?' I
The Journal of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980
July 2003
Vol. 30, No. 7
Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo & Kayla Grams,
Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Cantrell, Disney’s
Animal Kingdom • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. •
ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William
K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida
Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th
Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 6661-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication
costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS.
AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS
also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602
Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200
Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203
Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA 92027
Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoological Society, Volcano, HI 96785
Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo , Cleveland, OH 44109
President
Vice President
Immediate Past President
COMMITTEES
Nominations& Elections
Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX
Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Annual Conferences
Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc.
Bowling for Rhinos
Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC
Marketing Resources
Bob Hayes- San Diego Zoo
By-laws
Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo
Ethics
Chair - Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Research/Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Awards
Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo
Professional Development
Chair - Linda King, Dallas Zoo
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
APT, EDT and ATP Forms
AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka
Enrichment Committee
Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
AAZK Historian
Mark Levin, Elmwood Park Zoo
Animal Behavior Management
Chair - Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International
Assistance);Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution)
AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION
Biological Values for Selected Mammals, 3rd Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, Lake Odessa, MI
AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
printed on Recycled Paper
n^aSCe of Contents
n^aSCe of Contents
About the Cover/Information for Contributors 266
Scoops & Scuttlebutt 267 - 268
Wolf Notes 269
AAZK Announces New Members 269
Coming Events 270
From the President 271
AAZK Book Sale 272
Keeper Profiles - Video Ad 273
Reactions Column (Emergency Tool Kit) 274 - 275
The Water Column (Algae Control) 276 - 277
Exotic Diseases Part 2 - West Nile Virus 278 - 279
Chapter News Notes 279
Animal Floor Drain Safety 280
Flat Puppy Syndrome in Maned Wolves
Corrected Through Physical Therapy 281 - 284
Keepers and Behavioral Research: Fostering the Connection 285 - 287
Data Forms Available from AAZK 287
2004 AZA Regional Conference Schedule 287
Enrichment Options (Food Presentation) 288 - 291
Book Review {Spirit of the Wild Dog; the world of wolves, coyotes,
foxes, jackals and dingoes) 292 - 293
Nigeria Returns Gorillas to Cameroon 293
Unknown Gorilla Species Discovered? 293
Thailand Clouded Leopard Conservation Program Summary 294 - 295
Legislative Update 296 - 298
Rare Cape Hunting Dogs Born at Denver Zoo 299 - 300
Opportunity Knocks 301 - 304
Conference 2003/Cleveland (Notes and Reminders/Hotel and Registration
Forms/Pre-Post-Conference Info and Forms) LILAC INSERT
Forms/Pre-Post-Conference Info and Forms) LILAC INSERT
S^Bout the Cover
This month 's cover features a Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata rubra) drawn by Dan Alldredge,
a Keeper at Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville, IN. This prosimean is found only in N.E. Madagascar on
the Maasoala Pens inula near Maroansetra. Deforestation and being hunted for food are prime factors
in its endangerment. Its color is rusty red (fox color) with stomach, forehead, face and inside of limbs
black. There is a patch of white behind the neck and at the base of the tail. After an early summer
breeding, the females bear 3-4 offspring after a gestation period of approximately 90 days. Their diet
consists of fruit, nector and seeds found abundantly in their forest habitat. They have up to 12 distinct
calls in the vocal repretoire. Life expectancy for this species is 15-20 years. Primary predators
besides man are eagles, boas, hawks and fossa. Thanks, Dan!
Animal Keepers ’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping
profession. Non-members are weleome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed
or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as
well as in hard copy form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an
email should be submitted in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be
clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x
22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is
used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard
equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times
should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1 630 hrs. etc.). Glossy black and white or color prints
(minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked captions should accompany
photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted electronically as
either JPEG or TIFF file attachments.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers ’Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles
of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve
as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish
articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion
of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is
requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-
breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 1 -800-242-45 1 9 (US);
1-800-468-1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month.
Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor.
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of
the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by
the author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each.
E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at:
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org
BFR Website: http://.bfr.aazk.org
266 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Scoops & Scuttlebutt
2003 AAZK Board of Directors Election Results
The results of the election for the AAZK Board of Directors have been announced
by NEC Election Chair Sheri Leavitt. Re-elected to serve on the AAZK Board of
Directors is Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL and Jacque Blessington, Kansas City
Zoo, Kansas City, MO. Newly elected to the AAZK Board are: Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams
Park Zoo, Providence, RI and Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH. Retiring
from the AAZK Board will be Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX.
New and re-elected Board Members will serve a four-year term from the close of the 2003 National
Conference until the conclusion of the 2007 National Conference. Continuing their unexpired terms
on the AAZK Board are: Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN; Bob Hayes, Zoological
Society of San Diego, San Diego, CA; and Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido,
CA.
AAZK Board Members are elected in a secret ballot voted upon by the Association’s 1600+
Professional Members. Ballots are sent by voting members to an independent CPA firm which
tabulates and verifies the results. It is the responsibility of the AAZK Board to plan and chart the
future progress of AAZK and oversee its committees and programs, as well as working to help the
organization remain financially stable and secure.
Congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected members of the AAZK Board, and sincere
thanks and appreciation to all those who chose to be candidates in the 2003 AAZK Board election.
Polar Bear Meeting Scheduled for 2004 -
Polar Bears International (PBI) in association with American Zoological and Aquarium Association ’s
Bear Taxon Advisory Group (Bear TAG) is formally announcing the International Polar Bear
Husbandry Conference to convene 4-7 February 2004 in San Diego, California at the Bahia Hotel
on Mission Bay. We are bringing together many of the most experienced and knowledgeable “bear”
professionals in the world, including noted scientists, zookeepers, and naturalists representing a
broad spectrum of institutions.
Information and online registration is now available on FBI’s Web site
www.polarbearsintemational.org . This includes the
invited speaker list (whieh will be updated monthly) as well as the conference agenda, goals,
scholarship information and other specifics. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our
headquarters at (225) 923-31 14. Source: Robert W. Buchanan, President, Polar Bears
International, (813) 503-8887; robearbuck@aol.com
Publication Explores Well-being of Animals in Zoological Research
The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) has a new publication. The Well-being of Animals
in Zoo and Aquarium Sponsored Research.
This publication incorporates the proceedings of a conference organized by the Scientists Center
for Animal Welfare and co-sponsored with the American Veterinary Medical Association which was
held in 1 995 in New Orleans, LA. Some of the chapters in this 1 37 page book include: 1 )Research
and Welfare in Animal Exhibit Facilities; 2) How are Research Concerns Different in Zoos and
Aquariums?; 3) Ethical Considerations for Conservation Research; 4) Trends in Environmental
Enrichment in Zoos and Aquariums; 5) The Role of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
at Zoos and Aquariums; and 6) The Veterinarian’s Role in Protocol Review at Zoos and Aquariums
The book can be purchased from SCAW for $35.00 If you have any questions about this publication
please contact SCAW at 301-345-3500 or info@,scaw.com
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 267
Book Focuses on Veterinary Care of African Elephairt
Veterinary Care of A frican Elephants by JG du Toit - This manual is provided for information
purposes in the interests of the conservation and management of elephants. The author, Kobus du
Toit, is one of the pioneer wildlife veterinarians of Africa, He has specialized in the extensive capture,
translocation and management of the large wild animals of Africa. He has supervised the capture
and translocation of more than 400 elephant, which include the pioneering relocation of family
groups of elephant to private nature reserves and game ranches.
The manual deals with: 1) Important information relating to the capture and transport of elephants.
The information includes dmg checklists, definition of age groups and dosage rates for transportation;
2) Management of elephants giving data on carrying capacities and densities on different veld types;
3) Elephant nutrition: metabolic requirements and gut anatomy, feeding in captivity and nutritional
diseases in captivity; and 4) Diseases of elephants and veterinary treatment.
The manual is a must for anyone who has any dealings with elephants, rangers wishing to introduce
elephants, zoos and as an information source for studies and research. Stocks are limited so order
now. Price: R120 / US$15 excluding postage. For more information on the book visit: http://
wildlifedecisionsupport.com/interact/smalls/427.html
AAZK Website Has New Look - Check It Out!
For those of you who haven’t visited the AAZK, Inc. website recently you may want to stop by. It
has a brand new look and new navigation which should make it easier to find your way around the
site. There are also two new sections which have been added: the Animal Behavior Management
Committee and Enrichment Committee both have infomiational sections on the new site. This is the
first phase of the restructuring with more to come down the road. Any suggestions and/or comments
are welcome. Again make sure you stop by to see the new and improved site at http://www.aazk.org.
T-Shirt Sale Benefits Chelonian TAG - A CORRECTION
shirt sales which appeared in the June AKF, there were two
errors due to incorrect information being submitted. Please
note that there is a s&h fee per shirt and that the incorrect
zip code was listed in last month’s announcement. The
correct information is as follows:The Chelonian Advisory
Group is offering T-shirts for sale. Shirts come in
stonewashed blue, sage, white, and sand. The shirts have
“ChAG” on the front, and the new ChAG logo on the back.
The ChAG logo has an Alligator snapper, Mccord’s
snakeneck, and a Spider tortoise. Shirts are $15.00 (plus
$2.00 s&h) and all profits go to Chelonian TAG projects.
If you would like to order a T-shirt, send a check made out
to Tennessee Aquarium to: Patti Shoemaker, CZ Houston
Zoo Inc., 1513 N. Mac Gregor Houston, TX 77030-1603.
Don’t forget to include your name, complete mailing
address, quantity desired, color choice(s), and shirt size(s)
(S-XXL).
Renovation Information Needed Please!
We are currently looking to enlarge, update and winterize our North American Beaver {Castor
canadensis) exhibit. In addition, if anyone has any experience introducing new beaver to current
inhabitants or suggestions in keeping same sex or different sex individuals, we would appreciate
your input. I would be very grateful for any knowledge shared. Please contact: Jennifer A. Verstraete,
Head Keeper of Mammals and Amphibians/Reptile Museum, Palasaides Interstate Park Commission,
Trailside Museums/Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain, NY 10911 -0427; phone - (845)
786-2701, ext. 278.
LA Chapter Supports AAZK Through Donation
Many thanks to the members of the L.A. Zoo Chapter of AAZK for their recent donation of $50.00
to the General Operating Fund of the Association.
In the item on the Chelonian TAG T-
\ ^
268 Animal Keepers ’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Woif A/otey
USFWS Approves Seven Packs for WY
The USFWS has told Wyoming that its state wolf
management plan will pass muster and allow
delisting to move forward if it maintains seven
wolf packs outside of Yellowstone and
Grand Teton national parks says the Casper Star-
Tribune, AP 5/25.
Currently, there are eight wolf packs outside of
the parks, and the USFWS maintains that
maintaining 15 packs statewide “would be
adequate to ensure the viability of wolf
populations in Wyoming in the foreseeable
future.” Source: GREENlines Issue §1876 6-2-03
Wolf Killing in Wisconsin Resumes
In the past two week, four wolves in northwestern
Wisconsin were legally trapped and killed, the
result of recent down listing from endangered to
threatened says the Duluth
News Tribune, AP 5/29. The wolf shootings are
the first in decades and end a policy where
“problem wolves were trapped and relocated
within the state.” At least some members of the
state’s Natural Resources Board want the Dept,
of Natural Resources “to prepare a report on what
it would take to have the wolf listed as a fur-
bearing species, paving the way for it to be
hunted and trapped in Wisconsin.” Source:
GREENlines Issue §1876 6-2-03
A.A.ZIC A^nnounces
New IVIembers
New Professional Members
Ming Lee Prospero, Roger Williams Park Zoo
(RI); June Bellizzi and Cindy McMaster,
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo (MD); Jan
R. Cooper, ZooAmerica (PA); Crystal Matthews,
Virginia Marine Science Museum (VA); Mindy
Stinner, Conservators’ Center, Inc. (NC);
Jeremy Carpenter and Dan Nellis, Columbus
Zoo & Aquarium (OH); Daniel Prutzman,
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (MT); Kristin
Dvorak, Lincoln Park Zoo (IL); Keith K. Crow,
Lee Richardson Zoo (KS); Alex Vasquez, Dallas
Zoo (TX); Lisa Johnston, Moody Gardens
Aquarium (TX); Brian Friess, Utah’s Hogle Zoo
(UT); Stacey Belhumeur, Reid Park Zoo (AZ);
Tim McCaskie, Toronto Zoo (Ontario, Canada);
Jodi Gienow, Muskoka Wildlife Centre
(Ontario, Canada).
Renewing Institutional Member
Mexican Gray Wolf Shot
For the first time, the USFWS has shot one the
Mexican gray wolves in its reintroduction
program for attacking cattle says the Arizona
Republic 5/31. Only 19 Mexican gray wolves
remain in eastern Arizona and New Mexico and
the Center for Biological Diversity “blamed the
shooting on the agency’s willingness to placate
ranchers” calling the killing symptomatic of
“systematic mismanagement of the Mexican gray
wolf reintroduction program.” Source:
GREENlines Issue §1878 6-4-03
Wolf Growth Slowing in Idaho
The director of wolf recovery for the Nez Perce
Tribe reports that the “spread of Idaho's wolf packs
are beginning to slow down” because they "are
running out of prime territory" and will “continue
to slow or stabilize as the expanding population
attempts to gain footholds in less desirable habitat
closer to human populations” says the Idaho
Statesman 6/8. In 2002, Idaho wolf packs
produced an estimated 52 pups, an average 4.3
per pack, both numbers down from the year
before, although the "number of documented
packs rose by two to 19, and the population
estimate increased from 261 in 2001 to 284 in
2002. Source: GREENlines Issue #1883 6-11-03
Perth Zoo
South Perth, Australia
r
THE
GOURMET
RODENT,
INC.™
1^1^
RATS AND MICE
Bill & Marcia Brant
6115 SW 137th Ave., Archer, FL 32618
(352) 495-9024
FAX: (352) 495-9781
e-mail; GrmtRodent@aol.com
© All Rijihts Reserved
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 269
Comirtg Events
2003 Animal Behavior Society’s Annual Meeting
19-23 July 2003 at Boise State University in Boise,
ID. For further information, see www.animal
behavior.org/ABS/program or contact local hosts Jim
Belthoff (jbeltho@boisestate.edu) or A1 Dufty
(adufty@boisestate.edu).
Invertebrates in Captivity Conference - 30 July -
3 August 2003. Hosted by the Sonoran Arthropod
Studies Institute, Tio Rico, AZ. Visit
www.sasionline.org or call (520) 883-3945.
American Federation of Aviculture. Inc. 29th
Annual Convention - 6-9 August 2003 in San
Antonio, TX. National and international speakers,
roundtables, workshops, exhibit hall, auctions, raffles
and banquet. For more information visit
www.afa.birds.org or call the AFA office at (816)
421-2473 or email afaoffice@aol.com.
Association of Avian Veterinarians 24th Annual
Conference & Expo - 25-29 August 2003 in
Pittsburgh, PA. To view the entire program and to
register on the web, visit www.conferenceoffice.com/
AAV. To contact the AAV Conference Office, email
AAV@conferenceoffice.com; phone (303) 756-
8380; fax (303) 759-8861.
American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZAJ
Annual Conference - 7 - 1 1 September 2003 in
Columbus, OH. Hosted by Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium. For more information contact Patty
Peters: e-mail ppeters@colszoo.org
2003 AZAD Annual Conference - 9-14 September
2003. Hosted by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo,
Omaha, NE. Interested parties may contact Judy
Sorensen at 10969 North Lakeshore Dr., Blair, NE
68008 or by email at howard@nfinity.com<
2003 Association of Zoological Horticulture - 13-
18 September 2003. Hosted by Toledo Zoo. For more
information contact Alan Donges at (419) 385-5721
ext. 2149 or email greenhouse@toledozoo.org<
ChimpanZoo Annual Conference - 19-21
September 2003 in Sacramento, CA. Theme for the
2002 ChimpanZoo Conference is “ A Closer Look
at Chimpanzee Play”. In conjunction with the
Sacramento Zoo; includes presentations, special
events, and a public lecture by Dr. Jane Goodall.
Other special guest speakers include: Penny
Patterson, Ph.D., Robert W. Shumaker, Ph.D., Lyn
Miles, Ph.D. and Cristina Ellis. Conference
information at http://chimpanzoo.arizona.edu/
Conference/2002/2002.html<
The Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association -
21-24 September 2003, hosted by the Philadelphia
Zoo. For info visit www.azfa.org or contact Matt
Suydam at (215) 243-5355 or fax (215) 243-5391.
270 Animal Keepers ’ Forun, VoL 30, No. 7
30th National AAZK Conference - 26-30
September, 2003. Hosted by the Greater Cleveland
AAZKChapter and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Watch for ftirther information in upcoming issues
of AKF. Registration and Hotel Forms may be found
in April issue and will appear again in the July
AKF.
Zoological Registrars Association (ZRAJ
2003 Conference - 2-4 October 2003, hosted
by the Brookfield Zoo. For info visit
www.zra.homestead.com or contact Debbie
Johnson (708) 485-0263 ext. 460; email
dejohnso@brookfieldzoo.org< or contact Pam
Krentz at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com<
Elephant Managers Association Conference
- October 2-5, 2003 - Hosted by Knoxville
Zoological Gardens, Knoxville, TN. For more
information, call (865)-637-533 1 , ext. 359 or
e-mail bhargis@,knoxville-zoo.org<
First International Conference on Zookeeping in
2003 - The Netherlands - Will be held between 2-10
October at Birdpark Avifauna. For further
information please visit:www.iczoo.org
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - 5-9
October, 2003 in Minneapolis, MN. For additional
information, visit the AAZV website at
www.aazv.org or contact Wilbur Amand, VMD,
Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd.,
Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 892-4812; Fax (610)
892-4813; email AAZV@aol.com<
The Sixth International Conference on
Environmental Enrichment - 2-7 November 2003
in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa. Sixth
International Conference on Environmental
Enrichment in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo. For more
information on the conference, including fees,
registration facilities, reduced flights and pre- and
post-conference tours, please go to
www.ihbzoo.org.za or contact Mathew van Lierop
at mathew@ihbzoo.org. za or on +83 600 2677.
ACVP/ASVCP 2003 Concurrent Annual
Meeting - American College of Veterinary
Pathologists and American Society of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology joint meeting - 15-19
November, 2003 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. For
more info contact ACVP at: Phone - (608) 833-8725
exct. 145; Fax - (608) 831-5485; email -
meetings@acvp.org; web - www.acvp.org/meeting/
Post Your Coming Event Here - email to
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com
pom
e
resiaen
It feels like I just got done with the mid-year Board meeting and now I am planning for the National
Conference. You should be, too. The Cleveland folks have been working very hard to make this a
top-notch conference. After reading their report at mid-year I am really excited about their plans. I
encourage everyone to make plans to attend your National Conference themed “Strange
Situations. . .Wild Occupations.” All the registration forms you’ll need may be found in the insert in
this issue of AKF,
We are going to try some new things and hopefully they will make it an even better experience.
First off is the change of days the conference is held (Sept. 26-30 - Friday through Tuesday rather
than the traditional Sunday through Thursday). This allows for that all-important Saturday night
stay to keep airfare low. We are also going to change the committee meeting day around a bit. The
committee meetings will be Friday, September 26‘*’. The morning meetings will be for the committees
to use for work time. In the afternoon they will be meeting to discuss what has been happening,
where they are going, and talk with interested members about their work. I hope this will give
everyone the opportunity to get a better of idea of the work these committees do and an opportunity
to become more involved on the national level. It is very rewarding work indeed. Here is the
tentative schedule. Plan your conference time to begin on Friday morning.
Friday September 26‘'’
Sam- 12pm, Committee Working Groups
10am- 12pm, Conference Committee meeting
12pm- 1pm, LUNCH
lpm-2pm, Professional Development meeting
2pm-3pm, Animal Behavior Management Committee meeting
3pm-4pm, International Outreach Committee meeting
4pm-5pm, Enrichment Committee meeting
Speaking of conferences, has everyone made plans to attend the first ever International Congress of
Zoo Keeping? This promises to be another excellent opportunity for all keepers. This will be
October 3-7, 2003 in The Netherlands. I am booking my flights to leave Cleveland direct for The
Netherlands. Will you be joining me? Go to www.iczoo.org for more information. See you there.
I have one last thing on conferences. In an effort to improve the benefits to our membership and
foster the exchange of information, we have made an agreement with the Animal Behavior
Management Alliance (ABMA) for reciprocal member rates at conferences. This means that as an
AAZK member you can attend their conferences at their membership rates. Their members may do
the same to our conferences. We hope that more organizations will join us in this practice and make
the entire profession a more closelyFrom the President. . .From the President. . . knit group for the
betterment of all. Thanks for listening and remember to take care of yourselves as you care for your
animals.
Kevin R. Shelton, AAZK President
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa, FL
Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 271
/\AZK Book Sale
Sale price is 20% off the Suggested Price
Previous books may still be available, with some price increases
Sugg. $ Sale $
Item Title/Description
$49.95 $39.96
Lone-Leueed Wadins Birds of the North American Wetlands -
Mark Riegner. Stunning photography combined with scientific
knowledge makes this a beautiful and informative study of these
magnificent birds. 208 pages, hardcover.
$25.00 $20.00
National Geoeraphic’s Guide to Wildlife Watching - Glen
Martin. 100 of the best places in America to see animals in their
natural habitats. 352 pages, paper.
$16.95 $13.56 The Naturalist’s Garden. Third Edition - Ruth Shaw Ernst. This
handy guide shows you how to turn your yard into one that will
attract wildlife. 288 pages, paper.
$29.95 $23.96
American Bison - Dale F. Lott. This book is written bv a
behavioral ecologist who has studied bison for many years. He
takes us on a journey into the past and shares compelling vision
for this animal’s future. 230 pages, hardcover.
$16.95 $13.56
Beavers: Where Waters Run - Paul Strong. A comprehensive
profile of nature’s most industrious architect. 144 pages, paper.
$40.00 $32.00
Creatures of the Deep - Erich Hovt. A riveting storv of the
discovery of the sea’s “monsters” and their world. 160 pages,
hardcover.
$12.95 $10.36
Backvard Bugs - Robin Kittrell Laughlin. Open vour eves to
the world of amazing creatures who live in your own backyard.
76 pages, hardcover.
To Order: List the items you are ordering along with your name and complete mailing address.
Include a shipping fee of $3 for the first item and $2 for each additional item. Check payable to:
“AAZK Book Sales” (US FUNDS ONLY - NO CASH OR COD’s please). Sorry we cannot
process credit card orders.
Call or fax for shipping fees when ordering from outside the continental United States before
sending any money. We will work to find the best form of shipment.
Mail requests to: AAZK Beardsley Zoo Chapter, attn.: Linda Tomas, 1 875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport,
CT 06610-1600 Phone: 203-394-6563 Fax:203-394-6566 E-mail: ltomas@beardsleyzoo.org
272 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
•Mark Irwin DVM, Living World Museum, N.Y.
Eric Cole is my drag queen hero!
—Gretchen Zeigler, Sequoia Park Zoo, CA
“One of our keepers laughed so
hard that she slowly slipped heneath
a conference table while makihg
scary whedlng noises!”
-^Julie Batty, Memphis ZOO
See profiles of the keepers we all know: the Rebel, the Victim of
the System, the Anal Retentive, the Bunny Hugger— plus others
too scary to mention. Watch them work while pontificating on
their careers, and pray you don't see yourself in one of them.
OWN IT ON VHS!
Just send a check or money order for $17 U.S.
(or $20 Canadian), payable to “A.A.Z.K.” to:
A.A.Z.K. Video
c/o Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave.,
Scarborough, Ontario, MIB 5K7, CANADA
Price includes airmail postage. Please include your name, mailing
address, and, if you like, an e-mail address; we can e-mail you as
soon as shipping takes place.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 273
£ /i £ r / 0 y £
/f (lu5tioi(ndj\i5HrfonhfBrtktoo FrofessioMloiCrishlfm^etiit
By William K. Baker, Jr,, Curator
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
Question
We are putting together an emergency tool kit and are looking for specific suggestions. What would
you stock it with?
Comments
Typically there are two types of tools kits for use by Emergency Response Teams. One, the kit that
goes in with the Fabrication Equipment that enables staff members to respond to emergency repairs
like those that occur after a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake. Two, the
portable kit used by ERT members on the go for emergency or after-hours repairs. This would be the
kit that could actually be taken during an escape situation for containment repairs or a similar scenario.
The fabrication type of tool kit usually could best be identified as a master set in a large rolling
cabinet or job-site style toolbox. Either way, the only limiting factor is how much money you have
available to spend. Ideally, the more you can spend, the better off you and the facility will be when
the need arises. I recommend a lifetime guarantee brand such as Craftsmamw, Kobalt™, Snap-Omw,
or any of the other brands that are popular with mechanics. Each set should have the full range of
tools including wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, nut drivers, pliers, hammers, hex and Allen
wrenches, and saws. Focus on tools that don’t require AC power to function.
The second type of tool kit is the one that isn’t seen all that often in use by Emergency Response
Teams in zoological facilities. Whoever puts this type of kit together faces the difficult challenge of
developing something that is portable while anticipating every obstacle. Portable and bring everything,
yes, definitely a challenge. This style is the one on which I will focus. While what follows is not a
complete list it is a good starting point and can be easily modified.
ERT Portable Tool Kit
Screwdriver set with interchangeable bits, (flat, Phillips, and hex)
Adjustable wrench, (crescent style)
Channel-lock pliers, (tongue and groove style)
Allen wrench set
Small claw hammer
Standard pliers
274 Animal Keepers 'Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Needle nose pliers
Linesman pliers
Box-end wrenches
Micro screwdriver set
Electric wire strippers
Voltmeter
Fuses
Electrical tape
Small rubber mallet
Drive socket set, [1/4” size with a 12-point set, (metric or standard)]
Socket extender set
Plastic zip-ties in multiple sizes
Duct tape
Measuring tape
This is not a complete list but in my experience it provides a good starting point. Aquariums will
require special-needs equipment for underwater repairs and their kits should reflect the difference.
Hazardous environments may require brass or non-striking style tools to use in the kits instead of
forged steel.
Also, I always try to use flashlights with approvals for hazardous locations. Examples of these
ratings would include Factory Mutual, Canadian Standards, UL, CE, and Mine Safety Health
Administration markings. In essence, these markings mean that they have been approved safe for
hazardous industrial uses, up to and including Class 1 and Division 1 environments. The best example
in my experience is the ones from Pelican Products^M. They are also rated for dive operations.
A couple of closing thoughts. I have found that if you look hard in a major auto parts store or
discount store auto department, you can locate this portable type of tool kit in a hard plastic case.
Something else to consider is purchasing a set of rechargeable power tools. These are absolutely
invaluable with the Fabrication Equipment style tool kits and can easily be recharged from a portable
generator.
Next Month: Can aquariums have crisis events?
If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published
materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614
Attn: Reactions/ AKF
(About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology, and wildlife
management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-graduate
studies in zoology. Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team Leader, ERT Member, Large Mammal
Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological facilities. His area of research is
crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as
a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid
Instructor.)
Animal Keepers ’Form, Vol 30, No. 7 275
By
Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium
Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo
Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium
Algae Control in Aquariums: Methods, Mechanisms, and Madness
Algae is undoubtedly one of the most irritating problems for successful aquarists. Just when you
think you have all your problems licked. . . Bang. . . up comes an algae bloom. So how do you get rid
of this problem once and for all?
After fifteen years, I have learned you never get rid of it once and for all. Now, don’t despair! You
can get control of algae, but you will have to be flexible with your methods since an aquarium is a v
living system and constantly changing. The control method you use will depend on the type of
system (seawater, freshwater, fish only, mixed fish and invert, pond, pool, flow through tank vs.
closed system, etc), the type of algae (green, blue green or red slime -which is not an algae but a
cyanobacteria, filamentous, or single celled free floating), expense and effort.
v
First a few common sense rules for algae control - J
Algae like all living things need nutrients to grow. One of the main sources for these nutrients is the
normal feeds used for fish and invertebrates. If you are having algae problems double check your '
feedings and water changes. Frequently an algae bloom is caused by excessive food leftover or is a
sign it is time for a water change and hydrocleaning. Also, watch your dissolved organics. Dissolved >'
organics are another main nutrient source for algae. If you have organic buildup problems add a
protein skimmer and double check your feedings, again. A final source for nutrients is your make
up water. High phosphates (a big algae fertilizer) are often found in freshwater supplies. Phosphates
can also wash out of activated carbon used in aquariums. Make sure to check that your carbon is
phosphate free.
I want to break down algae control into three main types: .
1 . Biological control- those wonderful little creatures that make algae their diet.
2. Mechanical control- physical removal of problem algae. '
3. Chemical control- either adding or remove chemical species to inhibit algae growth. '
There is a lot of overlap between these methods and some methods will cover more than one category i
but it gives us an organization for this article. Also, while I am referring mainly to algae control in j
aquariums, I will touch on a couple of methods that are used for larger ponds as well. '
Biological Controls
There are numerous animals that normally make algae their diet. Snails, shrimps, crabs, limpets, j’
and various fish can all be used as algae eaters. Since there is such a wide variety you can find one
that will fit your system. Biological controls are best since they are a natural method, which will i
help bring your tank to a natural equilibrium without endangering the other life you are trying to ]
keep. I do recommend some thought before purchasing any of them though. First, learn something 1
276 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
j|
about the animals you are acquiring. Plecostomus are often sold as wonderful algae eaters, which
they can be, but they also grow to over a foot in length and are not very comfortable in a 20-gallon
tank. Secondly, make sure the animal you purchase will eat the algae type you wish to control.
Almost no animal offered as an algae eater will eat cyanobacteria. I have seen one hermit crab
{Clibanarius digueti) listed as eating cyanobacteria, but otherwise you will have to find another
method. Third, make sure you are not overfeeding a tank. Not only will this add nutrients that
promote algae growth, but your algae eater may prefer leftovers. Snails are offered as one of the
best algae eaters, but they are often more interested in the uneaten food than the algae you want
them to eat. Finally, make sure you have enough animals to control the level of algae growth.
Generally, it will take more animals than you think. I don’t offer any suggestions here since it really
is system dependent.
Mechanical Controls
The simplest mechanical control is hydrocleaning or siphoning. This works well to remove
cyanobacteria and algae in the substrate but not for hair or brush algae. For those you will have to
resort to scrubbing. A second method is the algae scrubber. An algae scrubber is a container attached
to the filtration system but separate from the main tank in which algae is encouraged to grow. Yes
I said “encouraged”. The algae growing in this separate container will use up nutrients from the rest
of the system, which reduces the algae growth in the main tank. In turn, the algae can be periodically
removed from the scrubber to promote new growth there. Most algae scrubbers are designed with
removable plates to facilitate cleaning. Algae growth is encouraged by increasing the light level
and aeration in the scrubber as compared to the main tank. Free floating algae (green water) can
generally be controlled by increasing your filtration turnover or adding UV sterilization to your
system. The final method of mechanical control I wish to address is reducing the light levels.
Reducing the lighting levels will naturally reduce the ability of the algae to grow since they need
photosynthesis to supply energy. Of course, this will not work for a reef system where intense light
levels a necessary for coral and coralline algae growth.
Chemical Controls
This seems to be the first effort most people jump to when algae becomes a problem and it really
should be one of the last. Most chemicals for controlling algae are also harmful to the other plants
and animals as well as the biological filtration. It is a matter of how harmful. Copper sulfate has
been used for years as an algaecide in aquaculture, and it is also used as a parasiticide in the aquarium
industry, but at high levels it is very toxic to fish. To complicate matters, copper sulfate is also very
toxic to most invertebrates and some species of fish, even at low concentrations. Most commercial
algaecides suffer the same problem. One chemical treatment that shows promise, especially for
ponds, is barley straw. When barley straw is allowed to aerobically decompose in the pond water it
produces a natural algaecide which has no effect on higher plants and animals. I recommend visiting
the Aquatic Ecosystems website http://www.aquaticeco.com under “Tech Talks” for more information.
If you do chose to use chemical algae treatments, follow the instructions precisely and remember
they work best to prevent algae growth rather than killing established growth.
A quick reminder: The authors of the Water Column are always willing to answer any questions you
might have. They can be about filtration systems, water chemistry, or aquatic life. If we don’t
know, we will find out for you! We also welcome feedback from readers about previously published
columns. Questions and comments may be submitted to us by email at:
Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/
Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/
Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/
Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton,The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 7 111
Exotic Diseases - Part 2
West Nile Virus
(Editor ’s Note: The following is the second of a
Three Part series on Exotic Diseases being
reprinted here with permission from the author.
It originally appeared in The Keeper. Spring
2003, the newsletter of the San Diego Chapter
ofAAZK. Look for Part 3 on Exotic Newcastle
Disease in the August issues of AKF.)
By Yvette M. Kemp, Sr. Mammal Keeper
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
It seems that in the last few years we have heard
about more exotic diseases than we have in a
long time. First it was the pyres of burning cattle
carcasses from foot and mouth disease (FMD)
in Europe, then it was West Nile disease on the
east coast, now it’s Newcastle disease in San
Diego. It doesn’t get any closer to home than
that.
Since it is so close to home, there are precautions
that we need to take to prevent the spread of
Newcastle disease, and other diseases, into our
work and, for many, into our homes. Learning
about the diseases is a way of learning how to
recognize their symptoms and how to prevent
spreading them. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) are responsible for
protecting U.S. livestock and are the sources for
most of the following information. Hopefully, by
sharing this information with you it will assist
us in the care and disease prevention of the
animals we are responsible for. If you would like
more information, just log onto
www.aphis.usda. gov, www.cdfa.ca.gov. and/ or
www.nwhc.usgs.gov. It is amazing to see the
amount of information we have at our fingertips.
WEST NILE VIRUS or DISEASE (WNV)
West Nile is a mosquito-bome virus which causes
encephalitis, inflammation of the brain.
It has been found in Africa, western Asia, the
Middle East, the Mediterranean region of
Europe, and in 1999 it was first detected in the
United States. In late summer of 1999, the
National Veterinary Services Laboratories
(NVSL) of the USDA’s APHIS Department
isolated a virus from nervous system tissues and
other organs of birds (14 species were involved)
from the Bronx Zoo and Queens Wildlife Center
and crows from the NY City area. Samples were
sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) for identification. The CDC
announced that the virus was similar to that of
the West Nile virus, previously unseen in the
Western Hemisphere. It was later confirmed it
as West Nile and connected it to an encephalitis
outbreak, initially attributed to another mosquito-
borne flavivirus called St. Louis encephalitis
(SLE) virus, that killed 7 people and infected at
least 55 others in the NY City area in August
through October of 1 999. The virus has since then
been identified in horses, mosquitoes, and wild
birds in more than 44 states in the eastern U.S.
and the District of Columbia.
Birds are the natural hosts for the virus, which
can then pass to humans and other animals
through bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes
acquire the WNV from viremic birds and pass it
on to other susceptible species which may
include other birds, mammals, reptiles and
humans. Horses and humans may become
infected and develop clinical signs but are
unlikely sources for disease transmission.
Clinical signs of West Nile virus infection in
horses include ataxia (stumbling and
incoordination), depression or apprehension,
weakness of limbs, partial paralysis, muscle
twitching, or death. As of January 2003, the
USDA’s Veterinary Services Laboratories
(NVSL) has confirmed 14,717 equine cases of
illness caused by West Nile virus.
Migrating birds may play a role in spreading the
disease and wild bird surveillance is being used
for early detection of the virus. Crow samples
are especially important because crows are highly
sensitive to the virus. Crows can be sentinels for
local transmission of the disease since they
normally travel less than 200 miles and generally
do not migrate. To date, the virus has affected
over 110 species of birds. APHIS’s Wildlife
Services (WS) program collects wild birds to test
for West Nile virus. They initially focused on
east coast States but have expanded their efforts
across the entire U.S. The U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) is also working with the CDC
to learn the current geographic extent of WNV,
to understand how it moves between birds,
mosquitoes and humans, and to predict future
movements of the virus.
APHIS’s Veterinary Services (VS) considers
situations where birds show neurological signs
as having the potential for hosting a foreign
animal disease. This allows NVSL to rule out
278 Animal Keepers ’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
exotic poultry diseases, such as Newcastle and
highly pathogenic avian influenza, before testing
for West Nile.
No treatment is currently available for West Nile
virus, however, VS is working to assist all
companies interested in producing a vaccine.
Most people who become infected with WNV
will either have no symptoms or only mild ones.
On rare occasions WNV results in severe or fatal
illnesses. As of January 1 5, 2003, a total of 3,949
laboratory positive human cases have been
reported to the CDC, of which 254 cases resulted
in deaths.
To decrease the chances of being exposed to the
virus, you must decrease exposure to adult
mosquitoes. The best way to do this is by
removing any potential sources of water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs and larvae can
develop.
Next Month: Exotic Newcastle Disease (END)
Chapter
News
Notes
Palm Beach AAZK Chapter
The following officers were elected in January:
President Michele Dzama
Vice President Diane Kaye
Secretary..... Mark McDonough
Treasurer..... Melanie Young
The year 2002 was a busy one for us. We manned
booths at several zoo events, selling buttons and
animal masks. At our annaul Bowling for RJiinos
event we raised over $1500.00.
We also published a cookbook, “Feeding Time”,
full of tasty treats for both people and animals.
This was a big hit during the holiday season
Galveston AAZK Chapter
The following are our officers for the
Galveston Chapter for 2003:
President Diane Olsen
Vice-President Cathy Zoller
Treasurer..... Heather Leeson
Secretary Regan Gipson
—Regan Gipson, Secretary
What’s your Chapter been up to lately?
Drop a line to Chapter News Notes and fill
us in on your activities and projects, new
officers, your fundraisers, etc. You may
send as a Word attachment to the editor at
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Animal Keepers ‘Form, Vol. 30, No. 7 279
Animal Floor Drain Safety
By Richard J. Elia — Animal Keeper
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Many zoos have aging facilities. A case-in-point is Indian Boundary Zoo, which was recently
scheduled to receive new animals, including goats and a cow. Located on Chicago’s North Side,
Indian Boundary Zoo dates back to 1 890. It is jointly operated by Lincoln Park Zoo (which cares for
the animals) and the Chicago Park District (which maintains the building and grounds). The zoo’s
brick bam and animal yards received modifications in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but were never
completely overhauled.
Updates were needed at Indian Boundary to properly house the new animals. The drains, for example,
were pin-edged flip-top cover drains, with covers made of brass. Over time, the flip pins broke and
the drain covers had become concave with the wear and weight of the animals. In addition, the
edges of the drains and the drain covers had become rounded, allowing the covers to be easily
dislodged by animals’ hooves, creating a potential for injury.
The solution was to develop drain covers that could easily be removed by keepers and withstand
abuse from animals (in particular, curious and active goats). I developed a steel-plate cover with a
sheared edge and a piece of angle-iron (2 inches by 2 inches by 12 inches, 5.08cm by 5.08cm by
30.48cm) welded and centered to the underside. The weight of these covers, I figured, would prevent
the animals from dislodging them from the drains.
To determine if such an item could be fabricated, I contacted Ray Frailey, an iron worker for the
Chicago Park District. After studying the design, Frailey suggested that a piece of steel pipe would
enhance design security.
The new steel-plate drain covers (7 inches in diameter, 1/4-inch thick, 1 7.78 cm diameter by .635cm
thick) have a sheared edge. The drain covers have a series of 1/4-inch (.635cm) holes, the holes are
arranged in two concentric circles (see diagram). The holes do not weaken the steel plates or the
welding of the two pieces. Welded and centered to the bottom of each drain cover is 12 inches
(30.48 cm)of 1 5/8-inch(3. 12 cm) outside-diameter steel pipe (1 /4-inch, .635 cm, regulation thickness).
This diameter pipe allows for clearance around the inside of the drain pipe, while adding weight and
stability to the cover. The new covers run from the top of the drains to within a few inches of the
bottom, letting water flow freely out of the exhibit through the drains.
This new drain cover design is a meaningful improvement and has prolonged the use of the animal
holding area at Indian Boundary Zoo. Created at no great cost, as part of routine maintenance, it
eliminated the need to install a new drain system while improving animal safety and easing keepers’
maintenance responsibilities.
Not to Scale
J
Top view
Side view below ground
280 Animal Keepers' For un, Vol. 30, No. 7
Flat Puppu Sund
uppt) oL)napomG m
■ManGcJ Wc
OlVGS
Coppected Tiipouqii Plujsical Tkepapij
By
Patricia M. Mulnix, Veterinary Technician
and
Darren N. Colello, Animal Keeper
with
Dr. Marilynn M. Baeyens, DVM
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
Foreword
The Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, AR has been exhibiting Maned Wolves {Chrysocyon brachyurus)
since the early 1980’s, and has one of the most successful breeding programs in North America.
From 1993 to present, our total number of births was 17, with 12 surviving to adulthood. Currently,
we exhibit two breeding pairs (one pair proven breeders, and the other pair just introduced) and the
three juvenile males, featured in this article, that resulted from our most recent birth on 19 February
2002.
Subjective/Objective Data
A three-week-old male maned wolf {Chrysocyon brachyurus) was presented to zoo veterinarian Dr.
Marilynn Baeyens, DVM for examination. The puppy’s left rear leg was hyperextended at the
hock. Calluses were present on the dorsal surface of the foot and the pads of that foot were very soft
from not having contacted the ground. Closer observation revealed that the other two puppies had
similarly splayed forelimbs, and calluses on their elbows (see at left). All puppies had flattened
chests and were unable to hold themselves off the ground or move about the den box normally.
Their plight is not an uncommon one. It’s called flat puppy syndrome. While it’s cause is unknown,
careful study of the puppies’ birth environment revealed it to be a contributing factor.
The den box had been constructed of
plywood with a tight-fitting, lid.
Measurements of the box are 120cm x
120cm X 60cm (4ft x 4 ft x 2 ft). The
substrate being used at the time of
whelping was a finely shredded wood
product called wood wool. Its use in the
den box was a relatively new change; it
had not been used during any of the
pervious births. Over time, the wood wool
(possibly in conjunction with excessively
high temperatures in the den) had
effectively sanded the plywood bottom of
the den box making it virtually without
traction.
Three male maned wolf pups at three
weeks old. Notice the splayed limbs on
all individuals. Top: “Corsair”; Midle:
“Lycos”; Bottom: “Roan”. (Photo by
Debbie Thompson)
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 281
Assessment
None of the puppies, with their undeveloped muscles, were able to get purchase in the box to stand.
At three weeks, they should have already begun standing, perhaps even walking, but were barely
able to scoot around on their bellies. Although their leg muscles were being developed, the muscles
were strengthening in the wrong directions.
Plan
The prescribed treatment from Dr. Baeyens consisted of two main strategies:
1 ) Provide traction in the den box.
2) Begin physical therapy.
Providing Traction
In order to provide the necessary traction in the den box, the decision was first made to change
substrates in both den boxes (in case the mother moved the puppies, which she eventually did) from
wood wool to hay. The Maned Wolf Husbandry Manual does not encourage the use of hay in
whelping boxes, due to the threat of inhaling potentially harmful particles such as dusts, molds, and
pollens that could cause serious respiratory problems in neonates. We chose to use it, however,
because the puppies were now old enough that such a pneumonia was no longer a large threat, and
our zoo’s hay quality exceeded that of our straw.
This substrate change seemed somewhat ineffective because the mother would push the hay out to
the edges of the den box and no hay remained underneath the puppies to provide support and traction.
We tried placing thick rubber mats that had been steam-sterilized in the boxes, with hay over the
top. This worked better because even when the hay was pushed out to the sides, the mat remained
in place. Another keeper in the area had concerns about the comfort of the mats in regards to the
parents, and the mats were removed and finally replaced with squares of sod covered with hay. This
naturalistic bedding provided enough traction for the puppies, was not rejected by the parents, and
proved to be more than adequate for the main task at hand.
Physical Therapy
Dr. Baeyens suggested that physical therapy should begin immediately. She recommended a
consistent and daily routine as the best course of action. It was hoped that the exercises would
strengthen the leg muscles, and enable the puppies to develop essential motor skills and improve
their coordination. I was to carry out this part of the plan with the aid of one of the keepers in the
area. To be totally honest, I was skeptical.
In order to comply with the Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan Manager’s request to not hand-rear
the puppies. Animal Keeper Darren Colello and I needed to devise a strategy that would allow us
daily access to the puppies without removing them from their den or causing stress to the parents.
Both adult wolves would habitually exit the den when a keeper entered to clean and feed, and would
remain outside until the keeper had left. Using this routine to our advantage, Colello would enter
the den at the regular cleaning/feeding time with me, and the parents would leave. The lid from one
den box was removed and placed in front of the wolves’ access door to prevent them from re-
entering. This particular lid was used because it was made of clear Lexan®, framed in wood. This
design allowed nervous parents the opportunity to look into the den and see the puppies were not in
any obvious or immediate danger. The physical therapy would be performed after the den was
cleaned, and once the session was over, the barrier in front of the doorway was removed. We
“therapists” were often met with obligatory growls and whines from the puppies. Upon hearing
these noises, the mother would sometimes return to the doorway and look in. She usually left
satisfied that nothing was really wrong, but if she came by more than once or twice, the sessions
were quickly finished. Both Colello and I rewarded the adults for allowing us access to the puppies
for any length of time. The reinforcement used was animal crackers, plain and unfrosted.
282 Animal Keepers 'Forun, VoL 30, No. 7
While all three puppies needed to be exercised, the focus remained on one puppy, “Lycos” whose
front legs were hyperextended at the shoulders. His sessions lasted, on average, seven to eight
minutes. “Roan,” the puppy originally presented, was the largest physically and the most aggressive.
He objected almost entirely to being handled at all. Therapy for him lasted two to three minutes.
The third and smallest of the puppies, “Corsair,” seemed to need the least amount of exercise.
Because his muscles were more undeveloped overall, he was able to right himself somewhat
independently once the proper surroundings were procured. Physical therapy was still performed,
but for very brief moments.
All therapy sessions were carried out within the den. I would lift each puppy out of the den box by
holding the skin at the nape of his neck. Colello then held them with both hands supporting the full
weight of the puppy, leaving the legs unrestrained.
The exercises consisted of the following movements:
“Roan”- forward flexion of the right tarsus (hock)
“Lycos” - forward rotation and adduction of both humero-scapular joints
flexion and extension of the carpus (both legs)
“Corsair” - forward rotation and adduction of both humero-scapular joints
No specific number of repetitions was completed. The amount of activity was dependent on multiple
factors including the amount of stress placed on the parents, the amount of stress on the puppies,
and our availability. After the therapy had gone on for several days, we decided to discontinue for
one day each week. This break in their new exercise routine gave their developing muscles some
time to strengthen and repair. This also permitted a day free of extra interruptions for the parents.
Overall, the whole project lasted three weeks. During the first week, it seemed that very little
progress was being made. The day-to-day changes were undetectable. The thought that the puppies
may never be able to walk normally was disheartening to both Colello and me. But, into the second
week, their leg muscles felt more pliable with each exercise. Both “Roan “ and “Corsair” were
making attempts to stand, even take a few steps, but it seemed “Lycos” was stagnating. I was
convinced that what we were doing wouldn’t help him. He would never be able to stand or walk
like his brothers had begun to do. By the beginning of the third week, however, optimism finally
overtook me, and I realized just how far “Lycos” had come. His legs were still somewhat splayed,
but where he held them in relation to his body was much closer to normal. When his paws were in
my palms and I provided resistance, I could feel him pushing back. His leg muscles were definitely
getting stronger.
Two days later, when Colello and I entered the den and removed the lid to the den box, “Roan” ran
out of the box and hid behind it. “Corsair” ran to the other side of the den box, but didn’t leave.
“Lycos” attempted to stand on his own. In another three days, “Lycos” did stand. He also took a
few steps in the box with my hands supporting him. These developments were very exciting. The
following day, they were examined again by Dr. Baeyens and received their first vaccinations. The
positive changes and the acquired abilities of all three puppies were remarkable. Now even “Lycos”
resisted the manipulation of his limbs. The therapy would be discontinued, and the puppies would
be allowed to finish growing and developing independently.
As an added benefit, we were able to continue handling the puppies for the rest of their vaccination
series without them losing their fear of humans.
Conclusion
Flat puppy syndrome had never before been encountered at the Little Rock Zoo in any species,
although it can affect most quadripedal mammals. We feel it is our responsibility to make other
institutions fully aware of this condition, as well as suggest preventative measures and offer ideas
Animal Keepers ’Forun, VoL 30, No. 7 283
for its treatment. Perhaps the most obvious prevention of this syndrome is the careful selection of a
substrate that will not impede or compromise the traction in the whelping box, which in turn, could
lead to developmental locomotor problems. We feel naturalistic bedding is best. Secondly, in areas
with warm winters, it may be unnecessary to heat the dens. High temperatures could result in a
decrease of traction if it causes excessive weathering and warping of wooden den boxes.
Treatment of this syndrome through physical therapy has, in this instance, been a remarkable success,
once the problem was identified and the environmental conditions were corrected. We believe that
even though the Maned Wolf Husbandry Manual discourages the hand rearing of pups, careful daily
observations of the puppies is essential to ensure that they are growing and developing normally.
“Hands-off’ doesn’t mean, “Don’t look.” If both parents are comfortable with their keepers, and
will allow it, limited handling of the puppies may be attempted, but certainly not excluded altogether.
The same three males at five months hiding in their favorite stick pile.
Back: “Corsair”; Center: “Lycos”; Right: “Roan”. (Photo by Debbie Thompson)
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following people for their professional criticism of this work
and their continuing support of this species’ survival: Melissa Rodden, Maned Wolf SSP Coordinator;
Drs. Mitchell Bush and Robyn Barbiers, Maned Wolf SSP Veterinary Advisors; Deborah Thompson,
Curator of Carnivores, Little Rock Zoo; William K. Baker, Jr., Curator of Hoofed Mammals, Little
Rock Zoo.
About the Authors
Patricia Mulnix has an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Parkland College in Champaign, IL.
She has worked at the Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas since August 2001 .
Darren Colello has been an animal keeper at the Little Rock Zoo since November 2001. He has
worked in the zoo field for four years, including a keeper position at the Toronto Zoo in Ontario,
Canada, and he holds degrees in Primatology and Animal Science.
Dr. Marilynn Baeyens, a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine,
has been working with the Little Rock Zoo as their veterinarian for nearly 18 years, while also
maintaining a full-time associate position for a private veterinary practice in North Little Rock, AR.
284 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 7
CONFERENCE NOTES AND UPDATES
“The countdown is on for Cleveland 2003! ”
CLEVELAND CHALLENGE
Just a quick update and big “thank you” to those Chapters that have participated in our
Cleveland Challenge. We have received $4,000 so far from 15 Chapters. The deadline is
15 July 2003, so get your donations in the mail.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
We are lucky to have scheduled two wonderful speakers for the conference. Our keynote
speaker is Michael Fay of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Our other speaker is Laurie
Marker from the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
POST CONFERENCE TRIP
October 1, 2003; Conference delegates will have dinner at The Foundry Aleworks in
Pittsburgh, PA. Interested employees of National Aviary will join them there. Delegates
will pay for their own dinner. Dinner prices range from approximately $6 to $20.
October 2, 2003: Conference delegates will visit National Aviary in the a.m., and receive a
luncheon banquet provided by National Aviary before departing for the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Cost for this trip is estimated at $75-80 per person. See trip details on Pre/Post Trip
Registration form in this insert.
Any questions about the pre and post trips e-mail Maureen Meslovich momeslo@cs.com
or call (216) 661-6500.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
The official airline is Continental. The discounts are 10% off Yand H fares and 5% off all
other fares. The codes when booking your flights are UPMV4T for travel to Cleveland and
VSCB5H for travel to Amsterdam.
REGISTRATION FEES
Please note that there will be no refunds of registration fees two (2) weeks prior to the
conference.
AUCTION ITEMS
If you are bringing an auction item, it would be great if you could send it in early to:
Heather Mock, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109.
QUESTIONS
We update our website as often as we can at www.clemetzoo.com. Or you could call (2 1 6)
661-6500 x4482. Please note the extension has been changed from the one published in
the March Forum. When calling, please leave a brief explanation of your question and the
best way to contact you during the day. As you well know keepers are never near the phone
when it rings, and if you leave your question we can call you back with an immediate
answer.
SHERATON CLEVELAND CITY CENTRE HOTEL
777 St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-771-7600 or 1-800-321-1090
Please call or mail your reservation information in order to reserve accommodations for:
American Association of Zoo Keepers
RESERVATION FORM
September 24, 2003 - October 3, 2003
You may confirm your room reservation by completing this form and mailing it to
the address above or call our Reservations Department toll free at 1-800-321-1090
*Handicap equipped guestrooms available
*Check-in time begins at 3:00 P.M. - check-out time is 12:00 Noon
*Hotel overnight parking rates: attendees receive $5.00 off prevailing rates, currently,
$15.00 FOR SELF PARK, PER DAY $15.00 - VALET PER DAY
RATES
Single Occupancy: $119.00
Double Occupancy: $119.00
Plus Applicable Hotel Tax
RATE WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 25, 2003
REQUESTED ROOM TYPE*
Smoking Non-Smoking
King Bed Double/Double Bed
*The requested room type is not guaranteed on arrival.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE INFORMATION
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE
ZIP PHONE ( ) -
ARRIVAL DATE DEPARTURE DATE
PLEASE RESERVE ROOMS (S) FOR PERSON(S)
CREDIT CARD TYPE/NO EXP. DATE
We will NOT guarantee Guestroom availability if reservation is received after August 25, 2003
To guarantee your room, we will need a first night’s deposit or credit card number.
If you wish to cancel your reservation, you must contact us by 6:00 p.m. on the day of arrival
or you will be charged for one night’s stay.
Strange Situations Wild Occupations
2003 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CLEVELAND, OHIO
SEPTEMBER 26-30, 2003
(Please type or print clearly)
Name
Address
City State/ Province Zip
Institution
Position/ Title Local Chapter member?
Email address
Presenting a paper/ poster? Bringing an auction item?
T-shirt size M L XL Vegetarian?
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Registration Fees
Registration Deadline is 1 August 2003
AAZK Member $150.00
AAZK Member’s Spouse $150.00
Non-Member $200.00
Late Fee *per person *(After 1 Aug. 2003) $ 25.00
Daily Rates
Fri 26 Sept (Icebreaker) $25.00
Sat 27 Sept (papers, breakfast, breaks) $35.00
Sun 28 Sept (papers, breakfast, breaks) $35.00
Mon 29 Sept (zoo day, breakfast, lunch) $35.00
Tues 30 Sept (papers, breakfast, lunch, breaks) $40.00
Tues 30 Sept (banquet) $40.00
TOTAL Fee Enclosed $
Check enclosed Please make eheeks/money orders payable (in U.S. funds) to: Cleveland AAZK
I wish to pay by credit card (note that payment by credit card will not be processed until July l):
Master Card Visa Expiration Date:
Card Number
Name as it appears on card
Signature
Conference Registration Fee does not include the cost of Conference Proceedings
Send Registration Form and all fees to: Stephanie Poduska, AAZK Registration,
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109.
2003 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CLEVELAND, OHIO
SEPTEMBER 26 - 30, 2003
PRE AND POST TRIPS REGISTRATION
{please print or type clearly)
Name
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Address
City
State/Province Zip
Institution
Email address
Pre-Conference Trip Sept. 25 - 26, 2003
Cost: TBD
Post-Conference Trip Oct. 1 - 2, 2003
Cost:TBD
PRE-CONFERENCE TRIP - September 25 - 26, 2003
The group will be leaving the Sheraton City Centre at 7:00 AM on September 25, 2003
traveling to the Detroit Zoo. We will be staying in Toledo, compliments of the Toledo Zoo.
The group will return to the Sheraton City Centre approximately 5:00 PM on September
26, 2003. Cost: Free but delegates will need to purchase one meal.
POST-CONFERENCE TRIP - October 1 - 2, 2003
The group will be leaving the Sheraton City Centre 6:30 AM on October 1 , 2003 traveling
to the Ohiopyle State Park for a day of whitewater rafting and enjoying the scenic highlands.
We will then travel to the Pittsburgh Zoo and National Aviary. We will be returning
approximately 8:00 PM on October 2, 2003. Cost; $75-80 per person.
Any questions you can e-mail Maureen Meslovich
at momeslo@cs.com or call (216) 661-6500
Keepers and Behavioral Research:
Fostering the Connection
By
Sue Marguli, Behavioral Research Manager
and
Tina Weber, Keeper, Hammil Family Play Zoo
Brookfield Zoo, Broolfiield, IL
Few of us become keepers because we enjoy cleaning enclosures. We enter the profession because
we are fascinated by the animals (usually their behavior), we are concerned about their welfare
(both at the individual and species level), and we want to make some small contribution towards
education, conservation, and the acquisition of knowledge. The reality of zookeeping, however, is
such that much of a keeper’s time is devoted to meeting the basic physical needs of the animals:
feeding, cleaning, medicating. Not only is observing behavior one of the joys of zookeeping, but it
can be just as valuable to maintaining animal well-being (and keeper job satisfaction) as any other
aspect of the job.
It remains a challenge to fit systematic behavioral observation into an already-packed workday, but
it is possible, as recent articles in AKF attest to (Platt et al, 2002). At Brookfield Zoo, we continue
to try and develop creative ways to foster and support keeper research. These include replacing
casual observation with systematic observation, recruiting volunteers, and modifying standard
observation protocols. Here, we describe some of these efforts.
Replacing casual observation with systematic observation
During the past year, Brookfield has been developing a computerized behavioral monitoring system.
The system rests on two assumptions: first, keepers spend some amount of time each day observing
their animals and recording their perceptions in keeper logs or similar note-keeping systems. Second,
no one is better able to carefully observe animals than their keepers; they can readily identify
individuals (sometimes a problem when volunteers are used), and readily recognize subtle behavioral
changes. We have provided animal areas with palm-pilots and, with the keepers, developed species-
specific behavior^ ethograms. Keepers can then use the system to record in a standardized way,
observations that had previously been made more casually. A specific exhibit or entire animal area
can be scanned, usually in 15 minutes or less, and the behavior, location, and neighbors of each
individual animal recorded. The palm-pilots are then synchronized to a networked computer, and
the cumulative database that we have established allows for immediate results. Keepers can use the
database to examine time budgets of individual animals, changes in behavior over time, neighbor
associations, sex differences in behavior, and many other comparisons at the touch of a button. With
a little additional computer training, the data can be used to address an endless stream of research
and husbandry questions.
Although there was some trepidation about the technology when we initiated the program, keepers
are now asking for the palm-pilots and are excited about the possibilities that this opens for them.
We are currently using palm-pilots in eight animal areas, and hope to expand that this year.
Recruiting volunteers
Because lack of keeper time is often the stumbling block to conducting behavioral research, we
have nurtured a cadre of trained volunteers that we can call on as needed. This requires ( 1 ) formal
training of volunteers, (2) work with keepers to identify individual animals and recognize specific
behaviors, and (3) careftil scheduling.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 285
For any large-scale project, training typically involves scheduling each volunteer with a keeper or
researcher to go over the protocol and animal id’s. Volunteers are then asked to practice on their
own until they are comfortable with the methodology. Finally, volunteers may be “tested” by
conducting observer reliability observations (the volunteer observes simultaneously with an
“approved” observer and the results are compared, or the volunteer is asked to observe a specific
segment of videotape as a standard). Volunteers who are adept at one type of observation, or with
one particular species, may not make the cut on another project. Because volunteers come from a
number of sources (local high schools and universities, the zoo’s docent pool, and the community),
we can readily identity volunteers with an interest in a particular project, and the required skill level
for that project. Nurturing and supporting such a group provides a ready source of volunteers when
the need arises.
Depending on the scope of the project, a staff member or volunteer may be asked to serve as a
scheduler and primary contact person for the project. For example, a crew of 1 8 volunteers was used
during a year-long study of gorilla behavior following the introduction of a new silverback (Margulis,
Whitham and Ogorzalek, 2001 ; in press), and over 40 volunteers were recruited during observations
of a newborn dolphin calf Even smaller projects require careful scheduling to ensure that observation
coverage is available when required, and that observers are not scheduled at the same time. Scheduling
can become a major headache when multiple projects are ongoing, and we have found that identifying
individuals for each project, rather than one over-worked scheduler for all projects, is most effective.
Modifying standard observation protocols
Behavioral research is often associated with hours of observing animals for months or years. In fact,
this is not necessarily the case. Observations of short duration, or over a very limited period of time,
can be just as valuable to understanding behavior and addressing management concern as can
intensive, long-term studies. We have found that modifying standard observation protocols can
result in data that are just as valid as data collected in more standard ways. For example, rather than
schedule observers at a specific time, we typically allot a time block (say, two hours) during which
a scheduled observer conducts an observation of 15-30 minutes. This flexibility is helpful for
volunteers, and critical for keepers. By evenly spacing these “time blocks” throughout the day, we
obtain a representative sample of behavior. Such scheduling is appropriate for some types of
observations, but not all. An alternative that we have begun using with success is to ask keepers to
collect point observations throughout the day at irregular intervals. A standard point or instantaneous
sampling regime (Altmann, 1974) for example, might involve recording behavior every minute for
30 minutes, or every 30 minutes for 12 hours. For some projects, keepers instead collect point
samples throughout the day, as it fits into their schedule. Ideally, a sample would be collected
approximately every 30-60 minutes, but in reality, there may be periods during the day in which
several hours go by without a sample, and other periods with sampling every 30-45 minutes. Using
such a method, we have gotten extremely reliable data on seasonal swimming patterns in brown
bears. To further corroborate this approach, we have done some data re-sampling studies on dolphins
(Pruett-Jones and Margulis, in prep.) and polar bears (Margulis, in prep). Preliminary findings suggest
that reducing sampling frequency can yield findings that are indistinguishable from more frequent
sampling regimes, or in which differences are readily explainable and therefore controllable.
Keepers and researeh
Utilizing one individual to “oversee” a project is both an efficient and effective way to handle
multiple observers. A keeper can take on this role on several projects (as this keeper has for studies
of polar bears, walrus, and white-cheeked gibbons). Taking on this responsibility may seem daunting
at first, but it is actually quite manageable. Scheduling can be difficult but it can be done. Organization
and knowing how to use available resources are key. One such resource is the wealth of people who
are willing to give us their time. Making efficient use of the volunteers is both beneficial to the
volunteer and the organization.
286 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
This requires identifying a good fit between research project and volunteer. Not only do you get a
benefit from the personal growth of overseeing a project, but the institution grows, the volunteers
gain insight and respect, and most importantly, the animals benefit.
A virtually universal characteristic of all zookeepers is to try and cram as much as possible into our
day and for some, behavioral observation becomes “just another thing”. In looking at the “big
picture”, if we make it as important as feeding the animals, knowing that it is something that has to
be done everyday, it will get done. Much like anything extra, it is too easy to push it to the side and
say “I’ll get to it later.” The information you can gain is that important. The investment is minimal
and the benefits are so great. It can also become a stress relievier and a nice relaxing activity for
some in which again, the effort is minimal but the contribution is priceless. Whether you are the one
taking the data, typing it into a database, scheduling the volunteers, or training observers, all functions
are important and they all make a contribution.
Finding creative ways to facilitate behavioral research has enabled Brookfield keepers to conduct
independent research and participate in ongoing projects. Keepers have presented at conferences,
co-authored papers, and published in journals. We view this as a way to enhance job satisfaction,
improve animal well-being, and increase knowledge.
Three Types of Data Transfer Forms Available from AAZK
Just a reminder that three different types of data transfer forms are available to requesting institutions
from AAZK at no charge. These forms are designed to be used whenever an animal is shipped from
one facility to another so that important information on that animal can be passed on to the receiving
keeper and veterinary staffs.
The following forms are available by contacting Barbara Manspeaker at 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) and
1-800-468-1966 (Canada), or by emailing your request to aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<
•Animal Data Transfer Form (ADTForm) - includes information on diet, reproductive
history, general medical history/physical conditions, and enclosure/maintenance data
on animal(s) being shipped.
• Enrichment Data Transfer Form (EDTForm) - includes information on behavioral history,
enrichment currently used and how implemented (food, exhibit, artificial, etc.), safety
concerns for animal(s) being shipped.
• Operant Conditioning Data Transfer Form (OCDTForm) - includes general background
infonnation, training specifications, training schedule, behaviors trained and methods
used for animal(s) being shipped.
These forms are provided free of charge as a professional courtesy of AAZK, Inc. We encourage all
zoos, aquaria and other animal care facilities to adopt the use of these forms when shipping animals.
We extend our thanks to the following institutions for assisting in the printing expenses for these
forms: Columbus Zoo (ADTForm), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (EDTForm), and Disney’s Animal
Kingdom (OCDTForm).
American Association of
Zoological Parks and Aquariums
2004 AZA Regional Conferences
Western Regional - 17-20 March 2004, Santa Barbara Zoo,
Santa Barbara, CA
Central Regional - 31 March - 3 April 2004, Caldwell Zoo,
Tyler, TX
Eastern Regional - 12-15 May 2004 Louisville Zoo,
Louisville, KY
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 287
EO Editors - Dawn Neptune, Utah s Hogle Zoo
and Rachel Cantrell, Disney s Animal Kingdom
Presenting Diet Items to Encourage Species-appropriate Behaviors
A Behavioral Husbandry Resource Center Workshop - Part 1
Submitted by Angela Miller, Animal Keeper
Disney s Animal Kingdom, P.O. Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Several years ago, some of our hoofstock developed medical conditions that related to mineral
absorption and consumption. In order to rule out items from the diet, all novel foods were removed
and different grain formulas were tried for many of our animals. Unfortunately, our team had become
fairly dependent on the novel foods for enrichment. The removal of these foods forced the team to
think about new enrichment ideas that were not dependent only on novel food items. Some of lj;ie
ideas that were generated included changing the presentation styles for regular diet food items, as
well as for novel food items. The different presentation styles provided a wonderful opportunity to
promote species-appropriate foraging behavior, even when providing the regular diet. The animals
were surprisingly motivated to show species-appropriate behaviors even when only the standard
diet items were used. Many times, standard diet items worked just as well as novel diet items to
encourage the behaviors.
We have recently been able to provide novel foods to the hoofstock again, but this experience has
forced us to think about the importance of presentation style when offering diet to any animal. Thus,
the idea for an in-house workshop to share the idea of presentation styles and to develop new ideas
for presenting diet items was born.
The Workshop
Purpose: To gather ideas for presenting diet items (standard and novel) in a way that achieves the
behavioral goals of enrichment for the animals in our care.
Target Audience: The in-house workshop targeted Disney’s Animal Kingdom Animal Programs
cast member including: Animal Keepers, Zoological Managers, Curators, the Animal Nutrition Center
team and the Behavioral Husbandry team.
Workshop Structure: The workshop was organized by the Behavioral Husbandry Resource Center
as one of their monthly events focusing on enrichment, training and/or animal welfare. The workshop
was advertised via email and flyers. The workshop was informal and interactive, but had several
learning objectives for each person in attendance. Each person was given a handout that listed the
learning objectives, and that also provided the attendees with space for notes.
288 Animal Keepers ’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Learning Objectives:
• To raise awareness and understanding about the importance of using variable presentation
styles when offering diet items.
• For animal programs cast members to consider a presentation style that is consistent with the
behavioral goals of enrichment when presenting diet items.
• For animal programs cast members to formulate at least two new ideas for unusual food
presentation styles for an animal in their care.
• For animal programs cast members to share with the other attendees at least one food
presentation style that they have used in their area.
• For the animal programs cast members to share the information they learned with those in
their areas who were unable to attend.
• For animal programs cast members to understand the resources available to them to gather
new ideas for food presentation styles.
Variable Presentation Styles and Behavioral Goals of Enrichment:
In order to set the stage for the workshop, we discussed the importance of using variable presentation
styles and how these styles should be consistent with the behavioral goals of enrichment. At Disney’s
Animal Kingdom, our enrichment philosophy is based around seeing enrichment as a process, not
an object or an event. The goals of this process are to promote species appropriate behaviors, and
provide animals with some choices and control within their environment (AZA/BAG 1999). To
guide us through the enrichment process we follow an enrichment framework, which is made up of
six components: Setting goals. Planning, Implementing, Documenting, Evaluating and Readjusting
(Mellen & MacPhee 2001; Barber 2003). Since the first letters of these six components spell ‘spider’,
our enrichment programs is referred to as the SPIDER framework. More information about this
framework can be found at www.animalenrichment.org.
Setting goals is the first step of the process. Keepers answer a series of questions about the natural
and individual histories of the animals, and identify species-appropriate behaviors they want to
promote. For the purpose of this workshop, these species-appropriate behaviors to be encouraged
revolved around the way animals look for and eats food, although it did not have to be limited only
to these behaviors. Since the purpose of this workshop was to gather ideas for presenting diet items,
this paper will focus on the setting goals part of the SPIDER framework. Once we identify behaviors
we want to encourage and ideas for promoting these behaviors have been prioritized, the enrichment
initiative goes through the remainder of the SPIDER framework (See Mellen and MacPhee 2001;
Barber 2003).
Some of the behaviors that can be encouraged using different presentation styles of diet items are;
exploration and investigation of the environment, foraging or hunting, food caching, locomotion,
object manipulation, and play. These behavioral goals are by no means mutually exclusive. We also
discussed the idea that some animals prefer earned food even in the presence of free food because it
gives them more information and control of their environment (See ‘Part II - Motivation,
contrafreeloading and animal welfare: discussion points around diet presentation’. To be published
in August 2003 AKF)
It is important to provide food enrichment in a presentation style that is consistent with the goal of
the enrichment initiative and the natural history of the animal. For example, collared lemurs are
arboreal forest dwellers (Nowak, 1991). If one of your behavioral goals for providing a puzzle
feeder to collared lemurs is to promote foraging behaviors, placing the feeder on the ground may
not achieve this goal. Attaching the puzzle feeder to a structure off the ground is more likely to
encourage arboreal foraging, which is a naturalistic foraging behavior for this species.
Presentation style can also add variety to enrichment initiatives. If your initiative involves ice blocks,
you can offer them the following ways with very different behavioral goals and responses: hung on
a tree; hidden in a substrate (hay, wood wool, shavings, dirt, sand); placed on the ground; placed in
a pool, drinker, or bowl of water; with food and/or an object frozen completely inside; with food
and/or a object partially sticking out; or with an extract/perfume or spice.
Sharing Food Presentation Styles: By meeting in an informal workshop, each animal keeper who
attended was able to share food presentation ideas with other keepers that work in different areas.
Each keeper was also able to learn new ideas that could be shared with the rest of their team, sent
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 289
through the approval process (the Planning component of the SPIDER framework) and then
implemented in their area. As with any enrichment initiative, documenting and evaluating the
effectiveness of the enrichment (e.g., by seeing if it achieved its behavioral goal) is an important
step in the enrichment process (Barber 2003). Participation from everyone in attendance made the
workshop effective. Some of the presentation styles discussed were:
Feeder devices:
Ball puzzle feeder
Bamboo puzzle feeder
Barrel feeder
Bin feeder
Browse feeder
Coconut feeder
Insect dispenser
Lexan puzzle feeder
Log feeder
Nectar feeder
PVC feeder
Pest-proof feeder
Puzzle feeder
Remote control feeder
Stump feeder
Time-release feeder
Food placed in/on:
Bowl (if this is not the usual)
Cardboard box/roll/tube
Ground/floor (if this in not the usual)
Banana leaf or comhusk burritos
Fish stringer
Food on a string
Fruit kabobs/skewers
Hang diet
Smeared prop
Cardboard egg carton or cricket dividers
Paper bag
Plastic container
Pinecones
Rolled rawhides
Hidden in substrate (hay, wood wool, shavings, dirt, sand)
Clothing (pockets)
Pile (putting favored items under others)
On top of mesh enclosure so item must be pulled through
Preparation of food:
Grated/shredded produce
Whole produce
Boiled
Steamed
Suspended in gelatin mold
Frozen
Desiccated/dried
Delivery methods:
In different enclosures (inside, on exhibit etc.)
Live food
Food toss
Scatter diet
Slingshot diet
Water presentations:
Diet mixed with water
Produce in drinker
Produce in pool
Spiced water
Browse/trees/logs:
Flavored browse
Fruiting branch
Honey glazed browse
PVC browse tube
Scented browse
Tree baiting
Frozen presentations:
Flavored ice
Food/blood in ice
Frozen produce
Ice block
Ice ring (with a hole in the middle)
290 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Resources Available:
At the workshop we discussed several resources that are available for gathering new ideas for food
presentation styles. One of the resource locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Behavioral
Husbandry Resource Center (BHRC). The BHRC contains easily accessible, searchable and organized,
resources on enrichment, training and animal welfare in one convenient location (see Templeton
and Miller, 2002). The resources available are pertinent magazines, journal articles and listserve
discussions divided by topics and species. There are also books, videos and a computer. The
Behavioral Husbandry Team is another resource for assistance with setting goals, planning,
implementing, documenting, evaluating, and re-adjusting enrichment.
Conclusion
The workshop lasted for one-hour and was well attended by a cross-section of animal keepers from
various teams and members of the Behavioral Husbandry team. Everyone in attendance actively
participated in the workshop. The learning objectives were met by all of those in attendance. The
group discussed the importance of food
presentation styles and finding a presentation
style that meets the behavioral goals of
enrichment. Everyone shared multiple ideas
from their experiences and took away new ideas
for the animals in their care. Several pertinent
resources were available at the workshop for
review. The workshop was followed up by a
distribution of the meeting minutes highlighting
the learning objectives and the discussions of
the workshop. The information was also made
available to those who were unable to attend.
References
AZA/BAG (1999). Behaviour Advisory
Group, a scientific advisory group of the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
Workshop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Barber, J.C.E. (2003). Making sense of
enrichment and Auntie Joy’s choice of
presents. Animal Keepers ’Forum, 30(3),
106-110.
Collared lemur with a Bamboo Puzzle Feeder.
Mellen, J. and M. S. MacPhee (2001). Philosophy of environmental enrichment: past, present,
and future. Zoo Biology, 20, 21 1-226.
Nowak, R.M. (1991). Walker’s Mammals of the World (5‘^ Ed.).
John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore.
Templeton, M. & Miller, A. (2002). The Behavioral Husbandry Resource Center.
The Shape of Enrichment, 11(3), 5-6.
(Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations.
A Iways think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit materials
for the Enrichment Options Column. This might include recipes, toys, puzzle feeders, olfactory
enrichment ideas, etc. Drawings and photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment,
3601 S. W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Eds.)
Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 291
Spirit of the Wild Dog: the world of wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals and dingoes
By Lesley J. Rogers and Gisela Kaplan
Copyright 2003, ISBN 1 86508 673 8
Allen & Unwin 83 Alexander St., Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia
235 pgs. Paperback. $24.95
Review by Jim Knox, Zoo Educator
Connecticut s Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Spirit of the Wild Dog: the world of wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals and dingoes by Lesley J. Rogers
and Gisela Kaplan provides a concise and alternative assessment of wild dog abilities, biology and
status, the world over.
As a field researcher of neuroscience and animal behavior and a research professor of biological
sciences and education respectively, Rogers and Kaplan present a qualified and highly-specialized
portrayal of the world’s wild dogs. Focusing their expertise on such characteristics as sensory
abilities, social life, interrelatedness and intelligent behavior, the authors construct emerging profiles
of complex carnivores that are detailed yet readily understandable to the lay reader.
The authors utilize an effective approach of illustrating scientific fact with anecdotal evidence.
Regarding dholes, the authors cite the following: “Of all prey species, there appears to be a preference
for sambars, very large ungulates of about four times the size of dholes. For this quarry, the dholes
have devised the very special technique of attacking in the water, an environment where the strong
sambar cannot utilize its hooves as a weapon. Dholes will also avoid making a kill close to their
den. This is possibly so because in both national parks where dholes are protected (the Bandipur
and Nagarole area in southern India) tigers and leopards share the same terrain and would no doubt
be drawn to a kill and thus endanger the den, if it were too near.”
Drawing upon their own research as well as that of others, Rogers and Kaplan cover additional
chapters such as habitats of the wild dog, communication, sex and reproduction, hunting and domestic
and feral dogs. Perhaps most importantly, they conclude with a chapter on the future of the wild
dog.
The book’s overall perspective is one of scientific explanation of these various chapter topics as
contrasted by human activity and practices throughout the world. The mechanics of wild dog biology
and natural history are laid out in a comprehensible way. Just as importantly, the corresponding
human practices and policies are overlaid on this framework, yielding an illuminating perspective
of the intersection of animal and human worlds. While the authors’ intent is to acquaint their readers
with the more subtle mechanics and interrelationship of wild canid biology, communication and
intelligence, they persuasively view the body of their knowledge through the lens of animal behavior.
They summarize this viewpoint accordingly.
“To an ethologist, these tragedies (animal/human deaths) described are all very predictable outcomes
but, to this day, the importance of understanding animal behavior — a science in itself — is not
fully appreciated or utilized in the overwhelming majority of conservation programs."
This trait defines the book as an especially useful interpretive tool because it presents these
wide-ranging topics in a common language.
As an educator and former keeper of canids, I find this book valuable in differentiating many fine
points among wild dogs. Whether detailing social stmcture, hunting behavior or predator dynamics,
this book goes into the kind of depth which establishes the uniqueness of these creatures. Although
292 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
a glut of wolf books flood the market, this is one of the very few that ably covers the other, “forgotten”
canids such as Simien jackals, dingoes and New Guinea Singing dogs. The authors’ inclusion of a
canid classification appendix is a nice feature in addition to a detailed selected reading list by chapter
and index.
Unfortunately, the book’s retail price of $24,95 is quite steep and may price it out of a welcome
market of canid lovers. In spite of this, the books unique scope and potential as a reference source
for select keepers, ethologists, advanced students and wildlife policy makers should ensure a loyal
following. Overall, spirit of the Wild Dog is concise, current and informative and will nicely
complement any collection of books on the subject of wolves, foxes and their kin.
Nigeria Returns Gorillas to Cameroon
In late May, Nigeria repatriated two gorillas recovered from animal smugglers to eastern neighbor
Cameroon, where they will be returned to their natural habitat in the Limbe Wild Life Park. The
two species of western lowland gorillas {Gorilla gorilla gorilla) of central Africa’s tropical high
forests were estimated to have been brought to Nigeria about seven years ago by animal smugglers
intent on taking them out of the country.
Paul Raad, a Lebanese-born businessman who described himself as “an animal lover” said he bought
the gorillas from the smugglers with the intent of returning them to the wild. In December last year
the plight of the two gorillas, nicknamed Brighter and Twiggy, came to the attention of the Nigerian
government, which subsequently speeded up the process to repatriate the primates. Funding for the
translocation was provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep).
Ian Redmond, an official of Unep’s-Great Apes Survival Project, who was at the Lagos airport to see
the primates off, described the repatriation as an important precedent to break the smuggling chain.
“There is a well-trodden path of smuggling of apes from Cameroon,” he said. “The species are
highly endangered and their numbers are declining year by year.”
Only 30,000 of the lowland gorillas are estimated to remain in Africa. In Nigeria, a species known
as the Cross River gorilla is thought to number under 200. Nigeria’s outgoing Minister of State for
Environment, Ime Okopido, said his government was seeking the assistance of United Nations
primate experts to secure this population which is found in the country’s remaining rainforests in
the southeast. Source: Excerpted from the Mail & Guardian Online 5/27/03
Field researchers with the San Diego Zoological Society report they have discovered a population
of gorillas in a remote forest of Cameroon which may be part of a previously unknown subspecies.
Gorillas had not been previously reported in this particular area.
The troop was found by researchers Bethan J. Morgan and Chris Wild during a wildlife survey
being conducted by the Society in an effort to establish a national park and ecological reserves in
Bakossiland, a mountain region of Cameroon.
Morgan, who works with C.R.E.S. (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species) and Wild,
head of the C.R.E.S. ’s Bakossiland field station, briefly sighted seven gorillas in the Ebo Forest
while searching for drills {Mandrillus leucophaeus), the world’s largest monkeys.
Society Director of Conservation and Science, Alan Dixson, said researchers will conduct genetic
testing of hairs recovered from the gorillas’ nests to determine whether they are part of a previously
undocumented gorilla subspecies. The researcher’s finding will be published in the International
Journal of Primatology. Source: Zoological Society of San Diego Press Release and AP Report 5/21/03
Animal Keepers ’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 293
An AAZK Research Grants Report
Thailand Clouded Leopard
Conservation Program Summary
Submitted by Pete Riger and Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo;
Ken Lang and JoGayle Howard, Smithsonian National Zoological Park
on behalf of the Thailand Clouded Leopard Consortium
An initial request for support from the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.’s “Zookeeper
Grants in Research” was made in order to assist a collaborative Thailand Clouded Leopard Program
between the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Nashville Zoo and Thailand’s Zoological Parks
Organization (ZPO). This program initially encompassed the captive management and husbandry
of the clouded leopard {Neofelis nebulosa) in a range country facility. Specific objectives of the
program include: 1) renovate existing enclosures at Khao Kheow Open Zoo; 2) provide on-site
animal manager; 3) provide training to Thai animal care staff in clouded leopard husbandry; 4)
provide a nutritionally-balanced diet using new vitamin/mineral supplement developed and provided
by Purina Mills; 5) move cats to newly renovated cages; 6) develop a recordkeeping system for
daily animal care; 7) begin introduction between selected animals for breeding; and 8) cryopreserve
sperm for assisted reproduction and storage of valuable genetic material in the Clouded Leopard
Genome Resource Bank.
Female clouded leopard “Gaint” born in 2000
Other objectives, which were supported by the AAZK Grant, included fecal collection for hormonal
analyses on the clouded leopards in the five ZPO facilities in Thailand. In addition, an agreement
was made bewteen the ZPO and the Fishing Cat SSP to include fishing cats in the program, and zoos
collected fishing cat {Pronailurus viverrinus) fecal samples as well. The ZPO also maintains 2.1
marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata) and these were collected opportunistically.
Fecal collections began in May 2002 and are ongoing. Two shipments of the collected material
(approximately 8,000 fecal samples) have been sent from Thailand to the Smithsonian National
Zoological Park. These samples continue to be collected daily from 28 clouded leopards and 10
fishing cats and will be utilized to determine the following:
294 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
1) Assessing changes in stress (measured as fecal cortisol) before and after the cats were moved
from old enclosures and exhibits to new large isolated enclosures with tall cages, this study is being
undertaken by Nadjia Wielebnowski of the
Brookfield Zoo.
2) Assessing female reproductive status
and cyclicity using fecal hormone analyses
of estrogen and progesterone metabolites.
This study will be conducted by Katey
Pelican and JoGayle Howard of the
Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
3) Monitoring pregnancy, gestation, and
parturition using fecal hormones.
4) Nutritional analyses before and after
diet changes are made to the collection.
Initital success of the program include the
program’s first successful clouded leopard clouded leopard kittens from the first litter born
birth (1.1) in April 2003, documenting the April 2003. Kittens are four weeks of age in this photo,
benefits of improved diet, enclosure and
husbandry. The parents of these two cubs are both donated, wild-caught animals and the cubs are
currently being hand-raised. The parents had last reproduced in 1999 and were not successful in
raising the cubs.
Other accomplishments to date include:
• Importation of 2.2 fishing cat kittens to the AZA Fishing Cat SSP population. These represent the
first set of new founders in many years.
• Relocation of clouded leopards in the Thailand zoos
from small holding pens into new large enclosures
at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
• Development of a nutritionally complete diet which
includes fresh quail and chicken with new vitamin/
mineral supplement.
• Training of Khao Kheow Open Zoo staff member
Nonglak Somrarythin to assist in the management
of the facility and the conservation program.
As we are just finishing the first year of the program,
the Consortium will continue to build on these
successes as well as strengthen the ties among
international collaborators. Funding still is needed
for cat diets, Thai animal care staff and video
documentation of animal behavior.
0.1 fishing cat “Ding” born in September
2002. She and her sister “Daao” currently
reside at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 295
LegtsCdtive 'ILpddte
Compiled by Georgann Johnston
Legislative Advisor
Sacramento, CA
IIIHIIIII
n]S3q£Z3Q.
Landowners Receive $9.4 Million to Conserve Imperiled Species I
Under the new Private Stewardship Grant program the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
announced 113 grants totaling more than $9.4 million to individuals and groups to undertake |
conservation projects on private lands in 43 states for endangered, threatened and other at-risk
species. President Bush originally proposed the creation of the Private Stewardship Grant program
during a speech in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in June 2000. The grants announced in May 2003, the first i
ever awarded under the program, will benefit species ranging from the whooping crane in Nebraska I
to the bald eagle in the state of Washington. Each grant must be matched by at least 1 0 percent of the I
total project cost either in non-federal dollars or in-kind contributions. j
f
“Conservation, and especially the conservation of imperiled species, must be a partnership between |
the American people and their government,” said Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton. “By making '
these grants, we are empowering citizens to restore habitat on their land and take other steps to 1
protect and recover endangered, threatened and at-risk species.” j
“Judging from the number of truly innovative grant proposals we reviewed, landowners across the |
U.S. are eager to work with us to conserve at-risk species,” said Service Director Steve Williams. I
“We anticipate this public/private partnership will result in significant conservation achievements j
for wildlife and wildlife habitat.” The Private Stewardship Grants Program provides federal grants
on a competitive basis to individuals and groups engaged in voluntary conservation efforts on private
lands that benefit federally listed endangered or threatened species, candidate species or other at-
risk species. Under this program, private landowners as well as groups working with private
landowners are able to submit proposals directly to the Service for funding to support these efforts.
President Bush has requested funding of $10 million for this program in 2004.
This year grants were approved in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California,
Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Oregon and Washington. Some of
the species covered in the grants include: gopher tortoise, Steller’s and spectacles eiders, Chiricahua
leopard frog, the Northern Aplomado falcon, brown pelican, white ibis, tri-colored heron, black
skimmer, wood stork, roseate spoonbill, black-tailed prairie dog, the lesser prairie chicken, Arkansas
River shiner and Arkansas darter (both fish), Delmarva fox squirrel, red-cockaded woodpecker,
black pine snake, northern bobwhite, brown-headed nuthatch, Bachman’s sparrow, prairie warbler,
Henslow’s sparrow, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, whooping cranes, threatened piping plovers,
western meadowlark, chinook, bull trout, and coho salmon, as well as a number of species of
butterflies and numerous endangered and threatened plant species. Source: USFWS Press Release 28
May 2003
Sweden Bans Experimentation on Most Apes
The Swedish National Board of Agriculture and National Board for Laboratory Animals have
announced that they will ban the use of great apes and members of nine species of gibbons in
laboratory experiments as of 6 June 2003. Only non-invasive behavioral studies of the animals will
be permitted.
“No great apes or gibbon apes are currently used in experiments in Sweden, but the ban is still a
matter of great ideological importance,” said Animal Rights Sweden Campaign Manager Per- Anders
Svard. “The decision marks an important shift in official policy, since it implicitly recognizes the
individual moral worth of primates. Flopefully, the ban can be seen as a first step towards extending
moral and legal rights to millions of other animals suffering in experiments.”
Sweden follows two other European countries in this action. The government of the United Kingdom
banned the use of great apes in laboratory experiments with the enactment of the Animal Procedures
296 Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol 30, No. 7
Act in 1986. The government of the Netherlands has banned all use of chimpanzees in laboratory
experiments except the employment of the animals in Hepatitis C research being conducted by the
Biomedical Primate Research Center in Rijswijk. Source: Animal News Center; Reporting the News from
the World of Animals, 8 May 2003
Interior Department Provides New Guidance to Promote Development of Conservation Banks
The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued the first comprehensive federal guidelines designed
to promote the establishment of Conservation Banks, which ensure perpetual protection for
endangered species that are adversely affected elsewhere. Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife
and Parks Craig Manson said: “This is a hallmark event in the 30-year history of the Endangered
Species Act and a major step by the Fish and Wildlife Service to implement Secretary Norton’s
‘Four C’s’: conservation through cooperation, communication and consultation.”
Conservation Banks were first authorized by the State of California in 1995. The banks are lands
acquired by third parties, managed for specific endangered species and protected permanently by
conservation easements. Banks may sell a fixed number of mitigation credits to developers to offset
adverse effects on a species elsewhere. Traditionally, developers have been asked to preserve a
portion of the area they are developing, a policy that can translate into scattered, small parcels of
land. Conservation Banks provide for much larger acreage, where species protection is more effective
as well as more efficient. Manson said there are more than three dozens such conservation banks
now operating in a number of states, adding that they are becoming “an increasingly important” tool
in mitigation.
When development is likely to harm threatened and endangered species or their habitat, the Service
can authorize incidental take of these species, provided the developer prepares a conservation plan
that minimizes and mitigates the damage. Conservation Banks have become an increasingly popular
way to achieve that mitigation. Manson said the department’s new guidance helps ensure that banks
operate with consistency, providing both the Service and the bankers a common set of rules and
directions and a higher level of market predictability and stability, all of which are fundamental to
accelerating the development and use of banks to meet mitigation demand while providing mutual
benefit for people and endangered species.
Craig Denisoff, vice president of the National Mitigation Banking Association, said the guidance
will lead to the creation of many more conservation banks in the United States. “The California
experience has shown that conservation banks provide the highest level of long-term protection for
threatened and endangered species and have assisted in the implementation of recovery efforts,”
Denisoff added. Banking also presents opportunities for private landowners to get economic value
for property with endangered species habitat. The guidance covers a dozen and a half areas of bank
operations, including design and function of a conservation bank, definition of service areas in
which they can operate, the relation of banks to species recovery plans, criteria for use of conservation
banks, issuance of bank credits and the use of bank credits to meet mitigation requirements.
Examples of working Conservation Banks include:
Hickory Pass Ranch Conservation Bank, TX - In exchange for putting a conservation easement on
their 3,000-acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country for the perpetual protection of the golden-cheeked
warbler, the landowners received conservation credits from the Service that can be sold to businesses
and local governments to mitigate impacts to the species.
Mobile County Gopher Tortoise Conservation Bank, AL - Habitat loss is the greatest threat to
gopher tortoises in Mobile County, AL., which has experienced a 94% increase in residential
development in the past several years. The Mobile County Bank set aside 222 acres for protection
of the tortoise and its now rare habitat. It has proven to be the most cost-effective means to protect
the tortoise.
East Plum Creek Conservation Bank, Colo. This bank is owned and operated by the Colorado
Department of Transportation to provide for the permanent protection of the endangered Preble’s
meadow jumping mouse. The CDOT uses credits from the bank to mitigate for adverse impacts to
mouse habitat resulting from highway construction and development projects on the central front
range of Colorado. Source: USFWS Press Release 8 May 2003
Animal Keepers’ For un, Vol. 30, No. 7 297
Ban on Imported Wildlife From Madagascar Lifted oris It?
On 9 May 2002, the USFWS announced a ban on importation of all wildlife from Madagascar based
on the fact that the United States did not officially recognize any government in that country. Then,
in September 2002, the United States officially recognized the government of President
Ravalomanana. Therefore, on 20 September 2002, the Service issued a new notice to the CITES
community stating that it would allow the importation of wildlife and wildlife parts from Madagascar
if those imports were accompanied by documentation issued by Ravalomanana’s government.
Currently, importers are being required to obtain verified documents before clearance to enter the
U.S. is granted and any items entering the U.S. are subject to detainment pending verification of the
legality of the CITES documents and proof that they were actually issued by the Ravalomanana
government’s officials. Source: CITES Update #85, April 2003 (published by USFWS)
Iceland to Resume Whaling
The government of Iceland has announced that it is going to permit whalers to kill 250 whales,
including 100 minke, 100 fm and 50 sei, each year beginning in 2006. Whaling has been previously
banned in Icelandic waters since 1990. “The Icelandic market for whale products is very small,”
said Fisheries Minister Ami Matthiesen, “hence it is a precondition for any whaling around Iceland
to be able to export whale products to the Japanese.”
CITES, which Iceland rejoined in 2002, currently prohibits international trade in whale products.
“We urge the government of Iceland to look to the future, which is quite clearly whale watching
rather than whaling,” said International Fund for Animal Welfare biologist Vassili Papastavrou.
“Whales are simply worth more alive than dead.” More than 60,000 individuals went whale watching
from Iceland during 2002. Source: Animal News Center, Reporting the News from the World of Animals, 12
May 2003
Extinction Imminent for Some Whales & Dolphins
The World Conservation Union (lUCN) warns that some species of dolphins, such as baiji (Yangtze
River dolphin) are “unlikely to last for another 10 years” and that “other small cetaceans and several
great whale species are almost as endangered” says BBC News 5/14. Of the 86 recognized cetacean
species, the vaquita (Gulf of California porpoise), northern right whale, blue whale. Hector’s dolphin
and Ganges/Indus river dolphins are critically endangered. Source: GREENlincs Issue #1868 5-20-03
Pet Passports for Ferrets
The European Parliament has voted to allow pet passports to be issued for ferrets so that they, like
cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs, can travel freely throughout Europe with their owners.
Legislation creating pet passports, which actually are microchips embedded just underneath the
skin of animals that provide proof of vaccination against rabies and other diseases, was enacted by
the European Parliament approximately two years ago. Individuals traveling to countries in Europe
previously would be required to place their pets in quarantine for as many as six months to ensure
that diseases were not spread.
Issuance of passports for ferrets was not initially authorized because tests that could confirm the
animals had been vaccinated were not available. The policy change was prompted by a campaign
conducted by Ferret World and the Ferret Tmst, an advocacy organization based in England. The
activity of these interested parties caused the United Kingdom Department of Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs Veterinary Laboratory Agency to concede the risk of rabies transmission was too
insignificant to justify quarantining animals.
“It’s great news,” said the president of the Ferret Trust, “Now ferrets can take part in exhibitions and
shows overseas for the first time. It wasn’t fair to deny passports to ferrets but give them to cats and
dogs.” “The new law could have profound implications for the future of the breeding stock,” said a
Member of the European Parliament. Source: Animal News Center, Reporting the News from the World of
Animals, 3 June 2003
Brazilian Endangerment Doubles
A new report has found that the number of endangered animal species in Brazil “nearly doubled”
from 219 in 1989 to 398" says ENN, Reuters 5/27. Since only 200,000 of an estimated 2 million
Brazilian species are known, the three year study did not focus on numbers of each endangered
species but fast disappearing and threatened habitats such as the highland Cerrado savanna. Source:
GREENlines Issue #1881 6-9-03
298 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Rare Cape Hunting Dogs
Born at Denver Zoo
It may not have been 101 Dalmatians, but Denver
Zoo keepers were excited and surprised when 14
Cape Hunting Dogs (Lycaon pictus) were bom on
30 January 2003. Although keepers had been
monitoring the expectant mother, Daisy, no one
anticipated the record number of puppies in this
delivery.
The litter was comprised of seven males and seven
females and was the second litter of this critically
endangered species to be bom at the Denver Zoo.
They were named as follows: the male puppies -
Chaga, Madadi, Gombe, Vango, Datonga, Dogo
and Tsavo; the females puppies - Kili, Asha, Malia,
Eshe, Kamili, Taji and Boga. They are all named
after cities, rivers or national parks in their native
continent of Africa.
Four of the 14 Cape hunting dog pups born
in January at the Denver Zoo. (Photo provided
by the Denver Zoo PR Department)
The puppies have been doing well under the
protective care of their mother, their father Judd, and five sisters from the earlier litter. This species,
also known as African wild dogs, live in packs and all members help raise the litter.
Cape hunting dogs are native to the open woodlands and plains of sub-Saharan Africa. Today the
species are as rare in world zoos as they are in the wild. There are approximately 60 Cape hunting
dogs in North American zoos and less than 5000 in the wild. The Denver Zoo is home to 21 Cape
hunting dogs and has three more dogs on loan to another zoo. The wild population has been reduced
as a result of disease and habitat destmction.
Each dog has its own unique markings of yellow, black, brown and white. The slim, long-legged dog
features large round ears contributing to its acute sense of hearing. Another unique characteristic is it
only has four toes on its front feet, rather than the typical five. It is carnivorous and has highly
specialized sharp shearing teeth and is the most efficient of all predators. Adults stand 30 in. (76.2cm)
at the shoulder and weigh between 40-601bs. (18-27kg). Gestation period averages 70 days.
The Denver Zoo finds and is involved in several international conservation projects involving Cape
hunting dogs both at the zoo and around the world. The Zoo currently funds a field study in Bitswana
investigating chemical communication through scent marking. Researchers are striving to understand
how wild dogs communicate through scent marking. Understanding the role and content of scent
marking is vital to conserving and managing wild dogs.
Source: Denver Zoo News Release written by Dave Parsons; Cape Hunting Dog Fact Sheet prepared by Angela
Baier and Ana Bowie of the Denver Zoo PR Department.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 299
Mother Daisy with several
of her puppies. (Photo provided
by the Denver Zoo PR Department)
Parents Daisy and
Judd greet one of
their 14 puppies.
( Photo provided
by the Denver Zoo PR
Department)
Two of the puppies
battle over a bone in
the exhibit yard. (Photo
provided by the Denver Zoo
PR Department)
300 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of
each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 123, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Please
include closing date for positions available, and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-
mail, most readers do not receive their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for
this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted.
Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Listing may be sent as MS Word
attachment. We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in
processing.
Animal Keeper-Herpetology - The Baltimore Zoo, Baltimore, MD
If you are interested in applying for this position, please fax or email your resume and cover letter
attention Human Resources to (4 1 0) 396-7 1 90 or baltimorezoohr@.hotmail.com. You may also mail
this information to: The Baltimore Zoo, Attention: Human Resources, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore,
MD 21217.
Responsibilities: The Animal Keeper is a salaried non-exempt position that is responsible for
maintaining the reptile, amphibian, fish, and invertebrate collections as well as the exhibits and
facilities, which house those collections. This position reports to the Herpetology Collection Manager.
A more detailed job description is available by contacting Human Resources.
Requirements: The individual applying for this position must possess two years experience working
with reptiles and/or amphibians, including venomous snakes, as well as excellent oral or written
communication skills, including a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite Software. The
individual in this position must also be able to operate successfully in a multi-task environment, lift
50 pounds and possesses a valid driver’s license.
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians - The Baltimore Zoo, Baltimore, MD
This position reports to the Director of Animal Management, Research and Conservation. A more
detailed job description may be obtained from Human Resources.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please fax or email your resume and cover letter
attention Human Resources to (4 1 0) 396-7 1 90 or baltimorezoohr@hotmail.com. You may also mail
this information to: The Baltimore Zoo, Attention: Human Resources, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore,
MD 21217.
Responsibilities : The Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians is a salaried exempt position responsible
for the senior management of the Herpetology department. The Curator position is responsible for
assisting with recruiting and interviewing efforts for the department, training, scheduling, evaluating
and supervising Herpetology staff This position is also responsible for developing and directing the
department’s animal collection plan, husbandry programs for reptiles, amphibians, fish and
invertebrates. This includes the conservation of such animals as well as conducting educational and
research programs and securing the funding for such programs. The Curator of Reptiles and
Amphibians is also responsible for managing departmental operating, capital and restricted budgets.
Requirements: The ideal candidate will possess a B.S. degree from an accredited college or university
in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, or animal related sciences, five (5) years of experience
with a major herpetological collection (including venomous/dangerous species) in an AZA accredited
institution, with three (3) years in a management capacity. This individual also must have proven
experience developing and directing successful conservation/research programs, fundraising and
designing exhibits and life support systems. The ability to lift 50 pounds, possession of a valid
driver’s license and AZA membership are also required.
Curator of Live Collections - Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Severn Bridge, Ontario, Canada
Please send resume and references to the Muskoka Wildlife Centre via fax: (705) 689-0223 or
email: emplovment@,muskokawildlifecentre.com or mail: Box #89, Severn Bridge, Ontario, Canada.
Hiring immediately, but will wait for theright person.
Requirements: Wildlife education centre featuring the province’s largest collection of wildlife species
native to Ontario is looking for a curator of live collections. Must have experience in animal
husbandry, enclosure design, constmction and maintenance as well as managing a small keeping
staff Knowledge of North American wildlife species ecology and captive management is a benefit.
Year-round employment in Ontario’s prime cottage country. Wage will be based on experience
Chimp Keepers - Coin’ Ape/People and Chimps Together - Auburn, CA,
Located 30 minutes Northeast of Sacramento, CA.
Please fax resume and contact information to (530) 823-1874. Include three (3) work references
with phone numbers. Please Do Not call. Please wait for us to respond to your fax.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7 301
We have an opening for two (2) part-time great ape/chimpanzee keepers. Looking for dedicated
keepers to work with 16 chimpanzees and 1 orangutan ages 4-32. This group of chimpanzees have
been together for 30 years. Wage is $8- 10/hr depending on experience. Health insurance after 90
day probation period and if moved to full-time. See our website at www.chimppact.org<
Full-time Wardens - Two (2) positions - Six-Flags Great Adventure Wild Animal Safari Park,
Jackson, NJ. Seeking applications for two (2) full-time Safari Park Wardens. The Safari Park consists
of 1200 animals including birds, reptiles and mammals.
Interested candidates should submit a resume to: Karol Kempke, Human Resource Manager, P.O.
Box 120, Jackson, NJ 08527. Resumes being accepted until 31 July 2003.
Requirements: Applicants must have strength, ability and alertness to work with various species of
animals within a Safari Park. Applicants must have the ability to feed animals, clean houses, and
general surroundings. Must be 18 years old, have valid driver’s license, possess the ability to
perform assigned duties in a safe & productive manner and be able to work in all types of weather
conditions.
Six Flags Great Adventure offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Six Flags is an “Equal
Opportunity Employer”.
Staff Veterinarian - Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari Animal Safari Park, Jackson, NJ
Interested applicants should submit resume and three (3) letters of reference to: Karol Kempke -
Manager, Human Resource, P.O. Box 120, Jackson, NJ 08527.
Deadline for application is 25 July 2003.
Seeking applications for a full-time veterinarian position. The Safari Park consists of 1200 animals
including birds, reptiles and mammals with a main emphasis on hoofstock species.
Responsibilities: The applicant’s responsibilities would include all aspects of zoological medicine
and surgery as well as monitoring and modifying the preventative animal care program and medical
record system, teaching college interns and communicating with the park staff and public.
Requirements: The applicant must have a VMD/DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited institution
and must become licensed to practice veterinary medicine in NJ, within six (6) months of taking the
position. Applicant must currently possess or is eligible to obtain DEA registration and USDA
accreditation. (Salary based upon experience)
Six Flags Great Adventure is an “Equal Opportunity Employer”.
Zoo Keeper/Grasslands - Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
Send resume to: Director of Human Resources, Mike Burnett, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA
701 18 or email to: mbumett@auduboninstitute.org<
Requirements: Good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a
team-oriented environment. Associate ’s degree in biology or related field and one ( 1 ) year experience
preferred or equivalent combination of training/experience in the care of mammals, preferably
hoofstock, carnivores and primates. All candidates must have the ability to lift 80 lbs. and a willingness
to work outdoors. A willingness to work weekends, holidays, and/or overtime is also required.
General Working Supervisor - Mammal, Reptile & Bird Depts. - Out of Africa Wildlifepark, AZ
Please mail or fax resume to Dean Harrison, Out of Africa Wildlifepark, 9736 No. Ft. McDowell
Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85264. Phone (480) 837-6683, Fax (480) 837-7379. Visit our website at
www.outofafricapark.com<
Position open until filled.
Requirements: Must have degree, four (4) years management, good people and communication
skills. Experienced caregiving for many types of species, able to speak publically to large audiences,
while interacting with animals in a full contact setting is necessary. Lifting up to 100 lbs may be
required. Weekend and holiday work is necessary, according to shift. Salary depends on experience.
Full benefits.
Elephant Handler - Natural Bridge Zoo, VA
Send resume to: Natural Bridge Zoo, P.O. Box 88, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 or Fax (540) 291-1891
or phone (540) 291-2420 or email NaturalBridgeZoo@hotmail.com<
Responsibilities: The care and husbandry of two female African elephants (19 years old) in free
contact. Requirements: Minimum of three (3) years experience working with elephants. Must be
able to do rides, demonstrations and give talks to the public. Looking for an eager, energetic,
friendly, self-motivating person. Housing available.
302 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
Aviculture Interns
For more information on internships at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names
and contacts of three (3) references to: Tracey Goltz P.O. Box 39 Volcano, HI 96785 or fax: 808-
985-7034. OR, for more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to:
Mary Schwartz 2375 Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 or fax: 808-572-3574. For the Hawaii
Endangered Bird Conservation Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the
Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui.
Responsibilities: Daily tasks include husbandry duties such as: diet preparation, aviary and facility
maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding birds, grounds keeping, predator control.
Requirements: Applicant must be able to live with several roommates in a remote area and should
show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian birds. Applicant must have a valid
driver’s license and health insurance. Internships last for a 3-6 month period. Interns receive $20/
day stipend plus housing. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Service Opportunities or Internships
See additional information and application at our website - www.tigercreek.org< Commencement date:
Open. Duration: Month by MontK Interested in learning more about big cats and a career path? Consider
a service opportunity at TCWR. Two (2) positions currently available at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge,
Tyler, TX. Interns are utilized for animal care positions through a qualification system. We provide:
Room & Board, Materials and Curriculum, Indoctrination and Safety Training, Opportunity for ftill-time
paid animal keeper positions (after training).
Marine Mammal Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.niaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Nicole Begley, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Responsibilities: Learn daily activities involving animal care and training with our Seal Team. Duties
include food preparation, exhibit cleaning, creating enrichment devices and observing training.
Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking, have course work in biology/
psychology, prior animal experience, be able to work outdoors, and lift 501bs. Interns are required to
complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four year
school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions are on
a volunteer basis and are unpaid
Internship Opportunities - National Aquarium in Baltimore
To apply for any of the following internship positions go online at www.aqua.org/education/intemships
to obtain an application form. A complete application includes contact information, answers to brief
statements listed, and a copy of college transcript. Complete applications should be sent to: National
Aquarium at Baltimore-Intemships, Pier 3/501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Application Deadline: ongoing - 1 November 2003 for January and Spring terms of 2004; 1 April 2004
for Summer and Fall 2004 terms; All interns must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work within the
selected term. Interns must receive college credit for their internship. Internships are unpaid. For further
information contact the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Internship coordinator at intem@aqua.org or
call (410) 576-3888.
Aquarist Intern
Responsibilities.* The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aquarist staff with daily care of the
Aquarium’s invertebrates and fish. Assist with tank maintenance and cleaning; Prepare daily diets and
perform daily feedings; Assist in the maintenance of back-upareas; Conduct precise record keeping; Perform
special projects to be determined by the aquarist staff Requirements: College juniors or seniors enrolled
in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb up a 6’ ladder, and be able to squeeze across a 15’ long x 12” wide
platform.
Aviculture Intern
Responsibilities.’ The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aviculture staff with daily husbandry
activities in the South American Rainforest exhibit. Assist with and perform diet preparation and
distribution; Conduct animal observations; Assist in the cleaning of holding areas, kitchen, and food prep
areas; Provide enrichment to the aviculture collection; Perform special projects at be determined by the
aviculture staff Requirements; Interest in working with birds. Enrolled in an accredited college,
pursuing a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field.
Herpetology Intern
Responsibilities: Tend the '‘Hidden Life” exhibits (large wall terrariums where small, neotropical lizards,
frogs, snakes and invertebrates are on public display); Mist and clean the off-exhibit colony of small
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30. No. 7 303
arboreal lizards; Mist, clean and otherwise help tend the large, off-exhibit collection of neotropical frogs;
Prepare diets for and feed the on and off-exhibit iguanas and tortoises; Tend the locust (live food) colony,
orb-weaving spiders and colonies of non-venomous exotic arthropods (wood and hissing roaches, millipedes
and walking sticks); Assist in the maintenance of the live food cultures (fruit flies, springtails, crickets,
rats, mice); Conduct and record animal observations; Perform special projects as determined by the
herpetology staff. Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursing a degree in Biology,
Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Must be comfortable working
with frogs, lizards, rodents and terrestrial arthropods.
Horticulture
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium horticulture staff with daily activities.
Assist with care of plants in the Rain Forest exhibits; Conduct plant maintenance, fertilization, propagation,
and transplantation; Assist in display development; Perfonn special projects at be determined by the
horticulture staff Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology,
Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will aid in all aspects of marine animals rescue program (MARP)
operations, which involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea
turtles and implementing outreach efforts of the Aquarium’s Ocean Health Initiative. The selected candidate
is also responsible for technical and clerical assistance for the Conservation Department staff as necessary.
Duties include.- Animal Care - participating in rescue and release trips, daily feeding, medical treatments,
facility maintenance including cleaning and water changes, behavioral observations, and record keeping;
Outreach - learning to interpret the MARP artifacts and conservation messages and participation in seasonal
outreach and public education programs at the Aquarium and off site; Other duties as assigned - field
work, etc. Requirements; Must be college junior or senior majoring in environmental science or related
field with course work in biology and ecology. Summer and January terms require 40 hours per week of
work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Marine Mammal Trainer Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate is responsible for providing support to the marine mammal
training staff This internship’s primary purpose is to teach the intern training theory. There is limited
hands-on animal contact during the internship. Duties will include: Prepares daily animal diets and
dispenses vitamins as instructed; Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal back-up areas;
Assists in training, husbandry, and medical sessions; Participates in pre-show and pre-session preparations;
Periodically participates in sessions involving swimming during enrichment and play sessions - no animals
involved; Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Must be college junior or senior majoring in life
science or related field. Must have a basic understanding of marine mammal natural history. Must have
good swimming skills. Must work well as a team member. Summer and January terms require 40 hours
per week of work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Water Quality Lab Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist in the water quality testing of all fish and mammal
systems throughout the aquarium. Duties include testing water for salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity,
and copper according to lab procedures, and recoding neat, accurate data. The selected candidate will
work closely with the Lab Technicians and the Animal Husbandry staff Requirements; Must be college
junior or senior with general biology and chemistry work. Strong math skills and computer proficiency
preferred. Must be available to work mornings.
Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on
our website at www.aazk.org
Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings
at http://www.aza.org
MOVIIVG?
Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents
every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519
(U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice(gzk. kscoxmail.com
to report your new address.
304 Animal Keepers ’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 7
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Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS
66614-2054. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U. S. FUNDS ONLY.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for
free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
PRINTED IN U.S.A
© 2003 AAZK, INC.
iJUmiUll KEEPEIS'
F O R TJ TVI
The Journal of the American
Association of Zoo Keeners, Inc.
IUI6UST 2003
ANIMAL KEEPERS^ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St.. Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 August 2003
Vol. 30, No. 8
Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Tjqo & Kayla Grams,
Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Cantrell, Disney’s
Animal Kingdom • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. •
ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William
K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida
Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th
Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 6661-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication
costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS.
AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS
also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602
Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200
Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203
Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA 92027
Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoological Society, Volcano, HI 96785
Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo , Cleveland, OH 44109
President
Vice President
Immediate Past President
COMMITTEES
Nominations& Elections
Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX
Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Annual, Conferences
Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc.
Bowling for Rhinos
Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC
Marketing Resources
Bob Hayes- San Diego Zoo
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
APT, EDT and ATP Forms
AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka
Enrichment Committee
By-laws
Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo
Ethics
Chair - Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Research/Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Awards
Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo
Professional Development
Chair - Linda King, Dallas Zoo
AAZK Historian
Mark Levin, Elmwood Park Zoo
Animal Behavior Management
Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo Chair - Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International
Assistance) ;Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M. A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution)
AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION
Biological Information (formerly Biological Values), 4th Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
printed on Recycled Paper
l^abte of Contents
About the Cover/Information for Contributors 306
Scoops & Scuttlebutt. 307 - 309
From the President 310
AAZK Website Has New Look-Check It Out!... .310
AAZK Announces New Members 311
Condor Update 311
Coming Events ..312
Tentative Schedule for 2003 National Conference 313
Tentative Schedule of Papers, Posters and Workshops for Cleveland 2003 314 - 316
ABC’s Column (Exotics as Pets/A Response) 317 - 318
Chapter News Notes 319
Exotic Diseases, Part 3 -Exotic Newcastle Disease 320 - 325
4th International Seminar on Keeping Otters in Captivity 325
Reactions (Aquarium Crisis Events) 326 - 327
Increasing Activity Levels in Captive Elephants: ‘Spread’ (is) the Word 328 - 330
The Water Column (Effects of Temperature on Aquatic Systems) 331 - 332
Providing a Means for Chimps to Pass to Keepers
“Foreign” Objects Found in Their Exhibit 333 - 339
Legislative Update 340 - 343
Enrichment Options 344 - 347
Toledo Zoo Welcomes Baby Elephant 348 - 349
Book Reviews {Tarantulas of Belize and Tarantulas in the Vivarium) 350 - 351
Three Types of Data Transfer Forms Available from AAZK, Inc 351
Opportunity Knocks 352
S^bout the Cover.,.,,
This month ’s cover features a Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) drawn by Christine McKnight, a Keeper at
the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN. The cheetah is most well known for being the fastest land
animal, capable of reaching speeds of 70 mph. The cheetah is aerodynamical ly built for speed and
can accelerate from zero to 40 mph in three strides and to full speed of 70 mph in seconds. Prior to the
20th century, cheetahs were widely distributed throughout Africa and Asia. Today, the Asian cheetah
is nearly extinct due to a decline of available habitat and prey. The last confirmed sighting in India
was in 1948, but some may still exist in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Loss of habitat, prey base,
competition with large predators, agricultural interests and poaching are taking a heavy toll on wild
cheetah populations throughout Africa. Today, there are less than 12,500 of these endangered cats
remaining in Africa and Asia. Thanks, Christine!
Animal Keepers ’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping
profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed
or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as
well as in hard copy form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an
email should be submitted in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be
clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x
22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is
used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard
equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times
should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy black and white or color prints
(minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked captions should accompany
photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted electronically as
either JPEG or TIFF file attachments.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers 'Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles
of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve
as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish
articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion
of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is
requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-
breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 1 -800-242-45 1 9 (US);
1-800-468-1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month.
Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor.
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of
the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by
the author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each.
E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at:
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers ' Forum at:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org
BFR Website: http://bfr.aazk.org
306 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
Scoops & Scuttlebutt
Research/Conservation Workshop Planned for Cleveland Conference
The AAZK Keepers in Research, and, Conservation, Restoration, and Preservation
Grant Committees are sponsoring a Research and Conservation Workshop during
the 2003 National Conference in Cleveland - Come and join us!
The workshop will cover a few of the many interesting and valuable projects members have initiated
or participated in. We also will discuss some of the things you need to do to get involved in research
or conservation; how to start your own project, and how the grant committees can better serve the
AAZK membership.
AAZK offers three different $1,000.00 grants each year. Come and join us and find out how you
can benefit from this program. If you have been thinking of a research project bring the idea and we
will help you, or just come and join the discussion on how AAZK can help you better know and
research your animals. For questions or additional information contact: jan reed-smith at
jsmith@,colszoo.org or irsotter@iserv.net
AZA Board of Regents Professional Development Awards
To encourage participation in the AZA Professional Development Program, the Board of Regents
makes four awards available to aquarium and zoo professionals to provide additional financial
opportunities for individuals and institutions. We strongly encourage applications for the diversity
advancement and international awards and we welcome your assistance in seeking qualified
candidates. Each of the following awards provides funding for full tuition, lodging at the double-
room rate, meals, air travel up to $500, round-trip ground transportation from the airport to the
school site, and an additional $200 stipend to help defray costs normally incurred while attending
the course. Award applications are available online at www.aza.org/prodev or contact the AZA
Training Administrator for application information. For consideration, complete award applications
must be received by 1 October for courses occurring the following year.
Diversity Advancement Award
This award may be applied toward any of the AZA Professional Development courses. Its purpose
is to support participation in the AZA Professional Development Program by under represented
individuals who are AZA members and employed full time in an AZA zoo or aquarium.
International Conservation Training Award
This award may be applied toward any of the AZA Professional Development courses. Its purpose
is to promote professional training for our foreign zoological colleagues. Preference will be given
to candidates who are currently involved in cooperative efforts with AZA member institutions or
participating in TAGs, CAPs or SSPs. Employees of any zoo or aquarium outside the United States
and Canada may apply.
Margaret A. Dankworth Management Award
This award is given to a participant in Managing for Success: Career Development or Organizational
Development. Successful applicants should demonstrate leadership ability or leadership potential
at their present institution and a commitment to professional growth. Applicants must be AZA
members employed full time in a zoo or aquarium,
\
Robert O. Wagner Professional Development Award
This award may be applied toward any of the AZA Professional Development courses. Applicants
should demonstrate professional involvement in AZA programs or conservation activities, leadership
ability or leadership potential at their present institution, and a commitment to professional growth.
Applicants must be AZA members employed full time in a zoo or aquarium.
Note of Correction on Upcoming Conference
In the June and July issues of AKF, incorrect information was posted in Coming Events concerning
the schedule for the 2003 ChimpanZoo Conference. The 2003 ChimpanZoo Conference will be held
Animal Keepers’ For un, Vol. 30, No. 8 307
25-29 October, 2003 in Boca Raton, FL. The focus of the meeting will be “Long Term Care for
Captive Nonhuman Primates”. Additional information is available on the ChimpanZoo website at
www.chimpanzoo.org< or by e-mail at info@chimpanzoo.org or by phone at (520) 621-4785. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
6^ International Zoo Desigiti Svmposium/CaM for Papers
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park will host the 6“’ International Zoo Design Symposium at the
Grand Hotel, Torquay, Devon, UK from 9- 1 3 May 2004. The theme of the conference will be “Zoo
Design: Innovation or Replication?”
Most zoos now regard themselves as Conservation Centers, and the Fifth
International Zoo Design Symposium hosted by Paignton Zoo in 1 998 recognized
that in its title and theme “Conservation Centers for the New Millennium”. Since
then zoos have been very successful at tapping into new sources of capital funding,
many new exhibits have been built, visitor numbers have increased, and the
amount of resource zoos put into the conservation of wild animals has increased
exponentially. By any standards it has been an extraordinarily successful period
in zoo history. But, all that obvious success apart, has the art of wild animal
exhibition moved on? Are we being genuinely innovative or are we simply
rehashing and reprising good ideas from the past? Would Carl Hagenbeck be
yawning in his grave?!
In 2003 Paignton Zoo Environmental Park will open the ‘Living Coasts’ Marine Mammal and Bird
Exhibit at Torquay Harbour within sight and easy walking distance of the conference venue. The
conference program will include a visit and reception at this unusual and striking exhibit. South
Devon is also within easy reach of the world famous Eden Project and an optional visit to the project
will be included in the program. For conference booking forms please telephone +44 (0) 1803
697502 or e-mail: zoodesign@paigntonzoo.org.uk. Further information can be obtained from our
Website: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk<
Call for Papers
Authors are invited to submit papers on all aspects of zoo design, particularly within the following
areas:
• Spin or substance-does your design really do what it’s supposd to do? How do you know?
• Plants - are they just a backdrop or an integral part of your conservation and education goals?
• IT - the good and bad
• Design conflicts - aesthetics, welfare, workability, conservation, education, research -
can one exhibit do it all?
• Reconciling the irreconciable - how to provide close contact while maximizing animal and
visitor welfare.
Please send proposed title, authors, affiliations and an abstract (maximum 400 words) by email to
zoodesign@paigntonzoo.uk. Please also complete the relevant section on the registration form on
the website.
SOS Rhino Seeks Volunteers
SOS Rhino is looking for volunteers interested in helping us in our efforts to save the Sumatran
rhinoceros. Our Borneo Team is studying the demographics of the remaining animals in Tabin Wildlife
Reserve to determine when patrol units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role in the
rhinos’ survival. Please visit SOS Rhino, s web site for detailed information: http://www.sosrhino.org/
programs/volunteer.php Or contact Cindy Salopek, Projects Associate/SOS Rhino via e-mail at:
cindy@sosrhino.org<
Environmental Park
308 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
Save the Rhino International PybMshes E-Ziiie
The July edition of the “Save the RJiino International E-zine” has recently been published. If you
are interested in rhinos then you must take a look, lots of interesting links, stories and updates.
Contact info: Save the Rhino International (SRI) 16 Winchester WalkLondon SEl 9AQ; http://
www.savetherhino.org
Save the Rhino International promotes a practical conservation message v^^hich saves the rhino and
other endangered species. The E-Zine aims to enhance access to information about rhino conservation
around the world. Feel free to distribute it to anyone who might be interested. New readers can
subscribe to future issues at http://www.savefherhiiio.org<
Editor’s Recommendation - “A Conversaticnnt witli Marvin Jones”
To anyone who has spent any time at all in the zoo business, the name “Marvin Jones” should need
no introduction. The Registrar Emeritus of the San Diego Zoologival Society began his life-long
love affair with zoos beginning with his first visit at age six to The Philadelphia Zoo in 1934. His
first work experience was at that same facility where he worked as a swing keeper, a job which only
lasted a few months but which set him on course which would take him to zoos all over the world.
After being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951, he was sent with his unit to Germany. A high
school drop-out, Marvin’s passion for all things zoological led him to many years of independent
study on the natural history of many animals, the history of the developmet of zoos, and the more
“modem” zoo philosophies which began to emerge. He was fascinated with animal lineage and
over his career amassed an incredible amount of information. I was amazed at his knowledge when
I had the pleasure of having Marvin as my tour guide around the San Diego Zoo during an AAZK
Conference. As he spoke about different animals we passed, he would tell us their life histories,
including where the animal care from, who its parents were, whether or not it had bred, etc. etc.
The Preface for this book is written with obvious respect and admiration by Mark Rosenthal, Abra
Prentice Wilkin Curator of Large Mammals at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and Ken Kawata,
General Curator at the Staten Island Zoo in New York. The Foiward is penned by Clayton F.
Freiheit, President and CEO of the Denver Zoological Society. But most of the book is an
autobiographical journey written by Marvin himself He writes with both knowledge and humor
about his Army days, both in Europe and in Vietnam, during which time he visited many, many zoos
and gathered data about some species which weren’t even exhibited in the U.S. at the time. Marvin
was in on the “ground floor” of many zoo innovations, including the formation of AAZPA (now
AZA) and the beginning of ISIS. He became Registrar at the San Diego Zoo at a time when animal
records were kept on 3x5 index cards. Reading about these early days of animal record keeping
makes one truly appreciate how far we have come in this area.
As the book progresses, Marvin writes about aspects of the many zoos he visited both in Europe and
the US, and particularly about those in Germany. Over his many years in the field, Marvin has met
and become colleagues with many individuals we might call part of the “zoological dynasty”. Perhaps
the most interesting portion of this text is the Q & A section which covers about half the book. This
section covers Q & A on Zoo Animals, Zoo People, Zoo' Management, and Foreign Zoos. It reads
like a candid conversation with one who “knows his stuff’ and is willing to share his wealth of
experience. As Rosenthal and Kawata note in their Preface of this book (a booklet really at 70
pages) “The final product may seem too meager to do him justice; to chronicle the man. However,
we hope that we have provided a good start...” And indeed it is a “good start” and a glimpse into the
fascinating life of a man who loves animals, zoos and cares passionately about their future. A
worthy read.
If you are interested in getting a copy of A Conversation with Marvin Jones, you may order one for
$12 (includes s&h) from Bess Frank, Curator, Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 Bluemound Rd.,
Milwaukee, WI 53226. Make checks payable to “Bess Frank”. (Ed.)
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 309
f~ pom the President
It has been a great two years serving as your President. I have seen firsthand the dedication
and hard work that goes into making this Association a world leader in education of its
members and in support of worthy conservation efforts. I am very honored that you have
reelected me to continue to serve on the Board of Directors. I am equally honored to be
serving with the other Board members that you have elected.
The past four years have been very busy. By the time we meet in Cleveland we will have
some new reference tools for you to use in your job. In the past, books like the Crisis
Management, Enrichment Notebook, Diet Notebook, Zoo Infant Development and Zoonotic
Diseases have been invaluable in caring for our animals. As we near completion of our
latest offerings (watch for an announcement soon mAKF), I would like to thank those who
have worked to bring them to the membership. But as these colleagues take time to relax
we must push forward to produce more tools that we can use to be the best animal care
professionals that we can be. I look to the membership for ideas for what they need in their
jobs. How can we help you do your job better? What can this association do for you? We
will also need talented and energetic people to put these new tools together. Will you step
up to serve your Association and colleagues?
We are also extending ourselves to working with other organizations to continue our tradition
of excellence. We are working with ZCOG, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, to translate
the Enrichment Notebook into Spanish to assist our colleagues in Latin America. We have
been contacted by a third AZA committee to provide our experience and expertise to their
efforts. As the bonds between associations strengthen, we all benefit. Again I ask what
else can we do to help you?
Thanks for listening and remember to take care of yourselves as you care for your animals.
Kevin R. Shelton, AAZK President
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa, FL
AAZK Website Has New Look - Check It Out!
For those of you who haven’t visited the AAZK, Inc. website recently you may want to
stop by. It has a brand new look and new navigation which should make it easier to find
your way around the site. There are also two new sections which have been added: the
Animal Behavior Management Committee and Enrichment Committee both have
informational sections on the new site. This is the first phase of the restructuring with more
to come down the road. Any suggestions and/or comments are welcome. Again make sure
you stop by to see the new and improved site at http : // w w w. aazk . or g .
310 Animal Keepers’ For un, Vol. 30, No. 8
AAZK Aimounces
New Members
New Professional Members
Mark Hayes and Christina Carey, The
Philadelphia Zoo (PA); Corey S. Vann, Catocin
Zoo (MD); Emily G. Dill, Duke University
(NC) ; Tim Arnett, Miami Metrozoo (FL); Justin
Zolman, Columbus Zoo (OH); Nicole Michelle
Chiles, The Toledo Zoo(OH); Karen Imboden,
Indianapolis Zoo (IN); Melanie Hiam, Detroit
Zoo (MI); Dawn Cummings, Minnesota Zoo
(MN) ; Makayla Poepperling, Sedgwick County
Zoo (KS); Carl J. Toborowsky, St. Louis Zoo
(MO) ; Randi Genung, Folsom Children’s Zoo
(NE); Julie Hartell, Houston Zoo (TX); George
Nosis, The Phoenix Zoo (AZ); Denali Meeks,
Out of Africa Wildlife Park (AZ); Mara Strauss,
The Oakland Zoo (CA); Kelly Corcoran, San
Francisco Zoo (CA); Dallas LaDucer, Northwest
Trek Wildlife Park (WA); and David
Stephenson, Honolulu Zoo (HI).
Renewing Institutional Member
Busch Gardens
Tampa, Florida
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tucson, Arizona
Renewing Contributing Members
Joan Diebold, Keeper
Franklin Park Zoo
Boston, Massachusetts
Vernon N. Kisling, Jr.
High Springs, Florida
Cor^^or Update
AZ Biologists Watch Condors
Although biologists have confirmed that
California condors nesting in Arizona have
produced three eggs, attention is focused on one
pair that may have produced “the first condor to
hatch and survive in Arizona in decades” reported
the USFWS in early June. Nests with two of the
eggs have been abandoned but the behavior of
Condors 123 and 127 indicates that they could
have a nestling that could be as old as three weeks.
Source: GREENluies Issue # 1884 6-12-03
Ten-Fold Condor Increase
The California condor population, including those
in captivity, has climbed to 222 birds, “a greater-
than-tenfold increase from the historic low of 22
of the endangered vultures in 1982" reports the
San Diego Union-Tribune. With 81 condors living
in the wilds of Southern California and Arizona
and 29 chicks expected to hatch this season, “this
is the greatest the population has been probably
since the 1950s” says the recovery program
coordinator. Source: GREENlines Issue # 1884 6-
12-03
Lead Shot Endangers Condor Recovery
Lead poisoning from carcasses containing
ammunition fragments is endangering efforts to
rescue the California condor from extinction says
SFGate.com, AP. Hunters “leave more than
30,000 lead-laced carcasses for the carrion
scavengers each year” and two new studies show
that condors “consume lead frequently as they feed
on hunter-killed wildlife” and “can pass the lead
poisoning on to offspring.” In response, the
USFWS is issuing new voluntary guidelines for
hunters to help address the problem. Source:
GREENlines Issue #1889 6-19-03
r
TH£
GOURMET
RODENT,
INC.™
SHE
RATS AND MICE
Bill & Marcia Brant
6115 SW 137th Ave., Archer, FL 32618
(352) 495-9024
FAX: (352) 495-9781
e-mail: GrmtRodent@aoLcom
® All Reserved
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 311
Coming Events
Association of Avian Veterinarians 24th Annual
Conference & Expo - 25-29 August 2003 in
Pittsburgh, PA. To view the entire program and to
register on the web, visit www.conferenceoffice.com/
AAV. To contact the AAV Conference Office, email
AAV@conferenceoffice.com; phone (303) 756-
8380; fax (303) 759-8861.
American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA)
Annual Conference - 7 - 1 1 September 2003 in
Columbus, OH. Hosted by Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium. For more information contact Patty
Peters: e-mail ppeters@colszoo.org
2003 AZAD Annual Conference - 9-14 September
2003. Hosted by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo,
Omaha, NE. Interested parties may contact Judy
Sorensen at 10969 North Lakeshore Dr., Blair, NE
68008 or by email at howard@nfmity.com<
2003 Association of Zoological Horticulture - 13-
1 8 September 2003. Hosted by Toledo Zoo. For more
information contact Alan Donges at (419) 385-5721
ext. 2149 or email greenhouse@toledozoo.org<
2003 Red Panda SSP Keeper Training Workshop
19-21 September 2003 at the Knoxville Zoological
Gardens, Knoxville, TN. For more information
contact Crystal Anderson at (865) 637-533 1 ext. 389
or email canderson@.knoxville-zoo.org<
The Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association -
21-24 September 2003, hosted by the Philadelphia
Zoo. For info visit www.azfa.org or contact Matt
Suydam at (215) 243-5355 or fax (215) 243-5391.
30th National AAZK Conference - 26-30
September, 2003. Hosted by the Greater Cleveland
AAZKChapter and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Watch for farther information in upcoming issues
of AKF. Registration and Hotel Forms may be found
in April issue and appeared again in the July AKF.
Zoological Registrars Association (ZRA’l
2003 Conference - 2-4 October 2003, hosted
by the Brookfield Zoo. For info visit
www.zra.homestead.com or contact Debbie
Johnson (708) 485-0263 ext. 460; email
dejohnso@brookfieldzoo.org< or contact Pam
Krentz at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com<
Elephant Managers Association Conference
- October 2-5, 2003 - Hosted by Knoxville
Zoological Gardens, Knoxville, TN. For more
information, call (865)-637-5331, ext. 359 or
e-mail bhargis@-knoxville-zoo.org<
First International Conference on Zookeeping in
2003 - The Netherlands - Will be held between 2-10
October at Birdpark Avifauna. For further
information please visit:www.iczoo.org
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - 5-
9 October, 2003 in Minneapolis, MN. For
additional information, visit the AAZV website at
www.aazv.org or contact Wilbur Amand, VMD,
Executive Director/ AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd.,
Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 892-4812; Fax
(610) 892-4813; email AAZV@aol.com<
The 2003 ChimpanZoo Conference - 25-29
October, 2003 in Boca Raton, FL. The focus of
the meeting will be “Long Term Care for Captive
Nonhuman Primates”. Additional information
is available on the ChimpanZoo website at
www.chimpanzoo.org< or by e-mail at
info@chimpanzoo.org or by phone at (520) 621-
4785.
The Sixth International Conference on
Environmental Enrichment - 2-7 November
2003 in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa. Sixth
International Conference on Environmental
Enrichment in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo. For more
information on the conference, including fees,
registration facilities, reduced flights and pre- and
post-conference tours, please go to
www.ihbzoo.org.za or contact Mathew van
Lierop at mathew@.ihbzoo.org.7a or on +83 600
2677.
ACVP/ASVCP 2003 Concurrent Annual
Meeting - American College of Veterinary
Pathologists and American Society of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology joint meeting - 15-19 November,
2003 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. For more info contact
ACVP at: Phone - (608) 833-8725 exct. 145; Fax -
(608) 831-5485; email - meetings@acvp.org; web -
www.acvp.org/meeting/
International Polar Bear Husbandry Conference
4-7 Febmary 2004 in San Diego, CA. Polar Bear
International (PBI) in association with the AZA’s
Bear TAG are cohosting this conference to be held
at the Bahia Hotel on Mission Bay. They are
bringing together many of the most experienced and
knowledgeable “bear” professionals in the world,
including noted scientists, zookeepers, and
naturalists representing a broad spectrum of
institutions. Information and online registration is
now available on PBI’s website (http:
www.polarbearsintemational.org). This includes
the invited speaker list (updated monthly) as well
as the conference agenda, goals, scholarship
information and other specifics. Any questions.
Post Your Coming Event Here - email to
akfeditor@zk. kscoxmail . com
312 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
Tentative Schedule for the
2003 National AAZK Conference
"Strange Situations Wild Occupations"
Thursday. September 25
Closed meeting of the AAZK Board of Directors
Pre-conference trip departs
Friday. September 26
AAZK committee meetings (open)
Pre-conference trip returns
7-11 PM Icebreaker at Jacob’s Field Terrace Club
Saturday. September 27
Keynote Address - Dr. J. Michael Fay, National Geographic Society
Paper Sessions Day 1
Evening workshops or planned night out
Sunday. September 28
Day 2 Address - Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund
Paper Sessions
Evening workshops or planned night out
Monday. September 29
ZOO DAY
Silent Auction in evening at hotel
Tuesday. September 30
Paper Sessions
Awards Luncheon, Business Meeting, and Conference Bids
Closing Banquet and Live Auction
October 1-2
Post-conference trip
PRE-CONFERENCE TRIP - September 25 - 26, 2003
The group will be leaving the Sheraton City Centre at 7:00 AM on September 25, 2003 traveling to
the Detroit Zoo. We will be staying in Toledo, compliments of the Toledo Zoo. The group will
return to the Sheraton City Centre approximately 5:00 PM on September 26, 2003. Cost; Free but
delegates will need to purchase one meal. Trip limited to 30 people.
POST-CONFERENCE TRIP - October 1 - 2, 2003
The group will be leaving the Sheraton City Centre 6:30 AM on October 1, 2003 traveling to the
Ohiopyle State Park for a day of whitewater rafting and enjoying the scenic highlands. We will then
travel to the Pittsburgh Zoo and National Aviary. Delegates will be staying at the Super 8 Motel in
the Allegheny Valley at Exit 5 of the PA Turnpike. We will be returning approximately 8:00 PM on
October 2, 2003. Cost: $75 per person. Trip limited to 30 people.
Any questions you can e-mail Maureen Meslovich
at momeslo@cs.com or call (216) 661-6500
(Editor’s Note: A Registration Form for the Pre- and Post-Conference Trips is available
in the lilac insert in the July issue of AKF,)
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Animal Keepers’ For un, Vol. 30, No. 8 313
Tentative Schednle of Papers, Posters, and Workshops for the
20113 AAZK National Conference
Paper Presentations
To Russia with Love: A Synopsis of the Tenth Year of the Russian Crane Project with a Look to the Future
Christopher Munch, Lead Aviculturist, The National Aviary
Guam Rail Reintroduction Project
Chris Edelen, Aviculturist, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Protocol Importance in the Husbandry of Gabriella’s Crested Gibbons.
Denise C. Wagner, Senior Keeper, San Diego Wild Animal Park
AAZK Cooperative Partnerships: Working with Local and Regional Organizations on Conservation Projects
Carolyn Matthews-Borak, Zookeeper
Kelly Russo, Communications Specialist, Houston, Zoo
Raising Asia. . .Successfully Raising a Sloth Bear Cub
Trudy Kuhrt, Large Mammal/Carnivore Keeper; Dianna Lydick, Toledo Zoo
Experiences with Caribbean flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber ruber Chick Hand-rearing at the Birmingham Zoo
Jeff Pribble, Bird Keeper; Cindy Pinger, Zoological Manager of Birds;
Tim Snyder, Curator of Birds, Birmingham Zoo
Cost-free Fundraising Through Printer Cartridge Recycling - Building Your Donor Network
Juliette Grace, Executive Director, GreenFund Network;Kevin Shelton, President, AAZK Inc.
Phoenix Rising: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Geoff Underwood, Senior Wildlife Officer, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australia
Recall and Crate Training in a Free-flight Aviary.
Heather Leeson, Biologist II, Moody Gardens
Tracking Orangutan Ovulation Cycles Through Cytology
Nannette Driver, Primate Keeper, Chaffee Zoological Gardens
The Living Desert’s Cheetah Ambassador Program.
Jennifer Johnson, Animal Care Supervisor; Leslie Storer, Lead Trainer;
Nicole Hernandez, Trainer/Presenter, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
ABCs from A to Z: Animals, Business, and Conservation in Aquariums and Zoos
Bruce L. Carr, Ph.D., AZA
Managing the Socialization of a Speke’s Gazelle at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Christy Poelker, Keeper/Ungulates, Saint Louis Zoo
Perceptions and Data: The Effect of Estrus Cycles on a Non-reproductive Chimpanzee Group
Christine Sumner, Keeper Lincoln Park Zoo
The Evolution of the Night Keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Martin Ramirez, Night Zoological Manager, Disney s Animal Kingdom
The Lake Malawi Aquarium and Quarantine System at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Regenstein African Journey
Anthony M. Nielsen, Animal Keeper, Lincoln Park Zoo
Auditory and Olfactory Enrichment Trials in the Cougar Felis concolor
Amanda Ramsey, Mammal Keeper, Nashville Zoo
Project Golden Frog/Proyecto Rana Dorada
Anthony Wisnieski, Director of Captive Program, Project Golden Frog Conservation Fund
314 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
A Dog“gone Wild Time at the Minnesota Zoo
Christine McKnight, Zoo Keeper, Minnesota Zoo
Behavior Management + AAZK + Zoo Members = Fun & $ for Conservation at the Minnesota Zoo
Christine McKnight, Zoo Keeper, Minnesota Zoo
“Are you looking for that furry black thing?”
A Mixed Species Exhibit Featuring Malayan Tapirs and Binturongs Makes for Some Strange
Situations and a Wild Occupation for Zoo Keepers at the Minnesota Zoo
Christine McKnight, Zoo Keeper, Minnesota Zoo
Developments in Breeding and Managing Cockatoos
Katy McElroy, Owner, Hornbeam Aviary, Toledo, OH
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Veterinary Services Wildlife Program
Kim Kearns, Hospital Keeper, Disney s Animal Kingdom
Transformation from Menageries to New Millennium Conservation Centre
Jonathon O.K Fayomi, Head Zoo Keeper/EducatorZoological Garden, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
The Survivorship of Captive-bred, Released Louisiana Pine Snakes
Amy C. Davis, Reptile Keeper, Audubon Zoo
Tapping Teenage Talent
Lee Houts, Zoo Keeper, Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
The Addition of a New Lemur Species into an Existing Multi-species Lemur Exhibit at the Hattiesburg Zoo
Staff, Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg MS
Developing a Multi-functional Callitrichid Nest Box to Combine with Operant Conditioning to Increase
Animal Husbandry and Decrease the Potential for Stress when Chemical Restraint is Necessary
Michelle Farmerie, Primate Keeper/Trainer, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
Environmental Enrichment: Achieving Zoo-wide Animal Enrichment Days
Through Successive Approximation and Positive Reinforcement
Michelle Farmerie, Primate Keeper/Trainer, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
The Role of Woodland Park Zookeepers in a Ferruginous Hawk Satellite Telemetry Project
Tom Aversa, Raptor Keeper, Woodland Park Zoo
A Zookeeper’s Role in Exhibit Design
Jay Tetzloff, Senior Keeper/Mammals, Sedgwick County Zoo
Striving for Successftil Births in a Young Pair of Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia)
Tamara Singer, Sara Pilon, and Rebecca Notcher, Mammal Keepers, Rosamund Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park
For Conservation’s Sake: The Clouded Leopard Project
Stephanie Prine, Zoo Keeper, Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Translocation of Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) into its Historical Range on Trinidad
Steve Malowski, Aviculture Department, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Homo sapiens - The Hardest Animals to Train
“Running a Successftil Internship Program at Your Facility”
Jessica Hoffman, Children ’s Center Supervisor, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Chiropractic Care in Animals - “An Alternative Approach to Geriatric Care”
Jessica Hoffman, Children *s Center Supervisor, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Wildlife Management in Metropolitan Cleveland: Taking Conservation Beyond the Zoo
Dr Daniel R. Petit, Manager of Natural Resources Research, Cleveland Metroparks
Animal Keepers* Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 315
The Best Zoos in the 21®‘ Century
Steve H. Taylor, Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Surplus Animals: Stewardship on the Ark
Albert H. Lewandowski, DVM, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
So Many Cats, So Little Time - The Enrichment Challenge
Laura Carpenter, Zoo Keeper, Cincinnati Zoo
Changing Exotic Animal Ownership Regulations.
Jennifer Mattive, Co-owner, T&D’s Cats of the World - Exotic and Wild Animal Refuge
When Plan A Becomes Plan Z: The Challenges of Shifting a Resistant Pair of Black Rhinoceros
(Diceros bicornis) to a New Exhibit Through Positive Reinforcement and PATIENCE.
Tammy Schmidt, Zoo Keeper, St. Louis Zoological Park
Welcome to the Information Age: How to Find, Evaluate, and Use the Information You Need
Dorothy Barr, Library Assistant, Simmons College; Linda Rohr, Registrar/Librarian, Zoo New England
Making a Difference with Bowling for Rhinos.
Patty Pearthree, National BFR Chair
Posters
A Multivariate GIS Model to Determine Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Habitat Suitability in Eastern
Ohio, Shane Good, Animal Keeper, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Alternatives to Parent-rearing in Pteropus
Species at the Lubee Foundation, Ingrith Martinez, Senior Keeper, The Lubee Foundation, Inc.;
Conditioning Male Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chryocome) to Accept Voluntary Semen Collection,
Tammy Root, Senior Aquarist of Birds and Herps, Indianapolis Zoo; Penguins and Fish Can Co-exist,
Diane Olsen, Lead Biologist, Moody Gardens; Improvised Rearing of Red-bellied Piranha
(Pygocentrus nattereri) in an Endotherm-dominated Institution, Jason T. Moore & Pam Swift-
Brooks, Zoo Keepers, Topeka Zoological Gardens; Project Golden Frog, Katherine L. Duffey, Animal
Keeper, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Building a Breeding Herd, Shelly Wagner, Zoo Keeper, St. Louis
Zoological Park; Enrichment: From Animals to Audience, Michelle Farmerie, Primate Keeper/Trainer,
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium; Who Says You Can’t Teach an Old Ram New Tricks?, Bethany
J. Lutz, Hoofstock Keeper, Utah’s Hogle Zoo; Survival of the Fishing Cats: Successes and Failures
in Fishing Cat Reproduction at the San Francisco Zoo, Barbara Palmer, Animal Keeper, San Francisco
Zoo; Developing Improved and Safer Control Measures for Helminth Parasites of Bears in
Zoological Parks, Jordan C. Schaul, MS, PhD Candidate, Ohio State University; The Enrichment
Tree, Amy O’Neill, Education Specialist & Karen Vacco, Lead Keeper, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Workshops
AAZK, Zoo Animal Staff, and Research - Why it’s a good idea and how to get involved
Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Advances in Animal Keeping in Zoos and Aquariums -
A new AAZK-AZA Professional Keeper Training Program
Bruce Carr, Ph.D., AZA
Amphibian Workshop
Katherine L. Duffey, Animal Keeper, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Animal Welfare, Enrichment, and the AZA: What do they mean to keepers?
Amy Burgess, AAZK National Enrichment Co-Chair
Australasian RAP Session
Jacque Blessington, AAZK Board of Directors, Kansas City Zoological Gardens
Primate Workshop
Tad Schoffner, Assistant Animal Care Manager, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
316 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
Animal Behavior
Concerns and Solutions
A Question & Answer Forum for Animal Professionals
©2003 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant
Ark Animals of California, Big Bear Lake, CA
Question
In your last column you talked about an animal held in a privately-owned facility. The animal
appeared to be held in a private home. Can you comment on why you included it in the column?
Answer
The last column created quite a stir. The animal profession is always changing and improving and
cannot do so without passionate dialog. It is great to hear from the readership, however it must be
reiterated that the columns and articles found within AKF do not reflect the opinions (or endorsement)
of the Animal Keepers ’Forum {AKF) staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. ( AAZK).
Since 1996, this column has discussed animal behavior concerns and solutions from a variety of
sources. This is not the first time an inquiry of this type has been included. As a columnist fox AKF,
I answer questions related to municipal zoos, private facilities, rescue organizations, educational
facilities, circuses, museums, breeders, and other individuals who maintain collections of wild
animals.
The inquiries for ABC ’S arrive from all over the world and are submitted by those who are concerned
for the welfare of their animals, or of the animals they manage or protect. The variety of submissions
reflects the diversity in readership. The questions presented originate from individuals with a multitude
of experience levels, concerns, and backgrounds. Many of the inquiries come in, not just from
recognized zoos, but also from agencies not affiliated with zoos. /fiTF provides a valuable resource
to these agencies and individuals — and has done so for years.
My goal and dedication as an animal behaviorist is to help any animal through education,
environmental enrichment, and training or behavioral advice. I do not screen out inquiries from the
AAZK column, nor do I refiise to answer them based on who is submitting. All behavioral situations
reveal valuable information that others involved in animal caretaking or training can benefit from
and that is why they are included.
Today, the issue of captive animals is a volatile one from every angle. There are groups against
zoos, against interfering with the natural environment, against pets of any kind, against laboratory
animals, etc. Just name the project, or concern, and there probably is a group of people avidly
against it! In the case of captive wild animals, the general professional opinion is that they do not
make good pets.
Even so, there are many who do have them as pets, and many who breed and sell them for the pet
trade, including professional zoo keepers and animal trainers. Personally, I do not condone the
private ownership of ANY wild animal by inexperienced individuals (like the general public), however
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 311
the reality is that they do exist. Having said that, an animal owner labeled as a “professional” does
not necessarily mean the animal benefits any more than another creature housed elsewhere. Although
there are generally more complications and concerns that stem from individual private ownership,
I’ve worked in a variety of capacities and witnessed the gamut of problems with animals in virtually
every type of setting. There are good conditions in both the private and professional realm, and
dismal situations on each side of the fence as well.
Although it is not as common for the American general public to own wild animals, they do exist
everywhere, and it was not too long ago that wild animals such as birds and reptiles were considered
as unusual pets instead of “acceptable.” Today, in addition to illegal trade, there are many people
and institutions that breed animals, and that participate in animal auctions — buying wild animals
for resale or trade. The industry will continue as long as there is money to be made and animals to
sell. The regulations concerning wild animals have been getting tighter and the restrictions have
escalated. This tightening is directly due to much of the abuse that occurs when wild animals or
hybrids are taken as pets by the layperson, but that is only a fraction of the problem.
Having said that, let me point out that wild animals do not make good pets because they are creatures
that have evolved within a specific niche in nature and have special physiological and psychological
adaptations to insure that survival. Most people cannot provide the intensive care these creatures
need, nor are they prepared for the long-term and comprehensive maintenance they require.
Additional reasons are that wild critters have specialized nutritional, social, and activity needs, are
adapted to a particular type of environment, and are extremely agile and powerful. Wildlife will still
maintain territorial structures or hierarchies, and engage in sexual or aggressive behavior that can
be risky to those unfamiliar with those behaviors and patterns.
Capricious breeding, irresponsible behavior, and impact on the habitat of local wildlife are further
concerns. Others include the complicated interference on local wildlife populations if non-native
animals are released or escape by accident. The risk of zoonotic diseases or parasites is yet another
worry for both humans and other animals.
The quality of captive wildlife management and ownership will continue to be a concern to those
involved with animals and their conservation. If we are going to move forward to benefit our
charges, and those housed elsewhere, it is going to be necessary to move constructively from the
prevalent and disturbing “us” and “them” attitude. Yes, there are problems. Most professionals are
concerned about them and working to alleviate them. As part of the solution, I am happy to help
those who need it. Finally, I also recommend the animal daily minimum requirements for those
housing any type of animal:
ANIMAL DAILY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• mental activity
• physical activity
• companionship
• adequate and regular veterinary care
• appropriate nourishment or nutrition
• daily assessment and quality management
• a suitable, safe, secure, clean and comfortable environment
(About the Columnist: Since 1978 Diana Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and
domestic animals. She has been affiliated with and certified by a variety of animal programs in the
USA and Europe. She currently writes, consults and leads safaris. Information and enrollment for her
safaris, seminars, training courses and animal career programs can be found at her website: http://
www.arkanimals.com. Publications and other training support items may also be purchased at the
site. Questions for ABC’s should be submitted to Diana directly via email: arkabc@arkanimals.com,
through the ABC’S questionnaire on her website, or via regular mail: do ARKANIMALS.COM, P.O.
Box 1989-215, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 USA.)
318 Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol 30, No. 8
North Carolina AAZK Chapter
The North Carolina AAZK Chapter has been very
busy the past seven months. In December we
hosted the Holiday party which raised over $400
for our Chapter!
In January elections were held. Our new officers
are:
President Brad Lympany
Vice President..... Paul Decker
Secretary/Chapter Liaison Shelley Harvey
Treasurer..... Lucy Segerson
In March we
volunteered at
UNCTV, the local
public television
station answering
phone calls and
taking pledges. We
also helped with trail
clean-up and fence
repair at Hidden
Horse Farm, the
local therapeutic
riding center.
CommUrn^ m Cmstrmtim April brought us into
the 2 1 St century when
we got our website up and running
(www.nczoo.org/aazk). Easter weekend we
hosted our first annual Rhino Conservation
Station. We set up a booth next to the White Rhino
exhibit where visitors could read about the plight
of rhinos, compare and contrast the different
species, look at bifocals that were available, and
a listen to a CD with rhino vocalizations! This
was a huge success and we hope to keep it going
every year. The best part is that we earned an
additional $50 for BFR from the donation box.
In May Bowling for Rhinos was a big event. As
always it was a great success. Finally, for June
we held our annaul Zoo Picnic where AAZK
sponsors a raffle. Grand prize was a ride along
through the African Plains exhibit.
We plan on taking a small break in July to collect
our thoughts and then jump back into things.
—Shelley Harvey, Chapter Liaison
IndiaEiapoMs AAZK Chapter
For 2003, the Indianapolis AAZK Chapter’s
Bowling for Rhinos event was a very successful
one! Not only did we raise over $5000.00, but
this was the first year that we had a radio station
as a sponsor. We would like to thank 92.3 WITS
for participating in this event. They gave us a
sponsorhsip commitment of 40 live promotional
announcements, 26 “Things to Do, Places to Go”
announcements, inclusion on their website and a
two-hour remote during the Bowling for Rhinos
event.
Other sponsors included C AC Print Wear and All
Star Bowl. We had 105 bowlers, lots of pizza,
and lots of fun!
What’s you AAZK Chapter been up to?
Send your Chapter News to the Editor at:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.coni
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 5 319
Exotic Diseases - Part 3
Exotic Newcastle Disease
Editor s Note: The following is part three of a
Three Part series on Exotic Diseases being
reprinted here with permission from the author.
It originally appeared in The Keeper. Spring
2003, the newsletter of the San Diego Chapter
of AAZK . If you missed Parts 1 & 2, look for
them in the June and July 2003 issues of AKF)
By Yvette M. Kemp, Sr. Mammal Keeper
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
It seems that in the last few years we have heard
about more exotie diseases than we have in a
long time. First it was the pyres of burning cattle
carcasses from foot and mouth disease (FMD)
in Europe, then it was West Nile disease on the
east coast, now it’s Newcastle disease in San
Diego. It doesn’t get any closer to home than
that.
Since it is so close to home, there are precautions
that we need to take to prevent the spread of
Newcastle disease, and other diseases, into our
work and, for many, into our homes. Learning
about the diseases is a way of learning how to
recognize their symptoms and how to prevent
spreading them. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) are responsible for
protecting U.S. livestock and are the sources for
most of the following information. Hopefully, by
sharing this information with you it will assist
us in the care and disease prevention of the
animals we are responsible for. If you would like
more information, just log onto
www.aphis.usda.gov. www.cdfa.ca.gov. and/ or
www.nwhc.usgs.gov. It is amazing to see the
amount of information we have at our fingertips.
EXOTIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE (END)
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious and
fatal disease of birds caused by a paramyxo virus.
It often causes high mortality in chickens, but
all birds are susceptible.
Cockatiels, budgies, amazons and cockatoos are
highly susceptible to Exotic Newcastle disease.
Lorys, macaws, canaries, finches. Mynahs and
African greys may not show signs but act as
carriers. Some of the other birds affected by this
disease are fowls, turkeys, geese, ducks,
pheasants, guinea fowl and other wild and captive
birds such as ostriches, emus and rhea. It is one
320 Animal Keepers 'Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
of the most infectious diseases of the poultry
world and is so virulent that many birds die
without showing any clinical signs. And some
infected birds that do not show signs of being
infected can spread the disease to other birds with
fatal consequences.
One of the classical signs of END is tremors and
involuntary shaking of the head and body when
birds try to move. Other signs may include
anorexia, diarrhea, paralysis, twisted neck,
difficulty breathing, etc., but these are all signs
that may be seen in other bird diseases. To
confirm a diagnosis, laboratory tests must be
done. Diagnosis can be made in live birds by
virus isolation from feces, cloacal and tracheal
swabs. Lung, intestine, brain, liver and spleen
are suitable organs for virus isolation. And
serology can be used for screening.
Unfortunately though, there is no treatment for
the disease and affected birds must be destroyed.
END was first diagnosed in CA in 1950 among
pheasants imported from Hong Kong.
In 1971 a major outbreak occurred in Southern
California in commercial poultry flocks where
almost 12 million birds were destroyed and cost
taxpayers $56 million in an eradication program.
It disrupted the operations of many producers and
increased the prices of poultry and poultry
products to consumers.
More recently, October 1 , 2002 to be exact, END
was diagnosed in backyard poultry flocks in L. A.
County. The CA Department of Food and
Agriculture (CDFA) and the USDA are currently
conducting and eradication program for END.
Officials are going door to door to find sick birds
in affected areas and are tracing birds into and
out of infected flocks. In late December of 2002,
a commercial poultry farm by San Diego, in
Ramona, was also diagnosed with END.
As of December, 1 .2 million chickens have been
slaughtered and Canada and Mexico have banned
shipments of poultry and poultry products from
California.
Areas that have been quarantined include San
Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San
Bernardino counties. Recently Santa Barbara,
Ventura and Imperial counties were added to
create a “buffer zone,” in hopes of providing
additional security. By early January 2003, San
Diego County was placed in quarantine as well.
On January 16, 2003, END was also confirmed
in a backyard flock in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Federal and state quarantines have been
established for all of Clark County and a portion
of Nye County, NV. APHIS and the State of
Nevada have begun surveillance efforts of the
backyard bird population and to establish a task
force in Nevada.
Quarantines will be in effect until Exotic
Newcastle Disease has been eradicated from CA,
and most likely anywhere else it is found. Some
of the measures that are being taken include:
• Over 695 people working to eradicate this
disease.
• 6,028 premises quarantined while
investigations continue.
• 1,220 of these premises contained birds
infected or exposed to END and have or will
be humanely destroyed. Once the birds are
removed, premises are cleaned and
disinfected.
Because END is such a highly contagious
disease, measures have been taken at the San
Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, as well as the
L. A. Zoo, to ensure the safety and welfare of the
bird collections. All the San Diego Zoological
Societies walk-through aviaries have been closed
and animal presentations with direct contact
possibilities between guests and birds have been
suspended. The Veterinary Services and Bird
Department also held an informative question
and answer session for all zoo staff affected by
the outbreak of the disease. Several guidelines
as to the care of our bird facilities and their
surroundings were also implemented and can be
obtained from either department.
Although Exotic Newcastle Disease is not a
public health threat and does not affect the safety
of poultry or eggs, it can have a devastating affect
on our economy, and more closely, our wonderful
bird collection.
To learn more about these or any other animal
diseases, refer to the Internet. It really is a sea
of information!
Editor’s Note: the following guidelines are
presented here with the permission of the San
Diego Zoological Society. However, please note
the following:
• Our guidelines are NOT to serve as guideline
for other institutions but are an example of how
the SDZ handled their situation, and
• A good working relationship and dialog with
the local regulatory officials should be made when
developing protocols for your institution.
SAN DIEGO ZOO EXOTIC
NEWCASTLES DISEASE
BIOSECURITY GUIDELINES
GOAL: To Minimize the opportunity for Exotic
Newcastle Disease (END) to enter the collection.
1. Overview
2. Responsible Employees
3. Uniforms
4. Footbaths and vehicle disinfection
5. Vehicle Disinfection
6. Delivery of Dead Birds to Necropsy
7. Bird Escapes
8. Behind the Scenes Tours
9. Visitors, observers, Visit-A-Job
Program
10. Guidelines for supervisors when an
employee reports illness or death
in birds housed at home.
11. Bird Enrichment
Use of blowers around bird exhibits
1. OVERVIEW
San Diego Zoo Biosecurity Measures to Reduce
to Risk of Exotic Newcastle Disease Entering
the Bird Collection
History
Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) is a highly
pathogenic paramyxovirus that affects many
species of birds. The virus was first discovered
in Indonesia in 1926. In 1927, an outbreak in
poultry occurred near Newcastle, England, hence
the name Newcastle Disease. Because the virus
is very contagious and easily spread it can be
devastating to commercial poultry operations. An
outbreak in California between 1971 and 1973
cost the state 56 million dollars, and resulted in
the destruction of about 12 million birds. Exotic
Newcastle Disease is one reason why birds
imported into the United States undergo a federal
quarantine in order to test for END.
Background
Exotic Newcastle Disease was diagnosed in
backyard poultry flock in Southern California on
October 1, 2002. Subsequently San Bernadino,
Los Angeles, and Riverside counties were
quarantined. The disease was confirmed in a
commercial poultry flock in Ramona around 30
December 2002 and then subsequently in Valley
Center. Due to the highly contagious nature of
the disease and the serious ramifications if the
disease were to occur in our collection, measures
are being taken to heighten our biosecurity. The
policies outlined in this document will likely
change as we learn more about the status of
Exotic Newcastle Disease in San Diego County.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 321
San Diego County is under a federal quarantine
that regulates the movement of birds and bird
products out of the quarantine zone. To comply
with this quarantine all ZSSD bird movements
out of the quaratine zone will be discontinued.
Movement of birds within the quarantine zone
may occur on a limited basis and will be dealt
with on a case-by-case basis.
• Birds will not leave zoo grounds for educational
programs.
• Transfers between the SDZ and WAP will be
discontinued.
Potential sources of
Exotic Newcastle Disease Virus
• FOMITE: A fomite is any inanimate object
that mechanically transmits an infectious
organism from one susceptible host to another.
It has been well established that the spread of
END is highly dependent on fomite transfer.
• VISITORS: can act as a fomites (examples
include: shoes, clothing, hands, etc.). Visitors
can also act as biological vectors, able to transmit
the disease through inapparent infections of the
eyes, nose and throat. In this case, the carrier is
unaware of the infection.
• EMPLOYEES: can act as fomites and as
biological carriers of the disease.
• WILD BIRDS: can act as fomites and
biological vectors. In the 1971-73 outbreak, wild
birds were not a significant feature in the spread
of the disease from poultry ranch to poultry
ranch.
• OTHER: vehicles driven on grounds, poultry
products brought in for support of the collection.
• VACCINATION: Vaccination of wild birds
for END is not an effective means of stopping
END. In fact, vaccinating birds for END might
actually induce the disease in some species that
are susceptible to the live virus vaccine, and/or
it could actually make it possible to transmit this
disease to other institutions unknowingly. As a
result, we will not attempt to vaccinate birds in
the collection against END.
• GOAL: The specific goal of these protocols is
to minimize exposure of birds in the collection
to END.
• FOCUS: It is not reasonable to believe that
we can achieve a 100% effective avoidance
campaign against this and most other animal
diseases. There is always some low risk of
encountering an infectious organism that could
devastate animal populations. Protocols like this
are drafted to deal with situations. If situations
change, protocols change to match the need. It
is very important for all employees to realize that
the protocols we draft are intended to minimize
exposure risk to susceptible species as much as
is reasonably possible without completely
shutting down the operation, and to flexibly adapt
322 Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
to changing situations so the goals of the
protocols are maximized. If you have questions
about the protocols, please let the curators/vets/
pathologists know and we will try our best to
explain the reasoning behind these protocols.
Thank you for all the work you are doing to help
protect the valuable birds in the collection!
Steps being taken to minimize
risk of exposure:
Visitors acting as a fomite:
• Walk through aviaries have been closed to the
public until further notice.
• Public contact with birds in the collection has
been discontinued until futher notice.
• The Rondavel pond has been fenced off until
further noticeto prevent waterfowl from
accessing public walkways.
Actions to minimize employees acting as a
fomit:
FOOTBATHS: all exhibits containing
birds will have a footbath placed at the
entrance for all employees to use prior
to entering the area. The following
disinfeetants will be in footbaths:
UNIFORMS: Any employee (this
includes all departments) entering an
enclosure that contains birds should be
wearing a ZSSD issued uniform
according to the above description and
zoo-dedicated shoes.
Free-ranging birds
We have minimal capability to control wild birds
in Balboa Park. It is forbidden by federal law to
disrupt the natural activities of free-ranging
migratory birds without special permits. It is
known that END is not significantly transmitted
by wild birds, so we will control free-ranging
birds as reasonably as possible to remain within
federal statutes, and where it seems reasonable
to help prevent END.
• The free-roaming peafowl and guinea fowl on
zoo grounds are being captured and put into pens
until further notice.
• All free-flighted bird programs will be
temporarily discontinued except for the
Wegeforth Bowl macaw free flight program.
These animals are allowed to circle Wegeforth
Bowl only because the management believes
these animals are controllable enough that the
risk this activity raises is reasonably low.
Other:
• The chick facility at the Children’s Zoo will be
closed until further notiee.
• Vehicles driven onto zoo grounds will be
disinfeeted.
2. RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEES
Employees who work directly with birds,
employees who have the potential to work with
birds, employees entering bird enclosures,
employees creating or otherwise working on
items placed into bird enclosures, and employees
handling food, forage and enrichment items pose
the greatest risk to our bird collection. This
“focus” group of employees includes the
following employees: all employees in teams;
Collection, Husbandry, and Science Department;
Bird Department; Reptile Department;
Horticulture; Construction and Maintenance;
Water Quality; designated B&G employees;
designated Education employees; designated
Marketing employees; Behavior; Veterinary
Services; Forage Warehouse. The following
uniform policy applies to all the above
employees. CRES researchers needing access to
bird areas will wear zoo dedicated shoes and
ZSSD coveralls.
3. UNIFORMS
Uniforms include ZSSD-issued pants, shorts,
shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and hats.
Responsible Employees are not to wear uniforms
home or take uniforms home to be worn to work
the next day. Any outer footware (shoes, boots)
worn while working in bird enclosures should
be zoo-dedicated and not leave zoo grounds.
Employees (as listed above) leaving zoo grounds
during their workday:
For personal business (includes non-
work related doctor’s appointments):
Employees should change out of zoo
uniform/shoes prior to leaving and
back into zoo uniform/shoes upon
returning.
Zoo related business to non-animal facility:
This includes work-related doctor’s
appointments, airport shipment pick-
up and delivery: Employees can wear
zoo uniform/shoes but need to disinfect
shoes upon returning to zoo.
Zoo-related business to animal facility:
This includes pet stores, feed stores,
other institutions holding animals, and
areas where other animals are brought
for display or teaching purposes: Wear
uniform but change into street shoes
and change into clean uniform/zoo
shoes upon returning to zoo grounds.
Shipments where animals are being
delivered or picked-up at an animal
facility: To be evaluated on a case-by-
case basis initially.
Many ZSSD employees have birds of their own.
Additional measures should be taken to ensure
that employees don’t act as a fomite for virus
transmission from non-collection birds. It is
important for these individuals owning birds at
home to take the following preventive measures
before leaving home for work:
• Shower and change into clean clothing prior to
coming to work if you have been working with
non-collection birds
• Wash your hands with soap and water (10-20
seconds) prior to starting work.
4. FOOTBATHS & SHOE DISINFECTION
FOOTBATHS: all exhibits containing birds will
have a footbath placed at the entrance for all
employees to use prior to entering the area. The
following disinfectants will be used in footbaths:
1 . Virkon S® (potassium peroxymonosulfate) is
a peroxygen disinfectant that works via
oxidation. It is currently being used by the USD A
for Newcastle disease.
OR
2. One Stroke Environs® is a phenolic disinfectant
currently used in other areas of the zoo. It will
also kill the Newcastle disease virus.
In areas where a footbath is not feasible the
following are other options include:
1. Dedicated boots for a particular exhibit2.
Fullsan® spray (a phenolic disinfectant) sprayed
to the bottoms of shoes/boots; as for footbaths
employees need to remove debris from the
bottoms of footwear prior to using the spray.
In areas that contain multiple enclosures serviced
by a discrete entrance/exit a footbath may be
utilized at the entrances to these areas rather than
at each individual enclosure within the contained
area. Please consult with your supervisor if
clarification is required.
Additional disinfection of shoes
Responsible employees from the designated
departments (see item 2 above) should spray their
feet with Fullsan® spray or use the provided
footbaths when entering the zoo. Footbaths will
be used in areas of high foot traffic. Designated
employees should not use the Warner Gate
entrance because foot disinfection is not
available. Employees concerned about animals
at home can also spray their feet/use the footbath
upon leaving the zoo. Employees from other
departments are encouraged to also disinfect their
feet when coming to work.
PROPER USE OF FOOTBATHS
In order for any disinfectant to be effective the
surface being disinfected needs to be free from
debris build-up.
1 . Brush, wipe, or scrape debris from bottoms of
footwear.
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 323
2. Step into the footbath. If sponge footbath
, inserts are not available to reduce the amount of
liquid on feet after exiting have a second tub
containing a towel to absorb excess moisture
3. Footbaths are to be changed daily. If during
the course of a day a footbath becomes
excessively soiled or diluted out due to rain it
should be changed again.
5. VEHICLE DECONTAMINATION
All vehicles entering the zoo grounds will have
the tires and wheel wells sprayed with the
disinfectant, Virkon S®.
In the interest of efficiency, vehicles operating
from the Zoo and remaining within the
immediate vicinity will not need to be
decontaminated with each entry. The “immediate
vicinity” is defined as:
Richmond Street gate north to Upas.
Richmond St. East on Upas to Park Blvd.
Park Blvd South to Village Place
• Village Place/Old Globe Way to CRES
Vehicles operating north of Upas, East of Park
Blvd and South of Village Place will need to be
decontaminated upon re-entry to Zoo grounds.
Vehicles parking in the Richmond Street lot will
need to be decontaminated if they are returning
to the Zoo from outside the immediate vicinity.
Vehicles parking in the zoo hospital parking lot
as a courtesy for Old Globe Theater employees
do not need to be decontaminated, because they
do not access or enter any of the animal areas.
In this way their vehicles are identical to regular
zoo visitors, and the ZSSD personnel using the
parking lot at this time - none of these vehicles
are being sprayed with disinfectant.
6. DELIVERY OF BIRDS/MAMMALS/
REPTILE TO NECROPSY
Should a Newcastle virus infected bird die
without knowledge of the infection it would be
a source of virus for anyone working in or going
into the necropsy room. If when delivering a
body to necropsy the infectious disease sign and
yellow chain are across the door (meaning a
necropsy is in process or the room has not been
disinfected) please use the outside access door
to the walk-in cooler. This door is located on the
other side of the walk-through door that accesses
the hospital parking lot (adjacent to pathology);
the door lock uses the same key as necropsy.
There will be a box in the cooler to place pink
slips. Contact pathology (4484) if assistance is
needed for delivery of large bodies. If the
infectious disease sign and yellow chain are not
across the necropsy entryway then bodies can
be delivered as usual.
Non-collection birds found dead on zoo grounds
should be delivered to necropsy with a pink sheet
describing where the bird was found and any
circumstances regarding the death
7. BIRD ESCAPES
Any bird that escapes and leaves the zoo grounds
will undergo a 30-day quarantine at the hospital.
The bird will be tested for END while in
quarantine.
8. BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS
Behind the scene tours of the Forage Warehouse
have been postponed until further notice. Behind
the scene tours of Tiger River Trail will continue
however visitors will be required to use a
footbath prior to entering the area.
9. VISITORS, OBSERVERS, VISIT-A-JOB
PROGRAM
The San Diego Zoo has ongoing visitor/
observation opportunities that overall positively
impact wild animal management. Until further
notice, the following will be required before
visitors and observers can participate in the
collection.
• Any visitor or observer must not have visited a
facility housing avian species outside of the San
Diego Zoo collection in a 24 hour period prior
to visiting the San Diego Zoo as an observer.
• Any visitor or observer must obey the same
precautions as responsible employees.
• Visitors or observers may not take up lodging
at a commercial poultry facility, private poultry
facility, or private aviary while visiting the zoo.
For the purposes of this protocol, an aviary is
defined as any household or other facility
housing more than 3 avian species on the
premises.
• Visitors or observers may not visit a poultry
facility or aviary that is not associated with the
ZSSD while visiting the zoo.
Outside contractors:
Work in bird areas requiring outside contractors
should be delayed until the quarantine is lifted.
If this is not possible, then any visitor must be
queried as to recent exposure to poultry or other
bird species before being allowed to proceed with
contract work. If there is any doubt about
whether a contractor should or should not be
allowed to engage in activity inside the zoo
grounds, contact Pat Morris, Meg Sutherland-
Smith or Ed Lewins for clarification before
allowing the person(s) access to zoo grounds. If
it is necessary to enter a bird area, the visitor
must clean and disinfect footwear (footbath,
spray, or shoe covers) and have outerwear in
place (e.g. ZSSD-supplied disposable coveralls).
324 Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol 30, No. 8
10. Guidelines for supervisors should an
employee report that they have either a sick
bird or a bird that has died recently.
Employees who care for birds, have the potential
to care for birds in his/her daily routine, have to
enter bird enclosures, and/or work with forage
items and CANNOT be reassigned to other
duties:
1 . The employee will be asked to stay home for
the day. The employee needs to be reachable by
phone. Obtain a phone number where employee
can be reached. The employee will be contacted
by someone in either the Bird Department,
Curators, Veterinary Services or Pathology to
discuss circumstances of bird death/illness by 10
AM (assuming a 6 AM start keeper). Supervisors
will be notified later in the day regarding the
status for that employee returning to work the
following day.
2. Employees who can be reassigned or do not
have direct or indirect bird contact (eg. most
mammal keepers, most reptile keepers, and most
team employees)
Report to work after showering and changing into
clean clothes. No bird contact after showering/
change into clean clothes. Shower again after
reporting to work.
The employee will be contacted by someone in
either the Bird Department, Curators, Veterinary
Services or Pathology to discuss circumstances
of the bird death/illness.
In either instance, supervisors should notify
either Bird 1, Bird 2, or Bird 3 of the situation
and provide phone number where employee can
be reached. Keepers working at the Avian
Propagation Center should notify Pat Witman.
Supervisors: If you are contacted by an employee
with a sick or dead bird issue, call either Pat
Morris, Meg Sutherland- Smith or Ed Lewins for
further instruction - one of these three persons
will call the employee back and interview the
employee on the specifics of the situation.
If the employee asks for a source for END
information refer them to the following website:
www.cdfa.ca.gov
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES is an
employee to bring in a dead bird from home or
anywhere outside of the zoo grounds to
pathology for testing.
11. Bird enrichment:
Bird Toys - All bird toys purchased for
enrichment should be disinfected. Immerse in a
bleach solution (as stated for footbaths) and
remove; allow to sit for 5 minutes then rinse and
allow to dry.
Wegeforth Bowl - In order to prevent abnormal
behaviors in the free-flighted macaws a
compromise for allowing the birds some exercise
has been developed. The birds will be allowed
to fly circles within Wegeforth bowl. The public
will not have access to the amphitheater during
the bird flights.
12. Use of blowers around bird exhibits.
Until further notice, backpack blowers are not
to be used in front or around any bird enclosures.
4t[i Intcpnationa IS cminar on
Keeping Otters in Captivitg
For the fourth time, after 1997, 1999, and 2001,
the German Association for Otter Conservation
[Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V.] offers an
international seminar on keeping otters in
captivity. This will be held on 8-10 October, 2003
at the German Otter Centre at Hankensbuettel (1
hour east of Hanover). The seminar will cover all
aspects of keeping otters, inclusive construction
and design of exhibits/enclosures, transport, diet,
breeding and veterinary care.
Four species will be in the foreground: the
Eurasian Otter, The North American River Otter,
the Small-clawed Otter, and the Giant Otter. All
lecturers have many years of practical and specific
experience with otters in captivity, having
published husbandry guidelines or being studbook
keepers for these species. For the first time an
optional excursion (1-2 days) to different German
otter keeping facilities is offered as a post-seminar
tour.
The seminar will start on 8 October at 1 000 h and
will be finished on 10 October at 1600 h (the
optional post-seminar tour will take place on
11 October and probably on 12 October). The
participation fee is 405 EURO including the
registration fee, accommodation (in double
rooms), all meals, shuttle service, and hand outs.
The seminar will be held in English.
More information and the detailed program is
available for viewing on the website http://
www.otterzentrum.de or can be ordered via e-mail
from afs@otterzentrum.de< Registration should
be made as soon as possible, because places are
limited and will be reserved on a first come first
serve basis.
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 325
£ /\ £ £/(}££
/f ^u£5tioi(nd^i5UrFoniK/ortkti» Frofessioialoi Crisis If m^eutt
By William K. Baker, Jr,, Curator
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
Question
Can aquariums have crisis events?
Comments
Historically, aquariums and aquatic facilities maintained collections that were composed mainly of
various species of fish. This meant that the opportunities for direct contact with a specimen was low
and always begged the uninformed question, “Crisis, what do you mean, is a fish going to escape or
what?” However, in recent years that has changed.
Aquatic facilities have undergone changes similar to zoological institutions in order to provide a
more diversified experience for the visitor. This diversification of the animal collection has led to
the inclusion of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The aquatic park experience
no longer means “just fish”. As a result, aquatic facilities are subject to many of the same crisis
management situations that their zoological counterpoints encounter.
Examples of this would include damage to holding units from an earthquake, staff personnel injured
by a speedboat, staff personnel injured by marine mammals during public training demonstrations,
a collapsed catwalk, visitors in shark tanks, and incidents at petting tanks. Some of these I have
even witnessed myself The point to all of this is that the crisis management situation can strike
unexpectedly at any zoological institution, whether they are aquatic or terrestrial in nature. The
zoological profession often requires us to come into close proximity to animals for various reasons.
The daily care, management, and training of animals all have an associated degree of risk. Yet, as
zoological professionals we accept this risk in order to pursue our chosen profession. By being
aware of the risks, we have taken a step forward in attitude and safety.
CMS Awareness in Aquariums and Aquatic Facilities
Zoological
1 . Dangerous Animal Escapes - I’ll be the first to admit that an escaped fish wouldn’t be a
serious problem, (barring incidents with poisonous fish). However large reptiles such as
326 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
alligators, crocodiles, venomous snakes, or an aggressive seal or sea lion could cause
problems.
2. Human-Animal Interaction - This can be a definite problem for aquatic facilities. I
remember as a child watching an adult reach over a Plexiglas™ barrier with his leg to
retrieve his daughter’s doll from the shark tank at feeding time. The staff members pulled
him back just as the doll disappeared into a lemon shark that was surface feeding. Expect
the worst. The fish can’t come to the public, but the public can come to the fish. Also,
don’t forget accidents happen during training sessions too, (nips, bites, and body slams).
Many facilities maintain collections of coral, venomous fish and reptiles (lion fish, stone
fish, and sea snakes). Remember, all of the hazards of diving the reef are in that salt-water
tank.
3. Outbreak - It all depends on what animals are in the collection and how zoonotic the
pathogen is. Pay special attention to reptiles (Salmonella) and primates (Ebola).
Natural Disaster
1 . An aquatic facility is vulnerable to all of the forces of nature. There is also the factor of
increased animal mortality. If containment is lost on a terrestrial exhibit then the animal is
recaptured. If tank integrity is lost, then it’s a race to recover the specimen before it dies.
Back-up holding areas are a must.
Manmade Disaster
1. Facility and equipment maintenance can prevent problems with filtration systems,
ozonators, and structural integrity. It’s important to remember that if a tank loses structural
integrity that a lot of water and Plexiglas™ are going to be airborne, which could be a real
safety concern. If staff members are dive-certified and it’s part of their job description,
then remember dive safety and the associated dangers of barotraumas, decompression
sickness, and arterial gas embolism. Hazardous materials spills can be a problem when
working with acids, bases, and other chemical compounds making SCBA’s, haz-mat kits,
and hazardous environment flashlights a must. Also, don’t forget bomb threats and acts of
terrorism. It only takes one person with an agenda to shut your facility down with a phone
call. Remember, terrorism is the ultimate variable reinforcer.
Short version to all of this: Yes, crisis events can happen at aquariums and marine park facilities.
Next Month: Do you have any recommendations for climbing and fall safety in the zoo environment?
If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously
published materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka,
KS 66614 Attn: Reactions/AKF
(About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology, and wildlife
management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-
graduate studies in zoology. Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team Leader, ERT Member, Large
Mammal Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological facilities. His area of
research is crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience
and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross
CPR/First Aid Instructor.)
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 327
Increasing Activity Levels in Captive
Elephants: ‘Spread’ (is) the Word
By Mike Carpenter, Elephant Keeper
The Oakland Zoo, Oakland, CA
One of the most common challenges in elephant management is maintaining healthy activity levels
to ensure mental and physical stimulation. Ideally we would all like to have acres and acres of
naturalistic habitat, but the reality is that most institutions have limited resources and/or the necessary
space to expand. A large area offers obvious benefits, but the size of the enclosure is only part of the
solution. If the exhibit isn’t dynamic, then it becomes an expanse of boredom. The primary concern
of animal welfare isn’t the only matter at stake; a facility also risks a poor reflection on its principles
and moral obligation to provide for the animals in its charge. The modem message of conservation
and education is somewhat cormpted when visitors see an elephant swaying, bobbing, or some
other type of unnatural stereotypic behavior because they are not being kept ‘busy’.
Even with the increased availability of enrichment resources in captive animal care, it takes
considerable effort to constantly implement new and exciting enrichment that is continually
stimulating. In conjunction with other enrichment projects, the Oakland Zoo’s elephant program
employed an efficient system called a ‘spread’.
The idea of a spread is basically a modified scatter feed. Instead of piling every feeding in front of
the elephant, grain, hay, produce, browse and other items are distributed in small amounts around an
enclosure to promote natural foraging, grazing and browsing behaviors. Items can be hidden, buried,
placed in high areas such as trees or rocks to encourage range of motion, or in and around a water
feature to initiate bathing or play. Not only is it enriching for your elephants, but a far more informative
experience for zoo guests to see the act of natural behavior.
The system works like this:
The elephants are shifted off the exhibit into a holding area where they are given a small feeding as
reinforcement and to keep them occupied. Keepers then enter the exhibit and disperse the items.
Each piece of food is distributed in a way that an elephant would have to take another step in order
to get to the next piece. Hay is dispersed in handfuls in the same manner and browse is hung with
chains in multiple locations. The benefit is that in getting the food, a far greater amount of energy is
expended than would have been if the feeding had been given on station. Consequently, the elephants
are occupied for much longer periods of time. You do not have to alter the amount of food in a diet.
328 Animal Keepers’ Forun, VoL 30, No. 8
The activity level of the elephants determines the spread schedule. The size of the exhibit and
number of animals are key in establishing this. In our system we have found that it is generally an
hour and a half until our herd is bored, and our timetable is set accordingly. Also, it is important to
allow some flexibility in the schedule so not to interrupt desirable activity or prolong unwanted
behaviors.
Our spreads consist of five elements, four of which are constants: hay, browse, produce, and grain
(or pellets as they are sometimes called). The fifth component consists of multiple enrichment items
and varies according to a schedule (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Spread Enrichment Schedule
Day_
Time_
Monday, Thursday
Tuesday, Friday,
Sunday
Wednesday, Saturday
• Fresh dirt piles
• Shavings piles
• Straw piles
• Perfume
• Herbs
• Air freshener
1015
• Sauerkraut
• Pellet barrels
• Ketchup
• Apple cubes
• Peanut butter
• Burry Potatoes,
• Drill holes
• Move dirt
• Dried Fruit
apples or carrots
• Hay barrels
• Salt
• Relish
• Jelly
1145
• Bran mash
• Alfalfa
• Cereal
• Dried fruit
• Popcorn
• Apple cubes
• Popsicles
• Ice
• Popsicle
1330
• Grain
• Mustard
• Apple sauce
• Weeds
• Grass
• Bark
• Treat box
• Treat tubes
• Treat bag
1445
• Apple cubes
• Alfalfa cubes
• Sweet grain
• Eucalyptus bark
• Weeds
• Grass
• Jelly
• Peanut Butter
• Bran Mash
1600
• Alfalfa
• Relish
• Sauerkraut
• Ketchup
• Popcorn
• Dried fruit
Items such as peanut butter, jelly, ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, and relish are dispensed in quarter-
sized dabs on locations off of the ground. The number of applications should be limited so that the
novelty of an item does not diminish. Pellets and grain are scattered individually to encourage
foraging. Instead of distributing hay in flakes, handfuls can be allocated around the entire enclosure.
In general, the more widespread the food and enrichment, the more the likelihood of increased
activity.
The amount of time spent to prepare a spread ranges from less than five minutes to fifteen, depending
on the ingredients. Keeping a supply of browse on hand of course requires additional time and so
does securing fresh bark, grasses, and weeds.
The actual execution of a spread takes an average of only fifteen minutes from start to finish, and
often less than ten minutes when staffing permits. Understandably, it is important to limit the amount
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 329
of time that the elephants are off-exhibit for the benefit of zoo guests. Incorporating signage to
inform your guests about what is taking place is very helpful. We have found that our members and
returning visitors rather enjoy watching us do a spread and often plan their day according to the
posted spread schedule. Whenever we are asked, “Where are the elephants?” our guests are pleased
to discover what is occurring and are excited to see the impending feeding activity. Both public and
elephant are engaged for a longer period of time, a win-win situation.
Shifting elephants off-exhibit and back six times a day compared with once or twice has its time
commitments, but it also increases the activity in addition to spreads. In the last several years, we
have expanded the number of spreads and have seen it pay off when the elephants step onto the
scales, in reducing stereotypic behavior, and also in traveling-distance research (Gilbert, 2002).
Other variables such as using available elevation changes also boost fitness. We know that it is takes
more energy to go up a hill than walking on flat ground. Our elephants go down a hill and up another
and then repeat the process to get back to the exhibit, giving them a good workout in between
spreads. Keeping it positive with small food rewards, such as a scoop of low-cal bran mash, at an
off-exhibit station promotes reliable movement. You can also conduct ‘mini training sessions’, asking
for a few behaviors in return for the food reward once they reach their station. This also adds to the
exercise regime. Despite the considerable course that our herd navigates, a well-known training
consultant remarked that he “hadn’t seen elephants shift any better than that.”
Spreads can be modified and instituted in most any
program, free or protected contact. They permit
elephants to be elephants - to forage, browse, graze,
and so on. They are non-invasive and reduce stress in
addition to improving physical condition, all while
being very popular with your guests. Spreads can also
be adapted to off-exhibit areas, barns and stall
enclosures, enriching elephants around the clock and
year-round. Chaining up browse and feeding out hay,
grain, and produce in puzzle or barrel feeders keeps
them engaged longer while inside rather than just
dropping it in front of them. There are truly no limits to the number of feeding strategies you can use
in a spread. Remember, there is no such thing as too much enrichment! Combined with other
enrichment ideas, spreads are the road to happier and healthier elephants.
Reference:
Gilbert, Greg. “Elephant Observations: A Tool to a More Effective Elephant Program”
2002 EMA Conference Proceedings
Elephant Nature Park Relocates
The Elephant Nature Park has re-located to a new, larger home. A beautiful valley with a river
running through it, the area in Mae Taeng, Northern Thailand is a perfect natural place for the ever-
growing herd and .. with well over 100 acres there is plenty of space for them to move around.
View pictures and story at the following URL:
http://www.thaifocus.com/elephant/index.htm
330 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
By
Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium
Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo
Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium
Effects of Temperature on Aquatic Systems
The importance of temperature on aquatic systems would seem to be a no brainer and in normal
operation it is. Make sure the temperature is within the normal range for the animals and/or plants
you are keeping and you are done with that parameter for the day.
In actuality, temperature is a much more dynamic quality of water than that. It controls metabolic
rates in animals, the speed of chemical reaction in the water, concentrations of dissolved gasses
(especially oxygen), reproduction rates of some pathogens, and numerous other variables.
Temperature is measured in one of three scales. There is the Fahrenheit scale (F°) which has the
freezing point of freshwater at 32° and the boiling point at 212°. This was the first scale invented
and is based on a 180° difference between the freezing point and boiling points of water (1/2 a
circle). While most of us grew up with this system it is unwieldy for calculations and conversions.
The second scale used throughout Europe and by most of the scientists is the Celsius system. The
Celsius system sets the freezing point of water at 0° and the boiling point at 100°. Obviously, the
degree size itself must be different between the Fahrenheit scale and the Celsius scale. The Celsius
degree is 1 .8 times larger than the Fahrenheit degree. Since the scale is also offset by 32 degrees we
get a conversion of “(F°-32)/l .8 = C°” or conversely, “(C° x 1 .8) +32 = F°”. So we begin to see why
most people are moving to the Celsius system only. Side note: There are literally hundreds of
programs on the Internet that will do these conversions for you. The third scale is the Kelvin scale
and is based on the motion in matter. At -273 °C all motion in matter stops and this is assigned as 0°
Kelvin. The Kevin scale uses the same size degree as Celsius but the scale is shifted down 273
points. It is primarily used by physicists and chemists.
So how is temperature important to animal keepers?
First are normal metabolic rates of the animals in our care. While most fish can tolerate a wide
range of temperature variation, higher temps cause their metabolic rates to increase. A general rule
of thumb is that a 10°C increase in temperature will double the metabolic rate. Fish at higher than
normal temperatures (within reason) will grow faster, move faster and eat more. They will also die
sooner, breed less well (if at all) and be more susceptible to disease. Temperature shifts can also
cause problems. To high a shift will cause the animals to go into thermal stress and can even lead to
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 5 331
death. Temperature shifts downward are general not as bad but too cold a temperature can slow the
metabolic rate down to the point where the fish cannot generate enough energy for itself.
Temperature also controls the amount of dissolved oxygen available to your animals. This is very
important for cold water animals that rely on a high oxygen level in the water. Rainbow trout, for
example, are more sensitive to oxygen deprivation than to fluctuations in temperature. But higher
temperature water will not hold as much dissolved oxygen as colder water and trout that are too
warm will use more oxygen then normal temperature ones. So it becomes just as essential to keep
trout in cold water for the oxygen demand as it is for the metabolic rates of the fish.
Temperature can also be used to help control pathogens. Protozoa in particular are susceptible to
temperature. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, the cause of the freshwater white spot disease or “ich” is
often treated by raising the water temperature several degrees above normal. This causes a reduction
in the life span of the free swimming infectious stage and decreases the likely hold of them finding
another fish host. Amyloodinium ocellatum (saltwater velvet) infections can be reduced, but not
cured, by lowering the temperature several degrees. The lower temperature helps to retard the
development of the infectious dinospore stage of the organism.
Finally, I wanted to mention the effect temperature will have on the bacteria growth for biological
filtration. As with most of what I have mentioned, the lower the temperature the slower metabolic
rates will be. This is very true for the bacterial growth of the biological filters. Anecdotally, I have
found than a 10° reduction in temperature can almost double the time needed for a filter to cycle.
Further, a coldwater system, such as a rainbow trout tank kept at 10°C seems to take forever to cycle
(actually three months, last time we did it, a long time when you are waiting to put fish in the tank).
Increasing the water temperature can speed up the cycle time. . . to a point. Once you begin to get
water temperatures above 30°C thS process slows again. My guess is that oxygen, again, becomes a
limiting factor.
Temperature is often taken for granted but it is one of the most important aspects of the water we
check. So, watch your thermometers.
References
Moe, Martin A. 1989. The Marine Aquarium Reference: Systems and Invertebrates.
Green Turtle Publications. Plantation, FL 507 pp.
Gratzek, John B. et al. 1992. Aquariology: the science of fish health management.
Tetra Press. Morris Plains, NJ 330 pp.
A quick reminder: The authors of the Water Column are always willing to answer any questions you
might have. They can be about filtration systems, water chemistry, or aquatic life. If we don’t
know, we will find out for you! We also welcome feedback from readers about previously published
columns. Questions and comments may be submitted to us by email at:
Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/
Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/
Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/
Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton,The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
332 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
ProTiding a Means for Chimps to Pass to Keepers
"Foreign" Objects Found in Their Exhibit
By Val Beardsley, Senior Keeper
Dallas Zoo, Dallas Texas
Introduction
With open, naturalistic exhibits and visitor areas near the perimeter of such an exhibit, an occasional
object such as a soda can, a plastic bottle, or a child’s toy can become unintended chimp enrichment.
Although such items may provide a few moments of fun and excitement for the chimps, there is of
course the potential for such an object to become harmful to them.
The Dallas Zoo houses 3.5 common chimpanzees {Pan troglodytes). A number of the chimps have
become familiar with the concept of trading small items to keepers through the 2" x 2" (5.08cm x
5.08cm) cage mesh. This is a relatively easy thing to teach chimps, as it seems almost a natural
tendency for them. Simply rewarding that behavior a few times gives them the idea. Further shaping
can be done by using positive reinforcement techniques.
I
Our large outside exhibit adjoins an indoor holding building that has three mesh traiisfer chutes
extending across a small enclosed outside keeper area. The chutes are constructed of 2"x 2" (5.08cm
X 5.08cm) steel mesh like their indoor holding, and this is the only contact area between keepers and
the chimps when they are closed out of the building. Any potential trading of objects was limited to
what would pass through a 2" x 2" (5.08cm x 5.08cm) opening.
The Challenge
Design and build a device that would be sturdy enough for chimps and that could be attached to one
of the transfer chutes with minimal modification, to allow the chimps to SAFELY pass larger objects
from the exhibit to keepers. Simply cutting a larger hole in the mesh would certainly allow the
chimps to put such items through, but it would allow their hands and arms to reach through as well
— an obvious safety issue.
An Additional Challenge
Train the chimps to recognize the purpose of this device and to respond appropriately when asked.
The chimps’ familiarity with the trading concept was an advantage, as was the fact that most of
them seem to know when something does not belong in their enclosure.
The Device
This was designed, constructed and installed by the author, a Sr. Keeper / Trainer. It consists of four
PVC plumbing fittings and a few nuts and bolts. It was necessary to cut a larger opening in the 2x2"
(5.08cm X 5.08cm) mesh to accommodate the fittings, and this was done by one of ourable
construction staff welders.
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 333
Photo #1: PVC fittings and hardware used for Hopper assembly (Photo by Cathy Burkey)
Photo #2: Small part of caging cut and first PVC flange placed inside. (Photo by Cathy Burkey)
334 Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol 30, No. 8
Photo #3: Second PVC flange placed on outside of caging and secured to first with six bolts,
nuts and washers. (Photo by Cathy Burkey)
Two 4" (10.16cm) PVC commode flanges were bolted together on each side of the mesh opening,
with the collar extending outward from the caging. A 35-degree elbow was attached to this, and an
18" (45.72cm) length of 4" (10.16cm) PVC drainpipe was added to extend the safety zone.
Photo #4. Elbow section is fit to flange
assembly and secured with two bokts
from the inside, nuts on the outside.
Holes were drilled in place through
both pieces. (Photo by Cathy Burkey)
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 335
Photo #5: Length of PVC
drainpipe added, eyebolts
secure it (visible in Photo
#4) (Photo by Cathy Burkey)
Photo #6: Side view of completed assembly. Exhibit in background. (Photo by Cathy Burkey)
The Cost of this device was about $22.00 but could even be less with found parts.
The Training
Since the trade concept was already well established for some of the chimps, it was readily adapted
to this variation. First, all the chimps were given access to the transfer chute containing the newly
installed HOPPER and encouraged to investigate it thoroughly.
Next, plastic trade blocks and other small items were passed through the mesh to one chimp or
another and they were encouraged to drop them into the hopper. Positive reinforcement was used
from the start, so successful attempts were generously rewarded. As one chimp was rewarded,
336 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
another was watching closely and was soon successful as well. Passing an item through the mesh to
a chimp, however, and asking them to not pass it back the same way but, instead, to drop it into the
new hopper took several tries to achieve success.
Their very first efforts, recorded on videotape, show quick understanding with increasing reliability
on the part of at least three individuals.
In order to test with objects larger than 2" (5.08cm), it was necessary to bait the exhibit. Four
different items were used the first time, and included plastic containers of differing shapes and
colors plus a large plastic hose nozzle. These were put in place prior to sending the chimps outside
in the morning.
In the beginning, these “retrieve” items were placed near enough to the transfer chutes and keeper
area that positive reinforcement could be quickly applied when a target item was touched. The
command “Bring it in” was introduced and very quickly responded to by one individual in particular.
Two others soon met her reliability. On the first day of this trial, three of the objects were retrieved
and deposited into the hopper shortly after being found. The fourth was carried off by a playful
youngster but was successfully retrieved later in the day. A number of successful retrievals followed
over time, strengthening the behavior.
Photo #7: Hooper being used
by a chimp. Plastic bottle
dropping from end.
(Photo by Cathy Burkey)
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 337
Some Anectdotal Comments
• Only three days after introducing this new training-as-enrichment concept, a film crew from
Animal Planet® happened along. Captured was some early but quite successful use of this new
device for a segment on animal intelligence. The chimps performed brilliantly, even with such a
new activity, and strangers with cameras and a lot of equipment. Two chimps actually returned
items from a great distance away.
• To make the task more challenging, object discrimination was added.
• One set of retrieve items for placement in the exhibit has a duplicate set kept where
trainer can easily access them. The intent here is for the trainer to take one item in hand,
direct a chimp to retrieve the matching item, bring it into the chute and deposit it in the
hopper.
• The command for this has been “Get same”, and has been successful with just one
individual so far.
• Two siblings initiated a cooperative retrieval.
Subjects: Chloe, age 9 at the time, and her small brother KC, then age 4.
A chimp carried a plastic bottle (enrichment) from their night quarters into the outside exhibit with
morning shifting, and it soon disappeared. Later in the day, with available training time, the three
transfer chutes were opened up at the exhibit end, including the one with the new trade hopper. The
chimps showed up as is usual when this is done, with several of them crowding around the new
hopper.
When Chloe, an “established trader”, appeared in an adjacent chute, she was shown one of the
duplicate training objects that resembled the syrup bottle. And she was given the command “Find
same”, whereupon she dashed out of the chute and continued deliberate searching activity until she
came upon the bottle. It should be mentioned that ours is a rather large and heavily planted exhibit.
But Chloe found the target item and headed in with it. She was doing what had been asked of her.
However, being intimidated by the gang-up of individuals near the hopper at that moment, she
stalled, appearing disinterested. Then she got the attention of her little brother. KC’s usual behavior
is to grab such a prize and run off with it or play Keep-Away. Instead, Chloe very purposely handed
the bottle to KC and he brought it into the chute, past two adults, and dropped it into the hopper. At
the same time, Chloe ran into the neighboring chute - her goal accomplished. There were BIG
rewards for both. Had Chloe understood the goal and used an accomplice to achieve it? Did she
communicate something to KC? Or was it all just happenstance?
Behaviors being trained in this application:
• Chimp to be sent away from the keeper for a specific task.
• Chimp to find a designated object.
• Chimp to bring the object to the keeper.
338 Animal Keepers ’Form, Vol 30, No. 8
• Chimp to enter the transfer chute with the object.
• Chimp to drop the object into the hopper and give it up.
Results
In further use of this activity, all items intentionally placed in the exhibit have been brought into the
chute by one or another of the chimps and deposited in the hopper. Sometimes an object might be
carried around for awhile to be investigated, played with and shown off to other chimps. But these
too have eventually been brought in for the treat involved. Both verbal and food rewards are used.
There are also the occasional items dropped into the exhibit by visitors.
By now, several months later, these occurrences have provided some real-life test results which
suggest that the addition of a simple assemblage of PVC fittings as is described here can have a
huge benefit. In the past, when the chimps found a can or bottle in the exhibit and madean attempt
to trade it, they would bite and tear trying to make the object fit through the caging. There is
potential here for mouth or hand injuries. Although somewhat limiting, the type of items most likely
to find their way into the chimp exhibit will fit through the 4" (10.16cm) opening of the trade
hopper.
At this time, five of the eight chimps will participate in this “activity” to one degree or another. As
might be expected, the three non-participants are the eldest members of the group. However, of
these, two will occasionally investigate the apparatus and reach into it. They apparently see no
particular use for it themselves. Additionally, each of these will generally give up a found item after
inspecting it, or toss it aside. That gives other individuals the opportunity to bring such an article to
the keeper and receive the reward.
With additional experience, time, and some imagination, further applications would seem quite
possible. This simple device provides some positive elements.
• The PRACTICAL application - retrieval of objects from the exhibit.
• And the ENRICHMENT provided by the training, the games, the challenges and the interactions
between chimps and keepers.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to staff photographer, Cathy Burkey for photos; fellow keepers, Bonnie Hendrickson
and Sara Stevens for assistance in training and documentation; construction’s Sulember Garza for
caging modification; supervisors John Fried and Linda King, as well as Dallas Zoo management
staff for document review and encouragement.
Animal Keepers 'Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 339
LegisCatvve 'Update
Compiled by Georgann Johnston
Legislative Advisor
Sacramento, CA
Land Added to National Wildlife Refuges in 5 States and New Habitat Created in Canada
The U.S. Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved the acquisition of more than 4,660
acres of important migratory bird habitat in Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Texas and Utah for the National
Wildlife Refuge System at its June 2003 meeting in Washington, D.C. The Cabinet-level commission
approved Migratory Bird Conservation funds of more than $4.5 million to acquire the land. All
acquisitions had been previously approved by the affected states.
“Sportsmen and women have contributed a great deal to the development of the National Wildlife
Reftige System,” said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. “Money raised by the sale of Federal Duck
Stamps pays for these land acquisitions. Since the first Duck Stamp sale in 1 934, about $675 million
has been raised to purchase more than five million acres of wetlands for the refuge system.”
New National Wildlife Refuge, System acquisitions approved by the Conservation Commission are:
Michigan: Acquisition of 153 acres of habitat for migratory waterfowl within the boundaries of
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Idaho: Acquisition of 760 acres of wetland habitat
within the boundaries of Grays Lake NWR. Texas: Acquisition of 1,344 acres to provide habitat for
migrating and wintering waterfowl within the boundaries of San Bernard NWR. Texas: Acquisition
of 2,285 acres to preserve wetland habitat at Trinity River NWR. Utah: Acquisition of 105 acres to
provide habitat for migratory waterfowl within the boundary of Bear River NWR. Maine: Acquisition
of 18 acres to protect habitat for wintering waterfowl within the boundary of Moosehom NWR.
The Commission also accepted recommendations from the North American Wetlands Conservation
Council and approved the protectioff or restoration of more than 1 .6 million acres of wetlands. A
total of $1.7 million was authorized under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which
will be matched by nearly $33 million in partner funds to restore habitat in Canada. Source: USFWS
Press Release 30 June 2003
Cork Promoted to Save Iberian Lynx
Wildlife advocates and the governments of Spain and Portugal have begun to urge consumers to
purchase wine and champagne bottled with real cork rather than synthetic stoppers in order to help
prevent the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) from becoming extinct. This species is indigenous only to
Spanish and Portugese forests from which cork is obtained. The use of synthetic stoppers in recent
years has created a disincentive for protection and preservation of the lynx’s natural habitat.
“Clever propaganda by the manufacturers of screw tops and plastic corks has led many people to
think that cork stoppers are bad for the environment when exactly the opposite is true” said a
spokesperson for World Wildlife Fund - United Kingdom. In 2002 the Iberian lynx became the first
wild cat to be placed on the Red List of Threatened Species maintained by the World Conservation
Union. It is believed that there are only about 150 members of the species, including fewer than 30
females capable of reproduction, currently alive. Source: Animal NewsCenter, Reporting the News from
the World of Animals 7 July 2003
Endangered Dolphin Species Protected
The New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries recently banned commercial use of set nets to catch fish
along the coast of North Island in order to help prevent the endangered Maui’s dolphin
340 Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
{Cephabrhynchus hectori) from becoming extinct. “All commercial set netting has been banned
within four nautical miles of the coast,” said a Ministry spokesperson. “Amateur set netting was
already banned in the zone.”
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, there are
only about 50 Maui’s dolphins currently alive. This species is the world’s rarest marine mammal.
Members of this species were called North Island Hector’s dolphins until the end of 2002. The
renaming was prompted by the discovery that the animals are genetically distinct from Hector’s
dolphins. Source: World Wildlife Fund Press Release 7 July 2003
Federal Legislation Pending in Congress
A number of bills concerning animal issues are pending before the U.S. House of Representatives
and/or the Senate. These bills include the following:
Animal Fighting (HR 1532. S736T To authorize felony-level jail time for federal animal fighting
violations and ban the interstate and foreign transport of cockfighting weapons.
Antibiotic Resistance: To curb the overuse of antibiotics that support unnaturally overcrowded and
unsanitary conditions on factory farms and endanger public health.
Puppy Mills: To crack down on chronic violators and improve humane standards for commercial
breeders of dogs.
Bear Bating (also called Don’t Feed the Bears Act - HR 1472k To prohibit the practice of setting out
piles of rotting food and garbage on federal public land so hunters can shoot bears while they feed.
Leghold Traps (HR 18001: To prohibit the interstate commerce of steel-jaw leghold traps or fur
caught with these devices.
Horsemeat (HR857k To prohibit the slaughter, import, export, trade, and transport of horses for
human consumption.
For more information on any of these pending pieces of legislation, visit and click on Government
Affairs. Source: Humane Activist March/April 2003
IWC Rejects Sanctuaries, Whaling Resumption; Approves Conservation Committee
During a “bad-tempered third conference day,’ delegates to the IWC annual meeting decisively
rejected a bid by Japan to resume commercial whaling but also failed, despite strong support from
over half of the IWC members, to provide the three-quarters majority needed to establish two new
whale sanctuaries reports SFGate.com, AP. In rejecting Japan’s bid to resume commercial whaling,
the U.S. sided with anti-whaling nations, who successfully argued that “too little is known about
whale stocks,” and other threats such as accidental killing by fishing vessels, to allow Japan to kill
150 Bryde’s whales a year. Source: GREENlines Issue#1891 6-23-03
A sharply divided International Whaling Commission, by a 25 to 20 vote, approved the creation of
a “conservation committee that could make recommendations about problems facing marine
mammals” reports Reuters News Service. A group of 1 8 nations, including Australia, New Zealand,
the United Kingdom and IWC host nation Germany have “banded together to sponsor an initiative
that would strengthen the conservation agenda of the IWC. While environmentalists maintain that
a more active conservation role is “essential to preserving endangered whales and dolphins,” whaling
nations led by Japan and Norway are now “considering withdrawing from the IWC.” The conservation
committee is slated to start work in 2004 on issues such as “cetaceans being trapped and drowned in
fish nets, toxins in the oceans, climate change and the use of sonar.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1888
6-18-03
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 341
In a related whale news item, in what is described as “the first time that a world shipping lane has
been altered to protect an endangered species, Canada has shifted shipping lanes in the Gulf of
Fundy to avoid feeding grounds ” where the world’s largest herd of endangered right whales spends
the summer reports the Boston Globe. In the last decade “at least three right whales have been
killed and scores badly injured by ships in the Bay of Fundy,” and marine biologists say that with
only about 350 northern right whales left, “every animal is precious.” Source: GREENlines Issue U1897
7-01-03
Control Program Blamed for Wolf Decline
In a letter to Interior Secretary Gale Norton, a coalition of two dozen “conservation, religious,
animal rights and community groups charged that the Interior Department’s ‘control program’ on
Mexican wolves is ‘largely responsible’ for the decline in the wolf population over the past two
years” reports the Arizona Daily Sun. The groups contend that the wolves need to “roam beyond a
federally defined recovery area” in the Apache and Gila national forests if they are to establish new
packs essential to recovery. The Center for Biological Diversity and other groups including the
Sierra Club, Animal Protection of New Mexico and Christians Caring for Creation say that the
policy of killing wolves that prey on livestock has reduced the population of reintroduced wolves
from 27 in 2002 to 19 today. Source: GREENlines Issue #1892 6-24-03
The Eagle Has Nested
For the first time in over 70 years, bald eagles have successfully bred in Southern California reports
the San Jose Mercury News, AP . In March, “two eaglets were discovered halfway up a tall pine
tree” some 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles and last week “biologists saw the large, brown
eaglets, about nine weeks old, taking short flights out of their nest near man-made Lake Hemet.”
Wildlife officials are “hopeful that if the eaglets survive, the birds will have begun repopulating the
southern end of their historical nesting range.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1894 6-26-03
Virus Pushes India Vultures to the Brink
In just a decade, India has lost over 95% of its vulture population, victim of a “mystery virus” that
“threatens to push the gawky black birds to the brink of extinction” reports Planet Ark, Reuters.
Once numbering in the tens of thousands, today there are “just a few thousand left,” and
conservationists say “the dramatic drop in their numbers has enormous implications for the ecosystem
across the globe.” Source: GREENlnes Issue #1869 5-21-03
Good Karma?
The appearance of an endangered thick-billed parrot, whose last confirmed sighting in the U.S.
occurred in the 1960s, at conservationist Ted Turner’s ranch in New Mexico has “turned into a
frenzy” among bird watchers reports the L.A. Times, AP. The rare species is normally found in
Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and according to the ranch manager birders have
flown in from all over, “It’s like observing an extinct species.” Souce: GREENlines Issue #1868 5-20-03
Key Deer Relocation Planned
In an effort “to strengthen genetic diversity, while guarding against the animals total demise in case
of a hurricane,” biologists are relocating excess endangered Key deer to expand a population on
another island, Sugarloaf Key, in Florida’s Keys reports the Miami Herald. Since it was listed in
1967, the Key deer has become an ESA success story with numbers growing from about 50 to the
600 and 800 “that live mostly in and around big Pine Key and adjacent No Name Key. “By having
deer populations on other islands, it’s kind of like the old saying, ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one
basket’,” said a wildlife researcher. Source: GREENlines Issue #1892 6-24-03
Scarlet Macaws in Trouble
Macaws Without Borders, a conservation group dedicated to protecting the scarlet macaw, reports
that “there could now be as few as 600 left in the wild” reports Planet Ark, Reuters. Conservationists
warn that a “rare subspecies of scarlet macaw native to virgin jungle in southern Mexico, Guatemala,
Belize and Honduras is being wiped out as settlers burn down its habitat to make room for crops,
342 Animal Keepers’ Form, Vol. 30, No. 8
poachers steal valuable chicks and authorities turn a blind eye.” According to environmentalists,
marauding bands of armed “land grabbers” are “often sponsored by large landowners seeking to
expand territory for rearing cattle.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1901 7-08-03
Poaching Imperils Polar Bears
The USFWS warns that polar bears which “traverse the floating ice between the Russian Arctic and
Alaska are being shot in rising numbers” by Russian poachers and that “the killing could greatly
diminish the bear population if it is not slowed” reports the N. Y. Times. The new report comes as the
Senate considers ratification of a treaty between the U.S. and Russia “to protect the shared population
of about 4,000 bears” by allowing only limited hunting by native populations and clamping down
on poaching. Poaching is steadily on the rise with up to 400 bears a year killed, a level that could
halve the population by 2020.
In a related story, scientific studies “suggest that extraordinary loads of contaminants have migrated
to the Arctic and are weakening polar bears and other animals, jeopardizing their survival” reports
the LA. Times. The Arctic has become a “giant sink” collecting “many of the world’s most toxic
chemicals, especially banned industrial compounds called PCBs and pesticides such as DDT” and
as a result animals at the top of the food chain have become “among the most contaminated living
organisms ever found, surpassed only by Pacific Northwest orcas, Baltic Sea seals and St. Lawrence
River belugas.” Source: GREENlines Issue# 1893 6-25-03
UK Cracks Down on Endangered Species Trade
In a move described as “incredibly significant,” Britain, “a country widely regarded as being a hub
in the global illicit trade,” has sharply increased penalties for trading in endangered species” reports
Planet Ark, Reuters. Jail terms for illegal trading were increased from two to five years, “making
the offence automatically arrestable,” and new rules were added making it against the law to trade
in products derived from endangered species such as Shatoosh shawls and black rhino horn.
According to the WWF, “globally hundreds of millions of plants and animals, worth billions of
pounds were traded illegally each year, threatening the survival of many species such as tigers,
snow leopards, bears and some plants,” and the changes will “have a lasting impact for endangered
species all over the world.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1890 6-20-03
USFWS Denies Puma in Boston Burbs, but Michigan May Be Another Story
Despite numerous sightings, the USFWS continues to deny reports that a mountain lion “lives in a
wooded area in Westford,” a Boston suburb reports the Boston Globe. Although the eastern puma is
listed as endangered the Service contends that the species has been extirpated from the East Coast
and Midwest. The chief of endangered species with the regional office of the USFWS maintains,
“It’s like Bigfoot or Sasquatch, even the Abominable Snowman. Pick whatever myth you want. We
killed them off.”
In a related story, some 20 calls to the Monroe County, Michigan sheriff’s office about “a large,
tawny cat that weighed an estimated 120 pounds” have rekindled the controversy over the existence
of eastern cougars in that state reports the Detroit Free Press. While the Dept, of Natural Resources
“insists”that cougars were “wiped out in Michigan 100 years ago,” pictures of paw prints reveal
“marks of the retracted claws,” uncommon in escaped or released pets. According to the Michigan
Wildlife Conservancy, “it’s more likely one of the wild cougars that never were eliminated and
might be expanding their range with the increased number of deer.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1894
6-26-03
Invasives Primary Threat to U.S. Birds
A new Audubon Society Report “Cooling the Hot Spots” maintains that “invasive species are the
leading cause of bird extinctions, having entirely or partially caused the majority of all extinctions
since 1800” reports the Land Letter. Over a third of the 200 species on Audubon’s WatchList of
birds in danger or decline are primarily threatened by loss of habitat to invasive species. For example
non-native Chinese tallow trees have transformed more than 55,000 acres of grassland habitat into
woodlands at Texas, Aransas N.W.R. impacting millions of migratory birds and depriving the
imperiled short-eared owl of wintering habitat essential to its survival. Source: GREENlines Issue
#1897 7-01-03
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 343
EO Editors - Dawn Neptune, Utah s Hogle Zoo
and Rachel Cantrell, Disney s Animal Kingdom
Part II - Motivation, contrafreeloading and animal welfare:
discussion points around diet presentation
By Dr. Joseph Barber, Research Fellow
Disney s Animal Kingdom
P.O. Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Providing animals with a highly nutritious diet is of crucial importance to their welfare. However,
ensuring their welfare requires more than just providing good nutrition. An animal’s welfare represents
a combination of its physical health and psychological well-being. Physical health is a fairly
straightforward concept; it is represented by the absence of diseases or injuries. There is general
agreement that a nutritious diet is an important part of ensuring that animals remain healthy (at least
from a dietary standpoint). Psychological well-being is a much more complex concept. Psychological
well-being addresses the subjective emotional responses of animals, and is based on understanding
their motivational needs, providing them with the opportunity to perform species-appropriate
behaviors, and to have some control and choice within their environment. Simply providing an
animal its diet may address physical health, but may do nothing to address its psychological well-
being. Since physical health and psychological well-being are both important to the animals’ overall
welfare, both need to be, and can be addressed when providing them with their diet. This article
delves into some of the topics that are important to consider when thinking about how food is
provided to the animals in our care. Some of this information can be discussed as part of the workshop
presented in Part 1 of this two-part series (Ed. Note: See Enrichment Options, July 2003, pg 288).
Motivation
Motivation is often a difficult concept to grasp because of its intangible nature. In essence, whenever
an animal switches from one behavior to another, it is based on motivational changes occurring
within that animal. An animal’s internal physiological state (e.g., level of blood sugar) and the
external environment (e.g., the presence of predators or a mate) both impact its behavior to differing
degrees. Think of motivation as a ‘black box’ into which go the inputs (physiological states and
environment factors) and out of which come behavioral responses. What happens within this ‘black-
box’ affects which behavior an animal will perform. Thus, animals may react very differently to
external stimuli or internal states depending on how this information is processed within this ‘black
box’. Exactly what happens within this ‘black box’ is unclear in many cases, but it is not necessary
to understand the finer points of the many complex interactions that occur to begin to understand
and address the motivational needs of animals.
Let us look at humans to provide an example of how the interaction between internal and external
factors can affect our motivation to eat. After a large entree in a restaurant, we are often faced with
the decision of whether to have dessert. We often choose to have a dessert (e.g., we are motivated to
344 Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
do so), not because we are hungry (the entree satisfied our physiological need for food), but because
as an external stimulus goes, a double chocolate fudge sundae sounds and looks very attractive. In
this case, the external stimulus overrides our internal physiological state (e.g., satiation). Replace
the double chocolate fudge sundae with plain dry sponge cake and our motivation to eat dessert
vanishes. The external stimulus is no longer powerful enough to motivate us to eat. However, if we
were still hungry after the entree, then we might go ahead and have the sponge cake, especially if it
was the only dessert available. Here our internal state (hunger) overrides the low quality of the
environmental input (dry sponge cake). Finally imagine a very hungry person just about to tuck in
to a large plate of food. Now imagine that a tiger suddenly appeared in the restaurant. The person’s
motivation to flee would then override their motivation to feed despite the fact that they were very
hungry. Since we only have one set of limbs with which to perform our behavior, there can usually
! only be one motivational priority at a time (in this case fleeing is the priority).
Applying this knowledge to presentation styles of diet items can provide us with useful insights to
how animals will react to the various diet presentations styles that are used. For example, the location
of a feed station/puzzle feeder may affect how the animal uses that feeder. The fear of being out in
the open for some species may inhibit their motivation to feed at a feeder that is in plain view of
other animals or people. Providing some shelter around the feeder may disinhibit the animal’s
feeding response by reducing the fear response. In this case, when not feeling fearful, feeding
becomes the greater motivational priority. Providing animals with the opportunity to perform species-
appropriate behaviors (e.g., foraging) will only be successful if they express the appropriate motivation
to take advantage of that opportunity.
In many cases, animals have stronger motivations to perform certain behaviors than others. That is,
some behaviors are more important for the majority of the time. Feeding behavior is important Tor
most species, since not feeding would result in eventual death. Much of the research on the importance
of feeding has come from preference tests and behavioral demand studies (see Dawkins 1990, 1998
for a review). What these tests generally reveal is that under experimental conditions, many animals
will work harder for a fixed amount of food (for example by pressing a bar in a Skinner box 100
times rather than 10 times) than they will for the opportunity to perform certain other behaviours
that also require more work to be able to perform. When it is costly to perform behaviors, only the
most important behaviors will be performed. Feeding is important; it is certainly easy enough to
provide animals with the opportunity to feed (all zoos and aquariums do this), and this will certainly
address their motivational needs..., or will it?
Meeting the motivational needs of animals can be more complex than it at first appears, especially
when animals are not only motivated by the end-points of any behavior (e.g., the actual ingestion of
food - not being hungry any more), but also by the performance of the behavior itself. Many
behavioral sequences are made up of two distinct phases: the appetitive phase, and the consummately
phase (McFarland, 1987). Although the words appetitive and consummately are associated with
food, they also apply to other sequences of behavior. For example, searching for a mate is the
appetitive phase of mating, while actually copulating is the consummately phase. In general, the
appetitive phase involves behavioral elements that begin a particular sequence of behaviors, while
the consummately phase usually ends a behavioral sequence.
Consider an animal in the wild, when this animal begins to feel hungry, it is often not in a position
to eat immediately. The first (or appetitive) part of feeding behavior involves looking for food. For
an insectivore this may involve foraging through leaf litter, for a carnivore this may involve stalking
prey. Animals have evolved to perform these behaviors, since not doing so in the wild could mean
that these animals would die of starvation. There is often no such thing as a free lunch in the wild.
In many cases, the appetitive phase of feeding takes up much more of an animal’s day than the
consummatory phase. There are two important considerations that come from this, both of which
are discussed by Shepherdson et al. (1993). Firstly, priority needs to be given to ensure that animals
can fully express their appetitive elements of feeding behavior as well as still providing the oppor-
tunity for consummatory behavior. The second is that many animals often prefer to work for their
food (forage and hunt, in this case) in preference to receiving free food. This phenomenon has been
labeled ‘contrafreeloading’ by Inglis et al. (1997).
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol 30, No. 8 345
Contrafreeloading
The term ‘contrafreeloading’ represents the observation that animals under experimental conditions
will make a response (usually a learned operant response) to obtain a reward even in conditions
when the reward substance is available for free (Robertson & Anderson 1975). The idea that (certain)
animals may prefer to work for food rather than accept free food may seem strange, but perhaps not
when you consider the advantage that this gives animals in the wild. Unlike many captive
environments, the wild is an ever-changing environment; the complex interplay between members
of the same species, members of different species, and other environmental factors (such as weather),
mean that the resources available to animals will vary day-to-day and from place-to-place. Working
for food when free food is available can be seen not as a waste of energy or efficiency, but as an
investment into gathering information about the environment (Inglis et al. 1997). This is not to say
that all animals will prefer to work for food all of the time. Only certain species have been shown
experimentally to show contrafreeloading (see Inglis et al. 1997), and even within those species,
very hungry animals will certainly choose free food (Ingilis & Fergusson, 1986). As their hunger
decreases, however, their motivation to investigate the environment increases. While animals may
not ‘prefer’ to work for food under all situations, most are certainly adapted to be able to do so.
An animal in the wild has control over certain aspects of its life - when it eats, sleeps, drinks, etc. It
must rely on its knowledge of the environment to ensure that it can obtain all of its resources.
Although a pile of free food provides for an animal’s needs in the short-term, there is no saying how
long that free food will last, or whether there will be free food in the future. An animal that does not
know where its next meal is coming from may risk starvation. An animal that invests time and
energy into gaining knowledge about its environment may be able to take less advantage of the free
food, but will likely know where to look for more food in the environment when any free food is
gone. It is not the case that animals understand or know that free food may not last forever, or that
they risk starvation if they do not explore the environment. However, those animals that show
exploratory behavior may have an adaptive advantage during times of food shortage. In other
words, they behave ‘as if’ they know. Whether or not a species needs to know a lot about its
environment will often depend on its natural history, and especially the type of food that it eats.
These factors will need to be taken into account in the development of food presentation strategies.
What does working for food look like in captive situations? Many species of primates will forage
through material such as wood shavings, straw, hay, or their conspecifics hair looking for food.
Much of this time is spent searching, and relatively little is spent actually eating. An animal that
repeatedly turns over straw looking for grains of rice is ‘working’ for its food. In fact, the importance
of food means that some animals under certain circumstances will continue to work (e.g., turn over
straw) even if the cost for doing so (e.g., the number of times they have to turn over the straw until
they find a food item) is quite high. Certain animals will use their natural behaviors to forage/hunt
for food even if they are provided with free food (e.g., rhesus macaques; Reinhardt 1994), because
that is what they have evolved to do. Evolutionary important behaviors are important from an
animal welfare perspective. Those animals that are unable to perform highly motivated, species-
appropriate behaviours may become frustrated, and such frustration can lead to the development of
abnormal or aggressive behavior (Duncan & Wood-Gush, 1972).
This discussion about motivation, appetitive behaviors and contrafreeloading is linked to the
development of the workshop of diet presentation because there are important scientific concepts
underlying different food presentation styles. It is important to think about the way that food is
provided to animals not only from a nutrition standpoint, but from a behavioral one, too. Providing
animals with the opportunity to perform their species-appropriate appetitive behaviors, and providing
them with control over their environment by allowing them to work for food (or work to gain
information about their environment), is crucially important. Shepherdon et al. (1993) conclude,
“An environment in which an animal can find food as a consequence of its natural exploration and
foraging behavior, is an essential key to approximating natural habitats and to improving animal
welfare”.
346 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
j Acknowledgements
i Many thanks to Michelle Templeton Skurski, Marty MacPhee, Bruce Upchurch, Chris Breder and
Angela Miller, Jill Mellen and Tammie Bettinger for their comments on this manuscript.
i References
Barber, J.C.E. (2003). Making sense of enrichment and Auntie Joy’s choice of presents.
Animal Keeper’s Forum, 30(3), 106-110.
Dawkins, M.S. (1990). From an animal’s point of view: Motivation, fitness, and animal welfare.
Behavioural and Brain Sciences, 13, 1-9.
[ii Dawkins, M.S. (1998). Evolution and animal welfare.
' \ The Quarterly Review of Biology, 73, 305-328.
Duncan, I. J. H. & Wood-Gush, D. G. M. (1972). Thwarting of feeding behaviour in the
domestic fowl. Animal Behaviour, 20, 444-451.
Inglis, I.R., & Fergusson, N.J.K. (1986). Starlings search for food rather than eat freely available,
identical food. Animal Behaviour, 34, 614-617.
Inglis, I. R., Forkman, B. & Lazarus, J. (1997). Free food or earned food? A review and fuzzy
model of contrafreeloading. Animal Behaviour, 53, 1171-1191.
McFarland, D. (Ed.)(1987). The Oxford Companion to Animal Behaviour.
Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Robertson, L.C. & Anderson, S.C. (1975). The effects of differing type and magnitude of reward
on the contrafreeloading phenomenon in rats. Animal Learning and Behavior, 3, 325-328.
Shepherdson, D.J., Carlstead, K., Mellen, J.D. & Seidensticker, J. (1993). The influence of food
presentation on the behavior of small cats in confined environments. Zoo Biology, 12
(Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations.
Always think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit materials
for .the Enrichment Options Column. This might include recipes, toys, puzzle feeders, olfactory
enrichment ideas, etc. Drawings and photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment,
3601 S W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Eds.)
MOVING?
Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents
every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519
(U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada). If you leave a voicemail message, please speak
slowly and clearly when leaving address change information. Also leave a phone
number where you can be reached in case of questions. Or you can e-mail your
address change information to: aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
Animal Keepers ’Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 347
Toledo Zoo Welcomes Baby Elephant
At 11:49 p.m. on 30 April, 2003, the Toledo Zoo staff welcomed the arrival of a 275-pound male
African elephant calf. The youngster, as yet unnamed, was bom to 24-year-old Renee following a
successful non-surgical artificial insemination procedure performed in August of 2001. The Toledo
Zoo is only one of a handful of zoos that have ever tried AI in this species. Prior to Renee’s AI
procedure, the zoo’s other female, 21 -year-old Rafiki, in October of 2000 became the first of her
species in the world to successfully conceive by a surgical AI procedure. In July of 2003, Rafiki gave
birth to a 350-pound stillborn calf The birth had been progressing well until, in the last frantic moments,
the calf suffocated in the birth canal.
Renee’s offspring appears to have beaten the odds on several fronts. Breeding success for African
elephants in captivity has been low in North American facilities with only three calves surviving in
the past 15 years (one in Tennessee, bom in April; and two in Indianapolis, bom in 2000). The
youngster has made it through the first difficult months, appears to have bonded well with its mother
and is making good developmental progress. Approximately 50% of captive-bom African elephants
do not survive long enough to reach age one due to weakness, disease, or maternal neglect or attack.
The calf was initially separated from its first-time mother so that there would not be a chance of
injury. Staff gradually introduced
the two elephants, and when Renee
and her calf were allowed in the same
pen, the youngster immediately
began nursing. Before the calf
began nursing, zoo staff milked
Renee and hand-fed the baby. Now
that the calf is successfuly nursing,
it will still receive nightly hand-
feedings of a mixture of Renee’s
milk and formula.
Renee and her baby made their
public debut on 28 May. They will
go on exhibit during regular zoo
hours as long as neither Renee or
the young male show signs of stress.
The zoo staff continues to monitor
the two closely for any signs of
trouble so that immediate inter-
vention can be provided if necessary, on 30 April 2003. (Photo byAndi Norman)
However, the journey to this point has been a long and stressful one for all those involved. To prepare
for the AI procedure, the Toledo Zoo elephant staff worked with Renee to insure the procedure could
be performed safely and effectively. Extensive effort to prepare for and complete the procedure was
not only required from the Toledo staff, but also from many other people and organizations. Semen
Male African elephant calf born at The Toledo Zoo
on 30 April 2003. (Photo byAndi Norman )
348 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8
was collected at two other
institutions (Lion Country Safari
and Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
and transported to Toledo the same
day as the AI procedure. The
Toledo Zoo once again partnered
with Dr. Dennis Schmitt, professor
at Southwest Missouri State
University and Elephant
Reproductive Specialist, who
performed the procedure on both
Renee and Rafiki. Dr. Schmitt
currently heads one of only two
teams in the world successftil in
performing elephant insemination.
The population growth of elephants
is very slow even under the best
conditions because they are not
sexually mature until about 10 Toledo Zoo ’s baby African elephant gets “up close and
^ , . personal“ with the camera. (Photo by Sue McMahon)
years of age, ovulation occurs
only about every four months, and gestation is nearly two years (22 months). In an attempt at natural
impregnation, both Renee and Rafiki had been sent in December of 1998 to the Pittsburgh Zoo in
hopes that they would become pregnant by that facility’s African bull. Jack, a proven breeder. However,
after a year’s stay with no success, the Toledo Zoo opted for the AI procedures on both of their
females.
Both Renee and Rafiki were wild-bom in Zimbabwe and came to the Toledo Zoo in 1982 and 1986
respectively. Renee weighs approximately 8,300 lbs. while Rafiki tips the scales at 8,800 lbs.
At the time of this writing, the Toledo Zoo was conducting a “Name the Baby Elephant” contest with
the name to be anounced August 1st. You can catch up with the baby’s progress at their website at
www.toledozoo.org by clicking on the elephant icon located on the bottom right-hand comer of the
home page.
Newborn Baby Elephant stats (He’s grown a bit since these were taken!):
• Weight at birth: 275 lbs. • Height at shoulder: 34 1/2 inches • Trunk length: 14 1/2 inches
• Length from tip of tail to tip of trunk: 36 1/2 inches • Tail: 17 inches
• At highest point of back: 37 1/3 inches • Tip width of trunk: 2 inches
(Compiled from Toledo Zoo press releases and articles published in The Toledo Blade. Photos provided
byAndi Norman, Public Relations Manager, The Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH)
Animal Keepers’ Form, Vol 30, No. 8 349
Book
Review
Tarantulas of Belize
By Steven B. Reichling 2003
Krieger Publishing Company, Krieger Dr., Malabar, Florida, 32950
ISBN# 1-57524-228-1
130 pgs. Hardcover, 15 color photos, 51 black & white photos
Price: $21.95
This book is particularly noteworthy because it is rare to find publications for tarantula fauna dedicated
to a single region. This is probably the first of many field guidebooks for specific invertebrate taxa
to come and is a fine example from which future authors and researchers can build.
The Tarantulas of .Belize is written in narrative form, making it insightful and enjoyable to read.
Reichling composed this field guide as a resource to be used for professional and amateur biologists,
as well as anyone with an interest in tropical wildlife. The information presented is practical and
detailed. Although the subject matter is Belizean species, the general information given on tarantula
biology, behavior and habitat usage can undoubtedly be applied to other species research, captive
husbandry and conservation efforts.
Informative details covered within the text are written in a way that tells a story and evokes a sense
of stewardship for tarantulas. The first few chapters cover the physiography and history of Belize,
spider classification, types of tarantula habitats and the importance of tarantulas and their conservation
status. Personal observations of tarantulas in Belize by Reichling provide insight to nocturnal
behaviors, burrow activities, reproduction events, feeding strategies, predators and defenses and
juvenile behaviors, some of which have rarely been documented.
Also included are useful collecting techniques, information on regulations and acquiring permits, as
well as packing methods for shipping tarantulas. Like any proper field guide, this book includes
details on how to identify different species, what their diagnostic characters are and includes an
easy key that doesn’t require the use of a microscope! Each species account consists of a photograph,
description, similar species listing, distribution and habitat (including map), abundance, reproductive
biology and remarks.
Whether planning a trip to Belize, constructing a research project, or if person just possesses a keen
interest in tarantulas, this book is certainly an excellent resource to have in hand.
Review by Diane Barber
Curator of Ectotherms
Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, TX
Tarantulas in the Vivarium
By Peter Klaas. Technical editing of the English Translation by Paul Gritis. 2001
Krieger Publishing Company, Krieger Dr., Malabar, Florida, 32950
ISBN#l-57524-018-l
130 pgs. Hardcover, 123 color photos $32.50 Review by Diane Barber, Curator of Ectotherms
Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, TX
Anyone that has kept tarantulas knows that good reference material on their captive husbandry is
relatively scarce. Tarantulas in the Vivarium is certainly a basic resource any keeper working with
eight-legged creatures should posses.
350 Animal Keepers' Forun, VoL 30, No. 8
A German hobbyist, Peter Klaus, who has had extensive experience caring for and breeding a variety
of tarantula species, originally wrote this book in 1989. This recent edition, translated into English
in 2001 , includes updated taxonomic and common names. Although this book was originally written
more than 10 years ago, its contents remain current and will prove useful.
This book is divided into three main sections. The first section provides the reader with a good
overview of the distribution of tarantulas and their natural history. Topics covered include an
evolutionary tree, descriptive reviews of external anatomy and general ecology information, which
contains detailed observations and photographs of molting stages, reproduction events and egg
development.
The second part of the book is dedicated to husbandry and captive breeding. Information is provided
about disease and parasites routinely found in captive specimens, common injuries and how to
prevent them, correct handling techniques and proper packing instructions for shipment. Other topics,
such as how to obtain and select proper specimens and how to build a small tarantula vivarium, are
included. Keepers will find techniques used for breeding introductions within this section particularly
helpful.
The last and perhaps most beneficial part of the book includes detailed accounts for 32 genera of
frequently kept tarantulas in captivity. These accounts include specific information on 33 American,
seven African and 10 Asiatic species. Each account includes color photographs, scientific and common
names, distribution, maximum size, description and remarks. Captive husbandry information is also
gi ven for each species and lists cage size recommendations, suggested substrate and caging “props,”
temperature and humidity requirements, as well as behavior and breeding accounts.
In conclusion, Tarantulas in the Vivarium is a gbod resource for any spider enthusiast and is certainly
worth the minor investment.
Three Types of Data Transfer Forms Available from AAZK
Just a reminder that three different types of data transfer forms are available to requesting institutions
from AAZK at no charge. These forms are designed to be used whenever an animal is shipped from
one facility to another so that important information on that animal can be passed on to the receiving
keeper and veterinary staffs.
The following forms are available by contacting Barbara Manspeaker at 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) and
1-800-468-1966 (Canada), or by emailing your request to aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<
•Animal Data Transfer Form (ADTForm) - includes information on diet, reproductive
history, general medical history/physical conditions, and enclosure/maintenance data
on animal(s) being shipped.
• Enrichment Data Transfer Form (EDTForm) - includes information on behavioral history,
enrichment currently used and how implemented (food, exhibit, artificial, etc.), safety
concerns for animal(s) being shipped.
• Operant Conditioning Data Transfer Form (OCDTForm) - includes general background
information, training specifications, training schedule, behaviors trained and methods
used for animal(s) being shipped.
These forms are provided free of charge as a professional courtesy of AAZK, Inc. We encourage all
zoos, aquaria and other animal care facilities to adopt the use of these forms when shipping animals.
We extend our thanks to the following institutions for assisting in the printing expenses for these
forms: Columbus Zoo (ADTForm), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (EDTForm), and Disney’s Animal
Kingdom (OCDTForm).
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 8 351
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of
each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Please
include closing date for positions available, and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-
mail, most readers do not receive their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for
this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted.
Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Listing may be sent as MS Word
attachment. We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in
processing.
Keepers/Vet.Technicians - The Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS
For more information regarding this position please contact John Wright, General Curator, Hattiesburg
Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, (601) 545-4576, email: jwright@hattiesburgms.com< This is a ftill-time
position with state benefits, salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Responsibilities:
The Hattiesburg Zoo is currently updating its Animal Care candidate pool We seek career driven, creative,
team-oriented individuals. Future openings, will be responsible for, but not limited to the following;
daily husbandry, exhibit cleaning and maintenance, diet preparation and feeding, documentation,
conditioning and training of collection, educational programs, and veterinarian assistance. Requirements:
Job requires minimum high school graduate (college degree preferred), one (1) year experience at an
AZA institution (paid or volunteer), experience with a diverse collection.
Curator of Live Collections - Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Severn Bridge, Ontario, Canada
Please send resume and references to the Muskoka Wildlife Centre via fax: (705) 689-0223 or email:
emplovment@,muskokawildlifecentre.com or mail: Box #89, Severn Bridge, Ontario, Canada.
Hiring immediately, but will wait for theright person.
Requirements: Wildlife education centre featuring the province’s largest collection of wildlife species
native to Ontario is looking for a curator of live collections. Must have experience in animal husbandry,
enclosure design, construction ^nd maintenance as well as managing a small keeping staff. Knowledge of
North American wildlife species ecology and captive management is a benefit. Year-round employment
in Ontario’s prime cottage country. Wage will be based on experience
Chimp Keepers - Goin’ Ape/People and Chimps Together - Auburn, CA,
Located 30 minutes Northeast of Sacramento, CA.
Please fax resume and contact information to (530) 823-1874. Include three (3) work references with
phone numbers. Please Do Not call. Please wait for us to respond to your fax.
We have an opening for two (2) part-time great ape/chimpanzee keepers. Looking for dedicated keepers
to work with 16 chimpanzees and 1 orangutan ages 4-32. This group of chimpanzees have been together
for 30 years. Wage is $8- 10/hr depending on experience. Health insurance after 90 day probation period
and if moved to full-time. See our website at www.chimppact.org<
Zoo Keeper/Grasslands - Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
Send resume to: Director of Human Resources, Mike Burnett, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA
701 18 or email to: mbumett@auduboninstitute.org<
Requirements: Good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-
oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or related field and one (1) year experience preferred
or equivalent combination of training/experience in the care of mammals, preferably hoofstock, carnivores
and primates. All candidates must have the ability to lift 80 lbs. and a willingness to work outdoors. A
willingness to work weekends, holidays, and/or overtime is also required.
General Working Supervisor - Mammal, Reptile & Bird Depts. - Out of Africa Wifdlifepark, AZ
Please mail or fax resume to Dean Harrison, Out of Africa Wildlifepark, 9736 No. Ft, McDowell Rd,
Scottsdale, AZ 85264. Phone (480) 837-6683, Fax (480) 837-7379. Visit our website at
www.outofafricapark.com< Position open until filled.
Requirements: Must have degree, four (4) years management, good people and communication skills.
Experienced caregiving for many types of species, able to speak publically to large audiences, while
interacting with animals in a ftill contact setting is necessary. Lifting up to 100 lbs may be required.
Weekend and holiday work is necessary, according to shift. Salary depends on experience. Full benefits.
Elephant Handler - Natural Bridge Zoo, VA
Send resume to: Natural Bridge Zoo, RO. Box 88, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 or Fax (540) 291-1891 or
phone (540) 291-2420 or email NaturalBridgeZoo@hotmail.com<
Responsibilities: The care and husbandry of two female African elephants (19 years old) in free contact.
Requirements: Minimum of three (3) years experience working with elephants. Must be able to do
rides, demonstrations and give talks to the public. Looking for an eager, energetic, friendly, self-motivating
person. Housing available.
352 Animal Keepers ’Forun, VoL 30, No. 8
A AZK Membership Application
check here if renewal [ ^ ]
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Full-time Keepers Only
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$30.00 Affiliate
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Other staff & volunteers
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$30.00 Associate
I 1 $35.00 Associate
Those not connected with
ShJI Those not connected with
an animal facility
an animal facility
$60.00 or up - Individuals
1 $60 or up - Individuals
Contributing/U.S.
Contributing/Canada
$100.00 or up
Institutional/U.S.
Organizations / Institutions
(requires Board approval)
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$50.00 International
All members outside U.S. &
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(requires Board approval)
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& university libraries
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My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) Please charge my credit card
MASTERCARD VISA Card # - - -
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Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS
66614-2054. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U. S. FUNDS ONLY.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for
free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
PRINTED IN U.S.A
© 2003 AAZK, INC.
WHIIIU KEEPERS'
F O R. U 3VE
The Journal of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2003
ANIMAL KEEPERS^ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 September 2003
Vol. 30, No. 9
Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo & Kayla Grams,
Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Cantrell, Disney’s
Animal Kingdom • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. •
ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William
K. Baker, Jr,, Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Rorida
Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th
Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 6661-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication
costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS.
AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS
also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602
Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200
Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203
Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA 92027
Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoological Society, Volcano, HI 96785
Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo , Cleveland, OH 44109
President
Vice President
Immediate Past President
COMMITTEES
Nominations^ Elections
Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX
Con.s_e.ryatlon, Preservation & Restor^ti.Qn Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Annual Conferences
Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc.
Bowling for Rhinos
Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC
Marketing Resources
Bob Hayes- San Diego Zoo
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
APT, EDT and ATP Forms
AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka
Enrichment Committee
Byrl.aws
Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo
Ethics
Chair - Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Research/Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Awards
Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo
Professional Development
Chair - Linda King, Dallas Zoo
AAZK Historian
Mark Levin, Elmwood Park Zoo
Animal Behavior Management
Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo Chair - Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International
Assistance);Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution)
AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION
Biological Information (formerly Biological Values), 4th Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
printed on Recycled Paper
of Contents
About the Cover/Information for Contributors 354
Scoops & Scuttlebutt 355
Coming Events 356
AAZK Announces New Members 357
Cold Remedy Gives Manitoba Polar Bear Cubs a Chance 357
AAZK National Conference 2003 Information/Reminders 358 - 359
Monkey Pox Update 360
ABC’s Column (Behavior 101: New Training Program Foundations) 362 - 364
Three Types of Transfer Forms Available from AAZK 364
Bowling for What? 365 - 366
Enrichment Options (Monkey Fun with Fire Hose) 367 - 369
Reactions (Climbing and fall safety at the zoo) 370 - 371
Chapter News Notes 372
Legislative Update 373 - 375
The Ambassadorship of the Captive African Elephant in North America:
A demographic comparison of African elephant management strategies 376 - 384
6th International Zoo Design Symposium/Call for Papers 384
Making a Connection: A Save the Rhino Trust Journal 385 - 389
Options for Training Side Presentation for Large Canids and Felids 390 - 391
Happy Birthday, Starfire 391
Book Reviews {Elephants Ell Never Forget - A Keeper s Life at Whipsnade
and London Zoo; Marine Ornamental Species: Collection, Culture
K
and Conservation; and A Practical Guide for Feeding Captive Reptiles 392 - 393
Opportunity Knocks 394 - 396
S^Bout the Cover,.,,,
This month s cover features a Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta cornuta) drawn by Dan Alldredge,
a Keeper at the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Evansville, IN. Rhinoceros iguanas are
rather bulkily-built lizards. Adults range from 2-4 ft. (. 6- 1.2m) in length with males weighing between
13-22 lbs. (6-lOkg). Color is usually mid- to dark shades of gray, charcoal or slate and sometimes
with hints of darker cross banding. Males are larger with bulkier heads and more pronounced tri-
nose horns (which give this lizard its name). Mating occurs around April with 5-16 eggs being laid
June through August. They are found in Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic, including most
of the offshore islands) where they, like most island wildlife, suffer from habitat loss from humans,
feral dogs, pigs & mongoose. Habitat is scrub woodlands, dry thorny bush, thicket & cactus. Lifespan
is approximately 20 years. Their diet consists of leaves, flowers, fruit, some insects and small animals.
A captive diet may include kale, collard greens, alfalfa, endive, fruit mix, hard-boiled eggs, banana
and crickets. Thanks, Dan!
Animal Keepers ’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping
profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed
or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as
well as in hard copy form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an
email should be submitted in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be
clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x
22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is
used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard
equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times
should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy black and white or color prints
(minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked captions should accompany
photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted electronically as
either JPEG or TIFF file attachments.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers 'Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles
of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve
as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish
articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion
of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is
requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-
breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 1 -800-242-45 1 9 (US);
1-800-468-1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month.
Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor.
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of
the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by
the author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each.
E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at:
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers ’ Forum at:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org
BFR Website: http://bfr.aazk.org
354 Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 9
Scoops & Scuttlebutt
Attention AAZK Conference Delegates
Once again, the AAZK Enrichment Committee and AAZK Animal Behavior
Management Committee will jointly host an informal video session during the
AAZK National Conference in Cleveland. We invite delegates to bring video
efforts or training sessions to share with their colleagues. Tapes should be no longer than 10 minute
segments to ensure there is opportunity for all participants to share their experiences. “A picture is
worth a thousand words” and nothing conveys an idea like a moving picture. So, shoot some tape of
your successes to share at the AAZK National Conference in Cleveland.
Research/Conservation Workshop Planned for Cleveland Conference
The AAZK Keepers in Research, and, Conservation, Restoration, and Preservation Grant Committees
are sponsoring a Research and Conservation Workshop during the 2003 National Conference in
Cleveland - Come and join us!
The workshop will cover a few of the many interesting and valuable projects members have initiated
or participated in. We also will discuss some of the things vou need to do to get involved in research
or conservation; how to start your own project, and how the grant committees can better serve the
AAZK membership.
AAZK offers three different $1,000.00 grants each year. Come and join us and find out how you
can benefit from this program. If you have been thinking of a research project bring the idea and we
will help you, or just come and join the discussion on how AAZK can help you better know and
research your animals. For questions or additional information contact: jan reed-smith at
jsmith@colszoo.org or jrsotter@iserv.net<
SOS Rhino Announces Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004
SOS Rhino, a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting rhinos with a focus on the critically
endangered Sumatran rhino {Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), announces the Borneo Rhino Challenge
2004, a biathlon consisting of a mountain trek and biking in Malaysian Borneo. This 12-day event
to be held in May 2004, will raise funds for SOS Rhino’s conservation efforts to support anti-
poaching patrols in Borneo.
The event consists of a two-day, 85-mile mountain biking challenge coupled with a hike to the
summit of Mt. Kinabalu, elevation 13,422 feet, as part of the two-week adventure. Also, as part of
the Challenge, the team will join SOS Rhino’s field staff deep in the jungles of Tabin Wildlife
Reserve, in search of signs of the elusive Sumatran rhino. One of the highlights of the trip is a visit
to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and rhino-breeding center in Sandakan, Malaysia.
The program is open to 20 adventurous people who must be fit, healthy and ready to work hard. The
estimated cost is $4,000 per person including airfare. There will be guides, rangers and medical and
mechanical support close by at all times. SOS Rhino is partnering with Save the Rhino International
for the event. More information may be found on their website at www.sosrhino.org<
ipes of enrichment
AAZK Website Has New Look - Check It Out!
For those of you who haven’t visited the AAZK, Inc. website recently you may want to
stop by. It has a brand new look and new navigation which should make it easier to find
your way around the site. There are also two new sections which have been added: the
Animal Behavior Management Committee and Enrichment Committee both have
informational sections on the new site. This is the first phase of the restructuring with more
to come down the road. Any suggestions and/or comments are welcome. Again make sure
you stop by to see the new and improved site at http://www.aazk.org.
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol 30, No. 9 355
Coming Events
American Zoo and Aquarium Assoj^iation (AZA)
Annual Conference - 7 - 1 1 September 2003 in
Columbus, OH. Hosted by Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium. For more information contact Patty
Peters: e-mail ppeters@colszoo.org
2003 AZAD Annual Conference - 9-14 September
2003. Hosted by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo,
Omaha, NE. Interested parties may contact Judy
Sorensen at 10969 North Lakeshore Dr., Blair, NE
68008 or by email at howard@nfmity.com<
2003 Association of Zoological Horticulture - 13-
1 8 September 2003. Hosted by Toledo Zoo. For more
information contact Alan Donges at (419) 385-5721
ext. 2149 or email greenhouse@toledozoo.org<
2003 Red Panda SSP Keeper Training Workshop
19-21 September 2003 at the Knoxville Zoological
Gardens, Knoxville, TN. For more information
contact Crystal Anderson at (865) 637-533 1 ext. 389
or email canderson@.knoxville-zoo.org<
The Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association -
21-24 September 2003, hosted by the Philadelphia
Zoo. For info visit www.azfa.org or contact Matt
Suydam at (215) 243-5355 or fax (215) 243-5391.
30th National AAZK Conference - 26-30
September, 2003. Hosted by the Greater Cleveland
AAZKChapter and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Watch for Either information in upcoming issues
ofAKF. Registration and Hotel Forms may be found
in April issue and appeared again in the July AKF.
Zoological Registrars Association (ZRAJ
2003 Conference - 2-4 October 2003, hosted
by the Brookfield Zoo. For info visit
www.zra.homestead.com or contact Debbie
Johnson (708) 485-0263 ext. 460; email
dejohnso@brookfieldzoo.org< or contact Pam
Krentz at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com<
Elephant Managers As^ppiatign Cpnf^rgnp^
- October 2-5, 2003 - Hosted by Knoxville
Zoological Gardens, Knoxville, TN. For more
information, call (865)-637-533 1, ext. 359 or
e-mail bhargis@knoxville-zoo.org<
First International Conference on Zookeeping in
2003 - The Netherlands - Will be held between 2-10
October at Birdpark Avifauna. For further
information please visitiwww.iczoo.org
American AssQCiatipn pf ZpAYgigrinarians - 5-
9 October, 2003 in Minneapolis, MN. For
additional information, visit the AAZV website at
www.aazv.org or contact Wilbur Amand, VMD,
Executive Director/ AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd.,
Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 892-4812; Fax
(610) 892-4813; email AAZV@aol.com<
The 2003 ChimpanZoo Conference - 25-29
October, 2003 in Boca Raton, FL. The focus of
the meeting will be “Long Term Care for Captive
Nonhuman Primates”. Additional information
is available on the ChimpanZoo website at
www.chimpanzoo.org< or by e-mail at
info@chimpanzoo.org or by phone at (520) 621-
4785.
The Sixth International Conference on
Enn.rQnm£ntal Enrjghm^nt - 2-7 November
2003 in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa. Sixth
International Conference on Environmental
Enrichment in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo. For more
information on the conference, including fees,
registration facilities, reduced flights and pre- and
post-conference tours, please go to
www.ihbzoo.org.za or contact Mathew van
Lierop at mathew@,ihbzoo.org.za or on +83 600
2677.
ACVP/ASVCP 2003 Congyrront Annoal
Meeting - American College of Veterinary
Pathologists and American Society of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology joint meeting - 15-19 November,
2003 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. For more info contact
ACVP at: Phone - (608) 833-8725 exct. 145; Fax -
(608) 831-5485; email - meetings@acvp.org; web -
WWW. ac vp . org/meeting/
International Polar Bear Husbandry Conference
4-7 February 2004 in San Diego, CA. Polar Bear
International (PBI) in association with the AZA’s
Bear TAG are cohosting this conference to be held
at the Bahia Hotel on Mission Bay. They are
bringing together many of the most experienced and
knowledgeable “bear” professionals in the world,
including noted scientists, zookeepers, and
naturalists representing a broad spectrum of
institutions. Information and online registration is
now available on PBI’s website (http:
www.polarbearsintemational.org). This includes
the invited speaker list (updated monthly) as well
as the conference agenda, goals, scholarship
information and other specifics. Any questions,
please do not hesitate to call our headquarters at
(225) 923-3114.
Post Your Coining Event Here - email to
akfeditor@zk. kscoxmail . com
356 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 9
AAZIC Announces
New Members
New Professional Members
Priya DeSoyza, The Newark Museum Mini-Zoo
(NJ); Michelle R. Farmerie, Pittsburgh Zoo
(PA); Amanda J. Matthews, The Academy of
Cold Remedy Gives Orphaned
Manitoba Polar Bears a Chance
A common cold remedy could prevent orphaned
Manitoba polar bear cubs from being placed in
captivity, said a provincial conservation officer.
Vicks VapoRub® is helping female bears accept
orphaned cubs, said Jack Dubois, director of
wildlife and ecosystem protection with the
Department of Conservation.
Natural Sciences (PA); Paula Bohaska, Calvert
Marine Museum (MD); Nicole Lauren Kay,
Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo
(FL); Ingrith Martinez, The Lubee Foundation,
Inc. (FL); George Smith, Jr., Miami Metrozoo
(FL); Miriam Rivera and Sharon D. Urban, Lion
Country Safari (FL); Shannon Lenerose,
Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); John Farley,
Nashville Zoo (TN); Regan Slonecker,
Chattanooga Zoo (TN); Randal Pairan,
Each orphan cub is matched with a female bear that
already has a cub and was trapped after wandering
too close to humans. The bears are sedated and then
the salve, which masks the unfamiliar scent of the
orphan, is rubbed on both cubs and the mother’s
muzzle.
“When they wake up, by the time the mother has
licked it all off she can’t tell which cub is her own
and which isn’t,” said Dubois. Later, conservation
officials release the new family on the shore of
Hudson’s Bay, north of Churchill, where officials
try to track the bears for five to 10 days. If a bear
cub isn’t abandoned after that length of time, it’s
unlikely it will be, said Dubois.
Cincinnati Zoo(OH); Maggie Werning,
International Exotic Feline Sanctuary (TX);
Christy Bolden, Brookfield Zoo (IL); Leonard
Siwek, Lincoln Park Zoo (IL); Corry Watkins
and Sara Tomlinson, Grant’s Farm (MO;
Melissa Martin, Little Rock Zoo (AR); Deana
Walz, Utah’s Hogle Zoo (UT); Larissa Strohofer,
Dal Ellington and Penelope Almond, Alameda
Park Zoo (NM); and Jason Skaleske,
Scaramento Zoo (CA).
Renewing Contributing Members
David R. Morris, President
ZuPreem, Mission, KS
Marilyn R. Lemrow, Patron
Zoological Society of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Renewing Institutional members
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
Thurmont, MD
The treatment was first used last fall when
conservation officials found four orphaned cubs.
One match was tracked long enough for officials to
conclude the cub was successfully adopted by its
new mother, said Dubois. The other three families
wandered off and couldn’t be followed.
The technique was developed with the Bom Free
Foundation in England, which campaigns for the
protection and conservation of animals in their
natural habitat. Source: The Canadian Press 7/03/03
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® All Ri)(hts Reserved
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 9 357
2003 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CLEVELAND, OHIO
SEPTEMBER 26 - 30, 2003
Well folks, it’s almost here. All the food and beverage Cleveland
has to offer is on reserve for the AAZK delegates. I hope you
don’t make us eat and drink it all alone. We are showering
and putting on clean underwear, so please do us the honor of
at least showing up! Here are a few reminders and notes.
PROGRAM INFO
To view a detailed edition of the program with specific times for the papers and workshops, go to
the website www.clemetzoo.com<
Conference Committee meeting will be at 1:00p.m. on Fri., Sept. 26 in the White Room.
TRANSPORTATION
The zoo shuttle for those parking at the zoo will tentatively run: Fri. Sept. 26 Noon to 6:00p.m. and
then Sat. Sept. 27 thru Tues. Sept. 30, 7a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Wed. Oct. 1 from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
For the Icebreaker, a shuttle will run from the hotel to Jacob’s Field from 6:00 p.m. to 1 1 :30p.m. The
Icebreaker is also within walking distance of the hotel.
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
REGISTRATION TABLE SCHEDULE
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 26
Saturday, September 27
Sunday, September 28
1p.m. to 5p.m.
10a.m. to 8p.m.
8a.m. to 5p.m.
8a.m. to 5p.m.'
Monday, September 29
Tuesday, September 30
8a.m. to 10a.m.
5p.m. to 7:30p.m.
8:30a.m. to 12p.m.
ZOO DAY
We have had an outbreak of births in our African Barns. On 2 Aug, our second Black Rhino was
born - a female that weighs in at 106 lbs. Then, a female giraffe was born on 6 Aug, weighing 150
lbs. Two more giraffes are suspected to be pregnant and our zebra should give birth within the
month. We don’t know what is going on, but don’t drink the water there when you tour these bams!
EXHIBITORS
Bring your checkbook, because we have lined up 20+ exhibitors for you to browse and shop from.
CLEVELAND CHALLENGE
The results are in, on July 22, 2003, our Chapter drew the winning name for the “Cleveland
Challenge”, We are very pleased to announce the Memphis AAZK Chapter as the winner. One
member will attend the Cleveland Conference registration-free and hotel-free.
In an attempt to increase the financial support by local Chapters to the National Conference, the
“Cleveland Challenge” was instituted. Congratulations! We feel that this goal was accomplished.
On average (in recent years), only 8 of 8 1 Chapters donate to the National Conference. We received
23 donations from Chapters, 16 of which participated in the “Challenge” (a minimum donation of
$250.00). The total amount donated was $5900.00. Great job! A huge thank you to the following
Chapters: Utah, Southern Ontario, Puget Sound, Memphis, Northern Lights, Central Florida, Little
Rock, Point Defiance, Orange County, Detroit, West Michigan, Virginia, Lincoln Park, Cincinnati,
Wildlife Safari, Dallas, Columbus, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Galveston, Greater Kansas
City and Sedgwick County.
358 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
“Man? / ^o^et^eAAzK ;fe(e^atey tayte
tetter ttao tte oney (ayt
vearf Ttev were yort of too^t aod
ctewvj i^<>t to iv>er)tfoo tte yi^^e((r’
SEE YOU IN CLEVELANE) ! !
Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9 359
Monkey Pox Update
submitted by Pete Riger, The Nashville Zoo, Nashville, TN
On 1 1 June, 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) issued a joint order prohibiting the importation of all African rodents into the
United States. The joint order also banned within the United States any sale, offering for distribution,
transport, or release into the environment, of prairie dogs and six genera of African rodents. The
joint order was enacted as part of the public health response to the first reported outbreak of
monkeypox in the United States.
The species included are: Prairie Dogs - Cynomys sp.; Tree Squirrels or Sun Squirrels -
Heliosciurus sp,; Rope Squirrels or Tree Squirrels - Funisciurus sp.;
Dormice - Graphiurus sp.; Gambian giant-pouched rats - Cricetomys sp.;
Brush-Tailed Porcupines - Atherurus sp.; Striped Mice -Hybomys sp.
From the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/factsheet.htm
Monkeypox: An Emerging Infectious Disease in North America
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in the rainforest countries of central and west
Africa. The disease is called “monkeypox” because it was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in
1958. Blood tests of animals in Africa later found evidence of monkeypox infection in various
rodent species. The virus that causes monkeypox was recovered from an African squirrel, which
may be the natural host. Laboratory studies showed that the virus could also infect rats, mice, and
rabbits.
In 1970, monkeypox was identified as the cause of a rash illness in humans in remote African
locations. In early June 2003, monkeypox was reported among several residents in the United States
who became ill after having contact with sick pet prairie dogs. This is the first evidence of community-
acquired monkeypox in the United States.
Cause of Monkeypox
The disease is caused by Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus group of viruses.
Other orthopoxviruses that can cause infection in humans include variola (smallpox), vaccinia (used
in smallpox vaccine), and cowpox viruses.
Signs and Symptoms
In humans, the signs and symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but usually
milder. Unlike smallpox, monkeypox causes swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period for
monkeypox is about 1 2 days.The illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen
lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer)
after onset of fever, the patient develops a papular rash (i.e., raised bumps), often first on the face
but sometimes initially on other parts of the body. The lesions usually develop through several
stages before crusting and falling off The illness typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. In Africa, monkeypox
is fatal in as many as 10% of people who get the disease; the case fatality ratio for smallpox was
about 30% before the disease was eradicated.
Spread of Monkeypox in Humans
People can get monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected
animal’s blood, body fluids, or lesions. The disease also can be spread from person to person, but it
is much less infectious than smallpox. The virus is thought to be transmitted by large respiratory
droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact. In addition, monkeypox can be spread by
direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or with virus-contaminated objects, such as
bedding or clothing.
Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox. Smallpox vaccine has been reported to
reduce the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa. CDC is recommending
that persons investigating monkeypox outbreaks and involved in caring for infected individuals or
animals should receive a smallpox vaccination to protect against monkeypox. Persons who have
had close or intimate contact with individuals or animals confirmed to have monkeypox should also
be vaccinated. These persons can be vaccinated up to 14 days after exposure. CDC is not
recommending pre-exposure vaccination for unexposed veterinarians, veterinary staff, or animal
control officers, unless such persons are involved in field investigations.
360 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
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ABC's:
Animal Behavior
Concerns and Solutions
A Question & Answer Forum for Animal Professionals
©2003 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant
Ark Animals of California, Big Bear Lake, CA
Behavior 101: New Training Program Foundations
Each institution has unique needs related to implementing new training programs. There are many
considerations to deliberate. Some involve the staff, while others will entail the exhibit or facility
limitations, and finally there are the animal-related aspects. This column will focus on the foundation
basics.
ASSESS THE ANIMALS
To assess your animals start with some basic questions:
• Do you have a history on these animals?
• Are they naive to the training process?
• Are they already tractable?
• What type of attention span does each individual have?
• What does each animal react to in a positive or negative manner?
• Are these trends consistent in the species, or are these inclinations only specific to
certain individuals within your group?
You will ultimately have to design your program based on what your animals need and based around
their experience with training or handling. Your approach will differ depending on whether or not
you are working with veteran or naive animals, tractable or wild-caught individuals. Age and gender
might affect your training, and seasonal fluctuations, such as weather or breeding cycles, can also
impact your program. Identifying these factors and addressing them prior to implementing a training
program will increase you likelihood of success.
DEFINE TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Prior to implementation you must also define what techniques you will be using and what tools you
will need. Review the literature related to the standard training techniques used in your industry and
read any papers discussing the training of the same or similar species.
If you are using standard operant conditioning techniques you’ll need to experiment to find what
works most effectively. When using food items, make sure they are small enough that the animal
will not spend excessive time chewing or eating, and so that the animal will not be tempted to move
away from the trainer to chew.
In an operant program, there are necessary steps that will form the foundation of your training
program. These are introducing and establishing a conditioned stimulus, and teaching the targeting
362 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 9
and stationing concepts. Tactile toleration and variables on these controlled behaviors can then be
introduced as deviations later in the training process.
EXAMINE EXHIBIT & ROUTINE
Remember to consider your unique exhibit and routine challenges. If you have problems with
visibility, accessibility, or animal movement, be sure to outline solutions. Troubleshoot as much as
you can before you encounter a problem so you have an action plan that can be implemented.
ADDRESS STAFF SKILL LEVELS
The skill levels of your staff will also color the program design. Learn bridging techniques, and
fine-tune your exhibit protocol on gates, doors, and chute as you plan your formal program.
Consistency and preparation are two critical factors to establishing a successful training program.
You should outline ways to keep criteria clear and consistent for both humans and animals.
REMAIN FLEXIBLE & ADAPT
It never hurts to dig up as much information as you can, but don’t get so locked into specifics that
you fail to be adaptable. Although training is a science, it is also an art form that requires adaptability
and creativity. You will find that some things work well, while others may not. Go back to the
discussion room and redirect your efforts when needed.
FOUNDATION COMPONENT: CONDITIONED STIMULUS AKA “BRIDGE”
The conditioned stimulus is a process where the animal is taught to associate a marker (usually a
sound) with the primary reinforcer (often a food item). This is popularly referred to as a bridging
stimulus or “bridge.” The bridge serves as an lOU for reinforcement. Once you teach the bridge and
reinforcement concept to the animal (Bridge=Reinforcement), you will want to then obtain some
basic control.
FOUNDATION COMPONENT: TARGETING & STATIONING BEHAVIORS
Basic control of animal movement is done through targeting and stationing behaviors. Many trainers
use these behaviors in conjunction with one another. A “target” behavior is usually a physical marker
or tool used to position an animal. The animal is taught to respond to the target by touching it. The
“station” behavior is usually a location the animal is taught to move toward and position at/on.
I have used both targeting and stationing behavior in conjunction with each other, but prefer to train
an animal to respond to a target. Often, this is initially in relation to a specific location. With
appropriate approximations, you can later move the animal to different location without confusion.
If you have staffing shortages, this can be difficult to do.
TARGETING
Teaching an animal to “target” means that you teach them to touch or position on some sort of
physical mark or target. The item should be durable and easily manipulated or controlled by the
trainer. These objects are often buoy floats positioned on a pole, colored geometric designs made of
plastic or plyboard, spotlights, or pointer sticks adapted for the task. Veteran trainers often have
animals touch their fist or hand. For safety, it is advisable to avoid using your appendages.
Many trainers teach the animal to touch the target with their nose. As you and the animal become
more astute, you might want to later get the animal to respond to a second target with its different
body parts while holding position on the first. You can also introduce tactile toleration while the
animal holds the primary target position. These, of course, are topics for another column.
Despite your best efforts at targeting (and stationing), some species will be fidgety. In these cases,
you will want to introduce variations of the targeting behavior and develop protocol related to
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9 363
behavior breakdowns. You might introduce “target following” or extend the time the animal holds
position on the target.
STATIONING
When dealing with group animals, establishing a stationing order is another early step in the
foundation of your training program. Stationing is simply teaching an animal to position as asked.
The animals within the group will learn to position consistency in relation to the trainer, a target, a
location, or another animal.
The advantage for stationing by location, or positioning an animal in relation to a conspecific in the
group, is that it often takes less manpower. One trainer can manage several animals at the same
time. However, there can be other complications.
When training stationing behavior, trainers must be aware of the hierarchy within an animal group
to ensure success. For instance, a subordinate animal might refuse to cooperate if the positioning or
movement violates the pecking order protocol. The subordinate could be put at risk if a dominant
animal perceives a breach of etiquette. Make sure the dominant animals are under training control
so you avoid such hazards. This requires that you define the hierarchy within the group, and your
strategies to dealing with possible challenges prior to training.
For further information I suggest perusing two past ABCS columns and the resources listed below.
These are all available online in the Archive or SOS sections of the Internet site:
www.arkanimals.com<
(About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and
domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with and certified by a variety of animal programs
in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and leads safaris. Information on
her animal career programs, training courses, and her newest book. What Animals Can Teach Us
about Spirituality (Skylight Paths, 2003) are available through her website. Questions for ABC’s
should be submitted to Diana directly through the ABC ’s questionnaire on her website, via email
Three Types of Data Transfer Forms Available from AAZK
Just a reminder that three different types of data transfer forms are available to requesting institutions
from AAZK at no charge. These forms are designed to be used whenever an animal is shipped from
one facility to another so that important information on that animal can be passed on to the receiving
keeper and veterinary staffs.
The following forms are available by contacting Barbara Manspeaker at 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) and
1-800-468-1966 (Canada), or by emailing your request to aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<
•Animal Data Transfer Form (ADTForm) - includes information on diet, reproductive
history, general medical history/physical conditions, and enclosure/maintenance data
on animal(s) being shipped.
• Enrichment Data Transfer Form (EDTForm) - includes information on behavioral history,
enrichment currently used and how implemented (food, exhibit, artificial, etc.), safety
concerns for animal(s) being shipped.
• Operant Conditioning Data Transfer Form (OCDTForm) - includes general background
information, training specifications, training schedule, behaviors trained and methods
used for animal(s) being shipped.
These forms are provided free of charge as a professional courtesy of AAZK, Inc. We encourage all zoos,
aquaria and other animal care facilities to adopt the use of these forms when shipping animals. We extend
our thanks to the following institutions for assisting in the printing expenses for these forms: Columbus Zoo
(ADTForm), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (EDTForm), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (OCDTForm).
364 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
By Brian Czarnik
Animal Keeper Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, FL
Wildlife on Easy Street, Tampa, FL
Florida Suncoast AAZK Chapter Secretary
I remember the first time I heard the phrase “Bowling for Rhinos.” My friend Anissa had told me to
get out of the house and come to an AAZK meeting at the nearby Florida Aquarium. It was there
amongst some fish and a few other keepers that I saw a slide show from the then and current AAZK
President Kevin Shelton.
He had a million slides from the far away place in Kenya called Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. And at
a table there were some books about Rhinos and some information on the upcoming Bowling for
Rhinos event. Soon thereafter I joined the local chapter and learned about this annual event in
which keepers from the local facilities bowl, win door prizes, bid on auction items and share a taste
of the grape.
I was more than happy to pay my way (after hearing that 1 00% goes to the actual fund) and bowl
and get my free T-shirt, but who were we really helping? This Lewa place seemed like some far-
away utopia and I like rhinos, but big cats are my love. I wanted to start up another copycat event,
so to speak, like “Lawn Darts for Lions” or maybe “Basketball for Bobcats.”
I asked Kevin about the next available safari and within weeks I was calling him up to add my name
to the lucky list for the June 2003 trip. I couldn’t wait to see first-hand where our money was
and why this event for this Lewa place was so important.
It would be my first safari and my first time overseas.
The year quickly rolled around and I soon learned from
other travelers that I was getting one heck of a bargain
at around $3,500.00 (close to my yearly salary, mind
you) for a vacation of this sort.
The weeks before the trip were hectic as the State
Department listed Kenya as a place it didn’t want U.S.
citizens to travel. Nothing short of the apocalypse would
keep this determined group of 14 from going. We
already had our vacation time approved and all, ya
know.
After the nice flights to London (thanks to the London
Zoo for letting us in for free!), and to Nairobi, we soon
were in our small charter plane heading out to the Lewa
camp.
As soon as we grew near Lewa, from our planes we
saw a pride of lion hunting some zebra - an amazing
sight that you only think you will see on Animal Planet.
Our planes landed safely and we split up into two jeeps and drove back to camp. We all felt like we
were on the latest installment of “Survivor” or something. It was on that first game drive back to
camp that I finally took in what we all bowl for. I saw on the horizon a group of elephants, some
white rhinos, vervet monkeys, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, eagles, and three cheetah boys lying under a
tree - all on the first drive back to camp!
Over the course of the next ten days, I went out on every walk or drive they offered to see just what
Lewa was all about. I saw dik dik, serval, sitatunga, crocodile, black and white rhino, warthog.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 9 365
genet, lion, and so many different kinds of birds I can’t even begin to write them all down. I couldn’t
believe how all of these animals could actually be in one place and to have these 55,000 acres (soon
they are getting another 15,000) almost to ourselves was
unreal. At times (especially on some of the walks) I wished
that the animals hadn’t been so close, but nothing beats
driving along with a herd of elephants and watching them
play in a lake. And actually, nothing beats running for your
life from a black rhino; or being forced up a tree by a white
rhino for that matter. The sights we all saw will never leave
our minds. The camp hosts, Sean and Judy-Anne, treated
us all like kings and queens and we had three big meals
every day. What fun it was to sit with keepers from around
the U.S. and hear the good and bad about our facilities,
and the sometimes-heated debates about animals and their
welfare. Or to be thrown into the pool by the AAZK
President (thought I had forgotten about that didn’t you,
Kevin!)
We were a tight group and after two weeks it felt like we
were family. One big, happy zoo keeping AAZK family.
At Lewa, the policy is not to cull, but if the animal
population becomes too great on one species, they will
translocate them to another park. We saw first-hand on a giraffe capture, the love and care they give
to their animals. Many of the employees come from the local Maasai tribe, which help benefit the
local communities by providing jobs to these fine people. We all saw first-hand how our money
goes to help the local schools by providing them with the rooms and supplies that they need. They
showed us the plane, the truck and the uniforms for the wardens, that our yearly donations help
purchase. Visiting the school was something no one on the trip will ever forget. The children sang us
songs and a few hugged us, and when we left there wasn’t a dry eye in the group. To say that these
kids appreciated us would be the understatement of the
as it is the wildlife. The communities benefit
greatly by having tourist come see the wildlife.
It generates income to help keep the schools
free of charge for the local children.
There is so much happening at Lewa and I
encourage all of you to at least visit their web
site at: www.lewa.org. to see a little of what
our money is going to help.
So by this time we have all hopefully knocked
down some pins for a place so far away. We
should all pat ourselves on the back for getting
behind a great cause for a facility that actually
has both their heads and their hearts in the right
place.
Photos provided by the author
366 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
be addressed by changes to the social and physical atmosphere. There are numerous dedicated and
knowledgeable individuals currently working with elephants who should continue to do so and
opportunities should be provided for these professionals to take an active role in the design,
maintenance, and management of these sanctuaries. With the more natural conditions provided by
these refuges, the reliance on training to provide for the welfare of the animals and the safety of the
staff could be lessened or even eliminated. This dependency could then be replaced by observational
research and studies that could benefit the wild populations while still allowing for a life worthy of
an ambassador.
In light of the current status of the captive North American population of African elephant, it seems
irresponsible that the import would be considered without first creating an environment that would
promote well-being. And it seems self-destructive for zoos to allow themselves to be seen in a
negative light by the experts in the field and to be bested by other institutions.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to the staff of elephant facilities that responded to my questionnaire on the joint
housing of African and Asian elephants. Approximately one-third of the survey’s recipients
responded and I will be forwarding on to all a summary of the findings. My thanks are
also due to Carol Buckley, Dr. Anna Whitehouse, Dr. Phyllis Lee, and Dr. Joyce Poole for
answering questions and pointing me towards source publications. Those whom I thank or
reference are in no way responsible for any opinion, misconception, or inaccuracy that
might be present in these pages and where indicated, the referenced sources should be
studied for the author’s viewpoint and intent.
References
Buckley, Carol (2001). Sanctuary: A Fundamental Requirement of Wildlife Management,
2001 AZA conference proceedings
Buss, Irven, O. (1990). Elephant Life: Fifteen Years of High Population Density,
Iowa State University Press
Clubb, Ros & Mason, Georgia (2002). A Review of the Welfare of Zoo Elephants in Europe: A
report commissioned by the RSPCA, University of Oxford
Douglas-Hamilton, Ian & Douglas-Hamilton, Oria (1975). Among the Elephants,
Collins & Harvill Press, London
Moss, Cynthia (1998). Elephant Memories, William Morrow & Company, New York
Moss, Cynthia (2001). The demography of an African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) population
in Amboseli, Kenya. Journal of Zoology, London, 255, 145-156.
Moss, Cynthia et al. (2003). Letter to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service
Moss, C.J. & Lee, PC. (in press). Female reproductive strategies and individial life histories - in
Moss, C.J. & Croze, H. (eds). The Amboseli Elephants, University of Chicago Press.
Moss, C.J. (in press). Female social dynamics - in Moss, C.J. & Croze, H. (eds).
The Amboseli Elephants, University of Chicago Press
Olson, Deborah J. (2000). North America Region Studbook for the African Elephant,
Indianapolis Zoological Society
Olson, Deborah J. (2002). North American Region Studbook for the African Elephant, Volume 2,
Indianapolis Zoological Society
Rees, P. A. (2000). Are elephant enrichment studies missing the point?
International Zoo News 47(6): 369-371.
Roocroft, Alan & Zoll, Donald Atwell (1994). Managing Elephants: An Introduction to Their
Training and Management, Fever Tree Press, California
Sikes, Sylvia, K ( 1 97 1 ). The Natural History of the African Elephant,
Weidenfeld and Nicholson, London
Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol. 30, No. 9 383
Whitehouse, Anna, M. & Hall-Martin Anthony, J. (2000). Elephants in Addo Elephant National
Park, South Africa: reconstruction of the population’s history. Oryx, 34(1): 46-55
Whitehouse, Anna, M. & Kerley, Graham, I. H. (2002). Retrospective assessment of long-term
conservation management of elephants in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.
Oryx, 36(3): 243-248.
Editor ’s Note: In a related item - ELEPHANT IMPORT DELAYED: A federal judge has refused to
block the shipment of 11 African elephants to two U.S. zoos but will allow them to remain at a
wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland pending appeal says the L.A. Times, AP 8/10. Several animal
protection and rights groups are suing to stop the first importation of wild elephants into the U.S. in
1 5 years on grounds that it “violates” guidelines set by the Convention on the International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES). Source: GREENlines Issue #1928 8/14/03
6“* International Zoo Design Symposium/Call for Papers
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park will host the 6*'’ International Zoo Design Symposium at the
Grand Hotel, Torquay, Devon, UK from 9- 1 3 May 2004. The theme of the conference will be “Zoo
Design: Innovation or Replication?”
Most zoos now regard themselves as Conservation Centers, and the Fifth International Zoo Design
Symposium hosted by Paignton Zoo in 1998 recognized that in its title and theme “Conservation
Centers for the New Millennium”. Since then zoos have been very successful at tapping into new
sources of capital funding, many new exhibits have been built, visitor numbers have increased, and
the amount of resource zoos put into the conservation of wild animals has increased exponentially.
By any standards it has been an extraordinarily successful period in zoo history. But, all that obvious
success apart, has the art of wild animal exhibition moved on? Are we being genuinely innovative
or are we simply rehashing and reprising good ideas from the past? Would Carl Hagenbeck be
yawning in his grave?!
In 2003 Paignton Zoo Environmental Park will open the ‘Living Coasts’ Marine Mammal and Bird
Exhibit at Torquay Harbour within sight and easy walking distance of the conference venue. The
conference program will include a visit and reception at this unusual and striking exhibit. South
Devon is also within easy reach of the world famous Eden Project and an optional visit to the project
will be included in the program. For conference booking forms please telephone +44 (0) 1803
697502 or e-mail: zoodesign@paigntonzoo.org.uk. Further information can be obtained from our
Website: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk<
Call for Papers
Authors are invited to submit papers on all aspects of zoo design, particularly within the following
areas:
• Spin or substance-does your design really do what it’s supposd to do? How do you know?
• Plants - are they just a backdrop or an integral part of your conservation and education goals?
• IT - the good and bad
• Design conflicts - aesthetics, welfare, workability, conservation, education, research -
can one exhibit do it all?
• Reconciling the irreconciable - how to provide close contact while maximizing animal and
visitor welfare.
Please send proposed title, authors, affiliations and an abstract (maximum 400 words) by email to
zoodesign@paigntonzoo.uk. Please also complete the relevant section on the registration form on
the website.
384 Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol. 30, No. 9
Making A Conneclion
SAVE IHERBIWO TRUST
A Save l^he Rhino Trusl^ Journal
By Peter T Hnath, Elephant Keeper
Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
In our daily lives as zoo professionals it is easy to forget the reasons why we are in this field of
work. The fast pace of society keeps us constantly on the move- picking up the kids from school,
grocery shopping, paying bills, car repairs, etc. We can quickly lose sight of the big picture and one
of the fundamental points that we try to convey to everyone that passes through the gates of Reid
Park Zoo: wildlife conservation.
With the generous support of the Tucson Zoological Society, I was able to spend two weeks
participating in the field research and conservation efforts of one of the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT)
rhino tracking teams in Namibia. The opportunity to experience the day to day life of the dedicated
individuals who work for SRT is one I will never forget.
During the Rhino Keepers’ Workshop of 2001, I met Blythe Loutit, founder of Save the Rhino
Trust. She was there to create opportunities for zoo keepers to volunteer for SRT in Africa. For
Blythe it all began in the early 1980’s when she came across six elephant carcasses at a waterhole,
mutilated to remove their tusks. At another waterhole three rhinos lay dead, riddled with bullet
holes from automatic weapons. In this sparsely populated region of Namibia (then Southwest Africa),
near the Skeleton Coast, the South African army and government had a free hand, the culture of
hunting was prevalent, and shooting game was done in any way possible. Blythe, a botanical illustrator
and artist, decided to take action.
With the assistance of her husband Rudi, a nature conservator in the area, Blythe worked with
conservation- conscious businessmen and community leaders to establish the Namibian Wildlife
Trust. This eventually led to the formation of the Save the Rliino Trust. They began pushing the
idea of community-based conservation and immediately began working with the local people to
develop conservation practices and alternative ways of supplementing livelihoods. The education
of local communities to appreciate the non-use values of wildlife such as tourism was considered
essential to conserving the rhino. At the same time, a small group of people began to patrol and
monitor the area- specifically keeping an eye on the black rhino {Diceros bicornus bicornus) and
the desert adapted savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) populations. This was the
basis of developing a community conservation system. Along with the goal of involving local
people in the fight against the killing, was the aim of saving the wildlife of the western desert for the
day when Namibia would be free from the “scorched earth” policy of previous rulers.
By 1990 Namibia was given its independence from South Africa and all of SRT’s hard work was
starting to pay off. In 1985 only 56 rhinos were counted during the first census; there are now over
130 records of individual rhinos. Gradually teams of trackers have been established to patrol the
different rhino areas. Each team has its own vehicle, cameras, GPS (global positioning system),
camping equipment, identification forms, binoculars, uniforms, rations and communication system.
At present there are five teams of trackers in the field. Because of the vast distances covered and the
rugged nature of the terrain, the teams often spend weeks at a time in the field. Each team must be
completely self-sustaining and rely heavily on their equipment.
I already knew that this would be a very remote part of the world, with little outside communication
and few of the amenities to which I have grown accustomed. I also knew that the trackers could
cover 10-20 miles a day by foot when they were on the trail of a rhino. By the time I boarded my
plane, my treadmill had hundreds of extra miles on it and all my camping gear was stuffed into one
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 9 385
very large bag. I felt prepared. Twenty-two hours later I landed at Walvis Bay, Namibia, were I was
met by Bernd Brell, the project manager. From here it was a five-hour drive to the Ugab River Base
Camp in the southern rhino range. On the way to camp I was given an overview of the operation.
The southern tracking team consisted of Bernd and two trackers (Fulai and M’teos). There were 13
rhinos in the southern range and they were spread out over 5,000 sq. km. (-1930 sq. mi.) From the
base camp the team would go out in the field for 4-7 days twice a month and cover as much area as
they could. Since it was the beginning of the rainy season it would be exceptionally difficult to
locate rhinos because there were many more seasonal waterholes to check. The black rhino, being
a solitary species, would make the job even tougher.
The ride was as exhilarating as it could be
after a long flight. Walvis Bay is at the edge
of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the
world. The vast expanse of rolling sand
dunes was a breathtaking sight. From there
we traveled up the coast past the many
shipwrecks that give the Skeleton Coast its
name. Then it was inland east to an area
known as Damaraland, a rugged rocky area
that was carved from ancient volcanic
activity. This habitat is home to the
Welwitchia plant which can live to be over
1,000 years old.
When we finally arrived at the Ugab Base
camp I felt like I was back in Tucson. Sand,
scorching sun, bright blue sky and plenty of
dry riverbeds. If you could replace all the
acacia trees with palo verde and mesquite you couldn’t tell the difference. It was the beginning of
summer and daytime temperatures were already in the mid- 90’s. I was given a four-man domed
tent nestled under a large acacia tree. Around it was a five-foot fence made from reeds for privacy.
This would be home for the next two weeks, except for the times we camped in the field. The
trackers called my tent site the “elephants favorite” because whenever a herd came through camp
they would always feed from this tree. Bernd said he hadn’t seen the herd for a while and couldn’t
be sure when they would be coming through again. Even though there was old elephant tracks and
dung all around the camp, I wasn’t expecting any elephant interactions.
That night after dinner I
settled in for a good night’s
sleep. About 2100hrs that
evening, while writing in my
field journal, I heard the
unmistakable sound of a large
tree limb snapping. I knew
only one animal was capable
of doing that but the sound
seemed to be coming from
upriver so I kept on writing.
A few minutes later -“snap”-
only this time it was much
closer. I shut off my light and
sat on my cot listening for any
noise that would signify that
the herd was coming through “Elephant’s Favorite” - the author’s campsite
Trackers Fulai and M’teos
386 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
camp. From my seat I could look out the tent window and view acacia branches silhouetted against
a starry desert sky. I heard some shuffling around outside similar to the noise our elephants make
when walking around the exhibit. Except it sounded like at least ten elephants. Next thing I knew,
I saw two trunks reach up to pull seed pods from the acacia over my tent. Everything happened so
fast after that. There was a trumpet, a series of low rumbles, bubble blowing from the well, defecating,
urinating, flagellating, destruction of underground water lines and lots of foraging from my tree. At
times there were so many pods falling on my tent that it sounded like rain. It was quite an auditory
experience. It ended as quickly as it had began when they all moved down river for the night.
Needless to say, I did not get much sleep the rest of the night.
The following morning the remainder of the herd came down river to join the troublemakers from
the previous night. After spending a day at the waterhole the entire herd came through camp one
last time before heading back up river. The final count was 22 elephants (four six-month old
calves, two adolescent bulls and 1 6 cows). These elephants were part of only two groups of
desert-dwelling elephants in the world. The other group lives in Mali, North Africa. They have
adapted to their dry, sandy environment by having a smaller body mass and larger feet than most
other elephants. Today over 300 elephants live in Western Namibia, 70 exclusively along the
coast.
After two days with the elephants
it was finally time to track rhinos.
Bemd, two trackers and I packed
up our Toyota 4x4 pickup with all
the gear we would need for four
days out in the field. This was the
beginning of one of the most
physically demanding experiences
of my life. Our days started at
sunrise (about 0600) and ended 10-
12 hours later. By this time we
were so exhausted that we could
barely set up our camp for the
night. Camp was simple. We
parked under an acacia tree in a
river bed, made a fire for cooking
dinner, unloaded our bedrolls,
cleaned up the best we could then
fell asleep under the African sky.
Many nights we were serenaded to sleep by the sounds of local hyenas. The mornings were even
simpler - boil water for coffee, pack up the truck and go.
During the day there were endless hours of driving over the most rugged, rocky terrain I had ever
seen. When it got too rough for the truck it was time to set out on foot. Our search was concentrated
on the existing waterholes in the area. Some days we hiked up to two hours just to reach one of
these water sources. If there were no fresh tracks it was back to the truck and off to the next
waterhole. If there was fresh evidence that a rhino had visited then we were off and running. There
were days we hiked over 10 miles and up to six hours - sometimes without the payoff of finding our
elusive quarry. It was certainly nothing to complain about because there was an endless amount of
game to view along the way- mountain zebra, oryx, kudu, giraffe, springbok, etc.
The days we did find a rhino were very exciting and uplifting for the team. Not to mention dangerous.
One day, after about an hour of tracking, we ran into Mike. He was one of the dominant bull rhinos
in the area. Now, when I say “ran into” I mean literally. We were following a fresh trail and all had
our eyes to the ground trying to figure out which way the trail went. The pace was slow because it
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9 387
was hard to pick up clues in this rocky area. A few bent blades of grass or an overturned rock could
be the only hint which way to go. As soon as we reached the top of a small ridge, there he was, no
more than 30 feet in front of us. We stopped dead in our tracks but it was too late. Mike spun
around to face us, put his head down, snorted and charged. There were no trees or rocks to hide
behind, he caught us in the open. He only took four steps in our direction but it was enough to make
us scatter. After standing his ground for a few very uneasy minutes he triumphantly ran off.
Occasionally he would look back to make sure we were not following. We were successful in
tracking and recording seven of the 1 3 known rhinos in the southern range, but none more closely
than Mike.
“Mike” the rhino stands his ground
Author Peter Hnath with truck and equipment preparing to head out on patrol.
388 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 9
All notes collected in the field are entered into a database. Tracking teams are paid a bonus for each
clear photo and accurate I.D. form that is turned in. Fecal samples are collected to obtain rhino
DNA for the calculation of relatedness. If the rhino population is too closely related it may be
necessary to translocate individuals to maintain genetic diversity. SRT’s rhino project has been in
full swing for many years and they are now beginning to gather data on the desert elephant population
as well. With all of SRT’s efforts there have only been three recorded cases of poaching in the last
10 years. All the poachers have been caught and have served time in prison.
After spending two weeks in the field with SRT staff it is easy to see the concern and dedication that
is needed to make a field conservation program successful. These people have given up a “normal”
lifestyle to save the wildlife in northwest Namibia. Their efforts have helped the desert rhino, along
with other wildlife, survive and increase in numbers. Most importantly, without the support of
traditional leaders and local communities this success story could not have been told. What we
have to realize is that all of our information, every fact and figure that we recite to the public comes
from people in the field- people who live and breathe conservation seven days a week. They are the
real heroes.
(Editor 's note: Check out the Save the Rhino Trust website at http://www.rhino-trust.org.na/)
waziland
South Afirica>, /
o /
Cape7^wn^|;^2abeth
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9 389
Options for Training Side Presentation
for Large Canids and Felids
By
Angela Cecil Binney, Disney s Animal Kingdom
Kim Kezer, Zoo New England and Jay Pratte, Dallas Zoo
of the
AAZK, Inc. Animal Behavior Management Committee
Introduction
As with many aspects of animal husbandry, there is more than one way to train an animal to perform
a specific behavior. This holds true for training large canids and felids to present their torsos for
exam or procedure.
Side presentation may be more easily trained with some animals than others. In addition to studying
the natural and individual history of an animal, the animal should also be acclimated to calmly
approach the mesh for reinforcement prior to conditioning this behavior.
Assuming the subject is managed using ‘protected contact,’ the side presentation behavior involves
the animal aligning parallel to, and leaning into the mesh until bridged. Ultimately, the animal
should hold for a minor procedure (e.g., an injection). There are three basic steps in training this
behavior, with multiple technique options. The following is a collection of techniques for each step
that have worked with various large carnivores.
Step 1: Options for conditioning the animal to turn parallel to the mesh
Capture/Scan: If the animal exhibits a natural tendency to rub on fencing (e.g., puma, lion, leopard),
the first approximation is to ‘capture’ this. The animal should be reinforced while rubbing occurs
and a conditioned stimulus, or cue, should be paired with the behavior.
Targeting'. Targeting in one direction, then
quickly reversing the target, so the animal
has to turn in the opposite direction, may
get the animal’s side close to the mesh as it
turns to follow the target.
Baiting: Baiting this response with a
meatball, can have the same effect as the
target. Eventually, the meatball can be
phased out so that just a visual or verbal cue
is used.
Environmental Modification: For animals
that present a challenge, environmental
modification may help. This can range from
simple to expensive and vary in design,
depending on the facility and species. The
least expensive way to accomplish this is to
place an object near the fence, creating a
physical barrier that leaves a space between
the object and the fence. This creates a
space in which the animal will have to walk
parallel with the fence to enter. A large log
has worked well for training this position
with cheetahs and African wild dogs.
Figure 1: A Disney’s Animal Kingdom keeper
demonstrates ‘baiting’ and ‘environmental
modification’ (a log) as training tools in an off-
exhibit holding area.
390 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
A transfer chute or crate can also provide a training area for the side presentation. It does not have
to be so narrow that the animal can’t turn around, as involuntary restraint is not the goal.
Step 2: Options for Shaping ‘Lean In’
Body positioning’. For animals that do not tend to lean into the mesh, this aspect of the training will
need to be shaped. Targeting the nose of the animal does not always arrange the torso close enough
an exam or injection. Sometimes moving the animal slightly forward, using the head or nose target
or a ‘move up’ cue, may get the sides closer.
Body targets’. Targeting the hips can allow the trainer to approximate the torso toward the mesh.
After desensitizing to the presence
of the body target, the animal should
be reinforced every time the target
touches its side. The next step is to
hold the target slightly away from
the body. Any shift of the torso into
the target should be reinforced.
Once voluntary movement toward
the body target is trained,
approximations can be used to get
the torso closer. Pairing a verbal
cue with this behavior will allow the
trainer to phase out use of the target,
freeing the trainer’s hands of
unnecessary instruments.
Step 3; Holding for Procedures
Once the animal will attain this
position on cue, it is time to condition
holding the behavior. This involves
slowly increasing the time lapse
prior to the bridge. The introduction
of a ‘hold,’ ‘stay,’ or ‘steady’ cue can be an effective tool for this. Sometimes it is easier to introduce
the hold cue with a less complex behavior (like ‘sit’ or ‘target’). Once the animal is familiar with
the criteria for the ‘hold,’ it may be easier to transfer it to more complex positions, such as ‘side.’
The final approximation is to desensitize to whatever procedure is needed in this position. Working
slowly and ending all sessions positively will aid in reaching procedure goals.
Conclusion
A great way to gain ideas for training any behavior is to talk to other keepers. We can all learn by
sharing our successful and unsuccessful techniques that have been used. There are often many
methods available to achieve a training goal. However, all techniques will not work with every
species or individual. The right way to train the behavior is the way that is safe, and works best for
the particular subject being conditioned, in the facility in which it is housed. Determining this takes
patience, intuition, observation, and often a little trial and error.
Hapt>*^ S+arfire
The Philadelphia Zoo’s king cobra {Ophiophagus hannah) “Starfire” - at 25 years of age - might
just be the oldest king cobra in captivity. The oldest king cobra on record lived a little more than 22
years. Native to India, this species is one of the largest of all poisonous snakes (can reach a length
of 20 feet). Its venom is so deadly that one bite can bring down a tiger or even an elephant. Also
unusual about the king cobra is that in the wild they live in pairs, a phenomenon that is rare in
snakes.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9 391
Book
Review
Elephants I’ll Never Forget. A Keeper’s Life at Whipsnade and London Zoo
By John Weatherhead, 2003
The Book Castle, 12 Church Street Dunstable, Beds. LU5 4R4, U.K.
ISBN 1-903747-16-3 182 pgs. paperback
Price- £9 99 Review by Geoff Creswell
Emporia, Kansas
Anyone interested in the heyday of zookeeping will enjoy Weatherhead’s memoire. His collection
of anecdotes spans everything from employment in regimented English zoos headed by ex-military
officers, to establishing collections in Saudi Arabia and the transportation of young Burmese elephants
around the globe. Plenty of exotic locations and eccentricity without Discovery Channel theatrics.
It is always good to see an old-school zoo book that is less concerned with political correctness than
hands-on animal management. My only criticism is a lack of detail when the author refers to
controversy.
The book is entertainingly penned in British English with plenty of interesting photos and gives a
keeper’s perspective of three decades of the Zoological Society of London - a zoo culture quite
different than the American version. Whatever your perspective on politics of the animal business
or the directions the author took, this book was written by someone who cares.
Marine Ornamental Species: Collection, Culture and Conservation
By: James C. Cato and Christopher Brown
First Edition 2003, ISBN 0-8138-2987-9
Iowa State Press, 2121 State Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014
448 pp Hardcover. $119.95
Review by Bruce L. Elkins, Curator of Waters
Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN
Marine Ornamental Species is a very comprehensive look at the Aquarium industry from many of
the current experts in the field. Dr. James Cato and Dr. Christopher Brown have edited together
submissions from over 50 authors to provide a look at the current and future of marine ornamental
livestock industry. After viewing the title, what surprises me most is the book is not just another
attempt to spread gloom and doom in the name of conservation. It is actually very encouraging
view of the trends that will be driving the marine life trade in the near future. Marine Aquarium
Council certification is given much attention as it was the big announcement of the 2001 Marine
Ornamentals meeting. It was also very useful for me as a member of an organization dedicated to
supporting MAC certification. There is even an article discussing the relative costs of MAC certified
fish vs. non-certified animals. Wild capture alternatives are investigated such as culturing stony
coral, efforts to tank rear Hippocampus abdominalis - the Pot bellied Seahorse; to the use of new
techniques to raise rotifers as food for captive larval fish. Chapter eleven authored by Austin Bowden-
Kerby, is dedicated to the community-based management of reef systems and gives us a detailed
picture of a unique social, economic and political mixture that can offer a sustainable reef management
system.
While Marine Ornamental Species is a meant as an overview of the various aspects of the Marine
industry, I also find it useful as reference material for trends in marine life captive care. I already
392 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 9
mention the article by Chris Woods “Factors affecting successful Culture of the Seahorse,
Hippocampus abdominalis, but there are articles on culturing marine fish larval, coral culture, shrimp
aquaculture, as well a couple more articles on seahorse rearing. Each article can be read independent
of the rest of the book, making it a significant reference tool.
Marine Ornamental Species: Collection, Culture, and Conservation is a very comprehensive overview
of the marine ornamentals industry and a considerable source for marine life rearing and culturing
information. It is well organized by the editors. The first Chapter, written by the editors and John S.
Corbin gives us the results of a survey done at the Marine Ornamentals 2001 meeting which outline
a set of Priority Recommendation for the industry. This alone makes the book important to have if
you are involved in the marine industry.
A Practical Guide for Feeding Captive Reptiles
By Fredric L. Frye (original 1991)
ISBN 0-89464-966-3
Krieger Publishing Company, Krieger Drive, Malabar, FL 32950
Hardback. 171 p. -$26.50
Review by Tracey Anderson, Instructor
Zookeeping Technology Program
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO
Even though the world of captive animal management is ever-changing and continually being
improved upon and updated, there are still some good reference guides out there that are greater
than 10 years old. This is one of those references. Originally published in 1991, this book contains
some of the basics that just haven’t needed modification. Of the 171 printed pages, 1 1 1 pages are
dedicated to chapters on basic nutrition that includes information on water requirements, dehydration
and gout, salt metabolism and frequency of feedings; nutrition-related illness and treatments which
is beneficial in helping non-veterinary herpetologists with early recognition of potential problems;
and food sources which includes some sample diets and recipes. This chapter includes information
on the reproduction and culturing of several invertebrate food items. These chapters also contain
several informative tables and charts that are all laid out in clear and easy to understand formats.
These tables and charts would be very useful and handy to have at times when a quick reference
guide was needed.
Some topics include food preferences for selected species of snakes, lizards, chelonians, most
crocodilians and the tuatara, toxic as well as nutritious plants, food values, culture medium formulas
and food sources to list a few. Once beyond the first 1 1 1 pages you’ll find extensive appendices that
include US herpetological societies, glossary, references, cross-referenced species lists and the indexes
of based both on taxonomic names and on general subject.
This book is a quick and easy read and it is chock full of good information. The majority of
information in this book probably isn’t necessary for the more experienced or advanced herpetologist
although the tables, graphs and appendices would be very useful to reptile hobbyists and herpetologists
of all levels. Even though there isn’t much information pertaining to feeding presentation or technique
I found this book to be a good “practical guide” especially for the beginning herpetologist that
needs some reliable basic guidelines with which to start.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 9 393
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of
each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SJV 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Please
include closing date for positions available, and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-
mail, most readers do not receive their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for
this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted.
Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Listing may be sent as MS Word
attachment. We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in
processing.
Mammal/Bird Keeper - Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah, WA
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th, Issaquah, WA 98027; or
Fax to (425) 392-1076; or E-mail to CougarMZoo@aol.com< This is a Full Time permanent position,
benefits included. Salary depends on experience. Responsibilities; animal keeping involving some of the
following species: cougars, lemurs, hoofstock (reindeer/antelope/deer), macaws, parrots, cranes and others.
Daily routine husbandry, maintenance of exhibits, record keeping, assist in veterinary practices, behavior
enrichment, etc. Involvement in Education such as tour guide, mini lecture speaker, animal demos and
walks, outreach presentations, etc. Requirements; Ability to work in a harmonious manner with staff,
volunteers and supervisors and work any of the seven days of the week. Prefer AS/BS degree in biology/
zoology-related field and minimum of two (2) years full-time paid experience in zoological institution.
Keepers/Vet. Technicians - The Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS
For more information regarding this position please contact John Wright, General Curator, Hattiesburg
Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, (601) 545-4576, email: jwright@hattiesburgms.com< This is a full-time
position with state benefits, salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Responsibilities:
The Hattiesburg Zoo is currently updating its Animal Care candidate pool. We seek career-driven, creative,
team-oriented individuals. Future openings, will be responsible for, but not limited to the following;
daily husbandry, exhibit cleaning and maintenance, diet preparation and feeding, documentation,
conditioning and training of collection, educational programs, and veterinarian assistance. Requirements:
Job requires minimum high school graduate (college degree preferred), one (1) year experience at an
AZA institution (paid or volunteer), experience with a diverse collection.
Zoo Keeper/Grasslands - Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
Send resume to: Director of Human Resources, Mike Burnett, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA
70118 or email to: mbumett@auduboninstitute.org<
Requirements; Good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-
oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or related field and one (1) year experience preferred
or equivalent combination of training/experience in the care of mammals, preferably hoofstock, carnivores
and primates. All candidates must have the ability to lift 80 lbs. and a willingness to work outdoors. A
willingness to work weekends, holidays, and/or overtime is also required.
Aviculture Interns
For more information on internships at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names
and contacts of three (3) references to: Tracey Goltz RO. Box 39 Volcano, HI 96785 or fax: 808-
985-7034. OR, for more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to:
Mary Schwartz 2375 Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 or fax: 808-572-3574. For the Hawaii
Endangered Bird Conservation Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the
Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui.
Responsibilities; Daily tasks include husbandry duties such as: diet preparation, aviary and facility
maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding birds, grounds keeping, predator control.
Requirements: Applicant must be able to live with several roommates in a remote area and should
show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian birds. Applicant must have a valid
driver’s license and health insurance. Internships last for a 3-6 month period. Interns receive $20/
day stipend plus housing. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Service Opportunities or Internships
See additional information and application at bur website - www.tigercreek.org< Commencement date:
Open. Duration: Month by Month. Interested in learning more about big cats and a career path? Consider
a service opportunity at TCWR. Two (2) positions currently available at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refoge,
Tyler, TX. Interns are utilized for animal care positions through a qualification system. We provide:
Room & Board, Materials and Curriculum, Indoctrination and Safety Training, Opportunity for full-time
paid animal keeper positions (after training).
394 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
Marine Mammal Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Nicole Begley, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Responsibilities: Learn daily activities involving animal care and training with our Seal Team. Duties
include food preparation, exhibit cleaning, creating enrichment devices and observing training.
Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking, have course work in biology/
psychology, prior animal experience, be able to work outdoors, and lift 501bs. Interns are required to
complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four year
school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions are on
a volunteer basis and are unpaid
Internship Opportunities - National Aquarium in Baltimore
To apply for any of the following internship positions go online at www.aqua.org/education/intemships
to obtain an application form. A complete application includes contact information, answers to brief
statements listed, and a copy of college transcript. Complete applications should be sent to: National
Aquarium at Baltimore-Intemships, Pier 3/501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Application Deadline: ongoing - 1 November 2003 for January and Spring terms of 2004; 1 April 2004
for Summer and Fall 2004 terms; All interns must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work within the
selected term. Interns must receive college credit for their internship. Internships are unpaid. For further
information contact the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Internship coordinator at intem@aqua.org or
call (410) 576-3888.
Aquarist Intern
Responsibilities.' The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aquarist staff with daily care of the
Aquarium’s invertebrates and fish. Assist with tank maintenance and cleaning; Prepare daily diets and
perform daily feedings; Assist in the maintenance of back-upareas; Conduct precise record keeping; Perform
special projects to be detemiined by the aquarist staff. Requirements: College juniors or seniors enrolled
in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb up a 6’ ladder, and be able to squeeze across a 1 5 ’ long x 1 2” wide
platform.
Aviculture Intern
Responsibilities.* The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aviculture staff with daily husbandry
activities in the South American Rainforest exhibit. Assist with and perform diet preparation and
distribution; Conduct animal observations; Assist in the cleaning of holding areas, kitchen, and food prep
areas; Provide enrichment to the aviculture collection; Perform special projects at be determined by the
aviculture staff. Requirements; Interest in working with birds. Enrolled in an accredited college,
pursuing a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field.
Herpetology Intern
Responsibilities: Tend the “Hidden Life” exhibits (large wall terrariums where small, neotropical lizards,
frogs; snakes and invertebrates are on public display); Mist and clean the off-exhibit colony of small
arboreal lizards; Mist, clean and otherwise help tend the large, off-exhibit collection of neotropical frogs;
Prepare diets for and feed the on and off-exhibit iguanas and tortoises; Tend the locust (live food) colony,
orb-weaving spiders and colonies of non- venomous exotic arthropods (wood and hissing roaches, millipedes
and walking sticks); Assist in the maintenance of the live food cultures (fruit flies, springtails, crickets,
rats, mice); Conduct and record animal observations; Perform special projects as determined by the
herpetology staff. Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursing a degree in Biology,
Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Must be comfortable working
with frogs, lizards, rodents and terrestrial arthropods.
Horticulture
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium horticulture staff with daily activities.
Assist with care of plants in the Rain Forest exhibits; Conduct plant maintenance, fertilization, propagation,
and transplantation; Assist in display development; Perform special projects at be determined by the
horticulture staff. Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology,
Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will aid in all aspects of marine animals rescue program (MARP)
operations, which involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea
turtles and implementing outreach efforts of the Aquarium’s Ocean Health Initiative. The selected candidate
is also responsible for technical and clerical assistance for the Conservation Department staff as necessary.
Duties include.' Animal Care - participating in rescue and release trips, daily feeding, medical treatments.
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9 395
facility maintenance including cleaning and water changes, behavioral observations, and record keeping;
Outreach - learning to interpret the MARP artifacts and conservation messages and participation in seasonal
outreach and public education programs at the Aquarium and off site; Other duties as assigned - field
work, etc. Requirements: Must be college junior or senior majoring in environmental science or related
field with course work in biology and ecology. Summer and January terms require 40 hours per week of
work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Marine Mammal Trainer Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate is responsible for providing support to the marine mammal
training staff. This internship’s primary purpose is to teach the intern training theory. There is limited
hands-on animal contact during the internship. Duties will include: Prepares daily animal diets and
dispenses vitamins as instructed; Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal back-up areas;
Assists in training, husbandry, and medical sessions; Participates in pre-show and pre-session preparations;
Periodically participates in sessions involving swimming during enrichment and play sessions - no animals
involved; Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Must be college junior or senior majoring in life
science or related field. Must have a basic understanding of marine mammal natural history. Must have
good swimming skills. Must work well as a team member. Summer and January terms require 40 hours
per week of work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Water Quality Lab Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist in the water quality testing of all fish and mammal
systems throughout the aquariuni. Duties include testing water for salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity,
and copper according to lab procedures, and recoding neat, accurate data. The selected candidate will
work closely with the Lab Technicians and the Animal Husbandry staff. Requirements; Must be college
junior or senior with general biology and chemistry work. Strong math skills and computer proficiency
preferred. Must be available to work mornings.
SOS Rhino Seeks Volunteers
SOS Rhino is looking for volunteers interested in helping us in our efforts to save the Sumatran rhinoceros.
Our Borneo Team is studying the demographics of the remaining animals in Tabin Wildlife Reserve to
determine when patrol units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role in the rhinos’ survival.
Please visit SOS Rhino, s web site for detailed information; http://www.sosrhino.org/programs/
volunteer.php Or contact Cindy Salopek, Projects Associate/SOS Rhino via e-mail at: cindy@sosrhino.org<
Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on
our website at www.aazk.org
Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings
at http://www.aza.org
MOVING?
Please let us know when you change yoiir address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents
every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519
(U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com
to report your new address.
396 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 9
AAZK Membership Application
check here if renewal [ ^ ]
Name
Address
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1 1 $85.00 Professional
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r 1 $60.00 Professional
n
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LJ
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Full-time Keepers Only
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Other staff & volunteers
Other staff & volunteers
1 ~| $30.00 Associate
n
$35.00 Associate
Those not connected with
LJ
Those not connected with
an animal facility
an animal facility
1 $60.00 or up - Individuals
□
$60 or up - Individuals
Contributing/U.S.
Contributing/Canada
r~~l $100.00 or up
n
$100.00 or up
LbJ Institutional/U.S.
LJ
Institutional/C anada
Organizations / Institutions
Organizations / Institutions
(requires Board approval)
(requires Board approval)
1 International Members
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Librarv Onlv
$50.00 International
$35.00 Library
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Available only to public
Canada regardless of category
& university libraries
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j~J| My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) Please charge my credit card
MASTERCARD VISA Card # - - -
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Signature
Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS
66614-2054. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U. S. FUNDS ONLY.
Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for
free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada.
PRINTED IN U.S.A
© 2003 AAZK, INC.
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The Journal of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers. Inc.
OCTOBER 2003
ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 October 2003
Vol. 30, No. 10
Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo & Kayla Grams,
Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Cantrell, Disney's
Animal Kingdom • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. •
ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William
K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida
Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th
Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 6661-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication
costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS.
AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS
also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA 92027 President
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Vice President
Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, 'MO 64132-4200
Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoological Society, Volcano, HI 96785
Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI 02905
Immediate Past President
By-laws
Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo
Ethics
Chair - Kevin Shelton - The Florida Aquarium
Research/Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Awards
Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo
Professional Development
Chair - Linda King, Dallas Zoo
AAZK Historian
Mark Levin, Elmwood Park Zoo
Animal Behavior Management
Chair - Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International
Assistance);Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution)
AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION
Biological Information (formerly Biological Values), 4th Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
AAZK Enrichment Notebook 3rd Edition - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602
COMMITTEES
Nominations& Elections
Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX
Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Annual Conferences
Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc.
Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC
Marketing Resources
Bob Hayes- San Diego Zoo
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
APT EDT and ATP Forms
AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka
Enrichment Committee
Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
O primed on Recycled Paper
^abCe of Contents
About the Cover/Information for Contributors ..398
Scoops & Scuttlebutt.......... 399
Coming Events 400
AAZK Announces New Members 401
Condor Update.. 401
2003 AAZK/AKF Award Recipients 402 - 404
ABC’s Column: Behavior 101/Individuality and Potential 406 - 407
Seeking Funding for Labarua School Project 408 - 409
A Bizarre Monkey Born 410
Book Reviews {The Last Big Cats: An Untamed Spirit
and Aquarium Plants) 411 - 412
The Water Column (Sampling Methods) 413 - 414
Notes on Poison Dart Frog Breeding at the Little Rock Zoo 415 - 418
Chapter News Notes 419
Enrichment Options (Can primates receive adequate primary diet
from an enrichment unit?) 420 - 422
Treatment of Bronchitis in a Giant Panda 423 - 424
Legislative Update 425 - 428
Opportunity Knocks 429 - 432
!About the Cover
This month s cover features a Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) drawn by Jeff Wells, an Animal
Keeper in the Ituri Forest at Diensy s Animal Kingdom. The Greater Kudu is one of the most impressive
of all antelopes. They are the seond largest of the tragelaphine antelopes, which includes the bongo,
nyala, bushbuck, sitatunga, and the eland. Males weigh from 400-700 lbs. (181-317kg) and sport a
spectacular pair of spiral horns that sometimes reach lengths of up to 70 inches (178cm). Females
are slightly smaller and lack horns. Their color ranges from reddish brown to charcoal gray with six
to ten lateral stripes present along the sides of the body. The Greater Kudu ’s range includes eastern
and southern Africa. Their populations are most dense in southern Africa with East African populations
being broken up and extending into the mountains. They are highly adaptable and can co-exist in
close proximity to human habitation if otherwise undisturbed. Calves are born during the rainy
season after a gestation period of approximately 212 days. The Greater Kudu currently are not
endangered, but still highly prized by trophy hunters. Thanks, Jeff!
Animal Keepers ’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping
profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed
or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as
well as in hard copy form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an
email should be submitted in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be
clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x
22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is
used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard
equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times
should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy black and white or color prints
(minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked captions should accompany
photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted electronically as
either JPEG or TIFF file attachments.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers 'Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles
of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve
as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish
articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion
of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is
requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-
breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 1 -800-242-45 1 9 (US);
1-800-468-1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month.
Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor.
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication docs not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of
the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by
the author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each.
E-Mail Addresses; You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at;
aazkoffice(a)zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at;
akfeditor(^zk.kscoxmail.com<
AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org
BFR Website: http;//bfr.aazk.org
398 Animal Keepers ’ Foriin, Vol. 30, No. 10
Scoops & Scuttlebutt
Chapters. Members Donate to AAZK Supported Projects
The Association has received the following donations supporting programs in
which AAZK is involved: $150.00 from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of
AAZK (Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) for the First International Congress on Zookeeping being held
in Amsterdam, The Netherlands this month; $500.00 from the Dallas Zoo Keeper Association (Dallas
Zoo) to help fund the Adopt-A School lunch program (see related story pg. of this issue); and $50.00
from individual AAZK member Linda Kunze, Tyler, TX, in support of the Adopt-a-School program.
The Association thanks all those associated with these donations for their commitment to helping to
fund AAZK-sponsored programs and projects.
QKC Zoo Sponsors Field Techniques Training
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is offering a wildlife field techniques training course
to be held 5-19 December 2003. Participants will learn the techniques of trapping, radio telemetry,
data collection and habitat analysis. Course will be held in the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve located
in the Sierra Madre Oriental of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
The course is offered in conjunction with the margay research program sponsored by the OKC Zoo.
The goal of the program is to study the ecology of the endangered margay including activity patterns,
spatial requirements, diet and habitat use.
Fees for the training course are $1500.00 which include travel, food and lodging while in Mexico.
Participants are responsible for personal travel to Harlingen, TX.
For more information, contact Patricia Downey at margavresearch@:okczoo.com. If you are interested
about receiving college credit hours for your participation please specify in your first e-mail.
SAZARC Appeals for Support of Conference
AAZK has received an appeal from Sally Walker, Patron/Administrator of SAZARC (South Asia
Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation) for financial assistance for some individuals wishing to
attend this conference. Zoos involved in SAZARC include those in Bangladesh, India, Bhutan,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The meeting for which they are seeking funding will be held from
1-7 December 2003 in Sri Lanka. These meetings are informational and training sessions for zoo
staff from participating countries. The primary topic for this 4th annual gathering is Zoo Nutrition.
The goals of SAZARC include promoting a greater understanding of the need for conservation of
imperiled species in these countries, education for zoo staff members on important husbandry and
veterinary topics, working toward inactment of progressive zoo legislation in the participating
countries, and sharing information among the zoological facilities.
Funding is needed to help cover costs of airfare and accommodations for some of the participants
who do not have personal income to cover the expenses and whose zoos are unable to provide
financial support. Costs per participant will vary from $500 to $1300 depending on the distance
they are coming to the conference. If you or your AAZK Chapter are interested in helping out, you
may contact Sally Walker at zooreach(^vsnl.com< Their website is www.zooreach.org<
AAZK Website Has New Look - Check It Out!
For those of you who haven’t visited the AAZK, Inc. website recently you may want to stop by. It
has a brand new look and new navigation which should make it easier to find your way around the
site. There are also two new sections which have been added: the Animal Behavior Management
Committee and Enrichment Committee both have informational sections on the new site. This is the
first phase of the restructuring with more to come down the road. Any suggestions and/or comments
are welcome. Again make sure you stop by to see the new and improved site at http://www.aazk.onz.
Animal Keepers’ Forim, Vol. 30, No. 10 399
Coming Events
First International Conference on Zookeeping in
2003 - The Netherlands - Will be held between 2-10
October at Birdpark Avifauna. For further
information please visit:www.iczoo.org<
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - 5-
9 October, 2003 in Minneapolis, MN. For additional
information, visit the AAZV website at
www.aazv.org or contact Wilbur Amand, VMD,
Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd.,
Media, PA 1 9063; Phone (6 1 0) 892-48 1 2; Fax (6 1 0)
892-4813; email AAZV@aol.com<
The 2003 ChimpanZoo Conference - 25-29
October, 2003 in Boca Raton, FL. The focus of the
meeting will be “Long Term Care for Captive
Nonhuman Primates”. Additional information is
available on the ChimpanZoo website at
www.chimpanzoo.org< or by e-mail at
info@chimpanzoo.org or by phone at (520) 621-
4785.
The Sixth International Conference on
Environmental Enrichment - 2-7 November 2003
in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa. Sixth
International Conference on Environmental
Enrichment in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo. For more
information on the conference, including fees,
registration facilities, reduced flights and pre- and
post-conference tours, please go to
www.jhbzoo.org.za or contact Mathew van Lierop
at mathew@ihbzoo.org. za or on +83 600 2677.
Karen Prvor Clicker Expos 2003/2004
7-9 November 2003, Chicago, IE; 23-25 January
2004, Berkeley, CA; and 26-28 March 2004, West
Chester, PA. Each Clicker Expo will feature 1 5 main
stage presentations and 18 workshops over three
days. Topics will cover the latest operant
conditioning techniques utilized for domestic as
well as zoo and aquarium animals. For a full
schedule and registration information, visit
www.clickertraining.com<
ACVP/ASVCP 2003 Concurrent Annual
Meeting - American College of Veterinary
Pathologists and American Society of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology joint meeting - 15-19
November, 2003 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. For
more info contact AC VP at: Phone - (608) 833-8725
exct. 145; Fax - (608) 831-5485; email -
meetings@acvp.org; web - www.acvp.org/meeting/
First Annual Crissev Zoological Nutrition
Symposium - 12-13 December 2003 in Raleigh,
NC. To be held at the College of Veterinary
Medicine, North Carolina State University. A
website with details and registration instructions
is posted at http://www.cvm.ncsu.edy/info/ce/
zoonutrition. htm< Special sections this year will
focus on Primate Nutrition, Food Safety, Fiber and
Forages, Vitamins and Minerals; as well as gneral
sessions. Dr. Jay Kaplan of Bowman-Grey Medical
School will be the keynote speaker, speaking on
“Phytoestrogens and Health: What Can We Learn
from Primates? An evening event on 12 December
is planned for the general public.
II International Tapir Symposium - 10-16
January 2004 - in Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Will bring together a multi-faceted group of tapir
experts, including field biologists, educators,
captivity specialists, adademicians, researchers,
veterinarians, governmental authorities, politicians
and other interested parties. Session topics will
cover field research, population management,
husbandry, fundraising, marketing, governmental
regulations, eco-tourism, education, veterinary
issues and tapir bio-politics. Visit the Symposium
website at http://www.caligo.com/tapir/ for more
information and registration details.
International Polar Bear Husbandry Conference
4-7 February 2004 in San Diego, CA. Polar Bear
International (PBI) in association with the AZA’s
Bear TAG are cohosting this conference to be held
at the Bahia Hotel on Mission Bay. They are
bringing together many of the most experienced and
knowledgeable “bear” professionals in the world,
including noted scientists, zookeepers, and
naturalists representing a broad spectrum of
institutions. Information and online registration is
now available on PBI’s website (http:
www.polarbearsintemational.org). This includes
the invited speaker list (updated monthly) as well
as the conference agenda, goals, scholarship
information and other specifics. Any questions,
please do not hesitate to call our headquarters at
(225) 923-3114.
AAV 25th Annual Conference & Expo - 16-20
August 2004 - in New Orleans, LA at the Sheraton
New Orleans Hotel. For further information call
(303)756-8380 or visit www.conferenceoffice.com/
aav<
Post Your Coming Event Here - email to
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.corn
400 Animal Keepers’ Fonini, Vol. 30, No. 10
AAZK Announces
New Members
New Professional Members
Karen Weisenseel, Zoo New England (MA);
Jennifer Blackburn, Buttonwood Park Zoo
(MA); Brigitte Walls, Bergan County Zoo (NJ);
Kimberly Gasper, Erie Zoo (PA); Christopher J.
Johnson, Zoo Atlanta (GA); Christina Talley-
Condor Update
Biologists are reporting that two California
condors nesting in the Grand Canyon have
successfully hatched a chick, “the first ever born
in the Arizona wild since the start of a program
to save the birds from extinction” reports the
Arizona Daily Sun. The 1 8 to 26 week-old chick
“appears to be healthy and happy” and according
to the Peregrine Fund’s condor program is “the
first condor chick in Arizona in more than a 1 00
years.”
Stodd, Lion Country Safari (FL); Kathy
Downing, Lake Leo Zoo & Sanctuary (FL);
Kate Hughes, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (TN);
Amanda McMullen, Hattiesburg Zoo (MS); Jill
Katka, Louisville Zoo (KY); Amanda Nydegger,
Scovill Zoo (IL); Michael Lebanik, Kansas City
Given the chick^s size and age it has “cleared
the most difficult hurdles” with “one more major
hurdle to clear: flying.” The successful fledging
of the chick is seen as “a major milestone” of
the reintroduction effort and “the top goal of the
program since it started in Arizona seven years
ago.”
Zoo (MO); Darla Blundell, Cedar Cove Feline
Conservation Center (KS); Kimberly Anne
Smith, Sunset Zoological Park (KS); Lisa Keith,
Emporia Zoo (KS); Lola D. Curtis and Amy C.
Davis, Audubon Nature Institute (LA); James
W. Beck, Zoo of Acadiana(LA); Charity
Chapman, Little Rock Zoo (AR); Erin M.
Johnson and Margaret Reynolds, Moody
Gardens Aquarium (TX); Mandy
Hollingsworth, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CO);
Jennifer L. Evans, The Tracy Aviary (UT); Kristi
Martin, Oakland Zoo (CA); and Lisa Triggs,
Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (WA).
Renewing Institutional Members
Prospect Park Wildlife Center
Brooklyn, NY
Lewis Greene, Director
Salisbury Zoo Commission, Inc.
Salisbury, MD
James Rapp, Director
In a related story, a California man, who shot
and killed a California condor during a pig hunt
was sentenced to five years probation, 200 hours
of community service and a S20,000 fine
according to the L.A. Times. Aeeording to the
assistant U.S. attorney, who proseeuted the case
for violating federal laws proteeting migratory
birds rather than the more stringent ESA, “In all
respects it looked like he’d been a fine person,
with the one exception of the hunting.”
Sources: GREENlines Issue #1931 8-20-03 and
Issue #1932 8-21-03
THE
GOURMET
RODENT,
INC.™
RATS AND MICE
Bill & Marcia Brant
6115 SW 137lh Ave., Archer. FL 32618
(352) 495-9024
FAX: (352) 495-9781
e-mail: GrmtRodent@aol.com
© Ml Ri;^hts Reserved
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 401
2003 tAAZK/AKF Award Recipients
The following are recipients of awards presented at the 30th Annual AAZK National Conference held
in Cleveland, OH from 26-30 September, 2003. The Environmental Enrichment Award and the
Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Renovation are determined from nominations sent to the AAZK
Awards Committee. Certificates of Appreciation and Recognition as well as the Distinguished Service
Plaque are determined by the AAZK Board of Directors. The Excellence in Journalism Awards are
given by the AKF editorial staff
Environmental Enrichment Award
presented to
Amq Davis, E rank Duck Zoo
G ainesvi lie, TX
for the development of a formal enrichment program for the zoo’s animals. This
included collecting and tracking enrichment items, and creating an enrichment
rotation schedule and ratings system. Also noted was the development
of an enrichment handbook for volunteers
Certificate of E
xcellence m
Exkiihit Denovation
prese nted to
Sedqwick Countq Zoo
Wichita, KS
for the renovation of an exhibit to house Caracals. The institution’s keepers
and staff have been recognized for their outstanding efforts to provide
an enriching experience for both the caracals and the public
Certificate o fA
pprec
iation
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Host Institution
Certificate of Decoqnition
Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX
for her service from 1999-2003 on the AAZK, Inc. Board of Directors
Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo, Columbus, OH
for her service from 1999-2002 on the AAZK, Inc. Board of Directors
Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo, Columbus, OH
for serving as editor/coordinator of the Biological Information for Selected Mammals
Fourth Edition/CDROM
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA
for the redesign of the AAZK, Inc. website and conversion
of the Third Edition of the Enrichment Notebook to CDROM format
402 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, R1
for spearheading the First International Congress on Zoo Keeping
Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
for working on and support of the First International Congress on Zoo Keeping
Jeff Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL
for serving as the AAZK, Inc. National Conference Program Chair
Mark de Denus, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
for serving as Editor of the Junior Keepers’ Journal
Michael Illig, Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR
for unending devotion to making Bowling for Rhinos
successful and saving wildlife worldwide
Virgil Baird, Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH
for unending devotion to making Bowling for Rhinos
successful and saving wildlife worldwide
Norah Famham, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA
for unending devotion to making Bowling for Rhinos
successful and saving wildlife worldwide
Kirsten Christensen, Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque, NM
for unending devotion to making Bowling for Rhinos
successful and saving wildlife worldwide
Julie Izold, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Chair
Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Committee Chair
Heather Mock, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Committee Chair
Maureen Meslovich, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Committee Chair
Debra Kuscevic, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Committee Chair
Claire Winkler, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
AAZK 2003 National Conference Committee Chair
DistinquisliGcl S GPviCG PlaquG
Greater Cleveland Area Chapter ot AAZK
AAZK 2003 National Conference Host Chapter
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 403
2003 Excel I
once
“Helping Ursula: Incorporating Compatible Alternative Therapies to
Support Traditional Western Veterinary Medicine”
published in 2002 Conference Proceedings
Lee Houts, Keeper, Folsom Zoo, Folsom, CA
“Catch a Tiger by the Tail: Tiger Training at Disney’s Animal Kingdom”
published in July 2002 AKF
Angela Miller, Animal Keeper. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL
“Training Sun Bears for Pole-Injection Through Operant Conditioning”
published in October 2002 AKF
Carrie Weitz, Keeper, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL and
Meg Hudson-Dye, Animal Management Resources, Inc., LaGrange, IL
“Effects of Facility Modifications on Elephant Activity Levels”
published in October 2002 AKF
Peter Hnath and Maria Yannessa, Elephant Keepers, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
“Piping Plover {Charadius melodusY'
published in March 2003 AKF
Karen Rabideaux, Zoo Keeper, Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI
“This Little Piggy Had a Hoof Trim: Training a Warthog for Hoof Work”
published in March 2003 AKF
Pilar Hicks, Animal Keeper, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL
“Training a Pileated Woodpecker for Animal Shows”
published in 2002 Conference Proceedings
Paula Blum, Animal Programs Coordinator
Linda Barberis, Animal Programs Biologist II
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL
Outstanding Cover Art - African Elephant
published in January 2003 AKF
Christine McKnight, Keeper
Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
404 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Pol. 30, No. 10
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PetAg, Inc. 261 Keyes Avenue, Hampshire, IL 60140-0396 • www.petag.com
For your nearest distributor call 1-800-557-5782 and for technical assistance call 1-800-323-0877.
ABC's:
Animal Behavior
Concerns and Solutions
A Question & Answer Forum for Animal Professionals
©2003 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant
Ark Animals of California, Big Bear Lake, CA
Behavior 101: Individuality and Potential
Is your training prodigy simply a reactive organism or is it an individualized creature with unique
potential? Depending on the theory you adhere to, or the experience under your belt, this might stir
up some great dialog within your training staff.
Whatever your opinion, aptitude can vary dramatically from individual to individual. Just as some
people have a talent for training, there are animals that have a propensity for it and others that do
not. Any being can be conditioned or trained, but just how fast and how intricate the process gets
will depend on the ability of trainer and the capability of the animal.
Learning rates vary considerably between individual animals and even species. I find that cross
comparisons are difficult to reliably measure due to fluctuations between animal species and individual
idiosyncrasies. Influences affecting training subjects can include social structures, environmental
impact, instinct, evolutionary adaptations, natural behavior repertoires, hormonal patterns, training
experiences, personal life histories, learning curves, and other variables.
Although training relies on consistency, clear criteria, and discrimination, it also relies on flexibility
and attentiveness of the trainer to the animal and the current environment and related influences.
Even though we try and narrow any discrepancies between humans, both humans and animals show
preferences and variations in their repertoires. This is what makes training not only a science, but
also an art form.
If you ask one trainer how he or she accomplished a specific task with a specific animal it is highly
probably that you will get a different answer from another trainer who is asked the same question
about the same species but a different individual. Being able to read animal behavior, and using
intuition or your gut feeling, is something veteran trainers do well. Experience helps fine-tune your
techniques and increases your level of success if you work at it.
406 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
Personally, I like to see the individual animal reach its full potential. The most difficult training
subjects I have encountered have always been the most sensitive or the most intelligent. However,
once redirected these creatures are amazing and talented pupils. You always have to keep working
to challenge and manage the animal, but it often remains a spirited subject.
Are there trends? Sometimes. Those animals with consistent training and housing backgrounds
appear to be more amiable and apt pupils. However, if an animal is captive-bred and reared in a
complex and stimulating environment it may, or may not, have a better aptitude than an animal that
is captive-bred and reared in what we consider a sterile environment. I have found quick and
willing animal pupils both in sterile environments and in complex stimulating settings.
Another trainer shared that in a complex training task one animal took hundreds of trials to
successfully accomplish a matching-to-sample task, while another took thousands. So, the same
trainer with two animals of the same species faced significant differences between animals. Identifying
the differences between individuals during the training process is something an astute trainer learns
to do in order to be successful.
Sometimes there are complex interactions within the animal hierarchy that interfere with cooperative
behavior. A perceptive trainer will be able to assess a situation and circumvent a problem, or appraise
it in retrospect.
For instance, I witnessed an incident in a dolphin pool that escalated when an assistant trainer failed
to take action when directed to do so. It was fortunate that nobody was seriously injured. Upon later
review, several training errors were discussed. The incident could have been avoided if the head
trainer and assistant anticipated the behavior of the dominant animal and acted accordingly based
on their knowledge of the animal and her past behavior. In this case, their lack of attentiveness to
detail created a potentially dangerous situation that could have been avoided altogether. The incident
was complicated by the inexperience of the assistant trainer, but the ability to later assess the situation
and then develop contingency plans made the best out of a nerve-wrecking situation.
All animals have individual potential. The skill lies in “reading” the characteristics of that animal.
That ability enables a trainer to know how far to push at any given moment, and to identify when the
animal is amiable, or when they are best left out of a training session. How you develop the skill to
recognize these signals comes with practice, from watching the animal, and learning the behavioral
signals the animal or species gives.
About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and
domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with and certified by a variety of animal programs in
the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and leads safaris. Information on her
animal career programs, training courses, and her newest book. What Animals Can Teach Us about
Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003) are available through her website. Questions for ABC’s should
be submitted to Diana directly through the ABC’s questionnaire on her website, via email
(zooit@arkanimals.com), or through regular mail; c/o ARKANIMALS.COM, PO Box 1989-215,
Big Bear Lake, CA 923 1 5 USA.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Voi 30, No. 10 407
Seeking Funding For Labarua School Lunch Program
By Patty Pear three
If anyone has extra funds that they would like to see go to an education/conservation program, this
is the perfect project! The Lebarua elementary school is just outside of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
in Kenya.
When I visited Lewa in December, 2002, 1 discovered that the school kids at Lebarua (one of the
five schools Lewa supports) are expected to stay at school all day but the only nourishment they get
is milk for lunch and many walk an hour each way to school. We all know how important proper
nutrition is for learning so I thought the best thing additional funding could support would be a
lunch program.
The Education Officer, Anne Ruhiu’s suggestion for a meal is maize and beans and she has calculated
the cost based on other lunch programs in the area. The cost to feed one child on a meal of maize and
beans would be $5.20 per term and considering Lebarua has a pupil population of 226, this would
amount to $1,1 75/term. There are three terms in a school year, therefore to feed the whole school
for a year would cost $3,526!
Rural farmers in Kenya have suffered as human and wildlife populations have been forced to share
increasingly limited land. Crops are regularly damaged by wild animals and predators kill domestic
stock which builds up a mistrust and misunderstanding of wildlife. The solution to living in harmony
lies in the sustainable use of wildlife with local support and participation. Wildlife must bring tangible
benefits to the communities it shares the land with if the people are to view it as an asset rather than
a liability. A value must be placed on wildlife and the revenue it earns must radiate outwards to the
communities. Lewa aims to improve the education and the educational facilities and encourage the
conservation of wildlife.
The only assisstance that the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Education, provides
towards Kenya’s primary schools is to supply the teachers and pay their wages. Everything else like
textbooks, writing materials, desks, blackboards and the buildings themselves have to be supplied
by the local community. It is very difficult for parents to fulfill these requirements considering that
an average rural Kenyan family consisting of roughly five children earns a wage of $2/ day on
average.
Lewa’s aim is to give children on their boundaries access to the best possible education and to create
an awareness of the importance of conservation. All of the classes are invited to tour Lewa where
most see animals such as rhino and elephant for the first time in their lives. Lewa built five schools
in the surrounding area and a trust fund pays the top student from each school each year to continue
on to secondary school. A school lunch program is one of the main objectives for all five schools in
the coming years.
This is a special project for AAZK that is intended to be in addition to “Bowling For Rhinos” (BFR)
408 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
and not meant to take away from the BFR effort.
We want to make this project available for those
wishing to support conservation through
education. If your Chapter (or you as an
individual) would like to support the “Adopt- A-
School” program, please make checks payable
to: AAZK, Inc. and mail to:
“Adopt-A-School Program”
c/o Barbara Manspeaker
AAZK Administration Office
3601 SW29“’St., Suite 133
Topeka, KS 66614-2054
A Letter of Thanks....
'^eoA PaMif,
a/i£- well a4iJi 'leqmJU
We ^i^ceiued the $400 /\eo44^ ^keltcm^ tmM/uii
tkeHepmMd 6cka&l pAocyiam - necewed
tkcmk ipu letteA, and 'leceifi.
"Pke Lmck pmcyiam iia/decl m ea/me^i 'UqJii ajfte^
ike mcmeif came m. ^ke 4.ckoaL kad aJmui /O haCfA^
mai^ m 6icfAa(^ 6a dupfiemented tkeiA wUk
ek^ kac^ Iteand^ and cmkmcj, ail 6a tkai tke
diudenid- could heed on a diet oh “cfitkeoi' (h^ded
mk/duae oh mcU^ and keand-) eae/ufdat^. "kkid. koA.
keen oeAd^ dddcceA^hnl and tke pdd/pdlA. one kap^pdf, cmd
well h^!
Jkodoeaea, 9 will ccmtinue ta keep ipodd. updcded on
tke pAOdjAedA oh tke ddckoel and tke peopAddm.
Once cupain, 9 would tike to- tkank ifou da muck h/oe
alt {fOuA dddppanl and canceAn.
kedl widkeA,
Anne Puklu
klducalion Ohh^ceA
(Editor ’s note: The $400 mentioned in the letter came
from donations to the Adopt-A School Program
initiated last year by AAZK Executive Director Ed
Hansen.)
Kangaroo
Pins are $12.00 each (S & H Included).
Tb order: List the pins and the number
of each you want along with your name
and complete mailing address. Make
checks payable to Dallas Zoo Keepers
Associatiou, Mail your order to: AAZK
Pins, c/o Dallas Zoo, 650 South RX.
Thornton Frwy., Dallas, TX 75203.
A Pewter Pin Makes a
Great Gift
And the Proceeds Support the 2004
National AAZK Conference,
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 409
A Bizzare Monkey Born
A report from Kenyan AAZK member Lawrence Ng ’ang Ngugi
Animal Keeper, Mt. Kenya Animal Orphanage, Nanuiki, Kenya
What would you call a primate born of an olive/Nubian baboon mother and a golden-bellied crested
mangabey father? Taxonomically, the two parents share the same family: Cerpithecidae. The olive/
Nubian baboon belongs to the genus Papio and the mangabey belongs to Cercocebus. The species
names are Papio anubis and Cercocebus galaritus chrysogaster respectively. Definitely the baby
has no taxonomic group. We at the world famous Mount Kenya Game Ranch Orphanage have
settled on the name “MANGABOON” for one of the only hybrids of its kind ever bom.
The golden-bellied crested mangabey at our orphanage is named Gabby. Rejoined other orphans in
1992 when he was intercepted by C.I.T.E.S officials in the Zurich airport while being smuggled out
of Africa and was brought to the animal orphanage. This mangabey is one of the rarest races found
in the Congo forest. They are arboreal in habit but sometimes descend to the ground in search of
food. They have long limbs and slender bodies but males are relatively robust, quite strong and
savage. Like other arboreal dwellers, they are agile leapers.
On the other hand, our orphan (the baboon) is named Tabby. Baboons are generally African in
distribution with the anubis extending across tropical Africa from Nigeria to the Sudan, Kenya and
Tanzania. They are terrestrial in habit but retire up the trees to sleep. Baboons are the largest and
most powerful primates after Anthropoids (i.e human like). Tabby was found abandoned and brought
to the orphanage from the Laikipia plains in 1997. Being altricial in habit, primates can get stressed
in solitude and therefore we always strive to bring up families at the orphanage.
When Tabby came in, she was introduced to Gabby for companionship sake. By and by, they grew
intimate with Gabby becoming very protective. They courted, but due to non-compatibility of their
anatomy it was difficult for them to mate, but they soon found a way to get round the difficulty.
After almost half a decade of trying, they are now blessed with a female infant named Safari. (Born
when our directors were out on safari (i.e. Journey).
Before the expected birth of the Mangaboon, not one of the orphanage staff had a clue that Tabby
was pregnant. After all, the two belong to different genera therefore, nothing was expected to go
beyond mating. Two months before parturition. Tabby had an abnormally enlarged abdomen and we
thought she could be developing a gastrointestinal malfunction, or had some type of worms. We
administered dewormers and kept an eye on her. On the morning of 30 June, 2003, Tabby was
unusually lying on the ground instead of her room up in the shelf We were tempted to administer an
antibiotic drug but waited and decided to give it time. An hour later, one of our keepers called to say
“Tabby is a mother”. Alas, so labor pains had been the trouble! As it is tradition with the orphanage
staff, an impromptu naming ceremony was held over cup of tea and hence the names “Mangaboon”,
and “Safari”.
We also have observed tremendous behavioral changes in Gabby since the birth. He lately behaves
so much like a father unlike before. He lets the female share in the preferred food type offered like
bananas and maize cobs among others. Initially he would keep the female at a distance until he was
done with the best part of the food. He is also more aggressive towards visitors; I bet in the name of
protection. He occasionally plays with the baby, but Tabby watches very closely and will snatch her
away immediately if the baby makes the slightest noise. Safari is healthy, growing and learning the
tricks of her kind. I hope she grows up to be a big girl and that there will be more sisters and
brothers.
410 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
Book
Review
The Last Big Cats: An Untamed Spirit
2003 Text by Erwin A. Bauer, photographs by Erwin and Peggy Bauer
ISBN 0-89658-593-X
Voyageur Press, 123 North Second St, Stillwater MN 55082
Hardcover, 160 pages, 160 color photos, $29.95
Review by Christine Clark, Educator
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Erwin Bauer and his wife Peggy were on photo safari in Tanganyika. Bauer spotted a hippo at a
watering hole. The tangle of jungle was too thick to get a clear shot of the hippo. Bauer quietly
slipped out of his jeep, and silently made his way toward the unsuspecting hippo. About halfway
there Bauer got a strange feeling and stopped in his tracks. Ahead, right in his path was an adult
lioness. As he resisted the urge to bolt he started to notice several other feline faces staring at him.
Not yielding to terror, he carefully backed away to the safety of his jeep, where he sat for a long
while. The introduction of The Last Big Cats opens with this narrative. The author then goes on to
talk about his 50-plus years photographing big cats. He defines “Big Cats”, and lists some of the
traits and characteristics they share. He gives fossil evidence, historical references and summarizes
present day research.
The book is then divided into seven chapters, one on each cat - lions, leopards, cheetahs, tigers,
snow leopards, cougars and jaguars. Each chapter includes a silhouette of the animal’s front track,
a current range map, and of course several photos throughout the text. At the end of each chapter
are a series of photos as well.
The text includes many anecdotes of the Bauer’s combined 80 years observing and photographing
wildlife. The descriptive narrative takes the reader on a journey as the author recalls their adventures.
He includes general natural history information - range, wild diet, special hunting techniques, and
reproductive information. Bauer also writes about human/cat conflicts including human
encroachment of cats’ habitat and tales of man-eaters. Each chapter closes with a look at the cat’s
status in the wild and the pressures, both past and present, on their population numbers.
Bauer has made some interesting observations during his many years studying cats. He also cites
information by long-time researchers George Schaller, Alan Rabinowitz and Mel Sunquist. Some
of the more interesting observations made were; a tiger sharing his kill with two females and four
cubs, evidence of leopards thriving on the fringes and slums of cities in Africa by living on rats,
house cats, stray dogs and even human derelicts, and that female cheetahs (who don’t defend
territories) travel over 600 square miles to find prey and avoid other females.
This book is easy, quick, interesting reading without much hard science included. It is truly a coffee
table book with as many pages of text as photos. Bauer admits in the introduction that photos of
cheetahs, jaguars and snow leopards are taken in breeding facilities. However, no reference list of
photos is given so one wonders where and under what circumstances some of the photos were taken.
A few of the cats look captive fat (or they possibly just engorged in a big lunch) and some backgrounds
don’t look quite real. Bauer includes great prey photos and landscape photos of habitat, some of
which are breathtaking. If you are looking for a reference book on big cats you won’t find it here.
If what you want is a book with interesting and descriptive tales of a photographer’s years studying
big cats with plenty of pictures, this is it.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 411
Aquarium Plants
By Christel Kasselmann
English Edition 2003
ISBN 1-57524-091-2
Kreiger Publishing, P.O. Box 9542, Melbourne, FL 32902-9542
5 1 8 pgs. Hardback $84.50
Review by Dan Conklin, Aquarist
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL
This book is a hardback English translation of the German author Christel Kasselmann. She is an
experienced author of aquatic plant literature and has put together a comprehensive reference for
the amateur aquatic plant enthusiast and the professional botanist. If growing aquatic plants is one’s
goal, this book may prove to be just what is needed for success and is the most useful aquarium
plant book 1 have read. The author has collected data from her extensive field experience and identified
the environmental conditions aquatic plants inhabit. Scientific information concerning reproduction,
flower biology, morphology, and reference literature is also included.
The first 1 7% of the book discusses various habitats, lighting, propagation, flowers, and selection of
aquarium plants. The remainder of the book treats each of over 300 species individually with
synonymous names, distribution, description, aquarium growth conditions, and at least one
photograph. The pleasant consistency and organization of this process makes it very readable and
easy to find information for a specific species. A part of this format contains botanical jargon to
describe morphology. However the glossary is adequate for assistance if needed. A most useful
aspect of this work is that truly aquatic species are differentiated from emergent species. This is
very important since this may be the most overlooked criterion when it comes to keeping aquatic
plants. Many plants are only temporary in submerged growth form and this of course explains why
a particular species does not do well in the long run when kept underwater. An Appendix gives
helpful data on temperature ranges and optimums, leaf morphology, and common names for 48
species. Part of the Appendix is dedicated to lighting preferences by indicating relative strength of
light
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in aquatic plants, particularly in an aquarium
context.
MOVING?
Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents
every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519
(U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com
to report your new address.
412 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
By
Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium
Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo
Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium
Sampling Methods
This month I want to discuss methods for collecting water samples from your tanks. Now for most
small systems this will not be of major importance since the water will be pretty homogenous over
the entirety of the system. One reason is the small volume of water in the system, another is that
turnover is generally high, so mixing is generally well accomplished. But for larger systems, where
and when you collect a water sample for testing can make a large difference in the measurement you
get. Example: We had a 1000-gallon jellies exhibit that fed water from the filter sump to the tank
from the bottom and returned it from the bottom. While this sounds silly, the return jets sprayed
across the intake and kept the jellies from becoming stuck to the intake. The tank was initially filled
with freshwater to rinse it and then salt was added to the sump to bring the salinity up to 32 parts per
thousand. We took water samples from the sump to test the salinity on a daily basis for about a
week. After that week we noticed what appeared to be a thermal layering in the tank. We then
tested the water directly from the tank and found it was a salinity barrier and not a thermal one. The
top three quarters of the tank had not mixed at all. Salinity at the top was one part per thousand and
the bottom quarter was at 32 parts per thousand.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 413
Luckily, we were a good two months from using the tank. The change in salinity was enough to
cause a barrier to further mixing given the filter set up on the exhibit. This example is an extreme
one but does illustrate the need to sample water from various areas of the system. So how do you go
about it?
First, most people will take a water sample from the easiest place to reach the water, such as we did
with the jellies tank by taking water from the sump. While a standard place to take water sample is
ok on a normal basis, don’t become complacent! Work it into your routine to collect from different
spots. One of the things we have even done is to collect samples while diving an exhibit. (Ok, the
exhibit needs to be big enough to dive. . .) Simply take a closed sample bottle with you and open it
in the desired location for the sample. Make sure to elose it tightly before moving again. Some
institutions have even used devices made to deep water sampling, very expense, but illustrates my
point.
Don’t forget about other parts of the filter system as well. Samples should be taken periodically
from the sump, biofilter, protein skimmer, or sand filters if you have the ability. Another example,
a large institution (and I’m not naming names) was having trouble getting the biological filtration
stabilized on their exhibit. The system consisted of a tank, protein skimmer, bio filter, rapid sand
filter, and ozone treatment injected into the return line of the tank. They suspected the ozone of
causing problems but could never get ozone readings from the exhibit. Yet every time the ozone
was turned off the ammonia load started to decrease over time, and then would spike again when the
ozone was turned back on. Finally they took samples from the biofilter and found that while the
ozone was not reaching the exhibit it was reaching the bio filter and slowing down the bacterial
growth there.
So to summarize, make sure to spread your water sampling around the system. We tend to think that
all the water in a system is the same but there are many ways it can become separated even with
strong filtration.
A quick reminder: The authors of the Water Column are always willing to answer any questions you
might have. They can be about filtration systems, water chemistry, or aquatic life. If we don’t
know, we will find out for you! We also welcome feedback from readers about previously published
columns. Questions and comments may be submitted to us by email at:
Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/
Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/
Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/
Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
414 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 10
Moles on Poison Dart F roq Dreedinq
at the Little D ock ^oo
By Jeffrey S. Pfeiffer, M.S., Amphibian & Reptile Keeper
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
Introduction
Poison dart frogs (genus Dendrobates) are tiny, tropical and subtropical anurans found primarily in
Central and South American rainforest areas. Dendrobatids are among the smallest of frogs, many
species having a maximum adult size of 2.5 cm (one inch) or less. They are also among the most
colorful, many species being adorned in bright greens, yellows, blues, reds, or combinations of
different colors. This garish appearance serves as a warning flag to potential predators that many of
these frogs possess some of nature’s most potent toxins in the secretions of glands in their skin. In
fact, the inhabitants of the rainforest areas where these frogs occur rub the tips of their blow darts on
the bodies of these frogs to make them into lethal weapons (hence the name “Poison Dart Frog”).
There are several dozen species of poison dart frog that are commonly found in zoos and private
collections. Some are fairly large (for dart frogs) and therefore tend to be better animals for exhibit
viewing than the (many) really tiny ones. The Little Rock Zoo currently houses four species of
Dendrobatids: the green-and-black poison dart frog {Dendrobates auratus), the blue poison dart
frog {D. azureus), the yellow-and-black poison dart frog {D. leucomelas), and the dyeing poison
dart frog (D. tinctorius). These four species were chosen for their relatively large size (up to 5 cm
in length/1.97 in.), bright colors, ease of maintenance, and exhibit potential. The green-and-black
poison dart frog is bright green or olive in color, with numerous black blotches and cross bands.
The blue poison dart frog, as the name suggests, is blue in color. The back of the frog is usually
patterned with numerous dark spots. This frog is rigidly protected in the wild, and captive breeding
by zoos is strongly encouraged. The yellow-and-black poison dart frog is very similar to the green-
and-black, with yellow replacing the green color. The dyeing poison dart frog is one of the most
beautiful of the dart frogs, being a bright blue in overall ground color, with dark legs, and a yellow
or white netlike pattern on the back. The blue and the dyeing poison dart frogs are among the larger
dart frog species, reaching the 5 cm length mentioned above; the other two species are slightly
smaller, averagings cm (1.18 in.) in length.
Because of their small size, and the fact that they are animals of the humid rainforests, they require
special care and exhibit setup. The exhibit should be liberally planted with live mosses, bromeliads,
ferns, orchids, and other tropical plants. Only the tiniest of food can be eaten; the diet of the frogs
at the Little Rock Zoo consists primarily of flightless fruit flies {Drosophila hydei) and pinhead
(week-old) crickets. Termites are also provided when available. The feeder insects are dusted with
a good multivitamin powder before being offered to the frogs. Like most other amphibians, dart
frogs must lay their eggs in very damp areas, and the tadpoles that hatch must be able to find a water
source in which to grow and develop. In nature, the frogs usually lay their eggs in a jelly-like mass
on a leaf overhanging a small body of water. Once the tadpoles hatch, they slide their way into the
water, where they remain as tadpoles for several months. Once they begin to lose their tails and
sprout legs, they emerge from the water and begin their life on land.
In captive situations, however, special modifications must be made. The Little Rock Zoo has been
breeding dart frogs since early January 2001. This manuscript will describe the methods and results
of the breeding program at the Little Rock Zoo for the four species described above. It should be
noted that the procedures used here at our zoo may or may not be the same as those used at other
institutions; the following is the program that was established at our zoo and what worked for us.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 10 415
Methods
Breeding groups were established for each species, which generally consisted of two to three females
and three to four males. Adult males can usually be distinguished from females by the presence of
enlarged toe tips on the male’s front legs. Males generally have a sleeker, less “round” appearance
than the females, and male frogs can often be seen “calling” to attract potential mates and to establish
territories (female frogs do not call). The adult frogs were provided with a “breeding hut”, an
inverted half-coconut shell with a doorway cut into the bottom. This hut was placed over a small
glass dish such as a Petri® dish. Generally, once the females are ready to lay their eggs, they will
enter the hut and deposit their eggs in a cluster on the dish. The egg mass will contain anywhere
from two to ten eggs. The male then moves over the eggs and fertilizes them, covering them with
sperm. Once fertilization had taken place, the dish was then removed and placed into a plastic
container (clear “shoe box”) with a small amount of water on the bottom to keep the humidity up.
The container was then covered with a lid and the date recorded. Another breeding hut was placed
into the exhibit with the adults, as each female may produce as many as 12 clutches of eggs per
season.
IMMI *'51 <1 -S' 31
Freshly laid eggs are clear and round, and surrounded by a jelly-like matrix. Each egg will have a
tiny black dot in the center; this is the developing embryo. Embryos that are healthy will start to
grow and become elongated a few days after
the egg is laid. Non-viable eggs will have a
yellowish or cloudy appearance, and no
growth or change will be seen. Aftoii about
two-and-a-half weeks, tiny tadpofesAjan be
seen wiggling inside the eggs. The tadpoles
emerge from the eggs a few days later.
Occasionally the tadpoles will have trouble
breaking free of the jelly-like matrix and must
be manually removed from the mass. This is
accomplished by separating the target tadpole
from the mass with a new, clean razor blade
and carefully slicing away the jelly matrix. A
small opening in the matrix must be made that
will allow the tadpole to escape. A gentle
stream of de-chlorinated water trickled over
MOHTvAlC.N
F
Green and black poison dart frog eggs -
1 day old. Photo: Daphne Brock
the egg will aid in the escape process.
Extreme care must be taken not to cut or
damage the tadpole in any way. An injured
tadpole will die. It is also very important
that the tadpole is freed of all traces of the
jelly residue. If any remains on the tadpole
it will not survive.
Once freed, the tadpoles were housed in
individual containers of water; small clear
plastic disposable drinking cups were used
for this purpose. Each cup contained
approximately 100 ml (3.4 fluid ounces) of
water. We used aged, carbon-filtered water
that had been treated with Tetra® Blackwater
Extract (one ml per gallon) to maintain a
slightly acidic pH. The water was kept at a temperature ranging from 23° C to 26° C (74°-79°
degrees F.). The tadpoles were fed a small amount (a “pinch”) of plant-based flake fish food
Green and black poison dart frog eggs-
17 days old. Photo: Daphne Brock
416 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
(Spirulina) daily. Several hours after each feeding, the water in the container was changed. Generally,
growth is quite rapid, and within two to two-and-a-half months tiny rear legs can be seen sprouting
from just in front of the tail. Within the next two weeks the front legs start to emerge, and the tail
begins to noticeably decrease in size. At this time the tadpoles, which have been black in color up
to this point, begin to assume the colors and patterns of the adults. A week or so later and the tail
has disappeared entirely, the legs are strong and well-developed, and the little froglet is ready to be
moved into its permanent enclosure. The frogs will mature in about 18 months.
Green and black poison dart frog tadpole
10 days after hatching. Photo: Daphne Brock
Green and black poison dart frog tadpole
63 days after hatching. Photo: Karen Caster
MONTvIC
P- 07645
Green and black poison dart frog tadpole
74 days after hatching. Photo: Karen Caster
Green and black poison dart frog tadpole
80 days after hatching. Photo: Karen Caster
During the first year of our breeding program (2001), we concentrated on breeding only the blue
poison dart frogs (breeding group: 4.2 [male-to-female ratio]) and the green-and-black poison dart
frogs (breeding group: 5.2). As all frogs in each group were housed together, the results present total
numbers of frogs born to each breeding group, without taking into account the individual fecundity
of each particular mother. In the second year of the program (2002) we added the dyeing poison dart
frog (3.2) and the yellow-and-black poison dart frog (2. 1 ) to our program. Observations were made
as to the numbers of clutches laid by the females in each group, the total numbers of eggs laid, and
the numbers of tadpoles that successfully reached maturity. In addition, it was noted the length of
time it took for each frog species to make the successful transition from hatchling, through
metamorphosis, and into adult.
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 417
Results and Discussion
In 2001, we had our greatest success (in respect to actual numbers of offspring produced) with the
blue dart frogs. Much less success was achieved with the green-and-black dart frogs. The results
of our first year of breeding with these two frog species are shown in Table 1 .
Table 1. Breeding results for Blue and for Green-and-Black Dart Frogs (2001)
Frog species
Total U
clutches
produced
Total #
laid
Total #
eggs
hatched
Total #
tadpoles
survived to
adulthood
Survivorship
of tadpoles
hatched
Avg. time to
complete
metamorphosis
(days)
Blue
17
88
29
13
49%
73
Green-and-Black
7
24
6
1
17%
63
In 2002, the dyeing and the yellow-and-black dart frogs were added to our program. The blue dart
frogs produced fewer clutches than the previous year, while the green-and-black dart frogs gave
results similar to those achieved in 200 1 . The dyeing dart frogs achieved the highest success rate of
all the frog species tested in regard to numbers of eggs produced and offspring that reached adulthood.
The yellow-and-black dart frogs yielded fewer clutches, but had a higher rate of hatchlings surviving
metamorphosis. The results of our second year of breeding for all four frog species are shown in
Table 2.
Table 2. Breeding results for Blue, Green-and-Black, Dyeing, and Yellow-and-Black Dart Frogs (2002)
Frog species
Total#
clutches
produced
Total #
eggs
laid
Total #
eggs
hatched
Total #
tadpoles
survived to
adulthood
Survivorship
of tadpoles
hatched
Avg. time to
complete
metamorphosis
(days)
Blue
5
19
14
8
57%
83
Green-and-Black
3
9
4
1
25%
66
Dyeing
5
37
15
12
80%
79
Yellow-and-Black
1
7
6
6
100%
67
As shown in the preceding tables, the blue dart frogs seemed to maintain a fairly constant rate of
success as to the percentage of young that survived to adulthood. While the actual numbers of
clutches decreased in 2002, the survivorship of tadpoles into adults remained fairly consistent. The
tadpoles of the blue dart frogs also seemed to have a longer development period than the other frogs,
remaining in the tadpole stage up to two weeks longer than the other species. The green-and-black
dart frogs did not produce an appreciable number of clutches in either year. The dyeing dart frogs,
while producing the same number of clutches as the blue dart frogs, deposited a far larger total
number of eggs; furthermore, they also had a much higher rate of survivorship than the blue dart
frogs. The yellow-and-black dart frogs only produced one clutch; however, all of the offspring
hatched survived to adulthood.
The results obtained in our breeding program were hindered by several important factors. Foremost,
our sample size was very small for each species; larger breeding groups would probably show a
much wider variation in success rates. Also, a more lengthy study could be undertaken, extending
several seasons to see if any patterns presented themselves. All of the frogs used in the program
were obtained as adults, and information on the ages of the frogs was often lacking. Therefore, any
patterns relating to the ages of the breeding adults were not able to be determined. Generally, adults
have an optimum age for greatest breeding success, and accurate information on the ages of the
breeding adults would be very helpful in a study such as this one.
As the frogs born here at the zoo develop and become sexually mature, many more combinations of
breeding groups can be established with frogs acquired from other institutions. It is hoped that the
eventual result will be breeding groups of known ages and of significant numbers to provide more
meaningful data as we continue the dart frog breeding program at the Little Rock Zoo.
418 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
CMCZ AAZK Chapter
The employees of The Cape May County Park
and Zoo are proud to announce the official
designation of their own local Chapter of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers. News
of the approval by AAZK’s Board of Directors
came in June of this year.
Founding members have appointed officers:
President Sheri Hickok
Vice President Jessica Schera
Treasurer..... Jim Quirk
Secretary..... Tracey Carr
is the Mountain Bongo Repatriation Project
under the guidance of the Bongo Species
Survival Plan and the Rare Species Conservatory
Foundation. The Chapter would like to raise
money to help support the foundation that sent
the Zoo’s youngest female bongo, Mara, to the
breeding sanctuary in Kenya for participation in
a program in which her offspring will be
reintroduced to Mount Kenya.
The Chapter’s first fundraising event was an
employee barbecue held in June, which brought
in almost $500.00 in proceeds. Plans are
underway for additional activities including a
Beef and Beer benefit in the winter, which will
be open to the public.
—Jessica Schera, Vice President
Chapter
Mews
Motes
The Philadelphia AAZK Chapter
The Philadelphia Chapter hosted its second most
successful Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser in
June. We raised over $7400 this year to support
the national effort. Thank you to our committee
chair Betsy Karkowski and the rest of the
Bowling for Rhinos Committee for all their hard
work! In addition, we now have a donation box
with a graphic describing this unique fundraiser
in front of our new white rhino exhibit, which
raises an additional $50-$ 100 each week and
spreads the word about rhino conservation.
The Philadelphia Zoo hosted a free-flight bird
show this summer, brought to us by Natural
Encounters, Inc. The Philadelphia Chapter of
AAZK would like to thank the NEI staff for all
their support this summer, from coming to all
our social events (including BFR!) to helping us
with our Keeper Evening program. We
appreciate all of their help!
—Catherine Vine, AAZK Liaison
A M E R )l C A N
ASSOCIATION
OF ZOOKEEPERS
PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER
Dallas Zoo AAZK Chapter
The Dallas Zoo had another good BFR turn out.
We tried a new event this year along with
Bowling for Rhinos, we had Sailing for Rhinos.
We raised $10,438.97. Alex Vasquez was the
top money raiser for the second year in a row.
Once again everyone had a great time.
—Kim Beldin, Dallas AAZK Liaison
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 419
EO Editors - Dawn Neptune, Utah s Hogle Zoo
and Rachel Cantrell, Disney ’s Animal Kingdom
Can primates receive adequate primary diet from an enrichment unit?
By Sarah Jane G. Webster, University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
Primate survival is increasingly dependent on human support as various species become endangered
and due to the rising number in captivity. Primate caretakers are also aware of the demand to
provide a natural lifestyle for primates in captivity. The living accommodations and enrichment
tools are a vital role in a primate’s life under human care. Animals in captivity have a strong need
for enrichment opportunities. They need mental and physical stimuli as much as any animal in the
wild. Primates are of particular interest because of their close connection to human existence.
Foraging is a natural process for most primates that contributes to their mental and emotional well-
being. In research done at York’s Wild Kingdom in York, ME. efforts were made to provide an
enrichment opportunity for the primates in captivity using specially designed units described below.
Cebus Capucinus, more commonly known as Capuchins, are of the family Cebidae and can either
be found in wet lowland forests or dry deciduous forests. Capuchins usually weigh between 4.4-
6.6kg (9.7 to 14.51bs). All Cebidae are omnivorous with diets consisting of fruits, insects, seeds,
flowers, and occasional small vertebrae. Like most new world primates in the wild, a good portion
of the day is spent foraging. Whether they are foraging in secondary growth, mature forests, or
mangrove forests, they will break open seeds and nuts over rocks; consume the ripest fruit by biting,
squeezing, and smelling for ripeness.
These nomadic primates occupy areas of that vary considerably in size. Some reports give an
account of home ranges varying from 1/sq km to 1 1 1/sq km (.4 to 42.9 sq. mi.). These groups do not
typically tolerate different groups of the same species well, being very territorial. However, different
groups’ ranges often overlap by about 40% and the groups do forage well alongside each other.
(Nowak, 1999)
The zoo habitat is designed to be practical for both the animals and zookeepers. The captive enclosures
have the necessities of the wild, yet the ease and comfort that the zoo provides. Yet there are
obvious limitations to zoo habitats, such as the enclosure of 300 square meters in comparison to the
size of their natural habitat. On a typical given day, the capuchins can be found swinging, jumping,
etc. around the enclosure or sitting on perches and ledges. If no stimulus is provided all is either
quiet or there is mischief to be had.
420 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
The capuchins are normally fed out of buckets hung on the outside of the enclosure. The buckets
are left up over night and taken down the next morning. The zookeepers in care of the primates
report that the capuchins normally eat about 80% of their primary diet given to them directly from
the standard feeding bucket. The remainder is either spilled on the ground for later consumption or
wasted. Given that about 20% of the diet is potentially wasted when feeding from a bucket, capuchins
can do no worse and can only benefit from the mental and physical stimuli of the foraging unit. This
keeps the monkeys busy for the allotted time that the unit is available, without hindering their
dietary consumption. The capuchins will forage off of the ground for any food that has been dropped
or left over and are busy with this task for much of the remaining daylight hours. Foraging subsides
at dusk and then begins as the morning dawns. When the capuchins are given their diet in the
normal daily feeding bucket, they are less busy and less stimulated than in their own habitat, resulting
in diminished mental activity. The capuchins benefit, both mentally and physically, from the use of
a foraging unit for their feeding.
Capuchins as well as other primates in
captivity tend to lose their natural foraging
habits. They lack the opportunity to forage
because it is much more convenient for
caretakers to feed in buckets. A foraging unit
is a human-made device that requires
physical and mental effort on the part of the
forager. The unit itself is 60.96 centimeters
wide and 66.04 centimeters tall, with a depth
of 10.16 centimeters (24”w x 26”t x 4”d).
There are 224 cavities on the back of the unit,
two circles of 35 cavities each covered by
two rotating discs, 60 cavities on the top and
bottom ledges, along with two sleeves with
50 hidden cavities. The unit is entirely
polypropylene plastic for its durability and
weighs about 14.0616 kg (31 lbs.). The
capuchins need to align the holes in the
rotating disks with the cavities containing the
food in order to be fed. For monkeys that
are unfamiliar with the units, it can take a
few hours or a few days if the introduction
of the unit is handled properly. Some
primates, as demonstrated by a particular
male macaque (Macaca sp.), are so intelligent
that they realize that in captivity they will receive their diet at a particular time and thus are too lazy
to forage through the use of a foraging unit.
Given a foraging unit, a capuchin will utilize it to the best of its ability. Can a primate receive its
entire primary diet form a foraging unit, benefiting the primate both mentally and physically? Two
capuchins at York’s Wild Kingdom were given (the Macaca 2008) foraging unit twice a week for
approximately ten weeks. The primary diet was cut up and placed in the units’ 430 cavities, made
available to the monkeys for two and two and half hours. Both capuchins worked diligently at the
unit, removing pieces of food with all their fingers and thumbs, holding on to the side of the cage
with feet and/or tail, until a sufficient amount of the diet was eaten or on the ground, where it would
then be eaten. After the time allotted was up, the pieces of food were counted and the percentage
was calculated to find the proportion of the primary diet the capuchins would receive from the unit.
On average the capuchins consumed 81.6% of their primary diet given from the unit, taking more
time and effort foraging to receive their diet. The excess food left in the unit was then made available
to the primates to ensure the entire diet was available. The highest percent attained from the unit
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Voi 30, No. 10 421
was 90.3% and the lowest was 76.25%. The less frequently the unit was used for feeding, the lower
the percent of the diet was obtained. The lowest percent attained from the foraging unit was after
not receiving the unit for an entire seven days
There are fewer leftover pieces of the primary diet when the diet is consumed through use of the
foraging unit. This may be due to the size that the fruit and vegetables are cut into, leaving less
waste than the larger pieces consumed out of the feeding buckets. The units are a bit more time
consuming for the caretakers to fill and clean, but well worth the extra effort. It is a better alternative
to hiding the diet in the enclosed cage (another foraging technique), as this would be unsanitary. On
average it would take about 27.49 minutes to fill the capuchins unit. Yet, over time it became easier
and more efficient to fill. At the beginning of the research, it would take anywhere from 32.25
minutes to 45 minutes to fill the unit. Over the ten weeks test period, it has become easier, filling
the unit as fast as 21.09 and 19.36 minutes.
The capuchins receive slightly over 8 1 .6% of their primary diet from this unit. While there is only
a slight benefit to feeding the capuchins out of an enrichment unit in terms of the efficiency of
feeding, the other benefits are numerous. These benefits include extra mental and physical stimulation
and close approximations to wild behavior. It is my assumption that any other species would also
benefit from receiving their diet from an enrichment unit. These foraging units provide an excellent
opportunity to stimulate and observe foraging behavior of the capuchins and other primate species.
Reference
Nowak, R.M. (1999). Walker’s Primates of the World. Baltimore & London:
The John Hopkins University Press.
Acknowledgements
I thank Fauna-Tek of New England Exotics Inc and York’s Wild Kingdom of York, ME for making
this research possible, www.fauna-tek.com.
And Looking Towards the Season of Holiday Leftovers...
With the end of Christmas come a great opportunity to provide enrichemt for many of the animals.
Christmas trees (not pine) free of any debris and that were not sprayed with any chemicals provide
a great, cheap and easy enrichment for many of the zoo animals. Not only do the animals love the
often once-a-year treat, but the public loves watching them play with and eat the trees. In my area
we gave the elephants, rhino, maned wolves and bison trees. All of them enjoyed them but the
strongest reaction besides just eating the tree (elephants) came from the bison. They were all fighting
over who got to scratch their backs with it next. We simply tied a rope around the base of the tree,
threw is over a tree branch in the yard so it was hanging upside down and let them play. It took all
of 10 minutes. Even easier yet, just set the tree in the exhibits and place food items in it.
submitted by Erin Dowgwillo, Elephant Keeper
Birmingham Zoo, Inc., Birmingham, AL
(Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety
considerations. Always think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You
are invited to submit materials for the Enrichment Options Column. This might include
recipes, toys, puzzle feeders, olfactory enrichment ideas, etc. Drawings and photos of
enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment, 3601 S. W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka,
KS 66614-2054. Eds.)
422 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
Treatment of Bronchitis in a &iant Panda
By
Wendy Gardner, Giant Panda Keeper
Zoo Atlanta , Atlanta, GA
One of the greatest challenges facing zookeepers is medicating their animals. Veterinarians work
closely with keepers to choose the most effective, yet least offensive tasting course of treatment.
Keepers use creativity to find foods to “hide” or mask oral medications plus many institutions also
incorporate animal training to teach animals to accept being hand injected.
Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), especially the two in Atlanta, are neophobic, meaning they are
afraid of new food items. For the past 1 1/2 years, we have been limited in what “treats” we can feed
simply because the pandas refuse to try new items or spit out the items we offer. The list of items we
have tried in the past includes apples, applesauce, and baby foods of various flavors, bananas, cereal,
peanut butter, honey, grapes, pears and various other fruits. This is by no means an exhaustive list,
but it gives an idea of how many items we have tried. To date (2001), the only food items regularly
accepted by our pandas are Marion ® Leafeater Biscuits in crushed or whole form and apples. Oral
medications are difficult to deliver given our limited choice of vectors. Almost all the oral meds we
have given to the pandas have been mixed with a quantity of crushed leafeater biscuits and water
and then the mixture is molded into “biscuit balls”.
Zoo Atlanta’s Giant Panda department faced the challenge of getting oral medications to Yang Yang,
our male giant panda when he began showing signs of bronchitis. The first signs the keepers noticed
were bouts of coughing, irregular posturing, and irregular breathing patterns. Amount of time spent
resting increased while respiration rates decreased to eight breaths per minute (bpm). He was separated
from the female, Lun Lun and was watched very closely. Keepers and vet staff observed Yang Yang
for three days noting that his vocalizations sounded different than normal and he had an increase in
water consumption. His activity level was very low and he appeared disoriented. On the fourth day,
he was immobilized for his yearly
physical examination. During the
physical examination, chest
radiographs were taken, ultrasound
was done on his heart, abdomen and
testicles, and a tracheal wash was
used to collect fluid from the lungs
for culturing. As usual, blood
samples were also taken. The next
day, keepers noticed that the cough
had become more productive and
water consumption had again
increased. Respiration rates were
irregular and varied from eight bpm
to 44 bpm. Fecal consistency
The author with 01. Giant Panda Lun Lun remained constant during this period.
On the sixth day after keepers first noticed signs, a course of antibiotics was started. Keepers crushed
Erythromycin'*^tablets and mixed them with crushed leafeater biscuits. He received partial doses on
two consecutive days before becoming suspicious of all offered foods, even those without medications
in them, and refused to eat any. Next we tried Biaxin®, a suspension antibiotic. He did accept a
small amount, but refused all other attempts keepers made to administer this medication. Our
management team decided to switch to an injectable antibiotic. We used a long lasting antibiotic
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 423
called LA-200 (oxytetracycline). The injection caused myalgia (soreness) at the injection site
significant enough to cause stiffness and decreased mobility. After sleeping much of the next day,
Yang Yang was given a dose of Banamine^ for pain. We decided that the reaction to the injection
was undesirable enough to switch back to an oral antibiotic. Culture results were returned showing
significant growth of bordatella bronchiseptica. Based on sensitivities of these bacteria, oral
oxytetracycline was chosen as the next antibiotic to try. Oxytetracycline^ is a bitter tablet that is
quite large and we had to try and give him 1 8 tablets a day. A pharmacy was asked to make an apple
flavored powder form of the oxytetracycline since the pandas eat apples. In the meantime, keepers
offered three oxytetracyline pills crushed in lOOg of crushed leafeater biscuits, six times a day. To
our surprise, Yang Yang accepted all treatments and the apple-flavored powder was unnecessary.
In addition to administering the pills, we were asked to
“nebulize” him with an Amikacin/Saline solution twice
a day. Nebulization is a process by which a liquid is
forced into the vapor stage so the animal can breath
the vapor, inhaling the medication directly into the
lungs. Different mixtures nebulize at different rates.
Our 2.2ml Amikacin'’^ with 0.8ml Saline solution
nebulized completely in approximately 30 minutes.
This meant that keepers needed to keep the panda’s
face in front of the vapor tube and the vapor stream
entering the nostrils the full half hour. Lun Lun, our
female giant panda, was also trained for this using a
1 00% saline solution. Within a few days the medication
from the oral drugs and the nebulization process
appeared to be working and approximately four weeks
after the first signs of bronchitis were noted, the panda
management team felt Yang Yang was well enough to
discontinue all fonns of treatment. We had been able
to deliver full doses of medication twice daily for
approximately 30 minutes each session without incident
for over two weeks. We fed only apple pieces and
leafeater biscuit for reinforcement during these
sessions. We observed no aggression during the
sessions and we kept Yang Yang’s attention during the
entire session. Following this he and Lun Lun were
then allowed to be together.
After only a couple weeks of treatment Yang Yang started eating more and became more active,
within a couple of months he was back to “normal” - no coughing/wheezing, normal respiration
and vocalizations, and he was back to eating the same amounts of bamboo and biscuits that he did
before he got sick. His activity level had returned to normal, as well as his water consumption.
Yang Yang and Lun Lun have been in a positive reinforcement-training program since shortly after
their arrival in Atlanta. Keepers train behaviors that make animal management and husbandry
easier. For example, both pandas are “shift trained” to move from one enclosure to another on
command and to give body parts for examination. We believe that training has enabled us to
successfully administer medication to Yang Yang both orally and with the nebulization process.
Post Script: Since writing this paper the pandas have started to eat more food items including
bananas, plums, sweet potatoes (male only), and pears.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank: the panda keeper staff (Penny Cooper, Maia Ekstrom, Rebecca Singer and Sprina
Liu) for all of the time spent on getting Yang Yang well; Dr. McManamon for help in editing this
paper; and Megan Wilson for all of your support and comments.
The author with 1.0 Giant Panda Yang Yang
424 Animal Keeners’ Forum. Vol. 30, No. 10
LegisCdtvve ^jpdCate
Compiled by Georgann Johnston
Legislative Advisor
Sacramento, CA
New Hunting and Fishing Programs on National Wildlife Refuges
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed opening new hunting and fishing programs
on seven national wildlife refuges in Louisiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oregon
and Virginia as part of its annual Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations. The
Service also proposed increased opportunities for hunting and fishing at three additional refuges.
With the changes in this proposed rule there will be 315 public hunting programs and 274 public
fishing programs on national wildlife refuges. “Each year, millions of hunters and anglers enjoy
their favorite pastime on national wildlife refuges and this year the USFWS is proposing to expand
these opportunities,” said Service Director Steve Williams. “Since 1 903, America’s national wildlife
refuges have been special places for people to hunt and fish, watch and photograph wildlife, or
simply enjoy the great outdoors. I am committed to providing opportunities for these activities
wherever they are compatible with the refuge system’s wildlife conservation mission.”
The Service is adding the following refuges to the list of units open for hunting or fishing: Grand
Cote National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Louisiana; Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR in Minnesota
and Iowa; Boyer Chute and North Platte refuges in Nebraska; Coldwater NWR in Mississippi;
Bandon Marsh NWR in Oregon; and Rappahannock River Valley NWR in Virginia.
In addition, the Service proposed increased recreational hunting and fishing opportunities on three
refuges in Arkansas, Iowa, and Louisiana, and other administrative changes to the general regulations
governing hunting and fishing on refuges.
The USFWS proposes the following new or modified recreational hunting and fishing programs:
Migratory game bird hunting on refuges located in Lousiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and
Arkansas; upland game hunting on refuges in Louisiana, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska; big game
hunting on refuges in Louisiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Arkansas; and sport fishing on
refuges in Mississippi, Oregon, and Virginia.
In 2002, there were two million hunting visits to national wildlife refuges and six million fishing
visits. By law, hunting and fishing are two of the six priority wildlife-dependent recreational uses on
national wildlife refuges, and individual refuges are encouraged to provide opportunities to hunt
and fish whenever they are compatible with the refuge’s conservation goals. The Service annually
reviews hunting and fishing programs on national wildlife refuges to determine whether to add,
modify or remove them. Source: USFWS Press Release 27 August 2003
Molecular Biology Lab to Be Constructed at Galapagos Islands
Private zoos and institutes are joining with universities and the Galapagos National Park to construct
a molecular genetics laboratory on the island of Santa Cruz. The lab is scheduled to open in the late
fall of 2003. One of the main purposes of the lab is to analyze genetic patterns of population structure
in many species of flora and fauna living on the islands.
The lab will also do serology work in selected animals to hopefully identify antibodies pointing to
previous pathogen infections. Scientists believe that introduced pathogens are the major long-term
threat to biodiversity on the islands. Through the use of genetic analysis tools, it is hoped that
diseases can be identified, leading to further discoveries of how they migrate to the islands and how
they spread.
“Assessing and monitoring disease threats is a crucial part of conservation. For the Galapagos, all
these activities in the past required sending material off the islands, with long turnaround times,
which is no good if you, re dealing with a fast-moving disease outbreak,” said and ecologist from
Princeton University.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 425
The plan is to get the lab up and running, train Ecuadorians in lab procedures and operation, and
then turn the lab over to Ecuador, s government two or three years down the road. Source: The Scientist
Daily News 12 August 2003
Conservation Organizations to Receive Funds for Neoptopical Migratory Bird Conservation
Conservation organizations in 15 states and 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries will share
$3 million in grants for neotropical migratory bird conservation, announced the USFWS. Partnering
organizations will match these grants with $ 1 3 million. There are 34 1 species of nearctic-neotropical
migrants, birds that breed north of the Tropic of Cancer and winter south of that line. Examples of
these birds include pelicans, vultures, falcons, cranes, owls, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and orioles.
“The conservation of neotropical migratory birds extends beyond our borders and depends on
partnerships with other nations as well as states, conservation organizations and many others here at
home,” said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. “Through these grants, the Interior Department is
contributing to on-the-ground conservation projects from Maine to Cape Horn.”
The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 2000 establishes a matching grants program to
fund projects that promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds in the United States,
Latin America and the Caribbean. The money can be used to protect, research, monitor and manage
these bird’s populations and habitats as well as in areas of law enforcement and community outreach
and education.
“Neotropical migratory birds are important for our ecosystems,” said Norton. “They work as nature’s
pest controllers, pollinators and provide many hours of enjoyment for birdwatchers and outdoor
enthusiasts.”
Projects funded in the United States include activities in California, New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia,
Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York. Ohio and Oregon. Projects in the
Caribbean and Latin America include ones located in Mexico, Argentina, Belize, Nicaragua, Bolivia,
Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Dominican Republic.
Source: USFWS Press Release 10 July 2003
Proposal to Eradicate Parrot Species on Maui
Government wildlife authorities on the island of Maui, Hawaii, have proposed the eradication of a
flock of mitered conures. The birds, in a flock estimated at about 200, that are purportedly threatening
crops and native forest. A state wildlife biologist said that the birds are “a ticking time bomb” and
they may become impossible to control. The birds are reported to eat a weed called miconia, dropping
the plant, s seeds over the entire island and threatening other islands in the state, s chain.
The manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee said that officials are considering a $52,000
plan that includes land and air surveys to learn how big the bird population is and radio tracking to
find out where they are nesting. So far, there is no specific plan for removal of the parrots but the
state wildlife agency is considering shooting, trapping or netting as alternative methods. Funding
for the project comes from the state and from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A veterinarian who operates a bird rescue center on the island said that she and her staff have tried
to count the birds and have come up with only 80. She believes this is too small a number to pose a
threat and is in opposition to the wildlife department, s plan of eradication. The birds apparently
come from a single pair of pet birds released in the middle of the 1980s. Source: Honolulu Advertiser
Newspaper 11 August 2003
USFWS Releases Final EIS on Double-Crested Cormorant Management
The USFWS recently released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the management
of double-crested cormorants in the United States. The document analyzes various options for
managing rapidly growing cormorant populations to reduce resource conflicts. Cormorants have
been documented to have negative impacts on resources such as commercial aquaculture, recreational
fisheries, vegetation, and the habitat of other colonially-nesting birds. The preferred alternative in
this EIS will give local authorities a more active role in double-crested cormorant management.
The EIS evaluates six management alternatives including continuing current management practices,
implementing only non-lethal management techniques, issuing depredation permits with more flexible
426 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. SO, No. 10
criteria, issuing a “public resource depredation order” to address public source conflicts, reducing
regional cormorant populations, and establishing frameworks for a cormorant hunting season. The
Service believes a “public resource depredation order”will be the most effective alternative.
Under the EIS’s preferred alternative, a new “public resource depredation order” will authorize
States, Tribes, and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to manage and control double-
crested cormorants to protect public resources (fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats). The order applies
to 24 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin).
Agencies acting under the order must have landowner permission, may not adversely affect other
migratory bird species or threatened and endangered species and must satisfy annual reporting and
evaluation requirements. The Service will ensure the long-term conservation of cormorant populations
through annual assessments of agency reports and through regular population monitoring.
In 1998, the Service issued an aquaculture depredation order authorizing commercial freshwater
aquaculture producers in 13 states to shoot double-crested cormorants without a federal depredation
permit when the birds were found committing or about to commit depredations to aquaculture stocks.
Under the EIS’s preferred alternative, the Service will modify the aquaculture depredation order to
allow control of cormorants at winter roosts near fish farms and to allow fish hatcheries to protect
their stock from cormorant predation.
Cormorants have been federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act since 1972 after
their populations dropped precipitously due to factors such as the use of the pesticide DDT. Today,
the population is at historic highs in many areas due in large part to the presence of ample food in
their summer and winter ranges, federal and state protection, and reduced contaminant levels. The
total estimated population of double-crested cormorants in North America is approximately two
million birds.
The Final EIS can be downloaded from the Division of Migratory Bird Management web site at
http://migratorvbirds.fws.gov/issues/cormorant Source: VSFWS Press Release 12 August 2003
War Decimates Hippos
One of the world’s largest hippo populations, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga
National Park has dropped from 29,000 to 1 ,300 in less than three decades as “poachers and armed
factions kill them for their meat and teeth” says Planet Ark, Reuters 9/2/03. Conservationists hope
that a recent peace agreement ending the nation’s four-year civil war will allow the government to
better “protect the rare mountain gorilla also found in the park, and halt the slaughter of hippos “in
shocking numbers, as demand for their teeth increased in the illegal ivory trade.” Source: GREENlines
Issue #1941 9-3-03
Iceland Draws First Blood
Iceland has killed its first minke whale, the first step in its renewed effort to resume commercial
whaling reports BBC News 8/19/03. Although Iceland claims that the whaling is for scientific
research, the U.S. expressed “extreme disappointment” and reiterated that “lethal research on whales
is not necessary and the needed scientific data can be obtained by well-established, non lethal means.”
The International Fund for Animal Welfare was more blunt, saying that “Iceland cannot use science
to camouflage its desire to resume commercial whaling.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1933 8-21-03
Pipeline Could Harm Endangered Species
Conservationists are alarmed over a plan to build a 387-mile gas pipeline through “one of the world, s
most threatened ecosystems,” the shortgrass prairie of eastern Colorado and western Kansas reports
the Land Letter 8/14/03. The project, which is still in the planning phase and would connect natural
gas fields in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin with Midwest and Eastern markets, could potentially
harm both ESA listed and candidate species such as the bald eagle, piping plover, Preble’s meadow
jumping mouse, least tern, whooping crane, Ute ladies, tresses and Colorado butterfly plant. Source:
GREENlines Issue #1930 8-18-03
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 427
Bald Eagle Recovery Linked to Clean Water
Wildlife experts contend that the resurgence of bald eagles in Michigan - the number of nesting
pairs has increased almost five fold since 1980 - is a “sign of cleaner lakes and streams” says the
Detroit Free Press, AP 8/11/03. Officials credit the ban on DDT and PCBs, “along with other
environmental cleanups, legal protection for eagles and broad public support” for the recovery and
cleaner water but warn that “new sources of pollution or the introduction of new chemicals could
harm the eagles.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1930 8-18-03
Fire Pushes Iberian Lynx to Brink
Conservationists are warning that devastating forest fires that have burned some 830,000 acres in
Portugal this summer “could drive the rare Iberian lynx closer to extinction” says ENN, Reuters 8/
27/03. With only about 150 of the leopard-spotted cats left in the fire-ravaged mountains of
southwestern Spain and Portugal, SOS Lynx advised “We could be on the verge of the first-ever big
cat extinction since prehistoric times.” Besides forest habitat, the fires have “also destroyed pastures
that were feeding grounds for wild rabbits, the lynx’s main prey.” A drop in the rabbit population is
cited a main cause of the lynx population dropping by 90% over the last decade. Source: GREENlines
Issue #1939 8-29-03
Albatross Near Extinction
A new report from Birdlife International shows that longline fishing is “pushing six albatross species
further towards the brink of extinction” says www.scoop.co.nz 9/5/03. New research “reveals a
further alarming decrease in the populations of six of 21 albatross species, including one species
previously regarded as safe.” Longline fishing is credited with killing over 300,000 birds annually,
of which 1 00,000 are albatross. As a result, “all albatross species are now considered to face varying
risks of extinction largely owing to longline fishing.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1944 9-8-03
Emergency Effort to Save Pronghorn
After dropping from about 138 animals two years ago, a desperate effort is underway to save the
less than two dozen of Arizona’s remaining pronghorn antelope says the Tucson Citizen, A? 9/8/03,
The recovery effort is focusing on trying to increase fawn survival by irrigating small patches of
desert vegetation and establishing a semi-captive breeding program, perhaps using a few of the 300
pronghorn left in northern Mexico. While Defenders of Wildlife has given the emergency program
“qualified support,” they say “the real issue with the pronghorns is severe habitat fragmentation and
habitat loss because of all the barriers, a lot of fencing and roads that isolate pronghorn populations”
and make it more difficult if not impossible to adjust to the severe drought. Source: GREENlines Issue
#1946 9-10-03
Deck Stacked Against Mexican Wolf
In a letter to USFWS Southwest Regional Director, 15 conservation groups complained a “team
being formed to revise a recovery plan for the endangered Mexican gray wolf is stacked, in favor of
the livestock industry and anti-wolf groups” says Albuquerque Journal 8/14. Of 1 1 members on
the wolf recovery planning team, only three are conservation groups while the livestock industry
has seven representatives, and the final group is “suing the USFWS over wolf reintroduction.” The
recovery team is updating the recovery criteria, which currently call for delisting, “once the wild
population reaches 100 animals,”, a goal that could be met “in a year or two.” Source: GREENlines
Issue #1933 8-21-03
Endangered Snakes No Problem
A Wisconsin businessman has found that he can have a new store and protect habitat for the state, s
threatened Butler’s garter snake at the same time says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 9/2/03. Even
though the owner of Stu’s Flooring Store spent an extra $100,000 on expert consultants and project
modifications, he’s glad to go the extra mile. “I’m for protecting endangered species and plants,” he
said. “I believe in nature there’s a reason for everything. It’s no problem living side by side with
endangered snakes.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1942 9-04-03
Predators Hammer Marmots
A wolf and cougar have killed five Vancouver Island marmots, leaving “just two dozen of Canada’s
most endangered animals surviving precariously in the wild” says the Victoria Times Colonist 9/4/
03. Two of the deceased marmots were recently reintroduced into the wild from a captive breeding
population and although it is normal for cougars, wolves and eagles to prey on marmots, the small
number remaining “makes it more difficult for the population to sustain continued assaults.” The
number of marmots has “plummeted since logging decimated its mountain habitat and made it
easier for predators to seek them out.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1943 9-5-03
428 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of
each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SJV 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Please
include closing date for positions available, and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-
mail, most readers do not receive their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for
this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted.
Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: akfeditor(^zk.kscoxmail.com< Listing may be sent as MS Word
attachment. We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in
processing.
Animal Keeper - Wildlife WayStation, Angeles National Forest, CA
Please e-mail cover letter and resume to icarefortheanimals@msn.com< This is a full-time permanent
position, benefits included. ResponsibiIities:Animal keeping involving permanent resident animals which
may include big cats, bears, wolves, primates, birds of prey and other assorted native and exotic animals.
Duties include daily routine husbandry, general maintenance of animal habitats and surrounding area,
feeding and any special projects as directed by the Animal Manager. Requirements; Candidates must be
able to lift 50 pounds and be receptive to working out of doors year around. This is a unique opportunity
for the right individual to enter the animal care world.
Primate Caretaker - Primate Rescue Center, Inc., Nicholasville, KY
Please send your resume to: Jennifer Caravello, 5087 Danville Road, Nicholasville KY 40356
Please include with your resume: a cover letter describing your experience and passion for animal welfare
and a copy of your current drivers’ license. Please, no calls or emails - we’ll contact you. Description/
Responsibilities: The PRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of apes
and monkeys. We are not open to the public. Animal caretakers are responsible for enclosure cleaning and
upkeep, feeding, enrichment and assisting with minor medical procedures. We do not have direct physical
contact with animal of the animals, preferring that their main interactions be with their conspecifics.
Requirements: We are looking for highly motivated individuals with common sense and the ability to
develop creative solutions to any problems that arise. Good communication skills are essential; must be
willing to work as a member of a team. Basic knowledge of primate behaviors, operant conditioning and
enrichment a plus. Must be able to lift 501bs. and have a current drivers’ license. Minimum commitment
is two (2) years. Salary is negotiable; housing may be available.
Lead Keeper - Frank Buck Zoo, Gainesville, TX
Interested persons should apply with The City of Gainesvile, Human Resources Dept., 200 S. Rusk St.,
Gainesville,TX 76240; (940) 668-4590; www.gainesville.tx. us. com< Position open until filled. We are
seeking a team-oriented individual to fill this position. We have small town appeal and a global attitude
and interested candidates should have the same. Responsibilities: This person will supervise a staff of
five (5) and participate in the day-to-day care and maintenance of our 120+ animals and the facilities.
Requirements: Candidate must have strong leadership skills, be highly motivated, and have lots of initiative
and good communication skills. Knowledge of ISIS data entry would be helpful. Position requires an
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in one of the life sciences and/or the right combination of exotic aninal
experience. Salary ranges from $24,532.00 annually with benefits package.
Mammal/Bird Keeper - Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah, WA
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th, Issaquah, WA 98027; or
Fax to (425) 392-1076; or E-mail to CougarMZoo(@aol.com< This is a Full Time permanent position,
benefits ineluded. Salary depends on experience. Responsibilities: animal keeping involving some of the
following species: cougars, lemurs, hoofstock (reindeer/antelope/deer), macaws, parrots, cranes and others.
Daily routine husbandry, maintenance of exhibits, record keeping, assist in veterinary practices, behavior
enrichment, etc. Involvement in Education such as tour guide, mini lecture speaker, animal demos and
walks, outreach presentations, etc. Requirements: Ability to work in a harmonious manner with staff,
volunteers and supervisors and work any of the seven days of the week. Prefer AS/BS degree in biology/
zoology-related field and minimum of two (2) years full-time paid experience in zoological institution.
Keepers/Vet.Technicians - The Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS
For more information regarding this position please contact John Wright, General Curator, Hattiesburg
Zoo, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, (601) 545-4576, email: Jwright@hattiesburgms.com< This is a full-time
position with state benefits, salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Responsibilities:
The Hattiesburg Zoo is currently updating its Animal Care candidate pool. We seek career-driven, creative,
team-oriented individuals. Future openings, will be responsible for, but not limited to the following;
daily husbandry, exhibit cleaning and maintenance, diet preparation and feeding, documentation,
conditioning and training of collection, educational programs, and veterinarian assistance. Requirements:
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 429
Job requires minimum high school graduate (college degree preferred), one (1) year experience at an
AZA institution (paid or volunteer), experience with a diverse collection.
Zoo Keeper/Grasslands - Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
Send resume to: Director of Human Resources, Mike Burnett, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA
70118 or email to: mbumett@auduboninstitute.org<
Requirements: Good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-
oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or related field and one ( 1 ) year experience preferred
or equivalent combination of training/experience in the care of mammals, preferably hoofstock, carnivores
and primates. All candidates must have the ability to lift 80 lbs. and a willingness to work outdoors. A
willingness to work weekends, holidays, and/or overtime is also required.
The following three (3) internship opportunities are available at the New Jersey State Aquarium -
The New Jersey State Aquarium husbandry department is currently holding open enrollment on all our
internships.
Avian Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3)letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to: New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Kyla Fox, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Become familiar with daily activities involving our colony of African penguins, exotic birds, and reptile
collection. Responsibilities: Duties include food preparation, exhibit maintenance, and creation of
enrichment devices. Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking and have
course work in biology/psychology. Must be able to work outdoors and lift 50 pounds. Interns are required
to complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four-
year school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions
are on a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Marine Mammal Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Collette Caprio, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Learn daily activities involving animal care and training with our Seal Team. Responsibilities: Duties
include food preparation, exhibit cleaning, creating enrichment devices and observing training.
Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking, have course work in biology/
psychology, prior animal experience, be able to work outdoors, and lift 501bs. Interns are required to
complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four-year
school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions are on
a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Fish and Invertebrate Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resum, transcripts, three'(3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Nicole Grandinetti, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
The Fish and Invertebrate department offers internships each semester to qualifying
candidates. Responsibilities: The interns main responsibilities will be assisting the biologists with their
daily duties including exhibit and holding tank maintenance, food preparation, feeding, filter maintenance,
and learning all aspects on maintaining saltwater exhibits. Requirements: Interns must complete 120
hours within the semester working two eight-hour days. The typical hours for the day are from 7:30am to
4:30pm. Interns are also required to be registered for credits through a two or four- year institution. All
Interns work under a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Big Cat Internship - Wildlife on Easy Street, Tampa, FL
For more information contact Scott Lope at 813-323-5991 or email at catfoto 1 @aol.com
Two (2) positions available for six-month internship at TAOS accredited non-profit big cat sanctuary.
www.wildlifeoneasvstreet.com< Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): daily husbandry, exhibit
cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, operant conditioning and behavioral enrichment for the following
species: lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, lynxes, servals, caracals, bobcats, lemurs and other exotic animals.
We provide invaluable hands-on experience, on-site housing and utilities, safety training and educational
materials. Advanced training and long-term employment opportunities exist for the right candidates.
Requirements: applicants must be willing to work six days a week, some holidays and follow strict
safety guidelines. Hard work ethic and love of animals more important than degree.
430 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
Internships - The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL
Internships are available in Animal Health, Animal Programs and Husbandry departments. Internships
available year-round for varying lengths of time and can be tailored to the individual student’s needs.
Internships are unpaid but provide valuable hands-on experience. Interested persons should send resume to:
Human Resources, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602. For more information visit our website at
www.flaquarium.org< Responsibilities; food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, assist with medical
procedures, animal observations, daily record keeping, enrichment activities, assist with training sessions
and shows.
Aviculture Interns - Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, Hawaii and Maui
For more information on internships at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and
contacts of three (3) references to: Tracey Goltz P.O. Box 39 Volcano, HI 96785 or fax: 808-985-7034.
OR, for more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to: Mary Schwartz 2375
Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 or fax: 808-572-3574. For the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation
Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui
Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui. Responsibilities: Daily tasks include husbandry
duties such as; diet preparation, aviary and facility maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding
birds, grounds keeping, predator control. Requirements: Applicant must be able to live with several
roommates in a remote area and should show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian
birds. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and health insurance. Internships last for a 3-6 month
period. Interns receive $20/day stipend plus housing. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Service Opportunities or Internships - Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, Tyler, TX
See additional information and application at our website - www.tigercreek.org< Commencement date:
Open. Duration: Month by Month. Interested in learning more about big cats and a career path? Consider
a service opportunity at TCWR. Two (2) positions currently available at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge,
Tyler, TX. Interns are utilized for animal care positions through a qualification system. We provide:
Room & Board, Materials and Curriculum, Indoctrination and Safety Training, Opportunity for full-time
paid animal keeper positions (after training).
Internship Opportunities - National Aquarium in Baltimore
To apply for any of the following internship positions go online at www.aqua.org/education/intemships
to obtain an application form. A complete application includes contact information, answers to brief
statements listed, and a copy of college transcript. Complete applications should be sent to: National
Aquarium at Baltimore-Internships, Pier 3/501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Application Deadline: ongoing - 1 November 2003 for January and Spring terms of 2004; 1 April 2004
for Summer and Fall 2004 terms; All interns must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work within the
selected term. Interns must receive college credit for their internship. Internships are unpaid. For further
information contaet the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Internship coordinator at intem@aqua.org or
call (410) 576-3888.
Aquarist Intern
Responsibilities.' The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aquarist staff with daily care of the
Aquarium’s invertebrates and fish. Assist with tank maintenance and cleaning; Prepare daily diets and
perform daily feedings; Assist in the maintenance of back-upareas; Conduct precise record keeping; Perform
special projects to be determined by the aquarist staff Requirements: College Juniors or seniors enrolled
in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb up a 6’ ladder, and be able to squeeze across a 1 5 ’ long x 1 2” wide
platform.
Aviculture Intern
Responsibilities; The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aviculture staff with daily husbandry
activities in the South American Rainforest exhibit. Assist with and perform diet preparation and
distribution; Conduct animal observations; Assist in the cleaning of holding areas, kitchen, and food prep
areas; Provide enrichment to the avieulture collection; Perform special projects at be determined by the
aviculture staff. Requirements; Interest in working with birds. Enrolled in an accredited college,
pursuing a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field.
Herpetology Intern
Responsibilities: Tend the “Hidden Life” exhibits (large wall terrariums where small, neotropical lizards,
frogs, snakes and invertebrates are on public display); Mist and clean the off-exhibit colony of small
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10 431
arboreal lizards; Mist, clean and otherwise help tend the large, off-exhibit collection of neotropical frogs;
Prepare diets for and feed the on and off-exhibit iguanas and tortoises; Tend the locust (live food) colony,
orb-weaving spiders and colonies of non-venomous exotic arthropods (wood and hissing roaches, millipedes
and walking sticks); Assist in the maintenance of the live food cultures (fruit flies, springtails,
crickets,rats,mice); Conduct and record animal observations; Perform special projects as determined by
the herpetology staff. Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursing a degree in
Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Must be comfortable
working with frogs, lizards, rodents and terrestrial arthropods.
Horticulture
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium horticulture staff with daily activities.
Assist with care of plants in the Rain Forest exhibits; Conduct plant maintenance, fertilization, propagation,
and transplantation; Assist in display development; Perform special projects at be determined by the
horticulture staff Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology,
Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will aid in all aspects of marine animals rescue program (MARP)
operations, which involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea
turtles and implementing outreach efforts of the Aquarium’s Ocean Health Initiative. The selected candidate
is also responsible for technical and clerical assistance for the Conservation Department staff as necessary.
Duties include.- Animal Care - participating in rescue and release trips, daily feeding, medical treatments,
facility maintenance including cleaning and water changes, behavioral observations, and record keeping;
Outreach - learning to interpret the MARP artifacts and conservation messages and participation in seasonal
outreach and public education programs at the Aquarium and off site; Other duties as assigned - field
work, etc. Requirements; Must be college junior or senior majoring in environmental science or related
field with course work in biology and ecology. Summer and January terms require 40 hours per week of
work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Marine Mammal Trainer Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate is responsible for providing support to the marine mammal
training staff. This internship’s primary purpose is to teach the intern training theory. There is limited
hands-on animal contact during the internship. Duties will include: Prepares daily animal diets and
dispenses vitamins as instructed; Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal back-up areas;
Assists in training, husbandry, and medical sessions; Participates in pre-show and pre-session preparations;
Periodically participates in sessions involving swimming during enrichment and play sessions - no animals
involved; Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Must be college junior or senior majoring in life
science or related field. Must have a basic understanding of marine mammal natural history. Must have
good swimming skills. Must work well as a team member. Summer and January terms require 40 hours
per week of work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Water Quality Lab Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist in the water quality testing of all fish and mammal
systems throughout the aquarium. Duties include testing water for salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity,
and copper according to lab procedures, and recoding neat, accurate data. The selected candidate will
work closely with the Lab Technicians and the Animal Husbandry staff. Requirements; Must be college
junior or senior with general biology and chemistry work. Strong math skills and computer proficiency
preferred. Must be available to work mornings.
SOS Rhino Seeks Volunteers
SOS Rhino is looking for volunteers interested in helping us in our efforts to save the Sumatran rhinoceros.
Our Borneo Team is studying the demographics of the remaining animals in Tabin Wildlife Reserve to
determine when patrol units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role in the rhinos’ survival.
Please visit SOS Rhino, s web site for detailed information: http://www.sosrhino.org/programs/
volunteer.php Or contact Cindy Salopek, Projects Associate/SOS Rhino via e-mail at: cindy@sosrhino.org<
Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on
our website at www.aazk.org
Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings
at http://www.aza.org
432 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 10
AA7K Membership Application
check here if renewal [ ^ ]
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Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS
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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.
PRINTED IN U.S.A
© 2003 AAZK, INC.
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The Journal of the Jlmerican
Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
NinnEIIBEII2003
ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 November 2003
Vol. 30, No. 11
Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Mark de Denus, Reid
Park Zoo • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Cantrell, Disney’s
Animal Kingdom * Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. •
ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William
K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida
Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th
Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 6661-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication
costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS.
AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS
also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZ A)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA 92027 President
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Vice President
Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200
Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoological Society, Volcano, HI 96785
Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI 02905
Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Immediate Past President
COMMITTEES
Nominations& Elections
Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX
Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Annual Conferences
Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc.
Bowling for Rhinos
Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC
Marketing Resources
Bob Hayes - San Diego Zoological Society
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
ADT,E.DT and. ATP Forms
AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka
EnrichmentC-Ommittee
Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
AAZK Website
Liaison to Webmaster - Denise Wagner
AAZK Historian
Mark Levin, Elmwood Park Zoo
AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION
Biological Information (formerly Biological Values), 4th Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
AAZK Enrichment Notebook 3rd Edition - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
Animal Behavior Management
Chair - Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
International Outreach
Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Chair/Coordinator International Assistance
Debbie Richmond, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution)
By-laws
Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo
Ethics
Chair - Kevin Shelton - The Florida Aquarium
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Awards
Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo
Professional Development
Chair - Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks
printed on Recycled Paper
of Contents
About the Cover/Information for Contributors 434
Scoops & Scuttlebutt 435 - 437
From the President 438
Coming Events 439
AAZK Members and Research Workshop 2003 440
Dolphin Calf Dies at Shedd Aquarium 441
Reactions Column (Dangerous Animal Transfer or Shipment) 442 - 443
AAZK Book Sale 444
AAZK Announces New Members 445
IX International Otter Colloquium--lst Call for Papers 445
NEW - Biological Information for Selected Mammals CD Order Form 446
Determining the Effects of Humans on Brown Bears at Alaska Salmon Streams 447
Zoo Employees and Wild Animal Liability 448 -451
The Water Column (Materials for Use in Aquariums) 452 - 453
Chapter News Notes 454
Book Reviews {The Giraffe: Its Biology, Behavior and Ecology and
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises) 455 - 456
2003 AAZK Conference Proceedings Info and Order Form 457 - 458
Effects of an Environmental Enrichment on
the Behavior of Captive Pygmy Goats 459 - 465
Enrichment Options (parrots, vultures, coati, raccoons, tamarins) 466 - 469
Legislative Update 470 - 472
Opportunity Knocks 473 - 476
^bout the Cover,.,.,
This month s cover features a Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) drawn by Mary Deckert, a Docent
at the Loa Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA. One of four species known as gopher tortoises, this reptile
is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of southeast California, southern Nevada, south through
Arizona and into Mexico. More terrestrial than a turtle, the desert tortoise goes to water only to drink
or bathe and an adult may survive a year or more without access to water. They live in an inhospitable
climate where ground temperatures may reach 140°F (60°C), thus they spend at least 95% of their life
in burrows away from the extreme heat. They have flattened front limbs which are especially adapted
for burrowing. They average 8-15 lbs. (S. 6-6. 8kg) with a carapace length of 9-15 in. (23-38cm) and a
height of 4-6 in. (10-1 5cm). They reach sexual maturity at 15-20 years of age and may live from 80-
100 years. Mating occurs from Aug. -Oct. with the female producing a clutch of 4-8 eggs which hatch
after an incubation period of 90-120 days. Their diet, from which they extract most of their moisture,
consists of herbs, grasses and wildflowers. Predators, especially for the young, include ravens, gila
monsters, kit foxes, badgers, roadrunners and coyotes. Thanks, Mary!
Animal Keepers ' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping
profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed
or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as
well as in hard copy form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an
email should be submitted in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be
clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x
22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final
bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is
used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard
equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times
should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy black and white or color prints
(minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked captions should accompany
photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted electronically as
either JPEG or TIFF file attachments.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers 'Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles
of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve
as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish
articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion
of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is
requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-
breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 1 -800-242-45 1 9 (US);
1-800-468-1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month.
Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor.
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association
of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of
the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by
the author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in
this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each.
E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at:
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers ' Forum at:
akfeditor(^zk.kscoxmail.com<
AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org
BFR Website: http://bfr.aazk.org
434 Animal Keepers’ Form, Vol 30, No. 11
Scoops & Scuttlebutt
AAZK 2003 National Conference Wrap-Up
Well, the dust is settling and the damage is being assessed here in C-Town. We
all feel like a bride after her wedding day. . ..you know, all that work and now
it’s all over! On behalf of the Cleveland AAZK Chapter, I would like to thank the
286 delegates who came to our “little shindig”. A total of 34 states and two countries
were represented at the 30^’’ National Conference. Also, a big thanks to all the Chapter support,
monetarily and emotionally. We have received some wonderful feedback about the good times that
were had by all. Over $7,000 was raised in the silent and live auction. . ..thank
you for opening those wallets!
Last but not least, the end of an era came during the conference. Virgil Baird of
Toledo Zoo made his last appearance in Cleveland as the Hospitality King. We
were honored that he chose us to be his “swan song”. He has selflessly served
up beer for AAZK delegates since 1991. On Mon., 29 Sept., he was honored
with buttons bearing his likeness, and his own brew of Virgil’s “Big Woody
Lager”. I was told that a tear was seen. He is looking for an apprentice. . .is it a
union job? Virgil can now attend conferences andjust sit back and enjoy. Let’s
all buy him a beer in Dallas.... at the hospitality suite of course! Thank you Virgil and everyone
who made the conference run smoothly.
Take it away Dallas
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
From the Bowling for Rhinos Chair
Please send your 2004 Bowling for Rhinos event date and contact information ASAP to: PattyPearthree,
c/o BFR, 3 1 8 Montibello Dr., Cary, NC 27513. Chris Hartley from the Blue Rhino Gas Company will
then contact local Blue Rhino companies in your area to get their support and participation in your
event.
AAZK Grant Committees Announces 2003/2004 Recipients!
The AAZK CPR (Conservation, Restoration, and Preservation) Grant Committee is pleased to
announce the awarding of $1,000.00 to Karen Povey of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for
her project “Enhancing Clouded Leopard Awareness for North American and Thai Audiences Through
the Development of Clouded Leopard Learning Kits”.
The AAZK Zoo Keepers in Research Grant Committee has been renamed the AAZK Members’
Research Grant Committee. This committee is pleased to announce the awarding of $1,000.00 to
Tammy Root and Karen Imboden of the Indianapolis Zoo for their project “Semen Collection in
Rockhopper {Eudyptes crestatus) Penguins”.
Foraging for Enrichment Ideas?
We would like to share ours with you! The Newark Museum Mini Zoo Animal Keepers have compiled
over 100 enrichment activity write-ups for cotton-top tamarins and dwarf mongoose. We have had
successful experience with anything from mirrors to windchimes to remote-controlled baby mobiles!
Receive copies by fax or mail with updates every six months. Contact: Kristen Schmid, Senior Animal
Keeper, The Newark Museum Mini Zoo, 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102; (973) 596-6671;
kschmid@newarkmuseum.org<
An Opportunity for Professional Development Through S.A.G. Participation
The AAZK Professional Development Committee is pleased to announce an opportunity for
professional members. AZA has requested an individual to represent AAZK,Inc. on the Green
S.A.G. (Scientific Advisory Group). A S.A.G. is an AZA committee of zoo-based and university
scientists focused on a particular topic area. They serve as technical advisors to other AZA groups
and liaisons with institutions workoing on topics of interest to the zoo community. The Green
S.A.G. will be focused on environmental and recycling issues. Interested individuals must be able
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 11 435
to attend one meeting (AZA National) and commit at least one year of service (AZA has asked for 3
years). AZA membership is a plus but not required. There is no financial support, so the support of
your institution will be essential.
If Green Practices are your passion, submit your information and qualifications to Linda King at
Lmking83@aol.com. Deadline is 10 December 2003. Questions? Call Linda at (214) 670-7741.
2004 Gorilla Workshop Planned in Calgary
The Calgary Zoo is excited to announce that we are planning to host a gorilla workshop in the
summer of 2004! With the opening of our new “Destination Africa” pavilion and its huge new
living quarters for our troop of nine gorillas, we thought it only appropriate to host a workshop to
celebrate!
Plans are starting to come together and we have a website set up for those interested in more details
and for registration information. We have also set up a travel fund that we encourage everyone to
contribute to. This fund will be awarded to keepers who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Please go to our website and check back regularly for updates. The website address is: http://
2Q04gorillaworkshop.tripod.com<
We are planning the workshop starting Friday 25 June, 2004 with registration and icebreakers through
Monday 28 June at the Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre. There will be round-table forums,
guest speakers and plenty of time for keepers to exchange ideas and husbandry experience. (Please
bring a favorite gorilla treat recipe, your enrichment ideas and any photos or video that demonstrates
these...) We are also planning to have pre- and post- conference trips planned for you to enjoy the
beauty of Alberta’s mountains and prairies. There will be zoo tours of our new facility and we are
also planning the event close enough that you can take in the world-renowned Calgary Stampede at
the beginning of July.
We are also wanting to solicit papers from the gorilla community as we plan to have various topics
discussed such as, but certainly not limited to, general gorilla husbandry and the need for bachelor
groups, environmental and behavioral enrichment and training, veterinary and dietary concerns,
conservation, education and the ever-increasing concern about the bushmeat crisis. Not only will
this workshop be for those who work directly with gorillas, but we would also like to gear it to
students, researchers, docents and other gorilla enthusiasts. Please submit presentation titles with a
brief synopsis quickly as deadlines are looming! We look forward to seeing you in Calgary, Alberta,
Canada next summer!
A Global Field Guide of Wildlife Tracks- Project Announcement
I am a young conservation biologist seeking the cooperation of the international zoo community to
assist in the implementation of a simple project with big potential. The project is outlined below and
I am advertising at this stage to gauge the level of interest/likely cooperation.
The objective of the project is to develop a web-based ‘encyclopaedia’ of wildlife tracks. The
purpose is to provide freely accessible data which can be used by researchers/conservation workers/
wildlife managers to effectively monitor the distribution and population trends of cryptic (nocturnal/
rare/elusive/wide ranging) species using tracks.
Monitoring species distribution and population trends is vital for wildlife management and
conservation projects. Methods such as line transect census, mark-recapture and camera trapping
are often used, but these techniques are expensive and time-consuming for cryptic species. Track
identification has been shown to be a cost-effective, repeatable and objective alternative. However,
the use of tracks is limited by the lack of data describing appropriate measurements and sample
sizes necessary to accurately identify species, individuals, age groups and sexes.
Once it has been determined how to identify individuals of a particular species, the information
could also be used for monitoring reintroductions.
436 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
The potential to provide data for wildlife conservation is limited only by the co-operation of zoos
and species held in zoological collections. Due to in-house records, species held in zoological
collections provide a source of information difficult to obtain from wild counterparts including
individual identity, sex, weight, age, and relationships (related individuals might have tracks that
are more similar). Having such information would provide a unique opportunity to study how these
factors can be discriminated by and affect the analysis of tracks/trails for a wide variety of species
without the investment of time and money necessary for a similar study of wild individuals.
For the first stage in this project, I intend to focus on Panthera onca and Puma concolor tracks. I am
seeking to engage the co-operation of institutions with either/both of these species. Following the
collation of data for these species the results will be published in an international Journal and the
project expanded to encompass species from around the globe. The work will continue as long as
there are new species/updates to be added to the database. What is needed is for keepers to be
willing to spend time taking pictures and measurements of tracks free of charge and institutions to
agree to the work and supply relevant details. I intend to provide all equipment necessary for the
project, costs to zoos should therefore be minimal. If you think the institution you work for would
be prepared to participate in the project or want to know more i.e., personal details/ full project
proposal please email: darren_tracks@.hotmail.com< — submitted by Darren Norris
^ from the Endangered Species Coalition
700 Species Completely Unprotected - A new study presented to the World Parks Congress reveals
that over 700 species, “at least 223 bird, 140 mammal and 346 amphibian species threatened with
extinction have no protection whatsoever over any parts of their range” reports Yahoo News/Reuters.
The study by the World Conservation Union (lUCN) and Center for Applied Biodiversity Science
warned that “without an immediate and strategic expansion of the protected area system, scientists
expect a major wave of extinctions within the next few decades.” Although 12% of the planet is
“officially” protected, many of the refuges are “so-called paper parks which in fact offer few
safeguards” and many other are “so small in size as to be virtually ineffective in conserving species.”
Source: GREENlines Issue #1949 9-15-03
Extinction Stalks Lions - Wildlife biologists are reporting that in the last two decades the number
of African lions has dropped from 200,000 to only 23,000 reports BBC News. In fact, “populations
of all African predators are plummeting,” with the number of wild dogs between 3,500 and 5,000
and the fewer than 15,000 cheetahs left. The primary problem is a growing number of people,
armed with modem weapons and poisons have become highly effective in killing predators to protect
their livestock. Scientists contend the only hope is for “local people to earn money from predators,
either through tourism or through sport hunting.” Source: GREENlines Issue HI 956 9-24-03
10-20 Years Left for Orangutans - A leading researcher is warning that illegal logging could
doom the orangutan to extinction in the wild within 10 to 20 years says Yahoo News/Reuters. The
15.000 to 24,000 remaining wild orangutans all live in Indonesia and Malaysia and “by some
estimates, more than 80% of all orangutan habitat had been destroyed over the past two decades and
deforestation in Indonesia was escalating.” In Borneo’s Gunung Palung National Park, home to
about 10% of the world’s orangutans, the great apes have been “deeply traumatized by the logging,
behaving erratically and eating little.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1964 10-6-03
Seed Bank Races Extinction - British scientists at the Millennium Seed Bank are “racing against
time to save from extinction as many of the world’s endangered plants as they can” reports Planet
Ark/Reuters. So far, they have collected some 300 million seeds from nearly 8,000 species of
plants and trees, stored in glass jars at -4°F , “awaiting the day the scientists hope will never come
- when the species no longer exists in the wild.” The goal of the seed bank is to “collect 10% - or
24.000 species of the world’s seed-bearing plants by 2010.” Scientists now estimate that “within
half a century a combination of climate change and environmental pressure will put a quarter of the
world’s plant species on the condemned list.” Source: GREENlines Issue 1961 10-1-03
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 437
F
rom
the President
The 30* Annual Conference of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., hosted splendidly
by the Greater Cleveland Area AAZK Chapter, has come and gone. So to has the first ever
International Congress on Zookeeping (ICZ) held in The Netherlands. Both conferences were
well attended, an evident commitment on the part of animal care professionals worldwide to
continue to learn and grow. This Association should be very proud of its continued support of
professional development for its members and its dedication to improving captive animal care
throughout the world. There were many new faces joining familiar ones in Cleveland, and
twenty six countries were represented at the ICZ. An amazing opportunity to learn from one
another!
There are new and exciting things on the horizon for AAZK. Biological Information on Selected
Mammals, AAZK’s newest publication is now available through the Administrative Office.
This publication is 1396 pages long and contains biological data on 590 species of mammals. It
has been produced on CD which will make it considerably easier to tote around. It’s also a
commitment to go towards a more “green” approach. Look for an order form elsewhere in this
issue of AKF.
The first revamp of the website has already taken place but there are still more changes ahead.
The logistics of a “Members Only” section are being worked out and soon the Animal Data
Transfer, Enrichment Data Transfer, and Operant Conditioning Data Transfer forms will be
available for download from the website as well.
The 3'^‘‘ Edition of the Enrichment Notebook is in its final stages of production and will be
available on CD. Look for it soon. We are also looking at developing a line of merchandise
unique to AAZK. And finally, the AAZK/AZA course “Advances in Animal Keeping in Zoos
and Aquariums” will be taught for the first time in Houston, TX in April of next year.
This Association is on the move and I’m very proud to be connected with each and every one of
you through this forum. I look forward, as do Kevin, Jacque, Bruce, Bob, Jeannette, and Shane,
to serving your needs in the coming years. Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome
as we are here to represent you. Take care and be safe!
Denise C. Wagner, AAZK President
The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park
Escondido, CA
438 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Coming Events
The Sixth International Conference on
Environmental Enrichment - 2-7 November 2003
in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa. Sixth
International Conference on Environmental
Enrichment in Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo. For more
information on the conference, including fees,
registration facilities, reduced flights and pre- and
post-conference tours, please go to
www.ihbzoo.org.za or contact Mathew van Lierop
at mathew@ihbzoo.org. za or on +83 600 2677.
Karen Prvor Clicker Expos 2003/2004
7-9 November 2003, Chicago, IL; 23-25 January
2004, Berkeley, CA; and 26-28 March 2004, West
Chester, PA. Each Clicker Expo will feature 1 5 main
stage presentations and 18 workshops over three
days. Topics will cover the latest operant
conditioning techniques utilized for domestic as
well as zoo and aquarium animals. For a full
schedule and registration information, visit
wvvwv.clickertraining.com<
ACVP/ASVCP 2003 Concurrent Annual
Meeting - American College of Veterinary
Pathologists and American Society of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology joint meeting - 1 5-1 9 November,
2003 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. For more info
contact ACVP at: Phone - (608) 833-8725 exct. 145;
Fax - (608) 831-5485; email - meetings(^acvp.org;
web - www.acvp.org/meeting/
First Annual Crissev Zoological Nutrition
Symposium - 12-13 December 2003 in Raleigh,
NC. To be held at the College of Veterinary
Medicine, North Carolina State University. A
website with details and registration instructions
is posted at http://www.cvm.ncsu.edy/info/ce/
zoonutrition. htm< Special sections this year will
focus on Primate Nutrition, Food Safety, Fiber and
Forages, Vitamins and Minerals; as well as gneral
sessions. Dr. Jay Kaplan of Bowman-Grey Medical
School will be the keynote speaker, speaking on
“Phytoestrogens and Health: What Can We Learn
from Primates? An evening event on 12 December
is planned for the general public.
II International Tapir Symposium - 10-16
January 2004 - in Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Will bring together a multi-faceted group of tapir
experts, including field biologists, educators,
captivity specialists, adademicians, researchers,
veterinarians, governmental authorities, politicians
and other interested parties. Session topics will
cover field research, population management,
husbandry, fundraising, marketing, governmental
regulations, eco-tourism, education, veterinary
issues and tapir bio-politics. Visit the Symposium
website at http://www.caligo.com/tapir/ for more
information and registration details.
International Polar Bear Husbandry Conference
4-7 February 2004 in San Diego, CA. Polar Bear
International (PBI) in association with the AZA’s
Bear TAG are cohosting this conference to be held
at the Bahia Hotel on Mission Bay. They are
bringing together many of the most experienced and
knowledgeable “bear” professionals in the world,
including noted scientists, zookeepers, and
naturalists representing a broad spectrum of
institutions. Information and online registration is
now available on PBI’s website (http:
www.polarbearsintemational.org). This includes
the invited speaker list (updated monthly) as well
as the conference agenda, goals, scholarship
information and other specifics. Any questions,
please do not hesitate to call our headquarters at
(225) 923-3114.
International Association of Avian Trainers and
Educators (lAATE) - 18-21 February, 2004 in
Toronto, Canada. Hosted by the Toronto Zoo. For
more information call (416) 392-6008 or email
kbuckle@sympatico.ca, hamiltonk2000(^rogers.com<
IX International Otter Colloquium - 4-10 June,
2004 at Frostburg State University, Maryland. Theme
is “Otters: Ambassadors for Aquatic Conservation”.
For more information go to http ://otter. frostburg. edu<
2004 Gorilla Workshop - 25-28 June, 2004 in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Hosted by the Calgary
Zoo. Look for more details and registration
information as they become available at http://
2004gorillaworkshop.tripod.com<
AAV 25th Annual Conference Expo - 16-20
August 2004 - in New Orleans, LA at the Sheraton
New Orleans Hotel. For further information call
(303)756-8380 or visitwww.conferenceoffice.com/
aav<
Post Your Coming Event Here - email to
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 439
AAZK Members and Research Workshop 2003
By
Jan Reed-Smith, Chair AAZK Grant Committees
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Columbus, Ohio
The first AAZK grant program was established in 1980 and has grown from one grant of $250.00
annually to three of $1,000.00 available to AAZK members only. In 2002 the two AAZK grant
committees (Keepers in Research and the Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration established
as a goal increasing the awareness of AAZK’s grant programs and assisting members in becoming
involved in research or conservation work; the workshop held at the Cleveland National Conference
was our first step towards achieving this goal.
The information presented at this workshop will be available in the 2003 AAZK National Conference
Proceedings. Several areas of interest were discussed resulting in the addition of a few action items
to the committees’ goals. These included:
1 . The creation of a Funding Source data base. This will offer information to AAZK members on
Zoological Institutions and their grant programs including: contact name, method of contact, funding
range, types of projects funded and their priorities, and who they will fund (i.e. staff only, anyone,
etc.). If your facility has a grant program please send this information to - Kim Shotola,
Houston Zoo, kshotola@houstonzoo.org or fax 713-533-6755.
2. The creation of a Mentor data base. The mentoring list will offer names of people who have
done a certain type of research, research on a specific species, or group of species, that are willing
to serve as mentors for people just starting a research project. Mentors will be asked to help get
people started by giving them guidance on what has been done, what needs to be done, places to
look for this kind of information, etc. A mentor may be asked to help review an initial proposal but
will not be expected to become involved beyond this degree. If you are willing to serve as a
mentor please send the following information to Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo, at
jrsotter@iserv.net or jan.smith@columbuszoo.org. fax - 616-374-3263. Your name, type of
research you have done or participated in, species, email address, phone (if alright with you),
and institution.
The AAZK Member’s Research Grant Committee is looking for one additional member. If you are
interested please send your name, institution, title, and a summary of your experience to Jan Reed-
Smith at jrsotter@,iserv.net or jan.smith@,columbuszoo.org.
Current committee members are:
Members’ Research Grant Committee - Jan Reed-Smith, Chair; Susan Margulis, Lonnie McCaskill,
Anne Oiler, Beth Pohl.
CPR Grant Committee - Jan Reed-Smith, Chair; Paul Bohaska, Norm Gershenz, Patty Pearthree,
Pete Riger, Shelly Roach
The Little Rock Zoo AAZK Chapter is now offering for sale
“Eat, Drink, and Go Wild’’
A spiral bound cookbook of recipes, photos, and animal facts.
Eight sections of great tasting ideas!
To order send $10.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling to:
Little Rock AAZK Chapter, c/o Little Rock Zoo
#1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
For information: Daphne Brock, dcbrock(gatt.net
440 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Dolphin Calf Dies
at Shedd Aquarium
A Pacific white-side dolphin calf has died five
days after being bom at the Shedd Aquarium,
Shedd officials announced on 3 October. One
of the aquarium’s Pacific white-sided dolphins,
Tique, 1 8, had given birth to a male calf, but the
calf never fully learned nursing skills and died.
Marine mammal and veterinary staff had
provided 24-hour care to both mother and calf,
and Tique was doing well, according to the
institution’s news release.
The calf was conceived by artificial insemination
and was the first such birth of any animal at the
aquarium, and the second ever of a Pacific
dolphin. The other birth occurred at SeaWorld
in Florida. The pregnancy was the second for
Tique. She had given birth to a stillborn calf in
1995.
Another Pacific white-side dolphin, Kri, 1 8, that
also was impregnated through artificial
insemination last year, gave birth to a stillborn
male calf on 1 October. Kri was doing well and
would remain under observation, Shedd officials
said. Although her pregnancy had progressed
normally, aquarium officials knew it would be a
high-risk delivery because this was to have been
Kri’s first calf
The dolphin and whale habitats at Shedd’s
Oceanarium were temporarily closed so marine
mammal staff could care for the animals, but the
habitats reopened on 5 October. Source: WBBM
News Radio 780 online/Chicago, IL
MOVIIVG?
Please let us know when you change your
address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents
every time an AKF is returned because of
an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-
4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada)
or e-mail aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com
to report your new address.
THE ARK
IN THE PARK
The Story of the Lincoln Park Zoo
MARK ROSENTHAL, CAROL
TAUBER, AND EDWARD UHLER
With a foreword by Jack Hanna, this com-
prehensive history combines photographs,
oral histories and archival materials to
chronicle Lincoln Park Zoo’s development
and chart the unique role it continues to
play in the growth of Chicago and in the
establishment of zoos and preservation
activities in cities across America.
The authors detail the initially cautious,
then effervescent growth of the zoo from its
earliest years through the 1920s. Later, the
Great Depression devastated the animals
and their keepers before the recovery par-
tially helped by the WPA. Growth contin-
ued through the tenure of Malin Perkins
and one of the earliest nature shows on tel-
evision, Zoo Parade. Now, zoo leaders work
optimistically to keep the zoo ‘free’ while
increasing cooperation with other educa-
tion and preservation groups.
Illustrated. Cloth, $49.95; Paper, $24.95
Available at booksellers, call 800-537-5487,
or visit www.press.uillinois.edu
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS PRESS
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 441
^ £ /i C r / 0 £ £
/f ^iie5tiosai(iA>5t£rFoiiitfortktoo frofessioiishi Crisis ffoia^eteit
By William K. Bakery Jr.y Curator
Little Rock Zoo^ Little Rocky AR
Question
What precautions should staff members take in advance of a dangerous animal transfer or shipment?
Comments
The care and management of dangerous animals in captivity requires specialized skills. This would
include animal management, concentration, communication, and teamwork. The same can be said
for the transfer and shipping of dangerous animals. Always stay within established procedures and
avoid personal interpretation. Examples of this would include: “I know what the procedures are, but
this way is faster”, or “It has always been done this way.” Procedures for handling dangerous animals
are usually designed to protect the staff and the animals. If a problem exists, then it should be
addressed at the departmental level to effect a change in policy.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS
1. Animal - Learn to recognize species-specific behaviors and what they mean, (i.e., primary signs
of aggression). Also, each individual animal has its own unique personality that will set it apart
from other animals in the collection. It’s important to review animal and medical records to establish
if the animal has any particulars that might affect a move. This would include a history of escapes or
problem sedations. In short, know your animal.
2. Technique - The species type will, to a great extent, determine what method is chosen to move an
animal. But, the animal history should be taken into account when deciding which technique to use.
If the animal has a history of aggression and escapes, then the best choice may be to use a dart rifle
for the sedation. For larger specimens that are simply difficult to move, a standing sedation may be
an alternative. Another option is the use of operant conditioning to desensitize the animal to the
transfer process. In some situations this may even eliminate the need for sedation all together.
3. Equipment - This is probably one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to moving animals.
It is absolutely imperative that the equipment be inspected, tested, and repaired before it is used for
a dangerous animal. This would include:
A. Inspect the fittings, bolt assemblies, mesh, and weld points on all holdovers and runways
that are to be used. Inspect and test all shift doors and guillotines. Pay special attention to wires,
pulleys, and counterweights. Make repairs and replace worn locks as needed.
B. Inspect and test manual and hydraulic squeezes. Look for stress points in the metal, tighten
all loose parts, and replace all damaged parts with new ones. Lubricate all moving parts and hydraulics.
Always make sure that all controls are out of the reach of the animal, and weld sheet steel over
obvious gaps that the animal could utilize for contact.
442 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
C. Shipping crates should be animal-specific. Crates should be stored properly inside a building
or warehouse to prevent weathering. Before the crate is used it should be closely inspected. Tighten
all fittings and remove sharp edges from the interior. Use light to your advantage in the inspection
process. Check the exterior and interior with a flashlight or close the crate with someone inside to
check for gaps. If there are any doubts about the strength or stability of a crate, don’t use it!
D. Many shippers and institutions use trailers that have been customized or designed for exotic
animals. These are especially popular for hoofstock applications. Always inspect every square inch
of a trailer for wear, loose fittings, and safety hazards. Personally, I prefer the double containment of
a crate inside of a trailer or in the cargo area of a truck box for safety reasons. But, the important
thing to remember is to never use a domestic stock trailer for exotics. It’s unsafe, impractical, and
downright dangerous.
4. Animal Care - Animals should have access to food and water if they are to be in transit for an
extended period of time (more than 24 hours). Expect the water intake to increase in direct proportion
to the degree of stress. Always watch for indications of severe stress or myopathy. If possible, a
Veterinary Technician and a Zoo Keeper should accompany the animal during transit. It is a good
policy to send along a portion of the current diet for the new facility to use in acclimating the animal
to a diet conversion. Also, make sure that all paperwork, health certificates, permits, and routing
numbers are in order before shipment. Any of these can easily tie an animal up in red tape and
increase transit time. Always try to conduct air transfers early in the day to provide a time buffer and
avoid heat stress. Send the animal’s records if they haven’t been sent in advance of the shipment.
5. Crisis Management Precautions - Plan for contingencies, escapes, and injuries. It usually never
happens; but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. If the animal has a background of aggression or escapes,
it would be advisable to have extra darts or back-up dart rifles ready. Serious consideration should
be given to the presence of an armed response in the event that the situation degrades and human life
is threatened. This should be done discreetly and without interfering in the actual animal transfer.
Transfers should be conducted early in the day before public hours and while other Zoo Keepers are
in their respective areas (no sightseers).
Conclusion
Most dangerous animal transfer and transport operations go smoothly with limited risk to animal
and staff. But, the staff should always be prepared for the unexpected. The best precautions are to
use common sense, check everything twice, and go slowly. Always rely on your instincts and stop
if something doesn’t look right. Remember to make safety your number one priority. Dangerous
animals are just that.. ..Dangerous.
Next Month: Do you have any recommendations for preventing human encroachment into a
zoological facility?
If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published
materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614
Attn: Reactions/ AKF
(About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology, and wildlife
management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-graduate
studies in zoology. Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team Leader, ERT Member, Large Mammal
Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological facilities. His area of research is
crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as
a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid
Instructor.)
Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 30, No. 11 443
AAZK Book Sale
Sale price is 20% off the Suggested Price
Previous books may still be available, with some price increases
Sugg. $ Sale $
$15.95 $12.76
$25.00 $20.00
$49.95 $39.96
$18.95 $15.16
$29.95 $23.96
$19.95 $15.96
Item Title/Description
Pronghorn: Portrait of the American Antelope - Gary Turbak, The
author, with photographer Alan Carey, creators of Twilight Hunters,
invites the reader into the life of this graceful animal of the American
prairies. Focusing on the pronghorn’s history and behavior, this book is
a tribute to the antelope’s evolutionary tenacity and its ability to exist in
a meager habitat. 144 pages, paper
The Cougar Almanac: An Exploration of the North American Lion -
Robert H. Busch. The cougar’s elusiveness shrouds it in myth,
misguided beliefs, ignorance and fear. This work demystifies the
big cat, providing information about its habitat, behavior, biology,
and most important its attempt at survival in its diminishing wild
domain. 224 pages, paper.
Form and Function of Insect Wings: The Evolution of Biological
Structures - Dmitry L. Grodnitsky. Grodnitsky offers a comprehen
sive overview of the functional morphology of insect wings, “the
most diverse kind of animal aerial locomotion,” from the viewpoint
of general biology. Chapter topics include general information on
insect flight, vortex aerodynamics, the diversity and evolution of
flapping flight, wing morphology, and general evolutionary
concerns. The book also contains a novel insect taxonomy at
supraordinal level and throws light on contemporary Russian
evolutionary theory. 280 pages, hardcover.
Wild Earth: Wild Ideas for a World Out of Balance - Tom Butler,
Editor. For more than a decade. Wild Earth magazine has dedicated
itself to redefining the conservation movement. Where once the goal
was to set aside parks and preserves, the emphasis now is on re-
wilding the land and connecting viable habitats across the continent.
In light of these ideas, editor Tom Butler has collected the magazine’s
most provocative articles and essays to date. 361 pages, paper.
Wings in the Wild: Habits and Habitats of North American Birds -
Paul Kerlinger. Spectacular full-color photographs and engaging text
offer a detailed portrait of birds in their natural environments. Six
habitats - arctic tundra, forest and field, ocean, desert and scrubland,
freshwater, and seashore - are covered in individual chapters, each
providing a fascinating look at how birds are uniquely adapted for life
in their own little comers of the world. 191 pages, paper.
The Biodiversity Crisis: Losing What Counts - Michael J. Novacek,
Editor. This book offers a clear understanding of the present threat
to life on Earth posed by the current mass extinction in Earth’s
history, which has taken place over the last five hundred years.
Unlike prior extinctions, this one is clearly a direct result of human
activity, not of natural phenomena. Engaging and accessible. The
Biodiversity Crisis presents the best scientific thinking in language
and images that we can all understand. 224 pages, paper.
To Order: List the items you are ordering along with your name and complete mailing address. Include
a shipping fee of $3 for the first item and $2 for each additional item. Check payable to: “AAZK Book
Sales” (US FUNDS ONLY - NO CASH OR COD’s please). Sorry we cannot process credit card
orders.
Call or fax for shipping fees when ordering from outside the continental United States before
sending any money. We will work to find the best form of shipment.
Mail requests to: AAZK Beardsley Zoo Chapter, attn.: Linda Tomas, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT
06610-1600 Phone:203-394-6563 Fax:203-394-6566 E-mail: beardslevz@.aol.com
444 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS
AAZK Announces
New Members
IX International Otter Colloquium
Otters: Ambassadors for Aquatic Conservation
New Professional Members
Rebecca King, Zoo New England (MA); Jil
Bakaj and Heidi Hellmuth, The Philadelphia
Zoo (PA); Kim Byers, Natural Bridge Zoo (PA);
Kathryn E. Gillis, Jenkinson’s Aquarium (NJ);
Nicole Bouwens, ZooAtlanta (GA); Daniela
Graham, Miami Metrozoo (FL); Lisa Jessel, Jeff
Carter, Heidi Hauch, Sean Carmichael, Cindy
Hall, Bonnie Young, John Kenyon and Tarah
Brikerhoff, The Zoo in Naples (FL); Katherine
Walcott, Birmingham Zoo (AL); Mona
Lamoreaux, Montgomery Zoo (AL); Laura
Sarbaugh, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (OH);
Kim Tropea, Akron Zoo (OH); Elizabeth J.
Auch, Cedar Cove Feline Conservation Park
(KS); Tim Brost, Simon Gazaryn, Debra Knighton
and Bill Franklin, Zoo Boise (ID); DeLaura van
Pallandt, The Phoenix Zoo (AZ); Alisa Johnson,
The Living Desert Zoo (CA); Molly Compton,
no zoo listed (Santa Barbara, CA); Rick
Murphy, no zoo listed (Dublin, CA); Heather
Cave, The High Desert Museum (OR); and
Shirley Gautreau, Magnetic Hill Zoo (NB,
Canada).
Renewing Contributing Members
Steve H. Taylor, Director
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
William H. Disher, Volunteer Observer
San Diego Zoological Society, San Diego, CA
Renewing Institutional Members
Central Park Zoo
New York, NY
Dr. Dan Wharton, Director
South Florida Prosimian Enrichment Center
Miami, FL
Jason Abels, Director
The IX International Otter Colloquium will be
hosted on the campus of Frostburg State
University (MD) on 4- 1 0 June 2004. We are now
accepting abstracts for paper and posters sessions
at the colloquium. Information and instructions
for submitting abstracts and other contact
information can be obtained from the
colloquium’s web site thttp://otter. frostburg. eduV
Please distribute this information to: colleagues
with an interest in otter biology, ecology,
conservation, veterinary care, and captive
management. A considerable portion of the
conference will focus on issues related to the
conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Consequently,
we encourage those with research interests related
to aquatic ecosystem management to participate
in the colloquium.
A one day workshop focusing on captive issues
has been added for June 3'‘*. Please submit
abstracts to Jan Reed-Smith at irsotter@,iserv.net
or ian.smith@.columbuszoo.org. The registration
cost for this day is $25.00.
We also are encouraging rehabilitators working
with otters to participate, please share this notice
with any you know are/have worked with otters.
r
A
THE
GOURMET
RODENT,
INC.™
RATS AND MICE
Bill & Marcia Brant
6115 SW 137th Ave., Archer, FL 32618
(352) 495-9024
FAX; (352) 495-9781
e-mail: GrmtRodent@aol.com
® All Rl/ihts Reserved
Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 30, No. 11 445
Just Released.
Biological Information on
Selected Mammals 4th Edition
CDROM Version
A product of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc,
The 1,396 page Biological Information on Selected Mammal Species CD covers a wide range from
general, breeding, and young-rearing behavior to diet and physical descriptions of 590 species. The
volume is in a PDF format allowing searches by Species (Common or Latin name); or Key words
using the Find function; or by Species (Common or Latin name). Family; or Order using the
Bookmarks. Table of Contents are given for Orders, Families, Species by Common Name, Species
by Scientific Name, and Species by Order and Family. The Appendices cover a variety of information
from behavioral patterns common to families (Bovid displays) to taxonomy (Primates). References
are listed by Order and Family.
Biological Information for Selected Mammals CD Order Form
(Please type or print clearly)
I wish to order copy (ies) of the Biological Information for Selected Mammals CD
AAZK Member $25.00 Non-Member $40.00
Price includes Domestic and Canadian First Class Postage.
Overseas orders should add $5.00 per CD for Air Mail Postage.
Mail to:
Name
Address Apt. #
City State/Province Zip/Postal Code
Payment Options: check enclosed Mastercard VISA_
(checks payable to AAZK, Inc. U.S. Funds ONLY)
Credit Card # - - -
Exp. Date Name on Credit Card
(please print clearly)
#copies X price $
postage (if applicable) $_
Total for Order $
Signature
Phone #
Email
Mail completed Order Form and payment or authorization to: AAZK, Inc., 3601 SW 29th St., Suite
133, Topeka, Kansas 66614-2054 USA ATTN: BISM Order. Phone orders using a Mastercard or
VISA credit card may be placed by calling 1-800-242-4519 (U.S. ) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada)
446 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Determining the Effects of H umans on
Drown Dears at Alashan vSalmon St reams
Animal care professionals with an interest in bears have a unique opportunity before them
to participate in a field study of Alaskan brown bears. The Alaska Department of Fish and
Game is conducting a multi-year survey to determine the effect of humans on bears at
Alaskan salmon streams; and they are seeking qualified Bear Viewers for the 2004 season.
Groups of five people are needed to provide the research team with Viewers at the
appropriate times through the season, volunteers will participate in field trials for four- to
six-day periods beginning in mid-June and extending to mid-September. There will be a
month-long period from mid-July through mid- August without Viewers. Each person's
field time is expected to be about four days. But because of the distances involved, variable
weather and tides, the entire journey is planned for eight days.
Volunteer Viewer participants will travel independently to Alaska, join up with their
scheduled groups at a predetermined point and remain under the supervision of Alaska
Department of Fish and Game biologists for the duration of their camp visit. Once the
commitment has been completed. Viewers may want to spend extra time in Alaska on
their own.
A total of 75 Volunteer Viewers are sought for the project, and first consideration will be
given to full-time zoo employees. This is being done to provide the project research
team with viewers possessing experience observing and working near wildlife; and to
create an opportunity for those who may not
have participated in fieldwork before. Minimum
age for participation is 18 years.
The cost of participation will be borne by the
individual Viewer participants in the study.
When the 2004 season logistics have been firmly
established, a final, itemized price tag will be
published; but at present the estimated total
expense for each Viewer participant could range
from $1,000 to approximately $1,500. A deposit
of $100 will be due by 20 November 2003.
Want to Know More?
We have a CD containing photos and all the
printed information necessary to make a
decision and register to participate. (Please, one
CD per institution.)
Stacey Johnson, Fort Worth Zoo
(817) 759-7190 sjohnson@fortworthzoo.org
Bess Frank, Milwaukee County Zoo
(414) 256-5449 efrank@milwcnty.com
Sean Farley, Alaska Dept, of Fish & Game
(907) 267-2203
Sean_Farley@fishgame.state.ak.us
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 447
Zoo EmploLjees and Wild T^nimal LiaiDilitij
By
Brett Banner, Zoo Keeper
Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
In the book Landscape and Memory, historian Simon Schama describes an unfortunate incident that
occurred over 150 years ago at the London Zoo:
When, in 1852, the first “keeper of serpents,” one Edward Horatio Girling... downed three pints of
ale washed down by gin, and blind drunk, began to wave a cobra about, it not unreasonably bit him.
Two hours later, at the University College Hospital, he was dead. And while the sensational accident
gave rise to a great deal of predictable sermonizing in the newspapers about the drinking habits of
the working classes, it was, of course, phenomenally good for the turnstiles through which crowds
passed, lining up to view the murderous reptile peacefully curled about his branch behind the glass.
(Schama 1995: 562.)
Anecdotes such as this serve to remind us that those who work with potentially dangerous wild
animals have an obligation to be careful and clear-headed; obviously Girling was neither.
It is unusual to come across a description of an animal related injury to a zookeeper in a history
book such as Landscape and Memory. One who wishes to research this particular topic would not
normally consult the typical historical accounts. Instead, the most productive source of information
on animal injuries to people is judicial case reports. These can be thought of as a special kind of
history, the history of lawsuits. Indeed, the legal literature includes several suits involving zoos,
aquariums, and the wild animals on display. Some of these cases stand out because the injured party
was a zoo employee, or because a zoo worker was actually or potentially involved in the animal’s
injury to another. This article is an account of such litigation.
The style of this paper is informal; it is intended to acquaint the reader with significant liability
judgments regarding zoo employment without delving into all the legal particularities. I have
elsewhere presented a more formal look at the development of tort law for keeping captive wild
animals (Bannor, 2003). Except where noted, all information comes directly from the published
case reports.
The Wandering Washington Wolf
Personal injury cases involving wild animals have frequently focused on the difference between
strict liability and negligence (Keeton 1984:541-42). In other words, if person A keeps a wolf
captive and it injures person B, is A automatically liable simply because he kept the wolf, or does it
have to be shown that either A or B was at fault?
Often in a wild animal injury case, it is plain that there was negligence on the part of someone. For
instance, if A owns wolves, keeps them in a flimsily constructed pen, and one escapes, attacking B
as he is jogging through the neighborhood, it is obvious that A is negligent because of his shoddy
enclosure. On the other hand, if A has a very secure wolf cage, on posted private property, and B
walks right up to the enclosure, sticks his arm within, and is then bitten, it is clear that B’s negligence
is the paramount cause of the injury, assuming B is a competent adult.
What happens, however, when there is no apparent negligence? What if A takes every reasonable
care to keep his wolves secure but one still escapes and harms B who simply is in the wrong place
at the wrong time? Neither A nor B seems negligent, so to declare A responsible is to take the strict
liability position that our wolf keeper is liable simply because he chose to keep wolves. But is it
significant if A was not the owner of the wolves, but was merely employed to care for them?
It was in a 1904 appellate court case in Washington, D.C. that such abstract reasoning found a
concrete occurrence. Having escaped its enclosure at the National Zoo, a wolf left the zoo grounds
and wandered onto private property, where it attacked Hannah Jackson. Jackson did not simply sue
the National Zoo; she also specifically named Baker, the zoo superintendent, in the suit. Thus it was
not just a lawsuit against the Smithsonian Institution, the zoo’s management, but also a claim against
the person employed to look after the wolves.
In Jackson v. Baker, the court clarified the difference between the application of strict liability to an
animal’s owner, such as the Smithsonian, and the animal’s caretaker, such as Baker. Specifically,
448 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
since there was no negligence on Hannah Jackson’s part, the Smithsonian could be held strictly
liable for the accident. Baker, on the other hand, could not be held liable unless there was evidence
presented that he was negligent.
The court explained Baker’s freedom from liability in this manner; It must be remembered that the
regents of the Smithsonian Institution have power and authority to send such animals to the park as
the regents may deem proper. It is necessarily the duty of the superintendent of the park to receive
them. He has no discretion in the matter... therefore the keeping of the animals is his lawful duty
and obligation, and the law will not hold him responsible for an injury inflicted by an animal, except
the injury has been occasioned through (his) negligence.
In fact, no such evidence of negligence by Baker or by anyone else was presented in the record. He
was thus off the hook. The Smithsonian, on the other hand, did not have the defense of claiming
lack of negligence. The wolf belonged to them; under a theory of strict liability they were liable for
its actions.
August Bormann’s September Injury
August Bormann was an employee of the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 1890s. At the time,
the city maintained an animal collection at the city’s West Side Park. One of Bormann’s duties was
caring for deer and elk that were kept together in an enclosure. It was on September 29, 1893, that
Bormann entered the exhibit and was, in the terse words of the Bormann v. City of Milwaukee case
report, “attacked and seriously and permanently injured and wounded by said animals.”
On appeal, the case went all the way to the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, where the decision centered
on the concept of assumption of risk. This is defined as the position taken in a negligence suit that
the injured party voluntarily exposed himself to a potentially dangerous situation even though he
knew the hazard existed (Gifis 1996:36).
Wisconsin’s highest court accepted Milwaukee’s assumption of risk argument and ruled that Bormann
had no justifiable claim. The opinion declared:
The plaintiff... must conclusively be presumed to know the habits and propensities of such animals.
With such knowledge, or presumed knowledge, he voluntarily entered upon the service... The rule
is familiar that a servant assumes the ordinary risks incident to the business in which he engages.
To the Bormann court, then, no consideration was due any notion that perhaps a second keeper
should have been present. Nor was it brought up that use of a shift pen could allow the keeper to
safely access the main pen free from direct contact with the elk. Bormann assumed the risk by
being a Milwaukee employee and gmng in with the animals, and that was that.
The facts and the decision in the Bormann case were in many respects repeated nearly six decades
later in the 1965 case of Oklahoma City v. Hudson. Lynn Hudson was a zookeeper at the Oklahoma
City Zoo. One day he was cleaning the zoo’s lion exhibit. The big cats, of course, were off display
in a holding unit. Suddenly the lions knocked open the door separating the exhibit from the holding
and severely mauled Hudson. He was quite fortunate in that he survived, and as a result of the
accident he instituted a lawsuit against the city seeking $57,300.00 in damages.
A lower court issued judgment in Hudson’s favor; the city appealed, and the case went before the
Oklahoma Supreme Court. As in the case of Jackson v. Baker, the key legal question was whether
strict liability would be imposed. The lower court ruled that Oklahoma City was strictly liable,
since they owned the lions. The state’s highest court, however, reversed this decision and granted
the city’s motion for a new trial. In distinguishing Hudson from other Oklahoma precedents in
which strict liability for owners of wild animals had been imposed, the state supreme court noted
that Hudson was not a visitor to the zoo, but rather he was a zoo employee. Thus, because Hudson
had assumed the risks inherent in zookeeping, he could not recover on a theory of strict liability.
Only if he showed that Oklahoma City was negligent and that he was not could he win his suit.
Hudson had failed to do so in the original trial; he alleged that the doors were faulty but under oath
admitted that he was not entirely positive he had latched the doors shut.
Big Gibbon Bite in the Big Easy
It is the most natural thing for a zoo employee to desire: to take a friend behind the scenes at the
workplace. Perhaps there is nothing wrong with this if the zoo authorities have no objections and if
safety concerns are not compromised. However, all zoo and aquarium personnel should be aware of
the 1978 case of Normand v. New Orleans, for it serves as a cautionary tale.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 449
One evening, Frank Ercole, an employee of the Audubon Park Zoo in New Orleans, realized he had
earlier forgotten to turn off the water to a pool in the zoo’s primate area. He drove back to the zoo
with his brother, also a zoo employee; his neighbor, Cindy Normand; and her two-year-old son
Mark. Arriving at the zoo, Ercole discovered that someone else had already turned the water off. At
this point, he decided to take Mrs. Normand and Mark to the service area for the primate units.
Ercole did this even though he was not a primate keeper. Furthermore, it was past closing time and
the zoo had a policy forbidding employees from bringing visitors into the park after hours. Finally,
employees were not allowed to take visitors into certain areas — such as the behind the scenes primate
area — at any time.
Mrs. Normand held her toddler son in her arms as Ercole led them through the narrow corridor
behind the primate cages. Ercole apparently cautioned little Mark to keep his hands to himself.
Two year olds are unlikely to heed such advice when in the presence of unfamiliar stimuli, and
Mark would prove to be no exception. He pointed at a gibbon; the ape in turn grabbed his hand and
severely bit it.
Ercole was fired after the incident, and Mrs. Normand sued the city and the Audubon Zoological
Society for the injury to her son. When her suit was dismissed by the local district court, she
appealed to the Louisiana Fourth Circuit.
The key issue raised was the applicability or lack thereof of master-servant law. This is a legal
manifestation of the relationship between employer and employee that holds the employer liable for
the actions committed by the employee while he is acting within the scope of his employment (Gifis
1996: 309). The court’s task, then, was to judge whether Ercole’s conduct was a part of his job, in
which case the city would be liable for Mark Normand’s injuries under strict liability, or if Ercole’s
actions were not employment related, in which case the city was not liable and the suit would be
dismissed.
Not surprisingly considering the circumstances, the city prevailed. In its opinion, the court wrote:
Although the employee... originally returned to the zoo to perform an employment task, his conduct
in taking a child beyond the guard rail, into close proximity with wild animals, was such a significant
and unpredictable deviation and departure from his employment duties and was so unrelated to
service of the employer as to remove the conduct from the scope of his employment. The conduct
was more properly characterized as motivated entirely by personal considerations... the Commission
was not responsible...
Courts typically restrict their holdings to the facts of the case before them. Accordingly, there was
no examination of similar hypothetical situations. What if Ercole had actually been a zookeeper
who worked with the primates? What if zoo employees were not expressly forbidden from taking
visitors into the zoo after hours in general or into the primate service area in particular? Had these
been the facts, would Mrs. Normand have prevailed under the master-servant doctrine?
Here, these questions are asked rhetorically. The important lesson for zookeepers is that before we
treat friends or acquaintances to a look behind the scenes at our workplace, we must know whether
zoo management has granted approval for such acts.
The Sooner Bathhouse Bear
Perhaps the strangest case in the annals of animal law occurred in Oklahoma in 1938. It fits the
scope of this article not because a zookeeper or other employee was involved, but because a visitor
saw fit to try to assume the duty of a zookeeper.
The city of Mangum, Oklahoma, maintained a small zoo adjacent to its municipal swimming pool.
Included in the collection was a bear pit surrounded by a rock wall; this enclosure could only be
accessed from the bathhouse of the pool. One day the bear escaped from its pit. Bill Bolen, a visitor
to the park with no connection to the city or the zoo, decided to help secure the animal. He described
himself as a friend of the bear, which helps explain the rather bizarre actions he took. Incredibly, he
first tried to push the bear over the rock wall and back into the pit. The bear snapped at him, so
Bolen quickly abandoned this idea. He instead proceeded to lead the bear through the bathhouse
with the intention of taking it through the access door and back into its pit. Going through the
bathhouse, Bolen and the bear encountered a boy named Earl Brownlee who had come out of the
pool and was about to get dressed. The bear bit the boy’s leg and held on to it for several minutes;
only by beating the animal with a hammer were others able to free Earl Brownlee from its grasp.
Young Brownlee’s leg required extensive surgery and he was on crutches for weeks.
450 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 11
In District Court, a judgment was entered in favor of Earl Brownlee and requiring the city to pay
$1,100.00 for his injuries. The city appealed, and so the Okalahoma Supreme Court heard the case
of City ofMangum v. Brownlee. Attorneys for the city argued that the municipality was relieved of
its liability because of the actions of a third party. That is, they argued that Bill Bolen’s conduct
caused the accident and the city could therefore not be held at fault.
The court rejected this line of reasoning. It noted that the city had a duty to perform the bear
retrieval task itself, but declared that the mere fact of Bolen’s effort to lead the bear back to its
exhibit did not in any way render the city immune from a resulting lawsuit. Thus, the judgment for
Brownlee stood.
A comparison between Normand v. New Orleans and Mangum v. Brownlee is instructive. Notice
that in the New Orleans case, the city was held not liable because a zoo employee was behaving in
an irresponsible manner when the injury occurred. By contrast, in Mangum it was not a zoo employee
but a zoo visitor who engaged in inappropriate actions contributing to the injury — and in this case
the city did incur liability. Put simply, these results suggest that absent other legal considerations,
courts will apply a higher standard for zoo employee conduct than for zoo visitor conduct. This
hardly seems surprising.
The Pittsburgh Shark and the Volunteer
A recent case considered an injury to a zoo volunteer. Nancy Sakach was a volunteer assistant in the
dolphin training program at the Pittsburgh Aqua Zoo. Most of her duties did not involve direct
contact with the animals. She would bring supplies to the dolphin training area, clean up after
training sessions, and keep records. She did, however, have one task that required her to touch
dolphins. Under supervision of the dolphin trainer, Sakach brushed a male South American river
dolphin as this marine mammal reclined on a ledge next to the pool.
One day in March 1990, Sakach was thus engaged as the dolphin lay on its back. Sakach then stood
up, at which point the animal flipped over and grabbed her hand, biting off the tip of a finger. The
volunteer sued for $50,000.00 in damages.
The Court of Common Pleas for Allegheny County entered a verdict in Sakach’s favor. However,
in Sakach v. City of Pittsburgh the city won the case on appeal. While the lower court relied on
theories of negligence and strict liability in ruling in favor of the volunteer, the appellate court
accepted the city’s contention that it was immune from liability for a suit such as this one.
Key to the decision was a Pennsylvania statute that read: Except as provided in this subchapter, no
local agency shall be liable for any damages on account of any injury to a person or property caused
by any act of the local agency or an employee thereof or any other person.This is an expression of
the so-called doctrine of sovereign immunity, which holds that the government or sovereign cannot
be sued without its own consent (Gifis 1996: 479).
In granting this immunity, however, the Pennsylvania law provided exceptions under which the
City of Pittsburgh and other governments could face liability suits. One such exception declared
that liability could be imposed in cases involving animals that were:
...in the possession or control of a local agency, including but not limited to police dogs and
horses. Damages shall not be recoverable... on account of any injury caused by wild animals,
including but not limited to bears and deer...
To clarify, then, this meant that a municipality in Pennsylvania could be sued if a police dog escaped
and bit someone. On the other hand, if someone driving on a Pennsylvania road hit a deer, he could
not sue any governmental entity for damages to his car.
The question thus arose in this case: is a dolphin in a public aquarium more like a police dog, an
animal belonging to a local agency, or is it more like a deer crossing the highway, a wild animal for
which damages were not recoverable? The Sakach court accepted the latter position, that the
Pittsburgh dolphin was wild, and thus the city was immune from a lawsuit for its damages.
One could certainly argue this interpretation of the statute. It seems quite clear that the very reason
the law mentioned bears and deer as examples of wild animals, instead of, for instance, tigers or
elephants is that bears and deer are native to Pennsylvania while tigers and elephants are not. Thus,
the law as written seemed to have contemplated injuries or damages caused by wild animals that
belonged to nobody, not captive wild animals such as would be found in a zoo. Indeed, if one
Continued on page 476
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 451
By
Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium
Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo
Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium
Materials for Use in Aquariums
Most aquariums on the market are either glass or acrylic, held together with silicone sealant or
welds. Both these materials are proven workhorses in the aquarium industry, but what about other i
materials? What can you use for the various fittings, filtration pieces, even furniture for your tank?
I want to talk about the pros and cons of various materials this month.
So, we all know that glass is a fairly inert material that as a long lifespan in both fresh and sea water.
It is strong, clear, and resistant to most chemicals. On the other hand it is heavy for its strength, does
not have good sheer strength and hence is prone to breaking. It also cannot be repaired in most
cases and does not polish (to remove scratches) easily. It also has to be tempered or laminated to |
protect from shattering into dangerous large pieces, and this lamination is prone to clouding between j
the panes of glass. For these reasons many aquarium tanks are now made of acrylic or Plexiglas™, 5
but acrylic is not without its drawbacks as well. Acrylic is lighter in weight than glass for the same |
strength. It can be molded into numerous shapes, and is relatively easy to fabricate by welding or ^
solvent gluing. Acrylic can be polished to remove scratches. It has similar chemical resistances to i
i
glass, although it will not stand up to strong acids or bases as well as glass. Acrylic does tend to bow !
under stresses and is not used as a structural material because of this. Another factor is it can warp |
when exposed to high humidity conditions. Try using a piece as a tank lid and you will notice it j
f
begin to bow upwards along the edges. If you flip it over it will then bow in the opposite direction. i
So what about other materials?
Wood has long been used around aquariums. It has good structural strength in the short run but
there is its natural tendency to rot (being of organic origin) to deal with. Certain species of wood
will last as exhibit furniture better than others, of course. Cypress comes to mind since we have had
a stump in one of our freshwater exhibit for 1 0+ years now. Softwoods, such as pine, will not last as
long as the hardwoods but are generally cheaper to purchase. Other than exhibit furniture we have
used wood as temporary holding tanks once it was coated with several layers of two part epoxy.
Most of the time we have used wood for stands and other support structure due to its ease of use and
inexpensive price tag. One word of caution with using wood around exhibits; most pressure-treated
lumber (green lumber) can be toxic to animals, especially aquatics, and should not be used. While
pressure-treated lumber will last longer in wet conditions, it should only be used for support structures
and not in direct contact with exhibit water.
452 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
An alternative to wood for support structures is the new plastic lumber that is entering the market. It
is not as strong as natural wood, it tends to bow more, but it can be fabricated much the same as
natural wood. It will not rot, and has similar chemical resistances as acrylic. It is more expensive
than wood and is not yet as readily available. We began using it about a year ago and are slowly
replacing all the wood structure with this material.
A third choice is fiberglass. Fiberglass is another old standby for the aquarium industry. It is very
inert, has very high chemical resistance, and is very strong for the weight. Fiberglass can be used in
direct contact with exhibit water and is often used for larger diameter pipes since it is stronger by
weight than PVC pipe. Fiberglass can be molded into almost any shape. It can be bought in hundreds
of pre-made shapes and sizes from piping to I-beams, floor grate to flat sheet. Fiberglass’s main
drawback is it is difficult to work with. Even simple drilling will create a very irritating dust.
Joining two pieces of fiberglass (if not done with bolts or screws) requires grinding the surfaces to
raw material, then applying epoxy glue and holding the pieces together until the epoxy sets. The
epoxy itself has to be mixed with a hardener and it you use to little, the epoxy won’t harden in a
reasonable time. If you use too much hardener it will set before you are finished applying it. Both
situations will require starting over, even if you don’t have to throw out the pieces you are trying to
join. Another problem with fiberglass is that it will require a top coat of epoxy to keep the glass
fibers from being irritating to the skin. Raw fiberglass naturally sheds microscopic splinters of
glass that will lodge in any unprotected body area, be it human or fish.
In my opinion metal should be avoided in any aquarium application. Metals run the gambit from
being toxic such as copper piping, to simply being too expensive as in high quality stainless steel.
Mild stainless steel (316) is relatively inexpensive and can be used for longer periods of time for
freshwater applications, but it will not last nearly as long in seawater environments. Iron and mild
steel will rust so fast it is not worth the effort to build with it. Galvanized steel will last a little
longer; at least until the coating are compromised, but galvanized coatings can lead to zinc toxicity
problems when exposed to exhibit water. Of course there are applications where metal cannot be
replaced. Chillers and heating plate exchangers will have to have some metal to allow the transfer
of heat in them. In these cases, I opt for units with titanium coils or plates. Titanium is very
expensive but has the best lifespan and chemical resistance available in these units.
A quick reminder: The authors of the Water Column are always willing to answer any questions you
might have. They can be about filtration systems, water chemistry, or aquatic life. If we don’t
know, we will find out for you! We also welcome feedback from readers about previously published
columns. Questions and comments may be submitted to us by email at:
Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/
Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/
Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/
Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton,The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 453
Tulsa AAZK Chapter
Current officers are:
President Pamela Bingham
Vice President... ..Jessica Scallan
Secretary Christy Brigham
Treasurer Mike Connolly
Liaison Aaron Goodwin
Officer elections were held in December for the
following year. Jesse Gilbert was elected and
served as President from January to June. He
accepted a position in Texas so a new election
was held to complete his term. We miss his
enthusiasm.
Last year proved to be a very busy one. We
volunteered in several zoo-sponsored events
including: Member’s Night, Zoofari,
HallowZooeen, and Docent Graduation.
Fundraising
events include:
Valentine-
grams, vending
machine
revenue, and
manning the
root beer trailer
at the local
Oktoberfest
celebration. In
addition, our
“Keeping up
with Keepers”
program got off the ground. The program has
proven to be both fun and educational for the
participants and keepers, as well as an excellent
fundraiser. We held the first Zoo Revue, a'talent/
variety show hosted, produced and consisting of
zoo staff (Great idea, Jess!) And, of course, we
can’t forget the Zoo Rhythm Keepers, a traveling
percussion style troupe. We are overflowing with
creativity and talent.
We sent funds to: Idea Wild $330.00, Defenders
of Wildlife $100.00, Desert Tortoise Project
$200.00, and the International Rhino Foundation
$1,500.00.
Check out our Chapter website at:
www.tulsaaazk.org
AMHRICANI
■ii
St. Louis AAZK Chapter
Wow, what a year! This has been the first year
St. Louis has had an AAZK Chapter in over 10
years but I think we accomplished a lot — for
rookies. Our Chapter consists of keepers from
the St. Louis Zoo and the Wild Canid Research
and Survival Center.
We had two art sales
this year consisting
of keeper and
animal art that
together
raised over
$300.00 and
helped get
our name
out into the
community.
The zoo
g e n e r
enough to give us
the profits from the fountains on grounds with
the condition that we pick the change out
ourselves, of course. This has proven to be a huge
gift that has allowed us to pursue more than we
dreamed.
Bowling for Rhinos was a huge success!
Keepers, volunteers, staff, and friends all joined
together for a fun-filled night that raised
$1308.71.
Several keepers from the St. Louis Zoo have been
volunteering at the WCSRC to assist with wolf
captures (for yearly vaccines, enclosure changes,
etc.). This partnership is sure to be a winner!
September 20, 2003 kick-started our cell-phone
recycling program. Recycling cell-phones saves
coltan, a mineral that if not recycled would have
to be mined which destroys valuable habitat.
Proceeds will benefit BOS-USA (Balikpapan
Orangutan Society).
We would like to thank the zoo for all of their
guidance and support are looking forward to
another great year!
—Sarah Christeson/ Treasurer, Liasion,
BFR chairperson
Little Rock AAZK Chapter
The Little Rock AAZK Chapter is now offering
a spiral bound cookbook filled with recipies,
photos, and animal facts. To order send $10.00
plus $4.00 shipping and handling to the Little
Rock AAZK Chapter, c/o Little Rock Zoo, #1
Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, AR, 72205.
454 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Book
Review
The Giraffe: Its Biology, Behavior and Ecology
By Anne Innis Dagg & J. Bristol Foster
1976, reprinted in 1982 with updated supplementary material
ISBN 0-89874-275-7
Originally published by Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York
Reprinted by Krieger Publishing Company, Inc, Krieger Drive, Malabar, FL 32950
Hardback. 232 pp. $34.50
Review by Laurie Bingaman Lackey, Wildlife Biologist
International Species Information System (ISIS)
North American giraffe studbook keeper
This remains the classic giraffe reference, including not only the authors’ extensive field research,
but a comprehensive overview of other researchers’ work.
The history of man’s interactions with giraffe is well documented, beginning with the ancient
Egyptians in 2500 B.C., Rome in 1215, China in 1600, England in 1805 and North America in the
mid- 1850s. “A strange and marvelous beast, the like of which we had never seen before”, wrote
Melchior Torch in about 1 597. More modem treatment of the species was not as encouraging, as the
arrival of modem weapons in Africa was devastating to the species. “The death-knell of the giraffe
has tolled. This wonderful and harmless animal is being completely annihilated!” (Schillings, writing
of South Africa in 1907).
The book begins with a country-by-country analysis of distribution, including a discussion of game
management and cropping, a relatively new idea in the early 1960s and one that has become a
reality with some species, although not giraffe.
A discussion of taxonomy concludes “Without a thorough study, any attempt to divide the species
into further races or to telescope several races into one would only add further confusion to the
already confused nomenclature.” This confusion continues nearly 35 years later. Dagg also studied
the spot inheritance of giraffe at the Taronga Zoo and concluded that the numbers, areas, and shapes
of the spotting were all inherited.
Other subjects covered include a discussion of giraffe, okapi, and fossil giraffids, growth rates and
measurements, and extensive treatments of feeding ecology and the biomechanics of locomotion.
Sections on social groupings, reproduction and population stmcture are sprinkled with useful
information ranging from identifying giraffe by neck spot patterns to a generic description of the
calving process and the composition of colostmm and milk.
Appendices include detailed summaries of giraffe taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, skeletal
stmcture and energy relationships. The anatomy section includes an organ-by organ discussion,
including (for example) a table of the lengths of the alimentary tract for various ages of animals.
Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 30, No. 11 455
The section on the vascular system includes a re-telling of the first attempts to study the changes in
blood pressure associated with giraffes bending their heads down to drink.
A supplementary section includes new material included in the second edition of the book. In an
update of the populations in the various countries, Angola and Uganda report slaughter due to
political instability. Zaire reports that poaching is not a serious problem, due to the belief that leprosy
will affect anyone touching a giraffe skin. Other countries report increasing and stable populations
A bibliography containing over 700 references rounds out an enormous amount of data.
This is not a book for light pleasure reading, but offers an amazing amount of detailed information
from many sources otherwise difficult to assemble, i.e., Backhaus (1959) reported that after training
a captive animal by offering it food in color-marked containers, it could distinguish red, orange,
yellow, yellow-green, and violet. Hall-Martin (1977) provides data whereby it is possible to estimate
the body weight of a giraffe fairly accurately if linear body measurements are known.
Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
By Tony Martin, 2003
ISBN#: 2003,0-89658-579-4
Voyager Press, Inc., 123 North Second Street,
P.O. Box 338, Stillwater, MN 55082 U.S.A.
95 pgs. Hardback $24.95 Heather DeCaluwe, Lead Keeper Mammals
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, TN
After 25 years of research, Tony Martin is truly passionate about whales, dolphins, and porpoises
and manages to transmit this passion to the reader. His goal is to “inform, explain, excite and
inspire,” and this he does. The book is essentially broken into two sections. In the first he explains
the important characteristics that make whales, dolphins, and porpoises unique. In the second part
Martin goes into a bit of detail about each of the cetacean families. Finally, at the end he supplies us
with a “Fact File” listing the Latin name, common name, and range of each species.
What make this book quite wonderful are both the pictures and interesting personal details. Martin
adds entertaining side comments, ranging in topic from the poor quality of whale breath to fashion
trends in humpback whale music. While the book is not full of hard facts it is very interesting,
informative, and easy to read. There is a strong conservation message running throughout the book
that leaves you wanting to take up the fight to save these beautiful animals, especially the Chinese
River Dolphin, which is dangerously close to becoming the first cetacean made extinct by human
activity.
As a Zoo Keeper I found the book quite informative, providing general information about each
species. I would use this book as a tool to introduce people of all ages to the wonderful world of
cetaceans and to help make them aware of the great current need for conservation actions. The
captivating photographs and simplistic writing style make it suitable for interested learners of all
backgrounds. It would be a great addition to any zoo library or coffee table.
456 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
2003 Oont erence Proceedings Order IniormatiGn
If you are interested in ordering a copy of the 2003 Proceedings containing the papers presented at the
AAZK National Conference held in Cleveland, OH, you will need to fill out and return the form on the next
page with the appropriate payment. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. Funds ONLY. Conference Proceedings
are planned to begin shipment in January 2004. Once shipped, domestic orders should take about two
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458 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Effects of an Environmental Enrichment on the
Behavior of Captive Pygmy Goats {Capra hircus)
By
Paul S. Vialpando and Paul J. Kulkosky
Department of Psychology
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pueblo, CO
Abstract
There have been several efforts to address the issue of behavioral enrichment of captive goats and
other zoo animals. Previous attempts, such as adding novel objects to specific enclosures, have
been shown to reduce stereotypy and other “zoo behaviors.” In this study, a perforated plastic ball
containing food was introduced to an enclosure of pygmy goats {Capra hircis), and changes in their
behaviors were quantified. Behaviors of pygmy goats (N = 8) housed at the Pueblo Zoo were
individually observed with an instantaneous time-sampling ethological technique. An ABA reversal
design was used, in which each goat was observed for 10 min. in a pre-control phase (A), followed
immediately by the introduction of a Boomer Ball® (B phase), and concluding with a 10 min. post-
control phase (A). The introduction of the Boomer Ball® significantly reduced observed incidence
of feeding and increased both locomotion and sniffing (ps < 0.05). It was concluded that the
presentation of the Boomer Ball® temporarily reduced ingestion and increased exploratory behaviors
in captive pygmy goats. This technique can be used in the future to ameliorate environmental
conditions, and improve husbandry in captive pygmy goats.
Introduction
Environment enrichment refers to the practice of enhancing the quality of life by providing a
stimulating environment for the optimal psychological and physiological well being of a captive
animal (Shepherdson, 1998). An enriched environment functions to give animals an environment
that mimics a more natural and familiar setting (Flint & Murray, 2001). Several methods exist for
environmental enrichment, including introducing manipulable objects into enclosures, and scattering
and hiding food. These enrichments have been shown to reduce stress, aggression, stereotypy, and
other abnormal behaviors that are found in captive animals. Furthermore, animals provided with a
more stimulating environment generally have better learning abilities and more complex brain
structures (Widman, Abrahamsoi), & Roselinni, 1992).
Previous research on environmental enrichment in zoos and on farm animals has indicated that
many captive animals, including goats, are still motivated by their natural tendencies. Goats, like
many other animals, appear to need to exert some control over their physical environment (Appleby,
1995; Shepherdson, 1998). Researchers have developed methods for giving animals environmental
control, while increasing unpredictability and decreasing boredom, by letting them “work” for food
rather than just giving it to them on a plate (Tudge, 1991; Shepherdson, Carlstead, Mellen, &
Seidensticker, 1993). Tudge (1991) suggests that many animals prefer to work for food because it
gives them a feeling of achievement when the food reward is given. In addition, Shepherdson et al.
(1993) tested this concept on leopard cats and found a reduction in aggression in the cats that had to
search for and find their own food.
Although environmental enrichment has primarily been tested on carnivores and primates. Smith
( 1 993) explains that ungulates, such as goats, can also benefit from enrichment opportunities. Further,
researchers Flint and Murray (2001) used enrichment techniques to study changes in behaviors in
feedlot goats. These researchers created a mound for goats to climb, and pipes and containers were
offered to them to manipulate. The goats that were housed in these enriched structures grew at
nearly twice the rate and were less aggressive than the goats housed in a typical feedlot enclosure.
Flint and Murray (2001) suggest that the difference in goat size is due to a reduction in agonistic
behavior and stress. The enriched environment reduces stress and boredom, thus allowing animals
to better utilize their time for feeding and development.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 30, No. 11 459
In addition to feedlot goats, goats that are housed in zoo enclosures, may also experience stress and
boredom due to lack of space and bareness (Appleby, 1995). This is due to the fact that wild goats’
natural environment consists of heterogeneous mountain and valley grasslands in which they actively
browse from one pasture to the next (Hinch, & Lynch, 1997). It would make sense then that captive
goats, like other wild animals, need a stimulating and changing environment to grow and develop
properly. Environmental methods used to counteract habitual behaviors among goats include
providing them with trees, logs, earthen mounds, and other materials to explore and climb (Hinch,
& Lynch, 1997). Furthermore, manipulative and novel objects, or “toys,” including pipes, plastic
drums, and balls, have also been used in goat enclosures (Flint, & Murray, 2001).
Novel objects, such as balls, have been widely used in the enrichment of many different animal
species, especially primates (Baer, 1998). These balls, and other objects, have been shown to stimulate
exploratory, investigative, and other manipulative behaviors (Baer, 1998; Mellen, Hayes, &
Shepherdson, 1998). Previous demonstrations using novel objects have also revealed an increase in
animal activity as well as decreased levels of abnormal behaviors. Increased activity may further
counteract obesity and musculoskeletal deterioration, in addition to providing animal caregivers
(e.g., veterinarians) with the ability to better monitor health anomalies (Baer, 1 998). Signs of disease
and other injuries are more apparent in active animals, thus giving their caregivers an early indication
of health problems.
In this study, a commercially available enrichment device, the Boomer Ball®, was used to determine
if a change in the behavioral display of pygmy goats would occur. Previous studies of environment
enrichment using such balls have mainly been tested on felids, primates, and other hunting animals
(Mellen et al., 1998). The current study assesses whether the Boomer Ball® is also an effective
novelty for enrichment in pygmy goats. In addition, the experiment will test whether goats prefer to
work for their food rather than eat from portions given ad libitum. The goats must actively move
the ball for the alfalfa pellets contained inside the ball to be dispersed through the holes. It was
hypothesized that presentation of the Boomer Ball® would significantly change the behavioral display
by increasing exploratory behaviors among the captive goats.
Method
Subjects
Eight different pygmy goats {Capra hircus), one male and seven females, were the subjects for this
experiment. Their ages ranged from approximately two to 15 years.
Apparatus
The eight observed pygmy goats were housed in the same zoo exhibit at the Pueblo Zoo (Pueblo,
CO). In addition to the eight observed pygmy goats, the zoo enclosure also housed two other
pygmy goats, two cashmere goats {Capra hircus), two pygora goats {Capra hircus), three jacob
sheep {Ovis aries), and one navajo-churro sheep {Ovis aries). Therefore the enclosure housed a
total of 1 8 farm animals when observations were taken.
The outside exhibit in which the farm animals were housed measured 77’ 3’^ L (23.55 m.) x 22’ 8.5”
W (6.92 m.) X 3’ 9” H (1.14 m.). The hard dirt floor is covered with scattered straw, alfalfa hay, and
grass hay provided ad libitum as feed. The exhibit consists of three inner enclosures, two of which
are roofed in order to give the animals some shade. A single tree grows inside the exhibit, along
with three large scattered branches. A large wooden wagon structure, and 10 large wooden trunks
are also available for climbing and sitting. Two plastic food trays, one metal water tray, and two
feeding troughs are also used in the exhibit for ad libitum feeding and watering purposes. The
exhibit is enclosed with a wood and wire fence so that the animals can be easily viewed, and access
to the exhibit is gained through a gate in the front of the exhibit.
A popular ball used in many environment enrichment studies, called a Boomer Ball® (Boomer Ball, Inc.,
Grayslake, IL - 888-858-9529), was used in this study. The hollow plastic Boomer Ball® (25.4cm (10 in.)
diam., 1.06kg (2.34 lb), 0.32cm (0.13 in.) thick sidewalls) has six small holes which allow insertion of
food, pebbles, bells, and other small objects. Three of the holes are approximately 1 in. (2.54 cm.) in
diameter and the other three holes are 0.5 in. (1.27 cm.) in diameter. In addition, the holes can also be
covered with screw-in plugs which prevent objects form escaping. The hollow Boomer Ball® was filled
with two cups of alfalfa pellets before each experiment (total of 1 8 cups).
460 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Procedure
A within-subjects design was employed in the measurement of the behavior of the eight pygmy
goats. Conditions were controlled with an ABA reversal design in which each goat was first observed
in a 10 min. pre-control baseline condition (first phase A). This was immediately followed by an
additional 10 minutes of observations following the introduction of the Boomer Bal® with food
(experimental phase B). Finally, the ball was removed and 10 additional minutes of observations
were taken in the post-control (second phase A) condition.
Each pygmy goat’s behaviors were individually observed and quantified using an instantaneous
time-sampling ethological technique taken from Glazner, Cannon, and Kulkosky (1988). The
observations were taken during a tone-cue interval of 0.6 sec., with a fixed interobservation period
of 1 5 sec. Since each phase was measured for a total of 1 0 min., a total of 40 observations per phase
were recorded. The classes of behaviors included feeding (holding, biting, and chewing food),
locomotion (body movements across space), and sniffing (holding nose to object and rapidly
ventilating). Other behaviors observed included standing, grooming, resting, defecation, licking,
drinking, and aggression. These latter behaviors were combined into a single “other” category to
simplify analyses.
Each pygmy goat was randomly chosen before taking observations, and only one goat was observed
per day. The experiment was conducted between 3 November 2002 and 29 November 2002 with
temperatures ranging from 42.8 to 69.8°F (6° to 21°C) All observations were taken between 1220-
1400 hr. In addition, the goats are fed six flakes (bunches) of alfalfa and two flakes of grass hay
each day between 0900-1000 MST.
All data were analyzed with repeated measures analyses of variance, followed by Duncan’s multiple-
range test at an alpha significance level of/? < 0.05.
Results
Mean ( ± standard error, SE) counts of locomotion in the eight observed pygmy goats showed a
significant increase in phase B, F(2, 7) = 29.02,/? < 0.05 (Figure 1).
Locomotion ♦p<0.05
Figure 1. Mean ( + standard error, SE) counts of locomotion behavior of goats in the pre-control
(phase A) condition, experimental (phase B) condition, and post-control (second phase B) condition.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 11 461
However, Figure 2 shows a gradual reduction in these behaviors in the latter half of phase B. Mean
sniffing counts were also significantly greater in phase B, F(2, 7) = 1 1 .87, p < 0.05, than in both the
pre and post-baseline phase A conditions (controls) (Figure 3).
Locomotion
Figure 2. Mean counts of locomotion in the ball with food condition (experimental phase B),
across 2 min. intervals.
Figure 3. Mean ( + SE) counts of sniffing behavior in the pre-control (phase A) condition,
experimental (phase B) condition, and post-control (second phase B) condition.
462 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Figure 4 also shows a gradual reductions in sniffing behaviors in phase B. With regard to feeding
behaviors, mean counts in phase B were significantly lower, F(2,7) = 23.97, p < 0.05, than in both
the pre and post-baseline phase A conditions. (Figure 5).
Sniffing
Figure 4. Mean counts of sniffing in the ball with food condition (experimental phase B), across 2
min. intervals.
I
at
g
(D
s
25
20
15
10
Feeding *p<0.05
PreCortrol Ball With Food PortCortrol
Figure 5. Mean ( + SE) counts of feeding behavior in the pre-control (phase A) condition,
experimental (phase B) condition, and post-control (second phase B) condition.
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 11 463
Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a gradual increase in feeding behaviors in the latter half of the ball
with food condition. Analysis of “other” behavior’s showed no significant change as a result of the
introduction of the Boomer Ball®, F(2,7) = \ .91 ,p> 0.05.
Feeding
Figure 6. Mean counts of feeding in the ball with food condition (experimental phase B), across 2
min. intervals.
Discussion
Results confirm the hypothesis that the Boomer Ball® containing food would significantly alter the
behavioral display of captive pygmy goats by increasing exploratory behaviors. The data clearly
show that the ball with food decreased observed incidence of overt feeding behaviors, while
increasing both locomotion and sniffing (exploratory behaviors). The increase in locomotion and
sniffing provides evidence that the goats were actively exploring for their food, which supports
Mellen et al. (1998) and Baer’s (1998) initial findings. Therefore, the increases in these behaviors
demonstrates that the goats were moving and sniffing in order to locate the alfalfa pellets that were
scattered from the ball throughout the enclosure. This further confirms previous literature (Tudge,
1991; Shepherdson, et al., 1993), which states that many captive animals prefer to work for their
food, possibly to give them a sense of control over their environment. Although the goats may
prefer the taste of the alfalfa pellets over their normal daily food servings (alfalfa and grass hay), the
results clearly indicate that the goats preferred earned food even though free food was available.
In addition, the results indicate that the Boomer Ball® caused a clear change in the activity level
among pygmy goats. This finding is also congruent with initial findings (Baer, 1998), that novel
objects introduced into enclosures increase animal activity. levels. These increased activity levels,
may in turn, provide the goats with many health benefits, some of which include healthier development
and a greater chance for an early diagnosis of a disease and injury (Baer, 1998).
Although the Boomer Ball® with alfalfa pellets appears to be an efficient method for environment
enrichment, a lack of sustained interest appeared problematic. Grandin (1988) stated that an effective
toy used for environment enrichment must sustain long-term animal interest. Though the data shows
a significant change in behavior during the 10 min. ball with food interval, these changed behaviors
gradually decreased in the latter half of the condition. This may be due to many different factors,
some of which appear more obvious than others. The most obvious explanation for the decrease
interest in the Boomer Ball® is the depletion of food. That is, once the ball runs out of food, the
goat’s interest in the ball diminishes. The current study left all six holes in the ball exposed with
464 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
only two cups of alfalfa pellets per observation. Therefore future attempts for sustaining longer
interest may include covering the majority of exposed holes with insert plugs, and adding more
alfalfa pellets into the Boomer Ball®. Other studies using toys for enriehment in farm animals have
shown that pigs lose interest in balls when they are soiled in excreta (Grandin, 1988). Therefore
future experimenters may also choose to introduce the Boomer Ball® only intermittently and in
limited episodes, such as immediately following the cleaning of animal enclosures. This would
decrease the accumulation of waste material on the ball and prevent loss of interest.
It has now become apparent how important an enriched environment is for captive animals that live
in small enclosures. Simply employing low eost techniques, as demonstrated in the current study,
can have many short, and long term advantages. The reduction of stereotypy and the increase in
exploratory behaviors that novel objects provide may prevent long-term pernicious effects of captivity.
Therefore, it is important for animal keepers and caregivers to provide an enriched environment to
optimize animal well-being and health.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Jonnene McFarland, Executive Director, and Marilyn McBirney,
General Curator, of the Pueblo Zoo, for their helpful suggestions and cooperation in conduct of this
research. Also, a special thanks to Aubrey Madrid for her help in the data analyses in the study. A
preliminary report of these findings was presented at the annual meeting of the Colorado-Wyoming
Academy of Science, Greeley, Colorado, April 2003. Request for reprints or questions concerning
this article should be addressed to: Paul J. Kulkosky, Department of Psychology, Colorado State
University-Pueblo, CO 81001-4901; e-mail: paul.kulkosky@colostate-pueblo.edu<
References
Appleby, M. C. (1995). Enrichment for farm animals. In C. P. Smith, & V. Taylor (Eds.),
Environmental enrichment information resources for laboratory animals: 1965 - 1995:
Birds, cats, dogs, farm animals, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents (pp. 69-112). AWIC
Resource Series No. 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD and (UFAW).
Baer, J. F. (1998). A veterinary perspective of potential risk factors in environmental enrichment.
In D. L. Shepherdson, J. D. Mellen, & M. Hutchins (Eds.), Second Nature: Environmental
Enrichment for Captive Animals (pp. Ill - 301). Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institute Press.
Flint, M. S., & Murray, P.J. (2001). Lot-fed goats - the advantages of using an enriched environment.
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 41, 473 - 476.
Glazner, G. W., Cannon, R. L., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1988). Effects of bombesin on behaviors
associated with ethanol satiation and blood ethanol levels. Alcohol, 5, 325 - 330.
Grandin, T. (1988). Effects of rearing environment and environment enrichment on behavior
and neural development in young pigs. Doctor of Philosophy thesis, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Hinch, G. N., & Lynch, J.J. (1997). Comfortable quarters for sheep and goats. In V. Reinhardt
(Eds.), Comfortable quarters for laboratory animals (pp. 94 - 100). Washington, DC:
Animal Welfare Institute.
Mellen, J. D., Hayes, M. P., & Shepherdson, D. J. (1998). Captive environments for small felids.
In D. L. Shepherdson, J. D. Mellen, & M. Hutchins (Eds.), Second Nature: Environmental
Enrichment for Captive Animals (pp. 184 - 201). Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institute Press.
Mench, J. A. (1998). Environmental enrichment and the importance of exploratory behavior.
In D. L. Shepherdson, J. D. Mellen, & M. Hutchins (Eds.), Second Nature: Environmental
Enrichment for Captive Animals (pp. 30 - 46). Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institute Press.
Shepherdson, D. J. (1998). Tracing the path of environmental enrichment in zoos. In D. L.
Shepherdson, J. D. Mellen, & M. Hutchins (Eds.), Second nature: Environmental
Enrichment for Captive Animals (pp. 1 - 12). Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institute
Press.
Shepherdson, D., Carlstead, K., Mellen, J., & Seidensticker, J. (1993). The influence of food
presentation on the behavior of small cats in confined environments. Zoo Biology, 12,
203 -216.
Smith, R. L. (1993). Ungulate enrichment. The Shape of Enrichment, 2, 1.
Tudge, C. (1991, January 5). A wild time at the zoo: The buzz word in the best zoos is
“behavioral enrichment” ways of making a captive environment as much like the wild
as possible. New Scientist, 129, 26 - 30.
Widman, D. R., Abrahamson, G. C., & Roselinni, R. A. (1992). Environmental enrichment:
The influence of restricted daily exposure and subsequent exposure to uncontrollable stress.
Physiology and Behavior, 51, 309-318.
Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 465
EO Editors - Dawn Neptune, Utah ’s Hogle Zoo
and Rachel Cantrell, Disney s Animal Kingdom
Enrichment Ideas from the Frank Buck Zoo
submitted by Amy Davis, Keeper
Frank Buck Zoo, Gainesville, TX
BEADED LEATHER CHUNKS - In the never-ending progess of finding good parrot toys to keep
those little beaks busy, we stumbled on a great idea - made possible by a creative volunteer. The only
materials needed came from the local craft store for little money. First we used a chunk of leather
about 5” X 8” (12.7cm x 20.3cm) [size may vary by bird], some leather thongs [leather shoe laces
work well, too], and large plastic beads.
First make slits in the large chuk of leather about 1 1/2” (3.8cm) long in pairs [maybe 6-8 pairs of
them]. Then string at least one bead on a piece of thong [the length
again depends on the bird] about 6” (15.2cm) long and tie this
through the leather adjoining the pair of slits. You will need
one final slit near the outside and we use a “C” clamp
through the hole for easy cage hanging
below).
Due to the ease with which a large parrot can break the thong,
after doing so, the bird then has a “foot toy” to play with and
manipulate in mouth and beak. Be sure to always use the large
inch size beads to avoid any choking hazards. As our parrots
here do not tend to chew apart the large chunk of leather or the
beads, we are able to re-use these materials, only needing to
replace thongs.
466 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
SHOE ORGANIZERS AND “FORM FITTERS” - THE GREAT PUZZLERS - Going to garage
sales for enrichment items is a great way to save money on those daily things people have that they no
longer want. For instance those shoe organizers made of cloth that hang on the door or the Playskool®
“form fitters”.
With a dozen pockets for shoes and pre-made to hang
with grommets, cloth shoe organizers are the ideal
puzzle feeder. We have found animals such as raccoons,
coatis, and kangaroos love the organizer with either
treats or their diet put in the pockets. It should be a semi-
dexterous and curious animal to make this idea a winner.
As far as the “form fitter” they can be used with or
without the blocks that go inside. We no longer have
the blocks for ours, so we do without— this makes the
main objective just to get the food or treats out of the
holes. However, if used with the blocks it would step
up the level of difficulty and make the animal have to
maneuver the blocks while trying to get the food out of
the holes. We have successfully tried this with our
vultures, tamarins, coati, and raccoons.
Again, these are two easy and cheap options to add to your enrichment collection to increase the
forage time at or between feedings. Not only can these items be found at garage sales, but at the local
Goodwill or on clearance at your local store. Always remember when introducing something new to
an animal to be sure and watch their reaction and how they intereact with it— safety first!
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 467
PARROT O RINGS - Buying bird toys from retail stores is expensive! But occasionally it is a good
idea to visit them to gather ideas for toys you can make. That is where the next idea has come from.
It is a “Parrot O Ring”, simply put it is a 2’ x 1 1/2” (.6m x 3.8cm) piece of steel flat strap welded into
an O form with six holes either blown with a torch or pre-drilled, and a foot-
long piece of
velded chain (see
drawings at right
and left).
After the bases of the toys were assembled, we painted them with a non-
toxic children’s paint. Next we used the holes to attach toy parts to. Toy
parts can be a variety of things including; small wooden items, plastic beads,
rawhide, popsicle sticks, etc... What we use here to attach them is either a
natural rope like sisal or a medium guage-wire— always careful not to make
sharp ends or small loops in which toes can get caught.
These welded pieces of flat strap work well because
they are indestructable by the macaws and can be
re-used when the toy parts are chewed up by adding
fresh pieces.
A USE FOR PEACOCK FEATHERS... Looking
in a popular bird catalog I saw peacock feather
preening toys for almost $ 1 0 each! At that moment
I realized I had a seemingly never-ending supply of
peacock feathers. I just needed to figure out how to
do it...
I needed the feathers, some safe way to attach them,
and something to hang my toy up with. I settled on
4 peacock feathers, 5 inches( 12.7cm) of 1/2 inch diameter sisal rope [we stick with natural ropes such
as sisal or twine for bird safety], a regular hog ring [1/2 inch rings used for attaching metal fencing
found at the local ranching or home
improvement store], and a “C” clamp
to attach the sisal for easy installation.
Steps to Aseemble: 1) Arrange the
feathers nicely, 2) Make a small loop
with the rope and place at top of
feathers, 3) Secure the hog ring around
featrher shafts and rope [rope should
form a loop for “C” clamp]. Be sure
'' 468 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
hog ring is closed fully - as not to make a pinch point or have any sharp edges, 4) Attach “C” clamp
through loop to hang.
After putting it together, I gave one of our two military macaws to try out, as you can see from the
photos below, it was a success. We had found a safe and cheap (less thabn $1 each) alternative for a
parrot-preening toy.
Peacock Feather Bird Toys being used by a pair of military macaws
(Ideas appearing in this column
have not necessarily been tested
by the editors for safety
considerations. Always think
ahead and use good judgement
when trying new ideas. You are
invited to submit materials for
the Enrichment Options
Column. This might include
recipes, toys, puzzle feeders,
olfactory enrichment ideas, etc.
Drawings and photos of
enrichment are encouraged.
Send to: AKF/Enrichment, 3601
S. W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka,
KS 66614-2054. Eds.)
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 469
£e0tsCdtvve 'UpcCate
Compiled by Georgann Johnston
Legislative Advisor
Sacramento, CA
2,000 Baboon Noses Found in Airport Baggage
Customs officials in The Netherlands Schiphol Airport recently found an abandoned suitcase paeked
with over 2,000 smuggled baboon noses. The suitcase was thought to have come from Nigeria and
was destined for the United States. The owner of the suitcase, who has yet to be identified, had
apparently taken a flight from Nigeria to Amsterdam but abandoned the suitcase at the airport.
Dutch customs police turned the noses over to the Agriculture Ministry’s Inspection Service, which
reported that it had several leads that might help track down the perpetrators. The noses were probably
meant to be eaten or used in traditional medicine by immigrants from Asian and African countries.
The noses have been destroyed according to Louis Steens, a spokesperson for the Inspection Service.
“It’s not unusual to find animal organs, such as eyes and brains, or plants in baggage from Asia and
Africa - whose people use them as ingredients of their traditional medicines for healing purposes,”
said Steens. Source: USA Today Newspaper 3 September 2003
Proposal to Allow Importation of Icelandic Eider Down
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed a regulation to allow the importation into
the United States of Icelandic eiderdown from wild nesting common eiders under limited and very
specific conditions. “Icelanders have demonstrated that the sustainable harvest of eider down from
wild common eider populations continues to boost their efforts to protect this migratory bird and its
habitat,” said Service Director Steve Williams. “The Service hopes that allowing the importation of
eiderdown into the United States will further encourage private landowners in Iceland to conserve the
common eider.”
Icelanders have used eiderdown for more than 1 1 centuries and have exported it since the 14th century.
From May to July, private landowners in Iceland collect down generally twice each season, taking
great care to avoid disturbing brooding hens, replacing down removed from the nest with dry grass or
hay. Recent studies conducted by the Icelandic Museum of Natural History show no evidence that
down collection from wild populations has had any negative impact on the birds, including their
ability to reproduce successftilly.
Iceland has, since 1847, prohibited eider hunting. This ban, along with predator control and habitat
management programs, has resulted in an increase of wild common eider populations. Populations of
common eiders found elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere appear to be declining. Of the three
other Northern Hemisphere eider species, the status of the king eider is essentially unknown, while
spectacled and Steller's eiders are both listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
All eider species are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The Circumpolar Eider Conservation Strategy and Action Plan adopted in 1 997 by the member nations
of the Arctie Council, an advisory group to which the United States belongs, advocates an international
approaeh to manage all eiders in the Northern Hemisphere. The Plan also notes that the Icelandic
population of common eiders has shown a long-term increase, and it endorses the development of
down harvesting as a sustainable use of eiders.
“Our proposal to open the American marketplace to eiderdown is consistent with the recommendation
of the Arctic Council,” said Williams. “Icelanders would use some of the profits garnered from
commereial trade with the United States, if allowed, to support their ongoing habitat conservation
efforts for wild common eiders and other migratory birds.”
True eiderdown from the common eider is a scarce luxury item, with annual worldwide production
averaging less than three metric tons, at a total annual average price of less than $2.2 million (U.S.).
Iceland currently exports eiderdown primarily to Denmark, Germany, and Japan where it may be re-
470 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
exported elsewhere. Iceland must verify annually that they will not kill or injure MBTA-protected
birds within and around the common eider breeding colonies in Iceland in order to remove other birds
that may prey on or compete with the common eider. Source: USFWS Press Release 5 September 2003
Revisions for Endangered Species Conservation Agreements Proposed by USFWS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed two separate rules that would revise regulations
governing conservation agreements for federally designated threatened and endangered species. “The
Administration is continually looking for ways to make the Endangered Species Act work better. We
believe these proposed changes will result in increased numbers of landowners working with us to
develop Safe Harbor Agreements and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances. Both of
these programs provide immense conservation benefits while helping citizens coexist with imperiled
species,” said Service Director Steve Williams. Michael Bean of Environmental Defense, who has
helped develop several safe harbor agreements, said that “these revisions should make it clearer and
easier for landowners to participate in these novel conservation agreements.”
Both Safe Harbor Agreements and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs)
are intended to remove potential disincentives for landowners to manage their property for the benefit
of listed and candidate species. Some landowners have made it clear that they need a better
understanding of the obligations and benefits provided by Safe Harbor Agreements and CCAAs before
they will participate in agreements.
In other cases, property owners may be willing to actively help protect endangered or threatened
species through Safe Harbor Agreements or CCAAs only if they can limit the area to be occupied by
the species through intentional take, particularly when species expansion would interfere with activities
outside of the area covered by the agreement. The proposed rules are intended to expand citizen
conservation by addressing landowner concerns and more fully describe the range of activities that
can be permitted in conjunction with a Safe Harbor Agreement or CCAA.
The first proposed rule will restate eligibility for Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances
(CCAAs) and Safe Harbor Agreements. It will and provide definitions for conservation and mitigation
consistent with related policies and the intent of the agreements. The proposal more explicitly provides
landowners with greater certainty that such agreements will be altered only if continuing an authorized
activity may jeopardize the existence of the protected species. Other options, such as the capture and
relocation of the species, compensation for foregoing the activity, or purchase of the property or an
easement would be given a priority when feasible, with permit revocation reserved as the option of
last resort.
A second proposed rule would revise the permit associated with Safe Harbor Agreements and CCAAs
to more clearly state the Service's ability to authorize “take” (capturing, killing or otherwise disturbing
or harming a species or its habitat) in conjunction with activities such as reintroduction and habitat
restoration when the benefits of habitat protection or restoration provided by the associated agreements
outweigh any impacts caused by anticipated take of protected species. By ensuring that traditional
agricultural uses can continue alongside habitat improvements, this provision can make it easier for
landowners to enter into SHAs and CCAAs that will provide overall benefits to the species.
“Both proposed rules will create a cooperative context that encourages landowners to participate as
citizen stewards in protecting endangered, threatened, and other species,” Williams said.
The Service encourages the public to send comments on both proposed rules to Division of Endangered
Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Room 420, Arlington Square Building, 4401 North Fairfax
Drive, Arlington, VA 22203. The text of the proposed rules can be found in the September 10, 2003
Federal Register. Source USFWS Press Release 12 September 2003
USFWS Withdraws Permits for Killing Mute Swans
The USFWS agreed to withdraw all permits for state and federal officials to kill mute swans said to
pose an environmental threat in 17 Eastern states. The offer needs final approval from a federal judge,
who granted an injunction in August 2003 prohibiting the killings until he ruled in a lawsuit brought
by the Fund for Animals, a New York-based advocacy group. The lawsuit challenged a permit issued
to Maryland to kill the birds. Swans are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 11 471
Maryland officials said mute swans are destroying Chesapeake Bay habitat by eating underwater
grasses and crowding out native birds, while the Fund for Animals said the birds are scapegoats for
the bay's environmental problems. The Atlantic Flyway Council, composed of state wildlife
departments, has recommended the 2002 population of 14,000 mute swans be reduced to 3,000 by
2013.
Nicholas Throckmorton, spokesman for Fish and Wildlife, said it decided to withdraw the permits
because federal judge Emmett Sullivan “discouraged us from pushing this further.” He continued,
“The judge suggested if we, the service, tried to push this forward legally, we would not win.” Sullivan
was scheduled a hearing on the lawsuit Oct. 6.
Asked if Fish and Wildlife would try again to issue permits to kill swans, Throckmorton said he wasn't
sure. He said the agency would review the environmental assessment it made to justify the need to kill
some of the swans, which are nonnative birds that first entered the United States from
Europe two centuries ago.
Michael Markarian, President of the Fund for Animals, said the decision to withdraw permits “is a
colossal step for thousands of graceful and majestic mute swans.” He said swans have been unfairly
blamed for environmental damage that is primarily caused by factory farms and inefficient sewage
treatment plants.
Jonathan McKnight, Associate Wildlife Director for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources,
said the state remains determined to do something to control the mute swan population, which he
estimates is about 3,600 in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. But he said he doesn't know
what steps the state could take. “We are certainly shut down for the rest of this year,” he said. Source:
Environmental News Network 19 September 2003
Harvesting Endangered Species Next— Bush Proposal Draws Flack
The Bush regime has proposed “far-reaching changes to conservation policies that would allow
hunters, circuses and the pet industry to kill capture and import animals on the brink of extinction in
other countries” reports the Washington Post. Administration officials claim that changing the
long-standing ESA policy banning trade in endangered species would “feed the gigantic U.S. demand
for live animals, skins, part and trophies and generate profits that would allow poor nations to pay
for conservation of the remaining animals and habitat.” But many conservationists “charge that the
policies cater to individuals and businesses that profit from animal exploitation” and that “opening
the door to legal trade will allow poaching to flourish.”
This latest Bush administration proposal to harvest endangered species for profit has provoked one
of the world’s most renowned conservationists, Jane Goodall, to charge “the White House with
leading an onslaught, against the ESA that could lead to more African animals being killed or
captured for profit” reports SFGate.com/AP. Goodall called efforts over the last three years to roll
back environmental laws “terrifying” and warned “her beloved apes and other species face a threat
from the Bush administration that could undo decades of conservation efforts. Source: GREENlines
Issue 1970 10-15-03
Madagascar Triples Protection
“Home to some 10,000 endemic plant species, 316 endemic reptile species and 109 species of birds
found nowhere else in the world,” Madagascar announced that it intends to more than triple the size
of its nature reserves reports Planet Ark/Reuters. Although humans have inhabited the island for
only 2,000 years, only nine million out of an original 50 million acres of forest remains, resulting in
the near extinction of many lemur species. Most of the current nature reserves are too small, poorly
protected or suffer from human encroachment. Source: GREENlines Issue# 19 54 9-22-03
Ferret Count Strong
August surveys in Wyoming, s Shirley Basin have “found more than 50 of the endangered ferrets in
the area where they first reintroduced to the wild” reports the Ravalli Republic/AP. Biologists are
“overjoyed at the tally,” which is up from 5 in 1997, 15 in August 2000, and 19 in 2001. Between
1991 and 1994, 228 captive-bom black-footed ferrets were released and biologists says “When you
look at the bottlenecks of disease, drought and flash floods this population has endured and overcome,
this year’s discovery helps confirm that the Shirley Basin is very suitable habitat.” Source: GREENlines
Issue #1964 10-06-03
472 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of
each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SIV 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Please
include closing date for positions available, and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-
mail, most readers do not receive their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for
this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted.
Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Listing may be sent as MS Word
attachment. We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in
processing.
Mammal/Bird Keeper - Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah, WA
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th, Issaquah, WA 98027; or
Fax to (425) 392-1076; or E-mail to CougarMZoo@aol.com< This is a Full Time permanent position,
benefits included. Salary depends on experience. Responsibilities: animal keeping involving some of the
following species: cougars, lemurs, hoofstock (reindeer/antelope/deer), macaws, parrots, cranes and others.
Daily routine husbandry, maintenance of exhibits, record keeping, assist iii veterinary practices, behavior
enrichment, etc. Involvement in Education such as tour guide, mini lecture speaker, animal demos and
walks, outreach presentations, etc. Requirements: Ability to work in a harmonious manner with staff,
volunteers and supervisors and work any of the seven days of the week. Prefer AS/BS degree in biology/
zoology-related field and minimum of two (2) years full-time paid experience in zoological institution.
Zookeeper/Asian Domain - Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
Send resume to Director of Human Resources, Mike Burnett, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, Louisiana
70 1 1 8 or e-mail: rhbumett@auduboninstitute.org. Responsibilities: primary responsibilities will include
daily care and management of 0.2 Asian elephants in a free-contact program. The candidate will assist in
the development of the program and future planning of a new elephant exhibit under the direction of the
Assistant Curator. Other responsibilities will include assisting in carnivore/ungulate routines. Duties will
include behavioral observations, record keeping, assisting in veterinary procedures, capture and restraint,
exhibit maintenance and interacting with the public. Requirements: good written/oral communication
skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or
related field and three years’ zoo experience preferred in the care of mammals, preferably carnivores and
ungulates. A minimum of three (3) years experience working elephants in free contact preferred. All
candidates must have the ability to lift up to 80 lbs. and a willingness to work outdoors. A willingness to
work weekends, holidays, and/or overtime is required.
Zookeeper - Zoo Nebraska, Royal, NE
Send cover letter and resume to: Dale Bakken, Director, Zoo Nebraska, P.O. Box 26, Royal, NE 68773.
Requirements: Must be self-motivated, able to lift 60 pounds, work weekends and in all weather conditions.
Experience with carnivores and.or chimpanzees would be an asset.
Primate Keeper - Pok Pok and Pant Hoots, Wauchula, FL
Position for Great Ape Caregiver at Non-Profit Sanctuary. If interested contact Ray, pantrog@strato.net or
send resume to: P.O. Box 488, Wauchula, Florida 33873. Responsibilities: Primary duties include cage
cleaning with heaving lifting. Must be physically fit. Animal experience helpful. Drug Free Workplace and
Smoke Free Environment.
Big Cat Internships - Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), Tyler, TX
As seen on Animal Planet in “Growing Up Tiger”, TCWR is a division of Tiger Missing Link Foundation.
Commencement date: On-going duration: three (3) months on a month-by-month basis. For additional
information to see what past interns have to say about Tiger Creek, visit www.tigercreek.org< Are you
interested in learning more about big cats or establishing a career path working in conservation as a zookeeper,
a wildlife manager or a veterinarian? You can Earn Your STRIPES at Tiger Creek and obtain college credit
through your college or university at the same time, there are up to four (4) positions available. At Tiger
Creek you are more than a worker, you are considered a friend and we strive to build long-term working
relations as we know you are the future animal caretakers! Interns are utilized for permanent animal care
positions through a qualification system with opportunity for full-time paid animal keeper positions available
based upon performance after training. Requirements: You provide a six (6)-day work week with a strong
commitment for three (3) months, be capable of paying attention to details and follow safety rules, you must
have your own transportation to and from the refuge and provide your own food while here. We provide
room & board, uniforms, materials and curriculum, indoctrination and safety training. We even throw in use
of the “tiger truck” for errands and entertainment adventures that you seek out. Within the new Intern House
there is central heat and air, all furnished, a full kitchen, with two full bathrooms, two rooms shared by two
students, a shared telephone line for incoming calls, internet access for email and surfing, a VCR, TV and
even Satellite so that you and the other interns can enjoy Animal Planet during your off hours! All of this
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 473
and a few rescued dogs or puppies in the backyard... because we want your stay to be as comfortable as
possible while here at Tiger Creek. The Tyler-East Texas area has a lot to offer, there is horse back riding
available at no cost to our interns, lakes within beautiful parks, movie theaters, numerous local night clubs
and plenty of restaurants and much more.
The following three (3) internship opportunities are available at the New Jersey State Aquarium -
The New Jersey State Aquarium husbandry department is currently holding open enrollment on all our
internships.
Avian Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3)letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to: New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Kyla Fox, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Become familiar with daily activities involving our colony of African penguins, exotic birds, and reptile
collection. Responsibilities: Duties include food preparation, exhibit maintenance, and creation of
enrichment devices. Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking and have
course work in biology/psychology. Must be able to work outdoors and lift 50 pounds. Interns are required
to complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four-
year school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions
are on a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Marine Mammal Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Collette Caprio, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Learn daily activities involving animal care and training with our Seal Team. Responsibilities: Duties
include food preparation, exhibit cleaning, creating enrichment devices and observing training.
Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking, have course work in biology/
psychology, prior animal experience, be able to work outdoors, and lift 501bs. Interns are required to
complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for eollege credits in either a two or four-year
school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions are on
a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Fish and Invertebrate Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resum, transcripts, three'(3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Nicole Grandinetti, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
The Fish and Invertebrate department offers internships each semester to qualifying
candidates. Responsibilities: The interns main responsibilities will be assisting the biologists with their
daily duties including exhibit and holding tank maintenance, food preparation, feeding, filter maintenance,
and learning all aspects on maintaining saltwater exhibits. Requirements: Interns must complete 120
hours within the semester working two eight-hour days. The typical hours for the day are from 7:30am to
4:30pm. Interns are also required to be registered for credits through a two or four- year institution. All
Interns work under a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Big Cat Internship - Wildlife on Easy Street, Tampa, FL
For more information contact Scott Lope at 813-323-5991 or email at catfotoI@aol.com
Two (2) positions available for six-month internship at TAOS accredited non-profit big cat sanctuary.
www.wildlifeoneasystreet.com< Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): daily husbandry, exhibit
cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, operant conditioning and behavioral enrichment for the following
species: lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, lynxes, servals, caracals, bobcats, lemurs and other exotic animals.
We provide invaluable hands-on experience, on-site housing and utilities, safety training and educational
materials. Advanced training and long-term employment opportunities exist for the right candidates.
Requirements: applicants must be willing to work six days a week, some holidays and follow strict
safety guidelines. Hard work ethic and love of animals more important than degree.
Internships - The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL
Internships are available in Animal Health, Animal Programs and Husbandry departments. Internships
available year-round for varying lengths of time and can be tailored to the individual student’s needs.
Internships are unpaid but provide valuable hands-on experience. Interested persons should send resume to:
Human Resources, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602. For more information visit our website at
www.flaquarium.org< Responsibilities: food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, assist with medical
procedures, animal observations, daily record keeping, enrichment activities, assist with training sessions
and shows.
474 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
Aviculture Interns - Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, Hawaii and Maui
For more information on internships at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and
contacts of three (3) references to: Tracey Goltz P.O. Box 39 Volcano, HI 96785 or fax: 808-985-7034.
OR, for more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to: Mary Schwartz 2375
Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 or fax: 808-572-3574. For the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation
Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui
Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui. Responsibilities; Daily tasks include husbandry
duties such as: diet preparation, aviary and facility maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding
birds, grounds keeping, predator control. Requirements: Applicant must be able to live with several
roommates in a remote area and should show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian
birds. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and health insurance. Internships last for a 3-6 month
period. Interns receive $20/day stipend plus housing. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Internship Opportunities - National Aquarium in Baltimore
To apply for any of the following internship positions go online at www.aqua.org/education/intemships
to obtain an application form. A complete application includes contact information, answers to brief
statements listed, and a copy of college transcript. Complete applications should be sent to: National
Aquarium at Baltimore-Internships, Pier 3/501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Application Deadline: ongoing - 1 November 2003 for January and Spring terms of 2004; 1 April 2004
for Summer and Fall 2004 terms; All interns must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work within the
selected term. Interns must receive college credit for their internship. Internships are unpaid. For further
information contact the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Internship coordinator at intem@aqua.org or
call (410) 576-3888.
Aquarist Intern
Responsibilities.- The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aquarist staff with daily care of the
Aquarium’s invertebrates and fish. Assist with tank maintenance and cleaning; Prepare daily diets and
perform daily feedings; Assist in the maintenance of back-upareas; Conduct precise record keeping; Perform
special projects to be determined by the aquarist staff. Requirements: College juniors or seniors enrolled
in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb up a 6’ ladder, and be able to squeeze across a 1 5’ long x 1 2” wide
platform.
Aviculture Intern
Responsibilities; The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aviculture staff with daily husbandry
activities in the South American Rainforest exhibit. Assist with and perform diet preparation and
distribution; Conduct animal observations; Assist in the cleaning of holding areas, kitchen, and food prep
areas; Provide enrichment to the aviculture collection; Perform special projects at be determined by the
aviculture staff Requirements; Interest in working with birds. Enrolled in an accredited college,
pursuing a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field.
Herpetology Intern
Responsibilities: Tend the “Hidden Life” exhibits (large wall terrariums where small, neotropical lizards,
frogs, snakes and invertebrates are on public display); Mist and clean the off-exhibit colony of small
arboreal lizards; Mist, clean and otherwise help tend the large, off-exhibit collection of neotropical frogs;
Prepare diets for and feed the on and off-exhibit iguanas and tortoises; Tend the locust (live food) colony,
orb-weaving spiders and colonies of non-venomous exotic arthropods (wood and hissing roaches, millipedes
and walking sticks); Assist in the maintenance of the live food cultures (fruit flies, springtails,
crickets,rats,mice); Conduct and record animal observations; Perform special projects as determined by
the herpetology staff. Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursing a degree in
Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Must be comfortable
working with frogs, lizards, rodents and terrestrial arthropods.
Horticulture
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium horticulture staff with daily activities.
Assist with care of plants in the Rain Forest exhibits; Conduct plant maintenance, fertilization, propagation,
and transplantation; Assist in display development; Perform special projects at be determined by the
horticulture staff Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology,
Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will aid in all aspects of marine animals rescue program (MARP)
operations, which involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea
turtles and implementing outreach efforts of the Aquarium’s Ocean Health Initiative. The selected candidate
is also responsible for technical and clerical assistance for the Conservation Department staff as necessary.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11 475
Duties include; Animal Care - participating in rescue and release trips, daily feeding, medical treatments,
facility maintenance including cleaning and water changes, behavioral observations, and record keeping;
Outreach - learning to interpret the MARP artifacts and conservation messages and participation in seasonal
outreach and public education programs at the Aquarium and off site; Other duties as assigned - field
work, etc. Requirements; Must be college junior or senior majoring in environmental science or related
field with course work in biology and ecology. Summer and January terms require 40 hours per week of
work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Marine Mammal Trainer Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate is responsible for providing support to the marine mammal
training staff. This internship’s primary purpose is to teach the intern training theory. There is limited
hands-on animal contact during the internship. Duties will include: Prepares daily animal diets and
dispenses vitamins as instructed; Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal back-up areas;
Assists in training, husbandry, and medical sessions; Participates in pre-show and pre-session preparations;
Periodically participates in sessions involving swimming during enrichment and play sessions - no animals
involved; Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Must be college junior or senior majoring in life
science or related field. Must have a basic understanding of marine mammal natural history. Must have
good swimming skills. Must work well as a team member. Summer and January terms require 40 hours
per week of work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Water Quality Lab Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist in the water quality testing of all fish and mammal
systems throughout the aquarium. Duties include testing water for salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity,
and copper according to lab procedures, and recoding neat, accurate data. The selected candidate will
work closely with the Lab Technicians and the Animal Husbandry staff Requirements; Must be college
junior or senior with general biology and chemistry work. Strong math skills and computer proficiency
preferred. Must be available to work mornings.
Zoo Emploqees anci VC^ilcJ Animal Liakilitq. cont d fpom pq. 451
focuses on the phrase “in the possession or control of a local agency,” one would tend to conclude
the exact opposite of what the court held, namely that Pittsburgh could be sued. The dolphin was,
after all, specifieally and entirely in their control.
Since Sakach v. City of Pittsburgh was decided on sovereign immunity grounds, the question was
not raised whether Sakach could alternatively have been denied recovery on a theory of assumption
of risk, as was the holding in Bormann, the Milwaukee deer case. Is a zoo volunteer in a similar
position to a zookeeper; has she no grounds for legal relief if she is injured by an animal because she
is presumed to know the potential hazard she faees? It would be preferable for zoos to take every
step to make volunteer experience so safe that courts need not address this question.
Conclusion
From a judicial standpoint, the cases examined here were examined under a variety of legal concepts:
strict liability, negligence, assumption of risk, master-servant law, and sovereign immunity. To a
zoo employee, these words and phrases are of less eoncern than the reality of the injuries inflicted
by the animals as described in the cases. Reading the facts of the litigation considered in this article
should remind zookeepers and other zoo workers that a great duty of care goes into the maintenance
of potentially dangerous animals. Safety is paramount, and avoidance of animal related injuries
must be a goal shared by all.
Appendix
Listed below are the legal citations for the cases mentioned in this article, in the order that discussion
occurred:
Jackson v. Baker, 24 App. D.C. 100 (1904).
Bormann v. City of Milwaukee, 67 N.W. 924 (Wis. 1896).
Oklahoma City v. Hudson, 405 P.2d 178 (Okla.1965).
Normand v. City of New Orleans, 363 S. 2d 1220 (La. 4‘*’ Cir. 1978).
City of Mangum v. Brownlee, 75 P.2d 174 (Okla. 1938).
Sakach v. City of Pittsburgh, 687 A.2d 34 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1996).
References
Bannor, B. 2003. Captive animal liability: 19^ century foundations and 20‘*’ century modifications.
Zoo Biology, in press.
Gifis, S. H. 1996. Law dictionary, 4“" ed. New York: Barron’s Educational Services, Inc. 561 p.
Keeton, W.P., ed. 1984. Prosser and Keeton on the law of torts, 5“" ed. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing.
1286 p.
Schama, S. 1995. Landscape and memory. New York: Vintage Books. 563 p.
476 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 11
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F O U Tvr
The Journal of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers. Inc.
DECEMBER 2003
ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 December 2003
Vol. 30, No. 12
Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Mark de Denus, Reid
Park Zoo • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo & Rachel Cantrell, Disney’s
Animal Kingdom • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. •
ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William
K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida
Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Keepers’ Forum is published monthly by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th
Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 6661-2054. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication
costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Postage paid at Topeka, KS.
AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS
also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Denise Wagner, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA 92027 President
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Vice President
Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200
Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoological Society, Volcano, HI 96785
Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI 02905
Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109
Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Immediate Past President
COMMITTEES
Nominations& Elections
Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX
Conservation, Preservation & Restoration Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Annual Conferences
Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc.
Bowling for Rhinos
Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC
Marketing Resources
Bob Hayes - San Diego Zoological Society
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
APT, EDT and ATP Forms
AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka
Enrichment Committee
Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
AAZK Website
Liaison to Webmaster - Denise Wagner
AAZK Historian
Mark Levin, Elmwood Park Zoo
By-laws
Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo
Ethics
Chair - Kevin Shelton - The Florida Aquarium
Research/Grants
Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
Awards
Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo
Professional Development
Chair - Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks
Animal Behavior Management
Chair - Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo
International Outreach
Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Chair/Coordinator International Assistance
Debbie Richmond, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution)
AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION
Biological Information (formerly Biological Values), 4th Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, Columbus Zoo
AAZK Enrichment Notebook 3rd Edition - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo
printed on Recycled Paper
of Contents
About the Cover/Information for Contributors 478
Scoops & Scuttlebutt 479 - 480
From the Executive Director. 481
Coming Events 482
AAZK Anounces New Members 483
Reactions Column: Preventing human encroachment on zoo grounds 484 - 486
Polar Bear Meeting Scheduled for 2004 486
ABC’s Column: Integrating two pinniped species into same exhibit 487 - 488
Great Ape Quiz 488
Biological Information on Selected Mammals CD Info and Order Form 489
Book Reviews (New Yorks Biggest Litle Zoo: A History of the Staten Island Zoo;
Biology, Husbandryt and Medicine of the Green Iguana; and Nests,
Birds and Incubators - New Insights into Natural and Artificial
Incubation)..... 490 - 492
2003 Comference Proceedings Info and Order Form 493 - 494
Legislative Update 495 - 497
An Intern’s Enrichment 498 - 499
The Water Column (Final Installment - Water) 500 - 501
Chapter News Notes 502
Starting an Injection Training Program with Lion-tailed Macaques 503 - 512
Enrichment Optons (Enrichment Survey Results) 513 - 516
Opportunity Knocks 517 - 520
Vi
S^bout the Cover
This month s cover features Tufani, the first African elephant (Loxodanta qfricana) to be born at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom, Orlando, FL. It was drawn by Jeff Wells, an Animal Keeper in the Ituri Forest. Tufani
means “storm” in Swahili, an East African dialect. He was given his name due to being born during a
thunderstorm at 10:05 p.m. on Thursday, 22 May 2003. He was conceived via artificial insemination. His
mother, Moyo, is a 21 -year-old cow and Tufani is her first calf He was born after a gestation period of 636
days and weighed 296 lbs. at birth. DAK’s African elephant collection currently consists of 3. 7 adults and,
now, of course, one male calf Tufani ’s birth is very significant in that African elephants are difficult to
breed in captivity. His birth marks only the seventh successful such birth in North America during the past
20 years. Since the park ’s opening five years ago, Disney ’s Animal Kingdom has not only fostered a breeding
program with African elephants, but has also carried out valuable research including research on elephant
vocalizations. At times the elephants are fitted with specialized radio collars so that their low frequency
vocalizations, called rumbles, can be recorded. Once recorded, the vocalizations known as infra-sounds
are matched with the elephants ’behavior, which are also recorded and tracked. The scientists at DAK have
been successful in “cracking the codes ” of some of these low frequency vocalizations. In the wild, it is
believed that African elephants can communicate over long distances by using these low frequency rumblings.
It is possible that they receive some of these “messages” sent by their fellow elephants through the thick
pads on the bottom of their feet. Thanks, Jeff!
Animal Keepers’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession.
Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed
and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as well as in hard copy
form. Manuscripts submitted either on disk or electronically as attachments to an email should be submitted
in Microsoft WORD. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and
should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the
text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name
(as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for
weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating
system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy
black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. Clearly marked
captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Photographs may be submitted
electronically as either JPEG or TIFF file attachments.
Articles sent to Animal Keepers ’Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a
research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees
for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as
possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The
editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the
author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed,
appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone, fax or email contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute
insertions are accepted as space allows. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468-1966 (Canada); FAX
(785) 273-1980; email is akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month.
Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor.
Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo
Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association.
Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the
reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. If an article is shown to be separately copyrighted by the
author(s), then permission must be sought from the author(s). Reprints of material appearing in this journal
may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each.
E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at;
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com<
AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org
BFR Website: http://bfr.aazk.org
478 Animal Keepers' Forun, Vol. 30, No. 12
Scoops & Scuttlebutt
Chapters Reminded About Recharter Packets
All Chapter officers are reminded that annual Recharter Packets are mailed in
January and must be returned to AAZK Administrative Offices bv 1 March 2004
to avoid paying the $100 late fee. If you have questions about about filling out
your forms, contact Barbara Manspeaker at 1 -800-242-45 1 9 (US) or 1 -800-468- 1 966 (Canada). You
can also reach Barbara via email at aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< Make certain when you return
your packets that you have completed all required information and have included a check for your
recharter fee. Make a copy for your Chapter’s records. Return of these forms is part of the
Association’s obligation to the Internal Revenue Service under our 501 (c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt
status. Failure to have forms returned by all of AAZK’s chartered Chapters puts that tax-exempt
status in jeopardy, so your full cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Recnt Donations Helps Adopt-A-School Program
AAZK, Inc. and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy wish to thank Linda Brown, a Docent at the
Louisville Zoo, for her donation of $100.00 to help fund the Labarua School Lunch Program. Thanks
also go out to the Virginia Chapter of AAZK for their generous donation of $250.00 to this project.
The cost to feed one child for a term is $5.20 and the current Lebarua School population can be fed
for an entire term for $1,175.00, so Linda’s and the Virginia Chapter’s donations will certainly go a
long way towards helping reach that goal. If you would like to know more about this program, see
the October 2003 issue of AKF, pages 408-409.
AAZK Announces Availability of Granting Programs
The American Association of Zoo Keepers announces the availability of two granting opportunities:
The Conservation, Preservation and Restoration (CPR) Grant - This $ 1 ,000.00 grant is designed to
encourage and support efforts in conservation conducted by keepers and aquarists in zoological
parks and aquariums around the world. Members of AAZK, Inc. in good standing are eligible to
apply and receive this grant. The member MUST have an active role in the conservation effort
submitted for consideration. The division of this grant between two projects is at the discretion of
the CPR committee. Funds are made available only after a progress report and receipts have been
submitted.
The Zoo Keeper Grants in Research - Two $1,000.00 grants are funded annually to encourage and
support noninvasive research conducted by keepers in zoo and aquarium settings. The principal
investigator MUST be a full-time keeper and a member of AAZK, Inc. in good standing.
Deadline for application submission for either grant option is 01 June 2004. Successful grant
recipients will be announced at the AAZK National Conference in Fall 2004. The grant cycle runs
from 01 January 2005 to 31 December 2005. For further information or an application see the
AAZK Website at www.aazk.org , or contact Jan Reed-Smith, AAZK Grants Committees’ Chair,
irsotter@iserv.net. 6 1 6-693-2680, Fax: 6 1 6-374-3263 . Please specify which grant program you are
interested in.
Bat TAG Announces Small Grants Program
The AZA Bat TAG would like to announce a small grants program. Grants are available to zoo and
aquarium staff who are engaged in scientific efforts related to bat management, conservation
Animal Keepers’ Forun, Vol. 30, No. 12 479
education, in situ biological conservation, veterinary helath, nutrition, zoological research and
reproduction, especially projects involving threatened and endangered species. The application
deadline is 1 January 2004, with awards of up to $500 being announced in February 2004. Program
application and guidelines are available from Steven M. Wing, AZA Bat TG Co-chair, Riverbanks
Zoo, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202-1060 or at swing@riverbanks.org<
SOS Rhino Seeks Volunteers
SOS RHINO is looking for volunteers interested in helping in their efforts to save the Sumatran
rhinoceros. Their Borneo Team is studying the demographics of the remaining animals in Tabin
Wildlife Reserve to determine when patrol units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role
in the rhinos' survival. Check out their website at: http://sosrhino.org/programs/volunteer.php< for
details of this volunteer program.
Dallas Chapter to Continue Chapter Challenge “Tradition”
The Dallas Chapter of AAZK, hosts of your 2004 National
Conference “Pursuing Your Wild Passions ” announces the
continuation of what we hope will become a new AAZK
Conference tradition. In the spirit of support generated by
the Cleveland Challenge, we are issuing the Chapter
Challenge 2004.
What is it? In order to keep delegates’ cost to a minimum,
while ensuring the best possible conference, we are
encouraging Chapters to donate. If your Chapter contributes $250.00 or more, they will be entered
into a drawing. The winning AAZK Chapter will receive one full registration and one double
occupancy room for five nights at the Adam’s Mark Hotel (Sept 26-30, 2004). Letters detailing all
the information will be sent to all AAZK Chapters in January. Start planning now to met the
challenge!!!
Cleveland AAZK Chapter Offers Another Challenge
So you thought the “Cleveland Challenge” was over? Think again. We’re back. We know... you
can’t get rid of us. We just enjoyed planning the 2003 AAZK Conference so much that we thought
we would continue you on with the next phase. We have decided to institute the “Cleveland Challenge-
Round 2.”
Since the “Cleveland Challenge” encouraged so many of you to donate to our conference, we want
to now encourage you to donate to AAZK, Inc. So here’s the rules: for any Chapter donating to
AAZK, Inc. we will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $5000 from now until 1 April,
2004. AAZK, Inc. needs all of our support, and this way your dollars will be worth double. So
when you are thinking of where to send your Christmas fundraising money, or you are thinking of
adding a little extra in your recharter package, think of the “Cleveland Challenge-Round 2.”
AAZK Administrative Office will send us a listing of Chapter donations after the 1 April deadline
and we will match them up to $5000. Let’s keep AAZK, Inc. moving forward by supporting the
Association’s programs and projects.
480 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
■ rom tne Lxecutive D i rector
During the annual conference in Cleveland, the Board of Directors ratified a proposal to
formulate a new and exciting partnership with a private company in the name of rhino
conservation. AAZK Inc., is proud to welcome and recognize the Blue Rhino Company as
the sponsor of Bowling for Rhinos. This program shall now be known as The American
Association of Zoo Keeper’s Bowling for Rhinos, sponsored by Blue Rhino.
There are many benefits to this partnership, on the national, international and local levels.
First and foremost. Blue Rhino has designated $20,000.00 per year, for the next two years,
to the Bowling for Rhinos programs. The funds will be spread over the three international
rhino conservation groups that AAZK supports, in conserving five rhino species. At the
national level, AAZK and Blue Rhino will work to promote the BFR program and rhino
conservation in a joint marketing strategy. On the local scene. Blue Rhino has offered in-
kind logistic support in the form of signage, banners, and coordination from the local
distributors, in areas where BFR events are held each year.
AAZK is proud to welcome Blue Rhino as a partner in international rhino conservation.
To obtain more information on how Blue Rhino might be able to help your local event,
contact Patty Pearthree, BFR Coordinator.
Ed Hansen
AAZK Executive Director
Tucson, AZ
The Little Rock Zoo AAZK Chapter is now offering for sale
“Eat, Drink, and Go Wild”
A spiral bound cookbook of recipes, photos, and animal facts.
Eight sections of great tasting ideas!
To order send $10.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling to:
Little Rock AAZK Chapter, c/o Little Rock Zoo
#1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
For information: Daphne Brock, dcbrock@att.net
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 481
Comirtg Events
First Annual Crissev Zoological Nutrition
Symposium - 12-13 December 2003 in Raleigh,
NC. To be held at the College of Veterinary
Medicine, North Carolina State University. A
website with details and registration instructions
is posted at http://www.cvm.ncsu.edy/info/ce/
zoonutrition. htm< Special sections this year will
focus on Primate Nutrition, Food Safety, Fiber and
Forages, Vitamins and Minerals; as well as gneral
sessions. Dr. Jay Kaplan of Bowman-Grey Medical
School will be the keynote speaker, speaking on
“Phytoestrogens and Health: What Can We Learn
from Primates? An evening event on 12 December
is planned for the general public.
II International Tapir Symposium - 10-16
January 2004 - in Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Will bring together a multi-faceted group of tapir
experts, including field biologists, educators,
captivity specialists, adademicians, researchers,
veterinarians, governmental authorities, politicians
and other interested parties. Session topics will
cover field research, population management,
husbandry, fundraising, marketing, governmental
regulations, eco-tourism, education, veterinary
issues and tapir bio-politics. Visit the Symposium
website at http://www.caligo.com/tapir/ for more
information and registration details.
Karen Prvor Clicker Expos 2004
23-25 January 2004, Berkeley, CA; and 26-28
March 2004, West Chester, PA. Each Clicker Expo
will feature 15 main stage presentations and 18
workshops over three days. Topics will cover the
latest operant conditioning techniques utilized for
domestic as well as zoo and aquarium animals. For
a full schedule and registration information, visit
www.clickertraining.com<
International Polar Bear Husbandry Conference
4-7 February 2004 in San Diego, CA. Polar Bear
International (PBI) in association with the AZA’s
Bear TAG are cohosting this conference to be held
at the Bahia Hotel on Mission Bay. They are
bringing together many of the most experienced and
knowledgeable “bear” professionals in the world,
including noted scientists, zookeepers, and
naturalists representing a broad spectrum of
institutions. Information and online registration is
now available on PBI’s website (http:
www.polarbearsintemational.org). This includes
the invited speaker list (updated monthly) as well
as the conference agenda, goals, scholarship
information and other specifics. Any questions,
please do not hesitate to call our headquarters at
(225) 923-3114.
International Association of Avian Trainers and
Educators (lAATEJ - 18-21 February, 2004 in
Toronto, Canada. Hosted by the Toronto Zoo. For
more information call (416) 392-6008 or email
kbuckle@sympatico.ca, hamiltonk2000@rogers.com<
AZA Western Regional Conference - 17-20 March
2004. Hosted by Santa Barbara Zoo. For information
contact Nancy McToldridge at (805) 962-5339.
The Felid TAG Annual Conference Meeting - 19-
21 March, 2004 in Albuquerque, NM. Hosted by
the Rio Grande Zoo. For more information please
contact Lynn Tupa at (505) 764-6216.
ltupa@cabq.gov<; or Gwen Dragoo at ((505) 764-
6262, gdragoo@cabq.gov<
AZA Traveling Training - 24-30 April 2004. To
include Keeper Training Course. At the Houston Zoo,
Houston, TX. Contact Alexis Weider, Training
Administrator at (301) 562-0777, Ext. 256.
AZA Eastern Regional Conference - 12-15 May
2004. Hosted by Louisville Zoo. For information
contact Sandra Allen (502) 238-5608.
IX International Otter Colloquium - 4-10 June,
2004 at Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD.
Theme is “Otters: Ambassadors for Aquatic
Conservation”. For more information go to http://
otter.frostburg.edu<
2004 Gorilla Workshop - 25-28 June, 2004 in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Hosted by the Calgary
Zoo. Look for more details and registration
information as they become available at http://
2004gorillaworkshop. tripod. com<
AAV 25th Annual Conference & Expo - 16-20
August 2004 - in New Orleans, LA at the Sheraton
New Orleans Hotel. For further information call
(303)756-8380 or visit www.conferenceoffice.com/
aav<
Post Your Coining Event Here - email to
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com
482 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
AAZK Announces
New IVIembers
Renewing Contributing Members
New Professional Members
Lynn Turcotte, no zoo listed (Johnston, RI);
Marianne Morrison, The Philadelphia Zoo(PA);
Carol Bokelman, Popcorn Park Zoo (NJ); Kip
Grangier, Salisbury Zoo (MD); Karsten Jensen,
Mill Mountain Zoo (VA); Amy M. Haggard,
Beth Philthrope, Kristina A. Krickbaum, Daryl
Hood, Veola W. Lampkin-Herron, Rebecca
Richardson, Sarah A. Jenkins, Shannon Richards,
Brett Bannor, Ricca Ducharme, Heather Baskett,
Cilinia Powell and Kelly Holt, Zoo Atlanta (GA);
Scott Gregory, Santa Fe Community College
Teaching Zoo (FL); Vanessa Hollowell,
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (TN); Michele L.
Giffen, Akron Zoo(OH); Rickey Kinley,
Cincinnati Zoo (OH); Julie A. Elsinger, Henry
Vilas Zoo (WI); Anna M. Quaintance and Sarah
L. Behrens, Sunset Zoo (KS); Carl Jennings,
Peony Park (NE); Robin L. Culp, Moody
Gardens (TX); Carina Campbell, Cheyenne
Mountain Zoo (CO); Randall McKenney,
Tautphaus Park Zoo (ID); Teresa Riza and
Heather J. Vetter, The Phoenix Zoo(AZ);
Jennifer Byram, Arizona-Sonora Desert
Museum (AZ); Traci Amerine, Woodland Park
Zoo (WA); Sara M. Mattison, Point Defmace
Zoo & Aquarium (WA); Rosalynn Tiller,
Colchester Zoo (UK).
Mark Hofling, Sr. Keeper
Bronx Zoo (NYZS), Bronx, NY
Renewing Institutional Members
Michigan State University Library
East Lansing, MI
Serials Dept./Ellis Library
University of Missouri
Springfield, MO
Dickerson Park Zoo
Springfield, MO
Mike Crocker, Director
Tautphaus Park Zoo
Idaha Falls, ID
William R. Gersonde, Director
Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno
Fresno, CA
Ralph E. Waterhouse, Director
THE
GOURMET
RODENT,
INC.™
RATS AND MICE
Bill & Marcia Brant
6115 SW 137th Ave., Archer, FL 32618
(352) 495-9024
FAX: (352) 495-9781
e-mail: GrmtRodent@aoLcom
© All R)j>hts Reserved
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 12 483
^ £ /\ c r / 0 £ £
/f ^uestioicid/imrfoniKfortktoo F^fessioialoiOishlfm^eteit
By William K. Baker, Jr., Curator
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
Question
Do you have any recommendations for preventing human encroachment into a zoological facility?
Comments
Ideally there are two ways to look at the problem of human encroachment into a zoological facility
and there are two ways to build strategies to prevent it. The two factors that determine a course of
action are daylight and nighttime operations, and the two facets to develop a strategy are passive
and active security.
Daytime - Passive Security
• Traffic control of visitors should always be at the forefront of zoo design. Ideally you
want to control not only where the public can and can’t go, but also how they move
through your facility. Traffic patterns should encourage a smooth transition through a
zoological park.
• Graphics are an important component of identifying “staff only” and “restricted area”
entry points into employee areas. Staff members should avoid shortcuts, which result in
open or unattended gates or entry points. Gates should be secured whenever they are not
in immediate use by the staff
• Locks are a major component of any security plan. Ideally only staff members assigned to
an area should have key access. Inspect all locks, chains, and deadbolts. Perform
maintenance on an annual basis or as needed. Inferior quality or locks in poor repair
should be upgraded and replaced. Perform a key inventory and develop a key control
program that restricts key access.
• All staff members should be required to carry photo ID badges at all times while on duty.
In larger facilities this is critical when considering the sheer number of employees at a
given time. Staff members should always be in some level of issue uniform.
• All visitors should be required to physically check-in with a staff member and should be
issued visitor ID badges. All staff vehicles should have a parking pass clearly visible on
the windshield of the vehicle. Visitors should be issued a temporary parking pass. Temporary
passes can be purchased in multiple colors and should be changed on a monthly basis.
484 Animal Keepers 'Forum, VoL 30, No. 12
Nighttime - Passive Security
• Landscaping can be a real asset to the appearance of zoological facilities. However, it can
also provide great cover for individuals hiding in the park or trying to enter after-hours.
Landscaping should be maintained to allow a field of vision down a perimeter fence that
will also facilitate visual inspections of the fence itself
• All entry points should be secured at the end of the business day.
• All service areas, storage areas, and restrooms should be secured at the end of the business
day.
• Area lighting is a vital component of night operations and no facility should be without it.
Lighting at night along the perimeter should be the strongest followed by entry points into
the facilities and the animal service areas. Ideally, all exhibits should have the ability to be
lit in an emergency as well. Regular inspections and maintenance are key elements to
maintaining this deterrent. Fluorescent lighting typically provides clean blue-white light
and is energy efficient. One neat option that I have seen used are area lights powered with
solar panels.
• Potential entry points would include storm drains, gaps in fencing, or fencing that is non-
cyclone in nature. Storm drains should be grated and locked. Ideally perimeter fencing
should be continuous, cyclone, at least eight feet tall, and preferably with a secondary
perimeter fence line. The area between the fences should be kept landscaping-free. Also,
always keep debris and material away from fencing, it makes a great improvised ladder.
Daytime - Active Security
• Always introduce new members of the staff; it’s not only courteous, it’s good security.
Encourage staff to “be aware” of unusual activity or people taking pictures with sensitive
areas as a background.
• Unknown persons in restricted areas should be challenged and identified. Access to a
facility by volunteers should be closely controlled and monitored.
• Staff members should be provided with a secure parking area located within the perimeter
that requires coded access and has minimal gate access, (adequate lighting is a must at
night).
• Uniform and non-uniform security can be an extremely effective element in deterrence
and response and a reliable asset, provided they have been properly trained. Unarmed
security elements are best used as a deterrent or for first aid. As a result, the use of armed
peace officers or security guards would be more advantageous in a crisis.
• Biometric security measures, a relatively new aspect of security in the military and private
sector, can be highly effective in unmanned access control. In short, it uses a discriminating
physical characteristic, which it compares to its database. Historically expensive, but
becoming more affordable. Still, swipe cards incorporating photo ID’s are frequently used
in the corporate work place and are an affordable alternative.
Nighttime - Active Security
• After-hours access to a facility should be rigidly controlled. There should be a provision
for sign-in/sign-out procedures with visual confirmation by the night staff
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 485
• Consider the use of burglar bars and motion-sensitive security lighting near any
administrative, laboratory, research, or veterinary service buildings
• Automated alarm systems can be effective when equipped with an alternate power source
in the event electrical service is interrupted or fails. Monitored systems are best.
• Cameras and electronic surveillance range from inexpensive progressively to expensive,
[conventional, telescopic, starlight (Generation I-III), and infrared (active and passive)].
It simply depends on the perceived threat level and what your budget can bear. Also, they
are useless in the preventative sense without a staff member or service to monitor and
interpret what they are seeing, (an additional expense). Still, it is a very time-effective
approach to monitoring large areas of a facility.
While a combination of the suggestions listed above is an effective approach, the single best option
in my experience is a human presence on grounds.
Next Month; What types of reference materials are available for crisis management?
If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published
materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614
Attn: Reactions/AKF
(About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology, and wildlife
management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-graduate
studies in zoology. Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team Leader, ERT Member, Large Mammal
Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological facilities. His area of research is
crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as
a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid
Instructor.)
Polar Bear Meeting Scheduled for 2004
Polar Bears International (PBI) in association with American Zoological and Aquarium Association’s
Bear Taxon Advisory Group (Bear TAG) is formally announcing the International Polar Bear
Husbandry Conference to convene 4-7 February 2004 in San Diego, California at the Bahia Hotel
on Mission Bay. We are bringing together many of the most experienced and knowledgeable “bear”
professionals in the world, including noted scientists, zookeepers, and naturalists representing a
broad spectrum of institutions.
Information and online registration is now available on FBI’s Web site
www.polarbearsintemational.org . This includes the
invited speaker list (which will be updated monthly) as well as the conference agenda, goals,
scholarship information and other specifics. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our
headquarters at (225) 923-3114. Source: Robert W. Buchanan, President, Polar Bears
International, (813) 503-8887; robearbuck@aol.com
486 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
ABC's:
Animal Behavior
Concerns and Solutions
A Question & Answer Forum for Animal Professionals
©2003 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant
Ark Animals of California, Big Bear Lake, CA
Behavior Evaluation: Integration of Zalophus californianus and Phoca vitulina.
Question: (American Zoo) We would like to integrate two species of pinnipeds into the same
enclosure. What do you suggest?
Answer: Co-habitation of multiple species, especially different pinnipeds, is fairly common.
Integration success, or challenges, will depend on the individuality or idiosyncrasies of the animals
and may be influenced by the gender ratio, diversity in ages, seasonal influences, and the exhibit
specifics.
Many different zoos and aquariums have reported success housing California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) together. In some cases training was necessary,
while in others the animals adapted to the change in environment without tremendous problems.
Since the established group already performs basic husbandry and show behaviors — and you have
stated that you are also currently training the younger animals, it sounds like you are well on the
way to successful integration.
Strong stationing behaviors, targeting control for movement, separate feeding stations, and adequate
haul-out areas for the animals will help prevent altercations. In addition, make sure you continue to
provide adequate training criteria and present environmental enrichment stimulation to keep the
animals physically and mentally occupied.
Competition for haul-out space is one of the bigger challenges you may encounter. Prior assessment
of your exhibit and creative solutions to address the space issue will help you avoid aggressive
animal exchanges. However, as the younger animals begin to mature, you may see hierarchical
shifts and challenges that may escalate during the breeding season.
Before the actual integration you may want to allow each group of animals to be in the primary
enclosure at different times so that the new group acclimates prior to introduction. This allows the
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 487
new animals to be familiar with the exhibit and to use that familiarity as an advantage should they
need it. Once acclimatized, it is ideal to expose each group of animals to the others under controlled
circumstances.
Controlled situations where barriers are used (gates, etc.) allow visual, olfactory, and auditory
exposure to other animals without the jeopardy. You can allow the animals opportunities to interact
devoid of risk by using both land and underwater barriers (nets) or gates. If you have the capability,
keep each group of animals on one side of the exhibit one day and then switch the sides they occupy
on the next day. During this process have a trainer work with each animal (or group of animals) and
move them closer until they are working in close proximity to one another.
Approximation would continue so that you eventually begin working the groups within the same
areas. First you would work them in adjacent areas, then the same areas but separating them prior to
the end of the session. Next you would end the sessions (with each group) within the same area so
they can intermingle freely after the sessions.
In most cases the animals will sort out their situation or status within their group with low levels of
threat behavior. They will either ignore each other or tolerate the presence of the others. In some
cases, the younger animals will catalyze increased activity levels and stimulation for the group.
Finally, remember that it never hurts to have some sort of contingency plan in place to address any
major altercation should one occur.
About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and
domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with and certified by a variety of animal programs in
the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and leads safaris. Information on her
animal career programs, training courses, and her newest book. What Animals Can Teach Us About
Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003) are available through her website. Questions for ABC’s should
be submitted to Diana directly through the ABC’s questionnaire on her website, via email
(zooit@arkanimals.com), or through regular mail: c/o ARKANIMALS.COM, PO Box 1989-215,
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 USA.
Great Ape Quiz
We are making a program about the great apes and have an online
quiz to accompany it. We would like as many people as possible
worldwide to take our quiz, so that we can find out how much people
know about the great apes and some of their opinions about them.
There will soon be a prize incentive on the site, so look out for that!
Please log on at http://www.tigressproductions.co.uk and take our
Great Ape Quiz! And please forward this information on to as many
of your friends, family and colleagues as you can.
Submitted by Jessica Tombs, Tigress Productions Ltd., email: itombs@tigressbristol.co.uk<
488 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
Just Released.
Biological Information on
Selected Mammals 4th Edition
CDROM Version
A product of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
The 1,396 page Biological Information on Selected Mammal Species CD covers a wide range from
general, breeding, and young-rearing behavior to diet and physical descriptions of 590 species. The
volume is in a PDF format allowing searches by Species (Common or Latin name); or Key words
using the Find function; or by Species (Common or Latin name),. Family; or Order using the
Bookmarks. Table of Contents are given for Orders, Families, Species by Common Name, Species
by Scientific Name, and Species by Order and Family. The Appendices cover a variety of information
from behavioral patterns common to families (Bovid displays) to taxonomy (Primates). References
are listed by Order and Family.
Biological Information for Selected Mammals CD Order Form
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Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 489
New York’s Biggest Little Zoo: A History of the Staten Island Zoo
By Ken Kawata
Copyright 2003 Staten Island Zoo ISBN 0-7575-0178-8
Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 4050 Westmark Dr.,
RO. Box 1840, Dubuque, lA 52004-1840
1-800-228-0810 or www.kendallhunt.com
Also available at amazon.com
193 pp. Paperback $20.00
Review by Judie Steenberg
Retired Zoo Keeper
Minneapolis, MN
In this book, Ken Kawata makes history interesting. Although New York’s Biggest Little Zoo was
written for the general reader, collectors of zoo history, reptile enthusiasts and zookeepers will all
learn something about their field of interest from this book. Part One “It Began with a Dream”
through Part Six “Waves of the Future” take the reader from the early 1930s through the trials and
tribulations in the development of a zoo.
“At the bottom of the Great Depression, a small zoo was born on Staten Island, New York City.”
The Staten Island Zoo (SIZ) was a different zoo from the start; it would be the first zoo to emphasize
education as its primary role. “The Zoo will be helpful to our students in the study of nature and
natural sciences.” That statement was made in 1936 during the Dedication of the SIZ. The main
zoo building was designed, and built, with an auditorium, office and laboratories. Throughout the
book, the author relates the many ways the SIZ was used as an education facility, even during the
lean years, despite the fact that education staff wasn’t hired until 1970.
This 193-page book is loaded with historical bits about New York and America as they relate to the
founders and development of the SIZ. The author describes those most difficult years of animals
arriving with no space and no timeline on constructing the buildings, attendant with budget woes.
Still, the SIZ became a reality with a strong emphasis on reptiles, another departure from zoo tradition.
The SIZ, although a small zoo, contained one of the most extensive and representative collections
of reptiles in the country. In the mid- 1940s the zoo had regularly scheduled snake feedings; a
controversial practice most zoos avoided. Reptile enthusiasts will especially enjoy the chronology
of the SIZ’s reptile collection.
Dr. Patricia O’Connor, “. . .the first full-time woman zoo veterinarian in the country” started working
at SIZ in October 1942. It was also a surprise to learn that she was only one of six staff zoo
veterinarians in the country in 1955. The author emphasizes the significance of Dr. O’Connor’s
position, the variety of “hats” she wore, and tells of her remarkable work and contributions to the
zoo profession. Networking was Dr. O’Connor’s forte and the AAZV was her brainchild; she was
the organization’s first president (1946-57).
Throughout the book, the author brings to light the complexities of a zoo, the diverse duties of zoo
staff, the vagaries of zoo management and “new” concepts in zoo operations. The author describes
a downturn at SIZ in the 1970s due to “severe financial difficulties and lack of strong leadership; it
was “...an age of isolation”. From 1980-2002, “Under new leadership, the Zoo entered an era of
recovery and development.” New York’s Biggest Little Zoo is an interesting book that covers the
good times as well as the difficulties a zoo goes through. Ken makes one want to visit this big little
zoo.
490 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
Biology, Husbandry, and Medicine of the Green Iguana
Edited by Elliot R. Jacobson, DVM, PhD, DACZM
Copyright 2003 ISBN 1 -57524-065-3
Krieger Publishing Company, RO. Box 9542, Melbourne, FL 32902-9542
216 pp., 103 color plates, 30 b/w photos Hardcover/$46.50
Review by Sandra C. Wilson, DVM, MS
Veterinarian
Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, KS
There is relatively little information regarding husbandry and medicine that can be applied across
the board to all reptiles. This is the first textbook to provide accurate, in-depth, and very useable
information on a single species. No one is more qualified to serve as editor than Elliot Jacobson is,
and the list of contributing authors is impressive.
The first three chapters are devoted mostly to the biology and nutrition of wild green iguanas. Not
only is this fascinating reading, but the information is applicable to captive management, particularly
in the zoo environment where well-designed exhibits and social groupings can foster the expression
of natural behaviors. Although much of this information has been published previously in a variety
of journals, it is now much more accessible to zoo personnel and veterinarians.
Chapters 4 and 5 cover husbandry and nutrition of captive iguanas. Minor differences of opinion
between authors are noted, for example regarding the use of processed foods and the inclusion of
fruit in the captive diet. These differences of opinion are entirely appropriate in an multi-authored
text, particularly when much remains to be learned on the subject of iguana nutrition. The discussion
of ultraviolet light is detailed, and highlights the problems encountered when attempting to provide
adequate UV through artificial means. However, the recent use of high power UVB emitting lights,
such as the mercury vapor lamp, is not discussed.
The remainder of the text covers various aspects of iguana medicine, including diagnostic techniques,
drug dosages, and surgery. As a clinical veterinarian, I was particularly interested in the chapter on
diagnostic imaging. Some of the images are of other species, and images of contrast studies are not
included. Perhaps in the next edition, this chapter could be expanded to include more radiographic
and sonographic images.
There are a little over 100 color plates included in the text. A few are redundant or of limited value,
but the overall quality and usefulness is exceptional. The text is well-referenced, with several
chapters listing over 100 references. The chapter summaries are particularly useful, especially
following lengthy and detailed chapters. However, only a few chapters contain summaries.
Zoo personnel, herpetoculturists and veterinarians will find this book very useful. We can only
hope that similar high quality texts covering other (single) species will be published in the near
future.
Nests, Birds and Incubators New Insights into Natural and Artificial Incubation
By D. C. Deeming
Copyright 2002, ISBN 0-9544-0670-2
Brinsea Products Ltd. Station Rd., Standford, N. Somerset, BS25 5RA, United Kingdom
Printed by Oxford Print Centre, 36 Holywell Street, Oxford, 0X1 3SB, United Kingdom
209 pgs. paperback Price: 20£
Review by Leslie Keys, Principal Keeper,
Detroit Zoological Institute, Royal Oak, MI
The author of this book previously wrote the book “Avian Incubation: Behavior, Environment &
Evolution” (Oxford University Press, 2002) to provide the scientific community with a reference
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 3G, No. 12 491
book for years to come. The book “Nests, Birds and Incubators” presents the same material in a
more easy-to-read format. He also put the concepts of artificial incubation and natural incubation
together to provide insight into the similarities and differences of these two divergent methods. In
his goal of making a book readable to non-scientists I would say he was a rousing success. When I
received this book for review, I sat down with it to briefly leaf through and ended up spending over
an hour reading bits and pieces. It was extremely hard to put down.
Deeming arranges his book into two sections. The first deals with birds in the wild, their nests, their
eggs, and their behavior. He discusses the mechanics of incubation and how the structure of the
nests and the ambient environment affects the structure of eggs themselves. For example, birds that
live in arid regions lay eggs with very low-porosity shells to slow down weight loss and birds like
grebes that nest in the water lay eggs with very high porosity. In addition, birds living in lower
altitudes lay eggs with low porosity eggshells, but when the same birds are moved to higher altitudes,
they begin laying eggs with higher porosity to counteract the effects of air pressure on the rate of gas
exchange. He also goes into details of exactly how eggs are formed, what their internal structure
consists of and why this is so important to understand in relation to artificial incubation. One of the
most interesting facts in this section concerns eggshell strength. The larger the surface area of an
egg, the thinner the eggshell. This means that although an ostrich egg is still plenty thick enough to
withstand an ostrich sitting on it, a tiny egg like a finch’s has a proportionately thicker shell. This
also means that a very small egg can afford to lose some shell thickness without breaking. This
explains why flycatchers and warblers were able to come through the DDT crisis while larger birds
like eagles and osprey were so adversely affected.
The second half of the book is devoted to artificial incubation. He explains the reasons for artificial
incubation, how incubators are supposed to work, how various methods are used to achieve the
conditions needed to successfully incubate eggs and what may have gone wrong if there is hatching
failure. The best part of this section gives descriptions of hatch failures and exactly what went
wrong and when in the cycle it happened. Then he offers suggestions as to how to correct the
problem. This makes it much easier to correct the problem rather than changing everything in
hopes that something works, or changing everything one at a time and sacrificing many hatches.
The last chapter introduces a new type of incubator that more closely mimics natural incubation by
applying the main heat source directly to the egg in the form of a bubble of air. This method can
create the temperature gradient found in all naturally incubated eggs. It also incorporates the natural
cooling of eggs during turning.
There is no question that I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is involved in breeding
birds, whether they are using artificial or natural incubation methods. Besides being full of practical
information and usable advice, it’s a dam good read.
492 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
If you are interested in ordering a copy of the 2003 Proceedings containing the papers presented at the
AAZK National Conference held in Cleveland, OH, you will need to fill out and return the form on the next
page with the appropriate payment. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. Funds ONLY. Conference Proceedings
are planned to begin shipment in January 2004. Once shipped, domestic orders should take about two
weeks; overseas orders within 10 days by air mail. Prices are as follows:
AAZK Member $25.00 Non-Member $40.00
Postage for U.S. orders is included. Canadian orders should add $5.00 per book for air mail service; all
other countries should add $10.00 per book for air mail service. Checks or money orders should be made
payable to “AAZK, Inc.” in U.S. FUNDS ONLY.
Note: Those presenters who correctly submitted their manuscripts on time for inclusion in the 2003
Conference Proceedings will receive one gratis copy. All others wishing a copy must place an order.
Papers included: To Russia with Love: A Synopsis of the Tenth Year of the Russian Crane Project with a Look
to the Future ~ Guam Rail Reintroduction Project ~ Protocol Importance in the Husbandry of Gabriella’s Crested
Gibbons ~ AAZK Cooperative Partnerships: Working with Local and Regional Organizations on Conservation
Projects ~ Raising Asia... Successfully Raising a Sloth Bear Cub - Experiences with Caribbean flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber ruber Chick Hand-rearing at the Birmingham Zoo ~ Cost-free Fundraising Through Printer
Cartridge Recycling - Building Your Donor Network ~ Phoenix Rising: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve ~ Recall
and Crate Training in a Free-flight Aviary ~ Tracking Orangutan Ovulation Cycles Through Cytology ~ The
Living Desert’s Cheetah Ambassador Program ~ ABCs from A to Z: Animals, Business, and Conservation in
Aquariums and Zoos ~ Managing the Socialization of a Speke’s Gazelle at the Saint Louis Zoo ~ Perceptions
and Data: The Effect of Estrus Cycles on a Non-reproductive Chimpanzee Group ~ The Evolution of the Night
Keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - The Lake Malawi Aquarium and Quarantine System at Lincoln Park
Zoo’s Regenstein African Journey ~ Auditory and Olfactory Enrichment Trials in the Cougar Felis concolor ~
Project Golden Frog/Proyecto Rana Dorada ~A Dog-gone Wild Time at the Minnesota Zoo ~ Behavior
Management + AAZK + Zoo Members = Fun & $ for Conservation at the Minnesota Zoo ~ “Are you looking
for that furry black thing?” A Mixed Species Exhibit Featuring Malayan Tapirs and Binturongs Makes for Some
Strange Situations and a Wild Occupation for Zoo Keepers at the Minnesota Zoo ~ Developments in Breeding
and Managing Cockatoos ~ Disney’s Animal Kingdom Veterinary Services Wildlife Program ~ Transformation
from Menageries to New Millennium Conservation Centre ~ The Survivorship of Captive-bred, Released
Louisiana Pine Snakes -Tapping Teenage Talent - The Addition of a New Lemur Species into an Existing
Multi-species Lemur Exhibit at the Hattiesburg Zoo - Developing a Multi-functional Callitrichid Nest Box to
Combine with Operant Conditioning to Increase Animal Husbandry and Decrease the Potential for Stress when
Chemical Restraint is Necessary - Environmental Enrichment: Achieving Zoo-wide Animal Enrichment Days
Through Successive Approximation and Positive Reinforcement - The Role of Woodland Park Zookeepers in a
Ferruginous Hawk Satellite Telemetry Project - A Zookeeper’s Role in Exhibit Design - Striving for Successful
Births in a Young Pair of Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) - For Conservation’s Sake: The
Clouded Leopard Project - Translocation of Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) into its Historical Range on
Trinidad - Homo sapiens ~ The Hardest Animals to Train - “Running a Successful Internship Program at Your
Facility” - Chiropractic Care in Animals - “An Alternative Approach to Geriatric Care” - Wildlife Management
in Metropolitan Cleveland: Taking Conservation Beyond the Zoo - The Best Zoos iQ the 21*‘ Century ~ Surplus
Animals: Stewardship on the Ark - So Many Cats, So Little Time - The Enrichment Challenge - Changing
Exotic Animal Ownership Regulations ~ When Plan A Becomes Plan Z: The Challenges of Shifting a Resistant
Pair of Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicomis) to a New Exhibit Through Positive Reinforcement and PATIENCE
- Welcome to the Information Age: How to Find, Evaluate, and Use the Information You Need - Making a
Difference with Bowling for Rhinos. Poster Abstracts: A Multivariate GIS Model to Determine Black Bear
(Ursus americanus) Habitat Suitability in Eastern Ohio - Alternatives to Parent-rearing in Pteropus Species at
the Lubee Foundation - Conditioning Male Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chryocome) to Accept Voluntary
Semen Collection -Penguins and Fish Can Co-exist - Improvised Rearing of Red-bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus
nattereri) in an Endotherm-dominated Institution - Project Golden Frog - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Building
a Breeding Herd - Enrichment: From Animals to Audience - Who Says You Can’t Teach an Old Ram New
Tricks? - Survival of the Fishing Cats: Successes and Failures in Fishing Cat Reproduction at the San Francisco
Zoo - Developing Improved and Safer Control Measures for Helminth Parasites of Bears in Zoological Parks -
The Enrichment Tree. Workshops/Panel Discussions/RAP Sessions Summaries: AAZK, Zoo Animal
Staff, and Research - Why it’s a good idea and how to get involved - Advances in Animal Keeping in Zoos and
Aquariums - A new AAZK-AZA Professional Keeper Training Program - Amphibian Workshop - Animal
Welfare, Enrichment, and the AZA: What do they mean to keepers? - Australasian RAP Session - Primate
Workshop and More!
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 493
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494 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
LegisCative 'lip
Compiled by Georgann Johnston
Legislative Advisor
Sacramento, CA
Tibetan Antelope Proposed for Listing as an Endangered Species
In response to a petition submitted by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Tibetan Plateau
Project of the Earth Island Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined that
listing the Tibetan antelope {Pantholops hodgsonii) as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species
Act is warranted and published a listing proposal in October 2003.
Tibetan antelope or “chiru,” is native to the Tibetan Plateau in China as well as small areas of northern
India and western Nepal. As recently as 40 to 50 years ago, between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Tibetan
antelope may have roamed the Plateau. Today its numbers have declined precipitously and could be
as low as 65,000- 75,000 individuals.
Tibetan antelope populations are declining principally because large numbers of animals are being
killed illegally for their wool, known in the international marketplace as “shahtoosh” or “king of
wool.” Shahtoosh is considered to be one of the finest animal fibers in the world and, since the 1 980’s,
expensive shahtoosh shawls and scarves have become high fashion status symbols in the west. This
international commercial demand for shahtoosh has, in turn, brought about sharply increased poaching
and fuels a lucrative illegal trade which continues to thrive despite conservation and enforcement
efforts by the Chinese government. Tibetan antelope are always killed to collect their wool. No cases
of capture-and-release wool collection are known, nor is naturally-shed wool collected from shrubs
and grass tufts for use as is often erroneously stated, primarily by people within the shahtoosh trade.
Wool is smuggled from China to the states of Jammu and Kashmir in India, where it is woven into
expensive high-fashion shawls and scarves and subsequently exported illegally to the principal markets
in the U.S. and Europe.
Since 1979, international commerce in shahtoosh and shahtoosh products has been prohibited by
virtue of the species’ listing in Appendix I of the CITES agreement. It is illegal to commercially
import shahtoosh products into the United States. Listing the Tibetan antelope under the Act would
prohibit the sale or offering for sale of shahtoosh products in interstate or foreign commerce. This
would give U. S. prosecutors additional means of fighting shahtoosh smuggling and the illegal market
within the United States. Source: USFWS Press Release 7 October 2003
Rules for Managing Double-Crested Cormorants Issued by USFWS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently released a Final Rule and Record of Decision
that will allow more flexibility in the control of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)
in areas where they are causing damage to aquaculture and public resources such as fisheries, vegetation,
and other birds.
The rule expands the aquaculture depredation order, which has been in place in 13 States since 1998,
to allow USDA Wildlife Services (USDAWS) to conduct winter roost control. It also establishes a
public resource depredation order to allow state wildlife agencies. Native American tribes and the
USDAWS to conduct cormorant control for the protection of public resources in 24 States (mostly in
the South and on the East Coast of the U.S.). Without these depredation orders, agencies and individuals
would need a federal permit to control cormorants.
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 30, No. 12 495
Double-crested cormorants are colonial waterbirds whose numbers have increased substantially in
the past 30 years. They can cause localized, but sometimes significant, negative impacts on resources
such as commercial aquaculture, recreational fisheries, vegetation, and the habitat of other colonial
nesting birds. “Since cormorants cause localized impacts to natural and economicresources, we believe
local management is the best approach to reduce conflicts,” said Service Director Steve Williams.
Agencies acting under the depredation order must have landowner permission, may not* adversely
affect other migratory bird species or threatened and endangered species, and must satisfy annual
reporting and evaluation requirements. The Service will ensure the long-term conservation of cormorant
populations through annual assessments of agency reports and regular population monitoring.
The rule also modifies the 1998 aquaculture depredation order to allow control of cormorants at
winter roosts near fish farms and to allow fish hatcheries to protect their stock from cormorant predation.
This added authority applies only to the original 13 States and, in the case of roost control, may be
conducted only by officials of USDAWS.
While cormorant populations were dramatically affected by such things as the pesticide DDT, today
the population is at historic highs in many areas due in large part to the presence of ample food in their
summer and winter ranges and reduced contaminant levels. The total estimated population of double-
crested cormorants in North America is approximately two million birds. Source: USFWS Press Release
8 October 2003
“Birding in the United States” Report Released by USFWS
A new federal economic report found that 46 million birdwatchers across America spent $32 billion in
2001 pursuing one of the Nation’s most popular outdoor activities according to a report from the
USFWS. The report, titled “Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis,” is
the first of its kind analyzing data from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation.
“Nearly one in five Americans is a bird watcher,” said Service Director Steve Williams. “This report
recognizes what we always thought to be true. Birdwatching is very popular and contributes greatly to
our economy, so it is important that we continue to work with our partners to restore and protect
habitat to ensure healthy bird populations.”
Montana, Vermont and Wisconsin led the Nation in birding participation rates as a percent of total
state population. California, New York and Pennsylvania had the most birders. Birders spent $32
billion on gear such as binoculars, travel, food and big ticket items such as canoes, cabins and off-road
vehicles. This spending generated $85 billion in overall economic output and $13 billion in federal
and state income taxes, and supported more than 863,000 jobs. To be considered a birdwatcher, an
individual must take a trip a mile or more from home for the primary purpose of observing birds or
must closely observe or try to identify birds around the home. Those who notice birds while mowing
the lawn or picnicking at the beach were not counted as birders. Trips to zoos and observing captive
birds also did not count as birdwatching. Watching birds around the home is the most common form
of bird-watching. Taking trips away from home counted for 40 percent (1 8 million) of birders. Source:
USFWS Press Release 21 October 2003
Chinese Officials Seize Illegal Fur
A record seizure by Chinese customs officials of 1,276 smuggled wild animal skins occurred in mid-
October 2003. The skins has been obtained illegally by killing 32 tigers, 579 leopards and 665 otters.
Three people from Tibet and two from Nepal were arrested on the Tibetan side of the border when
they attempted to transport the skins by truck from Nepal into Tibet, using a mountain pass.
Officials estimated the value of the fur to be $795,000 (US) and that the pelts were destined for use in
high fashion apparel. This was the largest single seizure in Tibet since 195 1 and was the largest ever
single haul of tiger and leopard skins.
496 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
A study conducted in 2002 by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) concluded that most of the big seizures
of illegal wildlife skins in northern India involved Tibetan traders. Only one of the traders identified
by the WTI study has been apprehended.
“The total tiger and leopard skin seizures recorded in our database that have Tibetan connections
pales into insignificance compared to this latest seizure,” said an official of WTI. “The problem is far
graver than we had imagined. Otter skins are consumed in large quantity in Tibet itself and our database
goes back showing a huge trade.” WTI believe that many of the skins seized in the China action
originated in India. “Though this seizure is a matter of great success for Chinese authorities, it is also
a reminder that enforcement of wildlife laws needs a complete overhaul in India and also in Nepal,”
the WTI stated. Source: Wildlife Trust of India Press Release 21 October 2003
Proposed U.S. Policy Change Threatens Endangered Animals
The USFWS is proposing a number of changes to its policy on the regulation of trade in endangered
species. The changes would allow hunters, circuses and the pet industry to kill, capture and import
animals that are highly endangered in their native habitats to be imported for commercial use in
America. The USFWS is calling the proposal an “enhancement of survival” plan and claim that the
changes would help other countries create stronger wildlife and habitat programs.
Authorities from the USFWS said that money spent by circuses, pet industry companies, and even
zoos to import these endangered species could be used to support conservation projects abroad. No
species native to the United States is subject to the proposed rule changes. Species included in the
proposed new plan include Asian elephants from India, Southeast Asia and China; the Morele’s crocodile
from Mexico; the wood bison from Canada; and the markhor from Pakistan. Additionally, the pet
industry would also be allowed to import blue-fronted Amazons from Argentina.
Kenneth Stansell, assistant director for international affairs of the USFWS said that the current
Endangered Species Act provides poor countries no incentive for protecting dying species. Opponents
to the plan rebut this by pointing out that foreign countries and groups that stand to profit would be in
charge of determining how many animals can be killed or captured. They also say opening the door to
legal trading and importing would encourage poaching. Source: Oakland Tribune Online 16 October 2003
Hong Kong Customs Officials Seize Two Tons of Tanzanian Ivory
Hong Kong customs officers seized nearly two tons of illegally imported ivory, worth about 2.7
million Hong Kong dollars ($346,200 US), and arrested three people, a spokesman said on Tuesday.
The three were arrested while trying to drive the 1,932 kg (4,2501bs.) of ivory from a shipyard in
two containers, a customs and excise spokesman said. They had declared the ivory, believed to be
from Tanzania, as 300 pieces of wood carvings imported from Malaysia. The import and trading of
ivory are banned in Hong Kong after a worldwide moratorium on such trade declared in 1989 by the
Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Hong Kong has historically
played a major role in the global ivory trade. According to customs statistics, from 1979 to 1988
Hong Kong was the leading re-exporter of raw ivory. Source: ZooNews Digest #269 15-22 October 2004
Jaguar Documented in Southern Arizona
A remote surveillance camera has photographed a jaguar (Panthera onca) in southern Arizona, the
second such documentation of the species in the state in last two years reports the USFWS .
Surveillance cameras have been in use since 1997 to monitor potential travel corridors since 1997.
The Service will “continue to monitor the area and try to determine if the animal has established a
territory or is a transient.” The jaguar was listed as endangered in 1997 and the closest known
jaguar population is in Mexico, some 135 miles south of the border. Since 1900 their have been 60
documented jaguar sightings in Arizona and the number to report a sighting to the AZ Game & Fish
Dept, is (602) 789-3573. Source: GREENlines Issue #1978 10-27-03
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 497
An Intern’s Enrichment
By Craig Quinlan, Zookeeper Intern
Houston Zoo, Inc., Houston, TX
This summer, May- August of 2003, I was hired as an intern with the carnivore department at the
Houston Zoo. The internship was sponsored by ExxonMobil through their Community Summer
Jobs Program. When I was started, I was told that my job would be to help develop the enrichment
program in the department. Initially I thought, “Cool. I will be building big toys for the animals to
play with.” Little did I know that enrichment encompasses much more than constructing complex
play things. Enrichment can be as simple as hiding an animal’s diet in difficult to reach places, or as
drawn out as altering the animal’s entire exhibit. Not only does enrichment always keep an animal
thinking and problem solving, it becomes a problem solving exercise for the keeper as well. This
paper will discuss the methods by which I helped in the improvement of the enrichment program in
the carnivore department at the Houston Zoo, and the enrichment that I received on the side.
It took me a little while to learn the rules of enrichment, but after working with the keepers for a few
weeks, and reading papers on enrichment, I learned a few guidelines to follow. These rules are not
written in stone, and each zoo probably has its own way of doing things, but these are the regulations
that I have locked in my mind:
• Continually rotate the types of enrichment that you are using (i.e. social, feeding, thinking,
sensory, exercise, and any combinations of these).
• Do not allow enrichment to stay on exhibit for more than two consecutive days.
• Always be thinking of new and better way to challenge your animals.
All of these rules guide the goals of
enrichment; keeping your animals
sharp and thinking while encourag-
ing natural behaviors. After all, if
these animals are to live in a man
made enclosure, it is our responsi-
bility to provide them with an
enriched environment to stimulate
them physically and mentally.
After learning the basics to carnivore
zookeeping, I began to think about
building large toys that could be
shared between the large cats at the
Houston Zoo. I wanted to build items that were not easily destroyed, but would keep the cats
interested for long periods of time. That seems like an easy enough mission, until one realizes that
a 450-pound Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) can destroy nearly anything constructed by a
human. After much brainstorming I began to borrow ideas from such items as a sea lion toy and
adapting it to a floating feeder (Fig. 1), to a child’s mobile and using that concept for a big cat
mobile (Fig. 2). The floating feeder (Fig. 1) is constructed from 1.5” PVC and plastic backing. It is
strong enough to survive a night with a tiger, but light enough to float. The big cat mobile (Fig. 2)
498 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 12
Fig. 2 - “Big Cat Mobile'
‘Naturalistic PVC’
gives a great deal of physical and visual stimulation and is relatively easy to construct. The top is
from a wooden spool and chains are hung holding different toys. These objects proved to be quite
versatile in that they could be moved from exhibit to exhibit relatively easily. Moving the toys
added another wonderful aspect of enrichment to them. When a lioness smells the scent of a tiger
on a new object in the yard it makes her really think about who or what has been in her area and
what to do with this thing that has been left behind. However, I soon discovered, fun, sturdy and
safe are not the only considerations to take into account when building an enrichment item.
Maintaining a natural look comes into play whenever an item is going to be placed on exhibit.
Whether it be a creative paint job (Fig. 3), or just an overall naturalistic look, creating the idea that
the toy looks like part of the exhibit is key for the overall
appearance of the zoo.
Building large toys is a fun and important part of carnivore
enrichment, but it is only the tip of the enrichment iceberg.
As stated before, these animals need social, feeding,
thinking, sensory and exercise enrichment. These needs
can be fulfilled by several different methods and objects
from feeding out cow bones, to spraying scents, to giving
the cats phone books to tear up. These are only a few
everyday enrichment items and there are many more yet
to be thought of However, it is easy for a busy keeper to
sometimes fall into a pattern of using the quickest form
of enrichment frequently instead of creating something
new. This is the issue with which the second part of my
summer project is concerned. In order to make it easier
on keepers we began to design an enrichment calendar
that makes it simple for a keeper to just look at the wall
and see what an animal needs each day. The calendar is
designed to rotate enrichment categories and items as much
as possible, while allowing the keeper freedom to introduce
new enrichment items. The days on the calendar are labeled
with enrichment categories, and at the bottom of the calendar
will be a list of acceptable items for each category. For
example, on a food enrichment day, a keeper can give
meatballs, fish, bones, or any other form of food enrichment.
One of the best things about enrichment is that the more
creative you are the better. One day you may be stumped for
ideas, whereas the next you are an enrichment genius. As
long as you vary your enrichment routine and introduce new,
exciting, mind-challenging puzzles for your animals, they
will be more active and healthy. Not many students get this
kind of opportunity and I feel I made a worthwhile
contribution to the carnivores of the Houston Zoo. I would like to thank ExxonMobil for their
support of my internship and the Houston Zoo for allowing me the opportunity to do this project.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 499
By
Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium
Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo
Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium
It is with mixed emotions I open the final article for the Water Column. While on one hand I won’t
miss the deadlines, I will miss the opportunity to share with those of you interested in water and
water quality. I know Dan and Kevin feel the same. I do want to offer that I will still be available
to answer any questions you might have on water quality or aquariums in general at
belkins@.indvzoo.com.
While Dan, Kevin and I have spent the last two years talking about methods for caring for, cleaning
and monitoring water, we never gave a proper introduction to water as the life giving fluid it is. 1
would like to take this opportunity now.
To get a little physics out of the way:
Water is a simple molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms weakly bonded to an oxygen atom. It
has bipolar characteristics that allow it to be strongly attracted to other water molecules to form a
liquid substance at standard temperature and pressure. Water is also one of the few substances to be
able to exist in any of three phases (gas, liquid, and solid) at the temperature and pressure ranges
common on the Earth’s surface. It is very abundant on the planet’s surface and covers ~ 7/8 of the
surface in either a freshwater, or sea water form. It has chemical and physical interactions with
almost all other substances and is nicknamed the “universal solvent”.
Water is defined in the Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary as:
“...the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is a major
constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressible
liquid oxide of hydrogen H2O which appears bluish in thick layers, freezes at 0° C and boils at 100°
C, has a maximum density at 4° C and a high specific heat, is feebly ionized to hydrogen and
hydroxyl ions, and is a poor conductor of electricity and a good solvent” . A rather short definition
for a substance that impacts everything we do and are, but mixed in that definition are clues to the
importance of water.
The first statement “...the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and
seas...” may be self-evident (especially in Indiana, in mid-fall) but we all know the importance
cannot be overstated. Our food, our lives, the lives of the animals in our care, their food and all life
depend on the availability of water, and nature’s ability to move it around. (If that statement sounds
weak, I ask that you think for a minute of what I am trying to describe!) While life can and does
500 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
exist in situations were water is very limited, that life has adapted to conserve the fluid, or its life
cycle is rewired to fit water availability.
If we combine the second statement with the last “ ... a major constituent of all living matter and
that when pure is an odorless, tasteless... and a good solvent”, we begin to understand why this
“Water Column” exists. While pure water is essential for us, its abilities as a solvent make it the
“major constituent of all living matter”. For life water must be able to carry all the organic and
inorganic compounds vital to our existence. At the same time, this ability makes water the best
vector for most toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other disease pathogens. Think of all the disease
outbreaks from polluted water supplies in human history, and all the efforts that have gone into
ensuring clean water sources. The very processes of life produce toxins, but nature has methods to
clean our water, if we don’t over tax it. Several articles in this series have been devoted to Biological
Filtration (our buzz phrase for this natural process of toxin removal) and biological filtration has
been mentioned numerous other times as well.
The rest of the definition could fill volumes of printed material (and does) to underline the importance
of water on our lives. But, I would rather finish with a brief story.
My Father and I have always been fishing buddies for as long as I can remember. We have spent
hours together sitting on creek banks, sitting in boats watching our lines, even one very cold night
stuck on a sandbar looking for our aquatic friends. For eight years I took fish and aquatic life for
granted. Of course animals lived in the water, why else would we be fishing?
Then on a quiet evening, on a very calm Minnesota lake, an inquisitive eight-year-old woke up.
“Dad, how can fish live in the water?”
A simple question but my father’s short answer was anything but.
“Well son, it would be easier to answer how anything can live without water.”
That one statement lead me to a life, and career, intimately involved with water and the life it
supports.
Thank you for your readership.
MOVING?
Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents
every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519
(U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com
to report your new address.
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 501
Chapter
News
Notes
St. Louis AAZK Chapter
This newly chartered AAZK Chapter adopted a
logo created by Ethan Schniedermeyer in July of
2003.
The Arch is the Gateway to the West and a symbol
of St. Louis that is recognized nationwide. The
Lesser Kudu and the Wolf represent the two
organizations involved in the St. Louis AAZK
Chapter - the St. Louis Zoo and the Wild Canid
Survival and Research Center. The Lemur is a
sign of the groundbreaking conservation efforts
that the St. Louis Zoo has been involved in with
this species.
—Sarah Christeson, Liaison
Little Rock AAZK Chapter
The Little Rock AAAZK Chapter is now offering
a spiral bound cookbook filled with recipes,
photos, and animal facts. To order send $10.00
plus $4.00 s&h to the Little Rock AAZK Chapter,
c/o the Little Rock Zoo, #1 Jonesboro, Drive,
Little Rock, AR 72205.
Cleveland AAZK Chapter
Cleveland AAZK is selling “Strange Situations,
Wild Occupations” cookbooks. We understand
that some of you missed out at the conference.
Here’s another chance. Send $15 (includes
shipping price) payable to Cleveland AAZK to
receive 300 recipes compiled by our zookeepers,
volunteers, and friends. Send checks to:
Cleveland Zoo, Attn: Debbie Kuscevic, 3900
Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109.
REMINDER
Chapter Recharter packets will be mailed in
January. They are due back at AAZK
Administrative Office no later than 1 March 2004
in order to avoid a $100 late fee. If you have
questions contact Barbara Manspeaker at 1-800-
242-4519 (US); 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or
email at aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<
What’s your AAZK Chapter been up to?
Send your Chapter News to the Editor at:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com
502 Animal Keepers Eorum, Vol 30, No. 12
vStapfi ng an Injection Xraininq Program with
Lion-tailed Ndacagues (Ndacaca silenus)
By Rana Bayrakci, Keeper
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA
Background
Lion-tailed macaques {Macaca silenus) are highly endangered primates, found only in the rainforests
of the Western Ghat Mountains in southwestern India. Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ) in Seattle,
Washington, has a long history of managing this species. WPZ’s first lion-tailed macaques arrived
in the 1960s. To date, more than 50 lion-tailed macaques have been bom at WPZ, and 5.3 lion-
tailed macaques are currently maintained in the Trail of Vines exhibit in the Tropical Asia Bioclimatic
Zone. Additionally, the late WPZ keeper Laurence Gledhill was the original studbook keeper for
the North American and International lion-tailed macaque studbooks, as well as the American Zoo
and Aquarium Association’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinator, from 1982 until 1998.
WPZ’s macaques are considered surplus by the SSP and are not recommended for breeding because
their genes are over-represented due to successful reproduction in the 1970s and 1980s. The macaques
are housed in five different groups: 1.2 troop, 1.1 troop, and three solo males. Unfortunately, there
are not enough females for three of our male macaques to have companionship. There are six
interior holding cages and three exterior holding cages, all constmcted of concrete and 1” chain link
fencing, and off public view. Each indoor holding allows the animals to have visual contact with
other macaques across a 5’ wide (1.5m) service hallway. The macaques are rotated between these
off-view cages and the exhibit.
In 1932, macaques were identified as potential carriers of the Herpes B vims (CDC, 1987). This
vims is potentially lethal to humans if left untreated, although not so for macaques (CDC, 1987;
Cranfield and Bielitzki, 1995). Macaques that are Herpes B positive may present with lesions on
the mouth, face, or genitalia, but most commonly they exhibit no^ symptoms whatsoever (Cranfield
and Bielitzki, 1995). It wasn’t until the 1980s that Herpes B became a serious concern for animal
workers. Four primate lab handlers died from the vims in 1987, which was apparently contracted
from macaques. Then, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a protocol
to reduce potential handler exposure to Herpes B (CDC, 1987). WPZ adopted such a macaque
handling protocol in 1998. In 2000, the AZA also recommended that zoos develop a protective
protocol (Janis Joslin, personal communication).
Therefore, anyone working with the species at WPZ is required to wear prescribed protective gear.
This gear includes mbber boots, disposable coveralls or cloth coveralls laundered after each use,
eye protection, gloves, and facial mask. If working underneath an overhead tunnel while macaques
are present, a hat is also mandatory. As a safety precaution, since 1991, WPZ has tested macaques
annually (as well as opportunistically) for Herpes B, and assumes that the macaques are potential
carriers of the vims even though they have tested negative.
In the past, before concerns of Herpes B exposure, macaques were netted and manually restrained
as needed. Currently, the macaques must be immobilized for handling during veterinary procedures,
including annual exams. WPZ does not currently have a chute or squeeze system to assist with this
process. Most female macaques are herded into free-standing squeeze cages and then injected with
an immobilizing dmg. Male macaques generally cannot be persuaded in this manner, and are darted.
Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 12 503
Darting is a trial for all parties concerned, and there is potential for injury from dart impact or the
needle. More than one dart is often necessary since a full dose is not always received. Additionally,
when animals become agitated, it usually requires more immobilizing agent to anesthetize an excited
individual (Kreeger, 1996). In order to improve immobilizing procedures for both animals and
staff, an injection training program was initiated in August, 2002.
The protective equipment required when working with potential Herpes B carriers such as lion-
tailed macaques creates a barrier between macaques and keepers already separated by caging. The
gear is hot and uncomfortable, and often the glasses fog up during training sessions. Even though
keeper facial expressions are hidden behind the safety glasses and mask, training is still quite possible.
Voice inflections take the place of facial expressions for reinforcement.
The training process
As a form of extra stimulation for our isolated macaques, the three individual males were selected
for training first. After developing an effective method to injection train one male macaque, “Bosco,”
two additional males, “Bruno” and “Adam,” were added to the program in December, 2002. One
keeper assumed the role of primary trainer until the behaviors were established, and then the training
was passed on to additional keepers. A detailed log of all training sessions continues to be maintained
for consistency and communication between trainers.
The first step in the training process was to help the macaque recognize the “clicker” as a bridge, an
indicator of a correct response and an upcoming food reward. This step was accomplished by
calling the animal to “come here,” clicking the clicker while saying “good,” and then giving the
animal a food reward. While the macaque was sitting attentively in front of the trainer, the trainer
continued to click and reward. It took only a few sessions for the animal to expect a reward after
hearing the click, and a few more sessions to adjust to this new relationship with the keeper.
After a few sessions, it was determined that a variety of dried fruit and graham crackers chopped
into 1/4” pieces were highly prized rewards. The macaques seem to prefer receiving multiple,
smaller food items rather than one larger treat item. The other benefit to using small food rewards
is that the macaques chew the smaller pieces much more quickly and are soon ready to work on the
next behavior.
The next step in developing the training relationship was to work on a simple behavior so the
macaque would learn to work for a reward, and begin to understand what is expected of it during a
training session. The trainer tried unsuccessfully to interest the first macaque in a target, and then
switched to having the animal present an open mouth. This behavior was easy to capture since the
macaque would often give a mild open mouth threat to the trainer during the first few sessions. This
behavior provides a good opportunity to check teeth and gums. During the training, each time the
macaque opened his mouth wide, he heard a click, was told “good,” and was rewarded. At first,
each open mouth was mildly aggressive. But within just one session, he understood and started
experimenting with opening his mouth. This behavior was rapidly tied to the audio cue “open,” and
the visual cue of fingers held together in a point in front of his mouth, then opening to a flat hand,
with palm facing the macaque (Figures 1 and 2). The expected behavior was for the macaque to
open his mouth in non-aggressive manner and hold his mouth open for a few seconds while the
keeper took a good look inside. Within six sessions over two weeks, his responses became relatively
reliable. The trainer changed to a variable reinforcement schedule, and aggressive open mouths
were no longer displayed. Even after a five-week break from training, the macaque immediately
remembered and performed an open mouth when requested. While working on this behavior, it is
important to remember that the most likely risk of Herpes B exposure to humans is via macaque
saliva (Kaplan, 1987).
504 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 12
Fig. 1 Open Mouth Cue
Fig. 2 Open Mouth
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 505
Fig. 3 Stand Up Cue
The second and third macaques that were trained learned the simple behaviors of standing on their
hind legs while facing the trainer for a visual body check, and to sit down in front of the trainer. At
first using a treat as a cue, the trainer said “up” and moved the treat up until it was at the height of
the standing macaque’s head, then rewarded the animal. Once this was established, a hand cue was
added, a fist with index finger extended up and the back of the hand towards the macaque (Figure
3). This hand position was held in front of macaque’s face and moved up in front of the caging
while saying “up” until it was at the height of the macaque’s head when standing. The command for
“sit” is the reverse of the “up” command, pointing the finger down towards the floor (Figure 4).
“Sit” signals the end of the “up” behavior, and the macaque should sit down facing the trainer.
Fig. 4 Sit
506 Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
Injection training
Injection training began after the training routine and one or two simple behaviors were established.
The goal of injection training was to inject any muscle mass on the macaque’s upper arm as needed
for immobilizations or intramuscular
medications. Training initially began without a
protective sleeve since one was not available. A
sleeve has since been added to the training
program and we hope to use it for injections in
the near future.
Before starting injection training, the inside
macaque holding cages required minor
modifications. Two-inch diameter holes were cut
in the mesh caging one foot above the floor.
Training sessions were usually conducted in front
of these holes, so the macaques were comfortable
sitting in front of the hole. Using a treat as the
cue, the macaques were shown a treat a foot
outside the hole and rewarded for extending their
arm outside the cage (Figure 5). The treat was
then given through the caging to the side of the
hole, never through the hole. The trainer rapidly
learned that if the macaque was rewarded through
the hole, the arm extensions are too quick. When
the macaque simply reached towards the treat,
but expected the reward elsewhere, it was easy
to gradually increase the duration of the arm
extension to allow enough time for an injection. c a
The audio command “touch” was used from the ^^8* ^ A**"® Extension
start. The macaques were very willing to extend their arm through the hole on cue from the beginning,
so training sessions focused on increasing the length of arm outside the caging and the duration of
that extension.
First, basic arm extensions were established. Next, the trainer added a bamboo stick poised above
and to one side of the hole, and began to gently press on the arm when fully extended. The macaques
rapidly got used to the stick and the trainer began to press harder. The stick was then replaced with
an empty syringe without a needle, then an empty syringe with a needle tip minus the needle, then
an empty syringe with a needle tip with a long blunted needle, and finally a syringe with the plunger
set at 1 cc (Figure 6). Because the medication to be injected is clear, it was not necessary to fill the
training syringe with any liquid. The clicker and “good” was used while the arm was still fully
extended and after the syringe was pulled away, not while the macaque pulled its arm back inside
the cage. We do not use actual, sharp needles for training purposes in order to reduce the possibility
of keeper contamination and because we are currently only training for immobilization purposes or
occasional medicating, rather than for daily injections.
Training steps were slow with the first animal, Bosco, because the trainer was also learning (Table
1). Bosco ’s training stalled while the trainer attempted to use a boomer spool as a target rather than
a hand holding a treat just out of reach. Unfortunately, the macaque was not interested in this
alternative target. Nineteen sessions passed before the trainer gave up using the spool and continued
on with the injection training steps using the original cue of treats. For the first macaque, 50 sessions
over 15 weeks passed before he was injected. This was a time investment of approximately five
hours of actual training time.
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 507
Injection training progressed much more
rapidly with the second and third male
macaques added to the program, perhaps due
to a combination of increased trainer
experience and because these macaques were
interested observers of training sessions with
the first macaque. One macaque was
injected after eighteen sessions over three
and one half weeks, approximately one and
one half hours of actual training time. The
other macaque was not injected until after
43 sessions over 10.5 weeks with two
different trainers, a total of approximately
four hours of training. The new trainer only
worked with this animal seven times before
successfully injecting.
The correct injection behavior response is
that the macaque extends its arm through
the hole in the caging when given the comm ^ .
and “touch,” and holds the arm in this position ^'8- ^ Stick to syringe progression
for enough time to comfortably move the syringe to press on their arm, depress the plunger, and
pull the syringe away. If they do not hold their arm fully extended for this length of time, the
macaque is asked to perform the behavior again until the behavior is executed correctly. Currently,
the behavior is well established in all three macaques, and only occasionally are the macaques
asked to repeat their arm extension.
Preparation for actual injection
Several days before the injection, holding areas are bedded with increasingly large amounts of grass
hay, and perching is removed from the cage where the macaque will be immobilized. The hay
bedding is increased to about a foot in depth, enough to pad a possible fall onto the cement once the
animal has been injected. In the future, it may become necessary to periodically bed the holding
cages heavily with hay to prevent the macaques suspecting imminent immobilizations when bedded
only before exams.
On the day of the injection, it is important to maintain a semblance of normalcy so the macaques
will be comfortable and willing to participate in a training session. Therefore, we do routine cleaning
of the exhibit and some holding areas prior to attempting an immobilization. The one time we did
not clean in the area prior to injecting, the target macaque was suspicious and would not participate
in a training session until after we did some cleaning. With the design of the WPZ facility, it also
did not work when we attempted to hand inject two animals in one day. Although the second
macaque to be immobilized did not see the anesthetized animal, we do not have enough space to
move all the other macaques outside during veterinary procedures. Consequently, some of the other
macaques in holding were able to see the immobilized macaque being carried out by staff, reacted
negatively, and the second macaque therefore became hesitant and unwilling to train.
Prior to injecting the macaque, the trainer requested the arm extension behavior performed several
times before attempting the injection. This helped the trainer relax and get into a rhythm with the
arm extensions, and the macaques “warmed up” as well and performed stronger arm extensions
after the first few behaviors. After injecting the animal, the behavior was requested a few more
times so the animals realize that not every arm extension results in an injection. The injected macaques
often reacted with a small, surprised squeak, but usually stayed seated and were willing to continue
extending their arm. One injected animal received only a partial dose, but was willing to participate
in another training session after the trainer obtained a new needle, and then received a second, full
injection. However, another macaque received a partial injection and then was not willing to be
injected a second time.
508 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 30, No. 12
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Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 509
Some regression was expected after actual injections, but was usually managed within only a few
training sessions conducted as soon as possible after recovery from the procedure. At first, the
macaques tended to eye the syringe closely and perform only abbreviated arm extensions, but rapidly
progressed again to the established behavior. It was often helpful to step back and first use a stick or
syringe without a needle, before working up to the blunted needle by the end of the session.
Injection training with sleeve
Adding a protective sleeve to the injection routine will improve keeper safety. Our injection sleeve
was designed and built by Jon Hackett of WPZ’s Exhibits crew (Figures 7 and 8). This design is
very functional and flexible; it easily connects to the caging from the outside with two stainless
steel hooks and an 11” rubber stabilizer strap, and can be readily moved from one training hole to
another. The sleeve is constructed of a 14” length of 2 1/2” diameter PVC pipe, tapering to a 2”
diameter after 2 1/2”. There are two, 2 1/2” x 1” access holes for injections, additional holes for a
good view of the arm inside the tube, and a stainless steel bolt covered with smooth plastic tubing
inside. The bolt may be shifted close to the animal for initial training purposes or all the way to the
end for the established behavior.
Fig. 7 (at right)
Injection Sleeve
(All photos for this article
taken by Carolyn Austin)
Fig. 8 (below)
Injection Training
with sleeve.
510 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
With the addition of a sleeve, the desired behavior is for the macaque is to grasp the bolt when given
the command “arm,” and with a “hold” command, maintain this position while being injected and
until given a release command. The bolt replaces the target used for arm extensions (the hand
holding a treat just out of reach). To date, all three macaques are very comfortable with the sleeve,
and will even relax a hand or arm in the sleeve in between behaviors. They all have learned to grasp
the bolt in its fully extended position. Our next step will be to add the command “hold,” and
introduce the syringe.
Currently, each training session begins by running through the simple behavior(s) mastered by the
macaque (open mouth for one male, stand and sit for the other two males). Next, we practice
injection training without the sleeve. These are all behaviors the macaques perform reliably and
confidently. Finally, we work on the newest, in-progress behavior of injection training with the
sleeve. We end either with solid progress on the new behavior or request a more established behavior
in order to end on a positive note, followed by a jackpot reward four to six times the size of a usual
reward. Training sessions usually last about five to seven minutes, once or more per day.
Passing off the training
A training program is most successful when the training can be passed on to other trainers. Fortunately,
it was a smooth process to train a second trainer to inject the macaques. In order to learn the routine,
the new trainer crouched a few feet away and watched the primary trainer complete two training
sessions. After each session, they discussed what happened and the primary trainer answered any
questions. The new trainer also practiced the cues and reward sequences with the primary trainer
acting as the macaque. On the third day, the primary trainer watched while the new trainer worked
with the macaques. The macaques readily accepted the new trainer and were eager to work. As the
new trainer became accustomed to the rhythm of the session, the macaques appeared to become
frustrated only when they had completed a behavior correctly but weren’t rewarded quickly enough.
The fourth day, the new trainer worked alone with the macaques. The new trainer was able to
successfully inject one of the macaques after only seven sessions. Training a third trainer was even
easier. Following the same trainer training process, the macaques did not appear frustrated, perhaps
due to their familiarity with the learning curves of new trainers.
Video
Training sessions with all three macaques were videotaped, an exercise helpful to the primary trainer
to refine technique and to observe potential superstitious behaviors. The video is also useful for
new trainers to review the cues and expected behavior responses.
Future goals
Near future training goals include adding the command “hold” so that macaques maintain behaviors
until given a release command, injection training with the sleeve, and target training. Additional
goals include presenting body parts for inspection and stationing on a scale for obtaining routine
weights.
Conclusion
Lion-tailed macaques are highly intelligent and quick learners. The three trained males are eager to
engage in training sessions and appear to enjoy the extra attention and treats. Now, they even ignore
macaques making faces at them across the hallway in order to participate in a training session.
Additionally, immobilizations have become much less stressful for three of our lion-tailed macaques.
They are truly rewarding animals to work with and show great potential and enthusiasm to learn.
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 511
Summary of training suggestions
• Use multiple, smaller food items to maintain interest and speed.
• Move at a pace that is comfortable to both macaque and trainer. It is completely acceptable
to take a step back in the training process when necessary.
• It is not necessary to poke the animal hard every time they extend their arm for injection
training. A gentle touch with the blunted needle works very well. Remember that on the
actual day of an injection, you will not be able to poke the arm on the practice extensions
with the sharp needle.
• On the day of an actual injection, it is important to maintain a semblance of normalcy so the
macaque will be comfortable and willing to participate in a training session.
Note
Since the writing of this article, one of the trained macaques, Adam, has moved to San Diego Wild
Animal Park in California. Additionally, introductions are currently underway to redistribute the
remaining WPZ macaques in order to integrate Bosco and Bruno. Soon, we hope to maintain our
4.3 macaques in two pairs and one group of 2.1 individuals.
Acknowledgements
Helen Shewman, Carolyn Austin, Ernie Rose, Asian Tropical Forest keepers, Janis Joslin, DVM,
Darin Collins, DVM, Animal Health Department staff, Jon Hackett, David Shrake, Bret Sellers,
Margaret White, and Jo Ann Bayrakci.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention B Virus Working Group. 1987. Guidelines for
Prevention Herpsvirus Simiae (B Virus) Infection in Monkey Handlers. Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Vol. 36, No. 41: 681-682; 688-689.
Cranfield, M. R. and J. T. Bielitzki. 1995. Herpes B Report for the Infectious Disease
Committee, American Association of Zoological Veterinarians. 13 p. [Unpublished
Report]
Gledhill, L.G. 1997. Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) International Studbook. Woodland
Park Zoological Gardens, Seattle, WA. 143 p.
Gledhill, L.G. 1983. Lion-tailed macaque {Macaca silenus) North American Regional Studbook.
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, Seattle, WA. 210 p.
Kaplan, J.E., MD. 1987. Guidelines for prevention of Herpesvirus Simiae (B-virus) infection in
monkey handlers. Laboratory Animal Sciences, American Association for Laboratory
Animal Sciences. Vol. 37, No. 6: 709-712.
Kreeger, T., DVM. 1996. Handbook of Wildlife Chemical Immobilization. International
Wildlife Veterinary Services, Inc., Laramie, Wyoming. 342 p.
512 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 12
EO Editors - Dawn Neptune, Utah s Hogle Zoo
and Rachel Cantrell, Disney 's Animal Kingdom
Enrichment Survey Results
Following are the results from the Enrichment Survey which appeared in the February 2003 issue of
Animal Keepers ’s Forum. Our thanks to Jan Rolette, former Co-Editor of the Enrichment Options
column for tabulating the results. A total of 39 surveys were returned representing 33 separate animal
facilities. Folsom Children’s Zoo, Lincoln, NE, receives top marks for the most surveys returned
from a facility. The very first survey returned was from Jackson Zee of the Panyu Bear Sanctuary in
China! Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey.
1. Animal groups that are a part of the husbandry routine
Carnivores
Elephants
Giraffe
Great Ape
Hoofstock
Marine Mammal
Marsupial
Primate
Rhino/Hippo
Rodent
Amphibian
Arthropod
Birds
Fish
Mollusk
Reptile
Other
74%
(29)
7%
(3)
10%
(4)
15%
(6)
53%
(21)
5%
(2)
20%
(8)
48%
(19)
13%
(5)
43%
(17)
28%
(11)
20%
(8)
53%
(21)
13%
(5)
2%
(1)
41%
(16)
13%
(5)
* Those in parenthesis are the actual numbers of keepers who had that animal in their routine
2. Is enrichment required by management as part of your husbandry routine?
Yes -79% (26) No -21% (7)
Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 513
3. Average enrichment given for group per week
Carnivores
Elephants
Giraffe
Great Ape
Hoofstock
Marine Mammal
Marsupial
Primate
Rhino/Hippo
Rodent
Amphibian
Arthropod
Birds
Fish
Mollusk
Reptiles
Other
5.6
3.0
3.3
18.2
3.4
1.0
3.4
7.0
5.0
3.9
0.4
0.3
3.4
0
0
1.2
3.8
4. How soon is enrichment removed?
Next day - 50%
2-3 days - 42%
4+ days - 8%
5. If normally removed the next day, any exceptions to keep in longer?
* listed starting in order of greatest response*
- If continued interest
- If not food enrichment
- Large items
- NO exceptions
- If exhibit modification
*next in list are single answers
- rodents/birds get “toys” for longer
- “toys” for Rhino & Elephant, non-edible
- more complicated, “messy” items
- if chimps are still playing with “toys”
- enrichment that can be “refreshed”
- staffmg/time issues
- still in good condition, i.e. browse
6. On average, how often are you able to observe enrichment?
> 1 minute 12% 2-5 minutes 33%
5-10 minutes 33% 10+ minutes 22%
7. Is enrichment divided into categories?
Yes 62%
No 38%
514 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 30, No. 12
8. If yes, rank your categories rate of use (1 most often)
*If no categories are used, generally what type of enrichment is most often used?
The general answer was “food”, “toys”, and “scents”, in that order
9. Do you use a calender or other means of scheduling enrichment?
Yes - 38% No - 62%
10. Are you required to document enrichment provided?
Yes -59% No -41%
11. If yes, how?
Brief listing in the daily report
13%
Detailed description in daily report
15%
Detailed description in enrichment log
34%
Other
8%
None
30%
12. When implementing new enrichment, do you have an approval form to fill out?
Yes -51% No -49%
13. Who approves the enrichment request?
Enrichment Coordinator
6%
Lead Keeper/ Area Supervisor
18%
Curator
25%
Director
3%
Veterinarian
21%
No approval necessary
15%
Other
12%
* Extra note: During the enrichment approval :
7 keepers had to obtain one persons approval
6 keepers had to obtain two peoples approval
1 0 keepers had to obtain three peoples approval
4 keepers had to obtain four peoples approval
Keep in mind that 12% did not have to get any approval to present new enrichment to
animals
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 515
A Post Script to the November 2003 EO Column:
Reading the article on enrichment ideas from the Frank Buck Zoo- Parrot toys, reference was made
to using leather shoelaces and I wanted to be sure to forward some information that keepers may not
be aware of. I build bird toys for a living as well as work at ZuPreem. Research led me to the
knowledge that most leather shoelaces are either tanned with an oil or tanned with formaldehyde -
neither of which are good for the birds to chew on. You do not want to use leather shoelaces and be
aware that craft leather may not be appropriately tanned either. Although the toy itself is great,
keepers should be using a vegetable tanned leather source. There is a company with the following
website that sells bulk vegetable tanned leather for birds and the zoo will be amazed at how
inexpensive this source is. Website is www.twinleather.com and they are coincidentally in TX.
Hope this information is helpful. Sent in by Wendi Straddeck, Assistant Territory Manager
Institutional/International Sales - ZuPreem.
From Duffel Bag to Hay Bag
Submitted by Stephanie DeGesero, Mammal Supervisor
Abilene Zoo, Abilene TX
We all have a “wish list” of enrichment items. Due to economic cut-backs, a lot of times this wish
list never gets filled. That’s why recycled items are so nice for enrichment programs. For a while
I’ve had a nylon hay bag on my “wish list” to use with our hoofstock animals. Unfortunately, these
bags sell for about $60 each. This is certainly a luxury item that quickly gets tossed to the bottom of
the request pile. I made a hay bag out of an old army duffel bag and it works great. We’ve used it
with our zebras and had no problems. It took the zebras some time to get used to the new object in
their yard but they quickly desensitized to the enrichment. The price is great and the washability
allows it to be used with various animals. Also, the dark green color prevents it from standing out
too much.
Materials:
1 Army Duffel Bag
Hot Glue Gun
Glue sticks
Scissors
Directions:
1 . Wash duffel bag in cold water and
line dry
2. Cut seams to remove any exterior
pockets/pouches
3. Cut a 12-15 inch square in the
front of the bag
4. Turn bag inside out and glue the
edges to stop any fraying seams
on the square
5. Hang bag from fence of other structure and fill with hay
(Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. Always
think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit materials for the Enrichment
Options column. This might include recipes, toys, puzzle feeders, olfactory enrichment ideas, etc. Drawings and
photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to AKF/Enrichment, 3601 SfV 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-
2054 USA. Eds.)
516 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of
each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Please
include closing date for positions available, and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-
mail, most readers do not receive their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for
this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted.
Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Listing may be sent as MS Word
attachment. We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in
processing.
Relief Keeper/ Aviculture - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH
Submit resume to: Human Resources, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH
45220; fax to (5 1 3) 475-6 1 86; email to hr@cincinnatizoo.org< Only qualified candidates will be considered
for an interview. This is a full-time (40 hrs per wk, flexible schedule) union keeper position, subject to the
successful completion of a 90-day probationary period and the deduction of union dues. Responsibilities:
include but are not limited to, the daily husbandry of the Cincinnati Zoo’s bird collection, and the maintenance
of the exhibit and off-exhibit areas in the Wings of the World facility. Requirements: Successful candidates
will have previous experience with various avian taxa and water filtration systems; display the ability to
work well with others; be team-oriented, and have excellent written and oral communication skills.
The following two(2) positions are available at Out Of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona. Please mail or fax
resume to Dean Harrison,Out of Africa Wildlife Park, 9736 N. Ft. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85264;
phone (480) 837-6683; Fax (480) 837-7379. Visit their website at www.outofafricapark.com< Positions
open until filled.
General Working Supervisor - Mammal, Reptile & Bird Depts. - Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Requirements: Must have degree, four (4) years management, good people and communicatin skills.
Experienced caregiving for many types of species, able to speak publically to large audiences, while interacting
with animals in a full contact setting is necessary. Lifting up to 50 lbs. may be required. Weekend and
holiday work is necessary, according to shift. Salary dependson experience. Full benefits.
Assistant Working Supervisor - Mamal, Reptile & Bird Depts. - Out of Africa Willife Park
Requirements: Must have degree, two (2) years management, well experienced with reptiles, good people
and communicatin skills. Experienced caregiving for many types of species, able to speak publically to
large audiences, while interacting with animals in a full contact settinis necessary. Lifting up to 50 lbs. may
be required. Weekend and holiday work is necessary, according to shift. Salary dependson experience.
Full benefits.
Reptile Internship
To apply send a cover letter, resume, and at least two (2) (preferably 3) references to: Kristen Wiley,
Internship Coordinator, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, 200 L & E Railroad, Slade, KY 40376. Or send via email
to: kvreptil@,pop.mis.net< Starting dates are flexible, but a minimum commitment of three months
covering SPRING (April-June ), or SUMMER ( June - August), or FALL ( September - November) is
required. Deadlines for applications each year are: SPRING - February 1st; SUMMER - March 1st; and
FALL - June 1 st.
The Kentucky Reptile Zoo, a nonprofit organization, is seeking a student intern for the 2004 Fall season.
The zoo is an educational exhibit, reptile breeding and venom research facility located near Kentucky’s
Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. Responsibilities: The intern will assist in the captive
maintenance of the zoo’s reptile collection, collect admissions to the exhibit, give interpretive talks and
interact with the public, assist with educational outreach programs, and perform other duties as assigned.
In addition, the intern will be responsible for the completion of at least one research project related to the
field of herpetology. The intern will not be involved in the handling of any venomous reptiles.
Requirements: Desirable qualifications include a willingness to handle snakes and other reptiles on a
daily basis, ability to communicate effectively with people, writing skills, orientation to details, and self-
motivation. The intern will be required to work both Saturday and Sunday, with days off during the week.
Students majoring in the biological or natural sciences are preferred. Interns are required to be either
college students or recent graduates. Former interns have arranged for academic credit with their institutions.
Interns have also been successful in finding zoo keeper positions, with a hire rate of over 95% ! Benefits
include experience with the most extensive and diverse collection of snakes in the United States, housing,
and $55/week to cover expenses. Personal transportation is recommended. A valid driver’s license is
required.
Big Cat Internships - Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge (TC WR), Tyler, TXAs seen on Animal Planet in “Growing
Up Tiger”, TCWR is a division of Tiger Missing Link Foundation.
Commencement date: On-going duration: three (3) months on a month-by-month basis. For additional
information to see what past interns have to say about Tiger Creek, visit www.tigercreek.org< Are you
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12 517
interested in learning more about big cats or establishing a career path working in conservation as a zookeeper,
a wildlife manager or a veterinarian? You can Earn Your STRIPES at Tiger Creek and obtain college credit
through your college or university at the same time, there are up to four (4) positions available. At Tiger
Creek you are more than a worker, you are considered a friend and we strive to build long-term working
relations as we know you are the future animal caretakers! Interns are utilized for permanent animal care
positions through a qualification system with opportunity for full-time paid animal keeper positions available
based upon performance after training. Requirements: You provide a six (6)-day work week with a strong
commitment for three (3) months, be capable of paying attention to details and follow safety rules, you must
have your own transportation to and from the refuge and provide your own food while here. We provide
room & board, uniforms, materials and curriculum, indoctrination and safety training. We even throw in use
of the “tiger truck” for errands and entertainment adventures that you seek out. Within the new Intern House
there is central heat and air, all furnished, a full kitchen, with two full bathrooms, two rooms shared by two
students, a shared telephone line for incoming calls, internet access for email and surfing, a VCR, TV and
even Satellite so that you and the other interns can enjoy Animal Planet during your off hours! All of this
and a few rescued dogs or puppies in the backyard... because we want your stay to be as comfortable as
possible while here at Tiger Creek. The Tyler-East Texas area has a lot to offer, there is horse back riding
available at no cost to our interns, lakes within beautiful parks, movie theaters, numerous local night clubs
and plenty of restaurants and much more.
The following three (3) internship opportunities are available at the New Jersey State Aquarium -
The New Jersey State Aquarium husbandry department is currently holding open enrollment on all our
internships.
Avian Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3)letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to: New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Kyla Fox, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Become familiar with daily activities involving our colony of African penguins, exotic birds, and reptile
collection. Responsibilities: Duties include food preparation, exhibit maintenance, and creation of
enrichment devices. Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking and have
course work in biology/psychology. Must be able to work outdoors and lift 50 pounds. Interns are required
to complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four-
year school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions
are on a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Marine Mammal Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, transcripts, three (3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Collette Caprio, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
Learn daily activities involving animal care and training with our Seal Team. Responsibilities: Duties
include food preparation, exhibit cleaning, creating enrichment devices and observing training.
Requirements: Candidates should be comfortable with public speaking, have course work in biology/
psychology, prior animal experience, be able to work outdoors, and lift 501bs. Interns are required to
complete a minimum of 120 hours and must be registered for college credits in either a two or four-year
school. Internships may be completed during spring, summer, or fall sessions. All intern positions are on
a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Fish and Invertebrate Internship
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resum, transcripts, three (3) letters of
recommendation, and an application from our website at www.njaquarium.org. Please submit materials
to New Jersey State Aquarium, c/o Nicole Grandinetti, One Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103.
The Fish and Invertebrate department offers internships each semester to qualifying
candidates. Responsibilities: The interns main responsibilities will be assisting the biologists with their
daily duties including exhibit and holding tank maintenance, food preparation, feeding, filter maintenance,
and learning all aspects on maintaining saltwater exhibits. Requirements: Interns must complete 120
hours within the semester working two eight-hour days. The typical hours for the day are from 7:30am to
4:30pm. Interns are also required to be registered for credits through a two or four- year institution. All
Interns work under a volunteer basis and are unpaid.
Big Cat Internship - Wildlife on Easy Street, Tampa, FL
For more information contact Scott Lope at 813-323-5991 or email at catfotol@,aol.com
Two (2) positions available for six-month internship at TAOS accredited non-profit big cat sanctuary.
www.wildlifeoneasvstreet.com< Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): daily husbandry, exhibit
cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, operant conditioning and behavioral enrichment for the following
518 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
species: lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, lynxes, servals, caracals, bobcats, lemurs and other exotic animals.
We provide invaluable hands-on experience, on-site housing and utilities, safety training and educational
materials. Advanced training anS long-term employment opportunities exist for the right candidates.
Requirements: applicants must be willing to work six days a week, some holidays and follow strict
safety guidelines. Hard work ethic and love of animals more important than degree.
Internships - The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL
Internships are available in Animal Health, Animal Programs and Husbandry departments. Internships
available year-round for varying lengths of time and can be tailored to the individual student’s needs.
Internships are unpaid but provide valuable hands-on experience. Interested persons should send resume to:
Human Resources, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602. For more information visit our website at
www.flaquarium.org< Responsibilities: food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, assist with medical
procedures, animal observations, daily record keeping, enrichment activities, assist with training sessions
and shows.
Aviculture Interns - Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, Hawaii and Maui
For more information on internships at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and
contacts of three (3) references to: Tracey Goltz P.O. Box 39 Volcano, HI 96785 or fax: 808-985-7034.
OR, for more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to: Mary Schwartz 2375
Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 or fax: 808-572-3574. For the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation
Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui
Bird Conservation Cepter (MBCC) on the island of Maui. Responsibilities: Daily tasks include husbandry
duties such as: diet preparation, aviary and facility maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding
birds, grounds keeping, predator control. Requirements: Applicant must be able to live with several
roommates in a remote area and should show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian
birds. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and health insurance. Internships last for a 3-6 month
period. Interns receive $20/day stipend plus housing. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Inforn$hip QppQrtpniti^g - Natipnal Aquarium Jn BaltimQrfi
To apply for any of the following internship positions go online at www.aqua.org/education/intemships
to obtain an application form. A complete application includes contact information, answers to brief
statements listed, and a copy of college transcript. Complete applications should be sent to: National
Aquarium at Baltimore-Interaships, Pier 3/501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Application Deadline: ongoing - 1 November 2003 for January and Spring terms of 2004; 1 April 2004
for Summer and Fall 2004 terms; All interns must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work within the
selected term. Interns must receive college credit for their internship. Internships are unpaid. For further
information contact the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Internship coordinator at intem@aqua.org or
call (410) 576-3888.
Aquarist Intern
Responsibilities.' The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aquarist staff with daily care of the
Aquarium’s invertebrates and fish. Assist with tank maintenance and cleaning; Prepare daily diets and
perform daily feedings; Assist in the maintenance of back-upareas; Conduct precise record keeping; Perform
special projects to be determined by the aquarist staff Requirements: College juniors or seniors enrolled
in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb up a 6’ ladder, and be able to squeeze across a 1 5 ’ long x 1 2” wide
platform.
dvmltur? Intern
Responsibilities; The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium aviculture staff with daily husbandry
activities in the South American Rainforest exhibit. Assist with and perform diet preparation and
distribution; Conduct animal observations; Assist in the cleaning of holding areas, kitchen, and food prep
areas; Provide enrichment to the aviculture collection; Perform special projects at be determined by the
aviculture staff Requirements: Interest in working with birds. Enrolled in an accredited college,
pursuing a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related
field.
Hm>.^tQlQgy Intern
Responsibilities: Tend the “Hidden Life” exhibits (large wall terrariums where small, neotropical lizards,
frogs, snakes and invertebrates are on public display); Mist and clean the off-exhibit colony of small
arboreal lizards; Mist, clean and otherwise help tend the large, off-exhibit collection of neotropical frogs;
Prepare diets for and feed the on and off-exhibit iguanas and tortoises; Tend the locust (live food) colony,
orb-weaving spiders and colonies of non-venomous exotic arthropods (wood and hissing roaches, millipedes
Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 30, No. 12 519
and walking sticks); Assist in the maintenance of the live food cultures (fruit flies, springtails,
crickets, rats, mice); Conduct and record animal observations; Perform special projects as determined by
the herpetology staff Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursing a degree in
Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Must be comfortable
working with frogs, lizards, rodents and terrestrial arthropods.
Horticulture
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist the Aquarium horticulture staff with daily activities.
Assist with care of plants in the Rain Forest exhibits; Conduct plant maintenance, fertilization, propagation,
and transplantation; Assist in display development; Perform special projects at be determined by the
horticulture staff Requirements; Must be enrolled in an accredited college, pursuing a degree in Biology,
Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will aid in all aspects of marine animals rescue program (MARP)
operations, which involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea
turtles and implementing outreach efforts of the Aquarium’s Ocean Health Initiative. The selected candidate
is also responsible for technical and clerical assistance for the Conservation Department staff as necessary.
Duties include; Animal Care - participating in rescue and release trips, daily feeding, medical treatments,
facility maintenance including cleaning and water changes, behavioral observations, and record keeping;
Outreach - learning to interpret the MARP artifacts and conservation messages and participation in seasonal
outreach and public education programs at the Aquarium and off site; Other duties as assigned - field
work, etc. Requirements; Must be college junior or senior majoring in environmental science or related
field with course work in biology and ecology. Summer and January terms require 40 hours per week of
work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Marine Mammal Trainer Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate is responsible for providing support to the marine mammal
training staff This internship’s primary purpose is to teach the intern training theory. There is limited
hands-on animal contact during the internship. Duties will include: Prepares daily animal diets and
dispenses vitamins as instructed; Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal back-up areas;
Assists in training, husbandry, and medical sessions; Participates in pre-show and pre-session preparations;
Periodically participates in sessions involving swimming during enrichment and play sessions - no animals
involved; Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Must be college junior or senior majoring in life
science or related field. Must have a basic understanding of marine mammal natural history. Must have
good swimming skills. Must work well as a team member. Summer and January terms require 40 hours
per week of work for 4 weeks. Spring and fall terms require 8 hours per day, one day per week of work.
Water Quality Lab Intern
Responsibilities: The selected candidate will assist in the water quality testing of all fish and mammal
systems throughout the aquarium. Duties include testing water for salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity,
and copper according to lab procedures, and recoding neat, accurate data. The selected candidate will
work closely with the Lab Technicians and the Animal Husbandry staff Requirements; Must be college
junior or senior with general biology and chemistry work. Strong math skills and computer proficiency
preferred. Must be available to work mornings.
SOS Rhino Seeks Volunteers
SOS Rhino is looking for volunteers interested in helping us in our efforts to save the Sumatran rhinoceros.
Our Borneo Team is studying the demographics of the remaining animals in Tabin Wildlife Reserve to
determine when patrol units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role in the rhinos’ survival.
Please visit SOS Rhino, s web site for detailed information: http://www.sosrhino.org/programs/
volunteer.php Or contact Cindy Salopek, Projects Associate/SOS Rhino via e-mail at: cindy@sosrhino.org<
Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on
our website at www.aazk.org
Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings
at http://www.aza.org
520 Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 30, No. 12
AAZK Membership Application
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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.
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© 2003 AAZK, INC.
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