X) m co CO S SMITHSONIAN co NSTITUTION NOlinillSN cn NVINOSH1IWS S 3 i d V d 8 1 1 co 2: CO NVINOSH1IWS S3 I dVd 8 CO o 2 2 CO L! BRAR I ES SMITHSONIAN co INSTITUTION NC cn o 2 S SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOilfUllSNl NVINOSH1IWS S3 I d Vd 8 11 L ! S SMITHSONIAN CO UJ __ INSTITUTION NOimillSNI NVINOSH1IWS S3IdVd8l1 LI 2 cn O 2 03 30 > 30 NVIN0SH1IINS _S 3 I d V d 8 II LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NO ; z : o m co f— ZD cn S SMITHSONIAN co NSTITUTION NOIinillSNI NVINOSHimS S3 dvdan n 2: I __ NVIN0SH1IINS S3 I dVdan LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 2 cn O 2 CO -H C o 2 2 CO m h O 2 3 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOimillSNI NVIN0SH1IWS S3ldVd8l1 LI z z r* 2 £ o 03 2 m > 70 m x^vos\av/ " m CO _ CO NSTITUTION NOliniliSNI NVINOSH1MS S3 I co Nl NVINOSHJLMNS S3 I d V d 8 n co UBRAR I ES SMITHSONIAN co INSTITUTION NC co S SMITHSONIAN z: NVINOSHillAIS S3iuvaan LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION x CO O X IS SMITHSONIAN co INSTITUTION NOlirUIJLSNI co NVINOSHJLIWS saiavaan SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOIlfUUSNI z m ™ co NVINOSH1IWS S3IHVaail NVINOSH1IIMS S3 I UVU 8 II co z CO BR ARIES SMITHSONIAN co INSTITUTION M< CO ES SMITHSONIAN z: i o o z CD INSTITUTION NOliniliSNI 2 Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care 1 1 i I i ! VOLUME IV NUMBER ONE JANUARY 1977 Animal 635 Gage Blvd., Keepers' Topeka, Kansas Forum 66606 usa Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Animat Keeps X61 Fon.um is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted. Credit to this pub- lication is requested. Reprints of any article may be requested by writing the Editor. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela J. Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-president Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass , Chicago, Illinois National Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 MATERIAL SUBMITTED TOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BV THE EDITOR... THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAV NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM OR OF THE AAZK MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AFFILIATE (KEEPERS) AND ASSOCIATE $10.00 annually FOREIGN $15.00 annually STUDENT $ 5.00 annually CONTRIBUTING (ORGANIZATIONS) $25.00 annually A tl memben*kip* tncZude *ub*cxiptton* to AntmaZ Keeper ' Fon.um and to The. Keepen., the. JouxnaZ ofi the. Amexican A**ocXatton 0 fa Zoo Keepex* . . . All members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada. Membenxkip* axe pn.o-n.ated *emZ~annuaZZy, except faon. Student membexAhtp* Send name and address and a check or money order to: AAZK Headquarters , National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 make check* payabZe to •• A mentcan A**octatton ofa Zoo Keepen* DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION OF AKF IS THE 20th OF THE PRECEDING MONTH... SCOOPS and Scuttlebutt ERNST M. LANG RECEIVES CONSERVATION MEDAL fnom the San Vlego loo Professor Dr. Ernst Lang, director of the Basel (Switzerland) Zoo, has become the 24th recipient of the Zoological Society of San Diego's gold conservation medal. San Diego Zoo director Charles Bieler presented the award November 12 at a meeting of the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens in Caracas, Venezuela. The Zoological Society of San Diego annually awards one or more gold conservation medals to the persons whom it desires to acknowledge and honor as leaders in the wildlife preservation field. Recipients are chosen for their lifelong devotion to the cause of wildlife conservation or for notable contributions to the field. The first gold conservation medals were awarded in 1966 as part of the San Diego Zoo's fiftieth anniversary commemoration. Under Professor Lang's direction, the Basel Zoo has become world famous for the breeding of Indian rhinocerous, lowland gorillas, pygmy hippo- pat amus , spectacled bears and flamingos. Professor Lang was president of IUDZG from 1965 to 1967. He serves on a number of committees of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. He has been associated with the Univ- ersity of Basel since 1963, and in 1972 he was named a professor of zoo biology. KOALAS DEATH CAUSE PROBED fnom the San Vtego loo A detailed Investigation tnto the cause of death o f Audney, one o f the loo’s koalas, has shorn that the Intestinal Inflammation that was the Immediate cause of death was complicated by a vlnus Infec- tion which destroyed a lange pant of hen liven. A udney was one of six koalas which annlved at the loo July 27 as a Bicentennial gift fnom Australia. She died Movemben 26, 1976. The effects of the suspected vlnal disease and the fact that Audney had an offspnlng who was still nunsing, combined to make hen mone susceptible to the Inflamm- ation caused by Pseudomonas. Hen baby Is being noised at the loo’s hospital and shows no signs of Illness . S0LEN0D0N DIES AT NATIONAL ZOO fnom the AA1PA Newsletten, Vec. The last captive Hispaniolian solenodon Solenodon panadoxus , in the U.S. died September 13, 1976. It had lived at the National Zoo for 9 years. Solenodons are calssified as "en- dangered" due to land development, loss of forests , increasing human population, and predation by dogs. CHIMP ART MAKES HISTORY A story carried in Information Report of the Animal Welfare Institute in Vol . 25 Number 3 of the same details a story which appeared in the London Sunday Times of July 25, 1976 and penned by Peter Watson. It was entitled "I've drawn a bird, says Moja the chimp... Why this drawing makes history. " continued next page 1 Moja is a three and one-half year old chimp and one of several apes in a research project at the Uni- versity of Nevada. The project is run by Allen and Beatrice Gardner. The chimp is trained to "talk" using sign language. Moja had been painting the usual random series of strokes and lines when she suddenly switched her style for one drawing. When she was finished, she resumed the random strokes on more drawings. Her teacher then asked her what the drawing was that was so dif- ferent. Without hesitation, the ape signed "Bird." According to the story, this is the” filmt a ecoaded example ofi an attempt at siepaeAentatlonal ant by an animal otheA than a human being. " Since April, the story relates, Moja has drawn a bird several times and a cat and also a straw berry. BIRTHS HATCHINGS WEST AFRICAN DWARF CROCODILES fisiom Andy VeAnon, Reptile KeepeA, HATCH AT OVERTON PARK ZOO OveAton PaAk Zoo and AquaAlum On September 4, 1976, eight West African Dwarf Crocodiles OAteolo.emuA tet^iOAplA hatched at Overton Park Zoo, Memphis, Tenn. On June 9, 1976, seventeen eggs were deposited and covered in a nest of shredded bark. The eggs were removed immediately and placed in a ten gallon aquarium containing 2 to 3 inches of vermiculite, and then placed in a plastic bag. During the 87 day incubation period the temperature was kept be- tween 80 and 84 degrees F. The eight young were completely emerged by late afternoon of September 4. The remaining eggs were opened the following day showing no signs of fertilization. This is believed to be the third hatching of the West African Dwarf Crocodile in captivity. GLADYS PORTER ZOO RECORDS RARE NEW ARRIVALS {/torn Zoo A lorn, Gladys PonteA Zoo, BaownAvllle , TexaA . The, Gladys PohteA Zoo ha* become the, filAAt U.S. zoo to hepAoduce the, PeA-de-lance BothAopA atAox In captivity. The genuA BothAopA haA long been conAldeAed oa extAemely dl^lcult to maintain In captivity. The biAth took place on OctobeA 9, 1976. 22 live, normal bableA uje/ce bom and two otheAA wene Atlllbonn. The Zoo haA oIao aecoaded the hatching o$ the n.aAe Tex oa klngAnake LampAopeltlA mexlcana. ThAee young hatched on September 23, 1976. A plleated gibbon HylobateA plleatuA haA been boAn at the Zoo. The one- pound female, named I la, ml bom on September 29, 1976 2 ^e^mbhibian . pOUm ^ Bela Vemeter, National Zoo Measuring snakes has always been somewhat of a problem for herpetolo- gists that I'm sure has been solved in various ways. One of our readers has remarked that no matter how straight he was able to stretch the animal out, he always got the feeling that there were a few kinks that weren't accounted for. Well, I don't think it really makes a whole lot of difference when you're measuring large snakes or even small ones, unless you are doing an experiment and want the data to be as accurate and consistent as possible. We are using a technique for small to medium sized snakes that Sam Davis, a fellow keeper and R.A.P. consultant, has devised in connection with growth studies he is doing with corn snakes. All you need is a foam rubber pad, a sheet of clear plexiglas , a felt- tip pen, string and, of course, a ruler. Take the snake you want to measure and lay it on the foam rubber pad. It doesn't matter how straight the snake is. Place the plexiglas on the snake, sandwiching it between the pad and the plexiglas. You can use glass if you want to, but if it should break while you're pressing down on the snake, you could hurt yourself and the animal. Trace the snake's mid-dorsal line from snout to tail on the plexiglas with the felt-tip pen. After you remove the snake, simply take the string and lay it over the line you just made, taking care to follow the curves. Pull the string taut and measure it. Works every time!!! That should give you a very accurate measurement with a minimum of coaxing and stretching. You're probably wondering, "Wf iy not ju*t meaAune the Anake directly and cut out the ^elt-tlp pen?" Be nice to your animals, don't keep them under glass any longer than necessary. You can trace much faster with the pen than you can lay out with the string and the plexiglas can be wiped clean afterward. If you have more than one snake to measure, do several in a row and mark both ends of the line so you know which is which. This is a particularly handy technique for small , venomous snakes ; as you'll decrease the chance of trauma to both the snake and yourself. Some snakes, however, don't lend themselves too well to this method... large pythons and such, obviously. But we've also had some smaller Crotalu* that didn't want to stay under the glass. You'll have to experiment with several animals and see for yourself which ones it works best with. Better still, get some lizards, they're easier to handle . DIRECT ALL COMMENTS TO R.A.P. , DIVISION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS, NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009 Frank Slaven* , a keeper at tkc Woodland Park Zoological Garden*, l* com- piling a guide to breeding potential fior reptile* and amphibian* In the United State*. AAZK would, like to a**l*t thi* worthwhile project In every way po**lble, through AKF. your, zoo ha*n't *ent cople* otf It* herptlle Inventory to Frank yet, would you try to do * o a* *oon a* po*~ Alble? I fa he can get the*e Inventorle* early In January, he may have the guide compiled by Spring. Frank would al*o like to have any good key * our reader* might have faor the common boa ( Boa conAtnlctor) , except tfor Peter*' key In Neotropical Squamata. THE AWRESS IS 5400PHJNNEV AVENUE , NORTH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 9 SI 03 3 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS from the President Bela Demeter THE FOLLOWING IS PUBLISHEV FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE MEMBERS OF A AIK. Mr. Joe Tanner, Commissioner Georgia Department of Natural Resources 270 Washington Street, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30315 Dear Mr. Tanner: One of the functions of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is to support valid and deserving projects of conservation. I have recently had the opportunity to study Howard Lawler's proposal for the protection and management of the Eastern Indigo Snake Vn.ymaAch.on COAOAA coixpiAi. in the state of Georgia. The conclusions Mr. Lawler reaches are, in my opinion, valid and deserving of serious consideration by the Georgia legislature . The Board of Directors of AAZK is in unanimous support of this proposal to extend complete protection to the Indigo Snake. We also favor a ban on the use of chemicals such as gasoline to capture these or any other animals . This is a very important issue about which AAZK is deeply concerned. Favorable legislation by Georgia protecting the Indigo Snake can only have a positive influence in other areas of the country as well where otherforms of wildlife are becoming threatened. We are very fortunate to have people such as Mr. Lawler and the rest of the herpetological staff at the Atlanta Zoo who are dedicated and interested enough to bring these issues to the foreground. I would appreciate your forward- ing this letter to the Natural Resourced Board. Sincerely yours , Bela J. Demeter President , AAZK NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS National Zoological Park - Washington, D.C. 20009 4 VeterinarianSj keepers by Joseph T. Blelltzkl, Vl/M, MS, Topeka Zoological Tank ZOONOSES AND THE ANIMAL KEEPER A group of diseases are transmitted between animals and man; collectively they are known as zoonoses. In a zoological garden, where close contact is common between man and animal, the possibility of disease exchange is great. Most frequently we think of what we can get from the animals in the collection. But, perhaps we need to consider the opposite .. .what we might give to the animals. Most important, in this regard, is probably the primates. A large number of viral and bacterial diseases can be readily transmitted from man to primate. Quite often we think of tuberculosis, but with current health precautions this possibility is greatly minimized. The animals in our charge are not going to become infected with what we expect, rather with what we don’t expect. There are a host of viral diseases which are com- mon in man and are relatively non-pathogenic but which can do consider- able damage in primates. For example, measles, mononucleosis, influenza the common cold and HcApCA Almplcx are everyday occurences to us. But, do we ever work around primates when we know that we are ill? Besides just considering ourselves and our infectious potential, it is necessary to also consider what is around us. Those persons with whom we live can also infect animals which they never see, if we carry viral particles from hame to work in clohting, shoes or even in a lunch box. This applies particularly to childhood diseases, i.e. rubeola, measles, chicken pox, mumps, whooping cough, etc. If you have stopped looking around you, start again. What about the household cat or dog... are their vaccinations up-to-date? Members of Felidae, Canidae , Ursidae, Viveridae, and Mustelidae are all susceptible to various common cat and dog diseases, like feline distemper, canine distemper and feline respiratory viruses. Little research has been done on the exotic animals’ susceptibility to xomw of the less common viral diseases of domestic pets, but you can bet that at least a few creatures in the zoo could contract clinical disease under the correct conditions. Do you live on a farm or keep livestock on the side? Here is another area for possible disease transmission. The Artiodactyla have demonstr- ated antibody to a number of diseases common in cattle and sheep. At the top of the list are diseases like infectious bovine rhinotracheitis , bovine viral diarrhea and shipping fever from cattle, blue-tongue, maedi and contagious ecthyma from sheep. Many of the Perissodactyla are sus- ceptible to equine viruses. Those nost easily carried from stable to work are probably equine rhinotraceitis and equine influenza. If you're from a farm, try not to wear the same boots at home and at the zoo. Parasite ova are easily carried for long distances in minute amounts of feces. Bacteria and viruses can also be carried this way. This also applies to chickens and turkeys. There are a large number of diseases which can be transmitted from the farm flock to the zoo bird. In most cases, common sense should dictate how you handle a given situa- tion. If you do have a sick animal at home or have had contact with one mention it to a supervisor. A healthy collection is everyone's job... 5 RESULTS OF ANIMAL KEEPER SURVEY II by Judte SteenbeJig, Part II SedgwTck County Zoo SECTION II - EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 1.. .no information 1.. . seven grammar school 25% 44 . . .high school 136.. college education 75% Of the 136 keepers who have a college background, the breakdown accord- ing to the number of years completed was... 21.. . 0.e year 15% 2 7.. . two years 20% 20.. . three years 15% 50 . . . four years 37% 18 .. . graduate school 13% 34 different majors were listed. Some listed two or more subjects. The majority related directly to animals... Biology Animal Science Zoology Anthropology Wildlife Biology and Conservation Primatology Animal Behavior Pre-Vet Med. Environmental Studies Oceanography Four surveys listed Biological Parks Training and Development , and Zoo Operations and Animal Management as majors. Other subjects ranged from accounting to sociology. 93 keepers (50%) are continuing their education. Some indicated they are utilizing more than one method. . . Animal Nutrition Ethology Reproductive Physio- logy 39 . . • coursework 64 .. .self-directed studies 24 .. . research projects 26 . . .seminars /conferences 3... other (trade schools, AAZPA Management School) SECTION III - ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AAZK Memberships 135... yes 74% 47... no 26% Attendance at AAZK Conferences 41... have attended 23% 137... have not attended 75% 4 . . .no reply 2% Number of years as AAZK Member 53. . .0.e year 39% 27.. . two years 20% 34.. . three to five years 25% 21.. . six to nine years 16% The conferences attended were ... Fresno , Topeka, Seattle, New York, Hawaii, Boise, Chicago and Wichita. Chicago was the best attended by survey participants. AuAvey conttnueJ> on next page,... 6 AAZPA Memberships 39... yes 22% Other Wildlife Organization 139... no 76% Memberships 4 . . .no reply 2% 94 . . . yes 52% 88... no 48% Of those who indicated that they had memberships in other wildlife org- anizations, many listed more than one- The most frequently listed were, Audubon Society World Wildlife Fund National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Preservation Society Defenders of Wildlife Canadian Wildlife Fund Herpetological societies and others American Federation of Aviculture and other ornithological groups , International Wildlife Federation East African Wildlife Society local Zoological Societies local game associations SECTION 11/ - TRAINING A NV RELATEV VAT A Training as a new keeper On-going training for all personnel 124. . .yes 68% 60. . .yes 33% 50. . .no 28% 102. . .no 56% 8. . .no reply 4% 17. . .no reply 9% 3. . .being started 2% Methods of Training. . . Some Checked Several Categories . . . 38 classes 22 films and slides 168 on-the-job training 15 seminars and conferences 36 keeper manuals 3 other (lab animal course research and volunteer work) Previous Experiences Beneficial in Roles as a Keeper... School: science courses, high school /vocational education and extensive reading prevailed. Work: The information regarding work experience was similar to that given in Section I. Hobbies and Other: Most additional information was given in these two categories, some of which were unusual... Statistics Photography Nursing and Nurse Aide Volunteer Work Artist Modelling Plants and Greenhouse Taxidermy Zoo Answer Man Boy Scouts of America Instructor/Chimp Sign Language Visiting Zoos Public Speaking Belly Dancing T.V. and Wildlife Films Zoo family Architecture Associations Connections, Friends Outdoor Activities Farrier Scuba Diving Falconry Judo Sports Hand-writing Analysis ...and, perhaps the most unusual and thought -provoking. . .MOTHERHOOD! !! ! A 6inceAe thank. 6 to have, been mailed to Ae^e/ience. . . all who paAtieipated tn thiA t>uAvey. The. AuAvey* AAIK National He.adquaAte.tiA in WaAhlngton fioA fautuAe 7 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL NEWS fanom the USVl . . . NATIONS MOVE CLOSER TO ELIMINATING COMMERCE AS THREAT TO ENDANGERED SPECIES Significant progress in regulating trade in the world's wild plants and animals has been made at a 37-nation meeting aimed at speeding implementation of an inter- national treaty on endangered species. The conference, held November 2 to 6 in Berne, Switzerland was the first since 80 nations negotiated the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1973. The treaty seeks to eliminate commercial trade as a cause of the decline in any species. Thirty-three nations have ratified the treaty, and 24 of those were represented at the Berne meeting. Thirteen other countries who have not yet ratified also sent ob- servers as did many other organizations. Many of the administrative and procedural decisions made at the meeting, along with changes in listed species, may have a wide ranging and significant impact on various interests with the United States. In addition, they also aid law enforcement and allow increased monitoring of commerce in wild plants and animals. The changes become effective in the United States early next year when reg- ulations implementing the treaty become final. The Convention agreed to over 100 changes in the append- ices of listed species. In addition, detailed criteria were established for listing or delisting species. Efforts were also made toward developing standardized identification aids, guidlines on the care and shipment of live specimens, and solving other legal and administ- rative problems. ORNITHOLOGICAL DETENTE A United Staten -Soviet Union tneaty on the eonnenvation ofa mignaton.y bindn and thein <1noin.onm2.wt, signed in Uovemben. in Moncou), in the. newent in a nenien 0 fa inten- nationat agweementn denigned to pn.ote.ct wildlife. The. tneaty, nigned in Moncou) on Novemben 19, 191b, extend n the pnotection pnovided many npeden ofi bindn and pno- viden a meann fion U.S. and Soviet n dentin tn to eoopenate in the eonnenvation ofa thene bindn and thein habitatn. The tneaty eovenn mone than 1 00 npeden ofi bindn . ALABAMA SALAMANDER ADDED TO THREATENED LIST The Red Hills salamander, a dark brown, seven inch amphi- bian which inhabits the moist, cool forest floors of south-central Alabama, has become the first amphibian to be placed on the U.S. list of threatened species. 8 ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION AND THE 94th CONGRESS by Tom Golds benny, Washington Tank loo , Pontland, Onegon The ninety-fourth Congress is now history. Almost 25,000 bills were in- troduced during this session. Of these 25,000 approximately fifty-five were in the area of animal welfare. The Congressional Research Service, which compiles all the major legis- lation of each Congress, places all animal welfare legislation under the rather ominous heading of "Medical Research and Technology". The CRS states in part: "Concern oven adequate facilities cut zoos and aquaniums is incneasing . It has been suggested that expanding public support could tuAn zoo-6 into neseanch center, thereby making the animals acces- sible fon the types oft biomedical tics eanch fon which the objections have been Mused. " Of course, all animal welfare legislation doesn't affect zoos per se , but, often a bill aimed at correcting animal abuse in some other area, i.e. the pet trade, will have an adverse affect on zoos, too. Also, many of the bills died in committee complete list is as follows. H. Con. Res. 42 WhitehuA&t Concurrent resolution pertain- ing to the methods used on an- imals in research. IDENTICAL RESOLUTIONS. . .H. Con. Res. 229 and H. Con. Res. 410. H.R. 3900 St. Genmain Would prohibit the military departments from using dogs in connection with any research or other activities relating to biological or chemical war- fare agents. IDENTICAL BILLS . . .H.R. 4137, H.R. 7981, H.R. 8052, H.R. 8623, H.R. 8706, H.R. 8844. H.R. 8824 Uinish Would prohibit the use of dogs by the Dept, of Defense in connection with the research, testing, development, or eval- uation of radioactive, chemical or biological warfare agents, and require the Dept, of Defense to develop and use, where feasible, alternative, non-animal methods of experi- mentation. IDENTICAL BILLS... H.R. 9050, S. 2081. H.R. 1068 Sullivan Diseased Pet Act . Would pro- tect the public health by pro- viding authority to regulate or prohibit the transportation. r were shelved indefinitely. The sale or other distribution in in- terstate commerce of live creatures intended to be offered as house- hold pets, if they are determined to be infected with serious dis- eases injurious to human beings. H.R. 70 Vingell el al Would establish a Federal Zoo Accreditation Board in order to ensure that zoos and other ani- mal display facilities maintain minimum standards of care for animal inventories , and provide technical and financial assist- ance to zoos. H.R. 1154 WhitehuASt Would provide assistance to zoos and aquariums, establish stand- ards of accreditation for such facilities , and establish a Federal Zoological and Aquarium Board. IDENTICAL BILL .. .H . R. 4030. H.R. 4373 VeAvJinski Would provide assistance in im- proving zoos and aquariums by creating a National Zoological and Aquarium Corporation. H.R. 6631 Vingell Would establish a Federal Zoo- logical Control Board in order continues on next page. . . 9 to ensure that zoos and other animal display facilities main- tain minimum standards for the humane care and husbandry of animals, and provide technical and financial assistance to zoos . H.R. 1152 lUkite.kuiUt Would amend the Federal law re- lating to the care and treat- ment of animals to broaden the categories of persons regulated under such law, assure that birds in pet stores and zoos are protected , and ensure in- creased protection for animals in transit. IDENTICAL BILLS ...H.R. 4027, H.R. 4467, H.R. 4468, H.R. 7622. H.R. 1469 PeXtlb Would require the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations governing the humane treatment of animals transported in air commerce. H.J. Res. 226 White.hufol>t Joint resolution asking the President to declare October 13th of each year as "Animal Welfare Day". H.R. 8774 Baown [Calico folia) Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. Would amend the Act of August 27, 1958 and the Federal Meat Inspection Act for purposes of imposing penalities with regard to the inhumane slaughter of livestock. P.L. 94-279 (S. 1941) Animal Welfare Act Amendments. Would increase the protection afforded to animals in transit and to assure the humane treat- ment of animals, and for other purposes. Passed House, amended in lieu of H.R. 5808. Senate agreed to conference report April 7, 1976. Measure was enacted into law (P.L. 94-279) April 22, 1976. H.R. 6155 Wkite.kufo!>t Would amend the Horse Protect- ion Act of 1970 to better eff- ectuate its purpose. P.L. 94-360 (S. 811/H.R. 13711) Horse Protection Act Amend- ments. Would amend the Horse Protection Act of 1970 to bet- ter affectuate its purpose. Passed Senate Oct. 9, 1975; passed House June 21, 1976, amended to contain the provis- ions of H.R. 13711. Senate agreed to House amendments June 24, 1976. Measure was enacted into P.L. 94-360 on July 13, 1976. The. Ninety -Fi^th Congae.66 Mill convene on JanuaJiy 5, 1977.... ******* ATTENTION PLEASE ******* Flamingo Bneedent , Need Infio On: American Flamingo, PhoenicopteAui, AubeA Chilean Flamingo, PhoenicopteAui AubeA chilentit MUST KNOW... A. Substantial feeding habits B. Successful breeding regions C. Specify: enclosure area, nat- ural or artificial D. Social equality with other birds in enclosure, if any E. Rate of metabolism in capti- vity F. Life expectancy, if known Any help will be appreciated . . . SEND INFORMATION TO... Ed Coppage , Keeper Overton Park Zoo and Aquarium Memphis, Tennessee 38112 ********** Editorial o^icet faor The Ke.zpe.si asm nou) at the Brookfield Chapter of AAZ K. Correspondence and inquiries should be. ient to: The. KeepeA, Brookfield Chapter AAZ K, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, li. 60513... 10 INDEX FOR VOLUME III, NUMBERS 1 -12, 1976 compiled by Linda OJqaaa , Voce.nl, Como ?ank loo AAZK Awards Chairman Resigns, p. 92 Awards Committee, p. 124 Board Names Executive Officers , p. 54 Buffalo Zoo Chapters News, p. 62 Business Meeting, p. 55 Chapter Coordinator Named, p. 2 Chapter Inventory, p. 43, 70 1976 Conference, p. 26, 39, 65, 78, 84-85, 128 Executive Secretary Resigns, p.80 Financial Reports First Quarter, p. 54 Second Quarter, p. 96 From Coordinator for Chapter Affairs, p. 125 From the President, p. 16, 119- 120, 133 From the Secretary, p. 148 Fourth Quarter Treasurers Report , P- 29 Headquarters Moved, p. 93 Late Breaking News from the Con- ference, p. 116 Letter from Jill Grade to AAZK Board of Directors and General Membership, p. 134 R. Marlin Perkins Certificate of Excellence, p. 2 Speaker Program Workshop at San Diego Conference, p. 80 Sweeneys to Receive Honors, p. 54 AKF AKF Financial Statements Fourth Quarter, 1975, p. 24-25 First Quarter, 1976, p. 55 Second Quarter, p. 95 Third Quarter, p. 142 An Editorial Comment, p. 28 Animal Keepers' Forum and You... Our Second Anniversary, p. 131- 132 A Note of Congratulations and Re- primand, p. 50 Call for Papers, p. 93 From the AKF Staff, p. 13, 19 Letter to the Editors Coker, p. 11 (hybrid births) Sharpies, p. 49 (hybridization) Stowe, p. 118 (Living Trophies) Memo from the Keeper of the Books, p. 25-26 Patton Resigns Post, p. 105 Some Changes, p. 122 Want to Write for AKF?, p. 103 CONSERVATION Addax, Oryx on the Brink, p. 53 Animals, Incorporated, p. 10-11 Bald Eagle Proposed for Endanger- ed List , p . 117 Breeders of Endangered Species to be Helped by Proposed Regula- tions, p. 68 Brookfield Keeper Involved in Raptor Rehabilitation, p. 139 California Falcon Program Success- ful, p. 141 Conservation, p. 23 Conservation .. .Asian Style, p. 97 -98 East African Wildlife Society in the United States, p. 21 Falconry Regulations Issued, p.38 Federal Wildlife Permit Office Established, p. 102 Indian Rhino cerous Arrives at Toronto, p. 92 "Look Alikes" to be Treated as Endangered, p. 86 159 More Animals Listed as Endan- gered, p. 79 More Rhinos Discovered, p. 115 Okapis at Brookfield, p. 92 27 Primates to be listed as En- dangered or Threatened, p.73- 74 26 Primates Designated as Endan- gered or Threatened, p.155-156 WWF Congress Scheduled, p. 91 Will it be Condors or Phosphate or Both? , p . 127 The Spectrum of Death, p. 5-7 Whooping Crane Battles Successful, p. 38 World's Oldest Captive Gorilla Celebrates 45th Birthday, p.l Captive Mandrill Dies, p. 15 Capuchin is Dead, p. 79 Rare Primate Dies, p. 14-15 Zoo Research .. .An Aid to Wildlife Conservation, p. 114-115 EDUCATION Director Speaks Out on Educational Role of Zoos, p. 90 contlnacd. . . 11 Keepers and Communications Part One, p. 34-35 In-House Communications, p.51- 52, 56-57 Getting the Word Out, p. 75-77 The Written Word, p. 88-89 Keeper Professionalism, p. 41-42 (Guest Editorial) New Education Program Benefits Keepers and Zoo, p. 61 HUSBANDRY Animal Dealer Ordered to Stop Violating Animal Welfare Rules, p . 62 Animals You Shouldn't Own, p.17- 19 Arabian Oryx at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, p. 140 Bactrian Camel Birth at Metro Toronto Zoo, p. 123-124 Bald Eagles at the Detroit Zoo, p . 60 Blackbuck Exodus, p. 22 Breakthrough in the Bird House , p. 27 The Bronx Zoo and Snakebite, p.40 Colobus Monkey Bom, p. 50 Captive Breeding of Wooly Opossum, p. 40 Fourth Generation Black Leopards Born at Lincoln Park Zoo, p. 48 Incubation Records, p. 94-95 Koalas to Arrive at the San Diego Zoo, p. 89 A Mate Arrives, p. 51 Peregrine Restoration Continues, p. 33 Red-thighed Falconet Information, p. 22 Reptile Feeding, p. 47-48 Reptile and Amphibian Potpourri, Beginning of, p. 47 p. 58, 69-70, 110-111, 121-122, 135-136, 150-151 Reptile Incubation, p. 83, 86 Request for Information re: juve- nile gorillas, p. 96 Siberian Tigers Successfully Breed at Beardsley Zoological Gardens, p. 130 Simulated Feeding Device, p. 27 Snow Leopard Cub Being Hand- Raised, p. 87 Too Few and Far Between Depart- ment ... Births and Hatchings, p. 138 Tortoises Hatch at Zoo, p. 104 Tree Kangaroo Birth at Oklahoma City Zoo, p. 106 Unexpected Orangutan Birth at Como Park Zoo, p. 61 Zoo to Receive Serow, p. Ill NUTRITION Animal Nutrition, p. 12, 32-33, 45-46, 67-68, 90 Feeding Banded Kraits, p. 66 KEEPER NEWS/ZOO NEWS Brookfield Zoo Gets New Director, p. 15 Animal Keeper Survey II, p. 96, 109 Lincoln Park Zoo Announces Pro- motions , p. 23 A Loss to the Profession, p. 9 Legislation, p. 142 New Curator Appointed, p. 40 Careers, p. 141 Position Available, p. 105 Believe it or Not, p. 105 Overton Park Zoo Animal Keeper Attacked, p. 66 Results of Animal Keeper Survey II, p. 152-154 Strike at the San Francisco Zoo, p. 53 Toronto Keeper Dies, p. 151 Zoo Keeper Mauled by Bear, p. 82 VETERINARY MEDICINE Cat to Hve Cataract Surgery, p. 20 The Chemical Capture of Animals, p. 37 Of Veterinarians and Keepers , p. 8-9 ,30-32, 59-60, 99-100, 126-127, 137-138, 147-148. Vasectomy of an African Lion, p. 43-44 PHILOSOPHY Cogitations on Wild Animal Hus- bandry (Part II), p. 3-5 Land of Monkey Gland Steak, p. 112-113 Living Trophies, p. 87, 101, 144-146 Of Bangkok, Bazaars and Bantengs p. 71-73 The Zoo in the Clouds, p. 81-82 Zookeeping. . .A Professional Car- eer?, p. 63-63 cowtimi&d 12 GENERAL ITEMS OF INTEREST Conference on Distressed Wildlife, p. 21 Eagle Portrait Offered for Sale, p. 38 Bear Conference Scheduled, p. 101 Book Review: Checklist of the World’s Birds, p. 108 A HANDSHAKE ANV A BIG KISS to Linda IJJei&A ofi tl le Como Park Zoo fao> i the. tremendous amount ofi time, and e^ort t>he put faorth in compiling this index ofi AKF, 1976. It xs greatiy appreciated. COUGAR INFORMATION PUBLISHED Transactions of the Mouiitain Lion Workshop held earlier this year have been published, according to the Wildlife Management Institute. The workshop focused on the cougar in the western U.S. and Canada. The transactions contain information on mountain lion biology and life history, population inventory techniques, harvest, depredation, popula- tion modeling, and research and management needs. Inquiries about copies of the transactions should be sent to the U.S. Fidh and Wildlife Service, 1500 N.E. Irving Street, Portland, OR 97208. In Case You May Have Missed It , p. 113 Looking for Interesting Reading? , p . 156 Publication of Interest, p. 56 Suggested Reading, p. 36 Wading Bird Conference Scheduled, p. 102 BROOKFIELD CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE Brookfield's Zoo 1977 calendar, entitled Brookfield Babies, is now available at the or through the mail. The calendar features black and white 8^ by 11 inch photographs of zoo infants, in- cluding a pallas cat kitten, lion cub and family, baboon harem with infant, polar bear cub and wolf cub , along with eight other pic- tures . The calendar is available at the Zoo bookstore for $2.00 or through the mail for $2.75 postpaid. Checks or money orders are prefer- red and should be made payable to Brookfield Babies 1977 Calendar. Please send orders to Brookfield Babies 1977 Calendar, Public Rela- tions Dept., Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL . 60513 " I hold every man a debtor to hii> profietAion; firom the which at men ofi course do i>eek to receive countenance and profit, i>o ought they oft duty to endeavor therrselves , by way ofi amends, to be a help and ornament thereunto." Bacon... Maxims of the Law (and thank you, Mike Yelverton, Greater Baton Rouge Zoo) 13 Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER TWO FEBRUARY 1977 Animal 635 Gage Blvd., Keeners' Topeka, Kansas Forum 66606 USA Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Animal KeepeAA ’ Folium is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publica- tion is requested. Please send two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs. Reprints of any article may be requested by writing the office of Animal Ke.cpe.fiA ' Fonum. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-president Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BV THE EDITORS. . .THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAV NOT NECESSARI LV REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM OR OF THE AAZK MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (Keepers) and Associate $10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student .....$ 5.00 annually Contributing (Organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers1 Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada Me.mbe.fiAlu.pA one pfio -noted Ae.ml-annucU.il/ , except fion Student membefiAhlpA Extna patcheA afie available finom AAZK Headqua/iteAA . Send name and addfieAA and a check on. money onden to .* AAZK Headquarters , National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Make checkA payable to : A mentean AAAoelatton 0( \ Zoo KeepefiA COVER DRAWING IS AN ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION OF AKF IS THE 20th OF THE PRECEDING MONTH... SCOOPS and SCUTTLEBUTT WORLD'S OLDEST CAPTIVE GORILLA CELEBRATES 46th BIRTHDAY from the Philadelphia Zoo Massa, the world's oldest captive gorilla celebrated his 46th birthday and the 41st anniversary of his arrival at the Philadelphia Zoo on Thurs- day, December 30, 1976. Massa is a lowland gorilla and was born during 1931 in the jungles of western Africa. His mother was slain while raid- ing village crops. Recognizing the fact that Bamboo, the Zoo's former record-holding gorilla died of a heart attack at age 34, Zoo officials have kept Massa slim. He now weighs approximately 135 kg. (300 pounds). His diet is largely responsible for his longevity. His daily diet includes six oranges, two carrots, one-half bushel of kale, tender shoots, twigs and leaves of ed- ible shrubs and trees, and two pounds of Zoo cake, the Zoo's formulation that is complete with all the vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for good nutrition. Massa is one of the Philadelphia Zoo's two longevity record-holding great apes. The other is a Sumatran orang, Guas , age 56. Guas is the world's oldest captive primate. YOU THOUGHT YOUR ZOO WAS CROWDED! firom the San Diego loo WE WISH WE HADN'T DONE THAT. . . aom our Blunder Department Record attendance levels Mere reached In the lent day 4 ofi 1976 at both the San Vlego Zoo and at the San Vtego Wild Animal Park. Through Wednesday, December 29, the zoo showed an attendance ofi about 3,261 ,423. The Wild Animat Park showed 977,113 through the same period. . . In an article submitted by Andy Vernon, of the great Overton Park Zoo and Aquarium in Memphis, TN . , we left something out. The piece told of the hatching of the West African Dwarf Crocodile at the zoo. We said it is believed to be the third such hatching in captivity. It still is. However, we failed to say that is the fclrst Such hatching In the United States . . . ELEPHANT ARTIFICIALLY VENTILATED Andy and his crew are looking out for a Bean Award for this one, and rightly so. Our deepest apologies regarding the omission, Andy... We've learned of a major develop- ment in zoo veterinary medicine. In an article that first appeared in Respiratory Topics, 2:1, 14,15 July, September 1976, and reprinted in Veterinary Medicine and Small Animal Clinician, volume 71, number 12, December, 1976, we have read of the successful ventilation of an Asian elephant for over tflve hours , while the animal was "down" for surgery. This is the first time in re- corded history that such a feat has been accomplished. The previous time was one hour and forty-two minutes. The work was accomplished at the Crandon Park Zoo in Miami, Florida and was done on an adult, 7400 pound animal. Ms. Keith Finla^son, a respiratory therapist performed the work. A ventilator capable of delivering both high volume and high pres- sure was used. The animal successfully recovered from the ordeal. How- ever, during a second surgical attempt four days later, the animal went into cardiac arrest. Necropsy showed active tuberculosis... 14 BIRTHS HATCHINGS WHITE-HANDED GIBBON BIRTH AT WILDLIFE SAFARI by LauJvLa MaAkeA, UUn&ton, Oaiqovl A female white-handed gibbon UyZobcitZA ZcUt was born on October 23 at Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon. The infant's mother being 18 years old, had lived with two other mates with no apparent signs of breeding. The infant's seven-year old father was introduced 202 days before the infant's birth. He had lived previously with another female, but again, there were no signs of breeding. When the female was thought to be in her last month of pregnancy, she was brought into the clinic by Safari keepers. Very shortly after this she gave birth. The veterinarian was called in to unwrap the umbilical cord from the infant's waist. The infant was virtually hairless, pink and had two bottom teeth. The infant from birth clung tightly to her mother. The mother was observed to have no milk for 36 hours. Suckling was ob- served on October 25 for 1^ minutes. The female’s maternal instincts seemed to be strong, but she was very nervous. Daily she became more nervous until on October 28, she was observed dropping the infant, hold- ing her by one leg, and throwing her from hand to hand. The infant was screaming. Her mate was then brought to the clinic to see if she would calm down. This made the situation worse. Since the female was so old, very humanly imprinted on, and since this was her first birth, the infant was pulled for hand-raising by clinic supervisors. Her weight was 12.56 ounces . The infant was started on Similac formula, taking ^ oz . every two hours. At the time of writing, the infant weighs 1 lb. 9 oz . , has six teeth and a lot of fur. CHEETAH BIRTH AT WILDLIFE SAFARI by Lau/tte WoJtbun, WZn&ton, OAngon Five cheetah cubs (2.3) were bom at Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon on December 4, 1976. This is the fourth consecutive year that Safari's breeding pair of cheetahs have successfully reproduced, totaling 21 cubs. The breeding pair was wild-caught in Southwest Africa in 1972 and have since been living at the Safari. They are enclosed in a 7-acre breeding area where no visitor observation is allowed. The cubs will stay with their mother until they are approximately 8 months old. We hope our experiences with captive cheetah breeding will be of great help to all zoos and parks. 15 by TaoopeA ilatsh, National Zoo Eradication of the common snake mite (OphionySSui natAicis) is one of the basic problems commonly encountered in any size reptile collection. Fad remedies for this problem have included mineral oil baths, garlic vapors DRI-DIE 67 applications, and probably a bit of witchcraft. Varying degrees of success can be attributed to common sense and consistency of treatments. All methods of killing mites have their advantages and their tragedies. Recently Vapona No-Pest-Strips have become popular in defense against ticks as well as mites. The Vapona strip is easy to use, reusable, cheap and relatively safe to use with herps on a comparative basis. To my knowledge, no one has published any material proving any long term problems associated with using Vapona strips on reptiles. It has been suggested that prolonged use of the stfips in aviaries will cause sterility in male birds. If so, it might be reasonable to assume similar effects in male reptiles, especially with smaller species or with highly concentrated exposures to the strip. Since the captive propagation of reptiles is a relatively new concept to most U.S. zoos and collectors, the long term effects of the Vapona strip on consistent breeding groups is as yet undetermined. I personally avoid the use of the strip with gravid female herps. We here at RAP have re- ceived questions about the dosage for the Vapona strip. "How much StAip do you use and &oa what size *eptite?" "Does the size ofi the cage, matte*?' "Hou) tong do you use it faoA?" There are no manufacturer’s instructions for use of the Vapona strip on anything smaller than a room or a garage. The caution on the label of the Vapona strip recommends removal of all food and water objects: "not to be used in ate as wheAe items {, o * human consumption ate stored o’ i seAved." Frye, writing in Husbandry, Medicine and Surgery of Captive Reptiles, recommends "one full strip per 1,000 cubic feet of room space." He also states that the Vapona strip "may be hazardous to humans having to bre- athe Vapona laden air." I would advise using the strip in an area or cage where there is adequate ventilation .. .only sealed if all specimens have been removed. I have noticed that specimens, especially small snakes and lizards, in areas with restricted air flow tend to develop temporary respiratory problems, heavy breathing, and excess mucous pro- duction. This condition, in my experience, ceases with removal of the strip and a few minutes of fresh air. As for cage size, I don’t use a full strip on an inhabited cage any smal- ler than 6x3x3 feet. For most of our smaller cages (5 gal. to 30 gal. capacities) I generally use a section of a strip, maybe one sixth of a whole strip, for a period of three days. Mite eggs seem resistant to the Vapona strip so it is necessary to repeat treatment once or twice at in- tervals of four or five days. I make it a practice to keep the strip out of direct contact with my animals so that tongues or limbs do notcome in contact. It is advisable to "air" a new strip for a couple of days so that no chemical juices will drip from the Vapona strip into a cage. Some people wrap sections of a strip in porous cloth to avoid direct contact with their animals. Never put a Vapona strip directly in the cage with an animal. It's also impor- R^ifehibian . n potpourri 16 tant to "update" strips from time to time. The life of an unsealed Vapona strip is approximately four months. The weaker the strip, the less effective it is. Remember that heat intensifies the effects of a Vapona strip. I recom- mend not exposing an animal in a confined area to the strip at temper- atures over 85 degrees for any length of time. Basically, observation and common sense are the most important guidlines for use of the Vapona strip. RAP would appreciate any info you might have on the subject of No-Pest-Strips. Until the Vapona pest strip people start adding instruc- tions with their product for use on herps, all we have are herp people to go to, right? DIRECT ALL COMMENTS TO R.A.P., DIVISION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS, NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009... HEDGEHOG PEDICURE by Vanlel A. Bafifia, Curator, Indianapolis loo Our female European Hedgehog had several toe-nails that were about to be- come ingrown. Although she was accustomed to being handled for lectures, she could not be coerced into allowing us to give her a pedicure. Not wanting to sedate the animal, we sought means of mechanical restraint. However, her habit of curling into an almost perfect prickly ball proved to be too much for us. Knowing hedgehogs to be good swimmers, we decided she would rather swim than sink and if she swam, her feet would be ex- posed. We slowly filled a 20 gallon aquarium with warm water, manipulat- ing the depth to different levels for different feet. After the initial shock of the water, she settled down and only half-heartedly attempted to resist her "manicure." Y POSITION AVAILABLE Z 00 KEEPER /... The Jackson Zoo- logical Park is now accepting app- lications for the entrance level of Zoo Keepers. Salary range is $564.00 to $686.00 per month. Standard Benefits. Duties include the general care and maintenance o of a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and children's zoo animals. Applicants must have a high school education. Practical experience desirable; however, we will train the proper persons. Send resume to James L. Swlgert, Director, Jackson loologlcal Rank, 29 18 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MI 39209. ST0SK0PF TELLS TRUTH Dr. Michael Stoskopfi, statffi vet- erinarian fior the Overton Park loo and Aquarium In Memphis, TN, recently taped a segment oft the syndicated television show "To Tell the Truth. " Stoskopl loos asked to appear to describe his work with beak replacement In Injured birds. The two "fiake" members ofi the trio were laymen attempting to represent the vet- erinarians oft the Topeka and San Vlego loos... 17 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS the President Bela Demeter Four members have been appointed to serve with Jill Grade (Busch Gardens, Los Angelas) on the Nominations and Elections Committee. They are Kent Benedict (Atlanta) , Jeff Perry (Buffalo) , Elizabeth Choules (Salt Lake City) , and Bob Hoffmann (Milwaukee) . Nominations for two positions on the Board of Directors will be solicited in the April issue of AKF. Rick Steenberg lb no JtonQ2.fi Coordinator f on. International Affalnb . Plans are underway to hold an AAZK session at each of the AAZPA regional workshops. Registration information for each of these will be printed as it becomes available... NORTHEAST REGIONAL AAZPA CONFERENCE, NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, WASHINGTON Vote.: April 3-5 Registration Fee: $20 (AAZPA member ib) , $25 [non-members ) He.adquaAte.fi6: Conne.cttc.ut Inn Motel, $19 [ b Ingle) , $23 [twin) plu6 tax Topic: Small Mammal Husbandry. . .write Miles Roberts, National Zoological Park, Washington, V.C. 20009 for more Information Room Reservations : Mike. Mongan, National Zoological. PaAk. Act boon, as fioomb will be In short bupply due to the CheAAy Blobbom Festival SOUTHERN REGIONAL AAZPA CONFERENCE, LITTLE ROCK ZOOLOGICAL GARVENS, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS Vote: ApfUl 17-20 ReglbtAotlon Fee: $17.50 [preregistratlon) , $25.00 [at conference) Information: # 1 Jonebboro Drive, LittJte Rock, AR 72205, Attn: Anna Pattern on, Educational Coordinator The Keeper is progressing well under the direction of Jeff Roberts at the Brookfield Zoo. We hope to have it published in March. Deadline for the Directory is April 1. Your participation is requested in order to make this issue as complete as possible. Please send the following information to Chicago as soon as possible... 1) Area of zoo in which you are working 2) Your special area of interest Send the information to : Pat Sabb , AAZK Directory Lincoln Park Zoological Garden.6 100 Webb ter Avenue Chicago, Illlnolb 60614 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS National Zoological Park Washington, D.C. 20009 13 ansj szand Keepers by Joseph T. BieJUX zkZ, Pl/M, MS, Top&ka ZooloQ'ic.cd. PanJi PREGNANCY BASED ON SOCIALITY The body functions to achieve maximum reproductive efficiency. To a great extent, an animal's social structure determines the method by which ovulation can occur. In those animals with a highly structured herd or pack, spontaneous ovulation is most efficient. In solitary ani- mals, induced ovulation seems to be more prevalent. Spontaneous ovulation can be described as a means of releasing the ovum or egg on a pre-programmed schedule of events. During a constant segment of the estrus or heat period, the ovum is released without external stim- ulation into the oviduct. This means that a female needs to be bred during or near this portion of heat for fertilization to occur. The length of the estrus period remains reasonably constant, and the female is usually receptive throughout most of this period. Animals with a herd structure would obviously reproduce maximally under these rules. In this situation, a stud is able to survey the herd daily for females in heat and breed those that are receptive for the duration of the estrus period. The estrus period remains constant in length. Solitary animals need a method that is less dependant on the constant presence of a mate. Consequently, induced ovulation is the physiology of choice. Under this set of rules, ovulation will occur only on the stimulation of intercourse. This is referred to as a neurohumoral re- sponse. The nervous system detects the stimulation of both the vagina and cervex during intromission and relays this message to the brain. The brain translates the message into an endocrine (hormonal) release, which then triggers ovulation. As a rule, the female must be in heat to be receptive to the male, and once intercourse occurs fertilization is almost guaranteed. It is ob- vious that both the egg and the sperm should be in the same place at the right time with this system. Once bred a female goes out of heat and the pair usually resume a solitary existence. So here the length of estrus is dependant on whether or not intercourse occurs. If it does not occur, ovulation does not occur. In spontaneous ovulators, if pregnancy does not occur, but breeding has been observed, then the next estrus period occurs as if no breeding had taken place... she cycles normally. However, induced ovulators go into pseudopregnancy, a period where the body assumes that it is pregnant since intercourse and ovulation have taken place. The next estrus does not occur until about one-half of the normal gestation has taken place. Certain members of Canidae are exceptions to this rule. The canids are spontaneous ovulators but do demonstrate pseudopregnancy. In this case, ovulation occurs spontaneously and each time ovulation occurs, the body assumes that it is pregnant. Breeding is not a prerequisite for pseudo- pregnancy to occur. The body can respond in two ways to the problem of guaranteeing pregnancy. Where the male and female are frequently together, spontaneous ovulation occurs... or perhaps it could be described as "if at first you dont suc- ceed, try, try again." Induced ovulators are generally more solitary, 19 and ovulation must occur during the period when the male and female have formed some kind of pair-bond, however temporary, and in the simplest terms "Gotcha." There are exceptions to the above rules, but in the broadest sense, mam- mals are very consistant and persistant at perpetuating their own kind under the circumstances for which they were designed. ******************** FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE WORLD'S CATS AND SOCIOBIOLOGY OF CARNIVORES You’ll need to hurry to make plans for this one. The program is impres- sive and it should be a good conference for the feline and carnivore minded. Time is short, though. Votes : 7 7- 79 March, 1977 Place: Hyatt Home, Sea-Tac Airport, Seattle Washington Registration: $ 40.00 In advance, $ 45.00 at the door... Student registration Is $25.00, $30.00 at the do on.. . . One day 'a admission Ia $20.00 fion anyone. The conference is sponsored by... Institute for the Study and Con- servation of Endangered Species, National Parks and Conservation Association , Woodland Park Zoo Department of Psychology and the College of Forest Resources of the University of Washington Von. registration matentalA on. faon more information, write , R. Eaton Burke Mai earn VB-10 UntvenAlty o f Washington Seattle, Washington 9S195 ******************** KEEPER'S CONDITION STABLE In our June, 1976 edition, AKF re- ponted on the caAe oft Vebbie Blackwell, a keeper at the Oventon Park Zoo in Memphis. At that time Mis a Blackwell was listed in crit- ical condition with an injury to baAe of hen. brain. She suffered the injury after being attacked by a female giraffe whoAe calf was in danger of being Atnangled. MIsa Blackwell attempted to Aave the youngster and was kicked in the head. The calf died. MIsa Blackwell woa taken to a Memphis hoApital by ambulance. Today, MIsa Blackwell Is in stable condition and is undergoing cane in Mew Orleans. Her parents live in that city . She is descnibed as being in a semi- comatose condition, but Is otherwise stable. Once again, AKF extends its wishes, on behalf of all keepers for her smooth and swift recovery. 20 RAPTOR REHABILITATION AT THE DICKERSON PARK ZOO by Pant M. P/ttee, J^i. VZckeAAon ?oa\i loo SpsUngtf'Le.Zd, HUaouaI INTRODUCTION. . . In January of 1976, Dickerson Park Zoo began a Raptor Rehabilitation program. We felt this program was necessitated due to the large influx of raptors we receive each year. We feel our zoo has four main objectives: Conservation, Education, Research, and Recreation. Our rehabilitation program works and operates within these guidelines. Raptors are heavily persecuted in this day and age, with man’s encroach- ment upon their breeding territory, and there still is an alarming number of indes criminate shootings. Dickerson Park Zoo is trying to serve its obligation towards conservation by rehabilitating raptors and returning them back to the wild. In our efforts to return these birds to the wild, we are in constant con- tact with the people of the southwest Missouri region. We serve as an example to the general public in setting forth conservation standards. Also, through our attempts, we serve as an educational tool for the pub- lic. We relate to the public the importance of raptors in our biosphere thus fulfilling our role in education. Rehabilitating wild birds gives our zoo staff additional experience in the care and treatment of sick or injured raptors. The zoo also is gain- ing valuable information in rehabilitation techniques, drug dosages, surgery techniques, falconry techniques, veterinary practices, and raptor data gathered on birds coming through our program. We hope our research can aid raptor studies directly or indirectly. PROCEDURES AND METHODS . . . Birds are brought to us by the general public on their own, or referred to us by the Missouri Conservation Department . Frequently the Conser- vation Department brings birds to us which have been picked up in the field by their agents. Once a bird is brought to us , a "Dickerson Park Zoo Entry Slip" is filled out. This gives us the source, origin, species, age and sex. The donor must sign the slip, thus giving Dickerson Park Zoo the right of disposi- tion on the specimen. The donor is told that the zoo will make every effort to return the bird to the wild. Once the bird is in our possession, each raptor is examined as soon as possible to determine extent of injury. Uninjured birds or temporarily stunned birds are banded with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service band, and released immediately. Raptors with fractures are dealt with in the following methods. If the break is of a simple nature, binding is sufficient, and the bird is placed in a holding unit (to be described later) . Fractures of a more 21 serious nature are dealt with in two different ways. If the fracture is one of the crushing or shattering of a joint which would require an am- putation, the bird is euthanized unless one of the following criteria is met:(l) the bird is needed for captive propagation, (2) the bird can be used for exhibit purposes, (3) the bird is a member of an endangered or threatened species. Euthanasia is accomplished by an intravenous injec- tion of Ketamine Hydrochloride, then the bird is chloriformed . If one of the criteria is met, then the amputation is done. If the fracture is of another nature, i.e. compound, old or infected, shattering, then the bird is taken to the vet for surgery. If the nature of the break cannot be assessed, then radiography is used. In the surgical treatment of raptors with fractures, the drug of our choice is Ketamine Hydrochloride which is manufactured by number of lab- oratories under different brand names. We have found a working dosage rate of 35 mg. /kg. for hawks and eagles, 20 mg. /kg. for large owls, and 15 mg. /kg. for small owls, is the best. This provides surgical anesthesia for 15 to 20 minutes. When the raptor is an eyass or a young bird, it is hand-raised for educa- tional purposes, if it is needed. If not hand-raised, a procedure re- ferred to as hacking is used. Hacking has been used by falconers for quite some time. A hacking station is an artificial nest where young birds are fed and live. As these birds grow older, they gain flight ex- perience and become independent of the hack station for food. Birds are hacked at a rural city park; birds are not hacked on the zoo grounds to prevent predation on zoo animals. While the birds are in our care, they are fed a diet of whole mice, chi- cken necks, and Bird of Prey (a commercial diet manufactured by Nebraska Packing Company) . Birds that are brought to us suffering from malnutri- tion, who will not eat, are force fed a gruel, which consists of pulver- ized whole mice mixed with Seven-Up or sugar water. While we retain the, they are housed in holding units of two basic types. The smaller of the two units has the dimensions of 6' in length, 4’ wide and 4* in height. It is enclosed on all three sides and top to minimize stress, the front is covered in chicken wire. The larger holding units are 16’ x 8’ x 8!. They are constructed out of 4’ x 8? , two by four frames, covered with 1" by 2" welded wire. The larger holding unit pro- vides a little more exercise room for the recuperating birds. Methods of determining strength for release are achieved in a variety of ways. The simplist method is merely turning the bird loose in an open field. If the bird is strong enough not to be caught while being pursued, then it is left. A second method is the exercising of the bird through falconry techniques until it has regained its strength to survive on its own. There are several other alternatives using other falconry tech- niques, such as different types of perches and methods of flying these birds, that I feel should be used as often as possible. Rant Two oft Rapton Rehabttitatton cut the Vtc.ke.Uon Rank Zoo wttt appeaA tn the MoAch -a>6ue ofi Antmat Keepeu’ FoAum... Animal Keepers1 Forum encourages our readers to write editorials or to comment on pertinent zoo topics. We want to hear from you and your colleagues regarding items printed in AKF or regarding things you feel are vitally important topics to all zoo professionals... 22 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL Minis 6'tum the. USVJ... MOST U.S. ALLIGATORS COME OFF ENDANGERED LIST One of the most significant accomplishments of America's conservation movement was announced recently, when most of this nation's alligators were removed from the endangered species list and placed on the less restrictive threatened list . The action, published in the January 10, 1977, Federal Register, removed the alligator from the endangered list to the threatened list in all of Florida, and the coastal portions of Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Almost 600,000 alligators, representing more than 75% of the U.S. population, inhabit this area. The species is still classed as endangered in all of Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, and North Carolina, as well as inland areas of South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. However, less than one-fourth of the total U.S. alligator popula- tion inhabits those areas. GIANT ANOLE PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED LIST The Giant Anole , a 24-inch inhabitant of Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, has been proposed as endangered by the USDI. The proposal also includes a determination of critical habitat for the species. Interested persons have until April 7, 1977, to comment on the proposal. The large lizard may survive only in the high tree canopy of the forested slopes of Mt . Resaca on Culebra Island. The species is very rare; few specimens occur in the muse- ums of the world. Some doubt has already been expressed as to whether this species still survives. It is hoped that this proposed action will stimulate exploratory and conservation activities for this unique lizard. SEA OTTER LISTED AS A THREATENED SPECIES OFF THE CALIFORNIA COAST The southern sea otter of the central California coast has been listed as a threatened species by the USDI. The animal was protected under the Marine Mammal Protect- ion Act of 1972 which co. tains a moratorium on killing. None may be killed without a scientific research permit issued under that Act. These regulations will remain in force. The listing as threatened provides the additional protection of the Endangered Species Act's "critical hab- itat" provisions. These will enable the Fish and Wild- life Service to determine the living space requirements of the species and insure that their habitat is kept stable. 23 ISIS ACTIVITY ACCELERATES by Linda MuAtfinldt SyAt&m ManageA IntzsincutlonaZ SpecT&j Inv&ntoAy Syi>tm St. Paul, Minnesota The International Species Inventory System (ISIS) celebrated its third anniversary in November 1976. AAZPA’s ISIS continues to grow as more zoological institutions become active and as new subsystems are proposed and added. The computer data bank now holds records on an estimated 25,000 living mammals and 3,000 living birds. These specimens are housed in the 115 actively participating zoos in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands (Rotterdam). Since July, ISIS has been located at its per- manent offices in the Minnesota Zoological Garden, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124. The phone number is (612) 432-9000. The ISIS Avian Taxonomic Directory, Part I, which includes all orders, with the exeption of the passeriformes, was distributed in two sections to all active ISIS participants in May and November of 1976. This volume contains code numbers, scientific and common names, geographic locations, references and three endangered species listings. This volume is avail- able from ISIS at a cost of $50.00. The Mammalian Taxonomic Directory &osts $30.00, the World Geographic and Zoological Institution Directory is $25.00 and the Institution Procedures costs $15.00. The set costs $50.00 and all are available from the ISIS office. We hope to have the passeriformes, Partll , ready for distribution in early 1977. Taxonomic directories for reptiles, amphibians, and fishes will be available within the next 12 to 18 months. The third ISIS Species Distribution Report will be produced and distri- buted in microfiche form in late January. This report will contain in- formation on all living animal specimens in the data bank as of December 31, 1976. Each ISIS participant will also receive its own individual inventory and acquisition-release reports on paper and microfiche. A revision to the Institution Procedures will be available to all active ISIS participants in early 1977. Programming changes are also being in- acted at this time, along with a revised New Inventory Data form. These changes and additions will include new codes for circumstances of death, addition of space for sire and dam institution codes, changes to more easily record animal loan transactions, and a repositioning of studbook name /number, tag/tattoo, and house names. Many of these revisions are necessary for the data input of historical records for studbooks and pedigree analysis. Development of the Physiological Norms subsystem continues with the sup- port of the AAZV. Systems analysis is nearly complete and computer pro- gramming is underway. This subsystem should become operational by mid 1977. The Life History subsystem development will not be actively pursued for the next year or two. It was felt it would be more beneficial to first concentrate on completing all other facits of ISIS. In October of 1976, the Board of Directors of AAZPA voted to financially support the continued development of the ISIS Studbook-Pedigree Analysis subsystem. With additional funding this subsystem could be operational 24 ISIS CONTINUES... during 1977. This system will evaluate the risks associated with inbre- eding and develop computer-based methods to measure and to minimize them. Studbooks, containing historical breeding data, will be produced and will be used to measure the inbreeding in the history of today’s animals, an important consideration for future mating choices. Another portion of this program will tabulate all ancestors and descendants of a given ani- mal in studbook fashion. This will be of great balue in finding, tracing and eliminating specific genetic defects. Thus, the studbook-pedigree analysis subsystem of ISIS will provide studbook reports on any and all desired species or subspecies, facilitate genetic management, provide detection of inbreeding caused problems, and suggest solutions when such problems appear. The value of the ISIS data bank grows in proportion to participating zoo’s submission of accurate and complete data. We urge you to offer support to the ISIS representative at your institution. COLD, SNOW AND WIND COMBINE TO BURY BUFFALO ZOO Bi i^alo , New Vonk, 1 FebKuaAy, 1977 This zoo Is digging out ofi the woKSt bllzza/id that has ktt the Bu^alo aJiecL In aeco tided his to ay. Snow, dnlven by constant winds that reached 60 to 75 mph. , has cAeated dnl^ts 12 to IS fieet deep and has vlAtually bunted many aAeas ofa the zoo. A KF talked with Tejviy Gladowskl, admlvustn- attve assistant at the zoo . He said that all the mooli had been filled by snow and that dnlfits had covened many ofi the paddock fences . A ll hooded animals have been locked In theln banns , except ^on the bison and blackbuck. OJlth those animals, the zoo sta^l Is digging tnenches anound the yands . The natunal gas shortage Is little problem, though, as the zoo uses heating oil and has s ecuned an ample supply. The zoo was closed Enlday, 28 JanuaAy and may not neopen until Monday, 7 Febnuany, depending on the weathen. Keepers aAe nepontlng to wonk In spite oi hazardous noad conditions and In spite ol a temponany ban on all dnlvlng on the streets . bines t awaits those who aAe caught dnlvlng ,but, police one allowing the keepers passage . ********** PLEASE NOTE!!! ********** The headquarters for the American Association of Zoo Keepers is at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The correct address is given on the inside front cover of this issue of Animal Keepers' Forum. Please, do not send memberships or other AAZK business to Topeka. It will only re- sult in delays due to the necessity of forwarding the items to Washington. Although AAZK is headquartered in Washington, D.C. , the editorial office of AKF is in Topeka, Kansas. Items for AKF can still be sent to Topeka. *** THANK YOU! *** HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINE'S VAY...K1SS A KEEPER... 25 THE ROTARIAN CONDUCTS SYMPOSIUM... We urge you to dash to your local library immediately and ask for the most recent issue of a magazine called The Rotarian. Ask for the January, 1977 issue, volume 130, number 1. Thumb through to an article entitled "What’s New at the Zoo?" It starts on page four- teen. It consists of an inter- national symposium of zoo directors that answer questions put to them concerning zoos... past, present and future. Fourteen directors are involved and they are named below : Shigeharu Asakura, Tama' Zoo, Toyko D. J. Brand, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa and President, International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens William G. Conway, Bronx Zoo, New York City Jean Delacour, Parc Zoologique de Cleres , France E. F. Jacobi, former director, Amsterdam Zoo, Netherlands Robert L. Jenkins, curator, Marineland, Inc., St Augustine, Florida Tim Jones, Central Texas Zoo, Waco Peter Karsten, Calgary Zoological Society E.M. Lang, Zoologisher Garten, Basel, Switzerland Jacques Nouvel, Parc Zoologique de Paris, France Charles R. Shroeder, director em- eritus , San Diego Zoo J.L. Throp , Kapiolani Zoological Park, Honolulu, Hawaii Walter Van den bergh, Societe Royale de Zoologie, Antwerp, Belgium Amd Wunschmann, Tierpark Hellabrunn, Munich, Germany Some of the more common questions concerning zoos, their philosophy, management , and future are given to the zoo men. But the answers are as varied as the countries from which the participants come. Also on page fourteen is a nice article written by C.G.C. Rawlins, Director of Zoos for the London 26 Zoological Society. His article is entitled "Zoos: A Brief History" and gives an excellent review of the historical development of the modern zoo. Following the symposium section ending on page twenty is a bio- graphical sketch of Fred J. Zeehandelaar written by Charles W. Pratt. It is called "A Walk on the Wild Side." This entire issue of The Rotarian is geared toward zoos and wild- life conservation. Please note that the editors of the magazine encourage readers to write to them regarding their own views of the zoo profession. Certainly, the large sections devoted to zoos will provide excellent food for thought and should provoke many responses from the readership... PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE The proceedings of the Pirst I nter- American Conference on the Con- servation and Utilization of American Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research are nou) avail- able. Ask for Scientific Publication Number 317 and address your request to: Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of the W.H.O., 525 23rd. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037. The cost is $4.00. Readers may find the material fairly technical but for the serious student of primatology , the publication will be of great interest. m in =3* <» o =3 =q CD 50 CO ivj o K3 CD CD 70 tn o r~ 3> go GO c/> Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER THREE MARCH 1977 Animal 635 Gage Blvd., Keepers' Topeka, Kansas Forum 66606 usa Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Animal KeepeAS ' FoAum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publica- tion is requested. Please send two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs. Reprints of any article may be requested by writing the office of A nlmal Keepers ' FoAum. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-president Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BV THE EDITORS. . .THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY HOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM OR OF THE AAZK MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (Keepers) and Associate $10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student ..$ 5.00 annually Contributing (Organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers’ Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... Ail new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada MembeAshlps aAe pAo-Aated semi-annually , except ^oa Student membeAsklps ExtAa patches oJie available &Aom AAZK HeadquaAteAS , fioA $ 1.00 each. Send name and addAess and a check oa money oAdeA to : AAZK Headquarters , National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Make checks payable to: A meAican Association ofi Zoo KeepeAS COVER DRAWING IS AN ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION OF AKF IS THE 20th OF THE PRECEDING MONTH... SC°QPS ^ — ^gcUITTLEBUTT ELEPHANT KEEPER HURT IN ACCIDENT £nom Wm Pelenson and Kit Lewi* , Wad king ton Pa/ik loo , Pontland, Onegon Roger Henneous, senior elephant keeper at the Washington Park Zoo and winner of several animal -related awards was involved in an accident with his charges on Thursday, February 17. He was routinely leading elephants from the front viewing room into a back room before beginning the daily cleaning. One of the other cows bumped into Me-Tu, the animal that Henneous was leading at the time. Me-Tu lost her balance and accidentally shoved Henneous against a concrete wall. Henneous suffered a broken shoulder blade and a bruised ribs. He will be recuperating for about six weeks . Says Henneous/'- Anyone, who’s known me on. longen than filfiteen minutes should know that 1 &eel muck sa^e> i In the elephant bann with {^oun tons 0^ elephant, than 1 do walking the stneets." Messages can be sent to Roger at 6320 S.E. 97th, Portland, OR 97266... OLDEST PRIMATE DEAD AT AGE OF 57 Guos the onangutan and the oldest non- human pnimate In captivity died on Wednesday, Pebnuany 9, at the Philadelphia loo . His esti- mated mlnmum age was 57. A necnopsy penfaoAmed by Va. RobeAt L. SnydeA, VlAectoA ofi the loo’s PenAose Reseanch LaboAatoAy , ne- vealed that the animal su^ened tfnom extensive aAteAlosclenosls on handenlng o& the antenles , especi- ally oi the heant and kidney's. As a nesult ofi his aging and ne- lated weakened condition, he de- veloped pneumonia, the actual cause o& death, Va. SnydeA said. ELDERLY HIPPO DIES AT PHILADELPHIA Jimmy the hippo, one of the most populat and best known residents of the Philadelphia Zoo died on February 8, at the age of 41. Necropsy reports are inconclusive at present but preliminary studies indicated that Jimmy died of nat- ural causes probably involving the heart and kidneys. Over the past 18 months, the hippo suffered what zoo officials be- lieved to be a series of heart attacks. Since then, his health has declined gradually. He cut his food intake in half and shed half of his 6,000 lbs. Massa, the loo’s 46 yean old gonllla Is now the oldest anthnopold living In captivity and, based on available neconds , he has become the wonld’s oldest living non-human pnlmate In a zoo. BACTRI AN CAMEL BORN AT BROOKFIELD ZOO {nom the Bnookfileld loo, _ Bnookfileld, llllnlos The first birth of a Bactrian camel at the Brookfield Zoo in 29 years occurred February 5. The female calf weighed an estimated 100 lbs and stood a little over four feet at birth. She was up on her feet and nursing almost immediately. The baby was named Lynn. 27 BIRTHS HATCHINGS NILGIRI TAHR BORN AT OVERTON PARK ZOO by HouAton Wtnbtgte.A, OviAton PaJik Zoo and AquoAium, MempfuA , TznncAAc.2. On January 3, 1977 , a male Nilgiri Tahr U&motAiguA j dmZaktc.UA kytocAd.UA was bom at the Zoo. We were expecting this birth and the kid was found at 8:00 a.m. It appeared to be about two hours old. Although the stall floor was covered with loose grass hay, the kid was in a "spread-eagle" position and was not able to stand by itself or with the help of his pushing mother. After treatment of the umbilical stump with iodine and inoculations against blackleg and tetnus and injections of BoSe and antibiotic, the floor was "tiled" with blocks of hay. At 1:00 p.m. , the kid was still struggling to stand and seemed to be ex- hausting himself. The mother was restrained and milked, and the kid was tubed with 3 oz. to provide colostrum. The kid showed signs of strength- ening and was again tubed... this time with colostrum and glucose... at 6:30 p.m. By 8:00 p.m., he was able to stand. The tahr herd, the only one outside of India, is now comprised of three males and three females bom at Overton Park and two females imported from India’s Trichur Zoo. Our original male, imported in 1972, died January 20, 1975, from a ruptured bladder that occurred after fighting was observed between him and his first offspring. ROAD-TESTING THE '77 SERVAL by Tow GotdAbcAJiy , ( JJaAkington Poa\i Zoo, PoAttand, OnuQon Three brand new 1977 models of VdtiA bAackyuAa rolled off the genetic assembly line at the Washington Park Zoo, February 4th. Better known in racing circles by its modern name of Serval , these half- pound cats represent a 66 percent increase over last years production record of the four-year old engineering team of "Savage" and "Sally". The Serval is characteristic of the basic quadruped body equipped with bilateral symmetry, ball-joint bone linkage, dual lungs, four-on-the- ground locomotion, muscle-and cartilage suspension, torsion clamp jaws, and placental reproduction. Add to it a rugged four-chambered heart, retractable claws, chitonous paw covers fore and aft, a spotted exterior, and a rakish dorsal racing stripe . When you've done all of that you have a top-rated stock carnivore. Fueling is done by hand, injecting 15 cc's of high octane KMR formula six stops a day. All fueling and pit-stop maintenance is under the supervision of two top nursery mechanics. Jonolyn Wilson and Anne Littlewood . When properly broken in, these cats will display unequalled ground- handling ability, and a good brain-to-body weight ratio of 1:250. Although not as prestigious as the top-of-the-line lions and tigers , the Serval represents the best of the subcompact cats and proudly bears the stamp .. .Body by Pcttdao.. . . 28 by BizZa Vmztzn, M cctional Zoo No answers in this month's column, just questions. If you enjoyed hear- ing about our snake-measuring technique a couple of issues back, then you you'll probably also want to read a similar article by J.P. Jones and Hugh Quinn that came out in the June 1974 Herpetological Review. In fact, they went a bit further than we did and showed just how accurate that method is by repeated measurements of the same snake. Of course, I hadn't seen that article at the time I wrote up !our,! technique, but I'm sure the exposure didn't hurt anybody. Egg-laying season is just about upon us in full force. While there has been quite a bit of information published on incubation techniquew, I think there's more to it that we haven't quite gotten pinned down. I recently had a clutch of sixteen eggs from our East Indian Water Dragon PhyAZgnathuA COCJMdZnuA , on November 23 to be exact. All of the eggs were fertile but seven soon developed that ominous ring of blood near the top and ahd to be discarded after a few weeks. The other nine, however, seemed to be doing very well and I started setting up my PkyAZgncutkuA nursery. (I always like to count my lizards before they hatch) Sixty- two days into incubation the eggs started turning brown and collecting beads of water. On the sixty-third day I ipened them to find that all but one had died after almost reaching full-term status. The surviving one had no tail and atrophied hind limbs. It died several days later. It's particularily frustrating to come so close to success and then fail. The eggs were set up by the same method described in the July 1976 RAP column, except that I used sterile potting soil in place of the damp sand. The soil has seemed to work better for us lately. Temperature averaged 85 degrees F. although it had risen to 90 degrees a couple of times due to fluctuations in the room temperature. We've made a few modifications to the room and think that problem, at least, has been solved. If you have any ideas, suggestions or similar experiences, I can't think of a better time to write to RAP. A lot of eggs should be due to hatch in a couple of months and your hints may increase hatching percentages significantly. Don't hesitate, write in now. There are a couple of upcoming conferences you may be interested in if you haven't already made plans to go. The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, the Herpetological League and the Kansas Herpe- tological Society are holding a joint conference in Lawrence, Kansas, from August 8-12. This should be a big one so don't miss it. For more information, write Wiliam E. Due liman , Museum of Natural History, Univ- ersity of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045. The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists is holding its annual conference in Gainesville, Florida, from June 19-25. Write Dr. Carter R. Gilbert, Florida Satte Museum, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32511 for further details. Frank Slavens is still compiling the 1977 edition of the Working Guide to Breeding Potential for Reptiles and Amphibians in United States Zoos . I'd like keepers to check with their divisions to see if their inventory has been sent out yet. The deadline is about mid-March. This is an ex- tremely worthwhile project and I'd like to see us support it to the ful- lest. The address is P.0. Box 30744, Seattle, Washington 98103. VI RE CT ALL COMMENTS TO R.A.P., VI VI SI ON OF REPTILES ANV AMPHIBIANS , NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, WASHINGTON , V.C. 2 0009... Repiife>hibi M potpc tan . pourri 29 GERMAN SHEPARD NURSES ZOO BEAR CUBS from the Philadelphia Zoo Deva, a 5-year old German Shepard is nursing three of the Zoo's Syrian bear cubs, along with her own puppy. The three female cubs were born on January 16, to Yogi and Boo-Boo. The cubs were heard crying intermittently for an hour on January 17. The mother remained outside the den all the while. Zoo Senior Veterinarian Wilbur B. Amand became concerned that if the female did not stay with her cubs during the cold nights, they might be subject to exposure and become ill. Additionally, based on Boo-Boo's record as a mother, the cubs would have been abondoned by her before the weaning period. By chance, Deva, who is co-owned by Zoo Gwen Cassel and her friend Mary Lou Hughes happened to be nursing a two-week old puppy. Deva was introduced to the cubs one by one. She displayed immediate interest, sniffing each one and then licking them. The cubs were placed into the whelping box to join the puppy. Deva entered behind them, cleaned the cubs and layed down to permit the three to nurse. YOU MAY HAVE TO GET IT FROM YOUR VETERINARIAN... but try to find a copy of Veterinary Medicine and Small Animal Clinician, vol. 72, number 2, February, 1977. Turn to page 275. You'll find an article by Elliott R. Jacobson, DVM, Ph.D. It's called ''Histology, Endocrin- ology, and Husbandry of Ecdysis in Snakes, A Review." It's a real fine article on the biology of shedding in snakes, complete with color photos. WE LEARN ALL KINDS OF INTERESTING THINGS AT AKF. . . for instance , from the weekly employees news- paper of the National Zoo comes this item: Did you know there are African elephant lice and Asian elephant lice and the same genus of louse, but a different species is found on warthogs? Zoo Curator of Mammals Harold Egoscue collected seven or eight of the little things from a female Asian elephant named Shanthi and took them to an expert on lice, Dr. K.C. Emerson. Elephant lice are very rare in collections and there is a possibility that the Sri Lankanese variety has never been collected before. Mr. Egoscue says that elephant lice are most peculiar in that they're highly modified for their life on elephants. He says they move fast, are reddish brown and look like bedbugs (they're not related, however). They have long beaks with mouth parts on the end of the beak. AND THEN HERE'S ONE FOR YOUR FIRE- PLACE... from another edition of the same newspaper (which is called TIGER TALK) comes news of a man who tried to ride a rhino in the Phoenix Zoo and ended up in the hospital with several broken bones, cuts, and bruises. Another man who jumped into the yard to assist the first man, suffered a groin injury and underwent surgery. The would-be rhino rider was quoted as saying ''theae ain't no hJnlno tkcut can’t be n.ode and tk&ie ain't no cowboy that can't be tksiowed.” 30 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS National Zoological Park • Washington, D.C. 20009 Great Lakes Regional AAZPA Conference, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, Indiana Date: May 1 thru 4 Registration Fee: $20.00 (AAZPA members), $25.00 (non-members) Headquarters : Indianapolis Downtown Hilton Papers: Dan Baffa, Speaker Chairman Deadline is March 14 for application For more information write: AAZPA 1977 Great Lakes Conference c/o Indianapolis Zoo 3120 East 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46218 Arrangements have been made for a room for AAZK members... Plans are well underway for the 1978 National AAZK Conference to be held during the third week in September at the National Zoo, Washington, D.C. Sheryl Gilvert has assumed the position as conference coordinator. The 1979 AAZK conference (to be held in Portland, Oregon) is also in the works with Jonolyn Wilson being the coordinator. AAZK has been granted tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under section 501 (c)6. This falls under the category for Professional organizations. The exemption presently applies to just the parent organ- ization and does not include chapters. Under this section, we are exempted from paying Federal income tax, but are not excluded from sales taxes or allowed special mailing privileges. Lobbying, however, is permitted and dues to the organization are also tax-exempt. Richard Sheldon has resigned his keeper position from the Knoxville Zoo- logical Park. His position as regional coordinator for AAZK (TN, KN , NC, VA, WV) has been filled by Jay Levine, also from Knoxville Zoo. The Pontland loo AAZK Chapten has given an Hononany M mbe.su> kip to Ma . Paige Powell, head ofi the Public Relations Vepantment at the loo. She has done a gneat deal to promote the Chapter as welt as the loo. What better way to honon hen? This Is a big handshake and a klst> to Ma. Powell as a thanks fan a job, well done! AAZK is setting up a reciprocal arrangement with the Association of British Wild Animal Keepers whereby members of both organizations will provide bed and board (or at least bed) for visiting members from the Other Side. We want to set up a file of AAZK members willing to do this (what a great opportunity to exchange information, don't you think). Interested members should send their names and addresses to: Tom Goldsbenny, Washington Pank loo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Pd., Ponttand , OP 97221 Jon Barzdo, of the ABWAK is working on an international keeper exchange... Tom Goldsberry has been appointed as the Coordinator for International Affairs for the AAZK. Tom has some exciting things in mind... 31 ONLY A DUCK by Tom GoZdAbzAAy Utulvington Tajik loo Portland, Oregon History tells us that during the Napoleonic Wars the English actually executed a monkey for being a French spy. In our own 20th century pseudo-sophistication we like to think of ourselves as enlightened re- garding our attitudes and treatment of animals. After all, scientists chortle over the advances made in biology and zoology; religious leaders never tire of telling us of gains in church membership and attendance; our own profession grinds out miles of maudlin copy with equally maudlin pictures of children cuddling animals; so maybe we have come a long way in the field of public education since 1815. 0a have. LCe.? A little incident at a large American zoo last year might lead us to believe otherwise... The date, December 24th, was itself conspicuous. Being the eve of the Christian Christmas and the eighth day of the Hebrew Hanukkah would leave one to believe that, for at least one day out of the year, there would be some degree of decency, and possibly some of this reaffirmation of respect would be passed along to the animals. The night keeper came on duty at 4:00 and was greeted by a large crowd of people in the office. Other keepers, office personnel, a police officer, and five boys. The five boys, all aged ten, had stoned a duck at the waterfowl pond. Now, as any zoo person knows, stoning animals at the zoo is one of the favo- rite pastimes of the sports-loving American public. It was the vicious- ness of the attack, however, that set it apart from the usual rock throw- ing incident. The duck in question was a common mallard, part of the flock that annually traverses the flyway in that part of the country during migration. No one in his right mind would argue that mallards are an endangered species: on the contrary, it is probably the least endangered species, as most duck hunters will readily attest. This particular duck was known to zoo staff by its peculiar gait, remin- iscent of a Pygmy Goose, and a curious white streak atop its green head. This was the second year the duck had visited the zoo. Piecing the story together in the office latter, it seemed that the duck had had the misfortune to be on the viewing platform the same time as the boys and it waddled toward them. The duck now had one minute to live. The first rock hit the duck square on the head and sent him sprawling. A boy's heel caught a wing and smashed it, scattering the feathers. The duck shakily regained its footing and was promptly struck with a rock that broke both legs. Another heel caught the other wing and immobilized it. As the boys stood around laughing at the quivering animal that lie at their feet, the boy who had thrown the first rock now finished the hap- less duck off by cracking its head open with yet another rock. When zoo staff arrived at the scene the blood was already coagulating over the white streak on the head that had been the bird's trademark. The parents of the murderers were called and the situation explained to them. By 8:00 four of the boys had been picked up. Each parent half- heartedly reprimanded their boy and muttered something about further punishment, and asked if this was all the zoo had to do on Christmas Eve. Besides, it was raining. 32 By 9:00 only the boy who had led the attack was still in the office. At 9:40, almost seven hours after the incident, a small, foreign-made car drove up to the office, struck the curb hard and stalled to a halt. With headlights still burning, a woman got out of the car and strode toward the office. Once inside the office the woman unleashed a verbal assault on the keeper and the security guard. Periodically, she screamed, ”MV boy Wouldn’t do that" . When informed that not only had her lovable son led the attack on the duck, but had actually boasted about it when first apprehended, she then blamed the other four boys for, 'putting him up to it". The keeper waited until she stopped for breath and then started to explain the future implications of the act. The fact that every documented case of a murderer from Jack the Ripper to Richard Speck had shown a history of childhood animal abuse. Also, the faact that animals were living things and not targets. Perhaps the boy should see a psychiatrist. Momentarily confused, she glanced at the boy and back to the keeper. Suddenly she blurted out, "What thon bonaMU bonaAUA had gotten into a bat- tle with a stone and chain-link fence. Speculation on the cause centered around the frustrations of being beta male in the herd. Never-the-less , the net result from a horn being caught between a strong fence and a 900 pound bison was a broken horn. The injury itself wasn't life threatening but it was definately disfiguring. For some inexplicable reason, the same public which will authoratatively call a scimitar-horned oryx a goat, or profoundly pronounce a zebra to be a giraffe, expects a European wisent to have two horns. So our problem became largely esthetics. We needed an elective procedure which could replace the bison's broken horn for the viewing public, and which would stand up to the abuse a healthy male bison dishes out to his horns. Several times I had used various plastics to repair tortoise and turtle shells and I had been having excellent success with some difficult re- pairs using a German-made hoof repair acrylic. The natural grey color blended will with the shell and even aquatic turtles had retained their patches. The same plastic was proving useful in beak repair in birds although all of the details of maintaining a long term prosthesis were yet to be determined. It seemed natural to turn to this compound again. The first rule in zoo medicine is definately that the. therapeutic hazard ikoutd not exceed the di&ea&e hazard. In any elective procedure it is expecially important to move cautiously and pay attention to details. We were dealing with a large ruminant, which requires at least three days of fasting to minimize regurgitation which can have fatal consequences. We also needed to keep our operating time as short as possible, hope- fully not exceeding 45 minutes. The days of fasting were used to plan the procedure. Through binoculars portions of horn were chosen to be saved or trimmed off, and probable sites for placing the stainless steel mesh work were determined. The animal was put on prophylactic antibiotics and most important, he was closely observed to try and determine the original cause of the accident. If we didn't remove the original cause, we could only expect a recurrance no matter how elegantly we treated the symptom. We had no hope of building a horn stronger than the origi- nal, and although he would be referred to as the bionic bison by zoo per- sonnel we were all aware that our horn would be temporary. As the stump of his horn grew, the bison would hone and shape his horns on trees and rocks. The prosthetic horn would eventually be ground to dust and a natural horn would be grown in its place. 34 When surgery time arrived everyone was ready. Drills, cutters and saws were used to trim horn and core into a usuable form and the anchor wires were tied in to both hold the base together and to anchor the plastic which was sculpted into the shape of a wisent horn. The rapid hardening of the plastic became an important factor, for anaesthetic time could not be treated lightly. Careful planning and preparation paid off, and our plastic horn was successful. The feeling of accomplishment was great and the procedure provided good reading for many newspaper readers. After the exhilaration we as zoo professionals must realize that we have merely corrected an error. We should not stop there. The real work is to determine how we could have prevented the problem from occurring again. It is very exciting to claim even partial success in a repair of this nature but how often do we forget that in order to have the problem to correct, something wasn't right initially, which caused the problem. This is the name of the game in good animal husbandry, PREVENTION, and it is a game keepers can play as well as anyone. Are you playing it? There isn't as much glory in it but it has much more valuable rewards over the long haul. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS Financial Statement for 1976 CASH ON HAND, 1 JANUARY, 1976 $ 613.01 INCOME Memberships, contributions and sale of patches 7051.92 Proceeds from 1976 Conference 956.50 Contribution from the Friends of the National Zoo for secretarial expenses 500.00 TOTAL $91217.43 EXPENSES Advance for 1976 Conference $ 75.00 Printing and office supplies 328.52 Pro-rata refunds 412.50 AKF membership share 725.00 Cost of shoulder patches 207.55 Lease of postage meter 119.73 Postage for meter 400.00 Tape pads for meter 6.91 Postage scale 10.45 Secretarial expenses 393.65 Brochure: typesetting, printing, folding 5300 copies 187.32 Paper for AKF survey 17.18 Boxes for brochures 19.43 AKF miscellaneous expenses 11 .19 Miscellaneous office expenses 18.75 TOTAL $2933.18 CASH ON HAND, 31 DECEMBER, 1976 $6188.25 35 RAPTOR REHABILITATION AT THE DICKERSON PARK ZOO by Paul M. Pniae, Jn. Vicken 6 on PaJik Zoo Springfield, MLsaou/u. . . . PART TWO . . . During the period, between January, 1976 , and December, 1976, Dickerson Park Zoo has had a total of 34 birds come through our program (See Table One) . The greatest majority of our birds were comprised of three species ...the Red-tailed Hawk, Great Homed Owl and Screech Owl (See Table Two). Of the 34 birds, 17 (50%) were adults and 17 (50%) were immature birds. Throughout the year, our greatest influx of birds occurred in the months of January, April, May and November (See Table Three). The months of November, December and January usually result in a high bird yield due to extreme weather conditions that occur during these times. Young and old birds have a rough time of it in these periods. December, 1976, has been an exception, due to the extremely mild weather that is occurring. Also, another factor throughout this time is the increased activity in the field due to hunting seasons , when people are more apt to run upon the sick or injured bird. April and May show a high bird yield due to young birds in or leaving the nest during these times. Out of the 34 cases we treated during this year, 9 involved a fracture injury to the wing, and only two of these were definite gunshot wounds. In these 9 cases, the injuries were divided evenly between the three major bones of the wing. Out of the 34 cases, 24 birds survived, a 70.5% survival rate. Our release rate back to the wild was 61.7%. Rehabilitation of these raptors was performed under United States Fish and Wildlife Special Permit No. PRT-7-787-S-KC . ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A vast number of people have made this project possible. Dr. Philip Brown examined and performed surgery on many of these on his own time. Dr. M. Gilmore performed the radiographs on these birds. The Dickerson Park Zoo Staff helped in the care and feeding of these raptors. The Zoo Administration is thanked for their understanding of this problem and for the financing and manpower provided to this project. Thank you to the Missouri Conservation Department whose agents have much of their time in bringing these birds to us. And last, a special thanks to the people of Southwest Missouri who showed concern enough to take time to help those raptors found. ...The, following tables denote . the. naptoru, donated to the. V takers on Tank Zoo f /torn January, 1976 through December, 1976. The {>o Homing key am be u6 ed to determine the nature of the bind*, . . . I - Immature A - Adult 1/0 - Male 0/1 - Female 0/0/1 - Unidentified 36 f— 1 UJ N3 K3 I—* I — 1 si M W W I — ‘ vj K3 N) K) W i — >i — ‘H‘0'K5K3KJN)N)K)NN3i — ‘ i— ■ DO I— ■ ^ 1 ►— 'jO Ln sDJ^ooO sO-^J 00 f- N3 s| O' 03 OO O' OOOO'sl'^lOOOOO-3' OO^J-^J 3n[;> 0022222000X2HXS3:S3;SS;>;>>>!>:2:;2:XXXC-|XX xjx (B(iioooooonnO(;ccii(i)ii)(i)|ii!i)Titi’d'0'OiiitB(i)roDii)(i)ti)a) O o M M 1— I X > > > H I X X X > > X o to O C/3 CO CO X X CO pa pa Q pa td CO CO CO CO CO pa ta O o pa H H pa ta pa X CO CO CO CO ft) h (t> H O n X) fD (D o fD fD 3 fD 03 o Td td td td fD (D 3 3 fD C 3 3 3 3 3 2 o o 3D 2 fD cl fD 3 3 03 CL CL 3 CL CL fD CL 3 3 03 03 03 03 CL CL fD fD CL 3 3 CL 3 CL CL o 3 3 td 1 03 1 03 fD fD 3 1 1 fD 1 1 03 1 3 fD 3 3 3 3 1 i 0> 03 i ?d Pd i 3 1 1 3 3 3 O rt rt 3 rt fD fD 3 rr rt fD rt rt rt rt fD fD 3 3 3 3 rt rt rt rt rt 3 3 rt 3 rt rt rt 3 3 M 3 2 n O O 03 03 n 03 03 03 CL n O O O O 03 03 3 X X 3 CL 3 3 1 3 O x X td o td 2 2 =3 X X or X X dd X cr s3 s3 =3 s3 X X XX td X X X X 3 td dd td X o c O 1 — 1 X X X o 1 — 1 o I—1 1 — 1 O o 1 — 1 < < 1 — 1 O 1 — 1 X 3 2 3 H X o o dd fD fD o fD fD 3 fD o dd dd cd td fD (D 3 3 3 3 3 3 S; 3 3 3 O O 2 to Cl 3 £ s; 03 Cl Cl =3 Cl CL 0 CL 1 — ' z 03 03 0> 03 CL CL 3 3 CL 1 — 1 1— 1 CL i—1 CL CL 3 s3 5 3 (0 fD i — 1 X sc i— 1 fD i — 1 £ £ C s fD 3 rt rt CL i — 1 I — 1 td 2 H CL pa td td td td CL td Pd pa ?a Pd td td CL CL td 3 3 dd ✓ — N td dd 03 fD 03 03 03 03 03 3 S3 3 3 3 3 CO 3 3 Q ✓— N s: o CL O s: S s: s3 Q s3 , N s: =3 O O s3 3 3 c rt s3 s3 5 o pa t, pa pa ?a sf ?a X Pd Pd 5 s3 pd Pd 3 ?d ?d 1 — 1 rt x Cd X 1 — 1 03 I-1 X '-s X C 3 X O Pi 3 s3 O ✓— s 3 ta > ?d O ta rt < 3 3 3 3 dd 3 rt X 3 3 cd 3 3 3 O H- bb ta O 3 X O O 3 3 rt 3 Hi rt 3 < 3 s^ ' C 1. H* 3 3 3 O H- O 3 H- O O 3 3 O rt rt H H H rt H H H H O 3 dd 3 3 n 3 H 3 rt rt 3 rt CL 3 H H cd cd td CL 3 l — 1 1 — ‘ 1 — 1 M 1 — 1 h-1 1 — 1 1 — 1 1 — 1 H 3 3 H 3 3 rt 3 2 X rt 3 3 (_i. 3 C_l. 3 3 Hi Hi O td H- H* H* H- H- 3 H- H- H- H< 3 X X 3 2 H rt 3 H H X 3 3 3 3 3 cd 3 3 3 H s: rt 3 3 3 3 3 H 3 3 3 3 H 3 3 H o H H H H H* 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 O O 3 H- 00 OO OO OO 00 3 oo 00 00 00 3 O O 3 o H* H- 3 X 3 rt CL CL " , to W. Richard Dukelow (Acting Treasurer) , Endocrine Research Unit, Michigan State Univ. , East Lansing, Michigan 48824, The purposes of the Society are to promote and encourage the discovery and exchange of information regarding primates, including all aspects of their anatomy, behavior, development, ecology, evolution, genetics, nutrition, physiology, reproduction, conservation and husbandry. 38 WE ARE PLE,\SEV TO PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING REPORTS OF CHAPTER FORMATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FORMING A CHAPTER AT VOUR Z 00 CONTACT: VENNIS GRIMM, CHAPTER COORDINATOR, BROOKFIELV Z 00, BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS 60513... FROM THF. SANTA FE TEACHING ZOO We are pleased to announce the formation of a new A.A.Z.K. chapter in Gainesville, Florida. This new chapter is composed mostly of student- keepers at the Santa Fe Community College Teach- ing Zoo, although we hope to have participation from the entire northern Florida area. The first meeting was attended by more than thirty people, and we hope to draw even more interest in the months to come. We are pleased to be a part of the A.A.Z.K. 's growth and we hope we can contribute to its continued success and to the profession for which we are training. We would also be more than happy to receive ideas and sug- gestions from other chapters. Craig S. Dinsmore , Pres. Santa Fe Assoc, of Zoo Keepers , Gainesville , FL FROM DENNIS GRIMM , CHAPTER COORDINATOR An A.A.Z.K. chapter has been formed at the Overton Park Zoo and Aquarium. The Overton Park Chapter has 21 members and the new officers are: President Ms. Tuli Diamond Vice-president Mr. Ricky Millican Secretary /Treasurer . .Ms . Drue Bauer The Overton Park Chapter's mailing address is; Overton Park AAZK Chapter Overton Park Zoo and Aquarium Overton Park Memphis, Tennessee 38112 FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS ZOO The charter for the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers has recently been reactivated by twelve interested employees of the Zoo. nc The newly elected officers of the AAZK Indianapolis Chapter, all zoo employees, are as follows: Everett Harris President Keith Schnell Vice-president Lorraine Rutter Treasurer Monie Heath Secretary Marcia Arland Executive Commit teeper son 39 f\J s: o > > > o go ■ l 73 o X * < vD H-H z: m O 0 n I> — H o X o r~ Z’ ; — {— •m Vj > f~ H~4 * o O • j> r- n j M~4 • X X 73 x> T> X? 73 7^ < a o IS3 cz> CD CD CO CO po go o I GO go Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care t- **■ VOLUME IV NUMBER FOUR APRIL 1977 Animal 635 Gage Blvd., Keepers' Topeka, Kansas Forum 66606 usa Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Animal KeepeAS ' F OAum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be requested by writing the office of Animal KeepeAS ' FoAum. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois Motional Headquantens , Motional Zoological Rank Washington, V . C. 20009 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BV THE EDITORS. . .THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY MOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM OR OF THE AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Dennis Gnimm, Bnookfiield Zoo Coordinator for International Affairs Tom Goldsbenny , Portland Zoo Awards Committee Chairman Robents, Baookfiield Zoo Nominations and Election Committee Jill GAade, Chwn. , Busch Gardens, CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta Zoo Liz Choules , Salt Lake City Zoo Bob Holman, Milwaukee Zoo JeH Penny, Bufitfalo Zoo Regional Coordinators Lanny SammaAco Randy McGill Janet Phipps Bennand Feldman Jay Levine Tom Golds benny Canole Udell Nancy Chase Lincoln Tank W I, I L, IA, MN, ND, SD Detnoit MI, OH, IN Baltimore'. MD, NJ, CT, PA, DEL Bu^alo NY, VT, NH, MA, RI, ME Gaines ville FL, A L, GA, SC Baton Rouge LA, MS, AK Knoxville TN, KT, NC, DA, WV Pontland WA, OR, ID , MT, WY Los Angeles CA, AZ, N V, CO, UT, NM, HA Oklahoma City OK, NE, KS, MO, TX — LOVER. DRAWING. ...^ADAPJiAIIQI^^ PERRY LABELLL Deadline &oa each edition o £ AKF is the 20th o & the preceding month SCCK=attLr — "Scuttlebutt TORONTO KEEPER STUDIES IN BORNEO Marilyn Cole, an animal keeper at the Metro Toronto Zoo, and an AAZK member, is studying orangutans in the wild. She arrived in late January at the Orang-utan Project on the island of Borneo where she will study for 6 months with Mrs. Birute Galdikas-Brindamour . The project has gained international recognition and many orangs have been successfully rehabil- itated into the wild. Ms. Cole has been a keeper at the Metro Toronto Zoo for about 2 years, and has been one of the main keepers of the zoo’s five orangutans. The idea for the study trip is her own and the Metropolitan Toronto Zoological Society helped raise the necessary funds. She has been granted a six- month leave of absence from her job at the zoo. En route to Indonesia, Ms. Cole visited a marsupial research station in Australia and journeyed into the Mantangan State Forest on a night search for nocturnal animals. Animal Keepers' Forum will publish more on Ms. Cole's trip in future issues. Portion* ofi the above Mere exc.en.pted fin.om Zoo, The Ncwletter ofi the Metr.o- polttan Toronto Zoological Society, edited by Anne Mayhew... LOUISVILLE KEEPERS RECEIVE DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS AWARDS ifiom Steve T ay ton., Loul*vllle ZoologteaZ Gafiden Four keepers at the Louisville Zoological Gardens, Louisville, Kentucky, have been awarded the city's Distinguished Citizens Award from the Mayor. The awards come in the wake of the tremendous job the men did regarding the birth of a grey seal. The men are Eric Blow, 27, Senior Keeper, Dan Welch, 28, and Dave Marshall, 27, both keepers and Steve Taylor, 22, Veterinary Technician. For more details about the birth of the grey seal, refer to the Births and Hatchings section of this issue. Ed. Note : Oar heartiest congratulation* to thc*e men and add fa oar more point* to the ivorfz that all keeper* do to preserve oar wildlife. NATIONAL ZOO RECEIVES BOMB THREAT A bomb threat received Friday, March II at the new Administration Building sparked the evacuation of all persons working in the build- ing. The threat, received at 2:30 indicated a bomb would explode at 3:00. Staff members suspected a hoax, but they left the area, just in case. Meanwhile, zoo security police and Metropolitan police searched the building with bomb- sniffing dogs. No bomb was found. From "Tiger Talk", March 17, 1977 BROOKFIELD ELEPHANT FAILS TO RISE Brookfield Zoo's female African elephant died March 14, apparently of pulmonary congestion. Widget, 23, was one of 4 elephants being trained in basic movements. She went through a "lay over" manuver but declined to get up. Staff tried to coax her to rise, but she seemed to want to sleep instead. She had done this before. Keepers kept close tabs on her, checking for stress. Their coaxing ended after several hours and they waited. She died at 11:30 p.m. 40 BIRTHS HATCHINGS GREY SEAL PUP BORN AT LOUISVILLE by Steve Taylor, LouuavUIz. loo The Louisville Zoological Garden is proud to announce a unique birth. A Grey Seal was bom to its parents, Lucy and Snoopy, on Thursday after- noon, February 10. Grey seal births are very rare in captivity; in fact. Zoo officials be- lieve the Louisville Zoo is only the second institution in the United States to have such an occurrence. New York Aquarium is the other, with several successful births. Animal Staff employees depended on advance planning and preparation to help insure a successful birth. Last November, Lucy was moved to a smal- ler pool area in the Aquatic complex. A barricade was erected over certain areas of the pool to keep the pup from being bom on an uneven surface, which would have increased the danger of its rolling into the water and drowning. In January, four members of the staff started a rotating 24 hour watch, so there would be help if anything went wrong and to record observations made of the expectant mother. Each man volunteered to spend every fourth night in a small room in the Aquatic Building and checked on Lucy every hour. It was a labor of love for Eric Blow, Dan Welch, Dave Marshall, and Steve Taylor. The pup, whose sex has not yet been determined, is with its mother in an outdoor pool area. Its estimated weight at birth was 30 pounds: however it has approximately doubled its weight on a rich diet of mother's milk. Grey seals, while not officially endangered, are relatively rare animals that are protected by the Marine Mammal Act. They are native to areas of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. Tku> next one. aJUo corner fasiom Steve Taylor... The early morning hours of March 20, marked the second notable birth in as many months for the Louisville Zoological Garden. Triplet cotton-headed tamarins were born after much waiting and expecta- tions. This is the second birth for these parents. All three babies appear to be healthy and doing very well. The tamarins are exhibited under the supervision of Senior Keeper Marion Jones. PHILADELPHIA RECORDS FIRST CHIMP BIRTH IN 30 YEARS Smoke and Mollie , a pair of 10 year old chimpanzees became parents at the Philadelphia Zoo on Monday, February 28. The baby is the first chimp- anzee birth at the Zoo in 30 years. The Philadelphia Zoo achieved the first chimpanzee birth in America in 1928. The parents were sultan and Marianne. Their offspring was named Julius. Sultan lived for nearly 38 years and Marianne, 33 years. The baby, an un-named male, weighed about 1.35 kg. (3 lbs.) at birth. 41 ^e^mbhibian . potpourri DEALING WITH PROBLEM FEEDERS IN SNAKES by Keith. N eitman Oktakoma City Zoo One of the more common phone inquiries received by a herpetarium staff member is, "Wkat can I do to get my 6nakc to cat?': Sometimes the animal is new and the owner does not know if it has ever eaten in captivity and sometimes it has been a good feeder up until the time when it just refused to eat. Even a professional herpetologist cannot read a snake's mind and come up with the reason for a hunger strike, but there are many different ways to go about inducing a snake to start or continue feeding. For new snakes, you must consider their natural food and offer it if possible. Diversity is the key here, should one food item fail, try another and another. Snakes, like people, may have individual preferences at times. Are you trying live prey or dead prey? Try the opposite. Snakes may go off feeding on dead prey and seem indifferent, but perk up at the sight of a living food item. If the food offered is mice, pinkies or baby mice should be tried, since they offer no threat to the snake. If these are accepted, leave a dead adult in the cage with the pinkies. The trans- pecos ratsnake CZapkc 6uboc.nta.fii!> , under my care at the Oklahoma City Zoo will often ignore adult mice unless "primed" with a pinky, then they take everything. Chain feeding can also be tried here if the snake takes the pinky and not the adult. Just as the snake is swallowing the pinky, slowly put the nose of the dead adult in the snake's mouth. Often the snake will keep right on swallowing without noticing the extra food item. Another method to induce feeding is to harass the snake with the dead prey held on tongs. Many times the snake will get mad enough to grab the prey in defense and then follow through by swallowing it. However, this method may be stressful to the snake if it takes too much harassment to induce a strike, possibly resulting in regurgitation later. Two obvious factors to consider with a new snake are temperature and shelter. A temperature of 75 to 85 degrees is a good average to keep most snakes. A shelter in the snake's cage may offer it needed security and putting the food in the shelter may give favorable results, since it simulates the prey in a nesting situation. Some snakes, like the emerald tree boa CotiaZZuA cantna are induced to feed by creating artificial rain showers and then offering the food either during or immediately after the rain. Scenting food with a snakes preferred prey may help to change it over to a diet that is not only more nutritional, but is easier obtained. Some snakes such as the gray-banded kingsnake LamptLOpeZtii mcxtcana aZteAna may readily accept lizards, which may be difficult to obtain at times, but steadfastly refuse mice. By snipping the tip of the tail off of a lizard such as a skink , you can smear the blood on the nose of a dead mouse. Then placing the severed part in the mouth of the dead mouse, offer it to the snake. Avariation of this is to moisten pieces of shed 42 lizard skin and stick them to the head of the dead mouse. In both these cases, the snake receives the food you want it to eat and a lizard can live to be used again if necessary. Sometimes just rubbing the prey on the scenting animal will make it de- sireable to the snake. Repeated enough times, snakes such as the hognose Hdtz/iodon 6p. can be swithced over from toads, to toad-scented mice and finally to unscented mice. I am sure there are other tricks that keepers of problem feeders have found to be successful with their particular animals. But sometimes the only trick that will work is time. A snake will often go for months without food, especially during the winter, and then suddenly just snap out of it and feed readily. All a keeper can do, short of force feeding is try all the options available and try them again. VI RE CT ALL COMMENTS TO R.A.P., VI VIS I ON Of REPTILES A NV AMPHIBIANS , NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, UASHINGT ON , V.C. 20009 2nd ANNUAL REPTILE SYMPOSIUM Announcing the 2nd Annual Reptile Symposium on Captive Propagation and Husbandry sponsored by the Baltimore Zoological Society, Catoctin Mountain Zoological Park, Zoological Society of Philadelphia, and Reptiland. This year's Symposium is hosted by Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologists, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Case Western Reserve University. It is to be held in Cleveland, Ohio on the grounds of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Museum of Natural History on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of June 23, 24, 25. Preregistration can be obtained by writing to: Bob Johnson a/o BaltLmo/ui loo V/mld Hill Pa/ik Baltlmon.n information, on. faituAz to oomptotm tkiA form witZ void the. nomination . . . 45 A NEW CHAPTER by Helen M oon.e and Hike Vlen.ee, Santa Fe Community College On January 20, 1977 the newly formed Santa Fe Teaching Zoo AAZK Chapter conducted its first meeting; its 35 charter members are all student- keepers in the Biological Parks Training Program at the Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida. Since our Zoo and our Program are not very well known, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce our- selves to the rest of the Association. The Biological Parks Program is a formal college curriculum of zoo keeper training; as far as we know, it is unique in the United States. It pro- vides students not only with a thorough scholastic background in zoology, but also with practical experience in actual zoo work. Initially designed as a teaching "laboratory", the six year old Santa Fe Teaching Zoo was built and continues to be operated entirely by students under the directorship of Dr. Raymond Giron. After completing 61 credit hours, with a concentration of 31 hours in Biological Parks Technology, the student receives an Associate in Science degree from the college. In conjunction with the two-pronged approach of this program, which incor- porates coursework with animal care experience, all students are required to take a Practicum course. This credited internship as a zookeeper may take place at the Santa Fe Zoo, but preferably can be arranged at a larger mainstream zoo. One special feature of the Biological Parks Program is its availability, in a separate division, to high school students. Their classroom lectures take place on the college campus , and they are furnished with the same practical experience at the zoo as the college students. All keepers interact with each other on the many field trips that are an integral part of both programs. Some of our members had acquired Bachelor's degrees before joining the program. Most of them found that their scholastic background alone was not enough to earn them a chance at a keeper position. Here, they can gain the practical experience that no other college can provide , because no other college supports an actual working zoo on its campus. The Santa Fe Teaching Zoo Chapter hopes to be very active in AAZK. We think that our unique situation will allow us to make a unique contribu- tion to the national organization. We certainly intend to try... INFORMATION PLEASE!!! GIANT SPONGES FOUND This request for information comes from Charlie Welch, at the Jackson Zoological Park. They have in their collection a pair of Lesser Moustache Guenon Cen.aoptth.eeu6 eephui eepkode6 . They may be the only two in captivity. Charlie would like to know if anyone has seen or has in their collection any animals of the subspecies. Also, he would like to know where to locate any information on them. Send the items to : CkanLie Welek, Jaek6on Zoologleal PanJz, 2918 hJ. Capitol St., laek6on, Ml 66. 392 09. From Aquatleu6 , a publication of the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago we found this item. Giant Sponges , some up to four feet across have been discovered growing on barrels of radio- active waste dumped years ago off San Francisco. Atomic scientists say they have dis- sected sponge samples and the creatures appear to be feeding on the radioactive waste leak- ing from the barrels. Ordinary sponges are less than 4" across. 46 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL Polar Bears Being Studied & UJ o o § &> bJ X H WLWS Ih-ovl tkn USV1 The world’s polar bear population has become the subject of an intense study for the past several hundred years, the population appears stable at 20,000 animals worldwide. The greatest threat to these bears is posed by oil and gas exploration, drilling, and extraction on the North Slope of Alaska. Human activity in and near denning areas could cause fewer bears to come ashore to den and, therefore, den on the sea ice. It could also prompt mother bears to desert land dens earlier than normal , taking bears to sea premature- ly. Oil spills from offshore drilling rigs or tankers could reduce the insulating value of the bears' fur as well as damage the food chain below these carnivores . There is a potential for development along the entire north Alaska coast from Point Hope to the Canadian border. Polar bears occur only in the northern hemisphere in association with Arctic sea ice at six isolated locations ringing the polar region and including the territorial waters of the United States, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and the Soviet Union. Even in the waters so far north these bears today carry traces of mercury, DDT, and PCB's. Protection afforded the polar bear varies. In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 transferred management authority for the polar bears to the Federal Goverment and limited the kill to Alaskan coastal Eskimos for subsistence or for manufacture of traditional native articles of clothing or handicraft. In the Soviet Union polar bear hunting stopped in 1956. Norway stopped hunting in 1971 and enacted a five year moratorium on all killing in 1973. In Greenland only Eskimos or long-term residents may kill bears using traditional hunting methods. In Canada hunting stopped in 1968, and has been regulated with quotas. In 1975 and 1976, American and Soviet biologists met in Leningrad and Moscow to develop a long-range research goals for marine mammals . The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1976, initiated research with the use of satellite tracking of radio-collared bears to document their distribution, migration and their denning patterns. Other studies are focused on the basic biology of polar bears and their diets, and more accurate physiological data. At the present conflicts exist over the protection of polar bears, and the rights of non-native residents , who feel discrimated aganist. ENDANGERED SPECIES CHIEF APPOINTED John Spinks , 34 has been named Chief of the Office of Endangered Species with the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As Chief of the Endangered Species Office, Spinks will be responible for administering all Service programs including listing and delisting of species. 47 VIRGIN ISLAND LIZARD PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED LIST *1116 St. Croix lizard has been proposed for the endangered species list because mongooses and construction activity threaten the species’ continued existence. REGULATION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE ISSUED Regulations to implement the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora were published by the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service in the February 22, 1977, of the Federal Register. These regulations become effective on May 23, 1977, and are designed to aid law enforcement and allow monitoring of commerce in wildlife and plants. NEW PROPOSED INJURIOUS WILDLIFE REGULATIONS The Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published proposed wildlife importation regulations in the Federal Register on March 7 which would streamline and clarify the present regulations governing injurious wildlife. ! The proposal also would add a number of forms of fish and wildlife to the present list of injurious wildlife that may be imported only under permit issued by the Secretary of the Inter- ior for scientific, educational, zoological, or medical pur- poses . Public comments are invited through May 6, 1977. Comments should be addressed to the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 20240. The proposal would add the following species to the existing list of injurious wildlife for the reasons assigned: Vampire Bats , Ferrets , Stoats , Weasels , Bulbuls , Starlings , Mynahs , __4 Japanese White-Eye, African Clawed Frog, and Giant Toad. ktbo fitiorn "Ttg&A Talk" , we have learned that the National Zoo has had a Schalow’s Touraco hatch. January 31 was the date, and by February 21, the chick was about ready to fledge. At that time, the chick was removed and is being hand-reared. This may be a first-time in captivity hatching for the Schalow's Touraco... NEW CURATOR OF EDUCATION AT KANSAS CITY ZOO by Von Ro6mo44en, Kanscu City Zoo The Kansas City Zoological Gardens are proud to announce the addition to the zoo staff of Dr. Tumaini Y. Mcharo as Curator of Education. Dr. Mcharo, a former Director of the Serengeti Research Institute and a nat- ive of Tanzania, is initiating a new and comprehensive keeper training program. It will cover all basic fundamentals and attempt to give indi- vidualized instruction to those keepers that are interested in an advan- ced and specific education. This should fill a longstanding void in keeper education at the Kansas City Zoo. We feel very fortunate that Dr. Mcharo will share his extensive experience and knowledge with us. 48 By Von Rasmuiten, KanAaA City Zoological Ga/idenA Veterinarian^ Keepers TONGUE AMPUTATION IN A POLAR BEAR If there is Murphy’s Law for zoo keepers it is "1^ anything can go WHong, it Will. . .and it'll, probably happen on a Sunday." Recently on a Sunday, morning I received a report that one of our bear's tongue was split. I'm naturally suspicious of any report originating with the public. On the outside chance that it was not an exaggeration, I was compelled to investigate . What I found was by no means an exaggeration or a pretty sight. A four- teen month old polar bear cub's tongue was ripped along the base of the mouth and was stretched to hang outside the mouth six inches, and split about an inch and one half from the tip. The animal was immediately separated from the others and taken off display. It is our belief that another bear in an adjacent cage pounced or bit on an inquisitive tongue when it investigaged through the bars. Although there is protective wire lining the bars, the bears must have pulled a corner loose. The veterinarian repaired the tongue, but it was unknown how much nerve damage was done. She could not retract her swollen tongue. The next few days, we tried different ways to moisten the tongue and tube feed her, but at every attempt to tube feed her the desire to chew would cause her to bite and chew on her own protruding tongue. After four days the bear cub anticipated the D\!M's recommendations and amputated her own tongue , leaving only about two inches from the base of the tongue. With this accomplished, she took to the tube feeder with a new gusto and was learning to chew without a tongue in a matter of days. To chew she must toss the food around in her mouth without the benefit of a tongue, and has learned to suck up water instead of lapping it up as her cagemates do. A similat situation, again unobserved, a A similar situation, again unobserved, happened to one of our adult polar bears at approximately the same age. That was over eight years ago, and there has been no noticeable disadvantage other than her adapted eating habits . WELCOME TO YOU, HONOLULU!!! bnom VenniA Gnlmm, The AAZK Chapter in Honolulu, Hawaii has recently been renovated. Their new president is Sean Mckeown, and their Secretary /Treasurer is Francis Hirai. The Chapter's address is: Honolulu. AAZK Chapter Honolulu Zoo Kapiolani Rank Honolulu, Hawaii 96 SI 5 AND, WE FORGOT TO MENTION IN LAST MONTH'S ISSUE that the address of the Santa Fe AAZK Chapter in Florida is : Santa Fe AAZK ChapteA Santa Fe Teaching Zoo Santa Fe Community College 3000 W.W. S3 fid St., GainAvitle, FL 3260 J 49 JESSING BIRDS OF PREY by Mantou Thompson Qnawtngs by ChoJiyl SpenceA Santa. Fe Tracking Zoo A common misconception of most non-falconers is that it is cruel to keep a bird tethered to a perch. Studies at the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo have shown that birds maintained in this way are usually in much better con- dition than caged birds . A raptor in the wild will spend over two-thirds roosting. After it has fed it is content to sit and preen and observe its surroundings. A captive hawk or eagle that is fed without having to hunt is also satisfied to stay on its perch. A variety of hawks and eagles have been successfully displayed on jesses (leather straps that go around each leg) here at the Santa Fe Zoo, including the following: Harris Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Tawny Eagle, Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. Descriptions of perches, safety precautions and sources of equipment supply can be obtained from a number of falconry books. (NoJtth A m 52 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The composition of the Board of Directors underwent some changes in 1976. At the start of the year, the Board consisted of the following members: Rick Steenberg (Executive Secretary) , Bela Demeter (President) , Chris LaRue (Vice-President), Ed Roberts, Pat Sass , Terry McDonald, and Mike Dee. On May 31, Rick Steenberg resigndd from the Board for personal reasons. Chris LaRue assumed the Executive Secretary position until other arrangements could be made. Terry McDonald resigned from the Board just before the convention and the number of Board members was subsequently changed to five, abolishing the Executive Secretary position. Chris LaRue resigned from the Board on September 29 because his new curator position made him ineligible to hold national office. Ron Kaufman, co- editor of the newletter along with Chris, was appointed to take Chris' place on the Board. We had generally agreed during the Board meetings in San Diego to keep the editor of AKF on the Board if at all feasible to maintain a smoother operation. Mike Dee was voted to replace Chris as Vice-President. In other Board business, Ed Roberts is currently working on obraining recognition of the AAZK membership card for free admission to zoos through out the country. Pat Sass is heading up the project to produce an AAZK directory, which may be out in late Spring, 1977. REGIONAL COORDINATORS During 1976, the entire regional coordinator system was modified. The number of positions was expanded from four to ten. Coordinators were selected on the basis of interest and willingness to work for the Associ- ation. They were furnished with stationary, brochures and lists of zoo personnel that we were able to acquire. Our main purpose at this point is to distribute the brochures as widely as possible to those who might have an interest in AAZK. Coordinators keep correspondence as well as nemes and addresses on file for future reference. These will aid us in surveys that we may want to conduct later. Coordinators are also sent AAZK membership lists for their areas for use in evaluating their prog- ress and as a further aid to communication. It is too early to evaluate the effectiveness of the system; but since October, approximately 5000 brochures have been distributed. As we become better established, coor- dinators will help with conferences and chapter development. They will give AAZK closer contact with all of the membership. AWARDS PROGRAM AAZK currently awards four certificates yearly: the R. Marlin Perkins Award for Excellence, the Edmund Thomas Memorial Award for Zoo Keeper Education, the Robert Crawford Memorial Award for Best Article in AKF and the AAZK-AAZPA Certificate of Merit to the keepers involved with the Edward H. Bean Award. The recipients of the AAZK-AAZPA Certificate of Merit last year were: Pam Davis (National Zoo), Roger Henneous (Portland), Richard Ross,M.D. (Institute for Herpetological Research) and Leroy May, Bill Brown, John Banks and Sam Hood (Belle Island Aquarium) . This was for their work with respectively, the North Island Brown Kiwi, Asiatic Elephant, White- lipped Python and the Freshwater Stingray. Michael J. Harjung, of Lincoln Park, was presented the R. Marlin Perkins Award for Excellence. The Crawford and Thomas awards were not given this year. th2A 53 John Siegal, awards committee chariman for several years, resigned in July. He was frustrated by the lack of response he had gotten from zoos on the Perkins award; only three zoos sent in nominees for the award. Jeff Roberts assumed the chairmanship of the awards committee during the San Diego Conference. He was asked to reevaluate the awards program and to offer suggestions on how it could be improved and revitalized. Jeff has come up with several suggestions, but the program is not in final form as of this writing. All the certificates will be reprinted , though, since they are out of date. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE In November Jill Grade (Busch Gardens, CA) was appointed chairwoman of the nominations and elections committee. Serving on the committee with her are Kent Benedict (Atlanta) , Bob Hoffman (Milwaukee) , Liz Choules (Salt Lake City), and Jeff Perry (Buffalo). The committee's function is to prepare nominations forms and elections ballots for publication in AKF and to compile the results of the election. The 1977 elections will follow about the same schedule as set forth in the constitution. One item that the committee will work on next year, is rescheduling nomina- tions and elections so that new officers will have ample opportunity to make plans for attendance at the swearing-in ceremony at the national conference in the Fall. CHAPTER AFFAIRS Dennis Grimm, Coordinator of Chapter Affairs since October, 1975, reported on the status of AAZK chapters at the San Diego conference. The overall picture of AAZK chapters is still imcomplete due to the poor response to the survey Dennis initiated in April. The survey asked for total member- ship, active members, officers, chapter functions, degree of cooperation with host zoo, and future involvement with National Headquarters. As of December 1, Dennis had received replies from only nine chapters. Since then, however, seven other chapters have either been formed or reactivated so things seem to be looking up. Much of AAZK's success will depend upon chapters being able to sustain interest in the organization, formation of new chapters in as many zoos as possible , and more communication and cooperation among chapters them- selves and between chapters and National Headquarters. We realize that the evolution of chapters into a meaningful part of the organization will not take place overnight and that this goal is to be regarded as a long-term project of AAZK. We did initiate a few projects last year in conjunction with chapter participation. Brookfield has taken over the publication of the journal, Lincoln Park is working on the directory, Milwaukee is making up AAZK T-shirts, and Memphis is working on AAZK decals. I hope to see more of these projects undertaken in the coming year under the direction of the Coordinator for Chapter Affairs and the assistance of the Regional Coor- dinators and chapter presidents. PUBLICATIONS Under the capable direction of Chris LaRue and Ron Kaufman, KvujnaZ. Ke.epe.SL6 ' F OSium has been the principal vehicle of communication for AAZK since March, 1975. The final merger of AKF and AAZK was established at the San Diego conference. AKF was alloted a budget of five dollars for each membership ($2.50 per Student) and $956.50 which we netted from the conference was earmarked to hire c.onstinu.ed 54 secretarial assistance for AKF. When Chris resigned as co-editor in September, Ron assumed the position. Mike Coker has since joined him as Associate Editor. AKF's format has changed from the 8% x 7 mimeographed copy to the present x 5h offset version, consistent with The Keeper. The type was reduced to allow for more text without adding to the weight . AKF went to first- class postage last year, also, to allow for faster delivery and better service. Last year also saw the delivery of the 1974 Conference Proceed- ings, edited by Mike Dee. The proceedings of the 1976 conference will be included in the next volume of The Keeper , a practice which we will adopt in the future. Layout and editing of The Keeper was taken over by the Brookfield chapter of AAZK and should be in print by Spring of 1977. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Formerly, headquarters for AAZK were located wherever the Executive Secretary was. Originally it was in San Diego, then it moved to Minnesota, and subsequently to Topeka. When Rick Steenberg resigned in May a new location was again needed. In July the National Zoo allowed us to move our headquarters to the park on what I hope will be a permanent basis. The Friends of the National Zoo also agreed to donate $1500 to help pay for a part-time secretary. Elizabeth Glassco, a docent and FONZ guide is now our administrative secretary and is the main reason that your memberships are processed in comparatively short order and our financial records are in balance. The presidency will move elsewhere in 1978, but we will maintain our office at the National and we will probably retain Lee for more than the eight hours a week she now works. I anticipate an increased membership over the next few years and that will generate more funds for operating more funds for operating the office. Whatever the cost, it is well worth it in terms of the continuity and service we re- ceive . Headquarters had quite a lot to do last year due to the shuffle, relocat- ing of records, printing new stationary and so on. Even so, we made several advances in the status of the organization. A brochure that was proposed in February was finally printed in September and distributed to all the members as well as 300 zoos in the United States and Canada. The zoos also received a letter requesting a list of their personnel for us to mail brochures to. We also asked for all job openings to be sent to the newsletter as a further service to our membership. Approximately 30 zoos or ten persent responded to our mailing. AAZK applied for and was granted tax-exempt status in 1976. The exemption applies only to the parent organization, but we will pursue exemption for chapters at a later date. At the suggestion of Kent Benedict, Headquarters studied a proposal to protect the Indigo Snake in Georgia, received app- roval from the Board of Directors and sent a resolution to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources supporting the proposal. The proposal passed and the Indigo Snake is now protected in Georgia. MEMBERSHIP The move from Topeka and organizing new operating procedures has given us some problems with membership lists and mailing labels, but overall, memberships are processed smoothly due to Lee Glassco’ s diligence. Ini- tial renewal slips were sent to all members in October, followed by a second notice at the first of the year for about 300 late renewals. That notice recaptured 33% as of March 1. Our membership is now about 650; that should increase by next year. We are looking into the possibility of tying into another computer system in Washington. That would enable us to break down the categories and eliminate the step of sending changes to Topeka. 55 NONHUMAN PRIMATES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH by William Montagna This introduction to nonhuman primates, their biology and behavior, foc- uses on the utility and importance of these animals in biomedical res- earch. The author begins with a general discussion of the selection of animals suited for specific experiments , then proceeds to a review of the primates, their evolution, distribution, diversification, and bio- logical properties. There are two accounts of behavior: the first deals with behavioral patterns in general; the second discusses behavioral patterns within a society as exemplified by studies of natural troops of Japanese macaques. The final section gives examples of diseases that are common to monkeys and man: tumors, arterial disorders, cholesterol gallstones, diabetes mellitus, yellow fever, malaria, and tuberculosis. In this connection the author strongly emphasizes the specific experimental ways in which investigators have used monkeys to better understand the course of the diseases, and, ultimately, to develop therapeutic measures to combat them. There is a foreword by Sherwood L. Washburn, professor of anthropology. University of California, Berkeley. William Montagna is the director of the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton. He is also a professor and head of the division of experimental biology and professor of dermatology at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center, Portland. Dr. Montagna has written or edited more than 25 books, among them Companative Anatomy, The Stnuctune and Function ofi the Skin, and, with R. J. Harrison, M an, a widely known book on the biological, sociological, and cultural aspects of man. This is the third volume in the series of Wesley W. Spink Lectures on Comparative Medicine. It is based on the lectures given in 1975 at the University of Minnesota and Carleton College. Country oft the Univcuity o i Minnesota Vnice it> $9.50 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (Keepers) and Associate .$10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student $ 5.00 annually Contributing (Organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers* Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada. Mem b&uhipA axe pn.o-n.ated a emi- annually , except ion. Student memben- *hipA. Extna patches one available inom AAZK Headquantem> , ion $1.00 Send name and addneAA and a check on money onden to •* AAZK Headquarters , National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 56 If Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER FIVE MAY T977 Animal 635 Gage Blvd., K6Cp6rS' Topeka, Kansas Forum 66606 usa Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecilia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park Animat Keeper ' F oOum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be requested by writing the office of Animat Keepens 1 FoOum. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National Headquantens , National Iool.ogic.at Pank Washington, V.C. 20009 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE EDITORS. . .THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM OR OF THE AAIK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Dennis Gnimrn, Bnookfiieid Zoo Coordinator for International Affairs Tom Golds benny , Portland Zoo Awards Committee Chairman Nominations and Election Committee Je£6 Robents, Bnookfiieid Zoo Jill Gnade, Chwn. , Bosch Goodens, CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta Zoo Liz Choates, Salt Lake City Zoo Bob Holman, Milwaukee Zoo Jefifi Penny, Bu^alo Zoo Regional Coordinators Loony Sarmanco Lincoln Pank W I, I L, IA, MN, ND, SD Randy McGill Detnoit MI, OH, IN Janet Phipps Baltimone MD, NJ, CT, PA, DEL Bennand Feldman Bu^alo NY, i re, NH, MA, PI, ME Manylee Vandiven Gaines ville FL, A L, GA, SC Michael Yelventon Baton Rouge LA, MS, A K Jay Levine Knoxville TN, KT, NC, VA, WV Tom Golds benny Pontland WA, OR, IV, UT, WY Canole Udell Los Angeles CA, AZ, NV, CO, UT, NM, HA Nancy Chase Oklahoma City OK, NE, KS, MO, TX COVER DRAWING.... ADAPTATION OF QRLEMAL ARTWORK .BY PERRY LABELLL Deadline &on each edition o fa AKF is the 20th ofi the preceding month SCOOPS anL — Scuttlebutt RARE FROGS EXHIBITED FOR FIRST TIME fa om tkd Btionx loo The azure arrow-poison frogs on display April 14 at the Reptile House of the Bronx Zoo are being exhibited for the first time anywhere in the world. Known as V&ndAobcut&> dZoAZO^ , the frogs were not discovered until 1969. They are found in Surinam, on tiny forest ''islands" in the Sipaliwini Savanna, a remote area surrounded by rain forest near the Brazilian border. The species belongs to the family of arrow-poison frogs, which are found only in Central and South America and are renowned for their toxicity. It is from various members of this group that the Indians extract the venom. . .by roasting the frogs over a fire... with which they tip their hunting arrows. Although this particular species is not used for that purpose, its poison is highly toxic and creates a very unpleasant skin irritation if it comes into contact with open cuts and scratches. The frogs were collected by Russel A. Mittermeier and Nicole Duplaix, zoologists whose field work is being supported by the New York Zoological Society. In 1969, M.S. Hoogmoed, a Dutch herpetologist, was the first scientist to find the frogs. It is doubtful that the total population exceeds more than a few thousand individuals, but since Sipaliwini Savanna is within a Surinam nature reserve, it is protected. The only human inhabitants in the area are several groups of Trio Indians , who rarely enter the frogs’ habitat. OLDEST SNAKE DIES AT PHILADELPHIA fa om the. Philadelphia loo The world’s oldest known snake, a South American boa constrictor, died at the Philadelphia Zoo on April 15, 1977. She was euthanized because of medical problems associated with advanced age. The boa, named "Popeye" attained the maximum known longevity record for any snake of 40 years, 3 months and 14 days. The snake was first acquired by Mrs. Eugenai S. Shorrock of Reading, Massachussetts on December 31, 1936. The snake arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo on December 3, 1970. Because of its age, the snake was never exhibited at the Zoo. It measured 180 cm. (6 feet) long. CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Jay Levine, a keeper at the Knoxville Zoo. Jay has been ac- cepted into the Veterinary Medicine School of the University of Tennessee. Jay is also AAZK’s Regional Coordinator for the area. GET WELL SOON! !! to Don Hartfiel, DVM, the staff Veterinarian at the San Antonio Zoo. Dr. Hartfiel was hospitalized for about two weeks following a sudden illness on 12 April. He expects to return to work follow- ing an extended period of rest and recuperation. 57 NEWCASTLE DISEASE OUTBREAK . . .faom the AKF 6taU On Friday, 4 March, officials of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the outbreak of Velogenic Viscerotropic New- castle Disease, known as VVND or Exotic Newcastle Disease. The disease has been confirmed in southern California and in Virginia. Basically Birds, operated by Marian Martinez and William Hampton, and a breeding farm operated by A1 Hinkle are involved in California. The facility affected in Virginia is owned by Harold Yanik at Charlotte Courthouse. Birds shipped by Yanik did not include any that went to zoological facilities . All zoos that received any birds from A1 Hinkle or Basically Birds on or after January 21 may have exposed their collections. Collections may have been secondarily exposed if they received birds from Hot Springs, AK, Tuscon, AR, Albuquerque, NM, Jennings, LA, and Spencer, Enid and Oklahoma City, OK. Institutions in those cities initially received birds from Basically Birds. The USD A ha 4 determined that the. birdi> dtd not come through a USD A approved quarantine facility . Velogenic Viscerotropic Newcastle Disease is the most infectious, virulent form of the disease. ND is a viral disease that was first reported in 1926, in a chicken flock in Newcastle-on-Tyne , England. It has since been reported worldwide and occurs in most orders of birds, though the Galliformes and Psittaciformes appear to be particularly vulnerable. About 125 distinct strains of the disease have been described, and they can be divided into 3 groups - lentogenic, mesogenic and velogenic. The divisions are based on the relative virulence of the virus. Lento- genic strains generally produce only mild symptoms. Sometimes the infect- ed birds show no signs at all. Mesogenic strains are more virulent. Young birds up to about 4 weeks of age are likely to be killed by these strains. Velogenic strains are the most deadly. They will kill not only young birds, but also those older than 4 weeks. Relatively effective vaccines have been developed for the lentogenic and mesogenic strains. A vaccine has also been developed for the velogenic strains. However, the velogenic vaccines merely remove clinical signs of the disease. A^ected birdi i>tiii i>hed active viruA in their fieceA and respiratory exudates, and can inject other bind* . For this reason, control measures can be ineffective and test and slaughter pro- grams are started. Thus, USDA is striving toward eradication of this strain, rather than control. VVND tends to concentrate its pathology in and around the viscera of the affected birds. Hence, the term "viscerotropic" in the name. The disease causes edema around the face and wattles. Edema and hemorrhages of the trachea will produce signs of respiratory difficulty in the initial stages. Birds that survive into the later stages may develop signs of nervous disorders. The course of the disease is short, lasting only one to three days. The mortality rate is high and no treat- ment is known. Infected birds may begin to disseminate virus approximately 2 days after initial exposure and a full day before actually showing any outward signs. Transmission occurs by aeroAot from coughing and by fiomite, from contaminated boots, tools and clothes. Average indubation period is five days . continued on next page 58 The disease can infect man. The common sign is conj unctivitus . Those individuals at greatest risk are those handling the viscera of infected birds. The irritation lasts three to seven days. References : AAZPA Newsletter, Vol. 18, No. 4, April, 1977 Bruner, Dorsey William and James Howard Gillespie, Hagan's Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, N.Y., 1973. Davis, John W. , Roy C. Anderson, Lars Karstad and Daniel 0. Trainer, eds . Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Wild Birds , Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, 1971. Hofstad, M.S., B. W. Calnek, C. F. Helmboldt, W.M. Reid, and H. W. Yoder, Jr., eds., Diseases of Poultry, Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, 1972. Petrak, Margaret L. , Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds , Lea and Febiger, Philadelphis , 1968. U. S. PROBES VIOLATIONS OF LACEY ACT BY ZOOS A two-year federal investigation into alleged violations of the Lacey Act is expected to end soon with 20 to 30 indictments anticipated. The investigation, which reportedly involves as many as eleven zoos, is now before a federal grand jury in Philadelphia. Private collectors and road- side zoos, as well as several animal dealers are also involved in the query . Such rare reptiles as green tree pythons, Fiji Island iguanas, Fiji Island boas, green tree monitors, Johnson's crocodiles, Mackloth's python and Papuan monitor lizards may be involved. The reptiles were allegedly captured illegally in their countries of origin and then smuggled into the United States. Reportedly, some zoos became involved when they pur- chased some of the animals, which were then allegedly transported across state lines for delivery. The Lacey Act prohibits interstate transporta- tion of illegally taken wildlife. Even though many indictments covering broad areas of wildlife trafficking may be handed down, the whole truth may not be known for some time. Indictments, of course, are merely charges that illegal activities have taken place. The alleged activities must then be taken before a trial for disposition. ANIMAL KEEPERS FORUM will be monitoring the course of this matter and will publish more definitive details as they become avail- able . I I 59 BIRTHS HATCHINGS MARINELAND RECORDS BIRTH OF KILLER WHALE Marineland of the Pacific in Palos Verdes, California recorded the first birth of a killer whale in captivity on 28 February, 1977. Unfortunately, the calf lived only 15 days. The seven foot youngster was thought to be a female. No nursing was observed. The baby is believed to have been retarded, though the cause is not known. GOLDEN EAGLES HATCH AT TOPEKA The Topeka Zoo’s breeding pair of American Golden Eagles have hatched two chicks. The events took place on the 23rd and 25th of April. The chicks appear healthy and are being reared by the parents in the exhibit . MANDRILL BEING HAND-REARED . . .by Ann LlttZewood, Washington Pank loo Portland. , Oregon The Washington Park Zoo nursery staff is hand-rearing a male mandrill bom February 10, 1977. Another female in our troop has also given birth, a male on March 26, 1977, which she is rearing herself. We are trying to do some comparisons between the hand-reared and the mother- reared infants, especially vocalizations, facial expressions, and mother (or mother-surrogate) interaction. We. WOuZd ZdJciQ. to C-OnneApond with anyone, who ha 6 hand-naUe.d a mandnlZZ on who has studle.d thetn social be.havlon on de.ve.Zopme.nt. Unite. Ann Washington Pank loo, 4001 SW Canyon PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE The Wild Sheep In Modem North America, the text is the pro- ceeding of a workshop on the management of wild sheep held at the Unversity of Montana in 1974. Avail able from; Boone and Crockett Club, 413 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Cost ls$10.00 Llttlejwood on JonoZyn Wilson, Road, PontZand, One.gon 97 221 . EAGLES of the world by Leslie. Known In this book, one of the world’s foremost authorities on eagles brings together about all that is known about them. The author describes, among many others, the white-bellied sea eagle, eme , harpy eagle, grey-headed fishing eagle; the black-breasted snake eagle, Madagascar serpent eagle, and the Philippine monkey-eating eagle, not only the second largest eagle but also the most threatened. Published by Universe Books, 381 Park Avenue South, New York City 10016; 1977. Pnlce $12.50 ReI^nfphibi a n . potpourri THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SHEDDING by E/inle Wagne/i Woodland. Pa/ik Zoo Seattle, Washington The daily routine of most reptile houses begins with rounds to check all animals in the collection. Special attention should be given to any snakes or lizards which are shedding and records should be kept of all sheds. There are several things which shedding can signify aside from the normal periodic renewal of the epidermal layer. The first thing to watch for is abnormal sheds where more than one animal in a cage becomes cloudy simultaneously. This can often be an indication of a mite infestation and shedding appears to be a natural defense against mites. The snakes should be closely examined, particularly for tiny white flecks on the scales, and small black specks in the water container, which are a sure sign of mites. Inability to shed completely can sometimes signify poor health, but more often it is an indication of low humidity which can be corrected by spray- ing the cage just before shedding is due to occur. Abnormally frequent sheds are an indicator of illness and any snake which begins shedding more often than normal should be closely examined for potential problems. Stools should be checked to see if they appear normal, as this can often indicate intestinal problems, and fecal samples should be checked for parasite infestation. Finally, shedding is a regular part of the reproductive cycle in snakes and possibly lizards and can be used to accurately time egg laying. Most species of snakes appear to have a specific period of time that a post ovulatory, pre-egg laying shed occurs. This period of time is species specific and was first noted by Dr. Glenn Slemmer at the University of British Columbia. In 145 clutches of com snakes in his lab, this shed ranged from 9 to 12 days prior to egg laying, with an average of 10 days. In Blair's kingsnake this shed averages 7 days before egg laying and in Burmese pythons it averages 14 days prior to laying. This is most useful when trying to determine when to set up a gravid female with egg laying medium. Following egg laying there is another shed which occurs with fair precision, about the same length of time after laying, as the shed which occurred before laying. As with many other things which occur in captive behavior there is often an underlying cause and this can act as a message to the interested observer, especially when these can improve your husbandry techniques. VlAect all comments to RAP, division ofi Reptiles and Amphibians, Motional Zoological Pa/ ik, Washington, V.C. 20009... 61 HADDOCK AND HOSPITALITY by Tom Go Idi, be. fifty Wajhungton Pafik loo Portland, Oregon When you stop to think of it, it's really amazing. Great Britain ^light- ly smaller than the state of Oregon, has more than eighty zoos, wildlife parks, bird gardens, and similar animal related sanctuaries. These range in size from the tiny 3/4 acre Verulamium British Wildlife Zoo at St. Albans to the huge 450 acre Woburn Wild Animal Kingdom locat- ed on the sprawling 1300 acre estate of the Duke of Bedford in Bedford- shire . Very few zoos in Great Britain are municipally run, hence ‘'only" fifteen- twenty of the parks could be classed as zoos in the North American sense of the word. However, this does not prevent Britons from enjoying the many, varied private collections that have gone commercial in the past few years. In many instances the specimens have been personally collected by the conscientious owner while he held a position at some far-flung outpost of the British Empire. A personal relationship such as this with the animals usually guarantees the animal a more tranquil environment not always possible or practical in larger zoos. Good examples of the smaller type establishments are the Penscynor Bird Gardens in Glamorgan, Wales, which regularly breeds Leadbeater cockatoos; and the Welsh Mountain Zoo at Colwyn Bay, North Wales, which not only displays a select collection of reptiles from all over the world, but one of the best collections of birds of prey in Europe, complete with displays of free-flight eagles and falcons. The Tower of London, better remembered for beheadings than for beasts, housed a menagerie for 600 years. Today, eight ravens are the only animals found on the Tower grounds. These are cared for by a specially appointed Keeper of the Ravens. They range in age from eight to twenty- two years. All are pinioned and banded, and are protected by law. Each bird is allotted thirty pence (about fifty cents) per week for rations. Although there is no accurate way of determining the value of money in earlier times, it is recorded that in 1252 a polar bear cost four pence a day to maintain and leopards and lions six pence per day. Perhaps the most unusual zoo in Great Britain is the Saint Catherine's Island Zoo located in Tenby, Wales. The zoo is on a small island fortress built in 1870 off Tenby's beach and is accessible only on foot at low tide. Started in 1968, this zoo has already achieved breeding successes with African civets, marmosets, and stump-tailed macaques. It's no longer true that, "The sun never sets on the British Empire", and maybe the British lion has been defanged a bit in recent years, but in the field of animal welfare, Britain is alive and breeding well. Next month: The Regent's Park Zoo, London. TkT.6 aj pafut one. o{, a 6ix.-paAt 6e.fu.ej, on Bfoctuh. zoo6 All references and sources will follow part six. 62 by Joseph T. Blctitzki, Vi/M, MS Topeka Zoological Tank Veterinarian^ L,and Keepers ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BREEDING DATES Every once in a while an unexpected pregnancy occurs right before our very eyes. In many instances, nobody knows anything at all about how it could have happened - the male has never shown any interest in the female. One thing for sure - nobody saw it happen, but why are breeding dates important? Everyone knows that when she's ready she'll deliver her foal, calf, cub, litter, pup or whatever. Sure, most of the time she will with- out any problems at all, but oncein a great while a dystocia occurs. A dystocia is what happens when she is unable to deliver her young for any reason and can result in the loss of both the dam and offspring or at least one or the other. A simple concept , by knowing the breeding dates of an animal and by adding on the gestation length, everybody knows when parturition (birth) should occur. This allows for certain nutritional and management modifications to be made, if necessary, as pregnancy progress, and it allows for in- creased observation as gestation comes to an end. This means that the dam has the greatest chance of receiving assistance if she needs it, and more importantly, when she needs it. This does not mean that flighty or nervous species should be subjected to multiple midnight awakenings, but a quick and quiet glance is usually enough. There are several species whose privacy should never be interrupted. Common sense should indicate how observations should be conducted. Preventive medicine is the practice of avoiding problems. Reproductive problems, especially birth difficulties, are best avoided by being prepared and, in short, not being "caught with your pants down." Aside from insuring that the dam is alright , early detection of parturition also allows for early detection of neonatal difficulties, such as inabili- ty to nurse, or rise, or any of the large number of congenital problems which may occur. Again early detection might save the newborn animal's life . How do you know when to say that an animal should be pregnant? Well, for induced ovulators it is easy, since these females go out of heat shortly after breeding, the day of breeding is the first day of pregnancy. For spontaneous ovulators, it is a little more difficult. As a rule of thumb, the day at the midpoint of receptivity should be chosen as day one of pregnancy since ovulation occurs at a different point in each species estrus period. Gestation length is quite variable even within the same species, but for an individual member of the species it should be reasonable consistant after the first pregnancy. Properly kept records and observation of breeding can reduce the number of nervous nights while waiting for an important birth. Hopefully, these practices should also minimize neo- natal death losses. 63 TO: EDITOR, AAZK NEWSLETTER FROM: DEWEY GARVEY, DIRECTOR, NIABI ZOO, ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS On a cold February night about lOiOO p.m., I received a phone call. The voice on the other end was that of a very personable fellow. He said that he represented the Miami World Herald, and he was traveling to the mid- western zoos to see how they were doing during this extremely cold winter. We discussed zoo problems during this cold weather, people who control zoo budgets and zoos in general. He stated that his article would put zoos' winter plight before the people. He also said that his only purpose was to HELP zoos. Joe Bush, as he stated his name, asked if he could tour the Niabi Zoo with me the next morning. I agreed. The morning Joe came was one of the nicest days we had seen in weeks; the temperature was 12 degrees and the high was to be about 15 degrees. Joe and his friends arrived on schedule and we began to tour the zoo. Joe and his friends were not interested in seeing our public buildings. (We only have two.) I told him that our Feline house and Monkey house are used for winter quarters and we have to load these buildings up with animals during the winter. But he had no interest in seeing these areas, although we did go into the Monkey house to warm-up during the tour. While in the Monkey house they did not even think to look at any of the animals or exhibits. I had up until this point not suspected anything, although I did think it strange that a big city newspaper in Miami would want to send reporters to see little-out-of-the-way Niabi Zoo. After our stop at the Monkey house, I became suspicious that this Joe Bush was deceiving me and began to ask a few more questions as we walked around. "Joe, I fao>iQOt, which neWSpapeA do you SiepfieAent?" He said the Miami paper, but at the same time one of his friends said "A Miami based neW-S agency. " Still, I did not ask for any identification. We next stopped to look at the llamas, they really looked good. They were walking around and eating. One llama has a tip of one ear missing. Tljis happened when- she was young. She got into a fight with another llama and had it bitten off. Joe asked how long she had had her ears frost bitten. When I explained what happened to her ear, Joe said nothing. After the stop at the llama enclosure, very little was said. The only people who talked were Joe and his friends. We toured the aoudads , mouflon sheep, Sicilian donkeys, artic fox, collard peccary, eagles, hawks, owls, peacocks and turkeys. All these animals were outside. Many pictures were taken and Joe and his friends kept discussing things quiet- ly. We were about through with the tour when I asked if they would like to see Kathy, our asiatic elephant. Joe asked if the elephant was in heated quarters. When I said she was, Joe said he did not really care to, but, being he was here they would take a look. When we got to the elephant indoor enclosure I opened the door and explained to Joe about the animal, and, as I do with every one, gave Joe my ideas about elephants. Joe said very little but I did hear one of his friends say "get a picture ofi the chain on that elephants &oot.'' We had not yet been up to clean the elephants stall, so we had not yet taken her off the chain for the day. They did not seem to understand that most zoos chain their elephants at night. continued on next page 64 That concluded our tour. As we walked back to Joe's car, I stated that we have three barns of animals that were wintering our camels, goats, zebra, rheas and zebu. Joe did not have time as he had to go to the Henry Doorley zoo next. I finally decided it was time to exchange cards. I asked Joe for his, but unfortunately he had left all of his cards and wallet at the hotel. Even his friends did not seem to have any indentif ication with them. I may be a slow minded person, but all during the tour I had gotten more suspicious and had reached several different conclusions. The one main thought that stuck in my mind turned out to be the real one. This personable fellow that toured the zoo did not represent the Miami World Herald nor a Miami based news agency. He was out to find any piece of dirt that he could put in print for the National Inqultien. The real name for this Joe Bush is Peter Batten. The article printed in the 3/8/77 issue of the National InquiAlA, had not one good thing to say about any zoo he visited. We were not mentioned, although I am sure we aren't perfect in his eyes. The style of Peter Batten seems to be that if you can't say something bad about a zoo, don't say anything at all. Maybe what Peter Batten did was investigative reporting, but I have always thought that the truth would get a person much more than deceit. I would have treated Peter Batten just the same as I treated Joe Bush. I would have cooperated with Peter Batten even though I very strongly disagree with him. VeteA Batten, the next time you. Mtth to vli>tt the Nlabi zoo, lit me knoM. I Mill cooperate iA)ltk you.. Lie to me again and I Mill have you removed tffLOm the Nlabi zoo. Maybe if you would sit down and discuss zoos rational- ly with someone who has the opposite view of yours , you would come to understand the world of zoos. Its hard for me to believe after reading your book, that you would have one objective bone in your body. I agreed with some of your points about zoos, but you have so greatly over shadowed these good points with bitter attacks on different zoos and zoo people, that I cannot accept any of your views at all. I hope that if Peter Batten visits your zoo and represents himself as he is, that you will talk with him. But if he lies to you, as he did to us, turn him away. This should be a lesson to everyone. When you talk to anyone about your zoo, be objective. If you have an axe to grind, grind it with the people you disagree with, NOT with a stranger who seems to have a sympathic ear. ThlA just In fiaom Tlgea Talk National loologleal Tank, Employees Weekly NeJMletteA THE WORLDS FIRST LASER BEAM MOUSETRAP It consists of a functioning laboratory laser with an ingenious wire hammer solenoid-activated spring mechanism. The entire system is mounted on a polished walnut base which"can be handsomely displayed in any office, or rodent-infested area. The bait used is peanut butter. The price is only $1500.00 and comes complete with a jar of peanut abutter. Is the world ready to beat a path to a better mousetrap? The next ti>Aue o{, AKF Mill eatuAe a new column ; position* available In the zoo psiofieAAlon. 65 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY FUNDS CONSERVATION PROJECTS WORLDWIDE... The funding of seven projects for 1977 by the Conservation Committee of the New York Zoological Society has been announced by Frank Y. Larkin, Chairman of the Committee. Three of these projects concern the wildlife of Central and South America and represent the Society’s increasing commitment to that continent. In Peru, John Cassidy will collect data on the status and distribution of the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Limited to forest patches in the north- ern part of the country, this animal is threatened by hunting and des- truction of its habitat. It is hoped that, based on Cassidy’s data, a national park and captive breeding program will be established by the Peruvian Government, which is one of the most responsive and conservation- oriented in South America. The Society is also providing funds for the Asociacion Costarriacence para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza. The most active conservation organization in Costa Rica, ASCONA is supportive of efforts by President Daniel Oduber to expand the national parks system and further develop local conservation programs. The third Latin American project is in Surinam, where Russell Mittermeier will continue to study that country's eight primate species. In addition, the Society funded research projects in Asia, Africa, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. In Thailand, Dr. Warren Brockelman is study- ing the relationship between the pileated gibbon and the white-handed gibbon in IChao Yai National Park. The pileated gibbon is an endangered species, and this project, which involves Thai students, should stimulate conservation awareness among the local people. Isabirye Basuta will be working in the Kibale Forest of Uganda, where he will study the effects of selective felling of trees on the population numbers, species diversity, food habits, and reproduction of rodents. Such studies are necessary to determine the results of logging operations upon the fauna of tropical rain forests. In the Bahamas, Dr. Walter Auffenberg plans to complete his study of the Andros Island rock iguana. Dr. Auffenberg has recommended that his study area be designated as a new national park. This is the only area where the iguana remains relatively undisturbed, but without protection, this species will become extinct within the next ten years, as a result of land development and introduced predators, such as dogs and cats. The Society also continues its long-term support of the cahow conserva- tion program on Bermuda by David Wingate, who is studying nesting sites and the management of the birds habitat. SPOTTED OWL APPEARS IN GOOD NUMBERS Bureau of Land Management biologists have located 193 nesting pairs of spotted owls in western Oregon, and only about 63 percent of the owl’s habitat on BLM lands has been inventoried, the Wildlife Management Institute reports. A total of 325 pairs have been found on all lands in western Oregon. The group, made up of scientists from the Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fi'sh and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Oregon State University, believes that the existence of 400 pairs of the owls would make offical listings as an endangered species un- necessary and allow the bird's removal from the state's threatened species list. 66 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL NLlfJS fi/iom tk& LISVI EIGHT CR0CODILE SPECIES PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED LIST » Eight crocodile species found in over 40 countries around the world have been proposed for treatment as endangered species because they look like other crocodile species that are, in fact, listed as endangered. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 allows a "similarity of appearance" treatment if law enforcement problems result from look-alike animals . Public comments are invited on this proposal through July 6, 1977. The proposal was published in the April 6, 1977 Federal Register. The eight species being proposed occur in Central and South America, China and South and Southeast Asia. The force of American law does not, of course, extend to these foreign countries. American citizens, however, are for- bidden under the law to trade or traffic in these animals, their parts or their products. None may be imported or exported from the United States. The species are: the common caiman, brown caiman, dwarf caiman, smooth-fronted caiman, American crocodile (other than the Florida population, which is already listed as endangered), Johnston's crocodile, New Guinea crocodile and the salt-water crocodile. This initiative is being taken by the U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service largely because of law enforcement problems caused by the inability to identify crocodile products at American ports of entry. The proposed eight species so closely resemble the eight species that are already listed that inspectors have substantial difficulty differ- entiating between the endangered species and the "look- alikes" species, especially in the case of products made from their hides. PINE BARRENS TREEFROG IN FLORIDA PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED LIST The Florida population of the Pine Barrens treefrog, a 2- inch resident of boggy hillsides in Okaloosa County, has been proposed as endangered. The proposal also includes a determination of critical habitat for the species. Interested persons have until June 3, 1977 to comment on the proposal. In Florida, the Pine Barrens treefrog is currently known to exist in only seven sited in the hill region of the panhandle. Four local colonies have been exterminated since this species was discovered in 1970; continued dev- elopment and clearing of land for agricultural use threat- ens the existence of remaining populations. 67 WE ARE VEL1GHTEV TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ON CHAPTER FORMATIONS . FOR INFORMATION ON CREATING AN AAZ K CHAPTER AT VOUR ZOO, AQUARIUM OR PARK, CONTACT: VENNIS GRIMM, CHAPTER CO- ORDINATOR, BROOKFIELD ZOO, BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS, 60513... The folks at the Audubon Park Zoo in New Orleans have formed a chapter and have elected Anne Marie Orlowski as President. You can contact Audobon AAZK Chapter Audubon Park Zoo 6500 Magazine Street New Orleans , LA 70118 them bv writing to : chapter A big welcome goes east to the Lion Country Safari AAZK Chapter. They've elected as President, Lorie Tauer. Mark Jeffars is the Vice President and Carleton Bailie is the Secretary /Treasurer. Contact these folks by writing : Lion Country Safari AAZK Chapter King's Dominion Box 166 Doswell Virginia 23047 news Dennis Grimm, AAZK's Chapter Coordinator has put together a list of current AAZK Chapters. It's available to any member by writing to Dennis at the Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois 60513.. DATES TO REMEMBER The Second Symposium on Endangered North American Wildlife and Habitat Date : June 1-5, 1977 Place: The Breckenridge Pavilon Hotel, One Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri Speakers: Stewart Udall , Marlin Perkins and many others. Costs: Registration is $15.00 per person Banquet June 4, Saturday evening is $15.00 per person Rooms are available at the Washington Unversity dormitories for $6.00 per night. Please contact the Unversity for accommodations: Guest Housing, Washington Unversity, Box 4500, 6515 Wydown Blvd. Hotel Accommodations: Rooms are $32.00 for single, and $42.00 for double. Mail registration and banquet fees to: The Wild Canid Survival and Research Center, Box 16204, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 Mail room reservations to: The Breckenridge Pavilon Hotel, One Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 The due. date. fan. ft.e.gh>tsiation wat> May 7, 40 ple.at>e. kuzvty you. plan to attend. 68 ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM Quarterly Statement for the period ending 31 March, 1977 Balance (1 January ,1977) $ 161.33 Income : Topeka Friends of the Zoo , (share of Gestefax maintainance) Memberships share received Received from sale of T-shirt Received from sale of journal Received from erroneous subscription request 46.57 3070.75 5.00 5.00 5.00 Total income 3293.65 Disbursements : Printing Expense Postage Expense Office Expense Office Supplies Refund for erroneous subscription request Miscellaneous Expense 611.53 308.67 53.01 20.44 5.00 6.00 Total Disbursements 1004.65 Cash on hand, 1 April, 1977 (sub-total) Petty cash 2289.00 10.16 Total cash on hand 2299.16 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (Keepers) and Associate $10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student $ 5.00 annually Contributing (Organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers' Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many .zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada Memberships are pro-rated s emi- annually , except ^or Student memberships Extra patches are available &rom AAZK Headquarters , fior $ 1.00 each. Send name and adch.ee>' s and a check on money order to • AAZK Headquarters , National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Make check* payable to: American Association ofi Zoo Keepers 69 Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER SIX JUNE 1977 ^ Animal 6J5"tJage Blvd., Keepers' Topeka, Kansas Forum 66606 usa Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecilia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park A yiimal Keepeat Fon.um is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be requested by writing the office of Animal Keepeat' Foaum. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National HeadquanteAt , National Zoological PaAk loathing ton, D.C. 20009 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW By THE EDITORS. . .THE 1/1E10S OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM OR OF THE AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Dennis Gnlmm, Baook^ield Zoo Awards Committee Chairman JeH Robentt, Baookileld Zoo Coordinator for International Affairs Tom Go lets beany , Portland Zoo Nominations and Election Committee J ill Gnade, Chwn. , Batch Gaadent, CA Kent Benedict , Atlanta Zoo Liz Choulet , Salt Lake City Zoo Bob Holman, Milwaukee Zoo Jeii Penay, Bu^alo Zoo Regional Coordinators Lanay Sarmaaco Randy McGill Janet Phlppt BeAnand Feldman Many lee VandiveA Lincoln PaAk DetAoit BaltimoAe^. Bu^alo Gainet ville Michael Yelventon Baton Rouge Jay Levine Tom Golds bean.y Caaole Udell Nancy Chase KnoKville Pontland Lot Angelet WI, IL, IA, MN, ND, SV MI, OH, IN MD, NJ, CT, PA, DEL NY, VT, NH, MA, RI» ME PL, A L, GA, SC LA, MS, A K TN, KT, NC, VA, WV WA, OR, IV, m r. wy CA, AZ, NY, CO, UT, NM, HA OK, ME, KS, MO, TX 1--CQVER DRAWING ADAPTATION QF QRIGlhAI ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLL Deadline ion. each exiitlon oi AKF it the 20th o£ the preceding month SCUTTLEBUTT SCOOPS J a FLAMINGO TRAGEDY AT PHILADELPHIA by Sue Roeme/t, PkUadiLtphiii Zoo After a wait of nearly three years, our greater flamingos arrived from Africa in August 1976. 17 birds were placed on our African Plains - Phase II exhibit in a fenced-in enclosure to be removed when they settled down. Since October, 1976 I've worked with these beautiful birds five days a week. Although they were still too nervous to try and pet, they had come to know me and didn't panic when I approached. About three weeks ago the fence was removed. Our only fear was their getting in the way of the hoofed stock. These fears never came to light. Instead, something far worse occurred. On Tuesday, April 26, a flamingo was found with its legs broken. Food pans were missing, and the ground hombill was found in a tree on Phase I. On Wednesday morning I came back after two days off. I found large rocks in the water, a flare and a food pan inside their shelter and a food pan in the water. Obviously, this bird had been the victim of vandals .That night the vandals struck again. The flamingos weren't as lucky this time. They were savagely murdered. Five were dead when the vets arrived at 9:00 p.m. three were euthanized and another taken to the University of Penn Vet Hospital. Three children were caught between the ages of 10 and 13. When cleaning up, after the crime lab left on Thursday morning, I found three food pans in the water and we took out a bucket and a half of rocks and concrete from the pool and the surrounding areas. I now face seven very nervous flamingos. One has a broken wing and an eye missing. The Stanley cranes and the crowned cranes escaped without injury. The ground hombill escaped the best way he knew how — he was found behind the reptile house. With seventeen birds we had a good chance for breeding . . . with seven, very little. "McDonalds Restaurants" have offered to replace six of the birds, but the difficulty is getting them. And what do the parents of these three boys say, "They didn't mean any hanm." The Philadelphia Zoo established a special Flamingo Fund a s a Aesuli ofa seveAal ge.neA.out> donations fallowing the. tAagic killings ofi 8 AfiAican GAeateA Flamingos duning the. eanly evening otf Wednesday, Apnil 27. FiAst to Aestfond was the. local McVonald's OpzAatoAS Association, AepAesent ing the fiast-faod chain's owneA-opeAatoAS o & southcastcAn Pennsylvania, southeAn New JeAsey and VelawaAe. They pledged to donate fands fa a the puAchase ofi six flamingos, which oac valued at $ 800 each. The Golden SlippeA Club ofi Philadelphia, which is an inteAnationally known philanthropic oAganization, committed fiunds to puAchase one flamingo 70 Electnic Factony Concents, a Philadelphia based pnoducen 0$ national popular music conceals, donated fiunds &on thn.ee ofi the attnactive binds. To date, six. othen concerned individuals have donated a total o& $80. The flamingo tohich sufifiened a bnoken leg on Monday, Apnil 25, as a nesult o{, nock thnoiving, died Tuesday, May 3, in spite ofi intense medical cane. ZOO'S RARE RHINO DIES IN SAN DIEGO inom the Philadelphia Zoo Golden Girl, the Philadelphia Zoo’s rare Indian rhinoceros which was sent to San Diego's Wild Animal Park in December for breeding, died Thursday, May 12, Zoo officials report. A pathology team under the direction of San Diego Zoo Pathologist Dr. Lynn A. Griner conducted an autopsy on the rhino at the San Diego Zoo. Initial studies indicated Golden Girl had severe inflamation of the large bowel, but the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. The autopsy also revealed she had an abnormal genital tract because of fibroid tumors of the uterus. Philadelphia Zoo Veterinarian Wilbur B. Amand said the tumors would appear to have precluded her carrying a baby to full term. After the autopsy is completed, the body will be shipped to Los Angeles where it will be placed on display at the Los Angeles Museum. Golden Girl, one of the four Indian rhinos presently in the United States was shipped to San Diego on December 7, 1976. Her Philadelphia Zoo mate, Golden Boy, had not shown sufficient interest since they were placed to- gether in 1955. WE COULVN'T THINK OF A MORE APPROPRIATE PIECE TO CONCLUVE OUR "SCOOPS A NV SCUTTLEBUTT" SECTION MANURE SALES PROVE SUCCESSFUL FOR PORTLAND CHAPTER finom the Washington Pank Zoo The nine elephants at the Washington Park Zoo are responsible for the financial backbone of this A.A.Z.K. Chapter. They provide us with enough manure to supply the community with an organic fertilizer. With the cooperation of the Washington Park Zoo under Warren Illifs direct- ion and the P.R. assistance of Paige Powell, A.A.Z.K, member and P,R. person for the zoo, our chapter has made approximately $450 in "ZooDoo" sales. This is a major part of our operating capital. Presently we have a waiting list of over 40 orders and orders are still coming in. The cost is $4.00 per pick-up load (approx. 2 yds,). This chapter's future plans include making "ZooDoo" available in smaller quantities for novelty purposes. We hope to meet some of our 1979 con- vention costs through these sales. 71 BIRTHS HATCHINGS EMUS AT WILDLIFE SAFARI . . . by LcluaIq. Ma/ikeA and Royce. Embanks, W-llcLtcfie Sa&a/U, WTnston, OR. This year’s clutch of emu eggs have again been incubating in our Humidair incubator. Total so far has been 118 eggs layed. After three years of unsuccessful hatching, our first chicks this year began hatching at approximately 56 days. We have heard it is harder to keep the chicks alive after hatching than it is to hatch them, and we are finding this to be true. Basically, our only problem is with their legs spreading. We’ve contacted numerous authori- ties and are using the recommended diet , plus giving the chicks vitamins with D-3 and di-calcium phosphate tablets as recommended. We have also used several different surfaces for them to walk on and have found turf to be the best. We feel now that the problem may be caused by over-feeding (rapid weight gain vs. skeletal development), and lack of large runs for exercise. At present, two surviving chicks (from a total of 10 hatching) are doing well in a large outside run and are being fed only during the day. We would greatly appreciate communication from any keepers who may have further information about rearing emu chicks. PANDA'S BREEDING ATTEMPT FAILS ige/i Talk " National Zoo Employees NewAlette; i As far as the giant pandas are concerned, spring has come and gone and along with it hopes for a baby panda, at least for the time being. Ling- Ling went into heat as expected in early April. She was off her feed from the 3rd, became restless and exhibited other behavioral changes that alerted the Panda House staff and Research Division to her approaching receptiveness. Hsing, at first, showed no great interest in his co-panda but as things progressed with Ling, he was gradually overcome by her appeal. They were put together for the first time this year on April 11 for twice daily encounters that lasted until April 18. From the 11th until the 15th, Hsing was very much taken by Ling and mounted many times but never quite made it. On the morning of the 16th, after about an hour of very intense frolicking, things had improved, up to a point. But, by then, their patience appeared to wear thin and a fight developed. The scrap lasted nearly five minutes and left both Ling and the Zooworkers on the scene visibly upset. The morning encounter was ended shortly afterwards. The Saturday afternoon and Sunday encounters on the 16th and 17th were the most encouraging. Ling-Ling stood for the male during these sessions but Hsing-Hsing showed behavior typical of an inexperienc- ed animal, failing to orient himself properly with Ling-Ling. By the 18th, the pandas interest in each other had waned considerably. By the 19th, it was apparent that this spring's breeding season was over. There is an outside chance that Ling will come into season this fall but most likely, we will have to wait until the spring of ’78 when Hsing will be another year older. 72 ANDEAN CONDOR HATCHES AT BRONX fa om the Now YoAk Zoological. PaAk Bronx Zoo's World of Birds recorded the hatching on May 3 of a male Andean Condor. The chick, named "Little Mac" (short for "MacAngel") , weighed 172.3 grams. The chick is being raised by the staff at the zoo. CONGRATULATIONS! faom Jill Gnjxdc, Batch. BlnA SancluaJiy , CallfaAnla Congratulations National Zoo on the January '77 hatching of a Schalows Touraco (April AKF , pg. 48). You may be pleased to know, however, that during the summer of 1976, Busch Bird Sanctuary (formerly Busch Gardens) Los Angeles, had six such hatchings ... two young to each of three parent pairs. All six chicks were successfully reared by their parents, and have since been moved, along with the rest of the Sanctuary's touraco collection, to the Los Angeles Zoo. IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO WELCOME A MEW CHAPTER TO THE AAZ K SCENE. FOR INFORMATION ON CREATING AN AAZK CHAPTER AT YOUR ZOO, AQUARIUM, OR PARK, CONTACT: VENNIS GRIMM, CHAPTER COORDINATOR, BROOKFIELD ZOO, BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS... 60513. The Philadelphia Zoo crew has formed a chapter. They've elected Robert Berghaier as President. Patsey Emery is Vice-president, Pat Aschner is Treasurer, Sue Roemer is their Secretary and Chuck Ripka is their Public Relations man. You can contact these folks by writing: chapter Philadelphia AAZK Chapter Philadelphia Zoological Gdn , 34th and Girard Avenues , Philadelphia, PA. 19104 The group has 11 active members with an increase in sight. They plan to visit some nearby zoos, and are sponsoring a lecture series for their members . AMD... news The Portland AAZK Chapter has elected new officers for 1977. They are: President: Mike Keele Treasurer: Wes Peterson Secretary: Kit Lewis Their membership numbers 13. They will be devoting more time to developing the AAZK National Convention to be held in Portland in 1979... 73 HADDOCK AND HOSPITALITY by Tom GoldbbeAAy Workington Tank loo Po Jutland, OR. In a country nurtured in the concept of tradition and respect for royalty, it’s only fitting that Regent's Park Zoo, London, be known as the "Queen of the English Zoos". Throughout its turbulent 150-year history, the London Zoo has had its share of eccentric and colorful characters , but as eccentric and colorful as they may have been, they all shared one common denominator • — a desire to make the London Zoo one of the world's finest. Today, Regent's Park is home to more than 6000 animals including 1000 birds representing 450 species. The keeper staff is composed of eighty keepers, twenty-two of whom are bird keepers. There are three women keepers. This being my first visit to the London Zoo, I needed little urging to accept Mr. Colin Rawlins', the zoo's affable and gentlemanly director, offer of, first lunch with one of the Senior Keepers, and then a tour of the grounds . While we waited for the Senior Keeper to arrive, Mr. Rawlins told me some of the early history of the zoo. How at one time, all the keeprs lived in the immediate vicinity of the zoo, and that it wasn't unusual for two or three generations of the same family to be working as keepers at the same time. Nowadays, most of the keepers live in the London suburbs, but six bachelor keepers and one Senior Keeper share a house on the zoo grounds. Much of the zoo’s early collection was imported by a keeper, Alfred Cops. Cops built up a fine collection over a six year period which was eventual- ly transferred to Regent's Park in 1832. He was paid one Pound (about $1.73) per week. (Some things never change). At that time the well- dressed, swinging keeper wore, by way of uniform, a top hat, a bottle- green coat, a striped waistcoat, breeches and Wellington boots with painted tops . To have lunch at the Zoo Society's Member's Restaurant is to catch, probably a final glimpse of genuine old-world elegance and just plain, common courtesy. From the pleasant and meticulous maitre d' to the new- est waitress on the staff the accent was on service and hospitality, a far cry from the typical ursine snarl found in most restaurants. My wife and I later learned that hospitality was the rule rather than the except- ion while visiting British zoos. My host for lunch and the first three hours was Senior Large Bird Keeper, Doug Ellis. Doug, a twenty-nine year veteran at Regent's Park speaks with pride of accomplishment of his years at the zoo and his work with the Imperial Pheasant LophuJia impeJuialtb which culminated in the first successful breeding of this species in the United Kingdom in 1974. In 1975, one hatched, but died within a week; in 1976, two were raised successful ly. As I was there at the beginning of the March-April breedin period I could observe the nest building preparations that were already underway for 19 77. After we finished lunch it was time for business. Having just polished continued on next page 74 off a lunch of Cornish crab-meat soup with brandy; hot, tender haddock, and washed down with a few bottles of Lowenbrau, even the scraggliest of beasts assumes a majestic appearance. No article about the London Zoo would be complete without mention of the Giant Pandas. A prestige animal in any zoo, the London pandas, because of the large and well-balanced collection, in no way detract from the less spectacular specimens. The present London pandas arrived in September 1974, a gift of the Chinese government to the British people. Ching-Ching the female whose name means "Crystal Bright", and Chia-Chia, "Most Excellent and Very Best" were both born in the autumn of 1972. Ron Davis, although not one of the regular panda keepers, told of some of the difficulties surrounding the first weeks following the panda’s arrival The Chinese contingent that accompanied the pandas was so large and so reticent, that it was almost impossible to even determine who the keepers were. There were also misunderstandings on how the food was to be pre- pared. Eventually all the problems were resolved and the animals are now thriving in their new homeland. They are now housed in an older primate cage until new accommodations are built. They are separated most of the time by a wire fence. The female has periodic urine and feces tests to determine estrogen levels and possible pregnancy. The pandas are fed ordinary bamboo gathered from Sussex and other southern English counties. This is the second installment of a six-part series. Next month: Regent’s Park, London, continued. THIS COMES IN FROM JILL GRAVE. CHAIRPERSON. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS t Remember, nominations for the upcoming AAZK Board of Directors election must be in no later than the 30th of this month. Don't hesitate. . .AAZK is only as good as you make it. Send in your nomination today! See the Apntl Tamiq. ofi A KF, pg 6. 44-45, fan pnoc.Q.duA.2A and a sample fanrn... TO THOSE IT MAY CONCERN: I would like to take this opportun- ity to express my appreciation to all the folks who sent cards and letters to me upon hearing of my injury by our elephant charges. (A.K.F. March issue) I am pleased to report that I am happily back to work as of April 19th. My excuse for not answer- ing your cards and letters is that I’m left-handed, and naturally that was the side to be in j ure d . Again , thanks ! Roger L. Henneous Sr. Keeper, Elephants Washington Park Zoo Portland, Oregon BEGINNING NEXT MONTH, AKF WILL FEATURE A NEW COLUMN ON THE GREAT APES, COORVINATEV BV FREV VITTMAR, PRIMATE KEEPER AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO. We m uJZJZ nun tkiA mack tike the R.A.P. column, In that connoApondance, on antlcloA should be addncA&ed to Fned. Haa addnoAA aa- 511 N.W. 29th, #204, Oklahoma City, OK. 73103. 75 Rc^n§phibi n potp< tan . pourri TIMING COPULATION IN SNAKES by Emote Wagnen. Woodland. Pa/ik Zoo Seattle, Washington Last week one of the keepers noted that our Florida kings on display were attempting to copulate. I went to check and on close examination I saw that both males were excitedly crawling over each other while the only female in the cage was lying quietly in a corner of the cage. Wondering why the males were stimulated if the female was not ready to copulate, I went to a holding cage behind the display cage and checked our other female Florida king. By holding her gently in one hand and pressing my finger firmly into her ventral surface while she crawled around the leg of a chair, I could feel a series of well developed ovarian follicles about the size of marbles. She was obviously ready to copulate and was probably producing pheromones which were stimulating the males on display, I placed her in an aquarium with a male and the snakes copulated for the next two days . Behavior of either the male or female can be a clear indicator of readi- ness to copulate. When a female is ready to copulate her ovarian follicle will be enlarged and hard and, with some practice, palpable through her ventral surface. The snake should be allowed to crawl slowly through the hand, and it helps to hold a thin, soft cloth in your hand to let the snake glide more smoothly. Practice with a female that you know is in this condition, such as a female that has just finished copulating. During this period the female will become increasingly restless as she searches for a male. This restlessness will begin in the early evening but within a few days she will be abroad and very active during the day. Unusual restlessness in males housed anywhere in the vicinity is another sure sign that something is going on. As the female enters this period she is probably producing pheromones which cause the same behavior in the male. According to Dr. Glenn Slemmer of the University of British Columbia, this period of ovarian development lasts about three weeks, but if copulation does not occur within the first two weeks , there may be a low rate of fertility or the follicles may be reabsorbed by the female anyway. Once again, this is a case of observing the behavior of your reptiles (such as sudden and persistant restlessness) and interpreting this behavior to assist you in the management of your collection. ViAect all comments to RAP, division o ^ Reptiles and Amphibians, National Zoological PaXk, Washington, V.C. 2 0009 A STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE TO KEN KAWATA, GENERAL CURATOR AT THE TULSA ZOOM KEN, FORMERLY AN EDITOR OF THE AAZK NEWSLETTER, IS A NATIVE OF JAPAN. HE RECEIVED HIS UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP IN CEREMONIES HELD ON MAY 26. 76 .... by StuaAt PotutoA, l/.M.P. Gladys VontoA Zoological Pa/ik Veterinarian^ keepers THE MANUAL RESTRAINT OF RUMINANTS Often a zoo staff is faced with a situation in which a ruminant needs multiple injections, a wound cleaned daily, or a closer physical examina- tion. There are numerous restraint drugs available but only a few of these are completely reversible. In such a case the manual restraint of the ani- mal may be considered advantageous. Manual restraint can be less stress- ful than darting with drugs in some excitable species. Our harnessed bushbuck and some of our duikers have done tremendous damage to themselves after being darted that they aren't able to do once grabbed. Often, we’ll grab an animal and hand inject the restraint drug which takes effect quickly due to the excited animal increasing its blood circulation. In fact we’ve felt it necessary to hand grab, for one reason or another, many of the species we care for including young guar, young giraffe, young kudu, yellowback duikers, black duikers, zebra duikers, Speke’s gazelles, harn- essed bushbuck, addax, fallow deer, blackbuck, and springbok among others. We’ve had only one mortality which could be attributed to the stress of being grabbed. We consider all the alternative restraint methods available before making the decision to hand grab an animal, but once the decision has been made we formulate a plan of action. We use a dark, quiet stall which is bedded down well with hay. The catch crew, which is kept to a minimum number, is assembled and each man is told what part of the animal to secure. It's best to keep the animal in a sternal recumbent position to prevent bloating or regurgitation. If it must be held on its side then the right side is safer than the left. It is imperative that the person holding the head keeps it under control and held above the level of the stomach. If the animal regurgitates that person must tilt the head down and remove the food from the back of the mouth to prevent aspiration of reurnen contents into the lungs. The person working on the animal should have everything he’ll need ready and easily accessible. Quickness is essential, so get in and out as fast as possible. The quieter the procedure is performed the less the animal is aroused. Usually once the animal is released it just stands there and shakes its head as if trying to figure out what happened. Another point that one must be aware of is overheating. A restrained, stressed animal will quickly increase its body temperature, which is particularly important if you are working outside under the hot sun. A source of cold water should be handy in case of severe overheating. If the animal should extend its legs, stiffen, or begin convulsing, the best thing to do is immediately release it and get everybody out of the stall. Drugs probably won’t do any good in this case, but occasionally large doses of steroids are given. Just stand outside the stall and quietly observe the animal. After several minutes it may quiet down and slowly gain control. If it goes into shock it will probably die quickly. Usually in such a case a post morten exmination will show an advanced disease process. 77 Certainly hand grabbing ruminants is not without risk, but as we all know working with exotic animals often involves risks. There are many options open to the zoo staff when it comes to working on animals and it is nec- essary to consider the various methods available in each specific case. Hand grabbing ruminants has proven to be a useful and safe method at the Gladys Porter Zoo. CONSERVATION AWARD GIVEN AT THE SAN DIEGO MILD ANIMAL PARK Maurice Machris , the man who was instrumental in saving the rare Arabian oryx from extinction, became the 25th recipient of the Zoological Society of San Diego's conservation medal. The award was given at dedication ceremonies for the Arabian Desert, a new habitat for Arabian oryx, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, on May 6. Ivor de Kirby, president of the Zoological Society, made the presentation to Machris in front of Zoo trustees and members of the Shikar-Safari Club , a group of hunter-conservationists, following release of an Arabian oryx into the desert environment. The oryx joined a herd of 14 of the animals already acclimated to the new surroundings. The Zoological Society of San Diego annually awards one or more gold conservation medals to persons whom it desires to acknowledge and honor as leaders in the wildlife preservation field. Recipients are chosen for their lifelong devotion to the cause of wildlife conservation, or for notable contributions to the field. The first gold conservation medals were awarded by the Zoological Society in 1966. Machris* involvement with the Arabian oryx dates back to 1962, when Operation Oryx was launched by the Fauna Preservation Society of London in cooperation with the Survival Service Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources to save the species from extinction. When Machris learned that two males and a female Arabian oryx had been captured in Rub -A1 -Khali in Saudi Arabia, he persuaded fellow Shikar-Safari Club members to finance transportation of the animals to the United States. The club also paid for construction of the animals' new home at the Phoenix Zoo, which Machris had helped select as the species' new environment. The World Herd, established in 1963 after donation of a femal Arabian oryx by the London Zoo to the herd at Phoenix, also owes its formation to Maurice Machris. The World Herd is composed of the Fauna Preserva- tion Society, the Shikar-Safari Club, the World Wildlife Fund, the Zoolo- gical Society of London, the Arizona Zoological Society and the Zoologi- cal Society of San Diego. It directs development of three captive herds of Arabian oryx: at the Phoenix Zoo, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. The breeding herd of Arabian oryx was established at the Wild Animal Park in 1972, when Machris arranged for four male and two female Arabian oryx to be transferred here from the Phoenix Zoo. Since then, 17 oryx have been bom here, four more pairs were transferred here from Phoenix, and three oryx have dies, bringing the Wild Animal Park's herd to 28. 78 MUSK OXEN CAPTURED FOR ZOO BV KJX Leu xu Workington Pcuik Zoo VontZand^ OR The Washington Park Zoo in Portland, Oregon , is proud to announce three new residents. On April 5th, one male and two female musk oxen took their places in the Zoo's paddocks area — fresh from the frozen tundra on Nunivak Island, off the coast of western Alaska. The history of the must ox is a unique one. A prehistoric leftover, all traces of the animal disappeared from Nunivak during the Ice Age. In 1930 31 must oxen were transplanted to Nunivak from Greenland, in an effort to re-establish the island's herd and to increase the species ' total world population. The oxen have been free-ranging and protected on the island (a National Wildlife Refuge) since their arrival. Officials estimate that the maximum capacity for musk oxen on Nunivak is 500 animals. This year's census revealed 650 on the island. Thus the herd had to be culled. In late May, the Alaska Fish & Wildlife Service began issuing a maximum of 35 musk oxen hunting tags $1000 each. The Washington Park Zoo bought three. The Zoo's capture expedition consisted of Wes Peterson, Animal Keeper Foreman and Secretary /Treasurer of AAZK's Portland Chapter, and several Eskimo aides. It coincided with another expedition: Alaska Fish and Wildlife was capturing 34 oxen for a transplant to Cape Thompson (550 miles north of Nunivak Island). It became a mutual effort as the two parties merged for the hunt. With snowmobiles and sleds loaded with provisions , the men set out from Mekoryuk, the island's only village (population 200). Temperatures ranged from +20°F to -40°F. They headed straight south to Ingrijoak, a distance of 54 miles. The musx oxen were known to be browsing there on their meager winter diet of dry rye grass, which was buried under snow on the frozen sand dunes. The party arrived at Ingrijoak in the early afternoon, made camp, and set out right away for the actual hunt. That day they captured six oxen: three for the Cape Thompson transplant and three for the Zoo. Peterson wanted young animals, and he got them: one two-year old male and two one-year old females. Capturing was accomplished by singling out an animal from the herd with snowmobiles. The smaller oxen were then bull- dogged, and the larger ones were netted. In either case, it took about 5 men to hold the animal down and hog-tie it. The oxen were then tied to the sleds on their sides (with padding under the head to protect the horns and the eyes) and were taken back to camp. The men dug a four-foot-deep trench for each animal and stood the hoggled oxen in them for the night. Each animal was given a little hay. After a "comfortable" night in an ice cave, Peterson helped load up the animals for the trip back to Mekoryuk. On the way back, another musk ox was captured, bringing the two-day haul to seven animals. In Mekoryuk, the oxen were untied and placed in pens along with the other 30 animals that had been caught prior to Peterson's arrival. Within 79 & three days the pens were empty. Planes came for the transplant to Cape Thompson (34 oxen) and for the Zoo's three animals. In cooperation with Western Airlines, Peterson flew back to Portland with the oxen. All arrived in good condition, regardless of the relatively warm temperature (70°F) in the cargo hold. The musk oxen are as yet being held in quarentine in an area just behind their eventual exhibit. Peterson chose appropriate names for the animals: The male is "Oomingmak" (Eskimo for "Musk Ox") , and the females are "Mekoryuk" (the only village on Nunivak Island) , and "Ingrijoak" (literal- ly translates to "little sand dune"). Concern, for the Arctic animals' comfort during the summer months promoted the construction of a sturdy sun shelter and a wade-in pool inside their half-acre enclosure. Most concern, is unnecessary, however, as Arctic summers quite often are as warm as those in the Pacific Northwest. During this warm weather, musk oxen compensate by shedding their heavy, insulat- ing underwool (called "qiviut") . The Washington Park Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world to exhibit musk oxen. And the lucky capture of such young animals should aid great- ly in an eventual breeding program. HERR EXHIBIT AT DICKERSON PARK ZOO... ..by Mike. Csiockea, VlckesiAon Pasik Zoo, SpsUngtfield, Mo. Around the first of the year, the reptile and amphibian ekhibit at Dickerson Park Zoo was closed to undergo remodeling. The old exhibit was completely disassembled and construction began on the new facility. RepttleA ' EeaA and FaACA.naXU.on is designed totally toward an educational concept. Every animal on display will represent a particular aspect about the life of reptiles and amphibians , which will be explained and demonstrated by graphics. Such things as locomotion, food- getting, metamorphosis, fact and fallacy and defense mechanisms will be shown. Even the section devoted to local venomous snakes will graphically demonstrate such things as venom mechanisms and structural characteristics of the pit vipers. A few herptiles which are rare, endangered or of which little is known will be selected for special breeding or study projects. They will be housed in separate chambers off exhibit in order to better regulate their environ- ment and minimize disturbance. Two areas will be set aside for use as isolation for sick animals and new arrivals. At the time of this writing, construction is still in progress and hope- fully the new exhibit will be ready to open sometime in late May or early June . Ed. Note** Mike doesn't Indicate It In hJj, anticJLe, bat he haA played a majoA stole In the conception , designing and conAtAuction ofi the new facility. 80 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL NEWS FROM THE USDI INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON ENDANGERED SPECIES IN EFFECT As of Monday, May 23, 1977, permits or other documents will be required by the United States for the inter- national shipments of wild plants and animals protect- ed by the Endangered Species Treaty. Presently, 35 countries are bound by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which was negotiated by 80 nations in 1973. Major businesses which may be affected by the permit requirements include furriers, jewelers, wild- life importers, zoos, medical research companies, leather goods manufacturers and horticulturists. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents at JFK air- port in New York... the largest port for wildlife entry in the Nation ... anticipate a 25 to 30 percent increase in the n-mber of wildlife shipments refused entry because of improper documentation INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN ENDANGERED SPECIES WORK The Interior Department’s U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently dispatched four American scientists to Egypt to begin discussions on the establishment of joint work on wildlife such as the endangered Nile crocodile and dugong. The Congress has authorized the U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service to use U.S. -owned foreign currencies for joint projects aimed at the conservation of endanger- ed or threatened species. The money will come from Public Law 480 funds , and not from the general operat- ing budget of the Service. It represents foreign aid and exchange credits that the host country has with the U.S. Treasury, and which must be spent in the host country. While in Egypt, the team will visit areas considered as possible sites for parks and preserves, as well as discuss the opening of marine research projects in the Red Sea. Lawrence Mason, Deputy Chief of the Service's International Affairs Staff, will be the team lead- er on this visit. He will be assisted by Dr. Robert Lackey, a habitat specialist; Dr. William Brown, an endangered species specialist; and Kyran D. Thelen, a National Park Service specialist. Similar meetings are expected to take place with Indian and Pakistani scientists and American scientists as the program develops. 81 * We ojkl deeply Aectlon finom t\ vein "PoAltlon* A variable" li*tlngA. Thl* will be. a. monthly 4eAvu.ce to o4,^oa you... EVUCATION SPECIALIST . . . responsiblity for development and co- ordination of all education programs, including activities of a functioning volunteer docent organization. Ability to teach and write on environmental and wildlife subjects, and public speaking skills are essential. Four -year college or univer- sity degree with major in education, zoology, biology or re- lated fields and not less than one year's professional exper- ience in educational programs or one year's experience in the care and exhibition of wildlife is required. Salary: $13,056 per year plus normal fringe benefits. Send complete curricu- lum vitae to: Clayton Freiheit , Director, Denver Zoological Gardens, City Park, Denver, CO. 80205 BIRV KEEPER... College graduate with B.S. or B.A. in biology, zoology or a related field. Experience in captive husbandry, exhibition and breeding of exotic birds. Opportunity to ex- pand and improve a small bird collection. No travel funds or moving expenses available. Salary $4 . 98/hour with complete benefit package. Equal Opportunity Employer. Contact: Personnel Department, Metropolitan Service District, 1220 S.W. Morrison, Room 300, Portland, OR. 97205. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (Keepers) and Associate Foreign Student Contributing (Organizations) All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers' Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many jzoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada Mmben*hlp<* aAe pno -noted * emi- annually , except fion Student memben&hlp* Extna patches one available om AAZK Headquanten* , fion $ 1.00 each , Send name and addnet* and a check on money onden to: AAZK Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Make check* payable to: American A&Aoclatlon o& loo Keeper $10.00 annually $15.00 annually $ 5.00 annually $25.00 annually 82 S’ P £2 s c/> o ■ N9 CD Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER SEVEN JULY 1977 Animal 63S Gage Biv<±, , Topeka, Kansas 66606 USA Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associated Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecelia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park Animal KeepeAS ’ Fonum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be request- ed by writing the office of Animat KeepeAS ' FoALUV, American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National Ueadquatens , National Zoological Rank Washington, V.C. 2 0008 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE EDITORS. ...THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM or of the AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Keepers Forum Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Vennts Gnimm, BAooklield Zoo Awards Committee Chairman Jeff Rob ents , Bao o k lield Zoo Coordinator for International Affairs Tom Golds benny , Portland. Zoo Nominations and Elections Committee Jill Gnade, Chwn. , Busch Gandens ,CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta Zoo Liz Choules , Salt Lake City Zoo Von Rasmussen, Kansas City Zoo Jell Penny, Bullalo Zoo Ed Robents Jell Pe>my Janet Phipps Canlton Bailie Randy McGill Evenett Hannts Lanny SammaAco Vale Belchen Jay Levine Region al Coordinator s Vi Stone' Mem'. Zoo Regie Molten Bullalo Baltimone Kings Vo minion Vetnoit Indianapolis Lincoln Rank St. Louis Kno xville MoJiylee Vandiven Gainesville Michael Velventon Baton Rouge Nancy Chase Oklahoma City Tom Golds benny Pontland Canole Udell Los Angeles COVER DRAWING .... ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ME, l rr, NH,MA,RI ,CT NY PA,NJ,MV,VEL VA,W Ml JN,0HfKT m, IL Mi IN, TA, MO TN,NC,SC FL,AL,GA A K, MS, LA [NV TX,NMtO,OK,KS,NESV] {UA,OR,IV,MT,(Uy CA,N{/,AZ,UT,HA ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE Veadline Ion each edition ol AKF is the 2 Oth ol the pneceding month SCUTTLEBUTT SCOOPS 1 3 CAESAREAN ON GORILLA PERFORMED AT LOS ANGELES The first gorilla caesarean was performed at the Los Angeles Zoo on June 1, 1977. "Ellie" a thirteen-year-old lowland gorilla has killed or mutulated her first three infants and since the gorilla is an endangered species, it was decided to take her next baby by caesarean. Because of the anatomical similarities between humans and gorillas, it was decided that doctors specializing in human problem-pregnancies would be asked to perform the surgery. A team of doctors and nurses from Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles volunteered. Through the cooperative efforts of the medical community and the zoo staff, a 5 lb. 2 oz. male gorilla was delivered with no particular complications. The infant is being hand-reared in the children’s zoo nursery and both he and his mother are doing fine. .by Ctiaig Vin&mone Santa Fc Teaching Zoo BALD EAGLE RELEASED The Santa Fe Teaching Zoo recently released a Bald Eagle (Haliaetus Leucocephalus) along the gulf coast of Florida, culminating a three month rehabilitation program for the injured raptor. The eagle, a juvenile female, had been found with a badly broken right wing resulting from a gunshot wound, and the local office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was called in. A federal agent took the eagle to a local veterinarian for treatment. The surgical procedure included injection of a plastic polymer substance to provide support for the affected area, which eliminated the need for any external casting, splinting, or bracing. Subsequently, the U.S.F.W.S. agent gave our zoo temporary custody of the eagle for the purpose of rehabilitation and release, and General Curator Debra Foster was placed in charge of the rehabilitation program. In the weeks that followed, the eagle was first housed in a mew (raptor holding enclosure) and then later moved to an open air enclosure where she was "jessed out". (See April AKF) . As she grew stronger, we began exercising her on a creance (training leash) which was about thirty feet long and allowed short flights while at the same time preventing escape and/or accidental injury. Finally, she was considered strong enough for release, and arrangements were made with the U.S.F.W.S. agent to release her in an area very near where she was found, and known to be inhabited by Bald Eagles. The eagle was banded and released, and after a few minutes of reconnoitering from an old tree stump she attempted to fly off. We nervously watched her first laborious seconds of flight, as we wondered whether she was ready for freedom. However, she quickly gained altitude and her flight appeared fairly strong, as we had hoped. We are now confident that she will survive in the wild, and hopefully rear her own young in the future . This was our first effort at rehabilitating an eagle, and we learned a great deal from it. Thanks to the hard work of Debra Foster and others, the U.S.F.W.S. agent will now consider our zoo for rehabilitation of any injured eagle found in the north Florida area. 83 BIRTHS HATCHINGS MOUNTAIN TAPIR TapVujA plnakaque, TWO-TOED SLOTH- NATIONAL ZOO BORN AT THE LOS ANGELES ZOO WASHINGTON, D.C. The first captive bred mountain tapir was bom at the Los Angeles Zoo on June 4, 1977. The infant, a female, weighed 15 lbs. at birth and is being cared for by her mother. The father has been tem- porarily separated from the mother and baby. A two-toed sloth was bom in Research on June 21. The mating was observed and the surprising thing is that the gestation period was over 300 days. PERE DAVID DEER THRIVE AT BRONX ZOO Pere David deer — extinct in nature since perhaps as early as 1000 B.C. — are thriving at the Bronx Zoo where the herd of 22 increased to 29 due to births this spring, ASIAN ELEPHANT BIRTH - CHESTER ZOO, GREAT BRITAIN Life Member, Frank Meakins of Great Britain sent word of the first elephant birth there, an Asian male, in early May. The BBC is having a contest to name him. A HAND SHAKE AND A KISS GOES OUT TO GREET YET ANOTHER AW1T10N TO THE AAZK FAMILY OF CHARTERS . FOR INFORMATION ON CREATING AN AAZK CHAPTER AT YOUR ZOO, AQUARIUM, OR PARK, CONTACT: VENNIS GRIMM, CHAPTER COORDINATOR, BROOKFIELD ZOO, BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS... 60513. An AAZK chapter has been formed in the Kansas City area. They've elected Don Rasmussen as the president, Wayne Theison is the vice-president, and Denise Rohwer is their secretary/ treasurer . The infant has the typical striped "watermelon" pattern seen in all young tapirs, but differs in having considerably more white hair and a longer, thicker coat than seen in other species of young tapir. A previous pregnancy for this female ended in a stillbirth in 1976. The chapter s address is: chapter Kansas City AAZK Chapter Kansas City Zoo Swope Park Kansas City, Missouri 64132 They have ten members now, but are growing at a bounding rate. A lecture series is planned. These keepers intend to be a strong, active local. news 84 HADDOCK AND HOSPITALITY by Tom Goldt*beJOiy (jJoa king ton Tajik loo Portland, Oregon Just as it is impossible to thoroughly visit any major zoo in only one day — a la Batten — it is equally impossible to write an in-depth report on a major zoo in just two articles. Last month I mentioned the Giant Pandas of the Regent's Park Zoo, London, in relation to the rest of the collection. In trying to appreciate a zoo composed of more than 5,000 specimens of 1450 species, including many uncommon species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and insects, the question is not, 'Wkat d.0 I Want to &ee?" but "Wkat can I Aee?" With this point in mind I decided to spend the balance of my afternoon at Regent's Park in the Clore Pavilion for Small Mammals . Opened in 1962, the complex contains 110 cages and three outside enclo- sures, accommodating over 200 burrowing, jumping, running, and climbing animals. The "Moonlight World"in the basement of the Pavilion houses fruit bats, fennec foxes, echidnas, and other nocturnal species. Many exhibits in "Moonlight World" are glass-fronted displays that allow public viewing of burrowing animals in their normal daily routine. In charge of the Clore Pavilion is Lead Keeper Ron Willis, a primate keeper for sixteen years before transferring to his present position. Slim, and with the dexterity of the spider monkeys he used to work with, Ron spends much of his workday walking sideways, dodging heating ducts, as he makes his rounds. Patiently he explained to me the behind- the-scenes routine as we walked through the labyrinthine network beneath the ground. Occasionally we would enter an exhibit and discuss the status of the present clawed-bird generation; or, he would explain the three-stage lighting system that allows an animal, not only a night and day sequence, but a twilight and dawn interval as well. For the better of the next three hours we observed IV' Pygmy Mice and African Spiny Mice, Fire-Footed Squirrels, a friendly colony of Ruffed Lemurs, and the more familar North American prairie "dogs". Each animal obviously vigorous, healthy and well attended to. Most of the Monday crowd had gone when I surfaced once again. My previous host, Doug Ellis, loaded my wife and I down with souvenirs and remembrances of the zoo. After we had taken leave of Doug it had begun to rain to we decided to eat dinner in the zoo cafeteria. The line was long and noisy; compounded by many foreign visitors hastily trying to convert the price of their meal into their native rials, kroner or rupees. The serving girl, by now tired from the long day behind the counter, glanced periodically at the clock, no doubt waiting for the final countdown until quitting time. Nevertheless, she broke into a big smile and laughed upon hearing our American accent, and our request for haddock. Whe she politely pointed out the nearest vacant table, she replied, "Vou bet, guv'noA. we ’ ave ’ eap-6 ofi ’addock'." Yes, I thought, and 'eaps of 'ospitality too! This is the third installment of a six-part series. Next month: The Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. 85 IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED ... by SaUy Smith., Reading Rank loo The first week of February began the most trying ordeal of young Geoffrey’s life. As a three year old people-oriented Orang Utan, it’s not easy to face up to the fact that the day has arrived to become an Orang Utan’s Orang Utan. Lately, Geoffrey had exhibited more independence, and he had also become quite lonely in the nursery. It was a joint decision between Dr. Chaffee, Linda Neidhamer, Sally Smith and Bruce Rodriquez to begin the slow process of introducing Geoffrey to. AAZK - 8 years old, and Kifli - 6 1/2 years old. Now was the time to proceed, because to wait much longer as AAZK and Kifli mature could prove dangerous to handlers as well as inhibit Georffrey’s mental development further. The schedule was arranged so that Geoffrey would spend short periods with AAZK and Kifli four days a week initially, increasing gradually. At first they merely viewed and smelled each other through the chain link in the sleeping quarters. The next step was to carry Geoffrey in with the two older Orangs, and under close supervision of Ape Keeper Joe Capuchin or Bruce Rodriquez, allow the three to get better acquainted while Geoffrey clutched tightly to the nursery attendants. AAZK at first was quite attentive, sitting close, touching and sniffing, and occasionally tugging and slapping. As the visits increased she became rather uninterested. Kifli appeared to be more interested in all the human attention he was suddenly receiving. Geoff did his best to ignore them and it became a habit for him to answer the call of nature in strategic places. When we reached the point that we began removing Geoffrey from ourselves, (this was no easy task --it took two people to accomplish this feat) , he reacted with a mixture of fear and rage. He literally chased us around the grotto, though we did our best to dodge him. At this point Kifli took extreme interest in this screaming, whining hairy little creature and intervened every time Geoff approached a human. During this period of chase and exploration, Geoffrey mastered climbing out of the steep moat after scraping up his knuckles a few times. AAZK was actually observed to separate the two when Kifli got too rough in his attentions . We were now into the fourth week of introduction. As Geoffrey got more accustomed to his new home, we began leaving him in the grotto alone with the other two Orangs, lengthening to six hour visits. Around the second week of March, Kifli stopped pestering Geoff, allowing Geoff time to rest. He was ready for the next step. For one week he was taken to the grotto early in the morning to eat his breakfast with AAZK and Kifli. It was the keeper’s duty to make sure Geoff was getting his share, and he was observed eating. At this point he appeared to be adjusting well, acting more contented. March 22, it was decided he would remain in the grotto overnight. This last step seemed to go without a hitch until AAZK came into estrus later in the week. She then began to harrass Geoff constant- ly, neither one of them leaving him alone for a minute. After Geoffrey received a minor bite on the rump, he was returned to the nursery. There he ate ravenously, though he hadn't lost any weight over the week, and he slept almost constantly for two days. After giving him a week and a half to rest up, a group decision was made to try him once again with AAZK and Kifli. April 6 , he was placed back into the grotto for another try. Time will tell if our introduction will be a success. When AAZK comes into estrus monthly, it may be necessary to seperate Geoff until he is larger and can better defend himself. We Conttnuad 86 want to make every effort to succeed, so that he can remain at our zoo. [tiaphAJittid fa room loo New6, Mat/, 1977.) Sally adds this update to her story As of May 20, Geoffrey still resides in the Ape Grotto with our two older juveniles. Our two adult Orang Utans, Linda, on loan from San Francisco Zoo, and Sumac are separated from the juveniles and because of limited space are allowed outside on alternating days. Geoffrey appears to have adjusted completely to the shift with a minimum of trauma and stress. AAZK has been in estrus twice since the article was written and Geoffrey has remained there constantly without problems. He has been weighed and is maintaining his weight of 30 pounds. After weighing, he leaves the arms of the nursery attendants willingly to go to Kifli. It appears we have been successful in introducing a hand-reared Orang to an older group without incident. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS National Zoological Park Washington, D.C. 20000 FROM THE PRESJVEHT: I'd like to call your attention to the inside front cover. We've added four new regional coordinators and shifted some states around. Hope- fully some of our more populated areas (zoologically speaking) will be better represented and the work load will be more evenly disbtributed. Also note that our zip code is changed from 20009 to 20008. Reports from the AASPA regional workshops are still not all in but the general opinion was that it was worth our time and effort and that we should continue to utilize these sessions in the future. Some of the sessions were not as productive as we had hoped. This was due either to lack of cooperation from the host zoo or poor planning on our part. The information that we did glean from these sessions, however, should help us to plan next Spring's meetings. I know many of you are wondering what ever happened to the directory and journal. One reason I hate making projections is because the many factors involved virtually preclude coming up with the right target date. However, I think we can expect the directory to be out this August and the Journal in September. We hope to include in one of those mailings an AAZK decal for your car window. The Overton Park Zoo chapter is handling the decals and will process additional requests for those of you with more than one car. We'll let you know the cost of additional decals later. Incidently, we are looking for a chapter that would be interested in producing and distributing AASK T-shirts. If you think your chapter would like to handle this, write me at headquarters and we'll set some- thing up 87 Great Ape G-'fr^&einonVi^ BABY ORANGUTAN RECOVERS FROM SURGERY AT PHILADELPHIA ZOO Chickie, the rare female orangutan that was bom in the Zoo's Mammal House on Tuesday, May 24, was released from the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania following recovery from two operations to correct a congenital defect in the stomach. The first operation was performed on Thursday, May 26. The surgical team removed the persistant antral membrane and the narrowing of the pylorus that caused the blockage. Serious swelling developed at the corrected area, necessitating a second operation on Thursday, June 2, to by-pass the narrowed section of the intestine. The operation involved joining the jejunum (upper intestine) to the stomach thus allowing it to empty in a near normal manner. SHE WILL BE MISSED by Helen Bathe On June 15, 1949, Charles Cordier, well known animal collector, captured a one year old female mountain gorilla in Central Africa. Prior to her ocean voyage, food indigenous to the area where Sumaili was captured was collected, but this food ran out half way across the Atlantic and the small gorilla had to eat what the ship's crew ate. It was worrisome at the time, but to the people familiar with Sumaili 's "chow hound" abilities at the Oklahoma City Zoo, it's not suprising the change of diet caused very few problems. Sumaili was obtained in 1972 from the Bronx Zoo, New York, to join M'Kubwa and Josephine. M'Kubwa has been at the Oklahoma City Zoo since he was a very young gorilla. Josephine is on an extended breeding loan from the Tel Aviv 2oo in Israel. Sumaili' s picture is in the Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Animal King- dom. She is mentioned in several books; the most recent is Dr. Geoffrey H. Bourne's book, the Gentle Giants, pages 114-116. She lived 29 years. She was the oldest female gorilla in captivity. This is an achievement which would have been impossible 40 or 50 years ago. On March 16, 1977, Sumaili closed her eyes forever. The autopsy revealed that she died of a heart attack attributed to hardening of the arteries. How does one pay tribute to a mountain gorilla so rare and irreplaceable? She will be missed. GREAT APE PANVEM0N1UM will be a regular feature coordinated by Fred Dittmar, of the Oklahoma City Zoo. Send comments, ideas, articles to Fred at: 511 N.W. 29th., #204, Oklahoma City, OK. 73103. 88 by KaX LewXs, Wcu> king ton VaMi loo VontJLand, OR. FETAL AGING The Washington Park Zoo is one of only a few zoos to utilize the electrocardiogram for determining fetal ages in pregnant animals. And, this zoo is the only one to have excellently modified equipment speci- fically designed for elephants. The purpose of the EKG on pregnant animals is for accurate prediction of the time of birth. The zoo veterinarian. Dr. Michael Schmidt, found a pre-used EKG machine and a few records indicating that the machine had been used before on a pregnant elephant cow. Records show that with this machine, fetal heartbeats were apparent only one month prior to birth. He determined from this that the machine would have to be altered in some way in order to obtain fetal heartbeat tracings earlier in pregnancy. After much searching, Schmidt located Herb Chamberlin, top-notch electrician. Chamberlin modified an EKG machine, designing a series of filters and amplifiers, for specific use on pregnant elephant cows. The modified machine is being used for the first time on Metu, one of Washington Park Zoo’s eight Asian elephant cows, who is almost assuredly pregnant. Metu and her fetus will provide the EKG pattern with which other subsequent EKG tracings will be compared. A sample of an EKG strip is shown here on this page. The large spike is the cow’s QRS Complex (the biggest ventricular action of the heart muscle.) The tiny waves in between the spikes are muscular movement and other body-produced electrical impulses. As of yet, no greatly apparent fetal heartbeat has been seen. Schmidt does say, however, that the fetal heartbeat could easily be one of those tiny waves, but is still too small to be obvious and recognizable. The procedure is relatively simple: there are three electrodes, ter- minating wires leading to the machine. The electrodes are attached to the upper joints on the legs of the cow; one on each foreleg, and one on the left rear leg. This forms a triangle surrounding the heart and the fetus. The electrodes are 20-gauge needles which are inserted in under the skin, "not due to the elephant’s thick hide, but because they make a better contact with a conscious animal," Schmidt says. The electrodes receive electrical impulses from the body. This stimu- lation is recorded on paper (see example). With Chamberlin’s special modifications, heart muscle electrical impulses of both mother and fetus are isolated and amplified. "Metu is not our most handle-able elephant," Schmidt says, "but she tolerates this very well." Regardless of the fact that keepers are not her favorite animals, Metu obeys their commands and remains fairly calm during the 15-minute ordeal. A pile of carrots for her to much on also helps. "This is not a painful or stressful situation for the animal, it’s just a change in routine; and that’s always upsetting", Schmidt says. Metu is 8 to 10 months pregnant, and she has had 9 EKG's; one each month. 89 The EKG’s will continue until birth, providing Schmidt with a backlog of tracings, with which to compare future tracings on other pregnant cows . by MaAfe Je^eAA ICing-6 Vo minion Lion Country SafiaAi In March of this year we saw the birth of our first young in the antelope section of our park. Three Scimitar Homed Oryx (Oryx dammah) each gave birth in the space of a week (March 6-14), to healthy babies. The last female was found in the morning in the early stages of labor. The events that followed were photographed and documented. The behavior of the herd in response to the female’s condition at the time was most interesting. The two females that had given birth were being good mothers and tending to their calves. While the herd proper consist- ing of the remaining females, the alpha male, and the eldest male stood eating their morning hay. As the stages of labor progressed, the first female to give birth went over to investigate the female. After satisfy- ing her curiousity, she moved off a bit to continue her vigil over her own calf. With the appearance of the feet, the alpha male and the beta male caught wind of the proceedings and came to investigate. They induced the female to stand for them several times. The alpha male tired of competing for sniffing rights and sent the beta male off to some preordained peri- meter and resumed his inquiry. The laboring female became annoyed over his repeated approaches and engaged him with her horns for short threats. The alpha male eventually realized he was viewing a birth and went back to checking the beta male and filling his stomach. In a matter of an hour after the feet appeared, the calf made his entrance into the world. The mother decided to stand for the final stage of delivery. As soon as the baby had touched the ground she was licking it and encouraging its struggle to move and breathe. After disposing of her afterbirth, she proceeded to clean her calf. The whole process was a refreshing sight after a harsh winter. Spring had arrived. Within half an hour after the calf had left its mother, he found his legs. It took several attempts and mother's help to finally reach a stand. As the weeks have progressed the three calves discovered one another. Their mothers formed a nursery type arrangement amongst the herd where one or all the mothers would watch over them. In the late afternoons as the herd moves about to different hay piles, the calves race in and out amongst their elders and circle this main body. Mother is always taking care to know who and what is about so the calves can be brought back to the safety of the adults. 90 As horns and teeth beging their growth, the transformation to adult food is necessary as mother becomes wary of the sharp things the babies are producing. Mother still offers an occasional nursing but not as often. Adult food is becoming rather tasty anyway. Now, two months later, the calves have been weaned. Two of the former mothers are beginning their estrus cycles again. The alpha male that sired these females has lost his standing and is still in the process of being replaced by one of the members of the bachelor herd. There are two who are vying for this right. However, much of their time is being spent with the two females at present. The former alpha male is an exiled distant observer of both the male and female herd of his species. Having lost his left horn in a battle with the dominant Gnu in the section, he can no longer adequately defend his right to keep the females. As this right is constantly challenged he soon lost his competative edge with the members of the bachelor herd and was forced to leave. WE FEED1 EM AT EATM fisiom KdtJLy OtiA , EATM Compound, \kooh.poJi\i, CA. Because of the rapid development of recreational animal parks, ecologi- cally oriented zoos, and animal entertainment centers, there has been a corrisponding need for trained and experienced personnel to work with animals. In an attempt to partially meet this need, a major has been developed at Moorpark College just north of Los Angeles and is now graduating its 5th most experienced class. The Exotic Animal Training and Management program (EATM) is designed for all students interested in all aspects in the animal field. Each year 40 students from around the world are selected from over 400 applicants of which 80 are selected for personal interviews. The program provided its students with a "hands-on" type of experience with wild and exotic animals in addition to a stiff academic curriculum. Some courses include: Theatrical Aspects, Planning-Design, and Administration of Animal Parks along with Biology, Behavior, Nutrition and Training of Exotic Animals, including Operant Conditioning. The most valuable requirement in the 2 year program is field experience which ~.s on the job training. This involves working with exotic animal veterin- arians, oceanariums, circus animal parks, and professional animal trainers for movies and television. The Exotic Animal Compound is ranked the 10th largest in California with over 200 animals numbering 70 species. The compound is maintained entire- ly by the students 24 hours a day. along with responsibility for building and fund raising for feed and veterinarian bills. We hope that as you look at your employment picture you will keep in mind that we have some very dedicated and well-t rained animal people. If you would like more information concerning the program, please feel free to contact us. EATM Compound 7075 CampuA Rd. Moosipcvik, CA 93021 (805) 529-232 1, Ext. 2 56 91 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL NEWS FROM THE USDI 1977— A WHOOPING CRANE BONANZA Whooping crane production in 1977 has exceeded all expectations, and the outlook for this endangered bird, symbol of America’s wildlife conservation effort, has never been brighter, Keith M. Schreiner , Associate Director of the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year’s breeding season has ended, and a survey taken by Fish and Wildlife officals reveals not only a record number of whoopers, but possibilities of even greater success next year. In all there may be 126 whooping cranes in existence in the wild and in captivity. Twenty-nine of these were hatched this spring. The figures shape up like this; The major 69- wild flock that summers and breeds in Canada produced 34 eggs, two of which were eaten by unknown predators. Sixteen of the remaining eggs were flown to Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho and placed in nests of the greater sandhill cranes. So far 12 chicks are known to have survived from the sixteen. Of the whoopers reared by sandhills in this way over the last 2 years, five are still living. Meanwhile, back at the whooping crane traditional nesting grounds in Canada's Wood Buffalo National Park, 15 of the 16 eggs left behind hatched, and 11 chicks have survived. One, ofi the, i>lx AuAvlvlng whooping cJiane. Ifian6planl6 fifiom 1976 ha6 be,e,n fiound de.ad alongside. a highway ne,afi Lyman, Wyoming. The, ye,afi-old bifid kad a 3-lnck goth on the. uppe.fi Inside, o £ Its le.it ttg. RED TAPE CUT FOR BREEDERS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES Zoos, game bird breeders, circuses, and other persons who breed and raise endangered species in captivity can now buy and sell certain animals in foreign and interstate commerce under a new regulation issued by the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The regulations, will relax restrictions and permit pro- cedures for qualified breeders of endangered species which are designated as captive, self-sustaining populations (CSSP’s). The rulemaking determines that 11 endangered species of large cats, birds, primates exist in this country as stable, separate populations from the wild, capable of perpetuating themselves in captivity. These populations, which are now classified as threatened, include the tiger, leopard, jaguar ring- tailed lemurs, black lemur, brown eared pheasant, Edward's pheasant, Humes pheasant (bar-tailed pheasant) , Mikad pheasant, Palawan peacock pheasant, Swinhoe pheasant. The service will consider moving other captive endangered species to CSSP status when sufficient evidence warrants the action. 92 EASTERN TIMBER WOLF PROPOSED FOR THREATENED LIST IN MINNESOTA The eastern timber wolf of Minnesota, a subspecies of the gray wolf, is being proposed for reclassification from the endangered species category to that of a threatened species. This move reflects the increase in numbers, extension of the animal's range in northern Minnesota, and the fact that it is no longer in danger of extinction in that part of its range. MARINE OTTER INCLUDED The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to add the marine otter Lut/ia, figttna of Chile and Peru to the list of species de- signated as marine mammals for purposes of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Species which are listed under the Act are subject to the restrictions and protective providisions of the Act. Two subspecies of the marine otter are recognized: the first, from southern Chile, is slightly darker brown on the surface when compared to the one from northern Chile and Peru. This species inhabits the coastal waters along the west coast of South America from central Peru south to Cape Horn, Chile. Nothing is known about its seasonal movememts. It occurs mainly in the coastal region, but it is also known to ascend rivers to at least 650 meters above sea level. This month's Reptile. Amphtbtan RotpoiWvL and StAagglu to SuavIvq. combine into one column. We encourage any member to S write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding any item found in this section... V STATUS OF 11 TURTLE SPECIES UNDER REVIEW The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is under- taking a review of the status of 11 species of turtles to de- termine whether they should be proposed for inclusion on the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Persons with information that may assist in determining whether any or all of the following species of turtles be listed as endangered or threatened are invited to write the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. All comments should be in by August 2, 1977. Species included in this review are: The Alabama red-bellied turtle, Cagle's map turtle, the flattened musk turtle, the key mud turtle, the Illinois mud turtle, the red- bellied turtle, the ringed sawback, the Sabine map turtle, the Suwanee cooter, the Texas map turtle and the yellow-blotched turtle. ST. CROIX GROUND LIZARD LISTED The St. Croix ground lizard (Ameiva polops) of the U.S. Virgin Islands has been determined to be an endangered species. Only about 300 of the 7-inch reptiles remain on a total of 15 acres on two tiny islands off the coast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. V 93 MONA ISLAND REPTILES PROPOSED AS THREATENED Three species of reptiles, known to occur only on tiny Mona Island, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, have been proposed for listing as threatened species. Development could destroy key areas, such as sandy beaches, which are required for nesting and feeding of the native reptiles, particularly the Mona ground iquana. In addition, the large iguana and Mona boa could become subject to harassment because of their size; most of the large Caribbean iguanas, and boas have been extensively hunted throughout the Caribbean Islands and this has contributed to their serious decline. In addition to the three reptiles recently proposed, two other endangered animals, the hawksbill sea turtle and the yellow- shouldered blackbird, occur on Mona or use its beaches ex- tensively. By proposing the Mona boa, the Mona ground iguana, and the Mona blind snake as "threatened", the Service seeks to recognize the unique character and gragile nature of the fauna of Mona. A TEXAS TOAD'S LAST STAND Critical habitat has been proposed for the Houston toad, a small and endangered brown frog inhabiting central Texas. The Houston toad is among the rarest and most critically en- dangered amphibians in the United States and has been officially listed as endangered since 1970. ATLANTIC SALT MARSH SNAKE PROPOSED AS THREATENED The Atlantic salt marsh snake, a slender, striped, water snake of the Atlantic coast of Florida, has been proposed for list- ing as threatened on the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildl ife. The Atlantic salt marsh snake inhabits brackish and salt water environments along the coast of three counties in central Florida. It usually is found associated with fiddler crab burrows, in which it lives and retreats when confronted by danger. Unlike most water and salt marsh snakes, this species is docile and will not attempt to bite. Fewer than 35 specimens are known to science even though this snake was first described in 1895. A word to the wise: If a new Texas law goes into effect, then most of the herps that everybody likes to collect in Trans-Pecos and throughout the rest of Texas will be protected as of July, 1977. A permit will be required thereafter. Shouldn't have too much trouble getting a permit if you're from a zoo. For information, write: Floyd E. Potter, Jr. Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. 4200 Smith School Road Austin, TX 78744 94 We a/ie deeply Indebted to the AAZPA NemletteA ^o/i attorning o6 to siep/Unt thl6 6 action fiaom thel/i " Position* Available." Il&tlng4. Thli will be. a monthly /etivlce to ut> , faon. you ... o P P 0 r t u n a 1 t y SUPERINTENDENT OP M AMM A LS. .. involves supervision and instruction of keepers, husbandry management and arrangement for animal transactions. Must have practical working knowledge of a wide range of mammalian species and a demonstrated ability to supervise and coordinate in a zoo setting. Further information and application forms from: Ms. Jean Coontz, Personnel Manager, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL 60513 ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR ...Responsible for supervising personnel engaged in animal care, grounds and maintenance work. Requirements: knowledge of exotic animal husbandry and diseases; be familiar with zoo literature; a high school graduate; at least 3 years’ experience in zoo work. Send applications to: Gordon Henley, Director, Ellen Trout Zoo, P.O. Drawer 190, Lufkin, TX 75901 by July 15, 1977 ASSOCIATE OR CURATOR Of MAMMALS ... requires bachelors degree in animal sciences; zoo experience desired. Salary negotiable. Send resume to: R. Reuther, Philadelphia Zoo, 34th & Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (keepers) and Associate $10.00 annually Foreian $15.00 annually Student $ 5.00 annually Contributing (organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers 1 Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada Membe/i/>hlp/> a/ie p/LO-ziated 6 eml- annually, except faoh. Student membe/i/>hlp/> . Ex Via. patches a/ie available &/icm AAZK Ueadqua/iteAA , faon. $1.00 each. Send name and add/ ie66 and a check ok. money o/ideA to •• AAZK Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington*, D.C. 20008 Make ckeck6 payable to Ame/ilcan Aa 6 o elation o& loo Keepe/u> ALL CHANGES OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO AAZK HEADQUARTERS. DO NOT SEND THEM TO ANIMAL KEEPERS FORUM. AKF IS NOT AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY 95 MARY CAHILL , LIBRARY NAT. ZOOLOGICAL PARK WASHINGTON, D.C. 2UC09 Animal Keepers Forum 's ^rrf=G\^ see page 100 SV3&'' Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER EIGHT AUGUST 1977 Animal 635 Gage BlvcK , Topeka, Kansas 66606 USA Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecelia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park A nlmal KeepeAS ' FoAum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be request- ed by writing the office of Animal Ke.zpe.si6 ' FoAum. American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National HeadquateAS , National Zoological vank Washington, D.C. 2 000S Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE EDITORS. ...THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM or of the AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Keepers Forum Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Coordinator for International Affairs Dennis Gsilmm, BAookfileld Zoo Tom GoldsbeAAy , Portland Zoo Awards Committee Chairman Je.fi Robesvts , Bswokfileld Zoo Nominations and Elections Committee Jill Gaade, Chusn. , Busch Blsid SanctuaAy , CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta Zoo Von Rasmus6en, Kansas City Zoo Liz Ckoules, Salt Lake City Zoo Jefifi PeAAy, Bufifialo Zoo Ed RobeJits Jefifi Pesisiy Janet Phipps Real Waltesi V Bufifialo ional Coordinators Stoke Mem . Baltlmosie Canlton Bailie Kings Dominion Randy McGill Evesiett HoaaIs Lasisiy SammaAco Dale Belchesi Jay Levine Detsiolt Indianapolis Lincoln Pasik St. Louis Kno xvllle COVER DRAWING Masiylee VandlveA Gainesville Michael Velvesvton Baton Rouge Nancy Chase Oklahoma City Tom GoldsbeAAy Positland CaAole Udell Los Angeles loo ME, VT, NH, MA, RI ,CT NY PA,NJ,MD,DEL VA,WV MI IN,0H.KT WI, IL MN, IA, MO TN,NC,SC FL,AL,GA A K, MS, LA [ND TX,M.C0,0K,KS,NE$D ] WA,OR,ID,MT,WV CA,N[/,AZ,UT,HA ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE Deadline fioA each edition ofi AKF Is the 2 Oth ofi the pAecedlng month SCQQ^§ r~ ^Scuttlebutt DEATH STRIKES AT AUDUBON PARK ZOO We regret to announce that Mark Gordon, 26, Curator of Mammals at the Audubon Park Zoo in New Orleans was killed by an Asian elephant on July 6. Gordon, formerly of Omaha, had been employed by the zoo for only a month when the tragedy occurred. The mishap occurred when Gordon was in an outside yard with two female sixteen year old Asian elephants. A visitor apparently asked him a question, and when he turned to answer, one of the animals apparently knocked him to the ground. The elephant then did the "head-stand" on Gordon. Another keeper in the yard was unable to reach him in time. Gordon's family still resides in Omaha, Nebraska. The American Association of Zoo Keepers and the staff of Animal Keepers' Forum wish to extend their sympathy to the family and co-workers of Mr. Gordon. This is a tragedy we will never forget. INSECT ZOO OPENS Washington ?ma. toJi^CLObi and the Puerto Rican and Jamaican Boas were outstanding exhibits. But, zoos don't live by "bread" alone, and, if funding is the grease that keeps Jersey going, then the keepers are certainly the mainsprings that make it run. More on that next month. AN IDEA by Robext Honest, GVmHe Ke.epe.A-, BuH&lo ZooZogd-caZ Garden*, BuUalo, NV. Our breeding female Reticulated Giraffe, Jewel, needed to have her front hoofs trimmed. -'The usual way to do this job would be to call in an expert hoof trimmer and have Jewel anesthetized of manually restrained before her hoofs could be safely trimmed. A task not without consider- able hazard to Jewel. Well, I thought I would try a different approach. Jewel is a good natured animal and very at ease whenever I'm near her. Because of this I decided to try trimming her hoofs while she was eating from her 12 foot high feed bin in the back of her indoor exhibit. For the first cut I fed Jewel some grain from her feed bin, went inside the exhibit and knelt down near her. With the ugliest looking 3 foot long bone cutting hack saw I began to cut 3 inches of excess off her front foot, being as gentle as possible. Jewel was a little annoyed with me and would pull back for a minute or two. I did think I was a little crazy, however, by talking gently to her she would return to her eating position. I made a mistake when I hit the instep of her other foot with, the saw. Jewel started to kick out at me and I backed out fast. Again, by wait- ing and talking to her, I was able to go back in and finish the cut. Over the next two weeks I made six more cuts. These were made from out- side the exhibit through the sereen fencing. Much less hazardous. For these cuts I used a smaller bone cutting saw and a coping saw attached to a 3 foot wooden handle. I consulted with our zoo veterinarian. Dr. Allan Prowten, on all aspects of the trimming. Dr. Prowten advised me and made a chart showing what cuts I should make and in what order. I feel very good being able to help Jewel in this way without risking any kind of restraint, manual or chemical. Jewel has an improved gait and looks so much better. 99 r ELECTION 777 THIS IS it, folks::: the nominations are in, the nominees are in, and THE NOMINATORS ARE GOSH KNOWS WHAT... THE ELECTION THIS YEAR IS TO DECIDE WHO WILL TAKE THE SEATS ON THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT ARE UP FOR RE-ELECTION. . .THOSE OF MIKE DEE AND PAT SASS. The Di rectors-El ect will begin their terms of office on 1 January, 1978 and will help lead the Association in the years to come. The times ahead are important ones, as the professional zoo keeper takes a place alongside the other persons that manage our captive wildlife resources. Choose your selection care- fully and AAZK and you will prosper, choose blindly and no one or nothing will gain. HERE ARE THE RULES... Shont bi.ognn.pkic.aZ sketches of the. candidates (6) follow this intnoduction. Select two of the individuals and make youA monk on the ballot on page 103 . VO MOT MITE YOUR NAME 0 M THE BALLOT Then, f old the entine center section of this AKF (pages 100 thnn 103 ) and place it in the envelope provided. Place you/i netuAn addAess in the uppe/t left hand connen. of the envelope and a tamp it and post it no lateA than Midnight, 30 September . AMY ACTJ YE MEMBER MAY YOTE... YOUR AMOMYMITY MLL BE PRESERYEV IM THE COUMTIMG Of THE BALLOTS . QENNIS GRIMM Nomination by Jeff Roberts, Chr. AAZK Awards Committee "I would like to nominate Dennis Grimm for election to the Board of Directors for the National AAZK organization. Dennis has been an active member of the local chapter for several years, serving in various offices including President and Executive Secretary of the chapter. He has directed several chapter projects, including our ongoing Speakers Bureau. In addition Dennis is extremely active at the National level serving as Chapter Co-ordinator. In this office he is in regular contact with chapters across the country, giving them advice and information on how to build their local organization. Because of this experience I feel he would be ideally suited^to working on the National Board." Bio. by Grimm Employed by the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, since October 1, 1969, as an animal keeper; worked primarily with mammals , especially big cats, bears, and various small mammals, but also with reptiles and some birds. Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Zoology. Member of AAZK (National and Brookfield Chapter) since about 1970; past Ecology Officer and President of Brookfield Chapter; Coordinator of Chapter Affairs for National AAZK; written several news items fj?r AK-F; attended national conventions in 1974 and 1976. Member of AAZPA, NWF, Audobon, IWLA and Wilderness Society. "I Mould like to become a memben. of the Boa/id of Vinectons oft AAZK to solidify my position as Coondinaion of Chapte/i Alains into the stAuctuAe of the Motional AAZK and to be moAe influential in national AAZK policies . " 100 TOM GQLDSBERRY Nomination by Mike Keele, Pres. , Portland Chapter, AAZK "The Portland Chapter of the AAZK would like to nominate Tom Goldsberry to the Board of Directors because of his sincere interest in the organization. Tom was instrumental in the formation of our chapter. He has also kept our chapter informed on legislation concerning the zoological field. Tom has also been an outstanding member who we could always count on for involvement in chapter happenings and national AAZK happenings . " Bio. by Goldsberry Night keeper, Washington Park Zoo., Portland Oregon; eight years keeper, veterinarian technician, and zoo related experience; founding board member New Mexico State Zoological Society. A. A. Animal Science, vet tech certificate. Member AAZK 1974 to present; presently AAZK Northwest Regional Co-ordinator and International Co-ordinator; AKF contributor. Member AAZPA, Audubon Society, Assoc, for Conservation for Southeast Asia. "As the AAZK moves Into Its second decade, and Its membership grows, the concomitant problem Increase proportionately. At this critical j uncture I feel It's Imperative to maintain and enlarge the lines of communica- tion as much a s possible. One of the most common complaint s I hear as Regional Co-ordlnator Is "nobody answers my letters Therefore I feel greater communication should exist between all o fleers and the general membership; and, as a board member, I will establish that hind of communication a minor point perhaps, but an Important one.” JEFF ROBERTS Nomination by Bela Demeter, Pres., AAZK "Jeff is currently the Awards Committee chairman, and is also heading up the editorial team for this year's Journal. Jeff has been responsible and conscientious in my communications with him. His interest in the organization and his conduct during the board meetings at San Diego lead me to believe that he would make a good director." Bio. by Roberts Summer keeper, Brookfield Zoo 1973 and 1974; full-time keeper primate house since Nov. '74; recently promoted to senior keeper. B.S. in Biology, Elmhurst College. Member AAZK local chapter four years, one year ecology officer, second term Pres., involvement in chapter's speaker bureau and editing of the Keeper ; awards chairman national; contributor Volume 1 of the Keeper , "A Keeper based program for Monitoring Endoparasites . " Member AAZPA, National Wildlife Fed., Audobon, Chicago Field Museum. "J basically feel that the National organization has a lot to contribute to the profession of zookeeping In terms of disseminating Information. Too often an Indlfldual zookeepers' knowledge Is never passed on, benefiting neither the animals or other zookeepers . I could hope that as a member of the Board I would be able to help keepers across the country get In touch with one another." 101 PATRICIA SAMMARCO Nomination by Lawrence Sammarco, Regional Coordinator, AAZK "I would like to nominate Pat Sammarco for a position on the Board of Directors. She has consistently shown her dedication to the organiza- tion and its goals. Her ideas and high ideals will greatly add to the Board if elected. At times when others were down on the organization and ready to give up, Pat refused to throw in the towels and continually spoke up reassuring members that the AAZK would survive and flourish. She is deserving of the position on the Board." Bio. by Sammarco Lincoln Park Zoo, 1963 Volunteer Children's Zoo, 1966 part-time Zoo leader (CZ) , 1969 full-time Zoo leader (CZ) , 1972 Keeper; Keeper in the Farm-in-the-zoo , Reptile House; presently Keeper Class 2, Monkey House. Tow years pre-Veterinary medicine, University Illinois; one year AAZPA Management School; put together Seminar for local zoos to discuss the place of "research in Zoos." National AAZK since 1968, putting together the National Directory in partnership with Pat Sass; helped start local chapter 1968, Secretary or Vice-Pres., since its inception; AKF contributor, other publications include survey column called the "Data Pool"; presented paper and slide presentation "My Run, My Way" at San Diego AAZK conference. Member AAZPA. "I believe whole-heartedly In the AAZK and the need & on us at> keepers to do Loh.ate.v2A toe can to Improve oua profession and oua praffesslonal skills. I would Like, to help set up a program of regional activities and multi-zoo activities with the AAZK and kelp establish a stronger " sisterhood with the AAZPA. " CAROLE UDELL Nomination by Bela Demeter, Pres. , AAZK "Carole has been regional coordinator for AAZK since we established the network a little over a year ago. Since I have to judge people by their correspondence I am able to give Carole high marks. She not only answers letters promptly but initiates them. This is the type of person I would like to see on the Board. If Carole were to continue her level of activity and interest while on the board, AAZK would be in pretty good hands for the next four years." Bio by Udell Animal Keeper, Los Angeles Zoo, two years; five and a half years as a volunteer docent at L.A.Zoo. Studied Art in California and France, professional painter and sculptor; courses at UCLA in Anthropology, Mammalogy, Behavior. Member AAZK two years local and national, secretary local chapter; regional coordinator, national. "I would like to be a membeA of the BoaAd so that T might help In any way necessary with the wo> ik being done by a fine organization. " 102 PATRICIA SASS Nomination by Pat Wiard, Sec., Lincoln Park Zoo chapter, AAZK "I feel that Pat Sass should be re-elected to the AAZK Board of Directors because for the past four years she has represented our zoo very well. She has attended all conferences and Board meetings at her own expense and used her own vacation time. She is a concerned and caring zoo keeper; this is the kind of person I feel should have a say in represent- ing zoo keepers." Bio. by Sass Lincoln Park Zoo, 1962 part-time Zooo Leader Children's Zoo, 1965 full time Zoo Leader (CZ) , 1972 Keeper (CZ) ; Keeper Monkey House, Children's Zoo, Nursery, Bird House, Lion House; presently Keeper Great Ape House. Three semesters jr. college. Co-chairman Tri-Zoo Chicago conference. Member AAZK from its start; local chapter offices held. Treasurer, Vice Pres., Pres. (inc. present), one of two responsible for cooking dinners so would have good attendance at meetings , responsible for raffles to raise money; national Awards Committee 1972; AKF contributor, wrote fillers for and co-edited the KEEPER in Brookfield. Member East African Wildlife Society. "I have been a mejmbeA o{ the Boa/id o{ VlAectohA {oh {oua yeaA6 and I {eel that I have contnlbuted to the' best o{ my ability. I h ave attended con{enenceA at my own expense and time. I have given talk* both, at con{enencet> and at -6 chooli. I ne.ve.H nvU-6 a chance, to talk u.p AAZK to people and gnoup-6. I have attended a couple o{ AAZPA con{enence6; one oi a VlnectoH to conduct an AAZK meeting, again at my own expense. Pat SammaAco and I aAe doing the National VlHectony. The Heaton I would like to 6tay on the boasid l& to help AAZK become ai> important to z 006, at> AAZPA 16 . " THIS IS THE OFFICIAL BALLOT. . .VOTE FOR TWO INDIVIDUALS .. .DON 'T STUFF BOX DENNIS GRIMM PATRICIA SAMMARCO TOM GOLDSBERRY CAROLE UDELL JEFF ROBERTS PATRICIA SASS THIS BALLOT MUST BE COMPLETED AND POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT, 30 SEPTEMBER, 1977. USE THE OFFICIAL ENVELOPE ENCLOSED WITH THIS EDITION OF ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM. DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME ON THIS BALLOT make your mark V 103 Great Ape eu^^emonVi^? fA om: AMERICA'S FIRST ZOO JUN/JUL 77 PHILADELPHIA Mollie, a 10 year old female chimpanzee gave birth to a 1.35 kg. male infant. Mollie, Nina, another female, and Smoke, the father, are in a group in the Rare Mammal House with the infant. Mollie is the first chimpanzee to give birth at the Philadelphia Zoo since 1928. MR. CHING GETS A MATE fAom Oklahoma City Zoo, July 19 77, FAedeAick M. VittmaA On 18 July 1977, Mr. Ching, a 19 year old, 300 lb. Bornean Orangutan was introduced with Maggie, a 16 year old female. Maggie weighs 100 lbs. Mr. Ching and Maggie had two days sight contact with each other during the latter part of the week. This, across a service l}all. On Monday the doors between the cages were opened. Maggie showed no fear of Mr. Ching, as she immediately attempted to cross into his cage. At this, Mr. Ching gently halted her by grabbing her leg. He then positioned her and mounted in a ventral position. This, the first of two observed mounts, lasted fifteen minutes, the second five. Mr. Ching and Maggie were left together that night with only spot checks by the night security. They were given the run of two exhibit cages and a bedroom cage. Mr. Ching mounted Maggie the next morning. He is constantly aware of her location, sitting in the doorways watching her every move. Mr. Ching has been isolated from contact with other orangutans for the past two and one-half years. He has had sight contact with our other two males and one female orangs. Maggie has given birth to four infants and Mr. Ching fathered two infants in the past seven years so we have high hopes with this union. WORKSHOP The NIH/WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research in Simian Viruses is planning a workshop to be held January or February 1978 on Diagnosis of Virus Diseases dsn Nonhuman Primates. Anyone interested should contact: Dr. S.S. K Alter , Southwest Foundation for Research and Education, PO Box 28147, San Antonio, TX 78284. WHAT CAN YOU WRITE ABOUT FOR G.A.P.? Well, have you found an easy way to get apes to transfer? Have you come across a good occupational activity for your charges? Do you have any unusual problems, or solutions? Were you attacked by an ape and can you stop shaking long enough to write about it? Any interesting vet data you can pass along? Anything you and your imagination can come up with, is fine. Send your offerings to: Fred Dittmar, 511 N.W. 29th., #204, Oklahoma City, OK. 73103... CALL FOR INFORMATION I am tAyping to compile, information fori a papeA on "captuAe and AettAainl. ” I would be deeply in- debted to the AeadeAA of AKF foA tkelA kelp in finding appAopAiate published mateAial and foA t>kaA- ing tkelA knowledge and experience . Please addAeAA youA coAAeipond- ence to: Von Rai muA-ien 6613 N.E. 49th StAeet KanAaA City, M iiAouAi 64119 104 NESTING OSTRICH by Mcuik Je.fi fie/oi , ICingA Vomiyiion, Lion Coun&iy Safia/ii Vo&voeJtZ, VajiqIviLcl Our ostriches have dropped off their egg laying pace of last year. They began around the end of February and went thru August laying around 150 eggs. This year's laying began at the end of March. The six females have two males to choose from this year as opposed to five last year. One male has only been allowed to mate with three females, the others either chase him away or will not sit for him. The other male has only been seen mating with two females usually chasing the others off. In contrast to last year, our two largest females have not been bred. Last year they were the most active egg bearers. Neither one of these birds will sit for either male. One of the males even chases the females away whenever they are in his area. These two females have sat for more Rangers this year than for the male ostrich. About a month ago in the middle of April, we arrived to find that one female, "Gertrude" had made a nest. Not only that, but two eggs were in the next. As we have never had this happen before, much excitement and disbelief was raised amongst the staff. Out experience with 'female ostrich has been that they do not pay attention to their eggs after lay- ing them. Once laid, the eggs are left for us to pick up and be incubated. However, Gertrude had decided to do something different. In hopes that this next was for real, we placed another egg she had laid two days before back into the next. A fourth egg was laid the next day. In the afternoon she broke one of the eggs and ate the contents. The next morn- ing she again had four eggs, and two days later she had five. After breaking another egg she laid three more on a schedule of one every other day. After egg number eight had been laid, she broke another. She sus- tained the next for five more days laying another egg on the fifth day. She also broke another on this day. Gertrude was very diligent in her efforts to maintain a next. She would tend to the eggs during the day either by standing over them or sitting on them. In their native land the hot sands do most of the incubating while the birds stand over the next to offer shade. Ostrich are not equipped with a soft brooding pouch like other birds that nest which anyone can attest to after having seen them fight. Luckily the shell of the ostrich egg can withstand around 200 lbs. of weight before it will crack. As our day temperatures averaged in the 70 's and nights in the 40' s to 50' s, she did her best to keep the eggs warm. On occasion during the day she would get up and inspect the eggs. This inspection consisted of pushing the eggs about and out of the next. Various configurations would be made such as lining them up, placing them in a circle and other shapes. There have been times that I found all but two eggs outside of the next. Very carefully, I pushed her eggs back to her. Which she did not object to. This was a feat in itself because she is a very agressive bird, but she chose to sit rather than fight. Her next was a circular hole in the ground that she had dug out herself. The eggs were about half exposed above ground. On two occasions after heavy rains the nest would almost be full of water. The first time she tried to drink the water from the nest. Whether she was just thirsty or whether she was trying to rescue her nest, I could not be certain. On both occasions I ended up bailing her nest out. Our biggest concern during this time was what was happening to the eggs continued 105 THE STRUGGLE at night. The male is responsible for the nest after dark owing some to his color. Gertrude was absent at night from the nest and it was only once that we observed the male on the nest. As the days progressed we became more sceptical of her actual success. She apparently did also. After about a month of care she left the nest for good. We left the nest for two days hoping she would return, but she did not. The male was caught on the second day breaking the eggs and eating the contents. The ones he missed, we pulled. And so, ended our first attempt for the natural hatching of ostrich. Another of our females "Badassina" began a nest also. She had three eggs in her nest but left it after around three days. The success of this behavior has many odds stacked against it. Much depends on the ground temperature, the cooperation of the male and the diligence of the female. We had thought of running a heating pad out to the nest for awhile, but decided to let the birds handle it and take their success or failure, as it came. We do know that they are trying to nest and maybe this summer it will happen again. One bright note, the third egg to be laid this year hatched on 5-13-77 in the incubator. It looks strong and healthy with a good yolk. SURVIVAL STATUS REVIEW OF BOBCAT AND LYNX The U.S. Fish ;and Wildlife Service announced that it is undertaking a review of the status of two species of North American wild cats: the bobcat (Lynx rufus) and the lynx (Lynx canadensis) . The review will determine whether these species, or any populations thereof, should be proposed for listing as endangered or threatened, in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bobcat originally occurred throughout the "lower" 48 States, as well as in southern Canada and northern Mexico. In recent years it reportedly has declined be- cause of habitat loss and excessive killing by man. There has been considerable concern that rapidly rising fur prices may have resulted in widespread depletion of bobcat populations by trappers. The lynx, which still occupies much of Alaska and Canada, has been eliminated from most of its range in the northern part of the lower 48 States. Persons with information that may assist in determin- ing whether these species should be proposed for list- ing as endangered or threatened are invited to write the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Depart- ment of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. All comments should be in by November 14, 1977. 106 RULES REGULATING ENDANGERED PLANTS ISSUED Rules regulating endangered and threatened plants have been adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The regulations published in the June 24, 1977, Federal Register, are somewhat different from those which apply to listed animals and place restrictions on their interestate and foreign commerce, importation and exportation. The prohibitions also apply to plant seeds, roots and parts. Since plants and animals are so different, regulations for the two groups are different. These regulations impose no restriction on the "taking" of plants since that prohibition under the Act applies only to animals. Also as with animals, there is no restriction on the intrastate sale of plants. However, some local and State governments as well as Federal agencies may have such prohibitions on lands they administer. In addition, no Federal agency can jeopardize such a species or destroy habitat critical to its survival. Commercial propagators, amateur hobbyists, scientists, and others who cultivate or deal with endangered and threatened plants will have an easier time obtaining permits for restricted activities than they would for wildlife. However, activities involving listed plants taken from the wild will be strictly regulated. REPORT ON "TRAINING SEMINAR ON SEXING BIRDS AND ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION" FROM CfovlA LaRue, Vleketuon Rank loo Because propagation i$ an important function of a modern zoological park, the ability to determine the sex of a bird has obvious value. Since many species of birds show no external sexual dimorphism, a method of sexing these birds must be developed and learned by as many people as possible . The training seminar recently held in Houston taught the participants several sexing techniques that can be applied to zoo animals. These included laparotomy, chromosome stain, steriod assay, and laproscopy. Papers were given on each of these methods and were accompanied by demonstrations and training in laboratory techniques. Other subjects of interest covered included artificial insemination, cytogenetics, and a review of traditional sexing techniques. The three-day seminar attracted approximately 30 people from all over the United States, and one person from Switzerland. The coordinators for the seminar received support from the Zoological Society of Houston, Houston Zoo and the University of Houston. Hopefully these sexing techniques will be used by many zoos to improve the reproductive potential of their avian collection. The correct sexing and subsequent pairing of endangered species will prove to be a valuable asset to any zoo's research and conservation programs. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE... MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE FUTURE OF THE PROFESSION... REMEMBER, BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT, 30 SEPT. &ee page. 100 fioa detail*, page 103 fioa the ballot and everything In be- tween l* bloi> on the nominee 4 107 We a/12, deeply indebted to the, AAZPA N ewAletten i on. allowing ua to nepnint thlA Aectlon inom theln "VoAltlonA Available," llAtlngA. ThlA Ia a monthly Aenvlce to ua , ion. you... ASSISTANT VI RECTOR /GENERAL CURATOR... involves the management of the varied animal collection, directs and supervises zoo personnel and carries out other duties as assigned by the Director. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Zoology or a closely related field and five years' experience in a super- visory capacity. Job descriptions available on request. Send resume to: L.Rofiald Forman, Director, New Orleans Audubon Park and Zoological Garden, P:0. Box 4327, New Orleans LA.. 70118. O 0 r t u n 0 1 CALIFORNIA PEREGRIN PROGRAM PROGRESSES: in. om Outdo on NewA Bulletin, l duly, 1977 The California Department of Fish and Game reports that two young pere- grine falcons have been moved across country and put in an eyrie where a nesting pair failed to reproduce this year, according to the. Wildlife Management Institute. A Department spokesman said the attempt to raise young peregrines in a foster nest is the first Pacific Coast test of techniques developed and successfully used in New York, Colorado, and Canada. The young pair were brought west from Cornell University at Ithaca, N.Y. They are of the Anatum race native to California and were hatched in captivity from eggs produced by New Mexican breeding stock. First reports from the release site indicate that the foster parents are taking over their new duties in normal fashion. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (Keepers) and Associate $10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student , $ 5.00 annually Contributing (Organizations) $25.00 annually All jtmberships Include subscriptions to Animal Keepers' Forum and to The Keeper, Che Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many .zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada MembenAklpA one pno -noted a emi- annually, except ion Student membeAAkipA Ext no patch eA one available inom AAZK Headquantent , ion $1.00 each, Seiid name aid adctxeAA and a check on money onden to: AAZK Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. 20009 Make chechi payable to: Amenlcan AAAoclatlon oi loo KeepeAA 108 crprocojc NAT. ZOOLOGICAL PARK W A S H I N GTONt D • C • 20009 cn cn o o R| Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care 'VOLUME IV NUMBER NINE SEPTEMBER 1977 Animal 635 Gage B|vd., Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecelia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park Animal Keeper ' FoAum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be request- ed by writing the office of Animat Keeper ' FoAum, American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National HeadquatoAS , National loological PaAk Washington, V.C. 20008 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE EDITORS. ...THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM or of the AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Coordinator for International Affairs Vmnis Gnimm, BAookfaioid loo Tom Golds beAAy, Portland loo Awards Committee Chairman Je^ Robents, BAookfiiold loo Nominations and Elections Committee Jill Gnade, Chwn. , Busch Bifid SanctuaAy , CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta loo Von Rasmussen, Kansas City loo Liz Choules, Salt Lake City loo Jefifi PoAAy, Bufifialo loo Regional Coordinators Ed Ro bents WaltoA V7 Stone Mm. ~ Too Jefifi PoJViy Bufimlo Janet Phipps Baltimore Canlton Bailie Kings dominion Randy McGill VetAoit EveAett HaAAis Indianapolis LaAAy SammaAco Lincoln PaJik Vale BelcheA St. Louis Jay Levine Knoxville MaJiylee VandiveA Gainesville Michael Vetventon Baton Rouge Nancy Chase Oklahoma City Tom Golds beAAy PoAtland CaAole Udell Los Angelos ME, VT, NH,MA,R1 ,CT NY PA,NJ,MV,VEL VA,W Ml IN,0H,KT WI, U MN, TA, MO TN, NC.SC FL,AL,GA A K, MS, LA [NV TX,NMiO,OK,KS,NE$V] HJA,OR,JV,MT,WY CA,NI/,A1,UT,HA COVER DRAWING .... ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE deadline &oa each edition o{> A KF is the 20th oi the pAeceding month SCOOgnd ^-^Scuttlebutt TWO-YEAR PROBE LED TO INDICTMENTS OF 12 WILD ANIMAL DEALERS The indictment of 12 wild animal dealers August 4 by a Philadelphis grand jury exposed one of the largest operations of illegal trade in reptiles ever uncovered. The case involves violations of wildlife laws in Switzerland, Australia, Papua, New Guinea, Singapore, the Philippines, Fiji, and Ceylon, in addition to the United States, according to Director Lynn A. -Greenwalt of the Interior Department's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He said the case is perhaps the most complex of its kind ever encountered. The indictments cap a 2-year investigation by the U.S. Customs Service of the Treasury Department, the Justice Department, and special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. No zoo personnel were indicted. Whether any zoos or their personnel will eventually be proceeded against is still being considered by the Department of Justice. Eight zoos were mentioned in the indictments as having received the reptiles. These were the National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C . , the Philadelphia Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, The Overton Park Zoo in Memphis, Tenn. , Sacramento Zoo, Knoxville Zoo, Dallas Zoo, and the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, N.Y. The indictments charge violations of the Lacey Act, certain sections of the Endangered Species Act, as well as U.S. Customs laws, including: transporting in foreign commerce wildlife taken and transported in violation of foreign law; selling in interstate and foreign commerce wildlife taken and transported in violation of foreign law; aiding and abetting and smuggling; -• — conspiracy to violate U.S. Customs law, the Endangered Species Act, and the Lacey Act. Based upon reports, agents discovered approximately 75 Australian and New Guinean lizards, tortoises, and snakes buried near Medford, New Jersey, in May of 1975. This triggered a worldwide investigation into the unlaw- ful transportation of reptiles which turned up a myriad of Lacey Act and Customs law violations in the reptile trade. The Lacey Act prohibits traffic in wildlife involved in violations of foreign or State laws. Literally thousands of documents were obtained from zoos and wildlife dealers indicating that during 1973 and 1975 several United States and foreign dealers had illegally imported, transported, and sold wildlife to United States zoos. The reptiles included crocodilians , lizards, snakes, and tortoises, many of which are listed on Appendiz II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. There was also one Nile crocodile, which is on the U.S. endangered species list . Indicted were ; Henry A. Molt, Jr., Pennsylvania, 54 counts; David Christiensen, Pennsylvania, 1 count; Edward B. Allen, Pennsylvania, 17 109 country; Seven Neil Levy, Pennsylvania, 17 counts; Y. L Koh , Singapore, 1 count; Robert A. Udell, Pennsylvania, 6 counts; Christopher Wee, also known as Wee Boon Keng, Singapore, 4 counts; Jonathan Leakey, Republic of Kenya, 1 count; Maurice Van Derhaege, France, 1 count; Alvin Weinberg, Pennsylvania, 2 counts; Rudolf Komarik, New Jersey, 1 count; and Walter Zinneker, Switzerland, 1 count. BIRTHS HATCHINGS BROOKFIELD RHINO BIRTH . . . facm the friookfcM loo Brookfield Zoo was in 1941 the site of the first black rhinoceros birth in captivity; Brookfield repeated its achievement the morning of 15 August, when a black rhino was bom to mother Brooke and father Courtney. The baby male weighs an estimated 75 pounds, stands 20 inches tall and has a small, soft horn. As yet unnamed, the baby is nursing and - as with any infant - is sleeping regularly. He is in a yard outside Brookfield Zoo’s Pachyderm Building with mother, father and another black rhino, Judy, 8. All four also have access to the inside stall. This is the third birth of this endangered species at Brookfield Zoo, and the first birth of a black rhino at Brookfield in 33 years. The birth brings the zoo’s black rhino herd to five. One of these animals, 44 year old Mary, is the oldest black rhino in captivity, and the mother of that 1941 notable birth. AKING SNAKES HATCH by Dona Jacob* , Rio Gfiandc loo Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque, New Mexico, celebrated its first productive reptile breeding recently. A garter snake previously gave birth to a litter, but she was bred before we received her, since she was caged alone here. A pair of common king snakes, Lampropeltis getulus , were seen mating on March 21 (an appropriate way to commemorate the 'Vernal Equinoz, wouldn’t you say). Then, on May 20 and 21, a clutch of seven eggs was laid, by the female. How she carried them is a never-ending mystery to me, since they appeared to have a greater total mass than the snake herself. No wonder she didn’t eat for weeks before, and then ate everything that came into the cage, including one attempt on her roommate, who had to be rescued by the keeper with tactics reminiscent of Punch and Judy. The eggs were confiscated by the Curator of Reptiles and Birds, Michael Williamson, placed in a plastic jar full of damp sphagnum moss, which was tightly covered by plastic wrap, and then left to their own devices. Most of them developed a sinister-looking furry green vegetation, and three of them caved in before long, but on July 18 through 20, three of the firmest and whitest hatched. Two of the hatchlings were stripped like the parents, but one was banded black and cream. Unfortunately, the banded one and one of the striped ones were deformed and had to be euthanized. The surviving striped hatchling was given its own cage, and we are eagerly awaiting its first shed so that we can offer it food. We are also curious to see of the parent pair will breed on a regular annual basis and produce any viable banded offspring. no HADDOCK AND HOSPITALITY by Tom Goldsberry Washington Park Zoo Portland, Oregon The island of Jersey, due to its unique geographical location and strict residency requirements, is not exactly a keeper’s paradise. Under Jersey law a person must be a resident of the island ten years to even be able to rent a house; this is doubled to twenty years when wishing to buy. Ten years is a long time in a sleeping bag, or in an expensive hotel on a resort island like Jersey. Nevertheless, keeper turnover at the Trust is fairly low; almost all of the twenty-odd keepers are young and college graduates. In spite of the unusual residency requirements, or perhaps because of it, there is a strong camaraderie amongst the keepers. English keepers are not usually hindered by municipal hiring practices as North American keepers are, thus it is not unusual to talk to keepers who have worked in five or six zoos in a comparatively short time. Margaret Mallet, wife of John Mallet, Curator of Birds, and the only woman keeper on the staff won a Silver Medal in 1975 for her work with the Waldrapp or Bare-faced Ibis (Geronticus eremita) . Only three breed- ing colonies of this species are found in the wild. Tow of these, both in North Africa, are soon to be destroyed by a dam. The third, in the Turkish town of Biercik, near the Syrian border, is slowly being eradicated by the persistent use of DDT and human encroachment. In 1972 only nine chicks were reared at Biercik. By 1975 a specifically built aviary had been constructed on Jersey for the ibis. With the help of the Basel Zoo, where the Waldrapp Ibis have been bred for fifteen years, recent acquisitions from the Tel Aviv Zoo, plus the dedication of one keeper, one more endangered species has at least a fighting chance for survival. We all make out daily reports, but have you ever gotten the feeling that somebody up there wasn’t listening? Not so at Jersey. Meticulous record keeping, along with keeper dedication and funding, are probably the three major factors contributing to the success of Jersey. Each day all unusual animal behavior is logged by the keeper in a special book in the main office. This information is painstakingly typed onto one of three permanent record cards that will follow the animal wherever it goes. Nothing will darken the usually pleasant face of Gerald Durrell quicker than to receive an animal from another zoo with only the barest name-rank-and serial number information accompanying it. "Does that mean that the animal has done nothering but sit on a ledge for two years?", he exclaimed to me at a Member’s night meeting. Good point. Maybe the Jersey formula for successful breeding isn’t perfect, but it will suffice until a better one comes along. In the meantime, other zoos can take consolation in knowing they share one thing in common with Jersey — -their vending machines also lose money in the winter. This is the fifth installment of a six-part series. Next month: The Chester Zoo. Ill ^e^nSphibian . rt potpourri Most reptile collections have more animals on "holding" than on exhibit. The ubiquitous ten-gallon aquarium with screen top is quite satisfactory for most specimens; the most popular substrates being newspaper, wood shavings and fine gravel. The standard setup, however, is unsuitable for many specimens which are high-strung and fragile. I'm referring specifically to small, scansorial lizards such as Anolis , Gekko and Phelsuma. You can work around these lizards in a larger exhibit cage, but it's harder to do in a ten-gallon aquarium - especially since they have a knack for darting out when the top is open. With just a few modifications you can prevent a great deal of trauma to both yourself and the specimen. I've found that I get better results if the aquarium is turned on its end. You lose a lot of floor area but these types of lizards prefer the extra vertical space anyway. You can add to their territory by fixing a few lengths of bamboo towards the back of the tank with aquarium sealer. This also gives them somewhere to hide while you "work" the cage. When you slide the screen back the front of the tank is blocked by your entire body. This decreases the chance of an escape, since most reptiles will instinctively avoid human contact. With this setup no substrate is necessary; simply clean the floor area with whatever detergent you use and rinse with water. Since the diurnal Phelsuma are so visually oriented, I paint green stripes on the sides of the tanks. -This allows light to enter while giving them extra security. With this particular setup, two animals in adjacent cages are less likely to be distracted by each other. If you have trouble finding slide-top aquariums , ..the "Ranger" brand reptile cages are an excellent substitute. These come with dual plastic tracks that can hold a pane of glass to cover the front of the cage. We use two sheets of plexiglas-, each slightly longer than half the length of the cage.' The pane for the inner track has a reinforcing strip of plexiglas (1) glued to the outer surface, while the pane in the outer track has a strip (2) on the inner surface that butts up against the other strip when the cage is closed. A hole is drilled at each end for a bolt or padlock and a 1" plexiglas strip (3) glued on the end for a handle. You may want to attach another strip (4) on the side of the cage. This compensates for the gap between the outer panel and the cage . (note: Reptile cages mentioned in text marketed by Ranger Auto Co., Rte. 110, Clinton, Mass. 01510.) VajkicJ: alt comment to RAP, Vtvt6ton ofi 'RbpttleA and AmpkibtanA , Nattonat ZoologtoaZ Pa/ik, Workington, V.C. 20009 qS Don't ^to Vote!! 112 RARE GALAPAGOS TORTOISE GOES HOME A rare Galapagos tortoise from the San Diego Zoo has been returned to his native habitat. I The Hood Island (Espanola) tortoise left San Diego August 2 for the Charles Darwin fesearch Station on the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles west of Ecuador. After a quarantine period there, he will be reunited with the 14 surviving members of his species plus tortoises of ten other species. His introduction is part of the /Darwin Station's program to restock the islands with their native wildlife. He was scheduled to arrive at the Darwin Station on Monday, August 8. The tortoise, which has lived at the Zoo since the mid-1930's, weighs approximately 198 pounds. The tortoise is the species native to Hood Island, one of 13 major islands in the Galapagos Archipelago. He is being returned there to try to increase the population of a tortoise species which once seemed doomed to extinction. The Charles Darwin Research Station was built in 1959, largely with funds contributed by the World Wildlife iEund - U.S. The tortoise facility- at the station, constructed in 1969, was built primarily with funds from the San Diego Zoo. Both the World Wildlife Fund and the San Diego Zoo have been responsible for the tortoise conservation program at the Darwin Station. Thirteen Galapagos tortoise eggs were hatched at the Zoo in July, 1976, and prior to that date the last hatching of the rare giant tortoise at the Zoo occurred in 1971 when one egg hatched. Although egg-laying had occurred in the tortoise herd over the last several years, the eggs proved to be infertile. Don't FoAget to \Jote. . .the deadline li> midnight, 30 September, 1977. See tf le August edition ofa Animal Keeper' FoAum tfoA all details CARLETON BAILIE, ofa King A Dominion In Ylxglnla, will foe heading up the Aevltallzed T-AhlAt project. He need* to get a Aough Idea o how many may be AequeAted ao that he ean {^IguAe a pAlee. The moAe people that would dej>lAe to weaA an AAZ K T-AfuAt, the cheapeA they will be. Tank AhlAtA will alAo be available Ifi theAe lb Au^lclent demand. The T-AhlAt will conAlAt ofa a RlngeA T-Ahbit with a 4"X6” AAZ K emblem on the lefit {/iont. The emblem will be pAlnted In white. Why don't you dAop CaAleton a line and tell him juAt how many you’ll be needing. Include youA. name, addAeAA, and zip code. The AhlAtA aAe available In blue, Aed, yellow and gAeen. Both men’ a and ladleA AlzeA aAe mail, medium, laAge and extAa laJige. THIS DOES HOT CONSTITUTE AH ORDER. SEND HO MONEY HOW. THIS IS1F0R INFO PURPOSES ONLY... SEND YOUR LETTER TO CARLETON BAILIE, OFFICE OF ANIMAL MANAGEMENT, KINGS DOMINION, RFD 166, DOSWELL, (/A. 23047... Great Ape d^^^etnoiAi^ CHIMPANZEE BIRTH AT LITTLE ROCK ZOO AzpoUzd by CaAAoll HaAgAove. Born at the Little Rbck Zoo, 16 June 1977, a male infant to "Juan" and "Kim". Both "Juan" and "Kim" have been parents three times before. The new infant is being well cared for by "Kira" on Chimp Island. Also re- siding on the island is an older female juvenile of "Kim" and two other females . EDUCATING PARENTS, OR PUTTING THE NURSERY OUT OF BUSINESS by hJie.dvU.ck M, VtttmaA Although nurseries are doing a wonderful job with a wide variety of infant animals, I am glad to see fewer great apes being admitted. The trend to educate young adult gorillas in parental care is ever increasing. Mature apes that have been raised in a nursery often have difficulty communica- ting with each other; likewise, their social interactions, aggressive encounters, and even reproductive behaviors are frequently abnormal. It is not surprising, then, that social behavior as complex as maternal care is frequently inadequate. There is no strong maternal instinct in higher primates. All evidence suggests that females must learn to care for their infants. (1) At the San Diego Wild Animal Park, Dolly repeatedly removed her infant when he attempted to cling following birth in 1973. Dolly spent the next summer in an intensive training program designed to teach her the fundamentals of motherhood. Dolly was shown films of mother gorillas caring for their young, then she was introduced to a doll as a surrogate infant. (2) The following year, 1974, Dolly gave birth again, this time giving perfect mother-infant care. The San Francisco Zoological Garden is currently taking the funcamental training one step further with Minnie, a chimpanzee. They had trained her with a surrogate doll following the birth and death of an infant. The second infant was cuddled, kissed and groomed, but was born dead. It had suffocated. Evidently Minnie did not know how to clear the nasal passage and mouth. (3). With another doll, the SFZG is adding straws filled with fruit juices. This draws Minnie’s attention to the infant’s face . At the Oklahoma City Zoo in 1973, Kathy, a thirteen year old gorilla, gave birth to Fredrika. Kathy was isolated from our other two females. Fern and Boma. They had sight, contact and observed the" mother-infant care for two years. On Fredrika’ s . 2nd birthday she was introduced with the two females and her father, Moemba. They seem to enjoy playing with and having Fredrika cling and ride as they walk around. Have these females been trained in the basic infant care? Fern is due in September, hope- fully we’ll find out if she’s been trained well. (1) "Learning to be a Mother", Zoonooz, April, 1975, Vol. XLVIII, #4 (2) "Briefs ... Steve Joines SDWAP", Zoonooz, Nov., 1974, Vol. XLVII, #11 (3) "Doing What Comes Naturally", Lee White, At the Zoo, SFZSP, Aug., 1977, Vol. XXII, #8 Sund comment*, IdzaA oa aAtlcloA to FAed VtttmaA, 511 W.W. 2 9th., #2 04, Oklahoma Ctty, OK. 73103... 114 by Joseph T. Blzlllzkl, WM, MS Topeka Zoological Tank ELEPHANT PEDICURE The foot of an elephant, even though shaped like a tree trunk, is a tender structure whose function is governed by the downward force of gravity and the upward push of the earth. The weight bearing surface of the foot is flat and has a surface area of approximately 115 square inches per limb. This means that the average 6,000 lb. elephant bears about thirteen pounds per square inch of foot. At first this may not seem like a great deal of weight until the mechanism for weight bearing in the foot is examined. An elephant walks on the tips of the digits, or toes, and these are responsible for weight transfer up the limb. At the tip of each digit is a flat toe nail whose main function is decreasing the force on the digit by increasing its surface contact area. The sole of the foot further decreases weight bearing on the digits by expanding a large cushion like pad against the plantar surface of these bones. If it were not for this system an elephant would need to bear about seventeen hundred pounds per square inch of boney toe. A system this delicate can be upset by a number of factors, most of which revolve around the toe nail. In captivity most elephants have a greatly abbreviated range, consequently their nails become overgrown. This overgrowth can be seen as a lateral spreading of the nail, or as an outward bulge. Either situation can result in a more uneven weight transfer up the foot and increase the chance of arthritis in these distal joints. Another frequent consequence of nail overgrowth can be large cracks developing in the nails. These are most frequently seen on the hind feet in the largest and most centrally located nail. Several situations probably contribute to the condition1: 1) inadequate nail wear, 2) out- ward bulging of the nail, and 3) a training routine which involves the animal going into the down square position (weight on the sternum, elbows and knees) on rising all weight is placed on the front of this single toe nail. The result - a large crack perpendicular to the ground at the part of the toe which contacts the floor on rising. A method for repair consists of immobilization of the animal and manually shaping the toe back to a more normal shape. The crack is then pared out, cleaned and a dove tail is cut into the nail. This remodeled imperfection is then filled with an acrylic material made for equine and bovine hoof repair (Technovit) . At application the nail should be completely dry and free of debris.. By filling the crack for three to four weeks adequate new growth of the nail results in a much stronger structure. The crack should not continue to extend and the animal is less likely to develope arthritis at this site. Immobilization is necessary only because the dove tailing process will cause some bleeding and most well trained animals are reluctant to re- main calm enough for the whole process. After filling the acrylic is rasped down to conform to the shape of the toe. The acrylic mentioned is grey in color and not overly noticeable to the zoo visitor. Should the acrylic fall out it can be replaced without immobilization but caution should be exerted during its application since much heat is generated as the acrylic polymerizes. 115 PANGOLINS AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO.... fat/ Jm L. PoivM, K&zpz/i The Oklahoma City Zoo has maintained two Indian Pangolins MavuJ) CAaAA'ic.CLLLctcitcL for twelve years in captivity. In general pangolins have had a very high mortality rate whenever zoos are concerned. This seems mostly to be the result of little knowledge of their habits and physiology. A large percentage of pangolins never make it to their intended zoo. Undoubtedly shipment takes its toll, implying stress as a causitive factor. Also, once introduced to their new environment, a proper diet seems a constant problem. Our pangolins have been doing very well, however, and have not have had so much as a cold since their arrival. They are fed once a day at 8:30 a.m. and are usually "up and around" at this time. They have become quite friendly and greet their keeper upon his/her arrival. For the next hour both females will shuffle about the exhibit sniffing loudly. They almost become a nuisance constantly moving about while routine cleaning and feeding is being done. Other residents of the exhibit are four Indian Fruit Bats PteAopuA tonganuA and five Senegal BushBabies GaXago &2.nAJ> . The exhibit is part of the nocturnal building. In this building, red and white lights alternate on a 24 hour night /day cycle so that the mammals’ circadium rhythm may be coordinated with public visitation hours. Recently the pangolins refused to eat for a period of 21 days. We managed to get them to drink a little water and also gave them subcutan- eous injections of antibiotics. We were unable to take a temperature reading but were able to get a mean body tempterature reading 81 °F when the animal was coiled. Our veterinarian discovered in further reading that pangolins have been known to fast for long periods of time. Apparently this must be true since at the end of their period the pangolins resumed their usual appetite. In conclusion, I see no clear reason for the zoo’s success with pangolins. Possibly maintenance of a constant 65 °F temperature, a proper diet, the exhibit, or a combination we have not been aware of. PEREGRINE RESTORATION UNDERWAY IN IDAHO The endangered peregrine falcon is being reintroduced into Idaho’s Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management according to the Wildlife Management Institute. Four young peregrines hatched in captivity at Cornell University's Laboratory of Ornithology at Fort Collins , Colorado are being placed in the nests of prairie falcons within the Snake River area. Experts believe the prairie falcons will accept the young peregrines and raise them as their own. Today, primarily because of DDT pollution, there are only 53 known pairs of wild peregrines in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Originally the Snake River area was part of their natural range. A single peregrine was sighted there in 1975. The Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area was established by BLM in 1971. It supports populations of prairie falcons, eagles, hawks and owls . 116 THE POLITICS OF POACHING by Tom GolcLt>beJiAy Washington Tajik Zoo Portland, Oregon Before everyone starts popping champagne corks over Kenya’s recent decision to prohibit commercial hunting, let’s take a closer look at the situation. Was it really a momentous decision designed to help save the wildlife of Kenya, or was it merely a sop to placate the conservationists, particu- larly in North America, in believing that all the animals are safe and will live happily ever after? Is this just another political ploy of the all-powerful Kenya African National Union Party to play off the well-meaning but oft-times mislead armchair conservationist, who thinks he can now sit back and relax and say to himself, "Thank God, the animals are safe," against the euphemisti cally described "big fish" politicians in the country — with the animals the ultimate loser? While a ban on commercial hunting may seem like an ideal solution to the problem of Kenya’s dwindling wild life, its effect is actually negligible In fact, it may have just the opposite effect because the animals most widely poached will no longer even have the minimal protection of a quota they once had as designated game animals. It will literally be open season on everything. The original idea behind the plan is laudable enough, but naive. The precedent has already been established in Tanzania which banned hunting some years ago. The. complete plan is to impose a one-year moratorium on all legal hunting, including culling and cropping, in order to allow animal populations to recover; but mainly to allow Kenya to regain some of its international prestige. The trouble is nobody has told the poachers ! The problems of increasing human population and highly organized poach- ing operations have a far more devastating effect than the lone hunter who pays this $975 license fee to shoot one leopard. Concerning human population, with a continuing birthrate of 3.5%, one of the highest in the world, Kenya must solve its own problem of what to do with its people since recent statistics have revealed that 48% of nearly 11,000,000 Kenyans are under the age of fifteen. Steps are being taken to educate young Kenyans in conservation awareness but the process is a slow one. Of a far more immediate concern to the animals is the blatant, rampant, and ever-expanding problem of poaching. As far back as 1960, Sir Julian Huxley, the eminent British zoologist and naturalist, wrote in a study commissioned by UNESCO, "most poaching is frankly for money — money from the sale, often for export, of commercial valuable trophies. The main trophy is elephant ivory, employ- ed chiefly for knick-knacks and curios." Elephant ivory is what we are primarily concerned with in this article. For what it was worth, there was supposed to be a ban on elephant hunting and ivory trading in Kenya in 1973. Apparently there was a slight leak because during the first five months of 1973 the official export of ivory was 150,000 kg., representing 15,000 elephants. In 1960, a kilo continued 117 of ivory brought $15.00; by August, 1973 the figure was $110.00 per kilo. The official selling price was $31.00-kg. whereas the market price was $110.00. What happened to the balance? It isn't hard to guess. Not all of this was smuggled away in ships; on July 14 of that year, one airline alone carried 4% tons, all of it "licensed", from Nairobi to Hong Kong. In 1976 the game department sold twenty-nine tons of ivory, yet the total of ivory exported was 127 tons. Another slight discrepancy. If, by now, anyone thinks that poaching is carried on by a few random natives, he must indeed be naive. The individual poacher is of little consequence; he will have no trouble in collecting his twenty shillings for his part in the slaughter, and even less trouble spending it at the Indian store in Narok, or on a ration of pombe and some fat -bottomed mama along Kimathi street in Nairobi. It is the men who provide the trucks to carry the tusks; who rent the warehouses in Mombasa while waiting shipment; who pay the longshoremen; who carter the ships; who pay the captains and the crews; who do the bribing at the other end; in short, the international ivory cartel. This must be of great consolation to the 7500 elephants poached in Tsavo park alone last year. At one time legitimate ivory sales were held periodically in all East African ports and Rhodesia. A certain amount of ivory was shipped to England and resold in the London market, where sales were held four times a year. Since last year when England ratified the Convention on Inter- national Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora, elephant tusks may no longer be imported into Great Britian, but this does not preclude the importation of "worked" ivory products. It remains to be seen if "worked" ivory will include polished tusks. In Kenya, where the export- ation of raw ivory is, by definition, "controlled", and may not be sold "over the counter", a raw ivory tusk may be trimmed, polished, and sold freely, much to the delight of the owners of Nairobi's 213 curio shops. Incidentally, Kenya politicians, as of this writing, have not only failed to ratify the above mentioned Convention but have actually repealed the Wild Animals Protection Act and the National Parks of Kenya Act, thereby leaving the door open even wider for wholesale poaching. If ivory was strictly a utilitarian substance that could be easily synthesized the situation might be differect. Hard plastic now has taken the place in the manufacture of billiard balls and other miscellan- eous items; also, vegetable ivory, the fruit of the ivory nut palm or tagua (Phytelephas) which is found in South America is an adequate substitution. But there is no possible way to manufacture an ivory substitute that cannot be recognized as such. The graining of ivory is impossible to copy because it has nq uniformity, and the creamy white color, which yellows with age, cannot be reproduced. The problem lies in the fact that ivory, like gold, possesses an intrinsic value; unlike gold however, ivory comes from a living thing. Maybe some day when all the elephants have been eliminated, someone will begin poaching the politicians. [GREGG OWENS] formerly manager at the Oakland Baby Zoo, has transferred to the San Jose Baby Zoo. He assumed duties as director there on 1 September. All correspondence should be sent to Owens at the San Jose Baby Zoo 118 THE STRUGGLE SURVIVAL new- 6 fifwm the USV1 t GIANT PUERTO RICO LIZARD LISTED AS ENDANGERED SPECIES The giant anole (Anolis roosevelti) a large 24-inch lizard of Puerto Rico, has been determined to be an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service . The rulemaking, published July 18, 1977, in the Federal Register also listed a portion of Culebra Island near the Puerto Rico mainland as critical habitat for this rare species. The giant anole may survive only in the high tree canopy of the forested slopes of Mt . Resaca on Culebra Island. The fan-leaved palm, tallest tree in the for- est, and indeed the semi -moist forest in general, is quickly disappearing because of man's activities. Un- less the remaining habitat on Mt. Resaca is protected this lizard could become extinct, according to Fish and Wildlife Service biologists. MARIANAS MALLARD AN ENDANGERED SPECIES The Marianas mallard (Alias oustaleti) of the western Pacific Ocean has been determined to be an endangered species . The Marianas mallard is found only on the islands of Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. The wetlands utiliz- ed by this duck fiave been, and are continuing to be, extensively drained. STATUS OF RIVER OTTER TO BE REVIEWED The status of the river otter (Lutra canadensis) will be reviewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether it should be proposed for listing as a threatened or endangered species. The study is being conducted following receipt of a petition submitted by the Fund for Animals, a con- servation organization, which presented sufficient in- formation to merit a review. Anyone having additional information that may assist in determining whether this species, or any population thereof, should be proposed for listing as endangered or threatened, is requested to write the Director (OES) , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 20240. All comments received by November 25, 1977, will be considered. continued. 119 "CRITICAL HABITAT" DETERMINED FOR MISSISSIPPI SANDHILL CRANE About 26,000 acres of land in Jackson County , Miss . , where the endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes live, have been finally designated as "critical habitat," pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. On June 30, 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director made an "emergency determination" of critical habitat for the Mississippi sandhill crane, covering a considerably larger area, and published it in the Federal Register. .An Imminent threat of habitat destruction was created by the construction of a new segment of Interstate Highway 10 in Mississippi. The area determined to be critical habitat is privately owned and contains the only known population of the Mississippi Sandhill crane. Private development on private land is not prohibited by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, but Federal agency action that would violate critical habitat is specifically for- bidden by that law. Federal Interstate Highways are financed by a 90 percent Federal contribution to costs of construction. Each spring a male skunk develops hair loss, liesons , and redness of skin. The skunk is exhibited in an open outdoor enclosure with concrete floor- ing. After treating with Pet-Derm, the redness and the liesons subside, but no noticeable hair growth until late summer. Any information on hair loss or treatment of condition would greatly be appreciated. EvzAoXt HoAJlU IncUanapotlb Zoo PaAk The condition described sounds very much like atopic dermatitis. This is generally due to a local allergin, and is characterized by a hyperimmune reaction, including itching (pruritis) , self mutilation (hair pulling) red (erythema), raw areas of skin, and scale formation (seborrhea) in affected areas. Treatment should consist of systemic corticosteroids to relieve the itching with the duration of treatment dependent on the severity of the case. Antihistamines are generally of little value. As to the hair loss some may be due to seasonal moult, but those areas of long time baldness (alopecia) may be due to self inflicted trauma. Hair will start to re- grow about six weeks after the skin condition is controlled. This condition is generally seasonal and becomes more severe as the animal becomes older. Jo^epfi T. HU.2JUXzkA.,VVM, MS Topzka. Z ootigioal PaAk 120 We ojiz deeply Indebted to the AAZPA Nemletten. ion. allowing 04 to aepnlnt thl* section in.om theln. "Position* A vallable” lifting*. Thl* l* a monthly *en.vlce to 04 , ion. you... 100 SUPERINTENDENT. . . responsible for administration and operation of an expanding zoo. Must be knowledgeable of municipal zoo administration, including modern standards in the display of mammals, birds and reptiles and modern maintenance methods. Combination equivalent to Bachelor's Degree in Zoology or closely related field and 3 year's experience in zoo work. Salary $13,200 - $17 ,400. Send resumes to Director of Personnel, Elmer R. Jeter, Department of Personnel, 1st Floor East Wing, City Hall Building, P.0. Box 1531, Norfolk,! A 23501 by September 15, 1977. Equal Opportunity Employer. CURATOR... at the Los Angeles Zoo. Bird expertise will be desired but not required. Information will be available from Warren Thomas, DVM, or Ralph Crane at the conference in San Diego. ASSISTANT 100 SUPERINTENDENT. . . specialized technical and supervisory position in assisting in the administration of the zoological park. A degree in life sciences or animal husbandry and two years' practical experience in the opera- tion of a zoological park is required. An equivalent of training and experience are acceptable. Salary is $13,466- $16,521. Applications may be obtained from Andrew R. V&nderveen, Civil Service Board, Room 816, City Hall, Grand Rapids, MI 49502. MEMBERSHIP INFORMAT I ON Affiliate (keepers) and Associate Foreign Student Contributing (organizations) All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers' Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada Membeuhlp* one pn.o-n.ated * emi- annually , except i oh. Student mejmben*hlp* . Extaa patchy one. available iaom AA1K HeadquaMenj* , ion. $ 1.00 each. Send name and addn.a* and a check on. money oaden. to: AAZK Headquarters , National Zoological Park, Washington', D.C. 20008 Make check* payable to American Association oi loo Keepesu ALL CHANGES OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO AAZK HEADQUARTERS. DO NOT SEND THEM TO ANIMAL KEEPERS FORUM. AKF IS NOT AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY $10.00 annually $15.00 annually $ 5.00 annually $25.00 annually 121 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS National Zoological Park Washington, D.C. 20008 Dedicated to Professional Animal Care Animal Keepers' Forum VOLUME IV NUMBER TEN OCTOBER 1977 Animal 635 Gage Bivd., , Topeka, Kansas 66606 USA Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecelia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park Keepers Forum A nimal Keepers ' Fo/ium is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be request- ed by writing the office of Animal Keepe/i 6 ' pO/wm, American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C, President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National Headquatens> , National Zoological Pa/ ik Washington, V.C. 20008 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE EDITORS. ...THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM or of the AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Coordinator for International Affairs Vennis G/iimm, BAook^ield Zoo Tom GoldsbeA/iy, Portland Zoo Awards Committee Chairman Roberts, B/wokfiield Zoo Nominations and Elections Committee Jill Gnade, Chwn. , Busch Bi/id Sanctua/iy, CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta loo Von Rasmussen, Kansas City Zoo Liz Ckoules, Salt Lake City loo Je^fi Pewiy, Bufifialo Zoo Regional Coordinators Walte/L Pw Stoke Mm, Bu^alo Baltimo/ie Ca/ilton Bailie Kings Vominion Ed RobeAts Jefifi PeAAy Janet Phipps Randy McGill EveAett Ha/i/Us La/iAy SammaAco Vale BelcheA Jay Levine Vet/ioit Indianapolis Lincoln Rank St. Louis Knoxville COVER DRAWING Ma/iylee Vandiven. Gainesville Michael VelveKton Baton Rouge Nancy Chase Oklahoma City Tom Golds benAy Portland CaAole Udell Los Angeles Zoo ME, VT, NH, MA, RJ ,CT NV PA,NJ,MV,VEL VA,WV Ml IN,0H,KT Wl, JL MN, IA, MO TN,NC,SC FL,AL,GA A K, MS, LA [N£> TX,NM.CO,OK,KS,NESV] WA,OR,lV,MT,WV CA,NV,AZ,UT,HA ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE Veadline fioA each edition o& AKF is the 20th ofa the preceding month SCOOPS araL- — Scuttlebutt KEEPER FOILS ALLEGED MURDER PLOT MADISON, Wis. (UPI) - Cobra venon was plotted as the death weapon in an estranged wife's murder for hire plan to kill her businessman husband, authorities charge. The complaint said the venom was to have been used to make it appear Miles C. Durfee, 73, died of a heart attack. Cash bail of $40,000 was set for Mrs. Charlotte Durfee, 46, Janesville, Wis., who was charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Loren C. Moore, 46 Milton, Wis., was charged with solicitation to commit murder. Bail was set at $5,000 cash. The killing of Durfee who owns roofing companies in Janesville and Madison, was allegedly to have taken place before divorce proceedings involving him and Mrs. Durfee were completed. The complaint said Moore talked with Thornton Willoughby, an attendant at Madison's Vilas Park Zoo, this month and asked questions about snake venoms that would be fatal but appear to have the effect of heart attacks. The complaint said Moore told Willoughby Mrs. Durfee had offered con- siderable money for the death of her husband and Moore offered Willoughby $5,000 for cobra venom. Willoughby got in touch with police. Moore ^ras arrested, authorities said, as he was handed a vial and syringe by Willoughby. BABY BLACK RHINO IS KILLED The male black rhinoceros born at Brookfield Zoo on August 15th was fatally gored on August 25th. Zoo officials were unsure which of the three adults that occupied the same outdoor paddock was responsible. The baby and his mother and father, as well as another adult female, had been living together since the day of his birth. The baby, which had not been named, had grown appreciably to 112 lbs. and had otherwise appeared healthy. BIRTHS HATCHINGS HEDGEHOG BIRTHS AT TURTLE BACK ZOO... bt/ LUUan Viatznla Turtle Back Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of 3 white-bellied hedgehogs ktoJL&LLX CLZb'Lv&n&uA on June 17. All three babies survived and are doing well. White-bellied hedgehogs are native to W. Africa 122 EMPEROR TAMARINS BORN AT THE LOS ANGELES ZOO... bt/ Wavim V. Thomca, PI/M Zoo VVuLcton One of the most desirable marmosets for Zoos to show has always been the golden lion marmosets, but one of the most spectacular members of the Callithricidae is the Emperor tamarin. SagmlnuA impi. This beautiful little tamarin, with its long, flowing mustache, is not only distinctive but appealing to almost everyone. They have been kept in captivity sporadically over the years, but no significant, successful breeding effort has ever been maintained. The Los Angeles Zoo was fortunate enough to obtain 3 pair from Bolivia on October 1} 1976. The animals appeared to be young adults for the most part. Their period of adjustment was relatively uneventful. At first, they tended to be highly nervous, but later calmed down and became quite tractable. They show an unusual array of gestures and motions as well as an extens- ive repertoire of focalizations . Two pair have been maintained in the Marmoset Colony and the third pair was first maintained in a large window exhibit in the Reptile house, then was later moved to their own exhibit in the South American area. At the time of this writing, one of the pairs in the Marmoset Colony and the pair in South America have both successfully given birth to a set of twins. Both sets of parents seem to be doing an excellent job of rearing the young. The female of the third pair seems to be pregnant at this time. When the first specimens of Emperor tamarins were sent back to Europe in 1907, they were prepared with their mustaches turned upward in the manner of Emperor Wilhelm of Germany, thus receiving their common name. GECKO HATCHES AAZK President Bela Demeter, a reptile keeper at the National Zoo announced the hatching of a giant day gecko on 21 August. The hatchling weighs 1.5 grams and is about an inch long. Bela had a paper published in the International Zoo Yearbook , Vol 16, 1976, on these animals. BIG NEWS IS SMALL BABY Our rare-in-cap tivity ring-tailed mongooses from Madagascar produced another of their kind on August 9. Two years ago they had a baby which was stillborn. This baby has been removed from the mother and is being hand-reared by Pat Larkin. Curator Miles Roberts says that this is the first recorded instance of a ring-tailed mongoose being born and surviving in the Western Hemisphere. According to INTERNATIONAL ZOO YEAR BOOK 17, the only other zoo outside of Madagascar that has this rare mongoose in its collection is the zoo in Montpellier, France, which has a total of eight. (siap-rUnted ^nom TIGER TALK, National Zoo, Augmt 18) 123 PYGMY HEDGEHOG TENREC BIRTHS DOUBLE CAPTIVE U.S. POPULATION by MctUAa BuAtt,'~SenZoA KeepeA and Joseph T. Bielitzki, 01/M, MS, Topeka Zoological Tajik The pygmy hedgehog tenrec, EckinopA telfaaAJvi (Martin, 1838) has shown a progressive decline in captive numbers over the last ten years. The 1976 IZY showed a captive world population of 36 with ten of those individuals being in U.S. zoos. The Topeka Zoological Park has had EcklnopA in the collection since 1967. During the last ten years, nine young have been bom at the zoo with a maximum litter size of four and an average for the four litters of two. A female obtained in 1969 as an adult died in 1976. It is felt that this may be a captive longevity record for the species . With the passing of time and the reduction in numbers, coupled with poor reproduction, the Topeka Zoological Park’s tenrecs were becoming quite rare. A new unit was constructed in 1977 for the remaining pair at the zoo. The off-exhibit breeding unit was constructed in an L shape, measuring eight feet long and four feet deep giving a total of forty-- eight square feet. Lighting and temperature are strictly regulated to allow optimal conditions for reproduction. The flooring is covered with soil and planted with non-toxic plants. Tree limbs and large pieces of bark are provided for security, exercise and naturalism. The diet offer- ed is crickets coated with Pervinal. , Zu=Preem herp diet (Hills Riviana) and pinky mice. After introduction of the pair the female died shortly at an age of five years. Another female for the lone male was not available at that time, but the Denver Zoological Gardens did agree to loan a pair of recently acquired EckinopA to the TZP. On June 19, 1977, the pair arrived at the zoo after a ten hour ride in the back seat of a car. They were quarantined for ten days, found to be healthy and placed in the breeding unit. Then began the wait; breeding was not expected the first year due to the physiological need for a period of torpor prior to ovulation. With an expected gestation of 51 - 56 days, a litter was not expected 57 days after the pairs arrival at the zoo, but it happened. A litter of eight soft spined blackish pups were found in a nest along with the female on August 15, 1977. The male was allowed to remain in the unit and has not paid any attention to the young. All pups opened their eyes between 10 and 15 days of birth and by 30 days old were almost completely weaned and about one-third the size of the adults. Weights were not taken to avoid any possibility of losses, nor have sexes been determined as of yet. It is hoped that a second litter of young might be obtained from the pair in 1977. This single litter has doubled the U.S. zoo population of EcklnopA TcI^OaJlI. SEA LION SYNOPSIS AVAILABLE A comprehensive 30 day summary of the activities of the sea lion pup born at the Stone Memorial Zoo is available. The summary includes parental care details of the pup that was bom in June. Contact: Mark Crosbie, Senior Zoo Attendant, Stone Memorial Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA. , 02180. VICTORIA CROWNED PIGEON FLEDGED AT KANSAS CITY ZOO ...by Vasiak Mzy&n and Vlano. Cfiawfiosid For the past few mornings, our breeding pair of Victoria Crowned Pigeons have been inspecting the skeleton remains of their old nest. Hopefully they will repair this nest, originally built five months ago, and repeat the events which resulted in the hatching of a single offspring in the Tropical Habitat Building of the Kansas City Zoo. The successful hatching and rearing of a young Victoria Crowned Pigeon in indoor captivity is a rare event and this is unfortunate. Our pair was more than generous in providing a magnificent display of their own beauty and the beauty of intense parental cooperation and vigilence. We received the pair last November, but conflict between them and the two already established Victoria 'Crowned Pigeons ended in the death of one of the resident birds and the removal of the other. A suspected infection was treated with Tetracycline in a pan of water placed in the southeast corner of the building, their favorite spot. But we were quite surprised in mid April when they began constructing a nest about 15 feet over a running stream inhabited by waterfowl, African Crowned Cranes, and South American Capybaras. The surprise in this selection was its conspicuous location in the middle of the east side of the building and within five feet from the reach of the hundreds of school children and visitors that pass through the Habitat. The nest was crude and had to be reinforced but no further intervention was required. The first solitary egg was lost but another was laid about two weeks later (May 9). We estimate it takes about one month incubation and about one month of exhausting efforts to keep a very precocious youngster fed and contained in the nest. Feeding was accomplished by inserting the fledgling's beak into its mother's mouth whereupon she regurgitated the contents of her crop. This method of feeding continued several weeks after the young Crowned Pigeon left its nest on July 7. The only recorded instance of interspecific competition occurred between a White Crested Laughing Thrush and one of the Crowned Pigeons last February. After the Crowned Pigions left their nest in early July, a well guarded Thrush nest appeared in a nearby fig tree about the same time the Crowned Pigeon nest was stripped. But this past week the Thrush nest was found destroyed and empty while the adult Crowned Pigeons were booming and pacing about their nest. The fledgling is now independently roaming the Habitat. RAPTOR CARE AND REHABILITATION, by Vavz GaAcelon and Goxy Bogae, A ntwonk by Kathy Chapman. Mtmao graphed, 143 pp. KLixandoti Lindt>&y Juntos Museum ( 1901 F 4Jti>t Aue. , Walnut CAeefe, CaLLfa. , 94596), 1977. $10. Drawing from the unique experience of caring for over 1500 disabled and orphaned raptors in a city-funded, suburban rehabilitation clinic, the authors are in the position to provide a wealth of information on every aspect of treating birds of prey in captivity and preparing them for release: diagnosing diseases, administering drugs, bandaging injured limbs or body wounds, providing nutritional and housing needs, maintain- ing proper hygiene (beak, talon, feet, and feather care), using restraining devices and artificial perches, and training and rehabilitat- ing birds for their return to nature. 125 ^c^mhhibian . ™ potpourri The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles is concerned about the need for greater cooperation between zoo herpetologists and the professional herpetological societies. To accomplish that end, the SSAR has established a Liason Committee to receive input from zoo professionals and regional herpetological societies and to provide services which have been neglected in the past. Membership in the SSAR offers the following advantages: a subscription to the quarterly journal entitled JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY and the bi-monthly journal HERPETOLOGICAL REVIEW, occasional facsimile reprints of rare out-of-print herpetological publications,, an invitation to the annual co-sponsored SSAR-Herpetologist ■ s League Convention and the opportunity to purchase the CATALOGUE OF AMERICAN AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES AND HERPETOLOGICAL CIRCULARS, a series designed to give basic information to the beginning herpetologist. HERPETOLOGICAL REVIEW is unique insofar as a section is devoted to Herpetological Hus- bandry, which encompasses captive maintenance, pathology and disease treatments, reproductive biology and other elements. Manuscripts for this section are solicited from zoo herpetologists. Any suggestions as to how this cooperation might be accomplished and suitable manuscripts dealing with captive maintenance should be forwarded to : JameA B. MuAphy Editor, HcApcto logical HuAbandAy ChalApcAAon, LlaAon Committee VepaAtment ofa UeApetology 62 7 E. ClaAendon Va cue VallaA Zoo VallaA, TezaA 15205 Requests for membership should be directed to: UenAl SelbeAt VepaAtment o Zoology Ohio University AthenA , Ohio 45701 Regular dues are $10.00 in the United States and Canada, Student $8.00, Sustaining $15.00, Contributing $20.00. Subscriptions for institutions are $20.00. We aAe dimply Indebted to the, AAZPA NewAletteA faoA allowing ua to AepAlnt thlA A cation tfAom thelA "PoAltlonA Available" llAtlngA . ThlA Ia a monthly AeAvlce to ad, &oa you... ASSISTANT CURATOR OF BIRVS... Will assist curator with admin- istration of department which includes 19 keepers and collec- tion of about 2000+ specimens. Participatory responsibilities include husbandry, records and signing, facility planning, animal logistics, personnel, research and public relations. Need strong background and interest in avian reproduction as master planning for off-display breeding as well as major changes in zoo exhibits has highest priority. Requirements: BS or MS in zoology, biology or related field with 3 years’ experience in captive bird husbandry. Salary open. Contact: Personnel Director, Zoological Society of San Diego, P.0. Box 551, San Diego, CA. 92112. 126 Great Ape Oi^^etnonVi^ DIVERSED ACTIVITY FOR CHIMPANZEES at Montgomery Zoo by LauAa StAlckland Benji, Liza and Sonya, ages 5,7 and 3 respectively, are given a large armload of willow branches weekly. They have a great time playing with them and making neats. Stripping off the bark and chewing the branches is also an excellent exercise for their teeth and acts as a preventative tooth decay. EXHIBIT RECONSTRUCTION at Oklahoma City Zoo by FA.edeAA.ck VlttmaA What to do with two - - 21* x 60' ovens? The Oklahoma City Zoo has been faced with this problem for some time in their Mountain Gorilla exhibit. The two outside "pits" are 2l’x60’, concrete floored with 12' gunnite walls. In the center of each pit is a gym set constructed of 3" oil drilling pipe. Due to the open top box construction the pits act as ovens whenever the sun beats down on them. Neithgr of the gorillas would venture out between the hours of 10 AM and 7 PM. Early in July we closed the pits; never to be opened again as M’Kubwa and Josephine knew them. By the end of the first week we had dumped and leveled 60 yards of dirt and soil into each pit. To the gym sets we had laid utility poles, the bottom has 8-14' poles, 5’ off the ground. The top has 6 -8’ poles 4' above the lower ones. Now the gorillas have two platforms on which to climb and shaded areas to lie under . To the soil we mixed "Kentucky 31" fescue, corn, millet, sunflower and a box of parakeet seed. Mid-August saw the opening of the pits again. With an estimated decrease of up to 40degrees F on warm days, our work proved fruitful. Both gorillas can be seen at almost any time of day making use of the pits. On the first day, M’Kubwa investigated the whole of both pits, sat in a misty rain for two hours, inspected and tested the welders work on all the pole braces. Over the Labor Day weekend the public was tested. Above the pits were 8 ^ 5x5 glass panels at the public overlook. Three of these were removed. It was noted that monkey chow, sold at the zoo, and com was thrown in but not in large amounts. Not one non-food item was thrown in. This fact and comments by the public of how they enjoyed more seeing, hear- ing and feeling closer to the gorillas has prompted us to remove all the panels . Send comment!), Ideas oa. aAtlcles &oa. G.A.P. to F/ied VtttmaA, 511 hlW 29th # 204 , Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Itf you haven't seen the May, 19 71 edition ofa the VeAkes NewsletteA., by all means, look one up. If 6 packed fiull ofi Interesting and timely ape news and events. It also contains photo gAapks ofa eaAly ploneeAS In pAlmatology , as well as photos ofi the apeSt. that weAe falAAt shown In captivity . 127 by Joseph T. BlcllXzkl, Pl/M, MS Topeka Zoological Vaxk Veter i na riar m a jpers ABBREVIATIONS IN MEDICINE The use of the abbreviation in medicine is an archaic practice, hopefully soon to be extinct. However, their use persists and occasionally directions for treatment may contain abbreviations. To avoid confusion and improper treatment the following is a list of the more commonly used abbreviations which tell when, what and how. Ad lib freely as wanted prn as needed b .i.d. twice dally g.i.d. four times a day with S without cap . capsule i . i . d . once a day h. hour tab tablet gtt. drops t . i . d . three times a day 0.0. ophthalmic ointment g3h every 3 hours The following abbreviations are used to indicate how or where to give the drug: p . o . orally (by mouth) I.V. Intravenously I.M. intramuscularly O.S. in the left eye I.P. Intra peritoneally O.D. in the right eye S.C. Under the skin (subcutaneously) top topically these abbreviations tell how much: gr grain mg milligram gm gram mcy microgram c.c. cubic centimeter= Pkg package milliliter ml milliliter i . u. international oz ounce units Pt pint kg kilogram 1 liter All directions for medications should tell five things: 1. What drug or medication to give 2. How that medication is supplied 3. How much medication is in a given dose 4. How to give it to the patient 5. How often it needs to be given Hopefully, the abbreviations discussed are only used in situations where all involved personnel are acquainted with the directions. Prescription abbreviations are only useful if everybody can read them and then follow the directions properly. Unfortunately, Latin was used frequently in medical writings in the past so the abbreviations are of Latin phrases. Before ready-made medications, most treatments were quite long and com- plicated to make up, making abbreviations necessary. Today with newer drugs and mechanization, abbreviations should be used minimally to communicate with zoo employees. 128 HADDOCK AND HOSPITALITY by Tom GolcLibeAAy Wcu king ton Pcuik Zoo Portland, Oregon Chester: The Zoo... The Man... The Legend The story goes that when George Mottershead was only eight years old, he announced one day he would build a zoo. This decision had been made after a visit to a local zoo where the elephant lived in less than desirable conditions and was subjected to ridicule by the public. By 1931 George Mottershead had "his zoo" and today, seventy-five years later, Mr. Mottershead is acknowledged as the patriarch of European zoos. Mott still makes his rounds each morning, sometimes by automobile, but, in good weather, walking; no small feat for a man of eighty-three and in a zoo that has eleven miles of pathways. He has not had a vacation in over forty-five years that has not included zoos or other animal establish- ments of one type or another. The Chester Zoo contains 841 mammals, almost 2,000 birds, 184 reptiles, and many thousands of fish. The original manor, Oakfield, and its seven acres has grown to 550 acres although only 140 acres are utilized. The rest of the acreage is set aside for waterfowl nesting or is designated a "green area" in the interest of environmental protection. Circumstances were not always so. In the beginning the Chester Zoo met much opposition from city councils and neighboring residents. When it finally dawned on them their zoo was not an ordinary zoo, but a landmark of natural history, the Chester Zoo slowly gained acceptance and grew accordingly. The neighbor’s reluctance might have been somewhat justified when you realize that one stretch of the perimeter fencing is directly adjacent to neighboring residences. Not many people in Chester, or any- where in the world, can sit in their own backyard and watch fifty wallabies bounding by, or stare back at an inquisitive ostrich over the backyard fence . Innovation has been a way of life at the Chester Zoo. The theme of exhibiting animals as naturally as possible is almost universally accepted now, but in earlier days, the idea of lions or chimpanzees living in anything but cages was heretical. Chester Zoo has never subscribed to the 'cake type" diet for felines. Without wishing to get embroiled in that controversy, it’s enough to say that there is a certain pristine, almost primeval feeling, to stand amongst eight caged tigers listening to the crunch of the powerful jaws as a slab of ribs is systematically de- voured in primordial fashion, that is hard to emulate by any other method. The twenty-six chimpanzees now exhibited by Chester live on four separate islands each connected by an isthmus leading to the heated quarters. The temperature hovered around the forty degree mark the day Peter Waite, the amiable Curator of Mammals, showed my wife and I around. The chill factor probably reduced it to around twenty-eight. Still, at a couple of "hoots" from Peter all the chimps rushed to the edge of the water to return the greeting. All the chimps had thick shiny coats and obviously had never read the books that said chimps were supposed to be kept under sub- tropical conditions at all times. Many years before the bottom dropped out of the lion market, Mott and the Continued 129 Chester Zoo were one of the largest lion suppliers in the United Kingdom. Over 700 lions have been bred there in the past thirty years. This experience led Mott to yet another innovation: that of allowing male lions to interact with cubs. Many zoos separate the mother and cubs indefinitely or until the cubs are sold. George Mottershead believes that if an animal is social in its wild state then that’s the way it should be in a zoo. Perhaps the biggest compliment to George Mottershead and his Chester Zoo came from Jimmy Chipperf ield , the English circus man, entrepreneur, and founder of "Lions of Longleat" the first of the drive through wild animal parks. In his delightful book "My Wild Life", Chipperf ield re- counts when the grand opening of Longleat, with its fifty lions, was first announced, invitations were sent to all British zoo directors. Opposition to the new drive through concept was running high in the zoo world on the grounds that the new parks were "too commercial". Typically then, that Mott was the only director to accept the invitation and later said that lack of space was the only reason that prevented him from doing the same thing. And therein lies part of the story of the little boy who one day wanted to build a zoo, but also forged a legend. Later in Mr .Mottershead’ s study, I was invited to sign the guest book; a book that included some of the most famous names in the international zoo community. Outside, the raw wind blowing in from the Irish Sea bent the poplars around Oakfield manor almost double. Inside the fireplace crackled while the shadows of the flames softly deepened the rich mahogany of the study. Beneath his portrait, Mr .Mottershead reminisced about the past and talked with enthusiasm about the future. I sipped my coffee and also reminisced- — about the past three weeks: the zoos, the people, the hospitality; and I was reminded of the lines from Shakespeare's King Richard II, "... This blessed spot, this earth, this realm, this England. ..." REFERENCES: History of the London Zoo, The Zoological Society of London, 1973. London Zoo Guide, London Zoological Society, 1976. London Zoo Newsletter, Autumn, 1967. Ibid, Autumn, 1967. Schomberg, G. (1970) The Penguin Guide to British Zoos, Penguin Books, 1970 Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust Guide, 1976. Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust Newsletter #28, Nov. 1976. Twelfth Annual Report, Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, 1975. LeSauteur, P. (1961): Jersey Under the Swastika. Streamline Publishing Co. Ltd., London Chipperf ield, Jimmy. (1975): My Wild Life. Pan Books Ltd., London.. Johns, June. (1969): Zoo without Bars. Carousel Edition, Transworld Publishers Ltd. , London ZOOKEEPER TRAINING PROGRAM The Crandon Park Zoo, Key Biscayne, Florida, will graduate several individuals from its Zookeeper Training Program in September. The program involves nine months of full time, on-the-job training, as well as 90 hours of classroom lectures and 90 hours of practicals. Further information can be obtained from Vernon N. Kisling, Jr., Crandon Park Zoo, 4000 Crandon Blvd. , Key Biscayne, FL., 33149, or by calling (305) 361-2515. 130 SUCCESS IN RAISING YOUNG OSTRICH... by Mark Jeffers, Kings Dominion Our ostrich have not laid as many eggs for us this year, 103 for last year as opposed to 71 this year. However, this year we were rewarded to a greater degree in our efforts at incubation and sustaining life of baby ostrich. Last year,... our first attempt in this area... we raised three ostrich past nine months. Two have died since then, both were females. The third, a male, is now in the preserve with the other adult ostrich. The loss of the two females was due to a fall in one instance, and the intake of a foreign object in the other. In neither case were the losses due to the main causes of loss among our newly hatched chicks. In the majority of instances after incubation, we would assist the chicks in breaking their shell. A number of the baby ostrich, ten, died after a few days, the primary reason being lung infection. This was due to germs entering the shell and being sent to the embryo. This sit nation was rectified through periodic sterilization of the incubator. The other factor that was considered in premature mortalities, was the over- all reproductive health of the adult ostrich. Something could be missing from their diet that would enable the adult ostrich to lay a healthier egg. The baby ostrich that continued to grow eventually developed leg problems that resulted in death. Various methods were tried last year to rectify this problem, but none were successful. It was obvious to us that the chicks were not receiving important dietary needs to insure proper leg growth. We were not sure if it had to be supplied through the adults before the eggs were laid, or if the young chicks could utilize it if given to them. The ostrich raised from last year were given ratite starter. The ones that developed leg problems were not. We hoped this would be part of our answer and it was. We refined the feed to offer a food consistancy simi- lar to a pulverized hard boiled egg. Hard boiled eggs were also mixed with the ratite starter. This "feed" was given twice a day in measured amounts. The growth of each chick was measured daily to monitor stability. Any sudden weight gain was too much for the young legs to hold up and often caused the legs to angle out away from the body at the hip joint. Our other answer was exercise on dry soil. Baby ostrich love to run and peck the ground. Both are essential for health. Young legs are better able to keep up with body growth by staying in shape. Pecking allows them the chance to obtain needed items to maintain stomach order and digestion. We have eight baby ostrich ranging in age from 1% months to 2^ months, all doing well. One of the eldest developed stiff knee joints due to a rapid weight gain (3 lbs. in two days). His daily intake was cut back, and this improved his leg movements. Of the eight, all but two were hatched on the same day, which has been a helpful factor in observing growth patterns. We now hope as the ostrich continue to grow that we have obtained some answers and success in our efforts to raise ostrich. 131 USDA Proposes Standards for Care of Marine Animals Standards for humane handling, care and treatment of captive marine mammals are being proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) . Named in the proposal are: Cetaceans (Whales, porpoises and dolphins), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), sirenians (the dugong and the Manatee), polar bears and sea otters. The standards were developed by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under authority of the Animal Welfare Act. The standards were based on recommendations made by the Federal Marine Mammal Commiss- ion. They parallel standards already in effect for other warmblooded mammals regulated under the Act. Several standards concern facilities: Construction and maintenance; structure and design of tanks, pools and partitions; and space and facilities for the animals. Other standards deal with the environment; Water and power supply; ventilation and drainage; waste disposal and sanitation; indoor light- ing and temperature; sanitation and housekeeping; veterinary care and pest control; and water quality— bacteria count, salinity, pH level and water exchange. Also proposed are standards for animal handling: Animal care and treatment; identification and recordkeeping; and transportation and time in transit. Emphasis is also placed on food quality, food storage and feeding techniques . The proposal was published in the August 19 Federal Register. Comments from the public should be sent by October 18 to: deputy administrator, Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Md. 20782. TOURISM AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS by Vonald A. Rotla As the safari season approaches, it should be remembered that the tourist trade in wildlife products is one of the reasons for the decline of many species. As individuals concerned about the continued survival of the world’s irreplaceable wildlife, we should refrain from purchasing trinkets and souvenirs produced from wildlife. Only if the economic incentive is removed for the current massive slaughter of many endangered and non-endangered species will this rea- son for the decline be eliminated. As you know, often an animal is killed solely for those parts which are valuable in the tourist market (teeth, claws, tails, etc.), and the remainder of the animal is left to rot on the plain. This senseless waste of a valuable and beautiful natural resource must end, and only the informed and concerned traveler has the ability to stop it. There are many fine souvenirs which are not made from animal products that can be purchased, and although they are unique to the country in which they were obtained, their purchase does not add to the decline of the areas wildlife. Please be a concerned shopped in your travels, and alert your non-zoo friends to do likewise. 132 SUCCESSFUL REINTRODUCTION by MoAcla A. Rofa ieA, Oklahoma CiXy loo One of the major problems in raising animals in a nursery situation is preventing them from becoming so imprinted on humans that they are unable to return to their original exhibit as normal, reproducing individuals. This is especially a problem with hand- reared primates. The following procedure was used successfully with an Abyssinian Black and White Colobus monkey CoZobiLi gu.2Ag.za that was raised in a nursery and then returned to the exhibit in which it was bora. A female Black and White Colobus was bom in the Children's Zoo on February 22, 1977. At this time the colobus group consisted of one adult male and four adult females, each with one infant. On March 16, 1977 , the male died and fighting broke out between the females. Observations showed that the infant mentioned above was becoming weak and after she was dropped twice it was decided to take her to the nursery for hand-rearing. While in the nursery the colobus was fed "Similac with Iron" infant formula at two hour intervals. After the colobus had been in the nursery for one month and had returned to good health, we initiated our reintroduction program. A wire cage (3'x3'x2') with branches for climbing was attached to the chain link of the outside of the colobus exhibit. The infant was placed in this cage for increasing periods of time. After one month she was spending two hours in this cage in both the morning and afternoon. In order to provide more contact with the colobus group, the cage was moved to the inside of the exhibit and attached approximately six feet above the ground. Since the females often became agitated when the young colobus was removed, an opening was made in the side of the exhibit which made it unnecessary for keepers to enter the exhibit it- self when transferring the infant. She was left in her cage from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. At this time bottle feedings had been reduced to four-day and solid food was being introduced. After three weeks another cage of the same size and design was added to the inside sleeping quarters of the colobus exhibit. The infant was placed in this cage at night and in her outside cage from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, thus providing 24-hour contact with the adult group. Bottle feedings were reduced to two-day and solid food was available at all times. We followed this procedure for an additional six weeks. The next step was to leave the young colobus in her outside cage 24 hours, weather permitting. Since the adults sleep outside during the summer we wanted the infant to adjust to sleeping outside also. She was fed only solid food at this time, and her weight was taken frequently to make sure she was still gaining weight. On August 2, 1977, the infant was released into the exhibit. The group at this time consisted of three adult females, two of which had offspring, and the infant's mother. The infant was grabbed immediately by the dominant female. The other females showed a great deal of interest in the newcomer, but there was no fighting among the group. The infant's mother made no real attempt to take her away from the dominant female. After two days the other two females were observed holding the infant for short periods of time and she was observed eating by herself, several feet away from the dominant female. One month after her introduction, the young colobus was still spending most of her time with the dominant female, but seemed to be adjusting continued. 133 yecy well to her new surroundings. It remains to be seen if she will adjust completely and reproduce eventually, but at this point it seems quite likely. By using a gradual reintroduction procedure, which in this case lasted over four months, we were able to return a hand-reared animal to its original exhibit and have it accepted into the established group with a minimum of stress to all animals involved. WILL IT El/ER END? WE HOPE NOT l A HEARTY BEAR- HUG A ND A SMILE TOR THE NEWEST IN AAZ K's GROWING LIST OF CHAPTERS. FOR INFORMATION ON CREATING AN AAZK CHAPTER AT YOUR ZOO, AWUARIUM OR PARK, CONTACT ■ VENNIS GRIMM, CHAPTER COORDINATOR, BROOKFIELD ZOO, BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS. .. 6051 3 The Dickerson Park AAZK chapter has recently been formed and have elected officers; President Vice-P resident Secretary Treasurer Paul M. Price Mike Crocker Pam Fritsch Jim Hogue news Dickerson Park Zoo 3043 North Fort, Springfield, Missouri 65803 These keepers have a great deal of support for AAZK and will be further organizing their chapter in the future. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (keepers) and Associate $10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student $ 5.00 annually Contributing (organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers* Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada Memben^hips one pn.o-njout.dd semi-annually , except fion Student memberships . Extna patches one available £ nom AAZK Headquointers , &on. $ 1.00 each. Send name and add/ies* and a check on money on.den to: AAZK Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington** D.C. 20008 Make check* payable to American Association o£ Zoo Keepens ALL CHANGES OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO AAZK HEADQUARTERS. DO NOT SEND THEM TO ANIMAL KEEPERS FORUM. AKF IS NOT AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY 134 i\> ss: 'z. 3C o > O C/^ *H O X. ^ ■< co h-i a 2 z. o c > > ~h r~ o 7z- N <* O o cj i o * 73 7C HILL, LIB Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER ELEVEN NOVEMBER 1977 Animal 635 Gage B|vd-/ , Topeka, Kansas 66606 USA Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecelia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park Keepers Forum A nlmal Keeper * FoAum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publicati is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which th reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be request- ed by writing the office of Animal KeepeAS ' PoAun 1, American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C, President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National Headquatets , National Zoological PaAk Washington , V.C. 2000S Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BV THE EDITORS, ...THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS * FORUM or of the AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Vcnnl6 Galrm, Baookfilcld Zoo Awards Committee Chairman Jehh Roberts, BAookhield Zoo Nominations and Elections Committee Coordinator for International Affairs Tom Goldsbenny, Portland Zoo Jill Gaade, Chwn. , Busch Bl Ad SanctuaAy, CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta Zoo Von Rasmussen, Kansas City Zoo BeAnaad Feldman, Millet PaAk Zoo Jchh PeAAy, Bu^alo Zoo Ed Roberts Jefih Petty Janet Phipps Regional Coordinators Walt "et V* Stoke Mm Bufifialo Baltimone Canlton Bailie Kings dominion Zoo Randy McGill Evetett H antis Latty Sammanco Vale Belches Jay Levine VetAolt Indianapolis Unco In PaAk St. Louis Knoxville MaAylee Vandlvet Gainesville Michael VelveAton Baton Rouge Nancy Chase Oklahoma City Tom Golds beAAy Portland Caaole Udell Los Angeles COVER DRAWING .... ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ME, VT, NH,MA,RI ,CT NY PA,NJ,MV,VEL VA,WV Ml TNfOH.KT WI, IL m, lAf MO TN,NC,SC FL,AL,GA A K, MS , LA TX,NM10,0K,KS,NE$V] ()JAtOR,TP,MT,Wy CA,NV,AZ,UT,HA ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE [NP deadline fion each edition oh AKF Is the 20th oh the preceding month SCOOPS and SCUTTLEBUTT PORTLAND KEEPER ATTACKED by Kit Lewis, Washington PaAk loo, Portland, OR. It seems to be a bad year in the elephant barn at Washington Park Zoo, (Portland, Oregon). It's only been 8 months since Roger Henneous' accident with the cows in February (see AKF , Feb., 1977). This time it was Bill Wadman, regular elephant keeper and member of the Portland Chapter AAZK, and the 15-year-old bull elephant "Pachy". Apparently nobody knows exactly what happened. Bill was alone in the area close to Pachy 's room. Somehow Pachy grabbed Bill's right arm with his trunk and pulled it through the vertical bars above the hay manger (4" diameter, 4" apart). Then Pachy leaned heavily against Bill's arm, crushing it against the bars. Bill yelled, and Mike Keele, regular elephant keeper, and President of Portland Chapter of AAZK, came running. He had been working in another room in the elephant bam at the time. The commotion caused Pachy to release Bill's arm. Bill was rushed to St. Vincent Hospital in Portland. Diagnosis initially was a compound fracture of both the radius and ulna; later it was found that the bones were crushed. Bill is still in the hospital, undergoing a series of surgeries. It is unknown how long he must stay in the hospital and how long he must convalesce is also still in question. Cards and letters can be sent to Bill, care of Washington Park Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR, 97221. ELEPHANT GRABS KEEPER IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI Linda Steams, 22, a keeper at the Dickerson Park Zoo was attacked by an elephant on Tuesday, October 18. She suffered a dislocated shoulder. According to Chris LaRue, general curator , Ms. Stearns was standing near the bars of the elephant enclosure when the animal grabbed her wrist and pulled her through the bars. The elephant, a 27 year-old female named "Minnie", then picked up Ms. Stearns and threw her down several times before throwing her through some doors into the outside elephant yard. Ms. Steams has been a relief keeper at the zoo for six months. KEEPER HURT IN MADISON WISCONSIN Debra Clarke, 24, a keeper at the Henry Vilas Park Zoo is recovering from a broken back after being attacked by an elephant on September 28. According to zoo director Elvie Nelson, Ms. Clarke had been training with the elephants for five days. While her training keeper was in another building, she entered the elephant's enclosure without benefit of ankus or food. The elephant knocked her down and into a gutter. Fortunately, Ms. Clarke suffers no paralysis. 135 DULUTH KEEPER RECOVERING Judy Boeltz , 22, a keeper at the zoo in Duluth, Minnesota, is recovering from a polar bear attack. The attack occurred Friday, October 14. Ms. Boeltz suffered bites to her neck, a punctured trachea, numerous lacerations to her arms and legs and over 100 puncture wounds. According to Basil Norton, zoo director, the attack occurred when Ms. Boeltz entered a denning area to turn off a water valve. She inadvert- ently walked into an occupied den, and was attacked. Her screams alerted Ray Washburn, another keeper in the area. He attempted to beat the bear back with a pipe, and is credited with giving Ray Walston, zoo manager, time to retreive a rifle. The bear then dragged Ms. Boeltz to an outside den, where he was shot and killed by Mr. Walston. Cards and letters may be sent to Ms. Boeltz, care of the Duluth Zoo. BIRTHS o HATCHINGS TWIN ORANGS BORN AT SAN DIEGO ZOO Twin orangutans were bom at the San Diego Zoo on September 25. The event is the first multiple birth among great apes at the San Diego Zoo and the seventh instance of orangutan twins in captivity. The infants, a male and a female, were born to Mary Fred, an ll-year-old Bornean orang. The pregnancy was her first. The father is Otis, a 12- year-old Sumatran orang. The delivery was uncomplicated. After five hours, the twins were removed for hand-rearing in the Children’s Zoo nursery. Mary Fred at first appeared able to care for both youngsters, but as the afternoon progressed it became questionable whether she could continue without assistance. WHOOPING CRANE ON BREEDING LOAN by Anne. Ma/iie. Osilomki, A&t>£. CiiAaion. oft BifidA , Audobon Pa/ik & Zoological Garden Both Audubon Park Zoo and the International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Wisconsin, are interested in the preservation and propagation of the whooping crane GfiUb 6 ameAicanuA . On September 14, a single male whooping crane, on display at Audubon Park Zoo for 20 years, went out on a 3 year renewable breeding loan to the ICF. There are presently 24 whooping cranes in captivity, at Pautuxet Wildlife Research Center, the ICF, and San Antonio Zoo. In the wild, whooping cranes reached record numbers this year with 66 birds arriving at Aransas Wildlife Refuge in Texas. This is the largest number of the endangered birds since 1938. There are 7 additional whooping cranes in New Mexico accompanying their sandhill crane foster parents. The sandhills hatched whopping crane eggs which had been transplanted into their nests. The first female whooping crane hatched at ICF as a result of the breed- ing loan will be made available to Audubon Park Zoo for breeding purposes. 136 INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR REPORT by Tom Golcii>bedAy , AAZ K International Coordinator, Washington Tank loo , Portland The AAZK has made much progress in the field of international relations during 1977. With the assistance of Jon Barzdo , and our British counter- part, The Association of British Wild Animal Keepers (ABWAK) , we now have the nucleus of a program that we hope will eventually serve as a clear- inghouse of keeper information throughout the world. Presently we are communicating with individual keepers or keeper organizations in Canada, England, Australia, New Zwaland, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This is not a simple program. Correspondence is often slow, time-consum- ing, and goals and objectives are often hard to agree upon. Problems of the American keeper are not always the problems of, for instance, the Australian keeper. In some instances problems are sharply defined; in others the reverse is true. Earlier in the year the feasibility of keeper exchange was discussed. Because of the language problems it was thought best to first contact keepers in English-speaking countries only. It now appears that keepers in the British Commonwealth are far ahead of us regarding keeper exchange due in part, no doubt, to easier passport restrictions and traditional ties. British keeper exchange is carried out on a regular basis, with periods of often 18-24 months duration. When it became obvious that the AAZK was not in a position to solve all of the logistical problems of such a program, such as transportation, pay schedules, length of stay, etc., the emphasis was shifted from "exchange" to one of "accommodation." Briefly, this would mean that when a foreign keeper visited this country, or vice-versa, the host organization would arrange for room and board in the homes of keepers as near as possible to the zoo of choice of the visiting keeper. This plan would serve two important functions: it would allow more personal contact between keepers, and it would save money for the visit- ing keeper. Now, I don't know how many of you are planning to visit beautiful, downtown Abu Dhabi next summer, but it's schemes such as these that will add a new dimension to the zoo-keeping profession. Meanwhile, until we get our first customer, the names and addresses of all of those who responded to the "exchange" program will be kept on file and new participants will be most welcome. INFORMATION PLEASE I am tdylng to compile Infiodmatlon {,od a project on "The Ecology o{) the Agouti" . I mold tike to compare my observations on the behavior otf agoutis at the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens with those tfsiom other z 00s and also with the behavior oi agoutis In the wild. I would tike the help o& A KF /Leaded to share thelJi knowledge and expedience on this subject. Please address correspondence to James McKeon, 576 General M uhlenberg Rd. , King ofi Prussia, PA. 19406. 137 Reptile Amphibian n potpourri REPRODUCTION IN THE REPTILE HOUSE AT WOODLAND PARK ZOO 1977 by EAntc WagnoA and Vnxmk Slavcns Woodland PaAk loo Seattle Woodland Park Zoo does not have a particularly large reptile collection compared to some of the other collections in the U.S. We have 30 small display cages about 3 feet square, 4 walk-in cages about 6 by 10 feet and half a dozen large grottos for turtles, crocodilians and our bog display . We hold very few animals off display and counting lizards loose in various parts of the building we have about 268 specimens, representing 27 families of amphibians and reptiles. We are very active in trying to reproduce the animals we do maintain, and our collection is very stable, changing little from year to year in terms of new species added. The following is a brief outline in our collection this year. Species Eggs Python m. blvtttatus 46 VAymaAchon c. coupeAt 5 LampAo pottle zonata 15(2 LampAopeltts g. filoAldana 21(2 Pttuophts m. catenlfieA 15(2 LampAo poltls m. alteAna 22(3 LampAopeltts g. callfioAnlae 4 LampAo p eltts t. slnaloae 1 Gekko gecko 10 Ptychzoon hoAS^eldl 4 Hemttheconyx caudlclnctus 21 SauAomaluS obesus 22(2 EubtephaAls maculaAtus 69 OAtnolamuA tdtsiaApiA 16 Clemmy-i m. maAmoAata 22(4 TeAtudo hoAmant 4 VmdAobatcA auAatuA 6 c f the reproduction which has occurred laid Hatched Still Incubating 16 0 0 0 clutches) 4 0 clutches) 11 7 clutches) 11 0 clut ches) 10 8 3 0 7 10 4 4 2 clutches) 0 26 22 3 0 clutches) 22 4 utches laid 10 tadpoles 0 We now have third generation leopard geckos and second generation Blairs and Florida kings. There remain animals in the collection which are not reproducing which we expect to induce in the future. Most of the animals listed above are reproducing for us on a regular annual basis. We did not obtain HetodcAma eggs this year and are trying to correct this problem through vitamin therapy. ADDENDUM: Ernie sent us the following items just before press time... 9/22/77 EptcAatQA AtAtatuA ... 14 stillborn, 1 alive 9/27/77 OAt&opeXuA domtntcanuA .. .Dominican Tree Frog, 1 clutch of several hundred eggs 10/1/77 Ept&LatdA AtAoatuA . . . 12 born, all healthy. VtAzct oJUL comments to RAP, VEvtston o{, Rcpttlcs and Ampktbtans, Nattonal loologtcat PaAk, Washington, V.C. 20008 138 RARE BIRDS IN QUARANTINE AT SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK A group of ten Tahiti blue lories, a very rare bird found only on a few islands in the South Pacific, now is in quarantine at the San Diego Wild Animal Park after being confiscated in Los Angeles by United States Customs agents. The birds were smuggled into the United States in early October, and were turned over to the Wild Animal Park for safekeeping. On October 13, the Park's general curator. Dr. James Dolan, was informed that there was a possibility that agents from the United States Department of Agriculture intended to kill the birds. Federal law requires that all birds smuggled into the United States be terminated to prevent the spread of disease. Dr. Dolan said, "Tahiti blue lories are so rare that there is a very real threat that they will be extinct in a matter of a few years. The group at the Wild Animal Park appears healthy and we are keeping them in strict quarantine so I hope the USDA will make an exception to the rule and allow them to remain here." When it was learned USDA agents intended to terminate the birds. Dr. Dolan informed officials of the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the American Federation of Aviculture and bird experts in zoos across the United States. Late that same day, the U.S. Attorney's General's office issued a stop order to prevent USDA action on the lories at the Wild Animal Park. ONE OF RAREST MAMMALS SIGHTED IN TASMANIA One of the world's rarest animals ... a Tasmanian wolf ... has been sighted in northwestern Tasmania. Two policemen saw the animal while on patrol near the town of Derby. Dr. Eric Guiler, of the University of Tasmania confirmed their description. The wolf, TkyZactnuA cynocupkculuA , is the largest carnivorous marsupial. The last known living specimen died in 1930. Since then, an expedition found a dead specimen in 1961. That was the last confirmed evidence of their existence until this sighting. Ed. Note.: The, Th.ylacA.mi6 U> the symbol AA ZK'a 6th, ten. on.gantzatton In Aa6tn.aLLa, the Au6tn.ala6tan Soetety fion. Antmat Management. ZOO WELCOMES NEW FLAMINGOS The Philadelphia Zoo recently received 30 Lesser Flamingos from Kenya, Africa. They are exhibited in Phase II of the African Plains Exhibit. Eleven of the colorful birds were purchased with funds donated by several companies: McDonald's Operators Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware (6); the Golden Slipper Club (1); Electric Factory Concerts (1) , and the Freda Corporation of Philadelphia, (1). The Zoo lost 10 Greater Flamingos last spring when they were attacked by young vandals . 139 Great Ape a.tr^&emonfufa INEXPENSIVE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR A GORILLA. . .by Can.ol GUck, PtttAbungh Zoo Our gorilla exhibit is by no means elaborate or spacious. The indoor quarters are about 16’ long x 9' wide x 10' high. Housed in this exhibit is a single male lowland gorilla, George, who is thirteen years old. George only has one bad habit ... regurgitating and reingesting food items. From my observations, I’ve concluded that he does it because he likes to. I've seend him play really hard, stop for a moment, casually cup his hand under his mouth, bring something up, reingest and resume play. When given a novelty item such as raisins or peanuts he'll recycle them more than his normal meal, as if to resavor it's palatable delights. This activity does not suggest stress behavior. Perhaps the behavior simply compensates for the animals natural continuous foraging done in the wilds. We've tried to overcome this behavior by the recreational options which we provide for our gorilla which are by no means elaborate, costly or inaccessible to the zoological garden. Heavy duty rubber objects are ideal for gorillas. Tires of various dimensions are favorably welcomed by my charge. We have one tire suspended from a chain and tires that can be rolled, thrown or sat upon. Our latest acquisition was a heavy duty equipment tire. George often sinks his bottom into the hole and, like royalty, props his arms and feet around the edges. Discarded robber hoses, about two inches in diameter and of various lengths can be salvaged. They entertain for hours as whips, hammers, and nest building material, as he tucks them under his body. He also balances them on his shoulders, or twirls them between his feet while lying on his back. He's even been known to initiate a game of tug-of-war. Weaving them between the bars is another favorite past time. Rubber feed tubs are used as "turtle shells, hats, chairs and bath-tubs". When hosing his cage he often skids across the wet floor while slapping his chest or other parts of his body. Filling his tub with water George marches in it, and slaps his hands and feet together. The only problem here is that George believes in audience participation and w ->ften become saturated. Another object of joy is a big log. It is 1.5' in diameter and six to seven feet long. One end of the log has blunt arms on it so that George has no trouble rocking the whole log. It also provides a perch on which he can sit looking at the scenery over and beyond the spectators heads . Maple branches, straw, excelsior or burlap sacks, preferably big enough to plunge his whole torso into and sometimes stacked with a peanut surprise at the bottom, bring unmeasurable happiness to George. Smd comment*, Idea* on. a/iticZa* ion. G.A.P. to Pn.ed Vlttman., 511 MW 29th #204, Oktahoma Ctty, OK 7 3103... 140 LINCOLN PARK ZOO REPTILE COLLECTING TRIP by Pal SammaAco , Lincoln PaAk Zoo, Chicago Annually, budget permitting, Lincoln Park Zoo sends the Curator of Reptiles and a few keepers on a field trip to collect reptiles, etc., for the collection, with the overall purpose of giving them some in- valuable field experience. Trips have been to the Trans-Pecos area of Texas, Southern Illinois, Florida, and this year, to the area around Tucson, Arizona. The team included Ed Almandarz , Curator of Reptiles, Steve Russel and Chuck Hill, keepers in the Reptile House, and me, formerly in the RH, but now a night keeper. We left on August 29, in the zoo’s Ford van, packed with tools, bags, crates, canteens, head lamps, snake boots, and all sorts of miscellanea. We drove about 500 miles per day, sharing the wheel and motelling at night. We stopped in zoo towns, but didn’t get much, if any, time to visit. We thank the Dickerson Park group for the Waterhole Monday night and the breakfast tour of the Zoo Tuesday morning. (Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, Mo. , has some great bumper stickers to raise funds for an Eagle project — "I love Zoo", Zoo your thing" and "Up your Zoo".) Arriving in Tucson', we made our temporary home in a motel, and hunted, mostly in the early morning and late night, although we captured some lizards in the midday heat, nearly 100 degrees. The desert was in bloom and beautiful during the day, but almost magical at night. For night hunting we used head lamps, worn with an elastic band on our foreheads and connected to a belt-worn battery. This setup allowed us light wher- ever we turned our heads to look. Spiders, at night, in light, appear as diamonds, their eyes throwing back a sparkle. Snakes glisten, and are supposed to be even more apparent under black light. We worked in pairs, turning over rocks and dung, looking in Mesquite for climbing animals, and watching out for Jumping Cholla, a cactus tree that jumps out to get you when you get too close. We carried snake bags, bottles, snake hooks and tongs in the field, and also did some road hunting from the van, watching for animals to come to the road for warmth at night. Thanks to various old and new frields, the crew at the Tucson/Sonora Desert Museum, and the Rangers at the Coronado National Forest and a Naturalist at the Brown Canyon Sanctuary, our trip was successful in the capture of almost a hundred specimens, including various snakes, lizards, toads, scorpion, tarantula, spiders, centipedes, et al, and the accumulation of field experience for the four of us. Thanks to the Randolph Park Zoo bunch for the tour and talk. ELECTION 77 {)Aom J III GAa.dc RESULTS OF A total of 284 members voted. The nominees were Carole Udell, Patricia Sammarco, Pat Sass, Dennis Grimm, Jeff Roberts, Tom Goldsberry. Dennis Grimm and Tom Goldsberry are the winners and will be taking over their new positions in December, replacing Mike Dee and Pat Sass as members of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Congratulations!!! 141 chapter BABY PRANG INTRODUCED B/iook^Md Zoo There is a new baby orangutan at Brookfield Zoo. Robin, 1% years old, arrived this week from St. Paul, Minnesota’s Como Zoo, and has been introduced to three of Brookfield's orangutans: Connie, 17 years, Ronald 3h years, and Hahna, 4% years old and Robin’s full sister. The new resident at Brookfield’s Primate House is adjusting well to his foster home, according to Dr. Ben Beck, the zoo's Curator of Primates. He cited Connie's maternal behavior on behalf of the new orangutan, help- ing Robin around the primate enclosure and allowing the baby to cling to her. Robin was brought to Brookfield Zoo Tuesday by Como Zoo Director John Fletcher who is hoping to again breed Robin's mother, Ginger, who is on breeding loan from Brookfield, to Como's lone male, Yogi. Robin thus had to be weaned (this can be done with orangs as young a& 15 months) . The little orang, who weighs about 25 pounds and stands approximately one foot at the shoulder, will grow to over 300 pounds, a shoulder height of 3-3^ feet, and an estimated 35 years of age. He is the third offspring of Ginger and Yogi. Their first baby, Hahna, who has been at Brookfield Zoo nearly all of her 4^ years, has also taken to Robin, and keepers say she and young Ronald had been seen at play with the baby orang already. LONG-TIME ZOO KEEPER RETIRES by Van Watson, Executive- VlAectoT, A bllene Zoological Gardens, Abilene, Texas Zoo keeper, Carroll Dennis, retires as zoo keeper of Abilene Zoo at the end of November after 33 years in this position. Before the zoo was moved to its new location in Nelson Park in 1966, Keeper Dennis was the chief and only zoo keeper at the Fair Park location caring for a retired-trained Chimpanzee, Lions, Bison and Rhesus Monkeys. His dedication to his charges and his contagious spirit of cooperation has been an invaluable asset to the Abilene Zoo. Keeper Dennis is being honored by the Abilene Zoological Society for his contributions to the zoo, since under the new arrangement the Zoological Society operates the zoo for the City of Abilene. The dedication of Keeper Dennis should be an inspiration to us all, and we wish him well for his retirement. om Jim Bleslngea, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo Chapter At the last meeting of the Santa Fe Chapter of the AAZK we elected new officers and made plans for a newsletter. Elected were: Jim Biesinger, president; David Ames, vice-president and Terri Bohara, secretary-treasurer. news We hope that our newsletter will be of interest not only to students and staff at our zoo, but also to the staffs of other zoos. Anyone interested in receiving copies regularly should contact: AAZK Chapter, Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville, FL 32602. 142 BLACKBUCK BV M a/ik J K-lngA dominion On the evening of January 26, an adult female Blackbuck A nfclZopd dOJiii-dapfia was observed some distance away from the Blackbuck herd. From her behavior, there was a good possibility that she had just de- livered a baby. On investigating the area the fawn was found partially frozen to the ground. Doubtful that the new baby would be able to make it through the night, it was "pulled" and taken to the nursery. The following day the young female was started on goat's milk. During the first few days, she was fed every four hours. One or two ounces was all she would consume in her first feedings. By the third day she was consuming 20 ounces. By the end of her second week she was on three feedings a day, eight ounces per feeding. She never accepted a bottle readily so she was fed from a tube with a 60cc syringe attached to it. On her fourth day she was started on ampicillin, 1 cc twice a day, orally. This was a precautionary measure prompted by her fluctuating temperature (102°-105°) and loose stools. During her first month "Betty" was taken home every night by the person feeding her. She was then left at the nursery at night with other babies - pygmy goats, mouflon, and waterbuck. During the day she was given the freedom of the nursery. When spring finally arrived she was put outside in the petting zoo for exercise with some of the other animals. We began talking about re- introducing her into the preserve in April, but it was not until the first on June that it was actually done. At this time she was still receiving milk, plus an assortment of other foods from grapes to french fries . Betty was brought to the hospital to be reintroduced to the preserve. She stopped receiving milk at this point and was put on grain and grapes with access to the grass in the preserve. The first few days she stayed by the gate that connected the hospital to the preserve. By the fifth day, Betty was discovered by some young males. Gradually, she began to increase her knowledge of her surroundings. In the evening she could be seen grazing with a few of the other Blackbuck. During this time she would return to the gate to be fed twice a day. Each day her feeding spot was moved further from the gate and closer to the road where the other animals fed. One evening she did not appear for her evening meal so these were stopped. Three days later, morning feedings were stopped. She did return to the hospital gate on several occasions, but was not fed. From this point on she quickly made an association about who was now going to be her feeder. The section person was adopted within three days. Once the section truck entered the area she would be close behind it looking for food. Betty became much more tolerant of people on a whole in the section in contrast to the nursery. 143 On the seventh of May, our resilient veterinarian Dr. Robert Barton performed a Caesarian Section on a pregnant female Blackbuck. The female had received a blow in the head three days earlier. This resulted in the subsequent loss of her equilibrium. The stress associated with this, her pregnancy and the moving of her to the hospital was too much for her to overcome. Various intravenous feedings were given to her (500cc 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringers) to help her overcome the shock, including a solution of Sodium Bicarbonate. For two days she looked strong and responsive. The third day found her loosing strength, and although she was given more intravenous feedings she could not regain her strength. She was checked around 8:00 PM the same night. Her condition had deteriorated to the point that it was obvious she would not make it through the night. Dr. Bartor was informed of the situation. An hour later the operation was p formed. The female was injected with CI-744 and the fawn was delivered. The female was then euthanized. In a matter of seconds from the time the fawn was cut from the mother, we were massaging it down with towels to stimulate breathing and circulation. A couple of drops of Dopram was applied under the tongue to stimulate breathing. After about two minutes the fawn began to expel the fluid in its lungs, and within ten minutes it was sitting up and shaking its head, breathing successfully on its own. The little male took to the nursing bottle that night under the care of Dr. Barton. For about three weeks the baby, named "Pepe" stayed with Dr. Barton and his wife Joy. Pepe was started on fluids much the same way Betty was, except for his taking the bottle the same night of his birth and the substitution of cows milk for goats milk. About the time Betty was being released in the section, Pepe was brought into the LCS hospital. At this time he was taking 12 ounces at each feeding, three times a day. For the first two weeks at the hospital one person was responsible for his feedings. Pepe had no problem acclimating himself to the holding pen. He accepted his feedings with little prompting. It was necessary to insert the nipple into his mouth occasionally to begin the feeding. It was never a necessity to restrain him or in any way force him to be cooperative. He would always allow hands to touch him, but he was not fond of being restrained. About a week after Pepe was brought to the hospital, another Blackbuck baby, a female, was pulled from the section after she had caught herself in some fencing around the rhino holding pen. She was approximately two days old. Even at this early age, behavior patterns of the Black- buck herd had begun to be instilled in her. Introducing her to a bottle was a struggle. One person again tended to her feedings. The first six days she was fed eight ounces a day three times a day. This was due to the fact that she had been with her mother for a few days. The attempts made at introducing her to a bottle were unsuccessful in the first six days. As a result, she was tube fed on cows milk. Care was taken to make sure that she swallowed the fluids the way she normally would if she were drinking from her mother. Most of the time she would sit for the first half of her feedings. This was due to the hiding posture taken when approached. After consuming about four ounces of the fluids she would become restless and want to leave. Restraint was applied to ensure she drank the remainder of her solution. Continued. 144 The practice of restraining her to eat was not a desirable one. Each of her feedings began with an attempt to have her take a bottle. The right formula and nipple was found on the sixth day. A mixture of ^ cows milk and 3$ goats milk with a playtex nipple and bottle was acceptable to her. Also by this time she had been given the name "Sylvia." With the discovery of this formula the necessity for restraint ended. For the most part Sylvia would follow Pepe’s lead at feeding time. Pepe would take his bottle and Sylvia would search him for a nipple to suckle. Both would punch the nipples of the bottle with their muzzles as they would have done to their mother’s milk sac. Pepe was such an aggressive sucker that he would often pull the nipple off the bottle, drenching him- self and the feeder with warm milk. As the two blackbucks grew, Pepe's consumption increased to around 40 ounces a day; Sylvia’s to around 32. Hi^ horns began to appear in mid- July, and with these a taste for hay, ge+in, and grass. His weaning began slowly by decreasing his milk intake while offering him hay, grain and grass to eat. It was hoped that Sylvia could be kept on the bottle a while longer. After being fed by one person for two and a half weeks, she was introduced to other feeders. Her behavior became erratic at feeding times to where she would not follow Pepe, she would refuse the bottle, and she would consume only a few ounces of milk. Her primary feeder would then attempt to feed her. She would come to him, following Pepe, but would have to be caught and held until the bottle was inserted in her mouth. Then she would stand and drink by herself. However, it became increasingly harder to catch her at feeding time. Sylvia took to rebounding off fencing when it came time to catch her for feeding. It was obvious that this could not continue so Sylvia was weaned along with Pepe. A KEEPER'S VIEW OF THE AAZPA MANAGEMENT SCHOOL by Vat SammaAco , Lincoln VaAk loo. Chicago Last February, Larry Sammarco and 1 were among the 90 or so students at the AAZPA Zoo Management School, and we will attend our second and final session this coming February 5-9 in Wheeling, W.V. Even with only one- half of the course completed, we feel that it is to be recommended to anyone seriously interested in the total operation of Zoos, and especially to those aspiring to management positions. You won’t feel out of place. In our group there were three Keepers, and another graduating as a second-year student. Everyone at the school is a student, swapping experience and theory, without the usual formality of rank. We keepers were often sounding boards for ideas, and the acknowledged experts in areas of zoo management in the lower levels un- known, or in the distant pasts, of the higher ranking staff. The course is intensive; the days full of classroom sessions, optional discussions, and the comraderie of rap sessions that remind a keeper of a "waterhole." The satisfying educational experience and the fraternal contact with fellow professionals, back-lighted by the beautiful setting, facilities and hospitality at Oglebay Park are definitely to be recommend- ed. 145 PORTLAND CHAPTER INVOLVED by Kit Lmi* , SdcieXaiy The Portland Chapter of AAZK is becoming deeply involved in the Admiralty Island logging controversy, and urges other chapters to do the same. The U.S. Forest Service wants to begin massive logging operations on Admiralty Island in southeastern Alaska. This would seriously threaten: — 5,000 to 6,000 endangered American bald eagles; Admiralty Island alone contains half of America's bald eagles. — 1,000 bald eagle nests, over half of which are currently active. — the survival of the Shiras brown grizzly bear; a separate species found only on Admiralty. --the lifestyle of the Tlingit Indians; their cultural survival is dependent, upon fishing lands surrounding the village of Angoon (population 500). Logging would disrupt the delicate balance necessary for successful spawning. Detailed descriptions of all sides to the issue can be obtained by pur- chasing a copy of ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC (Vol. 1, No. 3, Summer 1973) from Alaska Northwest Publishing Co., Box 4-EEE, Anchorage, Alaska, 99509. For reasons of animal and land conservation, the Portland Chapter of AAZK opposes logging plans, and supports the congressional passage of the D-2 Lands Bill (introduced by Stew Udall, former Secretary of the Interior). This bill would re-designate many areas of Alaska into wild- erness preserves and parks. It would place all of Admiralty Island under the "wilderness preserve" classification; thus protecting the bald eagles, their nests, the Shiras grizzly, and the native Indian culture from the serious damage that could be caused by the U.S. Forest Service logging operations. The Portland Chapter of AAZK is sending letters in support of the D-2 Lands Bill to Oregon's Senators and Congressmen, Cecil B. Andrus and President Carter. With these letters, we are sending a condensed version of the ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC article as reference material. The debate re- garding the logging of Admiralty Island has been in contention for decades, but the final decision will be made this time around. The bill is in Congress. We urge all members to support the D-2 Lands Bill by writing supportive letters to their state Senators and Congressmen; to Cecil B. Andrus and to President Carter. Help protect these vital species; remember — ’keepers care. A good reference for the use of drugs in raptor treatment, should the injury require it, is Avian VtUlQts and Vo&aqQJs , by Chuck Galvin, D.V.M., obtainable for $3.50 from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Aquatic Park, Berkeley, Calif. 94700. 146 We axe deeply indebted to the AAZPA Neaslettex hox allowing as to xepxint poxtion* oh this *ectlon h^om theix "Po*itio\u Available” Luting*. Tkiu is a monthly *exvice to as, hoK- y°u • ASSISTANT ZOO DIRECTOR. . . to assist the Director with the ad- ministration and total operation of a medium-sized zoological park. Duties include supervision and scheduling of personnel, daily inspection of animal collection, maintaining inventory, ordering supplies, assisting in thq treatment , tranquilization handling and transportation of zoo specimens. Candidate should have strong background in animal husbandry and daily routine operation of a zoo. B.S. degree in animal science or related zoological field and practical experience in a supervisory capacity in a zoological park are required. Salary - $14,076 to $17,964. Send resume to James L, Swigert, Director, Jackson Zoological Park, 2916 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39209. Deadline is November 23, 1977... ELEPHANT KEEPER NEEDED... under supervision, maintains and trains two Asiatic elephants at the Tulsa Zoo. Experienced person preferrable. Salary: $4. 34 /hr. starting wage. Please phone Ken Kawata, Curator of Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa, OK. (918) 835-8471. o p p 0 r t u n © 1 t y KEEPER I POSITION AVAILABLE. . .The Nature Center of Asheville, NC, is looking for an elephant keeper. The person will be responsible for one female Asian elephant and other barn duties. High School education is required, two years of experience is preferred. The position is a Keeper I, salary starts at $3. 00/hr,, or the salary is negotiable depanding on amount of experience. Apply to: Asheville Nature Center, Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville, NC. , 28805. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (keepers) and Associate «. $10.00 annually Foreign $15.00 annually Student $ 5.00 annually Contributing (organizations) $25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers' Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada mmbexship* axe pxo-xated * ml.- annually, except hox Student membership* . Extra patches axe available h^om AAZK Headquarter* , fiox $1.00 each. Send name and addxe** and a check ox money oxdex to: AAZK Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington;, D.C. 20008 Make check* payable to Amexican A**ociation oh Z.00 Keepers ALL CHANGES OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO AAZK HEADQUARTERS. DO NOT SEND THEM TO ANIMAL KEEPERS FORUM. AKF IS NOT AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY 147 73 C/5 O 3=* GO C/5 Animal Keepers' Forum Dedicated to Professional Animal Care VOLUME IV NUMBER TWELVE DECEMBER 1977 Animal 635 Gase Blvd., Edited by Ron Kaufman, Topeka Zoological Park Associate Editor: Mike Coker, Topeka Zoological Park Administrative Secretary, Cecelia Sauer, Topeka Zoological Park A nimal KeepOJiS ' FoAum is a monthly publication distributed by the American Association of Zoo Keepers as a service to its members. Articles in this publication may be reprinted, credit to this publication is requested. Please forward two copies of the publication in which the reprint occurs to this office. Reprints of any article may be request- ed by writing the office of Animal KeepeAS ' FoAlUiU American Association of Zoo Keepers, Board of Directors Bela Demeter, Washington, D.C. President Mike Dee, Los Angeles, California. Vice-President Ron Kaufman, Topeka, Kansas Ed Roberts, Everett, Massachusetts Pat Sass, Chicago, Illinois National HeadquateAS , Motional Zoological Pasik Washing ton, V.C. 20008 Elizabeth Glassco, Administrative Secretary MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE EDITORS. ...THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHORS MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF OF ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM or of the AAZK American Association of Zoo Keepers Coordinators and Committees Coordinator for Chapter Affairs Coordinator for International Affairs Venni* Gnirm, Ba ookfiield Zoo Tom Golds beAAy, PoAtland Zoo Awards Committee. Chairman R obents, B/iookfiield Zoo Nominations and Elections Committee Till GAade, Chu)n. , Bunch. R Old SanctuaAy, CA Kent Benedict, Atlanta Zoo Von Rasmussen, Kansas City Zoo BeAnaAd Feldman, M illeti PaAk Zoo Jefih PeAAy, Bu^alo Zoo Regional Coordinators Ed R obexts WaUeA'V* Stoke Mm, loo ME, (/T, MH,MA,RJ,CT Jeii PeAAy Bu^alo Janet Phipps Baltimore Canlton Bailie King 4 Vominion Randy McGill VetAoit EveAett HoaaIs Indianapolis LaAAy SammaAco Lincoln PaAk Vale BelckeA St. Louis Jay Levine Knoxville MaAylee VandiveA Gainesville Michael VelveAton Baton Rouge Money Chase Oklahoma City Tom Golds beAAy PoAtland CaAole Udell Los Angeles MY PA,MJ,MV,VEL VA,M/ MI I N,0H,KT WI, U MM, IA, MO TN,MC,SC FL,AL,GA AK, MS, LA [MV TX,HMnr\ COVER DRAWING .... ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY PERRY LABELLE Veadline £oa each edition oh AKF in the 2 Oth oh the pAeceding month SCUTTLEBUTT SCOOPS RARE LORIES FLY TO LONDON A 90-day stay in London, England, is in store for the ten Tahiti blue lories which has been housed for nearly a month at the San Diego Wild Animal Park while their fate was debated by government officials. On November 3, the birds were put in a flight from Los Angeles, to Great Britain, where they will be kept until the Wild Animal Park is granted an import license to transport them back to the United States. Controversy about the fate of the birds arose after their arrival in San Diego when it was learned that agents from the U.S. Dept, of Agriculture had plans to seize the birds. USDA regulations may be interpreted to require that all birds coming into the United States illegally be destroyed or exported to their place of origin. Dr. James Dolan, general curator of the Wild Animal Park, with the aid from zoos across the country, from the American Federation of Avicultu- rists, and from the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums sought a stay of execution for the birds. By mid-October, a court order from the U.S. Attorney General's office in Washington, D.C., demanded that the birds be kept alive to use as evidence in the smuggling case. On October 29, the U.S. Customs office in Los Angeles turned over title to the birds to the Wild Animal Park under the condition that the birds be exported from the country for 90 days. Dr. Dolan said, "These birds are so rare that we hope to start a breed- ing nucleus of the species at the Wild Animal Park. We know of no group being kept in captivity at this time and preservation of the species is vital." Rosemary Low, a noted authority on lories, will keep the birds for the quarantine period in her home in a suburb of London. Early next spring the Wild Animal Park will apply to USDA for an import license to bring the birds back into the United States and ultimately to the Wild Animal Park. The T-SHIRT project is going strong. CARLETON BAILIE is still taking requests. The AAZK T-shirts consist of a Ringer T-shirt with a 4x6 inch AAZK emblem on the left front. The emblem is printed in white. The shirts are available in blue, red, yellow and green. Both men's and ladies sizes are small, medium, large and extra large. Drop Carleton a line and let him know how many youf 11 need. SEND NO MONEY NOW. SENV YOUR REQUEST TO CARLETON BAILIE, OFFICE OF ANIMAL MANAGEMENT, KINGS V0MINI0N, REV 166 , VOSWELL, l/A. 23047. DON'T FORGET TO RENEW!!! MEMBERSHIP IS NOW ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, THERE IS NO PRO-RATING. WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, WHY NOT ENCOURAGE A FRIEND TO JOIN UP? RENEW NOW FOR 1978!! 148 BIRTHS HATCHINGS BIRTHS AND ACQUISITIONS AT WILDLIFE SAFARI BY Laurie Marker, Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon Wildlife Safari is proud to announce the births of one white-handed gibbon Hytobatot Za/i, and 2 litters of cheetah cubs, plus the arrival of our first giraffe. The excitement began on Tuesday, October 4 with the arrival of a one year old male reticulated giraffe on loan from Washington Park Zoo. The transporting of the giraffe down 1-5 to Winston, Oregon, was quite a thrill for many Oregonians, who waited along the highway to watch as it passed. Wildlife Safari has been waiting quite some time to acquire giraffe. Safari also purchased another giraffe from the Washington Park Zoo and hopes to transport it very soon. Wednesday, October 5, proved to be another exciting day when we discover- ed the birth of a white-handed gibbon. The birth had been expected but not quite so soon, the gestation period being only 193 days. Safari keepers were very relieved to see the female taking good care of her baby (un-sexed as yet) because last year's baby (her first) she rejected. The family- male, female and baby - is living out on an island in the Asian section of the Safari and is being left alone. Saturday, October 8th, topped off the week when two litters of cheetah cubs were discovered upon arrival of keepers. Both females were put up in separate areas for cubbing. Safari is pleased to have another breeding female, originally caught in S outhwest Africa. She has been at the Safari since 1972 with no signs of 'any previous breeding behavior. She is believed to have been bred to a 4-year old male bom at the Safari in 1973. This breeding did take place in Safari's new drive- through cheetah area. It is believed that she has 3 cubs total. The other female has had 4 other litters at the Safari, totaling 21 cubs with excellent success. This litter, though, was a disappointment. Instead of having her litter in her nesting box, she had them outside in the cold, wet grass. When the cubs were discovered, the exposure had killed 2 of them and the third was brought into the clinic. The stress must have been too much and after three days, this cub died. The female will be turned back out with the male within the next week, and we'll hope things will turn out better next time. This brings the total cheetah litters up to 6, totaling 27 cubs, bom at Wildlife Safari in 4 years. Any Keepen intenotted In exchanging cheetah information, please contact • LauAte Market, on Pnebton Thompson c/o WildLLfe Safant VO Box 600 ( Vint ton , OR 97496 149 OKC ZOO RECORDS TWO BIRTHS by Von Mhitton, Animal Teeh IT, Oklahoma City Zoo On October 16 at 10:10 a.m. keepers discovered the birth of a male black rhinocerous. This is the 5th offspring of 14 year old male "Clyde" and 16 year old female "Lottie." Lot.tie was separated from our group 1 week prior to birth when keepers noticed vaginal swelling. The baby was observed nursing 2 hours after birth and again throughout the afternoon for a combined total of 30 minutes nursing the first day. Estimated weight at birth was 60 lbs. This was a second generation captive birth, Clyde being born at Detroit, Lottie in Cincinnati. The baby was named "Little Foose" after our newest Curator Tom Foose, late of Cornell University, via Toronto and Philadelphia Zoos. At the morning check on October 26 keepers were pleased to discover the birth of a hippopotamus in one of our inside pools, For the nervous mother "Mathilda", this was her 6th calf. Matilda was wild born and has been at the OKC Zoo since 1953. Male "Norman" was bom at the Houston Zoo in 1961. The new baby, named "Gums" by keepers Steve Bryson and Greg Petromilli, was sexed as a male when first observed out of the water the next day. It should be noted that Gums displayed the head jerking movements typical of males during his first week. An added note : We have recently discovered small, hard capped, pus-filled sores on the back and sides of our 25 year old female Indian elephant. These sores have spread quickly down her tail and rear legs. We believe these to be caused by skin parasites but have not been able to isolate the worm. Some sores have also appeared on our other female Indian with whom she shares an inside stall. As of yet, they haven't spread to our African elephants although the animals have been in contact across the wall separating the lots. If any keeper has experience or has heard of a similar problem, please contact Dr. Jim Jensen, Oklahoma City Zoo, 73111. AFRICAN ELEPHANTS EXPECTING The Knoxville Zoo is expecting two blessed events. Two of their African elephants are pregnant and expecting young next year. Toto, an elephant on loan from the Bronx Zoo is expected to calve in March. Sapphire, purchased from the Overton Park Zoo in Memphis is expected to calve in June. Old Diamond, the largest bull elephant in captivity, is the sire. When born, zoo history will be made, as these will be the first African elephants to be bom in the Western Hemisphere. Good-oh, Knoxville Zoo! (From"Tiger Talk", National Zoo, 10 Nov. 77.) 1*3 you.’ tie looking fax. a my to warn up those eold Veeember day s, browse tkn.ou.gh the November Issue o*$ the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. ( JAVMA) . It’ 6 Volume 171 , No. 9, their Wildlife and Lab Animal Issue. It' 6 got some super articles on tfoot eare o& elephants, orang eontn.aeeptl.on, behavioral engineering in zoos and goiter, in penguins . Vour veterinarian probably has a eopy. . . 150 from the President Bela J. Demeter We have several important announcements this month that should be of interest to all members. As we close the year our membership is at an all-time high of just over 1,000. This is up from 600 in 1976 and re-^ fleets the hard work of all those involved with the organization as well as the increased services we were able to offer over the past two years. With your continued support there’s no reason AAZK cannot expand and improve its membership services even further. You should all have received your 1977 AAZK Directory by now. This mail- ing included an AAZK decal and your 1978 membership renewal notice. It’s important that you fill out this notice completely since it will be used in updating the next directory. We will have extra decals available in the near future with the Overton Park Chapter handling the distribution. If your directory failed to reach you through the mails please drop us a line and we’ll send another one out right away. One project that we were not able to complete was publication of our annual journal, "T he KeepCA." The editors ran into some difficulties and at this late date we have decided to print the articles that were submitted for this edition in a special issue of AKF. The Board of Directors has decided that in the best interests of the Association The Keeper should be discontinued. Our budget is rather limited and we felt that we were perhaps spreading ourselves too thin. We are, however, con- sidering enlarging AKF's present format to include lengthier articles that would have been printed in The Keeper. This should increase the impact of the newsletter as well as reduce the wait-time on these longer papers. If you were planning to visit the National Zoo at next Fall's conference then you might have to wait till 1981. The conference committee took a long look at the subway construction that had moved into the vicinity of the Zoo and the designated conference hotel and decided that it might be better to wait until Metro was completed before bringing delegates here. The AAZK chapter of the Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, Florida, has offered to host the 1978 conference in our stead. We have quite a large, energetic group of members there and Dr. Raymond Giron, Director, assures us of an excellent conference with some very interesting side trips. See you in sunny Florida, the dates are October 15-19. More on the conference as it develops. Congratulations to the following keepers who have received AAZK's Certificate of Merit. This award is presented in conjunction with AAZPA's "Bean Award." Mammals : Bess Green & Bob Quintana Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Park for work with the Black Howler Monkey Birds: Walter Crawford St. Louis Zoological Park for work with the Bateleur Eagle 151 Reptiles : David Grow, Ed Byrne, Peter Gray Sedgwick County Zoo for work with the New Guinea Green Tree Python Amphibians : David Grow, Ed Byrne, Peter Gray Sedgwick County Zoo for work with Arrow Poison Frog (Dendrobates auratus) The Board of Directors and the Staff of AKF join me in wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy, productive New Year. THANKS! The keepers at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois, would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Hank Tomczak, the Headkeeper of Birds and Miss Lee Wroblewski, an Animal Keeper of the Buffalo Zoo for their efforts in helping us establish a nutritionally inclusive diet for soft- billed birds in Miller Park Zoo's Tropical Rain Forest exhibit. This soft-billed bird diet is most successful and agreeable with all the birds. The birds are without a doubt in the best of plumage and health. By understanding the diets of these tropical birds through the efforts of Hank and Lee, we at Miller Park Zoo have gained insight into better avian husbandry . Again, thank you Hank and Lee. Bernard C. Feldman, Keeper Miller Park Zoo Bloomington, Illinois GORILLA DEATH AT SAN FRANCISCO by SalZy Smith. September 8, 1977, "Betsi", an 18-year old female Lowland Gorilla at Roeding Park Zoo, died of complications from Valley Fever, Co cCsLdtotdomy- C.06t& . She had been under intense treatment at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine at Davis for one week prior to her death. She had been treated for approximately three weeks at Roeding Park Zoo before transfer to Davis. CocCsidiotdomycoAtA is a fungus found in soil of low elevation deserts (such as areas of the San Joaquin Valley) and is contracted by in- halation of spores. Symptoms can be variable appetite, weight loss, and listlessness combined with coughing and wheezing. During the period of treatment, some 4^ quarts of fluid was aspirated from her left pleural cavity in three separate sessions. Numerous X-rays, cultures and blood tests were conducted. "Betsi" was brought to Roeding Park Zoo in April, 1975, from Frankfurt Zoo, as a prospective mate for 13-year old "Fred". Betsi had been hand- reared by Cameroon natives and zookeepers from infancy. She was fixated on her keepers and refused to breed in Frankfurt. After her arrival in Fresno, Betsi and Fred bred only three times, without success. Her death has deeply affected the staff at our zoo. 152 by StuaAt L. PoAteA, PAo{,e6AOA, Animal Science Blue Hedge Community College Box SO, MeyetiA Cave l/A 2 4486 HANDLING ANIMAL DISCHARGES FOR LABORATORY TESTS Very often, in order to diagnose an animal’s illness or to learn more about an animal such as its pregnancy status, the veterinarian will want to obtain blood, feces, urine, or samples of other discharges. Usually the blood will be obtained while the animal is restrained and the veterinarian draws blood from a vein using a needle and syringe. However, the veterinarian is more often than not absent when these other samples become available. How these samples are handled is a very important factor in evaluating the accuracy of the results of subsequent laboratory procedures performed. Much depends on what information is desired from the sample but there are definite do’s and don'ts involved in the proper handling of samples. Blood is a tissue consisting of a liquid portion and microscopic cells. There are numerous tests which can be performed with blood including counting the different kinds of cells, measuring certain chemicals which increase due to certain diseased organs, heavey metal analyses, and analyzing for chemicals which indicate pregnancy among others. The veterinarian is usually the one drawing blood from the vein. Then the blood is handed, while still in the syringe, to someone else who puts it in some type of vial. There are various glass tubes with different color stoppers used for blood storage. The color of the stopper indicates whether or not a chemical is present. These chemicals are anticoagulants which prevent the blood from clotting, which is necessary to perform several basic tests such as red and white cell counts and hematocrit determinations. There are numerous anticoagulants available and which one to use is dictated by which other tests are desired and personal preference. The most commonly used anticoagulant is EDTA which comes with a pink stopper. My personal preference is for the person who receives the blood filled syringe to have the tube ready with the top off and to put a certain amount of blood into the tube which is then stoppered and very gently turned back and forth about a dozen times to thoroughly mix the blood and anticoagulant. If this procedure is done too roughly the cells may be destroyed and the accuracy of the test impaired. Some people inject the blood through the stopper, but I have found this destroys some cells. Depending on the amount of blood drawn there may be some left in the syringe. This is then put into the red stoppered vials which contain no anticoagulant. Again I like to have the stopper removed and the blood then put in the tube. The blood eventually clots in this tube, which is also called a clot tube, and the serum (liquid) obtained can be used for many chemical determinations. It is important that the tubes are properly labelled, especially if more than one animal is being worked on. It is equally important that these glass tubes are care- fully handled and not dropped. I can still remember the horrible feeling as I watched a sable antelope arise from an immobilization and at the same time heard the crashing of glass as the blood tube slipped through a hole in my shirt pocket and fell to the ground. The sooner the blood can be returned to the laboratory the better. If it will be a while before any tests can be performed, the blood should be refrigerated. The bood in the anticoagulant tube should never be frozen. The serum, once separated from the clot and put in another tube, can be frozen and stored for long periods. 153 Another useful, but usually surprisingly hard to obtain sample is urine. Urine is useful in evaluating the status of the kidneys and bladder. It is also used to determine pregnancy in many species. Sterile urine samples can only be obtained while the animal is sufficiently restrained to allow a sterile catheter to be passed up the urethra to the bladder and the sample collected in a sterile container. A free catch sample be- fore the urine hits the ground is the next best method. One bongo keeper when asked to obtain a fresh urine sample, devised a device which con- sisted of a long pole with a cup attached. When the bongo hunched up to urinate, he stuck the pole through the slightly cracked door and caught the urine in the cup. Obviously the method employed depends on the nature of the animal. Most often the urine sample is collected from the clean floor of the cage or stall using a syringe and a needle. The cleaner the sample the better, but a dirty sample is often better than none at all. At times I’ve even squeezed urine from newspaper which covered the floor of a cage. Once obtained it is vital that the urine be taken to the laboratory immediately or if this is impossible it should be refrigerated. The important thing to remember here is to get what you can and run it in and let the veterinarian decide if it is useable. A very common and easily obtainable sample is feces, or solid waste. The most common lab test performed on feces is the parasite check for eggs. The eggs of most parasites are microscopic, but occasionally whole worms or segments are present and visible to the naked eye. Of course, the fresher the sample, the better, but again an old sample is better than none. If the animal has diarrhea, it may be necessary to collect the feces in a syringe. If the veterinarian has indicated a desire to culture the sample for bacteria or viruses, it is best to leave the sample and immediately send for someone to perform the sterile culture. The sooner the culture is taken the more accurate the results. If the fecal sample collected by the keeper isnt' typicdl of the entire mass , then the differences should be reported. For example, if there were streaks of bright red or black tar present, this is important for the veterinarian to know. Again proper identification of the sample is very important, but often overlooked. Of course, in a herd situation, it may be difficult to tell which feces came from which animal. In these cases, several samples from several areas of the enclosure should be collected. There are numerous other discharges which the keeper m^y be ooifcf ranted with and which may indicate an ongoing disease process. Some examples are vomitus, nasal discharge, bloody discharge and pus. In these cases, it is best to contact the veterinarian before handling the sample because a bacterial culture may need to be taken. If the vet isn't available, it is important for an accurate description of the discharge to be recorded including color, consistency, odor, amount, source (if known). The sample should then be collected and refrigerated. There is a tremendous amount of useful knowledge to be gained from animal discharges and the accuracy of this knowledge is dependent on the proper handling of these samples. If in doubt about the usefulness of a particular sample, collect it and refrigerate it while awaiting a medical opinion. Ed. Note,: Vn. Vo titan ia)gu> ^onmanty the, vatantnanlan at the. Gladys Vo titan loo, BnownAvtlZa, TX. 154 RCp+i,° ibian . pourri TIPS ON THE CAPTIVE REPRODUCTION OF PkclMma modago6ca/Ucn^i6 BV Joseph Bsioum Glou.cc6tAJ> , during which time the single pair has been kept in a 20- 30 gallon tank, egg laying usually begins in February and ceases in June. Usually two eggs are deposited at a time, frequently adhering to the leaf of a bromeliad, a flower pot, limbs, or the cage sides. At this point the adults are removed and the eggs are left alone in the cage for the 60-80 day incubation period. Incubation temperature used here is approximately 27°C. In cases wherein it is impractical to re- locate the adult breeders, the eggs are removed and suspended over a mat of damp sphagnum by a fine mesh net. Relative humidty should be kept at about 75%. Upon hatching, young should be separated immediately and reared alone to insure that no intra-specific competition/ supression will occur. Young are fed daily on a variety of small insects: 1 insect per lizard per day. Progression to adulthood takes from one to one and a half years. 156 Some words of caution: Keep only one pair of PlviLbuMCL per tank and disturb them as little as possible. Only when you are sure that your pair is reproductively inadequate should you separate them. Some PkeLbuma can be bred for the first time in a few months following acquisition, others seem to demand one or two years. The members of the PhdZAimoL madcLgOAca/u.CLnA'U) clan appear easy to breed if certain demands are met. In addition to the general requirements such as lighting, temperature, etc., the two most important factors seem to be nutrition and acclimation, the latter easily achieved thru heavy planting of terraria. Following these basic rules, it is hoped that the eventual establishment of captive self-sustaining populations of all Pkutbuma. species can be achieved. Only in this way will these gems of the Malagasy Repulic be maintained for successive generations to admire, and only in this manner will P/ieXiUMX avert the untimely demise that so much of the Malagasy fauna has been unfortunate enough to experience. survival TEN SPECIES OF SNAKES AND LIZARDS BEING STUDIED Ten species of lizards and snakes are being studied as possible candidates for the endangered species list. The species are: Baker’s legless lizard, Pandanus skink, desert kingsnake, flat-tailed horned lizard, black pine snake, Louisiana pine snake, short-tailed snake, Miami crowned snake, gray-banded kingsnake, and Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. These reptiles occur in very limited areas in various parts of the United States including Arizona, Califor- nia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Florida, Guam, and the Pacific Trust Territories. Persons with information that may assist in determining whether any or all of these species should be listed as endangered or threatened are requested to write to the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (OES) , Washington, D.C. 20240, by February 1, 1978. CRITICAL HABITAT FOR SIX ENDANGERED SPECIES LISTED The critical habitat of the American peregrine falcon, Florida Everglade kite, dusky seaside sparrow. Cape Sable sparrow, palila, and Morro Bay kangaroo rat has been determined. The rulemaking requires all Federal agencies to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them do not result in the destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitats of these species . 157 STATUS OF 20 ANIMALS TO BE REVIEWED Twenty animals not currently recognized as endangered species are to be reviewed by the USDI to see whether they should be added to the list. None are native to North America. All 20 species are currently listed on Appendix I of the International Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. At the Conference of the Parties to the Convention held in Berne, Switzerland, in 1976, the addition of 45 animals (including the 20) to Appendix I of the Convention was approved. Appendix I is defined as in- cluding "all species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by trade." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends now to re- view the status of these 20 to see if any or all of them should be determined as endangered or threatened. Given the large number of species under review, a long- er period than usual will be allowed for public comment on the review, and any information received before January 1, 1978, will be given full considera- tion. Such information should be submitted to the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C., 20240. The Appendix I species that Bear, Asiatic black Bear, spectacled Chinchillas Dog, bush Marmoset, buff-headed Marmoset, pygmy Marmoset, white-eared Otter, European Rhinoceros , black 2 genera of Rou: are under review are: Rhinoceros, southern white Eagle, imperial Eagle, white-tailed Falcon, peregrine Kestrel, Aldabra Boas , mad Boa, madagascar tree Crocodile, dwarf Crocodile, mugger d Island Boas SEVEN SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND SPECIES LISTED AS ENDANGERED OR THREATENED. The unique and fragile ecosystem of San Clemente Island, California, has at least seven endangered or threatened species of plants and animals, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined. The species listed as endangered are the San Clemente loggerhead shrike and four flowering plants: The San Clemente Island indian paintbrush, San Clemente Island bush-mallow, San Clemente Island larkspur, and the San Clemente Island broom. The San Clemente Island night lizard and the San Clemente Island sage sparrow were listed as threatened species. 158 Great Ape INTRODUCTION OF INCOMPATIBLE GORILLAS GohJJUa g. go Mia AT THE SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK by Steven Joined, San Vlego Wild. Animal ?ahk, Escondido, Callfi. On Wednesday, 19 October, a third attempt to integrate a twelve year old hand-raised, primiparous female _ into, our established gorilla breeding group was made. The breeding group at the Wild Animal Park had consisted of 1.2 adults and 1.1 infants under the age of four, prior to the intro- duction. Two previous attempts to integrate this female with the adult male alone had resulted in aggressive interactions between the two indi- viduals. The apparent incompatibility between these individuals stemmed largely from the inability of the female to adequately cope with a novel social situation. During past encounters she had displayed social naivete and had been unable to respond correctly to the male's dominance related behavior. This behavioral problem was thought to be the result of the female's early hand-rearing in isolation from conspecif ics . In contrast to the two earlier attempts, the present episode was begun on 11 October when Alvila was introduced to the other adult females and in- fants in the group. It was thought that by so doing a positive relation- ship would be establised, with the older females protecting her in the event of any subsequent aggressive encounters with the adult male. Alvila' s introduction to the older females and infants proceeded without serious problem. Within a few days normal social interactions were taking place among the five individuals. On the day of the male's introduction, the three females and the infants were released into the public display area first, followed 90 minutes later by the male. To minimize external distractions, the introduction was scheduled for early morning at a time when few visitors were on the Park grounds. Early interactions between Alvila and the male, Trib, followed many of the same behavioral patterns observed during their two previous encounters. The male displayed aggressive behavior and attempt- ed to assert dominance over the female by means of body posturing, chest pounding displays and approaches toward Alvila. Her response consisted of retreating from the male, uttering vocalizations indicative of anxiety and exhibiting threat displays when he approached too closely. These interactions were closely observed by the older females. On occasion, when Trib cornered Alvila in the dry moat of the enclosure, the other females intervened in response to vocalizations from Alvila, terminating the aggressive encounter. During these interactions, the oldest female, Vila, consistently pushed Alvila away from Trib while the other female, Dolly, distracted the attention of the male. The four year old male infant, Jim, assisted Dolly during these encounters. Three weeks after introduction, Trib and Alvila have settled into routine behavioral patterns and from all appearances the introduction has been successful. The rationale behind Alvila' s introduction to the family group has been to maximize the Wild Animal Park's potential for captive gorilla propagation as well as to overcome the negative influence of hand-rearing on Alvila's behavior. Within a few months, Alvila will hopefully become established as a viable member of the Park's breeding colony and aid in our captive gorilla propagation program. Send comments, Ideas oh. ahtlcles oh. G.A.P. to Eh.ed VittmaA, 511 N luJ 29th #204, Oklahoma City, OK 73103... 159 SENIOR NATURALIST , ANZMALS... Senior animal care position. Duties: establish maintenance routines for captive animals, including health, cleanliness, diet; record-keeping and permits; plan animal display areas; supervise animal care staff; work with consulting veterinarian. The ideal candii ate will have work experience as a supervisor in animal care at a zoo or nature center. Collection is native animals with ex- ception of one Asiatic elephant. Salary, $9 ,438-$12 ,038. Apply by resume to: Melvile C. Thomason, Director, Western North Carolina Nature Center, Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805. (704) 298-5600. SENIOR NATURALIST, BARNVARV ... New Position to plan, develop and operate an educational mini-farm. Qualifications: previous management experience in an educational farm, diversified farm background and teaching experience. Salary $9,438-' $12,038. Apply by resume to: Melville C. Thomason, Director, Western North Carolina Nature Center, Gashes Creed Road, Asheville, NC 28805. (704) 298-5600. CURATOR/ZOOLOGICAL EXHIBITS £ VISPLA’/S ...New position. Requires E.A. degree and 2 years experience, one of which must have been in a zoo in the design, construction ar.d installation of exhibits, displays and information graphics. Beginning salary $16,000. Contact: Saul Kitchener, San Francisco Zoological Gardens, Zoo Road and Slt^rline Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94132 immediately. DON'T FORGET TO RENEW!!! MEMBERSHIP IS NOW ON AN ANNUA BASIS, THERE IS NO PRO-RATING. WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, WHY NOT ENCOURAGE A FRIEND TO JOIN UP? RENEW NOW FOR 1978! MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Affiliate (keepers) and Associate.. ,.$10.00 annually Foreign $15 00 annually Student .$ 5.00 annually Contributing (organizations) .$25.00 annually All memberships include subscriptions to Animal Keepers ' Forum and to The Keeper, the Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers... All new members receive an AAZK shoulder patch and a membership card good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada ExtAa patches a/ie available fisiom AAZK HeadquaAtesi* , j {on. $1.00 each. Send name, and addK.es* and a check ok money oKdeK to' AAZK Headquarters, National Zoological Park, Washington^ D.C. 20008 Make check* payable to American Association o£ Zoo Keepers ALL CHANGES OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO AAZK HEADQUARTERS. DO NOT SEND THEM TO ANIMAL KEEPERS FORUM. AKF IS NOT AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY 160 ro ac 2: 2 o > > > O CT! H 5D O X <*•» CO Hi C 2! 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