to perform well helps people overcome obstacles that would defeat
employees with weaker motivation. Their attitude provides satisfaction as each unit of
work is completed satisfactorily, energizing them for the next task.
Vision. People who can see the broad picture while doing the mundane chores make a
serious commitment to their jobs. A vision of how things should be leads individuals
toward personal and organizational success.
351
NOW AVAILABLE
Zoonotic Diseases. 2nd Edition
AAZK is pleased to announce the availability of the Second Edition of the
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook. This 40-page reference work details the most
common zoonotic diseases, offers guidelines for preventive control and covers
personal hygiene and disinfection procedures.
This Second Edition contains expanded listings of zoonotic diseases and has
been formatted in 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" AKF size. Information on each disease is
presented in a text format which includes Ethiologic Agent, Means of
Transmission to Man, Global Distribution, Alternate or Intermediate Hosts,
Human Incubation and Human Symptoms. Editor for this volume is Bruce
Clark of the Toledo Zoo.
Copies may be purchased by
completing the order form
below. Prices are: $5.00 for
Professional AAZK members;
$6.50 for all other AAZK
membership categories; and
$8.50 for non-members. The
prices include shipping and
handling within North America.
Orders outside the U.S. and
Canada should add $3.00 for
foreign postage by Air Mail.
Make check or money order
payable in U.S. FUNDS ONLY
to: "AAZK". Please allow 3-4
weeks for delivery.
Zoonotic Diseases
Published by
The American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Please send copy/copies of the AAZK Zoonotic Diseases Handbook to:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY; P AF AS INST Non-Mem
TOTAL AMOUNT INCUDED: $
Send to: Zoonotic Diseases, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
AAZK Membership Application
Name
check here if renewal [ ]
Address
City
□ $30.00 Professional
Full-time Keepers
□ $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
I I $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
Zoo Affiliation (if any)
Zoo Address
State/Province Zip
□ $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
□ $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
□ $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S. A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15711.
OF THE PRECEDING MONTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers' Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.SA.
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November 1990
Animal
Keepers'
Forum
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer
November 1990
Volume Seventeen
Number Eleven
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster:
Please send address changes to:
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008 Immediate Past President
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE.. CHAIRPERSONS..- PROJECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book-Review. Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange
Dale Frerking, Kansas City Zoo
A AZK ..History Committee
Rachel Rogers, Miami Metrozoo
International Affairs Coordinators - Mona
Conservation. Preservation. Restoration
Animal Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to AAZPA/IZE
Brint Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Keeper Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to Ztiokeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo InfanHD-e.Yelopment Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design Form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Keeper Training & Education
(includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink Krussman, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
Susan M. Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
Public Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Keith, Calgary Zoo (east) Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
(CPR) Committee - Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Biological Values/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Chicago, IL
Bv-Laws Review
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
Zoo/Uniyersity List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Flections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic. Piseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo/Production Coordinator
Order/Distribution Center at AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka
AAZK Chapter Network System
Coordinator - Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Co-Coordinators
Colleen Kinzley, Knowland Park Zoo (Oakland, CA) and Nanci Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo (Columbus, OH)
Ql A) printed on recycled paper
This month's cover art features the Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) drawn by
Mona Keith, a keeper at the Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. One of five species of
the genus Panthera . the Siberian Tiger is the largest living felid with males weighing
between 100-150 kg. Endangered due to hunting and loss of habitat, there are believed to be
approximately 200 of these magnificent cats left in the wild. A Species Survival Plan has
been established for the Siberian Tiger and zoos world-wide are working cooperatively to
preserve this subspecies. Calgary presently has 2.1 and have had good breeding success in
the past. Thanks, Mona!
Scoops
and
Scuttlebutt
AAZK Life Member Receives Conservation Award
Andy Lodge, former zoo keeper at the Columbus Zoo, and President of the Ngare Sergoi
Support Group, Inc., has been honored with The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Award
for his efforts to insure preservation of the critically endangered rhinoceros. Andy
received the award from President George Bush on October 22 during ceremonies in the
First Ladies Garden at the White House in Washington, DC. While still a full-time
keeper, Andy was active in the Ngare Sergoi Support Group, giving talks and raising
public awareness of the plight of the rhino. Last year Andy resigned from his zoo keeper
position to spend full-time working on fund-raising and public education on rhino and
elephant conservation. Andy's efforts have been responsible for much of the funding for
the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Preserve in Kenya. While AAZK members and Chapters have
supported Andy's efforts on an individual basis for a number of years, this year the
combined efforts of members and Chapters throughout North America produced the highly
successful “Bowling for Rhinos” event which earned in excess of $150,000 for rhino
conservation. Andy was recognized by the AAZK Board of Directors during the 1989
Conference and presented with a Honorary National Life Membership in the Association.
Membership Directory Update
The 1991-92 Edition of the AAZK Membership Directory has been mailed to all
Professional, Life and Contributing members. These membership categories receive the
Directory gratis as part of their membership benefits. Other membership categories and
non-members may purchase the Directory from AAZK Administrative Offices. Cost is
$5.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members. Order from the Administrative Secretary
at AAZK AO, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Qygrseas Membership Fee Ingres Effective l January lfflQ
Professional, Affiliate and Associate memberships for those living outside the U.S. and
Canada have been raised to $40.00 per year beginning 1 January 1991. The increasing cost
of overseas postage has forced AAZK to increase the rates. This will affect not only
individual international members, but also the fees paid by Chapters or individuals who
sponsor a foreign keeper. If you have any questions concerning this fee increase, please
contact Administrative Offices in Topeka.
353
Scoops & Scuttlebutt. Continued
Metro TQgQnlfl ZqqJjS Host Behavioral WprkghQp
Metro Toronto Zoo is host for the Sixth Annual Workshop on “Applying Behavioral
Research to Zoo Animal Management.” This highly acclaimed program is designed to
give participants the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct and participate in
behavioral studies, and to apply the information gained to the real problems of day-to-day
animal management. Behavioral considerations are increasingly recognized as major
factors in the successful management and breeding of captive wildlife, along with
veterinary care and nutrition.
This eight-day training workshop is especially directed at animal staff, including
keepers, curators and veterinary staff from zoos, aquariums and related facilities.
Through lectures, discussions and actual research projects, participants will learn to
conduct their own behavioral studies. Participation in the workshop is designed to
increase the quality of animal management decisions, as well as to facilitate cooperation
and communication between zoo professionals and university scientists.
The workshop will be held in lecture rooms at the Scarborough College campus of the
University of Toronto, as well as at the Metro Toronto Zoo, where participants will develop
and conduct projects in mammalian, avian or reptilian behavior. The workshop
instructors are Dr. Michael Hutchins, Director of Conservation & Science, AAZPA and
Dr. Jill Mellen, Conservation/Research Coordinator at the Washington Park Zoo in
Portland, OR.
For further information contact: Marilyn Cole, 1991 Behavioral Workshop Committee
Chairman, Metro Toronto Zoo, P.O. Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada M1E 4R5.
Tree Kangaroo Publication Available
Bulletin Number 1 of the AAZPA Monotreme and Marsupial Advisory Group entitled “The
Biology and Management of Tree Kangaroos,” edited by Miles Roberts and Michael
Hutchins, is now available. The volume, proceedings of a symposium held at the National
Zoological Park in May 1990, contains four review papers, photographs, and a
comprehensive bibliography. For price and ordering information contact Miles Roberts,
Dept, of Zoological Research, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008. Phone:
(202) 673-4749.
Former Brookfield Zoo Pioneer Dies
Virginia Havemeyer, Superintendent of the Children's Zoo at the Brookfield Zoo from 1952
to 1969, died at the age of 86 in early October. Virginia was a pioneer in the field since at the
time she served as superintendent, women were rarely allowed to be zoo keepers let alone
heads of departments at most of the nation's zoos. Gail Schneider, Executive Director of
Dreher Park Zoo and former zoo keeper, notified our offices of Virginia's passing. Gail
wrote: “Without people like her, many people like me would probably not have had a chance
to break into the business. Aside from all of that, she was a very interesting and nice
person.”
AAZK Administrative Offices
1-800-242-4519 (U.S. Only)
1-800-468-1966 (Canada)
FAX 913-272-2539
9
354
Coming Events
Fifth Conference on the Captive Propagation and
Husbandry of Reptiles and Amphibians
February 16-18, 1991 Davis, CA
Conference will be held at the University of California, Davis. For more information
contact: Rick Staub (707) 553-9739 or Gerold Merker (916) 644-6253.
AAZPA Regional Conferences for 1991
Southern Regional - 10-12 March, 1991. For more information contact Les Schobert, North
Carolina Zoological Park, Route 4, Box 83, Asheboro, NC 27203 (919) 879-7000.
Western Regional - 24-26 March 1991. For more information contact Sal Perkins,
Wildlife Safari Park, P.O. Box 1600, Winston, OR 97469. (503) 679-6761.
Central Regional - 7-9 April 1991. For more information contact Carol Eames, Tulsa
Zoolgical Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115 (918) 596-2401
Northeastern Regional - 21-23 April 1991. For more information contact Tony Vecchio,
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI 02905 (401) 785-9450
Ext. 80.
Great Lakes Regional - 55-7 May 1991. For more information contact Greg Geise, Binder
Park Zoo, 7400 Division Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017 (616) 979-1351.
AAZK Announces New Professional & Contributing Members
Lisa Shunney, Capron Prk Zoo (MA
Heather Crawford, Staten Island Zoo (NY)
A1 Porta, Philadelphia Zoo (PA)
Mary Terry, NC Museum of Natural History (NC)
John Seyjagat, Lubee Foundation, Inc. (FL)
April Truitt, Monkeys & Friends (KY)
Jean Nicholson, Brookfield zoo (IL)
Brenda Herron, Wildlife Prairie Prk (IL)
Darrin Webb, Wildlife Prairie Prk (IL)
Michael A. Yznaga, Topeka Zoo (KS)
Cheryl Stallings, Oklahoma City Zoo (OK)
Cinnamon Zakar, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Debbie Lockey, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Cary Glenn Seale, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Ruston M. Agte, Reid Park Zoo (AZ)
Jeff Fuller, San Diego Wild Animal Prk (CA)
Barbara Andriani, Bergan County Zoo (NJ)
Sarah Connaughton, Buffalo Zoo (NY)
Karen Oldfield, Baltimore Zoo (MD)
Carol Bryant, Charlotte Natural Museum (NC)
Andrea DeMuth, Busch Gardens Zoo (FL)
Charles Wussow, MacKenzie Environmental
Center (WI)
Dorothy Jepson, Wildlife Prairie Prk (IL)
Raymond Swearingen, Wildlife Prairie Prk
Bambi D. Foy, Heritage Zoo (NE)
Sheila Campbell, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Donna M. Kelley, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Gerry Moore, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Tatiana Stephens, Houston Zool. Gdns. (TX)
Mark Cooper, Los Angeles Zoo (CA)
Jennifer LeClair, Sea World (CA)
James H. McNeal, Woodland Park Zoo (WA)
New Contributing Members
Amy Sutton, SUNY College, Delhi, NY
Neil Anderson, Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City, IL
William H. Disher, San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park, San Diego, CA
Renewing Contributing Members
Bruce M. Thomas, Arlington, VA
Steve H. Taylor, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
Tim Knight, Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, Seattle, WA
355
MEMO:
TO: Regional Coordinators/Chapter Liaisons/ Institutional Liaisons
FROM: Mark de Denus, LINK Coordinator
Work is still underway to refine the communication and assistance network now known
as LINK. Once all aspects of the system are finalized and approved, packages will be sent
to you. These will include reporting sheets/surveys on Chapter or regional activities and
resource information for membership or Chapter assistance. For now, all RCs, Chapter
and Institutional Liaisons should operate as follows:
- continue to communicate with the membership in your area as needed and forward
questions, concerns, ideas, etc. to the appropriate person in the LINK system.
Communication can also be directed to Administrative Offices, the Board of Directors
or myself as the situation warrants.
- review the Job Description/Duties for your position (AKF October ’90) to update and
clarify your responsibilities; contact me for further clarification is necessary.
CHAPTER NOTE: Reporting on Chapter activities and status need not be addressed until
after December/90. Revised reporting forms will be sent to you (as well as to Regional
Coordinators).
IMPORTANT: Chapters are required to return the completed Authorization for Inclusion
in IRS Group Exemption Letter’ form immediately to Administrative
Offices in Topeka. A copy of the Chapter's Constitution/By-laws/Amend-
ments must also be included. (If you have misplaced this form, contact AO
immediately to have another sent to you!)
THIS IS A PRIORITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHAPTER OFFICERS
TO ADDRESS.
Failure to comply will require necessary action by the AAZK Board.
to welcome the following members to these appointed positions:
Karin Newman - RC for Wisconsin
Dan Powell - RC for Indiana
Bruce Eneboe - RC for Arizona/New Mexico
the following resignations:
Ed Hansen - RC for Arizona/New Mexico
Steve Tigges - RC for OK/KS/MO/AR
Colleen Kinzley - Assistant Coordinator WEST for LINK
wishes to thank these professionals for their work and dedication to the
organization and their commitment to professional growth.
Mark de Denus/LINK Coordinator
I would like
Please note
The AAZK
356
Births & Hatchings
Sacramento Zoo,. .a pair of unusual eagles have recently been acquired by this facility.
The Bateleur eagle ( Terathopius ecaudatus ) female arrived from North Carolina Zoo and
the male came to Sacramento from the St. Louis Zoo. The eagle's name comes from the
bird's resemblance to a circus performer - bateleur is French for tightrope walker The
bird's side-rolls, somersaults, loop-the-loops and other aerial acrobatics are accompanied
by loud wing clapping. ‘We are hoping that as the male matures, the birds will eventually
develop into a breeding pair,” says Jane Hansjergen, general curator. “This species of
eagle seems to breed well in captivity.”
Unlike many birds, bateleur eagles rarely perch in trees. They are stocky birds, 22-25
inches long with exceptionally long wings, very short tails and powerful, heavily scaled
legs and feet. In the wild, this species picks up carrion and attacks large snakes,
including puff adders. Bateleur eagles also attack vultures and other birds likely to have
scraps of food. They are native to Africa south of the Sahara excluding the Congo Basin
where their habitat consists of open land, steppe with acacias and other broad-crowned
trees. It avoids large forests and is not considered endangered. (News Release ,
Sacramento Zoo).
Central Florida Chapter AAZK...reports the following significant B&H from two of their
participating facilities:
Sea World...on 16 August, 1990, Sea World Orlando had its first King Penguin
(Aptenodytes patagonica ) hatch. The female laid the egg on 23 June. She was a 26-month-
old bird originating from the 1988 egg collecting expedition to South Georgia Island, near
the continent of Antarctica. The male parent was a wild-caught bird approximately 22
years old. In the beginning both birds shared incubation of the egg by positioning it on top of
their feet and incubating it with the brood patch. When the egg is transferred from one
parent to the other the behavior consists of head weaving, nibbling of the other's neck and
beak fencing. Egg laying normally occurs between November and March depending upon
the pair's last breeding season. It takes 15 to 18 months for a chick to fledge. Though under
ideal conditions, such as those found in captivity, it is not uncommon for these birds to lay
off -season. The average incubation time is 52 - 54 days.
On 28 July, more than half way through the incubation period, the egg was
abandoned by both parents. The egg was transferred to a Petersime Incubator, Model 4, for
the remainder of the incubation period. The egg began pipping on the 53rd day and with a
little human TLC completed hatching on the 55th day. The chick weighed 154.9 grams
when it hatched and is gaining daily. The initial feeding for the chick consisted of water
to deter possible dehydration. The remaining feedings consisted of formula, similar to
that of a milkshake, made from herring fillets, krill, multivitamins, Brewer's Yeast,
Vitamin E, Calcium, half and half cream, and water. The chick is being fed 5 times a day.
On 4 September the chick received its first taste of solid food, herring fillets. The brown,
downy feathers have begun to appear. Our newest addition is on display for the behind-the-
scenes tours and is very active and vocal. ( submitted by Mike Cothran and Sandy
Wieprzkowski , Sea World of Florida).
Other significant hatchings for Sea World of Florida include 0.1 Bufflehead
(Bucephala albcola), 1.2 Comb duck ( Sarkidiornis mellanotos), and 0.0.1 Scarlet ibis
( Eudocimus ruber), all first hatchings for the Aviculture Department.
We also have 7 Hadada ibis ( Hagedashia hagedash) eggs that are being artificially
incubated. This is the third nesting for one pair and the second nesting for another pair.
357
Births & Hatchings. Continued
These birds produced eggs after being in their new exhibit for two months. Finally, we are
pleased to announce the second hatching of a Palm cockatoo ( Prohosciger atirrimus). The
chick is being hand-raised by the curator of birds. ( submitted by John Beasley, Sea World ,
Chapter Liaison for Central Florida AAZK Chapter).
King Penguin chick being hand-fed. This chick represents a first hatching
of this species for Sea World of Florida. (Photo courtesy of Chris Gotshall,
Sea World)
Cypress Gardens. ..the summer months were most productive for our animal care
department. Heading up the list of significant births is “Roxy”, a 0.1 Ringtail lemur
( Lemur catta) born on 5 July and “Doogie”, a Spider monkey ( Ateles geoffroyi ) born 10
July. Both are being hand-reared by our nursery staff, consisting of three different
keepers, male and female. They are given 24 hour care and are checked by our
veterinarian twice a week. They are thriving and have adjusted very well.
358
Births & Hatchings. Continued
The Reptile Dept, had two important hatchings. First was a clutch of 0.0.7 Green
iguana ( Iguana iguana) on 27 August. This was the second consecutive clutch in two
years. Secondly, we are proud to announce our first hatching of 0.0.25 American alligators
( Alligator mississippiensis) on 28 August. They are being reared and displayed in the
nursery.
Most significant for our Aviculture staff this summer was the hatching of 0.4
Paradise shell ducks ( Tadorna variegata ). We also had numerous parrots and macaws
hatch this summer as well. ( submitted by Liz Goodale, Cypress Gardens).
This threatened reptile was born on 28 August. It is from a clutch of 25
American Alligators, a first for Cypress Gardens Animal Care Staff.
(Photo courtesy of Dave Woods, Cypress Gardens)
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park... would like to announce the following B&H
from May through August 1990:
On 4 April, our female American golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos canadensis) laid her
first egg for this year, followed two days later by a second. After an incubation period of
almost a month and a half, the first egg hatched. The second turned out to be infertile. The
proud parents, as usual, did an excellent job in raising the eaglet. On 22 June, the eaglet
was removed from the nest and taken to a hacking site in Center County, PA, for eventual
release. It was decided that the eagle was strong enough to be released on 5 July. The eagle
did well and was beginning to kill its own food. Unfortunately, the eagle flew into power
lines on 17 September, incurring damage to its left wing and neck. We hope to be able to re-
release the eagle next spring.
359
Birth? & Hatchings, Continued
Our pair of Snowy owls ( Nyctea scandiaca ) also had a successful year, with four of their
chicks surviving. Their first clutch died from fly larvae infestations. They abandoned
their second clutch which was then pulled for artificial incubation. Much to our surprise,
the female laid a third clutch! These eggs were also pulled for artificial incubation. The
young owls are doing fine.
A surprise this year was the discovery of a Burrowing owl chick ( Speotyto cunicularia ) on
18 August. The adults did not seem to be spending much time in the burrow and no young
were expected. Less notable, but very popular with our guests, were the births of 1.0
American bison ( Bison bison ) and 2.0 American elk ( Celes celes americana ) in June.
(Submitted by Mike Light, Zoo Naturalist, Zoo America North American Wildlife Park,
Hershey, PA).
Awards Presented at 1990 AAZPA Conference
The following Honors & Awards were presented during the 1990 Annual AAZPA
Conference held in Indianapolis, IN in September:
Edward H. Bean Awards
Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens - Long-term Propagation of the Lowland Gorilla
Tulsa Zoological Park - Birth of Atlantic Spadefish
Significant Achievement Awards
Duke University Primate Center - Long-term Propagation of
Coquerel's Sifaka
Minnesota Zoological Gardens - Ermine Breeding Program
Oklahoma City Zoological Park - Chameleon Breeding Program
Vancouver Public Aquarium - Northern Sea Otter Breeding Program
Exhibit Award
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens - Elephant Forest
Significant Achievement Awards
New York Aquarium - Discovery Cove
New York Zoological Park - Zoo Center
Riverbanks Zoological park - Aquarium Reptile Complex
Zoo Atlanta - Masai Mara
Education Award
New York Zoological Park - Zoos for Effective Science Teaching
Significant Achievement Awards
Los Angeles Zoo - Adventure Island: The Education Component
Vancouver Public Aquarium - Anatomy of a Rainforest
360
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1990 American Association
of Zoo Keepers Awards
The following awards were presented at the 16th National AAZK Conference held in New
Orleans, LA from 4-8 November, 1990. The Jean C. Hromadka Excellence in Zoo Keeping,
the Meritorious Achievement, and the Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education Awards
are selected by the AAZK Awards Committee from nominations proposed by the AAZK
membership. Janet McCoy of Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR chaired the Awards
Committee this year. The Certificates of Recognition and Appreciation are given by the
AAZK Board of Directors. The Excellence in Journalism Awards are selected by the
editorial staff of Animal Keepers' Forum.
1990 Jean C. Hromadka Excellence in Zoo Keeping Award Recipients
In recognition of their professional attitude, true dedication, superb application of animal
husbandry practices and contribution to the welfare of the animal life placed in their
charge, AAZK presents the following individuals with this award.
Pamela Jensen Dunn, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Awarded for her outstanding work with newborn primates and for her efforts in
establishing the Children's Zoo volunteer program. Also noted were her special events and
education work.
Edward Laird, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
For his outstanding work with Addax nasomaculatus and Springhaas. Also noted was his
committee, keeper training and educational work.
Meritorious Achievement Award Recipients
In recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of wildlife conservation and animal
husbandry. AAZK presents this award to:
Tina Mullett, Judie Steenberg and Diane Yoshimi
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, Seattle, WA
For the development, promotion and updating of the Tree Kangaroo Husbandry Notebook.
AAZK Chapter of the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound, Inc.
Rosamond, CA
For outstanding volunteer commitment and dedication through fundraising and animal
management training to save endangered felines.
Merit fpr Zwfepgr
In recognition of the outstanding achievement by an institution in establishing and
promoting zoo keeper education at their facility, AAZK presents this award to:
Kevin Conway and Robert Rod den
National Zoological Park Conservation Be, Research Center
Front Royal, VA
For development of the keeper training manual for the Conservation and Research
Center's Mammal Unit .
362
1990 AAZK/AKF Award Recipients , Continued
Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo
Gainesville, FL
For the development of the Zoo Animal Technology Program which offers a wide range of
technological instruction and clinical experience.
Certificate of Appreciation
Dr. Janis Ott-Joslin
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, Seattle, WA
In sincere appreciation for her technical assistance and support in the production of the
Tree Kangaroo Husbandry Notebook.
Certificate of Recognition
Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo
service as Chairperson of the By-laws Review Committee
and Production Coordinator for the Videotape Project
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
service as Coordinator of the Book Review Project
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
service as editor of the second edition of
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook
Kaci Thompson, National Zoological Park
for service as Chairperson of the Research/Grants Committee
and the Library Resources Project
Nanci Pintavalli, Columbus Zoo
for service as Chairperson/Coordinator of the
1990 “Bowling for Rhinos” Fundraiser
Bill Whittaker, Toledo Zoo
for service as Coordinator of the Chapter and Regional
Affairs System and for initiating the nationwide
Keeper Census/Survey
Larry Sammarco, Gainesville, FL
in special recognition of the service he has given the Association over the years
and for the support and encouragement he has always offered to AAZK.
Excellence in Journalism Awards
Outstanding Mammal Article: “Development of a Supplemental
Feeding Protocol for a Western Lowland Gorilla”
Lilli Thorpe, Dallas Zoo
363
1990 AAZK/AKF Award Recipients , Continued,
Outstanding Avian Article: “Quarantine and Acclimatization
of Bee-Eaters at the San Diego Zoo”
Kimberly Livingstone, San Diego Zoo
Outstanding Veterinary Article: “Practical Avian Triage”
Gail Hedberg, San Francisco Zoo
Outstanding Narrative Article: “Reflections on Rhum, Parts I & II”
Robert Bergahier, Philadelphia Zoo
Outstanding Exhibit Article: “A Tropical Renaissance -
It's All in a Day's Work”
Jeanette Nadeau, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Outstanding Conservation Article: “Waste Reduction Program
at Metro Toronto Zoo”
Linda Ervine, Metro Toronto Zoo
Outstanding Education Article: “Husbandry Notebooks
and Unit Procedures”
Judie Steenberg, Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
Outstanding Husbandry Article: “Hand-rearing, Growth &
Development of Fisher”
Tom LaBarge, Burnet Park Zoo
Outstanding Research Article: “Research in Natural Habitat Enclosures
at the Duke University Primate Center”
Louise B. Martin, DUPC
Outstanding Cover Art: “Jaguar”
November 1989 issue
Mary Deckert, Los Angeles Zoo
Honorable Mention Awards
“Techniques Used in Hand-Rearing and Subsequent Reintroduction to Her Mother of a
Lowland Gorilla”, Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto Zoo (Mammal Category)
“Introduction of a Male Colobus to an Existing All Male Group”, Susan Margulis, Burnet
Park Zoo (Mammal Category)
“Breeding the Black & White Casqued Hornbill at the Ouwehand Zoo in the Netherlands",
Gerald H. Meijer, Ouwehand Zoo (Avian Category)
364
1990 AAZK/AKF Award Recipients , Continued
“Animal Death Report Form: Important Data for Animal Husbandry and Preventive
Health Programs”, Dr. Kent Osborn, San Diego Zoo (Veterinary Category)
“The Creation and Operation of a Native Hummingbird Exhibit”, Barbara Palmer, Karen
Krebbs and Sara McLalan, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Exhibit Category)
“Management and Breeding of Southern White Rhinoceros”, Betty A. Grogan and Glen A.
Grogan, Jacksonville Zoo (Husbandry Category)
“Behavior and Management of Small Deer at the San Diego Zoo”, Celeste Northrop, San
Diego Zoo (Research Category)
“Keeper with Polar Bear Cub” Cover October 1989, Yoshi. Yonetani, Zoo Design & Education
Lab, Kobe, Japan (Cover Art Category)
“Charging Rhino” Cover September 1989, Mark Stettes, St. Louis Zoo (Cover Art Category)
National Chairman Positions Open
There are three National Chairman positions open for someone who would like to serve
their national organization. They are:
1 . By-laws Review Chair: the function of this committee is to
conduct an annual review of the Association's by-laws, solicit
suggested revisions and work with AO to assure that these by-laws
remain in conformity with any state or federal requirements.
2. Book Review Chair: the function of this project is to solicit reviews
of current zoological literature for publication in Animal Keepers' Forum.
The project coordinator contacts publishers to secure review copies,
coordinates reviewers, and submits reviews to AKF.
3. Videotape Project Chair: the function of this project is to encourage the
production of keeper training videotapes by AAZK Chapters and others
for use in zoo's keeper training programs. The project currently has two
videotapes for sale: Keeper Safety: An Attitude Adjustment and An
Introduction to Feeds and Feeding. Other tapes currently in production
include the Keeper's Role in Zoo Animal Health. Distribution of the
tapes and all financial records are handled by the staff at Administrative
Offices.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact either Janet McCoy, Board
member with oversight of these projects or Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK AO in Topeka.
Janet may be contacted at Washington Park Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd., Portland, OR
97221.
365
1990 Proceedings Order Form
The papers presented at the 16th National AAZK Conference held Nov. 4-8 in New Orleans
will be published in the 1990 edition of the Conference Proceedings. Delegates attending the
Conference receive a copy as part of their registration fee. Those presenting a paper receive
a gratis copy. Others may purchase a copy by filling out the form below and returning it to
AAZK Administrative Offices bv 31 December 1990. The number of copies ordered will
depend on the response from this pre-order form, so if you want a copy you need to return this
form with your payment. The cost is $5.00 per copy for members and $8.00 per copy for non-
members. Canadian and foreign orders must include $2.00 additional for surface postage
costs. Checks or money orders should be sent in U.S. Funds ONLY. Mail to: '90
Proceedings, AAZK AO, 635 Gage BlvdL, Topeka, KS 66606.
Included in the Proceedings will be the following papers:
Black footed Penguins at the Knoxville Zoo: Against All Odds ~ The Handrearing of Humboldt Penguins ~
Management of the Boatbill Heron at the Jacksonville Zoo ~ Nesting Behavior of Chilean Flamingos ~
Talking About Sichuan Takins at the San Diego Zoo ~ Indian Rhino Foot Care at the Los Angeles Zoo ~
Ngare Sergoi: Update ~ Sumatran Tiger Watch ~ Captive Management of a Socialized Group of Timber
Wolves ~ Cheetah Breeding at White Oaks Plantation ~ Development of a Black Howler Infant ~ What is
Duke University Primate Center? ~ Hand-rearing and Re-introduction of a Cotton-top Tamarin ~ An
Analysis of the Captive Population of Colobus Guerza ~ Radio Tracking Pelltophryne Lemur in La
Reserva Forestal De Guanica, P.R. ~ Management Program and Breeding of P. Lemur at Metro Toronto
Zoo ~ Metro Toronto 's Conservation & Education Program ~ Racetrack Trash Becomes Rainforest Bash
~ Keeping Up With Keepers ~ Conservation: Keeping It In Perspective ~ Tsimbazaza and Ivolloina:
Madagascar Zoos/Their Current Status and Potential ~ Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, a low-budget,
high impact approach to international conservation ~ The Benefit of Operant Conditioning for Show
Presentation and Keeper Talks, highlighting public education in the modern zoo ~ The Use of Operant
Conditioning in Training Husbandry Behaviors with Captive Animals ~ The Role of an Environmental
and Behavioral Enrichment Group at Metro Toronto Zoo - Hand-raising Pinnipeds ~ The Conservation of
the Cuban Hutia ~ Black -footed Ferret Management at Henry Doorly Zoo ~ Bats: Rehabilitation for
Release ~ Status of AMAZOO.
'90 Proceedings Order Form
Please send copy (copies) of Hie 1990 AAZK Conference Proceedings to:
Name:
Address:
City: State/Province:
Zip/Postal Code: AAZK Member: YES NO
Enclosed is $ per copy ordered plus additional postage, if applicable (see prices
above)
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $
DEADLINE FOR PRE-ORDERS IS 31 DECEMBER 1990
366
Ecosystem Survival Plan Update
submitted by Norman Gershenz, ESP Coordinator
San Francisco Zoo / GSFBA Chapter
The Ecosystem Survival Plan Conservation Parking Meter prototype was previewed at the
66th AAZPA National Conference held in Indianapolis in September. This was the first
time the finished prototype had been viewed by the public, in this case it was 1600
professionals of the zoo and aquarium community from more than 150 institutions. The
meter was highlighted the first evening, Sunday night at the AAZPA's first Conservation
Outreach Fair. Everyone was quick to see how extra change can translate into an
extraordinary effort for the conservation of wildlife habitat and the preservation of
hundreds of thousands of species in the wild. The meter was shown throughout the five-day
conference at the poster session meetings as well as on display at the exhibitors booth of
Follis Design. This company has donated hundreds of hours of prototype development,
materials, and production of “state of the art” enamel process signage.
The response was overwhelming. More than 50 zoos at the conference expressed interest in
the meters; which brings to a total over 70 zoos that are anxious to see how they can
incorporate the Ecosystem Survival Plan/Adopt an Acre program as part of their
commitment to conservation and to see how spare change can spare the rainforests of the
world. Groundbreaking for the first Conservation Parking Meter took place on 16
November at the San Francisco Zoo.
The ESP/Adopt An Acre program is also presently looking at two new conservation sites on
which to focus our efforts for next year. The first site is La Amistad National Park in Costa
Rica. This site is one of Central America's largest areas of unaltered upland tropical
rainforest covering an area of 480,000 acres. The biological diversity is spectacular. The
area boasts tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, brocket deer, giant anteaters, pumas, mountain hare
and three different species of opossums. The shy and magnificent quetzal as well as the
rare harpy eagle can be found in the tall forests. This conservation site is critically
important habitat for migratory birds and other endemic and endangered species. Due to
its size and rainfall the park serves as the northern limit for some South American species
and the southern limit for many northern species. La Amistad is part of the La Amistad
Biosphere Reserve, a 2 million acre (3000 sq. mile) area that was designated as a biosphere
reserve in 1982 by UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program. The opportunity to preserve
over $2 million of tropical rainforest habitat is available in La Amistad. This will set
aside over 15,000 acres of threatened and endangered wildlands. The funds raised will be
used for the purchase, protection, management, and for establishing an endowment for the
park along the same lines as ESP's first project, Guanacaste National Park.
The second site is the Rio Bravo Conservation Area, an area of 152,000 acres located in
northwestern Belize. This site is rich in wildlife and plant diversity. Five cat species
occur here: jaguar, puma, jaguarundi, ocelot and margay. Studies indicate that more than
200 bird species occur here, including the crested guan, ocellated turkey and the great
currasow. Most of the Rio Bravo Conservation Area is comparatively undisturbed by
recent human activity. The cost of land acquisition for 110,000 acres of subtropical moist
forest is $2.5 million. This would raise the necessary funds for habitat purchase and long-
term protection for this unique ecosystem. In addition to habitat purchase the goals for the
Rio Bravo Conservation Area are to establish a full research facility and conservation data
center, making available scientific information for the country, and also to create a multi-
level educational program for the children of Belize and future generations of children
around the globe. The hope is for Rio Bravo to become a model for the country of Belize. Rio
Bravo Conservation Area borders Guatemala and Mexico and will become part of a tri-
national natural resource base to be known as the Maya Biosphere... a 5 million acre
preserve of prime tropical rainforest.
(Editor s note: If you are interested in learning more about the ESP /Adopt An Acre
Program or would like to become involved, contact Norman Gershenz at the San Francisco
Zoo, 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, CA 94132.) ^
®
367
Chapter
News
The American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc. is pleased to welcome two
new Chapters into the Association. They
are:
Bergen County Regional AAZK Chapter
Located at Bergen County Zoological
Park (formerly Van Saun Park Zoo), the
mailing address for this new Chapter is:
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.
Officers for the Bergen County Regional
AAZK Chapter are:
President Cindy Ambrosio
VP/Treas... .Marianne Rizzo
Secretary Susan Nolan
Chapter Liaison Miriam Soffer
Western New York Chanter of AAZK
Located at the Buffalo Zoological
Gardens, the mailing address for this
new Chapter is c/o the zoo at Delaware
Park, Buffalo, NY 14214.
Officers for the Western New York
Chapter of AAZK are:
President... ..Nancy Stengel
Vice Pres Kevin Murphy
Sec/Liaison Kathryn Mullane
Treasurer.... Amy DeAngelo-Wasmund
Fundraiser.. ...Marc Ankerud
St. Louis Chapter AAZK
Summertime activities at the St. Louis
Chapter included the following: on 10
May we had a barbecue party for all the
zoo employees who attended this year's
first outdoor volleyball game. A tip of the
hat goes to primate keeper Frank Fisher
and Ranger Ruby Wise for the tasty ribs
and wings they prepared. Aquarist Jim
Lovins hosted the monthly meeting/pot-
luck on 17 May. Several entries were
presented for our Chapter logo contest.
May's lunchroom lecture series featured
primate keeper Meg White who gave a
fascinating talk on our success with our
bachelor male gorilla troop.
In June the Chapter sponsored Indian
keeper Mr. V.K.N. Sharma. Thanks to
bird keeper Gail Bentzinger who split the
cost with us. Amos Morris gave a talk on
the zoo's recently acquired Siberian tiger
pair and their introduction to one
another.
July's Italian potluck was held at Steve
Tomey and Rick Smith's house. Voting
on the Chapter logo was held and Angela
Pruitt's colorful Treefrog design was
chosen. Angela received a zoo T-shirt as
a prize for her well-appreciated efforts.
We ended our meeting with informal
slide presentations given by headkeeper
of primates Joe Knobbe (Black lemur
introduction); Colleen Knobbe, head
keeper of antelopes (Impala rearing);
and Steve Tomey, rhino keeper, (hand-
rearing a pygmy hippopotamus).
At the August meeting we finalized plans
for our second annual benefit concert.
The Chapter also sponsored reptile keeper
Norm Haskel to attend the Midwestern
Herpetological Conference in
Minneapolis, MN. Norm gave a paper on
Outdoor Overwintering of the American
Alligator at the St. Louis Zoo.
September was also a busy month. The
“Cats Down Under the Stars” concert
featured the bands 710 and Live Wire
Blues Band. International Society for
Endangered Cats (I.S.E.C.) supplied us
with beautiful T-shirts to sell at the event.
The concert and T-shirt sales went well.
Nearly $1000 was raised for I.S.E.C. I'd
like to thank Joe Cammerata for the use of
his bar, Off-Broadway Lounge, the bands
for the excellent show they put on; Steve
Tomey and Bob Merz (primates) for their
assistance at the show and a very special
thank you to Annette Flowers, Grateful
Dead Office, Mouse Kelley and Jerry
Garcia for allowing us to use their “Cats”
album cover design.
368
Chapter News. Continued
On 11 September, Rod Lake, City of
Kirkwood's Community Relations
Director, gave a lunchroom lecture on
“Recycling in the Home”. We finished
September off with a Chili Potluck at
Colleen and Joe Knobbe's lovely
southside home. Nominations for
officers were held at this meeting. We
also planned our third annual rummage
sale.
-Rick Smith, Chapter Liaison
Mt, Tahpma Chapter AAZK
Newly elected officers for the Mt.
Tahoma Chapter, Tacoma, WA are:
President Kit Niemann
Vice Pres/Treas...Marcye Miller-Lebert
Secretary Margaret Gaspari
Puget Sound Chapter AAZK
AAZK members of Woodland Park Zoo in
Seattle are sponsoring their 10th Annual
ZOO BOWL on Sunday, 25 November at
the Village Lanes in the University
Shopping Plaza. This is an annual
money raising event with proceeds
benefiting various urgent and
worthwhile causes. We hope to exceed
last year's $2700 in pledges so that some
much needed equipment can be acquired
for the ranger staff at the Ngorongoro
Crater Conservation area. In addition,
we want to make contributions toward the
$100,000 goal the Puget Sound Chapter has
committed to raise towards the purchase
of 2500 acres of land in southwestern
Columbia and northwestern Ecuador on
the Pacific slope of the Andes to establish
the proposed Mambi Rainforest Preserve.
A $40 donation will purchase an acre of
land.
When sufficient funds have been raised
for the land purchase, the non-profit
Columbian organization, Fundacion
para la Educacion Superior (FES), will
staff the reserve with biologists, build an
education and research center and
provide educational programs for the
local population on the importance of
saving the rainforests.
Debra Stecher, Senior Keeper of Birds, is
in charge of the ZOO BOWL and is
looking forward to bowlers signing up to
make enough teams to utilize the 22 lanes
reserves for our use and for these bowlers
to get lots of sponsors.
-Judie Steenberg, Sec'y
San PiggQ AAZK Chapter
Rick Barongi, Curator of Mammals,
gave an informative talk and slide
presentation at September's monthly
meeting. Rick spoke about the Okapi
project in Zaire in which he was involved
from 1984-88. A female, named Mateso,
was captured and brought to San Diego in
1985. She gave birth in May of this year to
a male, named Makubasi. Makubasi
was named after a pygmy chief in the
Ituri Forest who helped capture Mateso,
the mother. Makubasi is a very
important addition to the captive breeding
group. There are 32 Okapis in North
American zoos, with 11 in the Society (8 at
the Wild Animal Park and 3 at the Zoo).
-Mary Dural, Chapter Liaison
In Memorial
On July 12th, the San Diego Chapter of
AAZK lost one of its members, Cheryl
Nix, after a year and a half courageous
battle with cancer.
After graduating from Washington State
University, Cheryl began her animal
career in 1980 at Wildlife Safari in
Winston, OR. There she trained and
presented animals for educational
programs, traveling over much of the
Pacific Northwest. In 1983 she moved to
the San Diego area to pursue her career at
the San Diego Wild Animal Park, again
in educational animal presentations.
Since January 1987 she had co-directed,
with her husband Dave Nix, Rare and
Wild Presentations, Inc., a non-profit
educational organization that presents
the Rare and Wild America show at the
Wild Animal Park.
Cheryl was a dedicated animal trainer
who cared deeply about animal care,
always striving to improve the physical
and psychological conditions of her
animals. In addition she was extremely
open to sharing her knowledge,
experience and time and welcomed the
369
Chapter News. Continued
opportunity to introduce her “special
charges” to friends and visitors. Her
professional and gentle handling
fostered respect for the animals she cared
for so much. She was an inspiration and
a teacher to many of us.
Cheryl was remembered affectionately in
a memorial service held at the San Diego
Wild Animal Park, fittingly
overlooking the field enclosures of the
park's wild animals. She will be missed
by all those who knew her.
-Terri Peterson, SDWAP
Metro Boston Zoos AAZK Chanter
Officers for the MetroBoston AAZK
Chapter are:
President. ....Sandy Elliot
Vice Pres.. ...Ed O'Brien
Treasurer Gail Janeczek
Secretary Tom Aversa
Work continues on the Keeper Slide Show
and the Chapter has put together a
perspective member package to use in
membership recruitment.
At the Chapter's August meeting, Lyna
Watson of the New England Primate
Center spoke on environmental
enrichment in captive primates. In
September, the Chapter heard a
presentation by Richard Doherty, the
MetroPark Zoo's horticulturist.
f \
ATTENTION ALL CHAPTERS!!
If you have received correspondence from the Internal Revenue
Service concerning an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
issued to your Chapter, please contact Administrative Offices
as soon as possible. The Association has filed forms with the
; IRS to obtain ETNs for all of our Chapters as this is the first
| step required in our pursuit of a Group Exemption Letter which
will give all our Chapters non-profit status . We had requested
that the EIN numbers be sent to AO so that they could be forwarded
to all Chapters with a letter of explanation and instructions on
use of the EIN number. However, we have been made aware that a
number of Chapters have received the IRS correspondence directly.
If this is the case with your Chapter, DO NOT PANIC as there is
no problem, but please do contact AO for instructions. You can
call Administrative Secretary Barbara Manspeaker on our
toll-free number 1-800-242-4519.
The Chapter continues to sell T-shirts
and is ordering sweatshirts featuring
their logo,
-Keeper News . May -Sept 1990
Where To Purchase Chapter Products
AAZK Logo Coffee Mugs - Milwaukee
County Zoo AAZK Chapter, 10001 W.
Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226.
$5.50 each.
AAZK ”1 Zoo! Zoo You?” Bumper
Stickers - High Plains AAZK Chapter,
Lee Richardson Zoo, c/o Joanna Bower,
P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846.
$2.50 each.
AAZK Magnetic Keeper Safety Signs -
Flint Hills AAZK Chapter, Sunset Zoo,
11th & Poyntz, Manhattan, KS 66502.
$10.85 each plus $1.00 P&H.
AAZK Logo T-Shirts ($8.50),
Sweatshirts ($18.00) and Colder Holders
($3.50) - Little Rock Chapter AAZK,
Little Rock Zoo, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little
Rock, AR 72205.
AAZK Logo Auto Decals and Stickers -
Mill Mountain AAZK Chapter, Mill
Mountain Zoo, Inc., P. O. Box 13484,
Roanoke, VA 24034. Decals - $2.50 each;
Stickers $1.50 lg/$0.75 small.
370
ELECTION
91
WE WANT YOU! Do you wish to help your professional organization? Become an AAZK
Board Member. Three seats are up for election - those held by Oliver Claffey, Frank Kohn
and Bob Debets, whose terms expire 31 December, 1991. New Board members will serve a
four-year term from 1 January 1992 through 31 December 1995. Why is this first call for
nominations so early? TIME is the answer. Nominations, candidates verification and
tallying mailed ballots require time. We also wish to notify winners early enough to allow
them to make arrangements to attend the National AAZK Conference before they assume
office the following January. This will enable the new Board Members to become familiar
with Board responsibilities and AAZK activities before they assume responsibility for our
organization.
Duties of the Board of Directors
For a more detailed explanation of the expanded duties of the Board, refer to the By-Laws
(available upon request from Administrative Offices in Topeka, KS).
1) Select, appoint or remove officers, committees, agents and employees of the Association,
including - prescribing powers and duties.
2) To control and manage the Association and its property, passing upon acquisition and
disbursements with approval of a majority of the Board.
3) To formulate policies, rules and regulations in accord with the Constitution & By-Laws.
4) To uphold the Constitution of AAZK and the policies of the Association.
5) To appear at Board meetings, to accept Board assignments and to devote the time to
communications pertinent to all Board business, including answering correspondence
promptly and efficiently.
Qualifications for Nomination
1) Nominee must be a Professional Member of AAZK and must have been a member of the
Association for at least one year.
2) Nominee must be presently employed as an animal keeper/attendant by a recognized
zoological institution or aquarium in the U.S. or Canada and must have been in the
zoological field for at least two years.
Nomination Procedure
1) Nominator Form:
a. List the name of the nominee, phone, address, and institution.
b) State in 150 words or less the reason(s) why the nominee warrants election to
the Board of Directors.
c) Nominator signs forms and mails to NEC Chairperson.
d) Notifies nominee that they nominated him/her for the Board.
2) Nominee Biographical Form:
a) Professional background: places of employment, length of service, titles.
b) Membership in AAZK: National and local chapters, number of years, offices
held, involvement in activities.
c) Educational background.
d) Membership in Affiliate Organizations: (AAZPA, Audubon, etc.)
e) Other information the nominee feels is pertinent.
f) References (one or two)
g) Nominee signs forms and mailed to NEC Chairperson.
NOTE: Candidate is ineligible for nomination if both the nominator and nominee
biographical forms are not complete and returned to the NEC Chairperson by 31 January
1991. Forms are in this issue of AKF or may be obtained from the NEC Chairperson. Send
competed forms to: David Luce, Fresno Zoo, 894 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728.
Nomination Form for
AAZK Board of Directors
Qualifications. for Nomination;
1) Nominee must be a Professional Member of AAZK and must have been a member of the
Association for at least one year.
2) Nominee must be presently employed as an animal keeper/attendant by a recognized
zoological institution or aquarium in the U.S. or Canada and must have been in the
zoological field for at least two years.
1. Name of Nominee: _
Address:
Phone:
Institution: —
Director:
2. State in 150 words or less the reason(s) why the nominee warrants election to the AAZK
Board of directors.
3. Signature of Nominator:
4. Form must be received by the NEC Chairperson bv 31 January 1991. Send to: David Luce,
Fresno Zoo, 894 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728.
Nominee Biographical Form for AAZK Board of Directors
(To be completed by Nominee)
1. Name: _
Address:
Phone: _
PLEASE LIST THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
2. Professional Background: (places of employment, length of service, titles)
3. Membership in AAZK:
a) National: number of years
Activities:
b) Local Chapters): number of years, offices held, involvement in activities.
4. Educational Background:
5. Memberships in Affiliate Organizations: (AAZPA, Audubon, etc.)
6. Other information the nominee feels to be pertinent:
7. References (one or two): gave name, address and phone number where they can be
reached:
8. Nominee's Signature:
9. Form must be received by NEC Chair bv 31 January 1991. Send form to: David Luce,
Fresno Zoo, 894 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93728.
AAZK Book Sale
The Beardsley Zoo Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is once again
offering selected publications for sale at discount prices. To purchase any of these books,
please list the book(s) you want and send with a check or money order payable to AAZK
Book Sale, Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610. Please include shipping
and handling fees of $2 for the first book and $1 for each additional book. Orders must be
received by 31 December 1990.
50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth: Earthworks Group. ..with compelling
simplicity, this book lists techniques that an individual can utilize to actually make a
difference in the effort to save our environment. Sug. price $4.95, AAZK price $3.95.
The Amateur Naturalist: Gerald Durrell... takes the reader on a walking tour through the
full range of natural environments from the home to tropical forests. Sug. price $29.95,
AAZK price $23.95.
Plants that Poison: Ervin Schmutz... tells how to identify, where they may be found,
symptoms and treatment. Sug price $11.95, AAZK price $9.75.
Where Have All the Birds Gone?: John Terbourgh... essential reading for all who care
about migratory birds and our natural environment. Sug. price $14.95, AAZK price $11.95.
Save the Birds: Diamond, Schrebor, Cronkite, Peterson. ..perhaps the most beautiful book
ever published about the ecological crisis facing the earth today. Sug. price $40.00, AAZK
price $32.00.
Elephant Memories: Cynthia Moss... a moving and exciting narrative of fifteen years in
the lives of these complex and wonderful animals. Sug. price $10.95, AAZK price $8.75.
Natural History of Whales & Dolphins: Peter Evans. ..covers evolution, classification,
distribution, feeding habits, social organization and behavior. Sug. price $24.95, AAZK
price $19.95.
Encyclopedia of Reptiles & Amphibians: Halliday and Adler... a complete and definitive
survey of these two classes of animals, once the dominant life-form on earth. Sug. price
$24.95, AAZK price $19.95.
World of Robert Bateman: Ramsey Derry.. .entirely new selection of over 90 paintings
express the full range of Bateman's travels and talents. Sug. price $50.00, AAZK price
$40.00.
Life Histories of North American Birds: Blackbirds. Orioles. Tanagers and their Allies:
Arthur Bent.. .contains detailed descriptions of habitat, range, habits and relationship to
man. Sug. price $11.95, AAZK price $9.55.
ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 31 DECEMBER 1990.
371
Book
Review
Colors in the Wild
National Wildlife Federation, 1988
1412 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-2266
156 pages Hardback $21.95
Review By Melba T. Brown
Elephant Keeper
National Zoological Park
Washington, DC
Colors in the Wild, as the title suggests, is a photographic celebration of flora and fauna in
their natural environment. At first glimpse, the ‘viewer’ is struck by the sheer beauty of the
subjects; however, upon closer inspection it becomes increasingly more apparent that colors
play a significant role in the natural world.
At the beginning of the book are several pages describing the value of colors among plant
and animal life. Much information is transmitted through coloration. For instance, sexes
can be identified as well as relative ages of individuals. Colors can also provide protection
against predation as in camouflage. In many cases, pollination is facilitated by vivid
colors. These are just a few examples of the importance of coloration among wildlife.
The book has sections which are arranged according to color: red, yellow, green, brown,
blue, orange, black and white (shades), pink and multicolored. Respective images include
a uakari monkey; slingjaw wrasse; mayapple leaves; brown bears; humpback whales;
golden toads; Queen Anne's lace; hawk moth; and, a parrotfish. The pictures have
accompanying captions.
Many photographers contributed to this book. It is of the utmost quality and the images are
clear, sharp and spectacular. I recommend Colors in the Wild to everyone, especially
nature lovers, students of photography and artists.
372
Windhoek/Etosha Pans/Waterburg/Koakoveld
Skeleton Coast/Swakopmund/Johannesburg
Departure New York, February 19, 1991 for 19 days of Excitement
1 day spent on a private guest farm, most excellent area for birding
4 days in the Etosha Pans Area salt pan - an enormous shallow depression over
100 km across with numerous perennial springs around its edges. Here large
concentrations of game and birdlife will whet your appetite.
3 days camping in the Damaraland area, looking for the desert elephant, black
rhino and viewing rock paintings, large specimen of the well known ancient
plant - Welwitschia Mirabillis.
1 4 days on the Skeleton Coast, wind swept sand dunes, open gravel plains and
treacherous coastline. A region of rare beauty, with canyons, sand-dunes and
small groups of hardy desert animals. The Cape Cross seal colony, where seals
breed in their tens of thousands. Wander around the lively old town of
Swakopmund and visit Walvis Bay with time for fishing.
2 days in the Johannesburg area with optional tours to the world famous Pretoria
and Johannesburg Zoos, to meet your colleagues and friends.
Total Safari Cost, Land/Air $2895.00 per person double occupancy
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-323-8020
P.O.Box 178, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
The Importance of Sequence
of Cage Visitation in a Zoo
By
G. Mitchell , Fred Herring, Chris Tromborg
Department of Psychology
University of California, Davis
and
Laurie Neville
Primate Department
Sacramento Zoo, Sacramento, CA
Abstract
Two-hundred and seventy-seven parties of visitors took varied routes through a primate
complex. Most visitors did not view all of the primate cages, half saw only half of them.
The percentage of cages viewed was related to the sequence of cage visitation. If the visitors
began their primate viewing at one of several possible exhibits, 93% of them continued on to
other primate exhibits. At another beginning site only 58% of them did so. Careful
consideration of visitor traffic flow is important to visitor education in a zoo.
InJmjufldfla
Research has begun on the effects of zoo visitors on the behavior of primates and other zoo
animals (Chamove, Hosey, and Schaetzel, 1988; Mitchell et al., 1988). Research has also
begun on the effects of cage location and visitation sequence on visitor attendance with
especial attention being addressed toward how such factors might ultimately affect the
behavior of the animals and on husbandry and research issues affected by visitorship
(Mitchell et al., in press). But visitor attendance, cage location, and sequence of cage
visitation are also pertinent to another major mission of the zoo, that of public education.
Our goal of an education department in a zoological park should be to ensure that the
greatest percentage possible of zoo visitors view all or most of the exhibits, and view them in
a pattern most efficient for learning. Why have the animals on display if people cannot
locate them, view them, and learn about them?
The current research examined visitation sequences in the monkey and lemur (not ane)
area of the Sacramento Zoo. The goal of the research was to determine the best path or
sequence of visitation from an educational perspective. The specific question asked was
"Which sequence of cage visitation best ensured that the visitors viewed all non-ape
primate exhibits?"
Methods
Subjects and apparatus
The Sacramento Zoo's non-ape primate enclosures are arranged as illustrated in Figure 1.
Four identical cages from this primate complex were selected for observation. These four
cages were labeled cages 1 through 4 as seen in Figure 1. Cages 1 and 2 contained golden-
bellied mangabeys ( Cercocebus galeritus chrysogaster ). Cage 3 contained ring-tailed
Itemurs C Lemur catta ), and Cage 4 contained spot-nosed monkeys ( Cercopithecus ascanius
schmidti). But the subjects of this study were the parties of visitors at the primate complex.
The animals themselves were not subjects of this study.
374
The in a ZOO. Continued
375
Figure 1. Physical layout of the Sacramento Zoo's non-ape primate area.
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo. Continued
Procedures
Each party of people was monitored by a student observer from a centrally located
observation site as the party progressed from at least one of the four above-mentioned cages
to each of the other cages or out of the primate complex. Each observer remained at the
observation site for 90 minutes, noting the size of each party and the sequence of the cages
visited. This interval appeared to be more than sufficient time for a party to return to see
those animals it might have missed on the first pass.
The sequence of cages visited by each party, regardless of party size, was indicated by each
observer on a standard scoring sheet by using the designated cage numbers 1,2 3, and 4 and
the letter N (meaning none). The letter N indicated that the party of visitors in question
had left the primate complex. For example, the date sequence 6[2-l-4-N] meant that a party
of six people (of any composition) first appeared at cage 2, then cage 1, then cage 4, and then
out of the primate area without seeing cage 3.
A total of 227 parties were monitored by five observers. A high level of inter-observer
agreement was attained in both party size and visitation sequence primarily because of the
simplicity of the sampling procedure.
Results
In visiting the primate complex containing African monkeys and Madagascan lemurs,
the parties could and did approach the complex from any one of several different directions
denoted by arrows in Figure 1 . Any one of the four cages selected for observation could be
the first cage visited.
Cage 3 was approached first by 36% of the parties, cage 1 first by 29%, cage 2 first by 25%, but
only 10% approached cage 4 first (see Table 1). Even after stopping at its first primate cage
a party could move in any of the four different directions, to one of the three remaining
cages (including via other cages within the complex) or to elsewhere in the zoo.
Table 2 presents a summary of the cage visit sequence of the 277 parties followed, arranged
from the most frequency seen visit sequence to the least frequently seen. Note the frequent
use of the letter N. The four most popular sequences (accounting for almost 54% of the
parties) involved people who did not see all four of the cages monitored. In fact, almost 86%
of the parties did not see all of the primates, missing at least one of the monitored cages.
Table 1 also depicts all of the directions of movement into and eventually out of the primate
complex organized by beginning cage. Note that, particularly for first visits to cage 3 (and
to a lesser extent for cage 1), visitors failed to go on to the other monitored cages in the
primate complex. That is, they left the complex to go elsewhere in the zoo or else went to
other non-monitored cages and then left. If af)arty visited cage 4 first on the other hand, it
was less likely to leave the primate complex before visiting at least one other cage near cage
4 (cage 2 or cage 1). This difference is clear as early in the sequence as the second move
(see Table 3).
Related to the above movement patterns is the most popular two-cage composite sequence of
cages 2 then 4 or 4 then 2. This composite accounted for 65 of 277 or 23.5% of all parties' first
two visits. The composite 1-4 or 4-1 accounted for an additional 22% of them (see Table 4).
If the visitors began their monkey viewing at cage 4 (and only 10% of them did so), 93% of
them stayed to view at least one more primate cage nearby in the complex (see Table 3). In
contrast, for more distant cage 3, first visitation resulted in only 58% further viewing of
monitored enclosures.
376
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo. Continued
Table 1. Directions of movement of parties in (noted by cage number) and
eventually out of (noted by N) the primate complex, organized by beginning
cage .
Beginning
with
caae 1
Beginning
with caae 2
1-4-2-N -
37
2-4-1-N =
41
1-N-N-N =
29
2-N-N-N =
16
1-4-N-N =
8
2 -4 -N-N =
7
1-4-2-3 -
4
2-4-1-3 =
4
1-2-N-N =
2
2-4-3-N -
1
80 (29% of parties)
69 (25% of parties)
Beginning
with
caae 3
Beginning
with caae 4
3-N-N-N -
42
4 -1 -N-N =
7
3 -1-4 -2 =
21
4-2-N-N =
6
3-1-N-N -
7
4-2-1-N =
6
3-4-1-N =
6
4-1-2-N «
6
3-4-2-N =
5
4-N-N-N =
2
3-2-4-1 -
5
27 (10% of parties)
3-4-2-1 =
5
3-2-N-N =
3
3-4 -N-N =
2
3_4_1_2 =
2
3-2-4-N =
2
v
3-1-4-N =
1
101 (36% of parties) TOTAL = 277 parties
377
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo. Continued
Table 2.
Most common
sequences of visitation for
the four cages.
Rank
Sequence
Mmnkex qL Parties
1
3-N-N-N
42 v
First four sequences
2
2-4-1-N
41
for 149/277 = 53.79%
3
1-4-2-N
37 /
parties
4
1-N-N-N
29
5
3-1-4-2
21
6
2-N-N-N
16
7
1-4-N-N
8
8
3-1-N-N
7
9
2-4-N-N
7
10
4-1-N-N
7
11
4-2-N-N
6
12
4-2-1-N
6
13
3-4-1-N
6
14
4-1-2-N
6
15
3-4-2-N
5
16
3-2-4-1
5
17
3-4-2-1
5
18
1-4-2-3
4
19
2-4-1-3
4
20
3-2-N-N
3
21
1-2-N-N
2
22
3-4-N-N
2
23
4-N-N-N
2
24
3-4-1-2
2
25
3-2-4-N
2
26
3-1-4-N
1
27
2-4-3-N
1
Total = 277 parties
account
of the
378
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo. Continued
Table 3. Directions of movement around primate complex: First two moves
Cage 1 to cage ?
1-4=49
1 - N = 29 (out of primate area)
1 - 2 = 2
80 = 29% of 277 parties
51/80 = 641 do not leave
after first visit
Cage 2 to cage ?
2 - 4 = 53
2 - N = 16 (out of primate area)
69 = 25% of 277 parties
53/69 - 77% do not leave
after first visit
Case.. 3-JLfl_.cagflL.-2
3 - N = 42 (out of primate area)
3 - 1 = 29
3 - 4 = 20
3-2-10
101 = 36% of 277 parties
59/101 = only 58% do not leave
after first visit
4 - 1 = 13
4 - 2 = 12
4 - N = 2 (out of primate area)
27 = 10% of 277 parties
25/27 = 93% do not leave
after first visit
TOTAL = 277 parties
This is partly explained by the fact that while there were primate cages near cage 3, they
were not monitored by observers. A complete understanding of sequence effects is attained
only when the monitored cages are viewed as two individual sub-groups of cages. Cages 1,
2 and 4 are located in proximity to one another, whereas cage 3 is at least 50 feet away from
the other three. In examining sequence of visitation by cage sub-group, as depicted in Table
5, a beginning at cage 3 actually resulted in a greater probability of the other sub-group of
primate cages being visited than did first visits to any of the other three cages 1 ,2 or 4.
It did not matter which of the three cages (1,2 or 4) in the African monkey sub-complex was
visited first, the visitors were all equally likely to visit the other monkey cages and equally
unlikely to appear at the lemur cage (cage 3).
379
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitationm a Zqq» Continued
Table 4. Directions of movement around the primate cages by two-cage
composite sequences
These 5 routes accounted for 81.5%
of all movement .
Also 3-4 - 20/277 accounted for 7%
and 2-N = 16/277 for 5.5%.
So 7 travel routes accounted for
94% of all movement.
Other routes
3-2 = 10/277 - 3.5%
1-2 - 2/277
4-N - 2/277
4/277 < 2%
There were 277 parties in all.
There were also overall differences in the numbers of parties appearing at the four cages.
The pattern 3-N-N-N was the most frequent sequence observed, yet cage 3 did not receive the
most visiting parties, cage 1 did. In fact, cage 3 had significantly fewer total parties (110)
than each of the other three cages monitored (cage 1 =192, cage 2 = 173, cage 4 = 178) (X2 =
24.39, df = 3, p < .01). These last three cages did not differ in attendance, either in
numbers of parties (numbers seen above) or in numbers of total visitors ( cage 1 = 615,
cage 2 = 573, cage 4 = 589). The total number of visitors recorded at cage 3 was also
significantly lower (391 ) (X2 = 57.75, df = 3, p , 0.1). What this means is that, of the 277
parties, only about 40% of them stopped at cage 3, 69% at cage 1, 62.5% at cage 2, and 64.5% at
cage 4. There was an overall nonsignificant relationship between the sequence of
visitation and the number of parties ( r = .16). In terms of total visitor numbers, only 391 of
932 visitors, or 43%, stopped at cage 3, 66% at cage 1, 61.5% at cage 2, and 63% at cage 4.
380
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo. Continued
Table 5. Directions of movement I. Between sub-complexes of cages and II.
Within a sub-complex of cages
I. Between sub-complexes
A. Cage 3 vs. Cage 1
Begin at cage 3 47 54
(N = 101)
B. Cage 3 vs.
Cage
2
Go
to
cage
3.
Never see
cage
3
Begin at cage 2
5
64
(N = 69)
Go
to
cage
2
Never see
caoe
2
25.25
. 01
Begin at cage 3
(N = 101)
43
58
C. Cage 3 vs.
Cage
4
Never see
cage
3
Begin at cage 4
0
27
(N = 27)
GO
to
cage
4.
Never see
cage
4
21.22
. 01
Begin at cage 3
(N = 101)
49
52
II. Within sub-complexes
D. Cage 1 vs.
Cage
2
Never see
cage
2
X2
£
Begin at cage 1
43
37
(N - 80)
GO
to
cage
1
Never see
cage
1
2.05
NS
Begin at cage 2
(N = 69)
45
24
381
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo. Continued
Table 5. (continued)
E. Cage 1 vs. Cage 4
Go to cage 4
Begin at cage 1 49
(N = 80)
.Gq... to .cage 1 Never see c.age_.l 0.72 ns
Begin at cage 4 19 8
(N - 27)
F. Cage 2 vs. Cage 4
Go to cage 4 Never see cage 4
Begin at cage 2 53, 16
(N = 69)
Go... to .cage . 2 Never see cage 2 1.04 NS
Begin at cage 4 18 9
(N = 27)
Discussion
In this study, 85.3% of the parties monitored missed visiting at least one of the four primate
cages and 47% overlooked at least two of them. This means that only 15% of the subjects
visited all of the primates and only 50% visited half of them. One goal of this zoo has been to
encourage people to see as many exhibits as possible. This study indicates that this goal is
not being met in all areas of the zoo.
The nonsignificant relationship ( r = .16) between sequence of visitation and total
visitation, as noted, was mainly a result of the remarkable popularity of the sequence
3-N-N-N combined with the paradoxical low attendance overall for cage 3 (both for number
of parties and total attendance). The low attendance at cage 3 remained despite the fact that
average party size was not smaller at that site and despite the fact that observations
continued for 90 minutes thus allowing time for individuals to return to cages they had
previously missed. Many visitors to the Sacramento Zoo remain at the zoo for only 90
minutes. Hence, this was a sufficiently long sampling interval.
Clearly just because a cage is seen first most often does not mean that it is viewed by the
most people overall. In addition to sequence of visitation other factors determine total
attendance (see, e.g., Mitchell et al., in press, for location effects). Cage 3 was seen first by
the greatest percentage of parties (36%) yet only 40% of all parties in this sample ever
stopped at that cage. Cage 1 on the other hand was seen first by only 29% of the parties but
69% of the people eventually did see it.
How does one improve on these percentages? When only 15% of the public experiences all of
the exhibits in an area, perhaps traffic patterns are at fault. Graphics, which aid in
directing traffic (e.g., PRIMATES; ONE WAY TRAFFIC THIS WAY ) should
improve total visitation. Changes in fence or shrub location might also help guide or direct
people toward paths that would increase exposure to more of the animals. A directed
sequence of cage visitation is not, of course, intended to increase the number of visitors at
any specific cage or cages but rather to increase the variety of animals seen by those sub-
groups of visitors who currently follow paths which make it nearly impossible for them to
grasp the meaning of the whole grouping of displays available.
Never see cage 4
31
382
The Importance of Sequence of Cage Visitation in a Zoo, Continued
Any zoo which groups its cages or exhibits according to some theme (Le. zoogeopgrahie
commonality) would prefer that the public appreciate the gestalt intended. In this case, if
comparative primatology is the theme being addressed, greater appreciation could be
achieved by ordering the enclosure sequence in ways to maximize visitorship. If one sees
only lemurs and then departs for far-off non-primate places (3-N-N-N) one misses the
point that prosimians are primates and are to be compared with monkeys. The chances
that a point such as this might be missed apparently increase when there are several
possible routes into an organized group of displays (primates) rather than a carefully
orchestrated signed, fenced, shrubbed, single common route for visitors to travel. While
this may appear rigid and manipulative to some, the zoo has taken on a mission to educate,
and improving visitor flow may be one effective means to this end. The average visitor's
stay at each exhibit is remarkably short, we must do what we can with a brief snapshot.
Of course, while careful fencing and graphics may help ensure that any intended lesson is
learned, whether such alterations are made depend on other than purely pedagogical
considerations. Research, husbandry, monetary costs of change, traffic congestion, effects
of proximate exhibits, and access for emergency and maintenance often take precedence
over education. But the increasing role of the zoological garden in educating the public
about conservation should result in greater emphasis on educational efficacy.
Acknowledgements
Valerie Austin, Vicki Thorrens, Kim Jones, Cheryle Kerksieck, and Jennifer Evenson
did much of the observing; Patricia Jones watched the children. G. Mitchell proposed the
study, supervised it, analyzed the data, and wrote the first draft. The staff of the
Sacramento Zoo, under its new director, Maria Baker, was, as usual, very supportive.
Cheryl Winn, the education curator, has also encouraged us.
References
Chamove, A.S.; Hosey, G.R.; Schaetzel, P. Visitors excite primates in zoos.
ZOO BIOLOGY 7(4): 359-370, 1988.
Mitchell, G.; Soteriou, S.; Kenney, L.; Towers, S.; Schumer, C.; Dillin, L.; Guse, K.
Golden-bellied mangabeys (Cercocebus galeritus chrysogaster) at the
Sacramento Zoo: Adult heterosexual pairs. ZOO BIOLOGY 7(1): 1-13, 1988.
Mitchell, G.; Obradovich, S.; Sumner, D.; DeMorris, K.; Lofton, L.; Minor, J,;
Cotton, L.; Foster, T.; Cage location effects on visitor attendance at three
Sacramento Zoo mangabey enclosures. ZOO BIOLOGY 8(4), in press.
9
Information Please
The AAZK Videotape Project needs to make copies of available tapes. These tapes need to be
copied onto VHS format from 3/4 inch masters. We have been searching for a source that
can make tape copies for us with minimum cost. If anyone knows of a source for making
videotape copies, please contact Susan Chan at AO, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 or call
1-800-242-4519.
I am looking for information on Fish or Marine Tuberculosis and its effects on people. Do
you have any information or know of anyone who has contracted the disease? Is is curable?
Can it be controlled? If you have any information on this disease, please send to: Grant
Tkaachuk, 10139 - 157 Street, #206, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5P 2T9.
383
Legislative Outlook
By
John Stoddard
AAZK Legislative Advisor
Brookfield, IL
ESA protection for desert tortoise
The desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ) has received much attention since the Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) took emergency action to list the Mojave population as
Endangered on 4 August 1989. During the 240-day life of the emergency rule, the Service
studied the tortoise and its habitat, sought public input, and prepared a proposal to provide
long-term Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection to the population.
On 2 April 1990, a final rule was published in the Federal Register listing the Mojave
population of the desert tortoise as Threatened. The Beaver Dam Slope subpopulation in
Utah, which was listed as Threatened with Critical Habitat in 1980, is included as part of the
greater Mojave population under this rule and is not treated separately; the area designated
as Critical Habitat in 1980 will remain in effect.
The Mojave population, at least 50 percent of which is found on land managed by the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM), has been declining for many years, primarily due to
increasing human activity. Urbanization, energy development, mining, conversion of
land to agriculture, livestock grazing, off-road vehicle recreation, and military activities
have destroyed or degraded tortoise habitat. The growth of Las Vegas and other
communities in the western Mojave is expected to continue, which will further reduce the
tortoise’s available habitat. Roads are fragmenting the remaining tortoise habitat, making
the subpopulations more vulnerable. Other threats include illegal collection, vandalism
(including shooting and the crushing of tortoises under vehicles), the spread of a fatal
upper respiratory disease syndrome, and increasing predation of juvenile tortoises by
common ravens ( Corvus corax) and other species.
There is normally little difference in the protection given to an Endangered versus a
Threatened species under the ESA. Anyone taking, attempting to take, or otherwise
illegally possessing a desert tortoise without a permit will be subject to the same penalties as
if the population were listed as Endangered. Section 7 of the Act also will continue to protect
the species from Federal actions that could jeopardize its survival.
> From USFWS Endangered Species Technical Bulletin (May, 1990)
National Wildlife Refuge System Act
A 1989 report by the U. S. General Accounting Office (GAO) found that wildlife in the
national wildlife refuges had been unquestionably harmed by incompatible activities
allowed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the agency with jurisdiction over the
nation’s 452 wildlife refuges.
The report, entitled “Continuind Problems with Incompatible Uses Calls for Bold Action,”
cited such harmful activities as oil and gas development, off-road vehicle use, boating,
military exercises, excessive recreation, and farming.
384
Legislative News. Continued
In response, Representative Gerry Studds (D-MA) has introduced the National Wildlife
Refuge System Act, H.R. 4948, which requires the FWS to base compatibility
determinations solely on biological criteria, and prohibits activities for which the agency
does not have adequate information to make a compatibility determination. H.R. 4948 lays
out a detailed process for making compatibility determinations, stipulating that those
determinations are to be made using biological criteria and based on scientific
information, and ensures public review and comment of the findings. The bill will give
the FWS clear authority to stop or not initially permit activities which are determined to be
incompatible.
> From Sierra Club National News on EcoNet computer network
Biodiversity bill hearings
The House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Subcommittee conducted a hearing on 31 July
to consider the National Biological Diversity Conservation & Research Act, H.R. 1268.
This bill establishes a broad national policy to define and to promote biological
diversity — preserving entire threatened or endangered ecosystems as well as individual
species.
H.R. 1268 would: require federal agencies to review existing programs and develop a
coordinated strategy to maintain biological diversity, require environmental impact
statements to include this principle of biological diversity, and establish and support a
National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research within the
Smithsonian Institution (see Sep. 90 AKF).
A companion bill in the Senate, S. 2368, was introduced in late March and is now being
considered by the Senate Environment Committee.
> From Sierra Club National News on EcoNet computer network.
Oil spill liability legislation becomes law
A Senate-House conference committee tied up many months of work towards oil spill
liability and compensation legislation just in time for the August recess. The bill was
signed into law by the President on 18 August.
The new law establishes high liability limits for carriers responsible for oil spills, creates
a billion-dollar fund to cover cleanup costs and compensatory damages if costs exceed the
spiller’s liability, and provides for response centers and research into preventative
measures. New oil tankers will be required to have double hulls and older tankers must be
retrofitted with double hulls within 25 years.
Also included in the new law is a provision that the federal regulations do not take
precedence over state laws that have higher liability limits and/or standards and a
provision calling for an audit of the Alaska pipeline system.
> From Sierra Club National News on EcoNet computer network.
*
385
Husbandry and Display Potential
of the Amazon Tree Boa
(Corallus enydris enydris)
BY
Al Winstel
2651 Cornwall Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45231
The bizarre head shape, rainbow of colors, and ease of care exhibited by the Amazon tree
boa ( Corallus enydris enydris ) first captured my interest 5 years ago. Since then, I have
produced over 30 of these two meter long animals with their thin, horizontally compressed
bodies, large colorful eyes, and chunky wedge-shaped heads. Colors have ranged from
unpatterned yellow, orange, and gray to heavily blotched black on white, green on orange,
and black on red.
Field observation by R. Henderson (1990) on the closely related Cook's tree boa ( Corallus e.
cookii ) suggests that members of this species are nocturnal, arboreal hunters and inhabit a
wide variety of habitats from old growth forest to the edges of cities. The combined range of
the 2 subspecies include much of Central and South America plus the West Indies. My
specimens also become active at night, spending the day in a hide box on the enclosure floor
or on elevated shelves when these are available. They seldom sleep coiled tightly on
horizontal branches or dowels in the cage as is characteristic of the Emerald Tree Boa
(■ Corallus caninus). Individuals of the Cook's subspecies do seem to use horizontal perches
more, but this may be a result of their origin (my Cook's were wild-caught, while most of
my Amazons are captive bred).
A green on orange male and black
on gray female (below right) from
the same litter. (Photo by A Winstel)
A cage size which has proven itself acceptable is 91cm long by 90cm wide by 71cm high.
Greater height would allow more foraging room and probably be appreciated by the
animals. Specimens have been raised to breeding age (2-3 years) and bred in even
smaller enclosures. Either newspaper or screened cypress mulch is used as a substrate
and climbing perches, dowels, and/or shelves are provided along with Vitalite® radiation
and a substrate heat source (Hot Rock®). If misting cannot be done 2-3X per day, shedding
problems may be encountered. A successful approach to increasing humidity has been to
place a piece of plastic airline tubing in the water container and connect this to a small
aquarium air pump. The pump is mounted on the wall rather than the enclosure to
minimize cage vibration. Although I have not tried it, a cool mist vaporizer would probably
be another way to raise the humidity. Base room temperature is 78-80° F. Different
photoperiods have been tried, the most recent being 12L:12D.
386
Husbandry and Display Potential of the Amazon Tree Boa. Continued
Copulation in my facility takes place in February and March, The male wraps his
prehensile tail and cloacal region around the female's. Their forebodies seem to take
variable positions and no “twitching” of their bodies has been observed. In early summer
gravid females spend the bulk of their time on the heat source and become even more
irritable than normal (these animals seldom become trustworthy enough for bare handed
handling and are best moved with 2 cage hooks - use of 1 hook will result in the rear half of
the animal wrapped around the cage furnishings).
Litters in my facility arrived during the period September through December and have
ranged from 1 to 12 live young with infertile eggs fairly common and stillborn young
uncommon. Infertile eggs seem to occur when younger males are involved. The neonates
measure approximately 543-570mm and can be convinced to take dead pink or fuzzy mice,
sometimes as soon as a few days after birth. These snakes seem to rely heavily on their
labial pits for prey identification and warming a thawed rodent's nose under a lamp often
turns a disinterested snake into a good feeder. Unheated fresh killed or live prey may also
be taken. Offering a rat pink or small domestic finch may also be effective in getting a
juvenile to feed. The young animals can add up to a foot in length the first year.
Two juvenile (green on orange to the left and black on gray to the right) along with their
mother (dark green on dark orange). (Photo by A. Winstel)
Although my specimens have not been on display, the great color variation and bizarre
head shape of Amazon tree boas suggest that a group of differently colored and patterned
animals could make an interesting display. Though not at present rare in the wild
(Henderson, 1990) and therefore not deserving of exhibit space on this basis, a tree boa
display could be used to illustrate polymorphism in reptiles and provide useful data on
pattern inheritance if only one male were housed with a number of females. Specimens
(often captive bred) are usually available from dealers or captive breeders at minimal cost.
If wild-caught animals with locality data are used, retention of such information might
later be of use to researchers working on the adaptive significance of the Amazon tree boa's
miraculous color variations.
Literature Cited
Henderson, R. 1990. Tree Boas on Grenada: The Colorful Puzzle.
Bull. Chicago Her. Soc. 2£(2): 21-24.
387
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks /AKF. 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606. Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Our phone is 1-800-242-4519. Our FAX is 913-272-2539
SENIOR. ANIMAL KEEPER.-. strong background in Mammal, Bird, and Herptile
husbandry essential. Duties include management of primate collection housed in
hospital and quarantine of all incoming animals; responsible for day-to-day
management of staff of 3 including organizing schedules along with good
communications skills between vet and staff; animal keeper duties required. Two years’
paid experience in the care and handling of animals (non-pet related) and bachelor's
degree in biology, zoology, animal science or veterinary technology required. One year's
supervisory experience in related field preferred. Send resume to: Personnel Dept.,
Baltimore Zoo, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217.
ANIMAL & REPTILE KEEPER. ..requires high school diploma, prefer someone with
previous zoo experience. Good communication skills and neat appearance essential.
Duties include but not limited to: the daily care and feeding of small and large mammals
and reptiles; exhibit cleaning and maintenance; some construction; and giving tours to
the public May-Oct. Starting salary $12,870.00 plus health insurance. Resumes accepted
until position is filled. Send to: Jim Miller, Soco Gardens Zoo, Rt. 1, Box 355, Maggie
Valley, NC 28751.
SENIQRZQQKEEPER/Educa lion Section - requires high school/GED diploma, two years’
experience in zoo animal care, good communication skills and familiarity with a variety
of AV equipment, including studio/video cameras and editing system. Two-year degree
in AV communication preferred. Will assist in the production of in-house video
programs and operations procedures handbook and do scripting, shooting and editing.
Responsible for care/maintenance of AV equipment, biofacts, slides and videotapes. Send
resume to: Robert Callahan, Curator, Houston Zoo, 1513 North McGregor, Houston, TX
77030.
REPTILE /AQUARIUM KEEPER.. .requires high school diploma and two years’
experience in a zoological facility. Responsibilities will include care, feeding,
health/safety, exhibit maintenance and behavior observation. Send resume/references to
G.B. Caddick, Zoo Supervisor, Lowry Park Zoo, 7530 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33604
(813) 935-8552.
ZOOKEEPER... prefer one years' paid experience and Bachelor’s degree in biological
sciences. Responsible for daily animal care, behavior observation and exhibit^grounds
maintenance. Will work with mammals, birds and reptiles. Salary $15,000-$16,000, plus
benefits. Creating eligible list to fill present and future vacancies. Send cover
letter/resume to: Racine Zoo, 2131 N. Main St., Racine, WI 53402. EOE.
GENERAL CURATOR. ..requires degree in animal science or related field and three
years' zoo experience at a supervisory level. Will administer all animal-related
functions. Salary $20,000-$28,142. Send resume to: Doug Porter, Executive Director, Great
Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum, 805 S. Kiwanis, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
CHILDREN'S ZOO CURATOR... requires degree in life sciences or education with two
years' zoo experience. Leadership and interactive skills preferred. Will function as
working manager with responsibility for keeper/volunteer staff. Will assist in the
planning and creation of a new children's zoo experience. Salary/benefits competitive.
Send resume to: Ted Beattie, Executive Director, Knoxville Zoo, P.O. Box 6040, Knoxville,
TN 37914.
388
9
AAZK Membership Application
Name
check here if renewal [ ]
Address
City
f"~j $30.00 Professional
Full-time Keepers
I I $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
f I $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
State/Province Zip
□ $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
I I $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
□ $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Zoo Affiliation (if any)
Zoo Address
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S. A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH .
OF THE PRECEDING MONTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers' Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.SA.
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December 1990
k nimal
weepers'
?orum
Dedicated to Professional Animal Care
ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Chan
Assistant Editor: Ron Ringer
Animal Keepers' Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc., 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the
annual publication costs of Animal Keepers' Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster:
Please send address changes to:
December 1990
Volume Seventeen
Number Twelve
American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary
BOARD QF DIRECTORS
Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada President
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Vice President
Frank B. Kohn, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20008 Immediate Past President
Janet McCoy, Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221
Ed Hansen, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ 85716
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS - PROJECT HEADS
Conference Book Committee
Tim Kelly, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Awards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Park Zoo
Book Review Coordinator
Rick Emmer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Staff Exchange.
Dale Freking, Kansas City Zoo
AAZK History Committee
Rachel Rogers, Miami Metrozoo
International Affairs Coordinators - Mona
Conservation. Preservation. Restoration
Keeper Training & Education
(includes Library Resources,
Reference Search, Program Library,
and Keeper Training Materials)
L.R/R.S. - Marilyn Cole, Metro Toronto
K.T.M- Rosemary Jalink Krussman, Nat'l Aquarium
Research/Grants Committee
Susan M. Barnard, Zoo Atlanta
Public Education Committee
Ellen Bradfield, Zoo Atlanta
Keith, Calgary Zoo (east) Pam McDougall, Calgary Zoo (west)
(CPR) Committee - Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Animal- Data Transfer Form
Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo
AAZK Liaison to AAZPA/IZE
Brint Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Keeper Accommodations List
Heidi Manicki, Metro Toronto Zoo
An Approach to. Zookeeping
Pat Sammarco, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
Zoo Infant Development Project
Harmony Frazier-Taylor, Woodland Park Zoo
AAZK Manual of Resources
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo
Exhibit Design form
Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo
Public Relations Liaison
Tim Kurkowski, Zoo Atlanta
Membership Directory
Administrative Office Staff
Diet Notebook
Susan Bunn Spencer, Beardsley Zoological Gdns.
Biological Valnes/Gestation
Toni Danzig, Greater S. F. Bay Area Chapter
Legislative Advisor
John Stoddard, Chicago, IL
By-Laws Review
Vacant
Zoo/Unkersity List
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo
Nominations & Elections
David Luce, Fresno Zoo
Zoonotic Diseases Notebook
Bruce Clark, Toledo Zoo
Keeper Training Videotape
Production Coordinator - Vacant
Order/Distribution Center at AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka
Liaison and Information Network for Keepers (LINK)
Coordinator - Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
printed on recycled paper
This month's cover art features the Spectacled caiman (Caiman sclerops) drawn by Fawn
Prevost, a part-time keeper at the Topeka Zoological Park , Topeka, KS. The caiman's
range extends from Central America to the central part of South America. They live in
backwaters of rivers or in very slowly flowing waters with muddy bottoms and soft sand
banks. There is a ridge on the head running between the eyes like the bridge of a pair of
glasses, thus giving this subspecies its name. Caiman are dark olive in color with the
young having blackish spots and transverse bands. The bony plates of the belly armor are
particularly well developed in caiman and the iris of the eye is greenish in color.
Thanks, Fawn!
Scoops
AAZK Thanks New Orleans for a Super 16th
The AAZK Board of Directors, on behalf of the entire AAZK membership, wishes to thank
the Audubon AAZK Chapter for all their hard work in putting on a great 16th National
AAZK Conference. The week in New Orleans provided a splendid blend of paper sessions,
workshops, rap sessions, zoo and aquarium tours and social opportunities. The famous
‘Southern Hospitality’ was warmly displayed to each and every delegate. The entire
membership of the Audubon AAZK Chapter is to be commended for putting on a well-
organized and professional conference. Special thanks go also to the entire staff and all
the volunteers at the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas. As we look to the
future, you might like to note the dates for upcoming conferences. The 1991 17th National
AAZK Conference will be held in Toledo 6-10 October, 1991. The 25th AAZK Anniversary
Conference will be in San Diego in 1991 from 27 September through 2 October. Zoo Atlanta
AAZK has be awarded the 1993 AAZK Conference and dates will be announced as soon as
they are confirmed.
Columbus Chapter Shows Support for National Efforts
During the General Membership meeting held at the New Orleans Conference, Joe Rindler
of the Columbus AAZK Chapter, Columbus, OH presented a check for $500.00 to AAZK
President Oliver Claffey. The money was raised by the Chapter through their recycling
project and was donated to the national association to assist in providing services and
programs for the entire AAZK membership. The Board of Directors sincerely appreciates
this generous donation from the Columbus Chapter.
Diet Notebook Project Announces Appointments Seeks Section Coordinator
Susan Bunn Spencer, Coordinator for the Diet Notebook Project, has announced the
appointments of Debbie Hayman and Ted Strikwerda, both of the Bowmanville Zoo,
Ontario, Canada, as co-coordinators for the Mammals Section of the Diet Notebook Project.
Jeff Ettling, St. Louis Zoological Park, has been named Section Coordinator for Reptiles.
Kelli Westbrook, Little Rock Zoo, continues as Bird Section Coordinator and Susan
Kenney, John G. Shedd Aquarium, continues as Invertebrate Section Coordinator. The
Project is currently seeking a Coordinator for the Fish Section. Anyone interested in the
position should send a resume and letter of recommendation to Susan Bunn Spencer,
Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610. Following is the job description for
this position.
389
Scoops & Scuttlebutt. Continued
Section Coordinator Job Description
Purpose: The purpose of this position is to solicit and review diets and facilitate the work of
the Project Coordinator.
Reportability:
i. AAZK Diet Notebook Project Coordinator
ii. AAZK Board Overseer
iii. AAZK Board of Directors
Principal Responsibilities:
I. Solicit and collect diets
II. Review diets for accuracy of common and scientific names, orders, address, spelling,
punctuation, etc.
III. Maintain an index of species, number of diets per species and contributing
institutions.
IV. If possible transfer information to an IBM Paradox 2 program
V. Reply promptly to inquiries concerning the Diet Notebook Project.
VI. Maintain semi-annual updates to the Project Coordinator as to the status of the project.
APT Forms Available Upon Request
Animal Data Transfer Forms for zoos and aquariums are available free of charge upon
request. This is a professional service provided by AAZK. Contact: Bernie Feldman,
Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13204. If your facility is not already
using the ADT form, please encourage your administration to implement its use whenever
an animal is shipped.
®
Dreher Park Zoo Veterinarian's
Pigeons Prove Faster than FAX
A dozen pigeons outraced a FAX machine message over 2 miles recently. The racing
pigeons covered the 2 miles in about 1 1/2 minutes. “Oh, my God, they're here!” said
WJNO-1230 AM promotions director Janie Thomas as the pigeons circled overhead. The
FAX machine was only halfway finished producing the first page of its message. A 7-8
mph tailwind accelerated the pigeons' unusual 38-mph air speed. Meanwhile, the FAX
machine, worth $1,395, garbled the last half-page of its message.
Y.TJNO got the idea from reading a story about a similar FAX vs. feathers contest in
Europe. The station recruited Dr. Salvatore Zeitlin, president of the Dreher Park Zoo and
owner of the Palm Beach County Animal Medical Clinic. Zeitlin's birds have won
numerous competitions. Because the pigeons are accustomed to flying hundreds of miles to
reach home, Zeitlin gave them a bit of incentive for the short flight. For five days, he kept
the dozen young cocks away from their hens until after their daily flights. (Racing pigeons
are monogamous.)
submitted by Gail Schneider , Executive Director, Dreher Park Zoo , West Palm Beach , FL .
390
Births & Hatchings
Los Angeles AAZK Chapter...reports these significant births at our facility for the months
of July through September. In 1986, the Los Angeles and Cincinnati Zoos received a total of
4.6 Giant Eland ( Taurotragus derbianus ), wild-caught from Africa. L.A. received 2.3 of
these animals and at that time we were the only zoos to have Giant Eland. In 1988, we had
2.0 calves born, one DNS. In 1989, we had 1.2 calves bom, and this summer 0.3. At birth the
calves weigh approximately 60-70 pounds. Our two males 088, ’89) were sent out recently to
the Cincinnati Zoo and one to White Oaks Plantation, Yulee, FL.
Once again the Los Angeles Zoo is proud to announce the birth of two duikers: 0.1 Black
duiker ( Cephalophus niger ) on 23 July and 0.1 Zebra duiker ( Cephalophus ) on 18 September.
We are the only zoo in the U.S. with these species of duiker.
In our Australian Section one significant birth was that of a Short-beaked or common
echidna ( Tachyglossus aculeatus) sometimes called a spiny anteater. These echidna are
found in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea and are “egg-laying mammals.” The
eggs are soft shelled and hatch after ten days. The babies are bom blind, naked and about
3/8" long. They remain in the burrow until they are approximately six months old and are
completely quilled. The echidna does not have teeth, but the rear of their tongue is serrated,
this enables them to grind up their food. At this time the baby is out walking around the
Koala House exhibit with its mother and weighs two pounds. At maturity it will reach
approximately twelve pounds.
On 2 July, Regina, one of our Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes) gave birth to her first baby, a
female. Regina started cycling when she was approximately 5 1/2 years old, her swellings
looked immature and within the next six months she was pregnant. Even though some
behavioral changes were observed, a birth at such a young age was unexpected. Regina is
having no problem adjusting to being a mother and is back into the swing of things with her
daughter clinging tightly, submitted by Linda Cory, Chapter Liaison, Los Angeles AAZK
Chapter, Los Angeles, CA.
PrehfirjPark Zqq, (West Palm Beach, Fk).. .announces the hatching of 13 Rhinoceros
iguana (Cyclura cornuta) October 16-19, 1990. The eggs were laid in the exhibit, but
removed to avoid predation by raccoons, opossums and fire ants. After an incubation
period of 80-85 days in the zoo's Reptile House, 13 of the 14 eggs hatched successfully.
Also as part of an early fall baby boom, two tiny Gopher tortoises ( Gopherus polyphemus )
hatched on 14 September in their mother's natural burrow. Weighing an average of 30
grams each at hatching, these native Florida tortoises are a threatened species due to
massive habitat destruction. Also hatched were 2 Toco toucans ( Ramphastos toco ). This is
the second clutch of eggs hatched this year (2 chicks were hatched in June to six-year-old
mother “Cosmic” and seven-year-old father “Rico”.)
submitted by Gail Schneider, Executive Director.
Central Arizona Chapter of AAZK.. is pleased to announce the following B&H at their
member facilities:
Wildlife World Zoo hatched 9 Red wattled curassow ( Crax globulosa) this spring.
These birds were fairly common about 10 years ago, but have become very rare in the wild
and in zoological collections in recent years. Other notable births and hatchings include:
1.1 Dama gazelle, 5.0 Singing dog, 0.0.1 Sable antelope, 0.1 Dromedary camel, 1.0 Beisa
391
Births & Hatchings, Continued
oryx; twin Persian gazelles; our first successfully fledged Nicobar pigeon, 5 Crestless
razorbill curassow, 7 Greater curassow , and 3 Stanley cranes.
Phoenix Zoo-on 12 July 1990 our two and one half year-old female Sumatran tiger
(Panthera t. sumatrae ) Sekayu gave birth to 1.1 healthy cubs. The cubs weighed 4 lbs. 8
ozs. and 4 lbs. 4 ozs. at six days of age. Five Sumatran tiger cubs have been born at the
Phoenix Zoo since late March 1990. All of the cubs are doing well and are being raised by
their mothers.
On 28 August 1990, our 22-year-old female White rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum)
Tambile gave birth to her eighth offspring, a 100-pound male. The birth occurred on exhibit
and was witnessed by zoo officials and visitors. The calf was on his feet within half an
hour of birth and began nursing 16 minutes after standing. The Phoenix Zoo's single pair
of White rhinoceros, Tambile and Kehtla, have produced six offspring since 1975.
Tambile was born in South Africa and was donated to the Phoenix Zoo in 1975 by the San
Diego Wild Animal Park. Kehtla came to the Phoenix Zoo in 1963 from the Umfolozi Game
Reserve in Africa.
Tambile and Kehtla's most recent offspring was named “Howell B.” in memory of Dr.
Howell B. Hood, the Phoenix Zoo veterinarian from 1965 to 1989. Dr. Hood passed away one
week prior to the birth of the rhino and the calf was named in his honor, submitted by Anita
Schanberger, Chapter Liaison, Central Arizona Chapter of AAZK.
This 1.0 White rhinoceros (Crax globulosa) was bora 28 August 1990 at the Phoenix Zoo.
He weighed 100 lbs. and was the eighth offspring for his mother, Tambile. He was named
“Howell B.” in memory of the zoo's long-time veterinarian. (Photo by Dick George)
392
Births & Hatchings, Continued
Denver Zoo...announces the following B&H for January through June 1990:
Hoofstock and Carnivores -in January 1990, 1.1 Amur leopards ( Panthera pardus
orientalis ) arrived at the Denver Zoo. The male came from the Helsinki Zoo and the
female from the Rotterdam Zoo. Amur leopards are very rare in their range in northeast
Asia and only approximately 80 live in captivity worldwide. 1.0 Red panda ( Ailurus
fulgens ) cub was born in July and is being raised by its mother and another female who is
unrelated. The females spend equal amounts of time with the cub and the unrelated female
even appears to nurse him. Red pandas are managed by SSP. Other SSP births so far this
year include: 1.3 Scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah ), 2.0 Przewalski's wild horses
( Equus przewalski ), and 1.2 Grevy's zebra ( Equus grevyi ). Other significant births
included: 1.0 Blesbok ( Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi), 1.0 Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasi ), 1.1
Pere David's deer ( Elaphurus davidanus), 2.0 Reticulated giraffe ( Giraffe Camelopardalis
reticulata ), 1.0 Musk ox ( Ovibos moschatus), and 1.1 Lesser kudu ( Tragelaphus imberbis).
submitted by Cate Werner.
Primates and Sheep Herds - one of the most notable additions to our primate
collection was the first birth at our zoo of a Silvered leaf monkey ( Presbytis cristatus
ultimus ). “Lucy” was born November 1989 to a group that had been acquired from the New
York Zoological Society in 1987. Since January this year other births include a male White-
faced saki ( Pithecia pithecia ) and 1.1 Kikuyu colobus ( Colubus guerecia kikuyuensis).
The colobus infants were from a young group assembled last year. No births were expected
considering that our breeding male was only two years old at the time of conception.
Another unusual note was that “Tonya” the original mother, spent minimal time with her
infant. Both she and “Arlene” were observed nursing the infant. However, “Arlene” was
the primary caregiver to the infant until “Arlene” gave birth to her own offspring nineteen
days later. Both infants have been doing well since each mother claimed her own infant.
Every year we have lambs from our Dali's ( Ovis dalli) and Bighorn ( Ovis canadensis )
herds. On a significant basis was the birth of a third set of twins to our Bighorn ewe
“Annie”. She also gave birth to twins in 1987 and 1989. All three sets have been 1.1.
Another first for the zoo was American beaver ( Castor canadensis) reproduction. Three
kits are successfully being reared by their parents who themselves were hand-raised.
submitted by Penny Smith.
Birds - this year we had two success stories from our artificial insemination
program. We hand-raised a Himalayan impeyan pheasant ( Lophophorus impeyans) and
“Artie”, a Demoiselle crane ( Anthropoides virgo). “Artie” was put in with a pair of adult
Demoiselle cranes to avoid human imprinting. The adults and “Artie” call to each other
but we still are uncertain if “Artie” knows he is a crane.
Also hand-raised were 0.0.3 Double-wattled cassowaries ( Casuarius casuarius). Since
1977 the Denver Zoo has raised 80 cassowary chicks. 0.0.8 Northern eider ( Somateria
mollissima borealis ) were significant hatches from our waterfowl area because we usually
have low survival rates with this species.
This year a Fairy bluebird ( Irena puella) chick was raised by its parents. We have not
raised this species for the last few years although we had been breeding them in numbers
before. “Hubble” a black-footed penguin ( Spheniscus demersus) chick was raised by our
oldest breeding pair which we received in 1974. Our 0.1.1 Toucan barbet ( Semnornis
ramphastinus) chicks are special because we are the only North American zoo to exhibit
this species and the second zoo ever to have bred them, submitted by G. Suzanne Chacon.
Buffalo Zoo (Western New York AAZK Chanter ...is pleased to report the following B&H
since January 1990.
In May of this year the Cat House was proud to announce the birth of 1.1 Cougar ( Felis
concolor ) cubs. This is an exciting first for the zoo. What makes them even more special
is that their mother is taking great care of them although both she and her mate were hand-
393
Births & Hatchings. Continued
raised. Other births in the Cat House include 1.1 Snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) born in
June and 1.2 Clouded leopard ( Panthera nebulosa).
The Primate House has been successful over the past few years with the breeding of
Mandrill baboon ( Papio sphinx), an SSP species. This year was no exception with the birth
of 1.0. Additional births include 1.0 Celebes black ape ( Macaco nigra) born in April and
1.0 Japanese macaque ( Macaca fuscata) born in June. On 5 March the Gorilla House
reported the birth of a 1.0 Western lowland gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla). At three
months “BK” (Elmo as he is known by his keepers) was pulled from his mother to be hand-
raised. His mother had become abusive so it was decided to hand-raise him. He will
eventually be reintroduced to the group.
The summer crowds were pleased to see many new babies in the Children's Zoo. Markhor
( Capia falconeri) Mountain boasts 4.6 new residents born this spring. Other CZ births
included 5.3 Pygmy goats ( Capra hircus), 5.6 Mouflon {Ovis musimon), 1.3 Karakul sheep
( Ovis aries) and 2.1 Quanaco ( Lama glama guanicoe). More recently 1.0 Pygmy zebu
( Bos primigenius) was born.
Late spring, early summer kept the Hoofstock zones busy. There were 1.5 American bison
( Bison bison) born within the herd. There were 0.2 Scandinavian reindeer ( Rangifer
tarandus) born and 5.2 Llamas ( Lama glama glama) born. This year also saw the births
of 3.3 Axis deer ( Cervis axis) and 1.2 Roan antelope ( Hippoytragus equinus). In August 1.0
Gaur ( Bos gaurus) “Sophie” or “Sweet Cow” as she is known by her keepers gave birth to a
female calf. The most recent births in this area are 2.0 Gemsbok ( Oryx gazella).
The Bird Dept, was especially busy this year, hand-raising 0.0.11 Blue and Gold macaws
( Ara ararauna). To add to our growing macaw population, 0.0.2 Greenwing macaws were
successfully hand-raised. This is a first for this species at the Buffalo Zoo. Other species
hand-raised this spring include 1.0 King vulture ( Sarcorhamphus papa) and a 0.1
Cinereous vulture ( Aegypius monachus). These two birds will be kept to start a second
generation breeding. The birds in our Western New York Birdwalk were busy raising 2
Northern cardinals ( Cardinalis cardinalis), two White-breasted nuthatches ( Sitta
carolinensis) and 2.4 Wood ducks (Aix sponsa). Our African crowned cranes ( Balearica
regulorum gibberiges) successfully raised two chicks as did our pair of Lady Ross
plantation eaters ( Musophaga rossae).
Our Small Moat keeper has hand-raised one of two Geoffrey's tamarins ( Saguinus
geoffroyi) born this year, while our two Cotton-top tamarin ( Saguinus oedipus) offspring
were both parent-reared. The department also records the birth of 3.4 healthy Bighorn sheep
(Ovis canadensis), one of which (a rejected twin) was successfully hand-raised and
reintroduced to the herd. Two Collared peccaries ( Tayassus tajaaacu) and a Spotted hyena
{Crocuta crocuta) were also born.
Small Mammals House boasts 2.1 Prehensile-tailed porcupines ( Coendou prehensilis ) one
of which had hand-raised. Also born were two Grey-legged douroucoulis ( Aotus
trivingatus griseimembra), six Chinchillas ( Chinchilla laniger), five Degus ( Dotodonus
degu), one Potaroo ( Potorous tridactylus), one Rock cavy ( Kerodon rupistris) and one
Lesser galago ( Galago senegalensis).
In August after six tense hours of labor, a new baby giraffe ( Giraffe Camelopardalis
reticulata) was born. It was a difficult birth for a first-time mother and the little male had
to be pulled and hand-raised. Both are doing very well.
For the first time at our facility, six Klauber's rock rattlesnakes ( Crotalus iepidus
klauberi) were born. Several adult Klaubers were collected (by permit) in 1989 by our lead
reptile keeper and his subsequent husbandry has paid off. Other herptile B&H include: 36
Leopard geckos C Eublepharis macularius), 11 Columbian rattlesnakes ( Crotalus durissrus
cumanensis), 9 Russian rat snakes ( Elaphe schrencki), 10 Vracoam rattlesnakes
{Crotalus vegrandis), 24 Reticulated pythons ( Python reticulaatus), 2 Desert iguanas
( Diasosaurus dorsalis dorsalis), 7 Columbian boas ( Boas constrictor constrictor) and 6
Eyelash vipers ( Bothros schelegeli).
394
Continued
After a period of absence, Poison Arrow frogs are back and breeding in Buffalo. Eighteen
Dyeing Poison Arrow Frogs ( Dendrobates tinctorris) and 13 Black and green ( Dendrobates
auratus ) were metamorphosed this year with the tadpoles still developing. Also hatched
and raised were 118 Puerto Rican tree frogs ( Eleutherodactylus coqui ). submitted by
Kathryn Mullane, Chapter Secretary with special thanks to Debbie Maiorano for all her
help .
Coming Events
Fifth Conference on the Captive Propagation and
Husbandry of Reptiles and Amphibians
February 16-18, 1991 Davis, CA
Conference will be held at the University of California, Davis. For more information
contact: Rick Staub (707) 553-9739 or Gerold Merker (916) 644-6253.
AAZPA Regional Conferences for 1991
Southern Regional - 10-12 March, 1991. For more information contact Les Schobert, North
Carolina Zoological Park, Route 4, Box 83, Asheboro, NC 27203 (919) 879-7000.
Western Regional - 24-26 March 1991. For more information contact Sal Perkins,
Wildlife Safari Park, P.O. Box 1600, Winston, OR 97469. (503) 679-6761.
Central Regional - 7-9 April 1991. For more information contact Carol Eames, Tulsa
Zoolgical Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK 74115 (918) 596-2401
Northeastern Regional - 21-23 April 1991. For more information contact Tony Vecchio,
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI 02905 (401) 785-9450
Ext. 80.
Great Lakes Regional - 55-7 May 1991. For more information contact Greg Geise, Binder
Park Zoo, 7400 Division Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017 (616) 979-1351.
AAZK Announces New Professional/ConMbutmg Members
Richard Zimmerman, Gettsyburg Game Prk.
Michael Frost, Zoo Atlanta (GA)
Leland Peterson, Nashville Zoo (TN)
Kirk Bottenhorn, Detroit Zoo (MI)
Victoria Henrie, Lincoln Park Zoo (IL)
Michael Harrell, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
Kristine Harrison, San Antonio Zoo (TX)
Amber McManus, AZ-Sonora Desert Museum
David L. Hanson, Hanson Exoics (OR)
(PA Linda S. Gorton, Pet Farm, Inc. (VA)
Dan Tenaglia, Cypress Gardens (FL)
Andy Jakobsky, Columbua Zoo (OH)
V.J. Skaff, Great Plains Zoo (SD)
Betty L. Thomas, Tulsa Zoo (OK)
Kelly Clay, Caldwell Zoo (TX)
James Zajicek, Denver Zoo (CO)
(AZ) Rob Miley, Phoenix Zoo (AZ)
Leanne Brady, Walk in the Wild (WA)
Renewing CcmMfoutmg Member
Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, MO
395
The 16th Annual AAZK Conference held in New Orleans, LA from November 4-8 attracted
record crowds as keepers and other animal-care personnel gathered once again to renew
old acquaintances, meet new friends, laugh and, above all, learn. Over 340 delegates (304
from outside of New Orleans) were registered representing 38 States, 4 Canadian
Provinces, Australia, Great Britain, Africa and Guatemala, making this the highest
attendance at any AAZK Conference.
Even though New Orleans is known as a party town, delegates who wished to work had
ample opportunity. Workshops and rap sessions were interspersed throughout the week
and paper sessions were held, as always, for a full two days. After the day's work was over,
the hospitality suite and Bourbon Street saw their share of happy keepers enjoying each
other’s company.
New Orleans' newest attraction, the Aquarium of the Americas, was opened to the delegates
on Tuesday morning and a good time was had by all. The following Riverboat luncheon
added additional spice to a fun-filled day.
Wednesday's day at Audubon Zoo gave delegates a chance to view many recently
renovated areas and new exhibits, including the new Tropical Bird House (did you see
Elvis, i.e. Hoser?). Of course, many behind-the-scenes areas were open and staff
members were present in case “inquiring minds” wanted to know something. Beautiful
weather made lunch and dinner pleasant and Zoolympics went smoother than expected
with the Eastern States winning the annual tug-of-war.
Despite less than perfect weather, everyone enjoyed the post-conference trip to the Honey
Island Swamp. Wildlife still abounds in this area of the country and it was wonderful to be
able to show animal people some specimens in the greatest “zoo” in the world, the great
outdoors. A tropical depression put a damper on some members of the Belize Trip, but
everyone made it back home with memories of an interesting and worthwhile trip to a great
part of the world.
Everyone in the Audubon Chapter of AAZK hopes that the delegates enjoyed themselves as
much as we enjoyed pulling it all together. As anyone who has ever hosted a conference
can tell you, it's a lot of work, but well worth it. Please join us in wishing the best of luck to
the Toledo AAZK Chapter in their challenging and rewarding upcoming year. We know
you’ll do a great job and we can't wait to sit back and relax in Toledo in 1991!!
396
An Open Letter to All Chapters
When the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. enters its 24th year of operation in
1991, with it will come the continuing need for our organization to refine its business
practices and methods of operation. In our ongoing commitment to comply with the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines regarding 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, the
Association must make a few necessary changes in the way chapters conduct their
business.
The first of these changes pertains to your Employee Identification Numbers (EIN). These
EIN numbers are required by the IRS for any organization that has chapters or “branches”
of a 501(c)(3) association. The Administrative Office (AO) of the National Headquarters
has filed the necessary paperwork on behalf of your chapter so that you may obtain an EIN
number. You may have already received notification of this from the IRS. If so, please
verify your EIN number with Barbara at AO. Once all EIN numbers have been received,
AAZK will file for a “Group Exemption Letter”. Only when this letter is accepted by the IRS
will chapters be allowed to operate under the tax exempt status of National. Your EIN
number must appear on all your bank accounts. If you have duplicate EIN numbers, please
contact AO.
Any chapter located within the United States is governed by the laws and regulations set
forth by the IRS regarding 501(c)(3). Our Canadian chapters are responsible to Revenue
Canada and their tax laws regarding non-profit groups. Canadian chapters are exempt
from having an EIN number but they still must conform to the policies to be explained
further in this letter.
Any one of our chapters may now be required by law to file an IRS Income Tax Form 990. If
you have chapter income that totals $25,000.00 or above, this filing is mandatory. The IRS
also randomly selects various tax exempt organization to file no matter what their income.
If your chapter receive notice, by mail, to file IRS form 990 then you must complete the form
and file it by the IRS deadline. Not filing the form will place your chapter charter in
jeopardy and will seriously effect the tax exempt status of this Association. In any event,
the form is simple and AO is just a phone call away if you need help. You may use the toll-
free 800 number when you need to contact AO. The number is l-800-242-4519(U.S.)and 1-800
468-1966 (Canada).
In our efforts to upgrade the professionalism in our Association we are asking all chapters
to complete a Chapter Recharter Packet each year, starting in 1991. You will be receiving
this packet in the first weeks of January. This packet contains information and documents
pertaining to the 1990 revised By-laws (AKF August 1990) which were ratified by the
professional members attending the New Orleans Conference. Your chapter needs to
review the newly created Section regarding chapters and their operation, along with the
requirements for chapter membership. Your Chapter Recharter Packet will contain 3
separate documents that need to be completed and returned to AO on or before 15 February
1991. A copy of the '90 revised By-laws will be included for your reference.
Section 1 - Chapter Recharter Application
The purpose of this document is to verify the mailing address of the chapter. Sometimes
when chapters are composed of multiple institutions, a newly elected president may mean a
new address for the chapter. To assure good communication with our chapters, we must
397
An Open Letter to All Chapters, Continued
have a current address on file with the IRS. We also need an accurate accounting of all
chapter members for each category. A requirement for all chapters will now be the
standardization of officer elections in December of each year. This is not an attempt by the
Board of Directors or National to play “big brother” or intervene in the operation of your
chapter. The IRS requires a current list of responsible officers to be financially
accountable for each chapter during the fiscal year (1 January through 31 December). I
realize that some chapters have recently elected new officers or will hold elections in the
near future. Your chapter may elect to extend or reduce the term of those officers by voice
vote at your next general meeting, but those officers must be in place for the entire fiscal
year starting 1 January 1991.
Section 2 - Recharter Agreement
This two-page document will serve as the “Standards of Operation” for each and every
chapter within our Association. This agreement sets forth a code by which all chapters
must conduct business and it shall be signed by the four main officers elected for the fiscal
year. No proxy signatures will be accepted. Membership status of all officer names will be
verified by AO. If an officer is not a paid member of National, then the Agreement will be
returned to your chapter for correction. Any changes in officers, due to resignation or job
relocation, must be reported to National along with the signatures of the replacement
officer.
Section 3 - Yearly Financial Statement
This document is vital to the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status of the Association. This simple to
understand form is designed like an IRS tax form. It will consist of 3 pages and line by
line instructions will appear on the reverse side of each page to help you complete the forms.
The first page will deal with your chapter income. The 2nd page deals with chapter
expenses and when completed will give you the net worth of your chapter. Page 3 consists of
your chapter's material assets, a listing of all your bank accounts and copies of your most
recent bank statements. This financial statement is to be signed by both the outgoing
treasurer and the newly elected treasurer. This will give both financial accountability and
assures a smooth transfer of duties. The IRS requires complete financial documentation of
our Association, including chapter property, which will revert to National and be divested
through the Conservation, Preservation and Restoration Committee should your chapter
decide to dissolve. The IRS also requires documentation of all bank accounts and two
signatures (usually the President and Treasurer) on every bank account. The 2 signature
rule discourages, but does not prevent, embezzlement of chapter funds. The change in
format regarding “Bowling for Rhinos” will place the burden of financial responsibility
on the local chapter. Plan ahead to be organized and professional.
What the Board of Directors and the Administrative Offices of AAZK are trying to
accomplish with the Chapter Recharter Packet is professional accountability and
professional standards of practice. This has been a major concern of the membership for
years and it is time to act on those concerns. These changes are both necessary (read IRS)
and practical and will only serve to enhance the business aspects of our Association.
398
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Animal Spectrum, Inc.
P.O. Box 721
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1990 Proceedings Order Form
The papers presented at the 16th National AAZK Conference held Nov. 4-8 in New Orleans
will be published in the 1990 edition of the Conference Proceedings. Delegates attending the
Conference receive a copy as part of their registration fee. Those presenting a paper receive
a gratis copy. Others may purchase a copy by filling out the form below and returning it to
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Included in the Proceedings will be the following papers:
Black footed Penguins at the Knoxville Zoo: Against All Odds ~ The Handrearing of Humboldt Penguins ~
Management of the Boatbill Heron at the Jacksonville Zoo ~ Nesting Behavior of Chilean Flamingos ~
Talking About Sichuan Takins at the San Diego Zoo ~ Indian Rhino Foot Care at the Los Angeles Zoo ~
Ngare Sergoi: Update ~ Sumatran Tiger Watch ~ Captive Management of a Socialized Group of Timber
Wolves ~ Cheetah Breeding at White Oaks Plantation ~ Development of a Black Howler Infant ~ What is
Duke University Primate Center? ~ Hand-rearing and Re-introduction of a Cotton-top Tamarin ~ An
Analysis of the Captive Population of Colobus Guerza ~ Radio Tracking Pelltophryne Lemur in La
Reserva Forestal De Guanica, P.R. ~ Management Program and Breeding of P. Lemur at Metro Toronto
Zoo ~ Metro Toronto 's Conservation & Education Program ~ Racetrack Trash Becomes Rainforest Bash
~ Keeping Up With Keepers ~ Conservation: Keeping It In Perspective ~ Tsimbazaza and Ivolloina:
Madagascar Zoos/Their Current Status and Potential ~ Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, a low-budget,
high impact approach to international conservation - The Benefit of Operant Conditioning for Show
Presentation and Keeper Talks, highlighting public education in the modern zoo ~ The Use of Operant
Conditioning in Training Husbandry Behaviors with Captive Animals ~ The Role of an Environmental
and Behavioral Enrichment Group at Metro Toronto Zoo ~ Hand-raising Pinnipeds ~ The Conservation of
the Cuban Hutia ~ Black -footed Ferret Management at Henry Doorly Zoo ~ Bats: Rehabilitation for
Release ~ Status of AMAZOO.
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Black Rhinoceros
(Diceros bicomis)
Nutrition
By
Joseph Rindler, Keeper
Columbus Zoo, Columbus, OH
The black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicomis ) has adapted to a very selective diet consisting of
browse. In captivity, replicating this diet would be costly. In addition, North American
species of browse may have a different nutrient make-up, thus resulting in an unbalanced
diet. By reviewing the literature on the rhino's digestive anatomy and physiology, wild
diets, and present captive diets, guidelines can be established for captive diets.
Digestive Anatomy and PhygiolQgy
The black rhinoceros' upper lip is a prehensile appendage which wraps around feedstuff
and draws it into the mouth (Ritchie, 1963). The mouth contains twenty-eight, low crowned,
browsing cheek teeth (premolar 4/4, molar 3/3) which are efficient at grinding fibrous
feedstuff (Nelson and Fowler, 1986).
The gastrointestinal tract, described by Clemens and Maloiy, 1982, consists of the cranial
and caudal halves of the stomach, three equal segments of the small intestine, the caecum,
and five segments of the colon (Figure 1). The stomach is generally non-
compartmentalized with the cranial one-half to two-thirds comprised of stratified
squamous tissue and the caudal portion is glandular epithelium (Cave and Aumonier,
1963). Although the stomach appears structurally non-compartmentalized, differences in
pH, sodium, potassium, and osmolality suggest less mixing of ingesta. The data on
volatile fatty acid and lactic acid indicate it as a site of bacterial activity with rapid
fermentation (Clemens and Maloiy, 1982).
Figure 1. Gastrointestinal tract of a rhinoceros.
Clemens and Maloiy (1982)
401
Black Rhinoceros Nutrition. Continued
Although the stomach is a site of bacterial activity, the caecum is the principal site of
fermentation. Caecal fermentation is indicated by high levels of volatile fatty acids. A
high acetate to propionate ratio shows that the rate of fermentation is slow (Clemens and
Maloiy, 1982).
The colon is also a fermentation site. This is indicated by the presence of 53 to 80 mmoles/1
volatile fatty acid concentrations. The bacterial activity is less than in the caecum and
greater than in the stomach (Clemens and Maloiy, 1982).
To summarize, the prehensile feeding style of the black rhinoceros enables it to be
selective. The black rhino relies on enteric microbes for fermentation and degradation of
fiberous materials. The major sites of fermentation are the caecum and, to a lesser extent,
the colon. The structural characteristics and physiological properties of the
gastrointestinal tract are similar to that of the pony and donkey (Argenzio and Stevens,
1975; Maloiy and Clemens, 1980).
Wild Diet
Three food preference studies were done on black rhinos in their native habitat. Two
studies were authored by John Goddard. The first study was in northern Tanzania from
1964 to 1966 (Goddard, 1968). The second study was in Tsavo National Park, Kenya from
1967 to 1969 (Goddard, 1970). John Mukinya (1977) undertook the third study in the Masai
Mara Game Reserve, Kenya from May 1971 to August 1972.
In Goddard's Tanzanian study, two different black rhino populations were studied in six
habitat types (plains-Ngorongoro, shrub, marsh, forest, plains-Olduval, and gorge). A
total of 307 observation hours were taken in two seasons (wet: Nov.-Apr.; and dry: May-
Oct.). Black rhinos were observed eating 191 plant species from 48 botanical families. Of
the wide variety of ingested plants, legumes made up between 25-70% of the total diet in all
six habitats. Green and succulent herbs were preferred throughout the year, but several
herb dominants appeared to be unpalatable in large quantities. On the other hand, green
succulent legumes appeared to be highly palatable. Grass was rejected except in the wet
season.
It was also noted in Goddard's Tanzanian study that the selectiveness of the black rhino
was based on season, individual specimens of certain plant species, and select parts of
individual plants. Some plant species were more available in one season than in others.
Also, some plant species grew fresh shoots seasonally. Goddard observed rhinos feeding
through a homogenous herb patch and they selected only certain specimens of the same
species. Others were sniffed, but not eaten. Some specimens that appeared identical to ones
accepted were rejected. The black rhinos ate only certain parts of many of the plants (e.g.
inflorescence, stems, leaves and combinations of all three, or tips of shoots). The exact
parts eaten seemed to depend on the species of plant.
The coprophagus habit of the black rhino was observed on eight different occasions, but only
in September and October and in areas where legumes were extremely sparse or dry.
Goddard noted that the habitat may be a means of obtaining nitrogenous material in the
absence of a rich source of protein in legumes.
In Goddard's Tsavo study, black rhinos were observed in six habitats (grasslands, bush-
grasslands, scrub-bush-grassland, bush-scrub, bush-grassland, bush-woodland). A total
of 70 observation hours were taken in two seasons (wet: Dec. -May and dry: June-Nov.).
They ate 102 plants species from 32 botanical families. The black rhinos concentrated
between 60-80% of their feeding time on eating herbs and scrubs. Legumes consisted of
between 40-75% of their diet. In this study, Goddard postulated that the relative abundance
and availability of certain legumes may be the key to an optimum black rhino habitat. The
grasslands habitat had a low amount of legumes and thus it had lower carrying capacity.
Mukinya studied 108 black rhinoceroses in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya.
Observations were taken during three periods: May-Sep. 1971 (wet - semi-dry), Oct.-Feb.
402
Black Rhinoceros Nutrition, Continued
1971-72 (dry), and Feb.-May 1972 (wet - semi-dry). During 240 observation hours in
thirteen distribution areas, black rhinos ate seventy plant species from thirty botanical
families. In all areas, they were selective for herbs (up to 41% in wet - semi-dry season)
and young trees (up to 69% in dry season).
Mukinya observed that the black rhinos fed during two peak periods, between 7:30 - 12:00
hours and between 14:00 and 19:00 hours. They drank water primarily at night. They
visited salt holes on six occasions during the day and twice at night. Analytical tests done
on these salt holes found them to contain magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium.
In conclusion, due to its selective feeding habits, the protein content of the wild black
rhino's diet is probably high. Jones (1979) suggests levels near 10-25% of the dry weight,
thus allowing for seasonal variations. The black rhino forages during two day periods
and drinks water primarily at night. At least during the dry period, when the food quality
of plants is low, it will supplement its diet with salts. Also, in areas where legumes are
sparse, dry and/or sterile, it may recycle nitrogens by consuming dung.
Captive Diets
Captive dietary information was found in the published Black Rhinoceros Survey
(Maruska, 1986), which involved 47 facilities from the U.S.A. and other countries.
Although the diets were varied in the types of feedstuff and the amounts fed, there are many
similarities in overall dietary make-up. Eighty-eight percent of 45 facilities that specified
crude protein content used a complete feed or grain mixture of 14% or higher. Of the 32
facilities that specified type of hay, 31% used alfalfa hay, 47% used alfalfa mixed with other
types, and 9% used grass hay. In addition to concentrates and hay, produce was added by
77% of 44 facilities. Twenty-nine facilities offered trace mineral salt either free choice or
supplemented in the diet (up to 1.5 pounds per week). Eighteen supplemented their diets with
vitamins and nine (not in Africa) indicated that they fed browse regularly. Browse made
up to 20% of the total "as fed" weight at two institutions. The types of browse used were
Hutsache brush, Acacia, Phicus, Witstinkwood, Willow, Oak and various deciduous trees.
PiggUggiQn
In setting up dietary guidelines from the literature, three factors must be considered. First,
although there are differences in gastrointestinal anatomy and feeding habits in a natural
ecological setting, most wild species, like domestics, require specific nutrients, not specific
feedstuff (Ullrey, 1980). Secondly, one must consider the order of nutritional
requirements: water > energy > protein > mineral and vitamins (Clemens, 1985). The
third factor is that the status of the animal (e.g working, growing, third trimester
pregnancy, lactating, or non-productive adult) determines nutritional need (Hintz, 1977).
Guidelines
1. Water - In the wild, black rhinos primarily drink at night. In captivity, fresh water
should be provided at all times. The wild diet contains mostly succulent plants with a
moisture content of up to 90% as compared to a captive diet with a moisture content as low as
20%.
2. Energy - The estimated daily requirement of net energy for a 5,000 to 7,000 pound rhino is
twenty-four to thirty-two mega calories (Rohweder, 1980) or about twelve to thirteen calories
per kilogram of body weight per day for maintenance (Wallach, 1983). Black rhinos in
late pregnancy, in lactation, or weaning should receive less than 50% more energy over the
maintenance requirement. Due to their fermentation abilities, a good quality alfalfa hay
should meet the energy requirement for maintenance.
3. Protein - Although the browsing black rhinoceros consumes forage with a higher protein
content than the grazing white rhinoceros, the protein requirement for both species is
probably the same when the total nitrogen intake over a 24-hour period is considered. The
black rhinos daily food capacity is not as great as its grazing relative (Jones, 1979). If
given excessive protein, black rhinos may be subjected to excessive hoof growth, laminitis,
and/or abnormal hoof growth.
403
Black Rhinoceros Nutrition. Continued
Table 1. General Mammal Vitamin and Mineral Requirements (Ullrey and
Allen, 1986)
T^ype
Requirement
vitamin A
2,000
to
10,000 IU/kg diet
vitamin D
200
to
1,000 IU/kg diet
vitamin E
15
to
100 IU/kg diet
vitamin K
(if vitamin K antagonist is present, 2 to 5 mg
Menadione/kg diet)
thiamine
1/2
to
3mg/kg diet
riboflavin
2
to
4mg/kg diet
pantothenic acid
10
to
20mg/kg diet
niacin
10
to
30mg/kg diet
vitamin B6
1
to
2mg/kg diet
biotin
100
to
300pg/kg diet
vitamin Bi2
5
to
25pgkg diet
choline
200
to
lOOOmg/kg diet
vitamin C
(if not synthesized 50 to lOOmg/kg diet)
calcium
0.20
to
2.75 % of diet
phosphorus
0.10
to
0.80% of diet
magnesium
0.04
to
0.20 % of diet
sodium
0.08
to
0.30 % of diet
chlorine
0.10
to
0.30 % of diet
potassium
0.20
to
0.80 % of diet
sulfur
(wool producer dietary nitrogen-sulfur ratio no
greater than 10:1 and non-wool producers no
greater than 12 to 15:1)
iron .
40
to
100 ppm
copper
5
to
10 ppm non-ruminant
iodine
1
to
10 ppm ruminant
0.05 to
0.15 ppm growth
0.2
to
1.0 ppm reproduction
cobalt
0.1 ppm ruminant
zinc
40
to
80 ppm
magnesium
less than 10
ppm
selenoium
0.05
to
0.03 ppm
Table 2. Required protein content of concentrate when feeding legume hay
or grass hay (percent). (Hintz, 1977).
Status
Legume Hay
Grass Hay
weanlings
14 - 16
18 - 20
growing
12 - 14
15 - 18
maintenance
8 - 10
8 - 10
gestation
10 - 12
12 - 14
lactation
12 - 14
15 - 18
404
Black Rhinoceros Nutrition. Continued
The dietary protein requirements for a mature animal for maintenance ranges from 8 to
10%. Levels of 11 to 12% are required for the last third of a pregnancy and levels of 13 to 15%
for growth and lactation (Hintz, 1977).
4. Vitamins and Minerals - The dietary requirements for mammals are generalized in
Table I. In addition, Jones (1979) reported that the plasma of captive rhinos often contains
moderate levels of carotene but almost no vitamin A. Injection of vitamin A and oral doses
of vitamin C appear to improve a number of cases of dermal lesions, indicating either the
rhinos do not receive sufficient amounts of vitamin A or they cannot utilize commercial
forms of the vitamin. Also, rhinos may not be able to make vitamin C (Jones, 1979).
It should also be noted that the nutrient requirement for older animals is reversed, which
places a greater importance on vitamins and minerals.
5. The selection of feedstuff - The selection of hay should be made on price versus
efficiency. Rhinos fed diets containing either legume hay or grass hay have produced
offspring. Legume hays are generally higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which
requires less supplementation. Grass hays are lower in protein and minerals, and higher
in fiber. In periods when legume hay prices are high, grass hay could supplement or
replace alfalfa if additional supplements are cost effective. The selection of a concentrated
feed should be based on two factors: animal condition and type of hay (see Table 2).
A good quality hay and concentrated feed should contain sufficient amounts of vitamins
and most minerals. If there is concern about usable vitamin A levels, carrots, kale and/or
sweet potatoes can be added. Special attention should be given to calcium and phosphorus
levels when a cow is lactating. Trace mineral salt should be free-choice or added to a diet to
insure mineral levels.
Browse can be very therapeutic and should be added to the diet. Caution should be taken to
avoid creating an imbalance by feeding large amounts or by the side effects of secondary
plant products.
Conclusion
By reviewing the literature about other species' digestive anatomy and physiology, wild
diets and present captive diets, similar guidelines could be set up to examine and improve
their captive diets.
References
Argenzio, R.A. and Stevens, C.E. (1975). Cyclic changes in ionic composition of digesta
in the equine tract. Am. J. Physiol. 228: 1224-1230.
Cave, A.J.E. and Aumonier, F.J. (1963). The visceral histology of Sumatran rhinoceros.
J.R. Microsc. Soc. 82:29-37.
Clemens, Edgar (1985). Identifying animals with special nutritional needs.
Unpublished Proceedings for the Fifth Annual Dr. Scholl Nutrition Conference.
Clemens, E.T. and Maloiy, G.M.O. (1982). The digestive physiology of three African
herbivores: the elephant, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus. J. Zool. London
198:141-156.
Goddard, John (1968). Food preference of two black rhinoceros populations.
E. Afr. Wildl. J. 6:1-18.
Goddard, John (1970). Food preference of black rhinoceros in Tsavo National Park.
E. Afr. Wildl. J. 8:145-161.
Hintz, Harold (1977). The Nutrition of the Horse. In The Horse. Evans, Borton, Hintz,
and VanVleck (eds.). W.H. Freeman and Company, New York. 3:241-329.
Jones, D.M. (1979). The husbandry and veterinary care of captive rhinoceroses.
International Zoo Yearbook. Olney, P.J.S. (ed.) Zoological Society of London.
London 19:239-252.
405
Black Rhinoceros Nutrition. Continued
Maloiy, G.M.O. and Clemens, E.T. (1980). Gastrointestinal osmolality, electrocytes,
and organic composition in five species of East African herbivore mammals.
J. Amin. Sci. 51:917-924.
Maruska, E.J., Dresser, B.L. and Barden, B.D. (1986). Black rhinoceros husbandry,
reproduction, health survey results. Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, OH.
Mukinya, John G. (1977). Feeding and drinking habits of the black rhinoceros in
Masai Mara Game Reserve. E. Afr. Wildl. J. 15:125-138.
Nelson, L. and Fowler, M.E. (1986). Rhinocerotidae. In Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine.
Fowler, M.E. (ed.). W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA. 934-938.
Ritchie, A.T.A. (1963). The Black Rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis). E. Afr. Wildl. J.
1:54-62
Rohweder, Dwayne A. (1980). Forage quality as related to animal needs and forage
evaluation. The Proceedings of the First Annual Dr. School Nutrition
Conference. 1:283-311.
Wallach, Joel D. and Boever, William J. (1983). Perissodactyla. In Diseases of
Exotic Animals: Medical and Surgical Management. W.B. Saunders Co.
Philadelphia, PA. 18:761-829.
Ullrey, Duane E. (1980). Establishing the nutrient requirements of exotic animals.
The Proceedings of the First Annual Dr. School Nutrition Conference. 1:39-59.
Ullrey, Duane E. and Allen, Mary E. (1986). Principles of Zoo Mammal Nutrition.
In Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Fowler, M.E. (ed.). W.B. Saunders Co.,
Philadelphia, PA. 516-532.
Dedication and Acknowledgement
I dedicate this paper to my father, Mr. William Rindler, for paying for my college
education. I would also like to thank my fellow colleague and friend, Carl Gyarmaty, for
his expert editing job.
(Editor's Note: This paper was presented at the 1987 AAZK Great Lakes Regional at the
Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH.)
406
Windhoek/Etosha Pans/Waterburg/Koakoveld
Skeleton Coast/Swakopmund/Johannesburg
Departure New York ; February 19, 1991 for 19 days of Excitement
1 day spent on a private guest farm, most excellent area for birding
4 days in the Etosha Pans Area salt pan - an enormous shallow depression over
100 km across with numerous perennial springs around its edges. Here large
concentrations of game and birdlife will whet your appetite.
3 days camping in the Damaraland area, looking for the desert elephant, black
rhino and viewing rock paintings, large specimen of the well known ancient
plant - Welwitschia Mirabillis.
4 days on the Skeleton Coast, wind swept sand dunes, open gravel plains and
treacherous coastline. A region of rare beauty, with canyons, sand-dunes and
small groups of hardy desert animals. The Cape Cross seal colony, where seals
breed in their tens of thousands. Wander around the lively old town of
Swakopmund and visit Walvis Bay with time for fishing.
2 days in the Johannesburg area with optional tours to the world famous Pretoria
and Johannesburg Zoos, to meet your colleagues and friends.
Total Safari Cost, Land/Air $2895.00 per person double occupancy
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-323-8020
P.O.Box 178, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
§AAZK Diet Notebook
Mammals, Volume 1
©ISBUIS. IF®S£M
The AAZK Diet Notebook, Mammals - - Volume 1 contains
approximately 325 diets representing 213 species and subspecies
from fourteen participating institutions. The diets are arranged by
taxonomic order using ISIS numbers in a durable and attractive three-
ring binder. Each Diet Response Form included in Volume 1 contains
the following information: common name, scientific name, ISIS
number, the contributing individual, their institution and its address,
how long the diet has been used, whether the animals have bred while
on the diet, the diet ingredients, instructions for preparation, notes
and remarks, special considerations and nutritional analysis (if
available).
The Diet Notebook is a copyrighted publication of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., and may be ordered by filling out the
following form and sending it, along with a check or money order (U.S.
FUNDS ONLY) made payable to "AAZK Diet Notebook" to: Diet
Notebook Order, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Cost of the Diet Notebook is as follows: 1) AAZK Members $40.00; 2)
Non-members $55.00; 3) Institutions $70.00. These prices represent
prepaid order prices and include postage for the U.S. and Canada.
Those placing orders from overseas should contact AAZK
Administrative Offices, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 for
additional postage charges. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
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Book
Don't Shoot The Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training
By Karen Pryor, 1984, Bantam Books, New York, NY
187 pgs. Paperback. Price: $4.50
Hardback Edition available from Simon & Schuster
Review By Ellen Leach
Zookeeper
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WA
Don't be misled by the book's title. This is not a book primarily about dog training. Rather,
it imparts teaching principles that apply across all species, from scallops and crabs to
elephants and in-laws. The book has wide application; it was recommended to me by a
range of people, including a mother of teenagers and an animal behavior counselor.
Like most zookeepers, I have a long standing interest in animal behavior. Karen Pryor
describes the areas in animal behavior “as resembling three interlocking rings, like the
Ballantine beer logo. In one ring are the behaviorists such as Skinner and everything we
know about learning and cognition; in another ring are the ethologists such as Lorenz and
everything we know about the biological evolution of behavior; and in the third ring is
behavior we don't yet understand well, such as play. And each ring shares part of its
contents by overlapping with the other two.”
It seems keepers get a fair amount of exposure to ethology, but not much to learning and
cognition. Yet, almost all of us find ourselves in teaching/training situations with the
animals in our care, ranging from simple cage shifting to complex routines for public
presentations.
After thirteen years of zookeeoine. I had numerous questions in the area of animal
behavior conditioning. I find Don't Shoot the Dog, which received an award from the
American Psychological Association for Excellence in the Media, has answered many of
them.
The book is divided into five sections. The first centers on how reinforcement is different
from reward and punishment, and why it is more effective. I often hear “punishment” and
“negative reinforcement” used synonymously, indicating a commonly-held
misunderstanding. The two are distinctly different.
The next section explains the technique of shaping, the basis of much training, and
explains ten rules for shaping.
Section three covers stimulus control, including rules, types and magnitudes. It also
covers such interesting behavior as “pre-learning dips” and tantrums.
The fourth section describes eight methods of untraining-getting rid of unwanted
behaviors. The methods range from the most severe method, dubbed “Shoot the Animal”, to
“the fundamental and most kindly method” called “Change the Motivation.”
The last section, “Reinforcement in the Real World”, gives examples of application and
points out the “window that the training opens up into the animal's mind” with some
409
Book Review. Continued
delightful zoo examples. My personal favorite is the story of the elephant who, during a
training session to throw a frisbee, tried to train the trainer (the author) to unlock her cage!
The author is a widely-known trainer, writer and lecturer. She has written many articles
and other books including the recently reprinted Lads Before the Wind. Diary of a Dolnhin
Trainer (Sunshine Books, North Bend, WA).
If you have problems locating a copy of Don't Shoot the Dog locally, it is available by mail or
phone order from the following two bookstores in Seattle:
The Elliott Bay Book Company
101 S. Main Street
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 624-6600
Chapter
News
Western New York Chanter of AAZK
The Buffalo Zoo is proud to announce the
reinstatement of an AAZK Chapter in
Western New York. The enthusiasm of
some new and fresher members have led
to reformation of the Chapter after a
many year absence.
In August of this year we held our first
organized meeting and elected the
following as officers:
President Nancy Stengel
Vice Pres Kevin Murphy
Secretary Kathryn Mullane
Treasurer.. Aimee DeAngelo-Wasmund
We are currently supporting two
conservation projects: the Ngare Sergoi
Rhino Support Group and The Nature
Conservancy. The money raised from
our pop can collection will go toward our
conservation projects.
Our Vice President, Kevin Murphy,
hosted a slide presentation of various
zoos and their differences in exhibit
work. Our next meeting, also hosted by
Kevin, will present work on the “Andean
Condor Release Program”. This
meeting has been opened to the students
and staff of the local colleges and
members of the Museum of Science.
It is great to be back as an AAZK Chapter-
this time we are off to a great start!
--Kathryn Mullane, Secretary
University Book Store
4326 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
Bronx Zoo AAZK Chapter
The annual Chapter Barbecue was a
great success. We had a fantastic
turnout and all had fun participating in
the Zoolympics developed by the “creative
genius” Alison Hart (Thanks, Alison).
The Silent Auction was also a success
and the officers would like to thank all
those who donated their goods, services
and time to the whole venture. We
couldn't have done it without you.
The Chapter will be switching its
recycling emphasis from bottles and
cans to plastics over the next few weeks
as the Society begins its recycling
program. The photo contest, another
Chapter fundraising event, is in the
makings for future Chapter conservation
projects.
-Peter Psillas, Chapter Liaison
San Diego AAZK Chapter
Gary Priest, head trainer at the San
Diego Zoo, presented an excellent video
lecture titled “The Use of Operent
Conditioning in Training Husbandry
Behaviors with Captive Exotic Animals”,
at our Otober meeting. Gary's main
subject is a diabetic drill named ‘Loon’
that he has trained to obtain medical
procedures such as insulin injections,
semen and urine samples and blood
collections. Impressive! Gary was this
year's well-deserved recipient of a $300
grant from the San Diego Chapter to
present this paper at the National AAZK
Conference held last month in New
Orleans.
-Mary Dural, Chapter Liaison
410
Chapter News, Continued
Los Angeles Chapter AAZK
At our AAZK monthly meeting in
October, Victor Bolanos, one of our Vet
Assistants and a native of Guatemala,
talked to us on the conditions at Zoologico
Nacional “La Aurora” Guatemala,
Central America, and his plans for its
future.
Victor has spent a lot of time and effort
helping “La Aurora” and it's an
ongoing labor of love for him. He is
helping them in updating their animal
keeping practices, making information
on the latest medical techniques and
pharmaceuticals available to their
veterinary staff. He is also assisting
them in research projects and
conservation efforts. We at AAZK/ LA
are very proud of Victor's work and
involvement and are planning on
helping him as much as possible.
We have contributed $100 to the Audubon
Park AAZK for their special project to aid
the Association of Mesoamerican Zoos
(AMZOO).
recycling program at our zoo. Westside
has provided us with recycling bins in
which we are able to deposit all our
recyclable items. String keepers have
designated spots in their section or on
their string where items are stored.
Items are picked up weekly, or as
needed, by AAZK and placed in the bins;
Westside then transports the bins to their
recycling facility.
-Linda Cory, Chapter Liaison
With the financial help of the LA AAZK
Chapter, a mural of the Himilayan
mountains was painted on four walls of
the inside exhibit of the China Pavillion
which houses a pair of Snow leopards
( Panthera uncia ). (see photo insert)
Australian artist Silvia Jahnsons lent
her talents along with a volunteer crew of
keepers and docents. The project was
completed in one night of work in order
to avoid a long lock-out period for the
cats. “We wanted to create a feeling of
being high up in the mountains and of the
coldness of the snow leopards' natural
habitat,” said Jahnsons.
With help from Westside Recycling of
Glendale, CA, our AAZK has started a -Ruth Yakushiji
The LA AAZK Chapter helped finance the painting of this snow leopard exhibit with a
mural of the Himilayan Mountains. Work was done by keepers and volunteers.
411
Chapter News. Continued
The Oklahoma City Zoo AAZK Chapter
We've been rather quiet here, but we have
been busy here also. We formed our
Chapter in January, 1990 and
immediately began a recycling program
to provide income every month. We
began recycling aluminum cans and
newspapers. Eventually though we
stopped with newspapers. The sheer
volume was staggering and transport
became very difficult. Now we're
collecting baling wire instead.
We held a Fun-N-Games Carnival at
our yearly employees summer picnic.
We provided two games and a cake
raffle which were great successes. The
children had a blast and the adults were
happy to have the children occupied. Our
P.R. department provided all the prizes
and a 50-foot Dragon kite to be raffled.
Our members bakes cakes and brownies
for the raffle also. We raised $50 for our
bank account. We plan to do it again
next year.
Our Chapter volunteered to work at the
the Oklahoma Herpetologia Society's
October 5th annual meeting at the Zoo.
We guided herpers to Aquaticus, worked
the registration and kept food trays full.
We had a great deal of fun and gained
recognition with the zoo staff.
Every year we have “Haunt the Zoo”
around Halloween. The zoo is
transformed into a magical illusion of
fright. We provide a safe and scarey
haven for trick-or-treaters on Halloween
night. Our Herpetarium becomes the
“Haunted Herp” and our herp crew does
an outstanding job of scaring the
dickens out of folks! This year, on 28
October, our AAZK Chapter participated
in the Haunted Herp. This year's theme
was Horrow Movies and proved to be a
scarey night of gore. AAZK also
provided cashiers and photographers for
the event.
On 1 December, AAZK sponsored the first
annual “Christmas Shopping at the Zoo”
fundraiser, benefitting the Ecosystem
Survival Plan Adopt-an-Acre Program.
Various zoo employees donated their
time and talents to provide crafts and
baked good for the sale. We have many
talented artists and our sale not only
provided funding for the Adopt-an-Acre
Program, but also provided the
opportunity for these individuals to
display their art forms in a more public
manner. We have also restructured our
meetings. The officers meet prior to the
general meeting to discuss our format.
We had a film about bluebirds at our
October meeting and a lecture on bats at
the November meeting. Our attendance
has increased the last couple of meetings
and we have some new members. Our
biggest obstacle has been gaining
recognition as an organization within
the zoo, but we're on our way and we're
looking forward to 1991 and all the
challenges it will present.
-Robin Hurley, President
Rockv Mountain AAZK Chanter
Our Chapter has been going strong for the
past few months. Our monthly meetings
have been exciting and we have been
privileged to have some very interesting
guest speakers. These included Sue
Woods, a PhD candidate who has been
researching and collecting hours of data
on enrichment techniques involving the
gorillas at the Denver Zoo. Sue presented
some slides and her findings. Russ
Young, a Chapter member, presented a
video on his adventures with the
Earthwatch Black Bear Project in the
Pisgah National Forest. We had
representatives of the Fish and Wildlife
Service lecture about the Rocky
Mountain Arsenal and the wildlife
research projects going on there. Later
we toured the Arsenal to view the
abundant native species. Thanks to all
our guest speakers!
We have finally designed a Chapter logo
which is currently in the finishing
process and should be completed soon.
On the fundraising side, we have had a
couple of successful garage sales which
brought in a total of $750. Currently, our
most exciting project is getting some
Rainforest Crunch to sell in the zoo gift
shop. We are still working out the
details but are looking forward to this
opportunity.
At our October meeting the Chapter voted
unanimously to donate $100 to the project
put together by the Audubon AAZK
412
Chapter News. Continued
Chapter to donate animal identification
kits for Central American zoos.
Finally, two of our members, Marlene
Kumpf and Cate Werner, represented
our chapter and the Denver Zoo at the
AAZK Conference in New Orleans.
--Karen Stern, Vice President
Brodsfield Zw MZK Chapter
The Brookfield Chapter of AAZK sent
$400 of the money it raised through its
aluminum recycling program to World
Wildlife Fund in support of their
conservation efforts. Future profits will
be donated to smaller conservation
organizations on the recommendation of
zoo management.
In July, Primate keepers Craig Demitros
and Alan Varsik gave a video
presentation and talk on the hand-
rearing and re-socialization of two
infant gorillas. The video “Raising
Gorillas, the Story of Kwisha and
Kwizera” produced by Craig Demitros
and Howard Greenblatt was presented at
the Gorilla Conference in June and was
one of five finalists at the International
Television Associations Annual
Awards ceremony.
Throughout the spring and summer
AAZK gave lunchtime tours of both
animal and non-animal areas
including the new Fragile Kingdom, the
genetics lab and the design department.
Summer ended successfully with the
first annual AAZK picnic. The Chapter
also was able to sponsor five keepers to go
to the AAZK Conference in New Orleans
last month.
Brookfield's AAZK Chapter has a new
logo (see insert). A contest run in the
spring was won by William Bonucci III.
The Animal Stories Book is still
available through the Chapter.
-Betty Barst
Information Please
What does your zoo use in the way of safety/rescue equipment in the area of deep, dry moats?
Please send suggestions or ideas to: Pittsburgh Zoo, P.O. Box 5250, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Attn:
Safety Committee OR FAX to 412-665-3661.
Long-time AAZK member Rick Passaro is currently working as Director of the Zoological
and Botanical Foundation of St. Maarten in the Netherland Antilles. This Foundation is
presently constructing a zoo whose theme will be the flora and fauna of the Caribbean
Basin and South America. Rick is currently working on putting together education
programs to be conducted on the zoo grounds and in the local school system. He has
requested that any members who have information, guides, posters, suggestions, other
resources, etc. pertinent to the zoo's theme and who would be willing to share these with
him, please write him at: P.O. Box 2531 Madame Estate, St. Maarten, Neth, Antilles. The
phone number is ( 599-5) 22748 and the FAX number is (599-5) 24924. Any and all help will
be greatly appreciated.
413
AAZK Keeper Training Video Tape Project
The goal of the AAZK Keeper Training Video Tape Project is to
produce quality video tape training programs suitable to supplement
existing in-house training of entry level keepers. These tapes are not
intended to be a complete training program in themselves. All
proceeds generated from the sale of training tapes will be used to
finance production of future training tapes. Two tapes are currently
available.
Zoo Keeper Safety Attitude Adjustment - This 18-minute
program does not attempt to address the numerous variable specifics
of this subject. It presents a safety approach to the job of zoo
keeping, and promotes constant awareness and personal
responsibility for safety.
A Zoo Keeper's Introduction to Feeds and Feeding - A half-hour
introduction to the complex subject of feeds and feeding of zoo
animals. Topics covered include what, when, and where to feed.
AAZK Keeper Training Video Tape Purchase Agreement
Responsibilities and Restrictions of the Buyer
1) The tape may not be duplicated or made available to any person or
institution for the purpose of duplication.
2) The tape may not be utilized for any commercial purpose.
3) Should the buyer decide the tape will not be useful to their train-
ing program, the undamaged tape may be returned within
14 days of receipt for a partial refund - $10 for BETA and VHS,
$18 for 3/4-inch. For orders shipped outside USA please add
$5.00 for postage and insurance.
I, the undersigned, accept the responsibility for the restrictions
listed above.
Name: (type or print)
Signature:
Date:
Organization/Institution:
Shipping Address:
City: State: Zip:
Telephone: ( )
Tape Title:
Format: BETA VHS 3/4 INCH
$25 $25 $35
Make checks payable to: "AAZK "
Mail To: Training Videotapes, AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 Gage
Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
A New Trend of
Aquarium-World in Japan
By Yoshi. Yonetani, Zoo I DEL I Japan
The newest and the largest indoor aquarium in
Japan opened on 20 July 1990. Located by a large
harbor, it's called Osaka Aquarium “Kai-yu-kan”
(pronounced ki-u-can) whose name means
“pleasure with sea”. This eight story ocean life
pavilion was built of reinforced concrete (partially
steel framed) and is approximately 3800 sq. meters
in size.
The world-class aquarium is designed with ‘Ring of Fire’ as its unique theme, represented
by the different environments to be found in the Pacific Basin, surrounded by the five
continents of Asia, Australia, Antarctica, South & North America. The theme is based on
their excellent concept that the continuous zone of volcanoes and earthquake faults in the
Basin is the largest of its kind on our planet and Kaiyukan takes you on a fantastic
journey around this necklace of living treasures by way of its 14 exhibits.
We enter the gate and then go up to the roof-top via a long escalator. Our tour starts at the
first exhibit (Japanese Forest/Northwest Pacific) and leads to the other 13 exhibits by carpet-
covered corridors. Kaiyukan has been planned to give visitors an authentic impression of
what it would be like to walk underwater in the Pacific. The water cycle begins in the
mists and gentle rain of the mountains. One passes through rocky cascades from a large-
scaled artificial waterfall to join a river where you see some freshwater fish such as trout
along with giant salamanders, wood ducks and playful river otters. (These otters are not
Japanese one which are close to extinction, but rather the small-clawed variety from S.E.
Asia.) * water - 60 tons
The Second Exhibit is the Aleutian Islands/N. Pacific, an area which contains the largest
chain of active volcanoes in North America. The main species viewed here are sea otters
from Alaska. Even this huge aquarium cannot hold in its tanks the majestic whale, but
visitors can get a feel for this species via technical landscape displays. *250 tons
The Third Exhibit is Monterey Bay/ Northeast Pacific where rocky cliffs of the California
coast are home to a group of marine mammals such as sea lions and harbor seals.
Unfortunately elephant seals are not exhibited. *1050 tons
The Fourth Exhibit is a Kelp Forest where spectacular undersea forests flourish. We have
to tolerate the fact that it is not the same as the Monterey Bay Aquarium which recently
concluded a sister-relationship aquarium with Tokyo Sealife Park. It's very difficult to
maintain kelp's natural setting in captivity. Therefore, these kelp beds were made by the
magic of the Larson Company of Tucson, AZ which also constructed artificial rock-works,
trees and coral reefs. The Larson Co. took part in this Japanese zoological project after
completing work at Tokyo Sealife Park which belongs to Ueno Zoo, Tokyo. *300 tons
The Fifth Exhibit, Gulf of Panama/E. Pacific, depicts the tropical dry season when many
trees have lost their leaves. During the dry season, the waterholes become important life-
spaces. Here the visitor sees mud turtles and finds wading birds on the edge of the pond.
Also, other exotic animals like two-toes sloths hang on nearby branches. *500 tons
The Sixth Exhibit, the Ecuadoran Rain Forest, has a mysterious atmosphere of a place
which boasts the greatest diversity of lush plants & animals in all of the Amazon River
Basin. There are many curious river fish such as an Arapaima and a Bony Tongue
displayed in the stream in front of the leaping Squirrel Monkey's jungle. Anacondas and
Green Iguanas and Spectacled Caiman represent the reptiles in this setting. *250 tons
415
A New Trend of Aquarium World in Japan. Continued
The Seventh Exhibit, the Coast of Chile/Southeast Pacific, displays the vast numbers of
Sardines which travel in large schools in this region. On my personal view, I would have
liked to see guanos of cormorant in a coastal front in this exhibit. *250 tons
Exhibit Eight, Antarctica/South Polar Pacific, displays a colony of three species of Penguin
(King, Gentoo, Rockhopper). These animals are a branch group from Sea World, USA.
The real icy powders shoot from the ceiling of the tank for penguin's floes. It seems like a
small-scaled Penguin Encounter from Sea World. *350 tons
The Ninth Exhibit, Tasman Sea/Southwest Pacific, exhibits dolphins. You might be
surprised to see two Commerson’s ‘panda’ dolphins, and we wonder to notice their different
habitat. *1350 tons
Exhibit Ten, Cook Strait/Southwest Pacific, mostly displays sea turtles which arrive in
New Zealand with the warmer currents from the north. But there is no landing space for
their hatching in sand incorporated in this exhibit. Who knows about the breeding
program for them in the future? *350 tons
Exhibit 11, Great Barrier Reef/W. Pacific, features a partial replica of the biggest structure
ever built by any living creatures. Though I was sorry not to see a living coral reef in the
tank, I was satisfied with the good imitation they had rendered and the reef was alive with
many colorful fish. *450 tons
Osaka Aquarium, Kaiyukan, opened in July 1990 is the largest aquarium in Japan.
(Photo by Yoshi. Yonetani)
Exhibit Twelve, Seto Inland Sea/Northwest Pacific, displays many beautiful fish. The
advancement of aquaculture is one of Japan’s greatest achievements and the Inland Sea
Exhibit one of the world's aquaculture showcases. The actual Inland Sea is 250 miles long
with more islands than the Aegeau. *150 tons
416
A New Trend of Aquarium World in Japan. Continued
Exhibit 13, Japan Deeps/Northwest Pacific, is a blue-light zone exhibiting the world's
largest crustaceans; Giant Spider Crabs on parade against a backdrop of sea-lilies.
*80 tons
The 14th and final Exhibit has the Pacific Ocean itself as a centerpiece. This 9 m high and
34 m long tank's capacity is approximately 5400 tons. In this connection, for capacity of
other tanks in round numbers, it's shown by (*) at the end of each exhibits description. The
total water capacity is 11,000 tons, each of which is used to illustrate the unique aspects of
marine life in the Pacific Ocean. Here we see a young whale shark ( Rhincodon typus )
among other various sharks, sting-rays, and a school of tuna. This is the second time a
whale shark has been displayed in captivity in Japan; the first being at the Okinawa
International Ocean Expo Memorial Park Aquarium.
The exterior architecture of Kaiyukan also expresses the ‘Ring of Fire’ theme. Blue walls
of tile represent the large sections of ocean water within. Red glass at the top symbolizes the
ocean's ring of volcanoes, and supports a crystalline crown of habitats under clear glass
skylights. Next door to the aquarium, the term ‘festive marketplace’ signifies an area with
genuinely festive atmosphere, not just a supermarket selling prepackaged goods. The
Harbor Village on this site is very similar to those waterfront projects in Boston or
Baltimore in the U.S.
About 16,000 specimens from 300 species of animals and 3,500 specimens from 150 plant
varieties are exhibited inside. The living creatures are not alone in adding color to the
interior. Molded from real geological structures, the boulders, sea cliffs, or coral reefs
were intricately formed to recreate natural coastal environments. All sea water in the 14
exhibit tanks is recycled every 24 hours through 100 filters which are part of the life support
system. Bacteria and viruses that cannot be removed by the filters are killed by ozone
which also dissolves tiny substances and allows light penetration within tanks to increase
so that living creatures inside can be seen even more clearly. The Aquarium staff check
the water every day to maintain the most appropriate environment for the animals' health.
At Kaiyukan the visitor is in the ocean's labyrinth, immersed between walls of water,
surrounded by aqua-life. Hopefully, this will make visitors more seriously consider the
conservation of our seas in and out of Kaiyukan.
AAZK Administrative Offices
1-800-242-4519 (U.S. Only)
1-800-468-1966 (Canada)
FAX 913-272-2539
417
Acrylic Resin Upper Beak Replacement
in a Red-Breasted Toucan
By
Ed Hansen, Senior Keeper
Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
In January 1988 the Reid Park Zoo purchased a pair of Red-breasted toucans ( Ramphastos
dicolorus) from the Burnet Park Zoo. The Animal Data Transfer Form stated that both
birds were captive-bred (0.1 Phoenix, AZ - 1.0 Lion Country Safari, FL).
After a 45-day separate quarantine period, the birds were placed side by side in 8' x 15' x 7'
flight cages, separated by a 3' walkway. They remained here for a period of 6 months.
Introduction occurred in August of 1988 by opening the common doors and allowing “come
and go” access between the well-planted flights. Upon discovery of the open door, the male
immediately attacked the female. They were quickly separated. Supervised access was
offered over the next few days with the same result. Some primary flight feathers from the
male were removed, enough to allow him maneuverability, yet give the female ample
opportunity to elude him. After 7 days of one-hour introductions, the pair settled down and
accepted each other with a minimum of fighting. Twenty-four hour compatibility was
achieved one month after the initial introduction.
In March of 1989 a nest site was provided. The female took an immediate interest in the
nest can and a complete personality change emerged. The female became increasingly
defensive of the site and considerably more aggressive towards the male. Although she
spent a great deal of time in the nest, no eggs were laid during the season.
With the approach of the 1990 breeding season, the decision was made to place the pair on
display. They were provided with a hollowed out palm log as a nesting site. The female
exhibited the same aggressive behavior as before, even driving the male into hiding within
the enclosure. The decision was made to let this aggression “play itself out” as it had done
the previous year.
On 9 May 1990, the female bit off 1 1/2 inches of the male's upper beak. He was immediately
brought to the hospital and treatment was begun.
Male Red-breasted Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus) prior to the replacement of his broken
beak with an acrylic resin prosthesis. The beak was bitten off by a female toucan.
418
Acrylic Resin Upper Beak Replacement in a Red-breasted Toucan. Cont'd
It bled profusely, but was a clean break that clotted quickly with the application of
hemostatic powder. The immediate concern was the bird's ability to eat, however he
exhibited the dexterity to pick up meatballs and other large chunks of food. Through
veterinary contacts with a local orthodontic laboratory, the decision was made to provide the
bird with a cosmetic yet functional prosthesis. The beak was cleaned and filed back
utilizing a diamond file. A complete impression was obtained by emersing both the upper
and lower beak into dental cement. This would ensure the proper curve to the artificial
beak. Utilizing the same acrylic resin material that orthodontic “braces” are made of, the
upper beak was cast, complete with matching “designer” colors. The first beak was affixed
with Vetbond® (super glue) as a temporary measure, to allow the bird time to become
familiar with the additional weight and to see if he would be able to manipulate it in the
same manner as a real beak. He ate readily with the prosthesis within minutes of his
return to the cage.
Male Red-breasted Toucan shown after attachment of the permanent acrylic resin beak
which is attached to the existing natural beak by stainless steel surgical screws.
The permanent acrylic resin beak was affixed after a period of two weeks utilizing three
stainless steel surgical bone screws (3/32" x 1/8"). The pilot holes were made with a dental
drill into the hollow core of the upper beak, two on the left side and one on the right. The
acrylic beak is constructed to slide onto the existing beak with an overlapping “flap” to
accommodate the screws. It remains in place as of this date (9-90) with food intake normal.
Cleanliness has not been a problem. On 10 July, reintroduction to the female took place
with minimal aggression.
Vetbond® Tissue Adhesive - 3M Animal Care Products, St. Paul, Minnesota.
419
The Zoo Keeper's Role in Safety
By Wendy Wienker
Senior Keeper I Registrar
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
Seattle, WA
Modern zoo keepers are the nucleus of zoo safety. Their actions or inactions can effect the
safety of many people. Not only are they responsible for their own safety, but also for the
safety of other keepers, volunteers, the animals in their care, and the the safety of the
visiting public. To handle such a great range of responsibilities, keepers should receive
comprehensive safety training, be aware of how to work safely, and apply safety principles
to all aspects of their work. These three elements of safety: training, attitude, and
application are essential in a profession that is potentially dangerous and often
unpredictable.
A comprehensive safety program consists of basic safety training, safety tours, refresher
courses, workshops and written safety procedures. Keepers receive training in the
classroom, in the animal areas and on the zoo grounds. Topics covered in basic safety
training are: accident prevention, hazard identification, first aid, and the proper use of
safety equipment. Animal safety classes include recognizing aggressive and dangerous
animal behavior, restraint techniques, and animal escape procedures. Emergency
procedures for rescuing the public from animal exhibits, evacuating the public from the zoo
grounds, and for natural disasters are taught, rehearsed and periodically reviewed. New
keepers receive safety training as part of their orientation program.
Basic safety training teaches keepers techniques for working safely and identifying
hazards in the work place. Common keeper injuries, e.g cuts, abrasions, strains and
sprains, are often caused either by obstacles encountered during a routine work day or by
unsafe work practices. Identifying hazards in the work place and working safely will
reduce the incidents of common accidents such as tripping over a hose, slipping on a wet
floor, cutting a finger chopping food, or injuring a hand on a gate. Some states have
Worker's Right To Know legislation which requires keepers to receive training in the
handling and use of chemicals and to use respirators, safety goggles and gloves when
indicated. Up-to-date first aid training is especially important because the keeper is often
the first person to arrive at the scene of an accident involving another keeper or a zoo
visitor.
Additional training, in proper lifting techniques, and the correct use of tools and
equipment may help to reduce chronic injuries such as back injuries and tendonitis.
Defensive driving is taught to keepers who use vehicles regularly. Driving safety is
crucial where keepers drive vehicles in areas frequented by zoo visitors. Keepers should
also receive training in zoonosis. They need to be aware of the potential health hazards
inherent when working closely with animals, and to practice the necessary personal
hygiene to prevent animal related diseases.
Teaching keepers to work safely with animals begins with training in interpreting
animal behavior and learning techniques for working closely with animals. Keepers
learn to recognize normal behavior so they can be alert to any change that may indicate a
potentially hazardous situation. It is important to have an understanding of breeding
behavior, maternal and paternal behavior and the hierarchy of social animals. Some
species are more aggressive than others and aggression can vary from specimen to
specimen. Keepers need to have a general knowledge of the behavior of all zoo specimens
and to be specialists in understanding the behaviors of the animals in their care.
Techniques for working closely with animals will vary depending on the type of animal
and the design of the enclosure. Animals, identified as dangerous, are generally shifted
before a keeper enters their enclosure. Keepers must personally check to make sure
dangerous animals have been shifted. They should never assume than an animal has been
420
The Zoo Keeper's Role in Safety. Continued,
shifted or rely on second hand information. When returning to work from their days off,
keepers need verbal or written instructions on any changes that have occurred in the unit.
Continuity is essential in dangerous animal areas. All locks, gates and doors need to be
checked and rechecked to verify that they are secure. Animal units should have written
procedures for working with dangerous animals. These procedures should be updated
regularly and reviewed by all unit personnel.
Special skills are required for working with specimens which have the potential to be
dangerous, but are considered safe enough for keepers to enter their enclosures. Flight
distance, escape routes, tools which could be used as weapons and constant vigilance are
some of the techniques keepers use to work safely with these animals. Sometimes two
keepers are required when working with potentially dangerous animals such as elephants
and large or poisonous snakes. Keepers working with these animals require training in
the use of the special tools, the ankus for elephants, and the snake hook for reptiles. New
keepers need to work closely with experienced unit keepers to become familiar with the
animals and enclosures and to learn to recognize the potential dangers in the area.
Animal restraint and capture techniques can be taught at workshops and in the animal
area. Units should have written procedures for their areas. New employees are given the
procedures to read, are instructed in the location and use of capture equipment and are
taught restraint capture techniques by observing first hand before actively participating. A
workshop may be used to demonstrate special animal procedures which are unusual or
infrequent. As many keepers as practical are allowed to observe the procedure. Hoof
trimming, ear tagging, leg banding, manual catching techniques and the use of animal
chutes are some of the procedures which can be taught in workshops.
Planning, teamwork and back-up are important aspects of animal restraint procedures.
Staff involved in animal restraint procedures meet before the procedure, discuss the plan,
assign tasks, and sometimes rehearse the procedure. Alternate plans and options are
discussed. A decision is made before the procedure on who will be in charge during the
procedure. Experienced keepers are used in primary or back-up positions. The safety of the
primary keeper may depend on the keeper in the back-up position. New staff either observe
or are assigned non-critical tasks. Good communication and teamwork greatly reduce
the danger of injuries to animals and staff during restraint procedures.
Animal escapes may endanger zoo staff and zoo visitors. A written animal escape
procedure is essential to assign responsibilities and establish guidelines before an escape
occurs. Who is in charge of an animal escape, what are the responsibilities of the keeper
staff, and when the veterinary staff should be involved all need to be defined. Visitor
safety, crowd control and public relations should also be addressed. Procedures for
dangerous animal escapes should be reviewed with local police to assure coordination and
communication during an emergency, and a zoo evacuation plan should be developed and
rehearsed. Most escaped animals are not dangerous and injuries to these animals and
staff can be minimized by carefully planned capture procedures. All animal escapes
should be critiqued afterwards to prevent future escapes and to improve capture techniques.
Emergency procedures need to be written and reviewed frequently. Since most
emergencies occur infrequently, it is easy for emergency procedures to be overlooked. It is
not enough for staff to know that a procedure exists, they must be able to implement it when
the emergency arises. The lives of staff and visitors may depend on how staff respond to
emergencies such as medical emergencies, fire, natural disasters, or rescuing a victim
from a dangerous animal exhibit. All emergencies should be reviewed afterwards to
evaluate and improve the procedures.
Keeper staff should be familiar with all aspects of procedures for rescuing staff or visitors
from dangerous animal exhibits. Zoo staff attend annual tours of dangerous animal areas
where keeper staff assigned to those areas give a talk about their emergency procedures and
locate and identify emergency equipment such as ladders, hoses, ropes, fire extinguishers,
and life rings. Although all keepers are taught emergency procedures for dangerous
animal areas, it is desirable to have the keepers working a particular unit respond to an
emergency in their area because they are the most knowledgeable about their animals and
equipment.
421
The Zoo Keener’s Role in Safety. Continued
Additional staff arriving at an emergency can handle crowd control, meet and direct
emergency vehicles and be a liaison with the press until the public information officer
arrives. Procedures for rescuing people from dangerous animal exhibits are often
speculative because the reaction of the animals cannot be tested and the condition of the
victim, both mentally and physically, is not known until the emergency. Emergencies
involving dangerous animals should be critiqued to determine if emergency procedures
should be improved or modified.
All zoos should have a procedure for handling natural disasters. Potential disasters will
vary depending on the geographic location of the zoo, but results from disasters such as
escaped animals, damaged buildings and utilities and injured staff or visitors, may be
similar. During a disaster, a zoo may receive limited support from local agencies due to
emergency priorities. Zoo staff must plan to be as self-sufficient as possible during a
disaster. First priority is to protect the public from dangerous zoo specimens and to give
first aid to the injured. A disaster plan will identify the key staff and equipment needed,
and outline the steps necessary to secure the zoo and if possible maintain the collection.
Communication is a critical element of safety during an emergency. Staff and volunteers
must be trained to use lines of communication effectively. The first person on the scene of
an emergency must know how to summon assistance. Communication during an
emergency should be explicit and brief. It is imperative that one person monitor all
communications to insure that all aspects of the emergency plan are being executed and to
determine if additional assistance is needed. Phone systems and some radio systems may
be inoperable during a natural disaster. Back-up generators may be necessary to operate
communication systems. All aspects of communication need to be addressed in the
emergency procedures.
Well trained keepers will be aware of the importance of safety in all aspects of their
profession. They will have been taught the skills to recognize hazards in the workplace
and to work safely. They will also know safe techniques for animal capture and animal
restraint and will be familiar with current emergency procedures. Safety training alone,
however, will not assure that keepers will be safe keepers. For safety training to be
effective, the keeper must have the right attitude about safety and conscientiously apply the
techniques and procedures they have learned to their work.
The attitude of a keeper not only affects the quality of their work but also how safely they
work. The overworked keeper, the keeper with problems at home, the macho keeper and the
unhappy keeper, all have attitudes which may compromise their own safety or the safety of
others at the zoo. They may be preoccupied, indifferent or consider themselves invincible.
Their perceptions, how they feel about their job, and how they perceive how others feel about
them has a direct affect on all aspects of safety.
The overworked keeper may be on the edge of burnout. Unable to keep up with their own
personal expectations, the expectations of their supervisor, or an extra heavy workload, the
overworked keeper may be working at an unsafe pace or be inattentive due to fatigue. A
slow reaction time, a failure to notice hazards in the workplace, or a missed lock check
could lead to a serious accident.
Under normal conditions, the keeper with problems at home is probably a safe keeper, but
preoccupation with problems at home may keep the keeper from focusing on the job at hand.
This keeper may not notice an aggressive warning from an animal or see a child
climbing over a fence. Problems at home need to be left at home. Zoo keeping is a
dangerous profession which requires attention to detail at all times.
The macho keeper is a remnant from an era of the cowboy. Minor injuries are considered
part of the job. While macho keepers are trying to prove that they can do everything by
themselves they may be endangering other keepers. Teamwork and back-up are valuable
techniques when working with animals. It is important to know when to ask for
assistance.
422
The ZQQ Keeper's Role in Safety, Continued
The perceptions of the unhappy keeper may affect not only his/her safety but also the safety
of other keepers. The unhappy keeper feels unappreciated, or disliked, or underpaid, or
overworked or that their supervisor is out to get them. Whatever the perception, it strongly
affects how the keeper looks at his/her job, co-workers and supervisors. This keeper may
not care about his own safety or the safety of other keepers and zoo visitors.
Keepers must have good attitudes about safety. They need to care about their own safety, the
safety of their co-workers and the safety of zoo visitors. Safety training and a good attitude
are only part of the keeper's role in safety. How keepers apply their safety knowledge and
training, and how they improve safety in the workplace is the third element of keeper
safety.
How keepers apply their safety knowledge effects the whole zoo. Keepers influence keeper
safety, animal safety and visitor safety. They can ignore unsafe situations, accept
conditions “as is”, or actively affect change. The quality of keeper safety depends on the
keeper taking an active role in all aspects of zoo safety. The keeper needs to identify safety
problems, to recommend modifications and improvements, to correct unsafe actions by
staff and visitors, and to apply safety principles to all aspects of their work.
Keepers need to plan for safety, work safely, identify safety hazards, and evaluate work
areas and animal procedures for improvements and modifications. Reviewing existing
safety policies and procedures to maintain familiarity and update as needed, and
planning for future projects and procedures are two ways that planning can help to make
the keeper's job safer. By reviewing existing safety procedures, the keeper is prepared to
respond to emergencies, carry out his/her assignment as safely and as efficiently as
possible. Safety planning is an important aspect of animal capture and restraint
procedures. When animal procedures are planned, keepers can identify potential safety
hazards to animals or keepers ahead of time and modify the procedure to make it safer.
Keepers can also provide safety input for planning new exhibits such as information on
escape routes and barriers.
To work safely, the keeper needs to focus on the job at hand and review a mental checklist of
the elements required to complete the task safely. Is the keeper wearing the best clothing for
the task, is assistance or back-up needed, and what objects or conditions may be hazardous,
are some of the questions which should be addressed. Often the keeper must adjust to
rapidly changing conditions. To work safely the keeper must constantly incorporate new
safety information and apply it to the situation at hand.
If the task involves working with animals, there are additional safety considerations.
Although a thorough knowledge of animal behavior is required when working with
animals, it is essential to keep in mind that animals are unpredictable. Keepers should
always expect the unexpected and be prepared for the greatest range of behaviors. The
safety of keepers and their co-workers depends on the keepers' ability to recognize a
potentially dangerous situation and react in an appropriate and timely fashion.
In some areas keepers must carry weapons when entering an animal enclosure. The
weapon may consist of a common tool such as a shovel or be a specially designed
implement such as a long plastic pole for use with giraffe. These weapons are used in
emergency situations to threaten aggressive animals or to keep an animal away from a
keeper until the keeper can safely leave the enclosure. Without such a weapon, a keeper
could be seriously injured. Keepers should not be expected to defend themselves every time
they enter an enclosure. If animals are aggressive all the time or extremely dangerous
when aggressive, they should be shifted before the keeper enters the enclosure. It is
important for keepers to recognize when to retreat from a potentially dangerous situation.
Working safely with animals requires constant vigliance, the ability to correctly interpret
animal behavior and common sense.
Keepers must play an active role in identifying and reporting safety hazards before
accidents occur. If a keeper is unable to correct a safety hazard, he/she needs to warn other
staff to avoid the hazard until it can be repaired. Frequent safety inspections of work areas
423
The Zoo Keeper’s Role in Safety. Continued
and animal enclosures are useful to identify safety hazards which may not be spotted
during the work routine. Keepers should not assume a safety hazard has been reported
because it has existed for a long time. They may be the first to report it or the original report
may be lost. Keepers need to be persistent in insisting that safety hazards are corrected.
An important way keepers can contribute to safety is to suggest safety modifications to work
areas and animal procedures. The keeper is in the unique position of knowing how well
everything in their area operates and what needs to be improved. Often suggestions for
safety modifications will improve safety for both keepers and animals. Safety
modifications can save money by reducing time-loss accidents and animal deaths.
Management should evaluate all safety modification proposals and take action where
appropriate.
The quality of keeper safety, animal safety and safety of the zoo visitors is related to the
level of commitment to safety, by keeper staff and management. When management is
committed to a comprehensive keeper safety training program, to a safe workplace for
keepers, and to safe enclosures for zoo specimens, keepers will have a good attitude about
safety and want to take an active role in accident prevention. When keeper suggestions for
safety modifications and improvements to exhibits and animal procedures are accepted
and safety modifications and improvements are implemented when merited, zoo safety
will improve. When keepers take an active role in safety everyone benefits. The animals
are safer, the keepers are safer and the zoo visitor has a safe, enjoyable zoo experience. The
keeper is the nucleus of zoo safety.
Suggested. Safety fteaffng
The Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals
By: Murray Fowler
The Calgary Safety Manual for Zookeepers
By: Peter Karsten
Burnet Park Zoo Attendants Manual
Zoonotic Pfeeases
By Bruce Clark, AAZK Keeper Education Committee
Zookeener Training - A Suggested Guide for Instructors
By: Judie Steenberg
Think Safety Animal Keepers' Fprymoi
1984- Apr 103, May 147, June 168, July 202, Aug 258, Sept 293
1985- Feb 48, May 162
1986- May 162, Aug 234
424
L.IJV.K
(Liaison and Information Network for Keepers)
Director for the LINK System: Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave.,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5. (204) 889-2919 (h).
Karin Newman, Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
for the State of Wisconsin
Lee Williams, Detroit Zoo, P.O. Box 39, Royal Oak, MI 48068
for the State of Michigan
Rick Smith (St. Louis Zoo) , 7417 Madge, Maplewood, MO (mailing address) (314) 781-8037 {h}
for the State of Missouri
Debbie Jakcson, Little Rock Zoological Gardens, #1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
for the State of Arkansas
Wendy Davis, Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., Duluth, MN 55807
for the States of Minnesota & Iowa
Elandra Aum, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 625-2244 [w]
for the State of Washington
Mike Illig, Washington Park Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Dr., Portland, OR 97221
for the State of Oregon
Joe Rindler, Columbus Zoo, 9990 Riverside Dr., Box 400, Columbus, OH 43065
for the States of Ohio & Kentucky
Dan Powell, Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn, South Bend, IN 46615
for the State of Indiana
Joanna Bower, Lee Richardson Zoo, P.O. Box 499, Garden City, KS 67846
for the State of Kansas
Carla Wieser, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 10th St. & Deer Park Blvd., Omaha, NE 68107
for the States of Nebraska and Iowa
David Luce, Chaffe Zoo, 894 W. Beljmont Ave., Fresno, CA 93728 (209) 488-1549 [w]
for Middle California
Celeste Northrop, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, SanDiego, CA 92112
for Southern California & Southern Nevada
John Turner, Denver Zoo, City Park, Denver, CO 80205
for the States of Colorado and Utah
Bruce Eneboe, Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
for the States of Arizona & New mexdco
Jeanette Nadeau, Roger Willaims Park Zoo, Providence, RI 02905
or
Mark Hofling, Bronx Zoo, 185th & Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (212) 220-7115 [w]
or
Alan Baker, Burnet Park Zoo, 500 Burnet Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13204
for the States of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island & Connecticut
Jon Brangan, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI 02905
for the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Dele ware, Maryland, Virginia,
West Virginia and the District of Columbia
Tami Ryf, Dreher Park Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405
or
Betty Grogan, Jacksonville Zoological Park, P.O. Box 26767. Jacksonville, FL 32218
for the State of Florida
Fred Alvey, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315
for the States of Georgia & Alabama
Michelle Herman, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 West Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39209
for the States of Mississippi & Tennessee
Ann Marie Greco, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N.St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
for the States of Texas & Louisiana
Terry Male, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5 (416) 392-5900 {w}
for the Province of Ontario
Bob Debets, Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2355 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OR5
for the Provinces of Manitoba & Saskatchewan/States of ND,SD (204) 837-1635 [h]
Chantal Routheir, Granby Zoo, 347 Rue Bourget, Granby, Quebec, Canada J2G 1E8
for the Province of Quebec
Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo, Box 2359, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2R7 (403) 483-5525 [w]
for the Provinces of Alberta & British Columbia
425
NOW AVAILABLE
Zoonotic Diseases. 2nd Edition
AAZK is pleased to announce the availability of the Second Edition of the
Zoonotic Diseases Handbook. This 40-page reference work details the most
common zoonotic diseases, offers guidelines for preventive control and covers
personal hygiene and disinfection procedures.
This Second Edition contains expanded listings of zoonotic diseases and has
been formatted in 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" AKF size. Information on each disease is
presented in a text format which includes Ethiologic Agent, Means of
Transmission to Man, Global Distribution, Alternate or Intermediate Hosts,
Human Incubation and Human Symptoms. Editor for this volume is Bruce
Clark of the Toledo Zoo.
Copies may be purchased by
completing the order form
below. Prices are: $5.00 for
Professional AAZK members;
$6.50 for all other AAZK
membership categories; and
$8.50 for non-members. The
prices include shipping and
handling within North America.
Orders outside the U.S. and
Canada should add $3.00 for
foreign postage by Air Mail.
Make check or money order
payable in U.S. FUNDS ONLY
to: "AAZK". Please allow 3-4
weeks for delivery.
Zoonotic Diseases
Published by
The American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Please send copy/copies of the AAZK Zoonotic Diseases Handbook to:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY; P AF AS INST Non-Mem
TOTAL AMOUNT INCUDED: $
Send to: Zoonotic Diseases, AAZK, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent
data by the 15th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks / AKF . 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606. Please include closing dates for positions available. There is no charge for this
service and phone-in listings of positions which become available close to deadline are
accepted. Our phone is 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.); 1-800-468-1966 (Canada). Our FAX is 913-272-
2539.
The following two positions are available at the Brookfield Zoo. For both positions submit
resume, letter of interest and references by 25 December 1990 to: Human Resources,
Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513.
ASSISTANT LEAD ! BIRDS... responsibilities include directing daily operations,
overseeing care of birds, and supervising staff in assigned area. Also engage in direct
animal care, particularly of soft-billed birds. Ideal candidate will have 4-5 years'
animal care experience with emphasis on birds, and supervisory potential. College
degree in biological field preferred. Excellent benefits. Salary $28, 296/year.
KEEPER/BIRDS. ..prefer 2-4 years' experience with birds, experience with breeding small
birds, and college degree. Responsible for daily care, feeding, observation of birds and
maintenance. Salary $23,199 to $28,188 depending on experience.
The following two positions are open at the Primate Foundation of Arizona. For either
position send letter of interest, requested salary, resume, and three (3) letters of reference
to: Jo Fritz, Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P.O. Box 86, Tempe, A Z 85280. Note:
All personnel must have a negative TB skin test and a negative hepatitis B antigen test.
CARE GIVER/CHIMPANZEES. ..a new position has been made available. Requires
BA/BS in Zoology, Biology, Anthropology or related fields of study and ability to work well
with peers. Primate or zoo experience preferred. Assist in the responsibility for
maintaining and caring for approximately 74 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ). Salary
negotiable. Excellent benefits.
STAFF VETERINARIAN. ..fuN-time staff veterinarian for chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
breeding and behavioral research facility. Coordinate preventative medicine programs,
manage clinical cases, assist in complying with USDA and NIH regulations, develop staff
health policies, write SOP's, and compile and publish valuable chimpanzee information.
Candidates must have D.V.M. degree, clinical experience, and a strong interest in
primate medicine. Excellent benefits. Salary commensurate with experience. EOE.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The following positions are available at the Ellen Trout Zoo. Starting salary for both
positions is $6.52 per hour. For either position contact: Personnel Department, City of
Lukfin, P.O. Drawer 190, Lufkin, TX 75902-0190 by 31 December 1990.
REPTILE KEEPER. ..requires high school diploma or equivalent and valid Texas drivers
license. Will work with diverse collection of amphibians and reptiles. Duties include
cleaning, feeding, exhibit upkeep, breeding programs, and record keeping. Applicant
should have proven experience with these animals, including venomous snakes and
crocodilians.
BIRD KEEPER. ..Teqynres high school diploma or equivalent and valid Texas drivers
license. Will work with bird collection of approximately 200 specimens. Duties include
cleaning, feeding, exhibit upkeep, breeding programs, and record keeping. Applicant
should have demonstrated experience with birds.
ELEPHANT HANDLER ...immediate opening at Oakland Zoo. Some experience
desirable. Salary $10.50 an hour plus benefits. Send resume to: Lome Jackson, 9777 Golf
Links Rd. Oakland, CA 94605. (415) 632-9525. Closing date 31 December 1990.
427
Opportunity Knocks. Continued
ZQQ DlRECTQI$...ihe Grand Isle Heritage Zoo in Grand Island, NE is looking for a
director to manage its 7 1/2 acre zoo. The Heritage Zoo is a young (1981) privately operated
zoo. The ideal candidate will be able to work well with people, have the ability to manage,
the experience and knowledge to handle the animal requirements of a small zoo. Grand
Island is a friendly, family-oriented community with a low cost of living. Salary $20,000
to $26,000 per year negotiable with benefits. If you are looking for a rewarding,
challenging position which will allow you to use your creativity send your resume and
cover letter to: Dan Fogland, President, Grand Island Heritage Zoo, P.O. Box 1345, Grand
Island, NE 68802 (308) 382-3899.
How to Build Your Association
in 13 Easy Steps
1. Attend every Association meeting you can. Your presence is important.
2. Don't find fault with Association operations, rather, try to make suggestions as to
workable improvements.
3. Say "yes" when you are asked to serve on a committee or be an officer.
4. If it happens you aren't asked, continue to think up and propose practial suggestions for
building the Association, and you'll soon be noticed.
5. After you are named, attend all board or committee meetings.
6. When you attend meetings, sound off on how things should be done inside the meeting,
not after you leave.
7. Work for the Association every chance you get - don't criticize the "Old Reliable" but
instead join them.
8. Help make sure all meetings, seminars and conferences are, to the best of your ability,
worthwhile expenditures of members' money.
9. If meetings are strictly business, use your ability to help reach wise decisions as quickly
as possible, then have fun with members when the business is completed.
10. If you are asked to sit at the meeting table, accept gracefully and happily.
11. If you aren't asked to sit there, make good use of the time this gives you to talk shop with
others at the table where you are sitting.
12. Pay your dues promptly when notified. You'll know from your own experience how
hard it is to draw up the Association's budget, and every bit of cash flow helps.
13. Read mail from the Association as soon as it arrives. Return phone calls. Reply to
questions or opportunities offered as soon as possible.
Reprinted with permission from
Professional Grounds Management Forum, Vol. 12, No. 9. September, 1988.
from Michigan Irrigation Contractors Association
428
AAZK Membership Application
Name
Address
City
[ | $30.00 Professional
Full-time Keepers
□ $25.00 Associate
Those not connected with
an animal facility
I I $20.00 Library
Library subscription only
Zoo Affiliation (if any)
Zoo Address
check here if renewal [ ]
State/Province Zip
□ $25.00 Affiliate
Other staff & volunteers
I I $30.00 International
All members outside U.S. & Canada
regardless of category
□ $50.00 or more Contributing
Organizations & individuals
Mail this application and check or money order (U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE), made
payable to American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., to : AAZK Administrative Offices,
Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 U.S.A.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is
good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Animal Keeners' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal
keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration.
Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page size no greater than
6" x 10" (15cm x 25 l/2cm). Literature used should be cited in the text and in final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name of species (as per ISIS) the first time
it is used. Thereafter use common name. Black and white photos only accepted.
Articles sent to Animal Keeners' Forum will be reviewed for publication. 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 envelope. Telephone or FAX contributions of
late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted. However, long articles must be
sent by U.S. mail. The phone number is (913) 272-5821 Ext. 31. FAX # is 913-272-2539.
HEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15-HL
OF THE PRECEDING MONTH
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Animal Keepers' Forum editorial staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a
copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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