Skip to main content

Full text of "AAZK newsletter"

See other formats


JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1970 
Vol. 3 No. 1-2 








AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS 


NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 
8024 Tommy Drive 
San Diego, California 92119 
714 - 463-0738 


Board of Trustees 

Executive Secretary 

RICHARD G. SWEENEY (Chairman) 
San Diego Zoological Gardens 

KEN KENNEDY (Vice-Chairman) 
Vancouver, Canada 

CLAUDE SHARPE 

Seneca Park Zoo, Rochester, N. Y. 

JOHN WORTMAN 

Topeka Zoological Park, 

Topeka, Kansas 

ROBERT CRAWFORD 
Lincoln Park, Chicago 

PERRY N. ALEXANDER 

Roeding Park Zoo, Fresno, Calif. 

HUEY HANNON (Treasurer) 

San Diego Zoological Gardens 


National 

Honorary Members 
MARVIN L. JONES 
GLORIA STEWART 
JAMES M. STEWART 
R. MARLIN PERKINS 
IVAN T. SANDERSON 


AAZK MEMBERSHIP 

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP 

National Headquarters.$5.00 annually 

(Includes subscription of Newsletter) 

(Open only to keepers and attendants 
of other zoos and aquariums) 

NATIONAL 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP 

Open to persons who wish to support AAZK 
but who do not qualify for regular, 
affiliate or other memberships (no right of vote) 

$5.00 annually 

CORRESPONDING MEMBERSHIP 

Open to keepers of foreign zoos 
$5.00 annually 

ASSOCIATION EMBLEMS 

Shoulder Patch (see cover).$1.00 each 

(Members only) 


Association Decals 25c each 


CONTACT 

AAZK HEADQUARTERS 

8024 Tommy Drive 
San Diego, California 92119 
714 - 463-0738 


SUBSCRIPTION RATES 
U. S. A- - 30c per copy or $3.00 per year 

Foreign - $5.00 per year 




Dear Member, 

The AAZK is planning its first National Conference for May 4 and 5 at Topeka, 

Kansas. It needs your participation in order to be a success. Why not plan to attend 
and share in the benefits of this Zoo Keeper’s meeting. 

The downtown Holiday Inn in Topeka will serve as Conference Hq. and all conference 
activities will be centered there. Many important AAZK activities are being planned. 
Tuesday, May 5* will be devoted to papers prepared and presented by keepers, and 
guests from all over the U.S. Many subjects concerning animal husbandry, conservation, 
and other subjects will be discussed. 

A conference banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn on Tuesday evening May 5t preceded 
by a cocktail party. Registration fees for the conference are $30.00 per member, 

$8.00 for wives. (This fee will include the banquet,aand a luncheon on Wednesday, 

May 6th.) 

A tour of the Topeka Zoological Park is planned, and a special tour of interesting 
Topeka sites is planned for wives of members attending. 

It is hoped that AAZK will be represented by members from each of our member zoos 
throughout the nation*.and Canada, 

If you plan to attend, please fill in the attached form and return it as soon 
as possible. You will receive a packet of conference materials, including an outline 
of the program by return mail. 

Help us make the AAZK Conference a huge success. Plan for a good time at Topeka, 
Sincerely, 

Conference Committee 
John Wortman,Chairman 

PRE*REGISTRATION FORM 
NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCE 
TOPEKA,KANSAS 
MY 5-6,3970 

CD I plan to attend the National AAZK Conference, Number in party_ 

0 I would like to present a paper at the general session on May 5>3970. 

0 I ‘will need; Q Projector Q Slide Projector OBlack Board 

NAME 


ADDRESS __ 

STATE ZIP ZOO OR AQUARIUM 


SEND TO; CARL PYLE, BOX 345, ALPINE, CALIF. 92QQ3 











V 





TABLE OF CONTENTS s 


Conference Prc-Registrstion-Fcra-’-— .—— —-—--—Face Sheet 

We the Keepers by W. Townley "Scotty" Roy-—-———pg* J 

Baby Hoofed Stock Formulas~Franklin Park Zoo Hospital 

by Anne Davidson—-----Pg, 1 

Zoos of the World-Crandon Park Zoo by John Hale-—-—Pg, 3 

Reptile Department-Cincinnati Zoo by Johnny R, Arnett—-■——-Pg, 2 

Happenings from Assiniboine Park Zoo by Mrs, T.A.MacKendrick-Pg, 4 

A Brief History of the Calgary Zoo by George Croome—-——Pg, 4 

News from Columbus Zoological Park by W, Townley "Scotty" Roy---Pg* 5 

News from Stanley Park by Ken Kennedy-—Pg, 5 

Trial and Tribulations of Captive Siamangs at Milwaukee 

County Zoo by Sam La Haifa---*--—Pg, 6 

Happenings at San Diego Zoo by Carl Payle--- --Pg, 7 

The Animal Corner-■—-Pg, 8 

Foreign News by Marvin L, Jones-*---—--Pg, 9 

Other News by Marvin Jones----—-Pg, 9 

Advertisement Offer for Conference Brochure Ads-—-—-Pg, 11 

Talk Presented at Second AAZK Anniversary Dinner 

by Perry Alexander----- Pg, 11 

New from Atlanta Zoo by Elizabeth Dobbs- *Pg, 1 4 

Freshwater Dolphins by Harold V, Ottesen,Jr,---Pg. 1 4 

International Zoo News Subscription Offer- —Pg. 16 

Births at Turtle Back Zoo from Jan, 1 to Dec, 5»^9^9 

by Peter Yoost--—---Pg, 16 

Letter from the Executive Secretary----Pg. - f 8 

Japanese Zoo News by Ken Kawata-—-Pg, 19 

Pittsburgh Zoo News by George Badanich----— ■ -Pg, 20 

New Feathers for the San Diego Zoo-----Pg, 20 

St, Louis Zoo News by Kathy Alexander--—Pg. 20 

News from Topeka Zoological Park by Ken Kawata—-*-~——-Pg, 21 

Nei\rs about Gestation Booklet being offered by AAZK--*-——Pg. 22 


>jc >'fi >!< ^ >}c >!c >!- >!< >|< >!< >!< >!< >jc >|< >j< ^ >;< ^ >;< >;< >;<: >jc >;< >;< ^ ^ >;< >;< # >|c >*< ^ >;< # >;c # ><j >}c # ^ ^ 


TYPIST AMD KCMEOGRAPHER 


VIRGINIA L. SWEENEY 







































WE THE KEEPERS by W, Townley "Scotty 1 * Roy, Columbus Zoological Park 

Those of us who are zoo keepers belong, to a very unique profession dedicated 
to the care, 'well being;,-management, and conservation of wild 'animals in captivity. 

This alone seems like a tremendous responsibility,., but actually it is a small 

\ ■ , . 

portion of our job. - . ‘ 

Many in our field are graduates in zoology* animal husbandry or other related 
fields. However, as we all know# the first prerequisite for our work is a genuine 
love and dedication for the animals, This to me is more important than any degree 
granted by any college or university. 

The knowledge we must possess is tremendous and includes anatomy, physiology, 
biology, disease and its control. One of the most important phases of our work 
is to understand the.:psychological makeup of our animals. All animals, snake, fish 
or gorilla, possess' feelings. To help our animals express these feelings can be one 
of the greatest rewards of our field. 

When you look' at some of the facts and figures you realize the impact that our 
work carries. There are approximately 300 zoos, public and private, in the United 
States, which have a keeper force of 10,000, These 300 zoos average 82 million 
visitors annually, more than many professional, sports. We are in front of the public 
more than all the Arnold Palmers, Mickey t Mantels, and. Wilt Chamberlains in the world. 

We must be ready to accept the'responsibility we have to the staff of members 
of our respective zoos, for wo; are in more direct contact with the animals than 
they are. We must also bo willing to present any new ideas we may have concerning the 
welfare of the animals, regardless of how insignificant it may seem at the time. 

This is the way the staff can come up with new ideas on how to better serve us, the 
public, and, most important, the animals. , 

We should always be ready to upgrade our profession,, whether it be by way of 
formal education or through the organization, if there is not a keeper training 
program in our individual zoos. - ' 

I suppose by now you realize how much our profession means to me, I wash to 
thank all of my fellow zoo keepers for allowing me the opportunity to express my 
views through our newsletter. 

BABY HOOFED STOCK FORMULAS—FRAMdlN PARK ZOO HOSPITAL, DORCHESTER,- MASS ,'.. . 

(In response to recent article, on baby elk from. Turtle Back Zoo,N.J.) 

%, by Anne' Davidson ‘ j r.-v t r---* * • 

We have had good success using the following basic formula for our abandoned 
young hoofed stock, fed from a lamb’s bottles 

1 \ 4 oz, canned evaporated milk p, 

‘Basic Formula (A) 3 oz. water 

1 oz. limowatcr 

For the first several, days, distilled water is used? then we change to tap 

water. '• P .. ■ * 

Limewater, made from Calcium Hydroxide and water,.appears.to make the milk easier 
to digest, and helps prevent diarrhea. If the animal does get soft stools, the 
amount of limewater is increased, water decreased in the.formula to makes 

4 oz, canned evaporated milk 
Formula (B) 2 oz. water 

2 oz. limewater 

This treatment is usually adequate. A 

For persistant., or very severe diarrhea, we give penicillin-streptomycin 
injections, or, where possible, Polymagma is given orally either mixed in the formula 
or straight. Polymagma is claysorb with streptomycin., made by Wyeth laboratories. 

A formula change always causes a temporary stomach upsets therefore we change 
only when absolutely necessary, and then try, to do it gradually. The initial formula 
is chosen with care for the animals he then must be given the opportunity to get 





used to it before any changes are made* 

If the animal is weak, premature, or delicate, wo immediately put it under our 
intensive care program, which briefly consists of? an alerted staff? an individual 
attendant assigned to the animal? complete recording of the animal's intake, output, 
temperature, etc,, by that attendant. Rubber mats or anything to allow easier and more 
sure footing are substituted for routine bedding. The formula is diluted? we reduce 
the amount of milk, increase the water and maintain the limewater to make? 

3 oz canned evaporated milk 
Formula (C) 4 oz. water 

1 oz. limewater 

Then over a period of time, work up to the Basic Formula (A) above. 

The first few days, we feed four or five times daily, then cut down the number of 

daily feedings when the animal '’requests” it by drinking very little at one feeding, 
more than the normal the next, etc. As a rule, they are not fed during the night unless 
they are sick and intake has been obviously insufficient during the day. Vitamins 
are added to the formula after the first week—J or 2 drops of infant multivitamin 
(Dapta) in the first bottle each day. 

We use a human formula such as SMA, Emfamil, or Similac only when a digestive 
system much like a human baby's requires it-—that is, for infant primates, Borden*s 
Esbilac is used for cats, bears, foxes, etc. 

In short then, we carefully choose the formula to be used for the animal, adapting 

from the Basic Formula (A) if necessary? then stick with it. The same idea goes for 
niisplos to be used* Records are kept for an idea of immediate progress, plus a 
permanent reference., ■ 

This system of raising baby hoofed stock has worked well for us, I believe partly 
because it is a system rather than an emergency procedure. In most cases our handraised 
babies compare favorably in size, weight, and resistance to disease to those raised 
by their natural mothers. 

However, for three years of raising baby mouflon, we have found them to be 
smaller, and more delicate than those raised naturally, I would appreciate hearing 
from others who have had experience with baby mouflon. 

REPTILE DEPARTMENT-CINCINNATI ZOO by Johnny R. Arnett 

The reptiles and amphibians are housed in a building that is one of the few 
remaining structures left from the original Cincinnati Zoo, The present reptile house 
was constructed in I873» as a primate building. In 1961 , it was remodeled for use by 

reptiles s There were approximately 80 specimens that comprised the reptile collection 
at that time. 

The building is constructed of native rock that is topped by a very high dome. 

The architectural design is of the old Germanic type which adds a great deal to the 
beauty of our zoo. 

There are fifty-five exhibits situated circumpherically around the building with 
a fairly large pool for young crocodilianss and turtles located in the center. Although 
this mode of exhibiting reptiles and amphibians is considered obsolete by many zoos, this 
particular building with its sixty foot high dome and tall white pillars surrounding 
who lobby area lends a quaint beauty that is seldom matched by the new zoo building. 

The majority of the displays are terrorisms with four large cages situated on 
the four sides of the building. These exhibits are all decorated as naturalistic as 
possible with plastic plants, rocks, and gravel of different textures and colors, 
oince this technique of exhibiting our reptiles and amphibians was instituted, the 
reptile building has become the most popular section of the zoo. 

The Aldabra and Galopagos tortoises are housed at the veldt with the hoofed 
animals and share a large outside enclosure with tapirs, anteaters, and rheas in the 
summer months. The larger crocodilians are kept in the bird house with adjoining inside 
and^outside pooled exhibits. Live tropical plants are used in the inside exhibits that 
remind one of tropical rain forests. 


( 2 ) 




At this time the reptile building houses d97 species and 30? specimens. Note¬ 
worthy among these ares • 

20 species of crocodilians'' with such rarities as the broad nosed caiman, true 
gavial, and the dwarf caiman that is the. living type specimen from Venezuela, 

A breeding pair of Indian fat-tailed geckos, a five foot-20, pound puff adder, 
a twenty foot reticulated python, six varieties of tri-colored kingsnakes that 
Includes Blair’s kihgsnake, and four Aruba Island Rattlesnakes, 

The entire reptile collection Is not at all comprised of rarities, but rather 
a good, well rounded collection well represented with snakes, lizards, turtles, and 
crocodilians and a few amphibians with emphasis given to them all equally. 

All the exhibits have individual signs that arc educational in nature. These signs 
include the common and scientific names of the exhibited specimen, their, ranges and 
general habits. There are also four museum type displays that deal with the following- : 
subjectss What is a reptile? What is an is an amphibian? Where reptiles and amphibians 
evolved from. Venom, (The most popular,) 

Because of the limited space, a new reptile building will bo constructed within 
six years'. The present structure, will probably be utilized for an amphibian building- 
that will combine with the prospective new reptile building to comprise a department of 
herpetology under a common supervision. 

Wo of the reptile department of the .Cincinnati Zoo arc proud of the collection 
of horpetozoans that wo care for. This pride is not based on the rarities that we 
have, because the bulk of our specimens are not rare, but we pride ourselves in the 
health of our specimens, and the fact that all cages and every area in the building 
is kept as clean as .possible-,- We have not had a single snake mite In "the building for 
more than 2v years, due to the use of neguvon, and have not lost one .....specimen from the 
use of this mitieidc. Wc are especially proud*of the fact that our mortality rate is 
approximately 35k? which includes the caimans, turtles, boas, and iguanas that arc 
donated to us each year,, 

ZOOS OF THE WORLD-CRAMPON PARK ZOO by John Halo 

The Crandon Park Zoo Is located on Key Biscayne, a small tropical island six 
miles from the mainland at Miami, Florida, and is accessible by the. Rickenbacker 
Causeway, It is open every day free'of charge. The zoo began in 19^8 when Dado County/' 
bought throe Monkeys, two Black Bears and a Goat from a stranded traveling show that 
bedded down on the key each winter. Because of the tropical climate, the animals can 
live outside year round. Unlike so many other zoos, and because of the. Island setting, 
the grounds are flat, 1 and only a foot or two above sea level. The park is beautified 
by tropical plants and shrubs, including the hibiscus bush, spreading banyan trees, and 
mam; varieties of palms, Thero are throe small lakes in addition to the duck pond, in 
which graceful Whistling Swans can be seen swimming and feeding. Several rest shelters 
known as ,! chickeos" are set about the zoo for the comfort of the public. They are 
reproductions of Indian shelters, built by Seminole Indians for the zoo. 

We have several departments assReptile house, and moats which features a.good 
collection of Galapagos Tortoises and Crocodiles. The reptile department has also 
recently constructed display quarters for keeping vipers and Cobras-this collection 
is still expanding. The Children’s Zoo (also free), has a farm yard area complete 
with a little rod barn, silo and farm animal corral. The petting area is always popular, 
and a variety of young zoo animals can be seen and handled by visitors. The bird 
department features a large flight cage and duck pond with seventy-two species of 
clucks. It also has a good collection of Ostrich, Rheas, Emus, Cranes, Storks, etc. 

The mammal department has a new Elephant house, a man made Aoudad- mountain, cat and 
monkey cages, and small mammal area, etc. Wo have about all the standard zoo animals. 

Wo also have an administration office, zoo hospital, bird hatchery, a storage, and equip¬ 
ment building and a zoo kitchen. 

Some of our outstanding births have boons' a baby Aardvark born on September 24y 
J967> first born in the United States, and first captive born Aardvark to survivej 


( 3 ) 



twenty-five tiger cubs from a single female, including a litter of five of which all 
survived, Flying Fox Fruit Bat, Phalanger, Banded Palm Civit, Fennec Fox, Fishing Cat, 
Clouded Leopard, and Hyrax, ¥e have also raised rare species of waterfowl including 
Hottcn tot 'Teal, Radjah Shellduck, White Faced Tree duck, Marbled Teal and Black 
Necked Swan, The most valuable animal in the collection is ’’Princess”, the White Tiger, 
who is valued at £35*000. 

We serve the population of Dade County, which is 1,200,000 and also many winter 
and summer visitors. During the summer, tram train lecture tours circle the zoo, A 
free educational program is carried on which features live animals on television, 
lectures to schools, clubs and churches. The zoo is gradually expanding to the south. 

At present, we have twenty five developed acres, and twenty yet undeveloped. Future 
plans include an African veldt enclosure in which visitors can see the animals roaming 
free. 

Cur zoo staff numbers about thirty, plus concession and maintenance men, part 
time summer help and volunteer workers. Keepers are occasionally rotated to different 
areas for the sake of flexibility. We do not have a morning sign in, but a keeperjs 
report must be filled out at the end of each day giving information concerning births, .. 
deaths, breeding, new acquisitions, or any other special comments he may think 
necessary. It is hoped this brief description will give you an idea of what the Crandon 
Park Zoo is like, and that you can visit us in the future, 

HAPPENINGS FROM ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO, WINNIPEG, CANADA reported by*Mrs, T,A, MacKendrick 

$• * / 

Births s 1 Parma Wallaby 0.2 Alpacas ' . 

Acquisitions? 4 Red-breasted Geese 5 Blue Scaled Quails 

1,1 Caucasian Porcupines 1,1 Reeve’s Muntjac 
1«1 Pronghorn ' 1,0 Polar Bear 

AAZK CELEBRATED its second anniversary with a dinner-party at the San Diego Zoo 
restaurant on Doc, 12,1969* Approximately eighty persons enjoyed a fine turkey buffet. 
Guest speakers for the affair wore Perry Alexander, AAZK Board of Trustees member, 
and Dr, Paul Chaffee, Director of Roeding Park Zoo, Fresno,Calif, The topics of both 
talks centered on the’necessity of education for today’s zoo keeper. 

Dr, Chaffee explained the training course presented at his zoo, and also em¬ 
phasized what he felt has now become imperative, a change of attitude in zoo administra¬ 
tions, to make this training available to interested, dedicated personnel. 

The party was a huge success, and we thank all those who helped us'celebrate the 
second birthday of our organization. 

UENO ZOO, JAPAN , purchased an adult pair of maned wolf on October 25, This is the first 
of its kind in Japan, 

I v 

CALGARY ZOO will honor National AAZK membership cards for free admission to their zoo* 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CALGARY ZOO by George Croome, AAZK 

The Calgary Zoo was started officially in 1918, but until 19^9♦when a Zoological 
Society was formed, the Zoo x^ras very small. From this latter date, the Zoo started 
to grow and in ^933> the now x^rorld famous dinosaur display was started. In the years 
following, the number of animals increased rapidly as the Zoo became reorganized. At 
this time, there were 238 specimens of mammals and 286 specimens of birds. In contrast 
to this, the Zoo now rates as Canada’s largest Zoo with the following inventory? 14f 
species of mammals, I78 species of birds, 21 species of reptiles, 1 species of fish, 
and 3 species of amphibia, totally 1341 specimens. 

The Society has endeavored, with the assistance of the City of Calgary Parks & 
Recreation Dept, to complete a major building project each year, with the result that 


( 4 ) 









all but two of the building that wore used in j 954 have been replaced. In 1954, a 
board of directors was appointed. 

On staff at present are 9 zoo keepers and 11 apprentice keepers who are engaged 
in a comprehensive trainig program,; The Zoo Director Is backed up by an Assistant 
Director and a General Foreman, plus a very active board of directors appointed by 
the Zoological Society, Last year a Zoo attendance record was. set, with more than 
750,000 visitors, . .u■ 


NEK>S FROL COLUMBUS ZOOLOGICAL PARK reported by r T . Townley 


“Scotty” Roy 


ianter is upon us here in Central Ohio, Many of the animals have been moved to 
inside quarters and: various outside displays have been closed. The animals remaining 
outside are doing fine, despite the cold winds from the- river. 

In March, 1970, the zoo*s"authority will be changed' from the City of Columbus to 
the Columbus Zoological Park Association, a private organization. We hope this change 
will mean a larger and better zoo for the people of Central Ohio, 

We also are looking forward to the opening of our Children's Zoo next. May, 
Displays will include, a contact area, mouse house, gibbon flight cage, otter pool and 
many other exhibits of special interest-to children. Also beginning operation next 
spring will be a replica of a Mississippi River boat, which will carry 70 passengers 
for a two mile ride on the Scioto River,- Our next summer season should bring many 
visitors to the zoo. ' ... 

• Mr. Robert C, Reck, Curator of Mammals,.-will be leaving the zoo January 1, J970, 
to become superintendent of a privately owned zoo in Pennsylvania. 

We are sorry: to report that Harold Edmonds, AAZK member and a former ..reporter 
from our zoo, has left the field to, join a toy distributions hip. What a- shame to lose 
such a fine; man because of low. wages, a common problem in our profession. 


NEW BIRTHS AND ARRIVALS INCLUDE THE. FOLLOWING s 


2/1 Black Bucks 
1/1 Camaroom Goats 
0 /1. Thompson Gazelle 
O/l Giant Anteater 
1 Eastern Weasel 
1 Albino Racoon 


1 Wallaby (Dams.) 

1/1 Squirrel Monkey 
1/1 Aoudad 
1 Spider Monkey 
•1/0 Striped Skunk 


NEWS FROM STANLEY PARK submitted by Ken Kennedy 

* . . • , 

NEWLY ACQUIRED ANIMALS FROM JULY 1,1969 TIL NOVEMBER 15,1969? _ 

1 Young South American Tapir 1 California King Snake , ; - 

1 3v foot long Anaconda 1 Gopher Snake 

2 Rheas ' - A . 10 Bufflehead 

2 European Hedgehogs ■ 10 Lesser Scaup 

7 Wood Duck 

On July 16 , 1969 , a young Hoolock'Gibbon was born at 5*00 A,M, This was the second 
one to the pair. The;., first one was born in March of 1 967 • Everything seemed to be going 
fine until October 2, when the black-capped gibbon in the cage beside’ was removed because 
of a cut hand and a white-handed gibbon put in his place. This seemed to ..upset the 
family to the point that they were more concerned about the neighbor than the young. 

The mother handed the young to the young of I 967 and the two of them decided that 
they didn't want it so let It go. It died almost immediately, 

, We also had the misfortune * of loosing a female- polar bear on August.30th. She 
showed no sign of being hurt until the day before she died. The Dr. who did the Post 
Mortem said that the wound could be gs much as 3 months old and the origin of the wound 
was believed.to be a;bite. After her’death, the remaining 5 bears, especially the 3 
which were her friends became much more relaxed. 


( 5 ) 








Our River Otter contacted pneumonia (Klebsiella pneumonia), and we lost 2, The 
pool has been drained and disinfected and there won't be any put back until there is ar^^ 
improved den put on the side of the pool, hopefully in the early part of the new year. 

The 3 young Arctic wolves, born in the early part of July are doing fine c Also 
the 2 Slender-tailed Meerkats born October 21, are doing fine. 

T RIAL- AND TRIBULATIONS OF CAPTIVE SIAMANGS AT KHL¥AUKEE COUNTY ZOO by Sam La Haifa 

Department of Primates 


Our story begins just a little over ten years ago on July 20,1959 9 when Unk,. 

our very majestic specimen of a siamang, arrived at Milwaukee County Zoo from Hanover 
Zoo, Germany. Eight months later, on March 3^»^960, Suzy arrived, Unk was seven years 
old and Suzy was six on arrival dates which makes them 17 *nd 15 years respectively. 

The female x^ras purchased from K, Morgan Berry, Seattle, Wash. 

The species was discovered by the naturalist T.S,Raffles in 1821., 

Largest of the gibbon-like apes, the species known as siamang (Symphalangus . 
syndactylus) is the most distinctive form of lesser ape, standing about three feet and 
weighing somewhere around 45 pounds, depending on sex. Our male is probably larger than 
average as he weighs in at around 60 pounds. Both sexes are always found to be a shiny 
jet black in coloration with no variation such as that found in gibbon species. Both 
sexes also have an inflatable vocal sac on the throat as opposed to gibbons—excepting 
the male concolor gibbon. This sac by nature is naked and bright red in color. 

Siamangs are generally very aggressive, ill-tempered animals especially males. Unk 
has just that-type of disposition in contrast to Suzy*s very passive and gentle nature. 
From the very first, these two were incompatible. Upon their first meeting in July 
of 3 960, Unk immediately attacked Suzy with intent to kill in spite of the fact that 
tranquilizers had been administered to him. He was driven back xdLth hoses and returned 
to his quarters. Several weeks later, a second attempt was made using a greater 
dosage of tranquilizers. Once more there was a failure to succeed in an introduction 
of the two.A_month later, female hormones were given to link. After several days of 
treatment, tranquilizers were again used. The third attempt proved successful. The effects 
of the drug left the male rather groggy. As he slumped to the floor he maintained a 
readiness for attack. As the effects began to wear off, he made another attempt to attack 
but was stopped in his tracks when the female decided it was high time she took things 
in hand. Suzy attacked Unk and bit him on his foot. From that time on both have been livin 
in complete harmony. In fact, both have proven to be better than ideal parents as x^ell 
as partners. 

After almost two years of happiness and togetherness, Suzy gave birth to a six 
ounce baby female on July 30,3962, The gestation period was 230 days. The youngster was 
born bright-eyed and alert in spite of looking rather pathetic and almost devoid of 
hair—excepting a little on her head. This event x^jas the first time a siamang had given 
birth and reared her offspring in captivity. That year wo * nwrrdod a citation for the 
rare birth in captivity which we shared xdth Portland for their birth of an Indian 
elephant. 

There were no problems x^hatsoever as Suzy proved to be an excellent mother taking 
the greatest care of her first offspring. 

The. second, born March 20,19^4, after a gestation period of 235 days, died 38 days 
later of pneumonia. That one x*ras a male, A female was born Dec. .25,3964, after 233 .days 
gestation. She died five days later, also of pneumonia. Because the young of the 
siamang are born almost naked, it seems they are highly susceptible to pneumonia in. 
captivityj mother stirring up drafts as she swings on ropes and chains probably doesn't 
help much. r 

The fourth was a premature birth on May 3^ > 3 966 , after 200 days gestation period. 

The eyes were still closed at birth xdiereas in normal births, they are open and alert. 

This one “law a fo •* hours. 

Two hundred thirty nine days of gestation produced a little male—bright and alert, 
on May 22, 3 . 967 . He's proven to be the most playful and active of all including his 




( 6 ) 



parents. He f s got quite the personality. Recently, on Sept, 33>3969, after a gestation 
period of 238 days. Suzy once again became a mother. Everything is going along fine with 
the youngster growing each' day, We haven’t yet-been able to sex this one as Suzy is 
such a protective mother it is virtually impossible to see well enough to sex it. So 
we have quite a nice family group of siamangs—Mom, Dad, daughter, son and the new 
arrival.- It*s "been quite an experience from everyone's standpoint that was involved. 

The siamang’s ability to move about in captivity as well as in the wilds is quite 
a sight for man to witness. This locomotion known as "brachiation” is so graceful a 
.stylo and is done with such precision it makes the. best human acrobat appear clumsy. 

With their five foot armspan, they readily launch and hurl their bodies easily 30 to 40 
feet between branches and perches. We have good examples of this swinging ability in our 
siamangs. With an adult pair, a 7 year old, a 2 year old and an upcoming youngster, 
this makes quite apparent all phases of brachiating.at various ages. Each one seems to 
invent its own style and varies patterns enough to show Its individuality. At times in 
between' vigorous, displays of brachiation, one or more may stop along the way to perch 
and perhaps catch, a breath. When sitting or perching, they sit on-what is known as 
"ischial callosities." Siamangs and gibbons are the only apes id.th sqat pads although 
they do share-this special adaption with many species of monkeys. Siamangs are able 
to perform to this groat extent because they are able to move their forelimbs freely 
in all directions. In contrast to the siamangs and gibbons, most monkeys arc true 
quadrupeds (traveling on all fours). This mode of travel does not make it necessary to 
move their limbs overhead as do siamangs. You can easily see why the'gibbon ,forms 
are predominantly arboreal living in the upper canopy of mountain forests of Sumatra 
and the Malay Peninsula. They travel about in small family units as opposed to the 
greater apes excluding the orangutan. 

Along with this interesting pattern of mobility is the unbelieveable ability to 
vocalize to the extent that they do. Primarily at dawn and dusk, troops literally make 
the valleys ring with shrill melodious barks begun by a single animal' only to set off 
a chain reaction causing a chorus-like union of sound. The calls build momentum until 
a deafening ear-piercing climax is reached, only to eM quite abruptly. This communal 
calling can be heard over two miles in the wild state, .One only has to hear it once in 
a zoo to know what I mean, . 

Man can induce such calling in these animals in captivity by merely mimicking 
thier barks until they respond, I : ve done this on many occasions for staff members, groups, 
and public visitors. .It never fails to draw expressions of awe and sounds of wonder 
from onlookers., 

As the young continue to grow and mature, they become a threat to their' parents 
regardless of what sex they are. Both parents become so jealous of members of the same 
sex that the young are forced.to go off on their own as soon as they are sexually mature. 

This can be visually noticed among our group. Sometimes daughter, apparently 
envious of Suzy, cuffs her mother on head or shoulder as she swings by. Suzy may or may 
not react. Frequently, Unk does-by baring his fangs at his daughter. I would imagine 
that this is--a protective measure taken In respect to his mate c 

The : life span .of siaimngs is somewhere, between 20 and JO years. Like any species, 
some could possibly survive to an older age a 

References $ ’’The Monkey Kingdom” by Ivan T. Sanderson 

"The Primates"-Life Series 
"The Apes” by Vernon Reynolds 

ME NEED KEEPERS AT OUR NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN MAY—PLAN TO ATTEND. 

HAPPEKYNGS .AT SAN DIEGO ZOO reported by Carl Pyle 

Births & Hatchlingss Male White-bearded Gnu, 2 Water Buffalo, 3 Red-tailed Rat Snakes, 

1 Hartman's Mt. Zebra, 2 Rothchild's Red lories, 3 Australian Brush Turkey, 3 Guanaco 


( 7 ) 




THE ANIM1 CORNER 




1 [ / 

7 i / 


'1 

•l v fi !\ 


HIPPOPOTAMJS or RIVER HORSE 
Hippopotamus amphibius 



.//./ ./• r '\' / 

// ft, • "v • ■ /'■. 

’!*!$ K i , •'«. . 

i. ‘' j % ‘ 

V - >■ IA 

v % * W 

\V* >-> 

■ \ v> - V u ; 

/A 

\ ^ 

v. ' ) ~\ 

, \ < 

* •> 

/ ‘ \ 

V ' '- A 


t 

\\\ 




^ \\\R 

v,, 

/ 


V 


' _ Jr 

***** > 


•N- 




// /' 




/ 


mrmmi 


A 


>i ; 

;: \ 

. /X /i 

* f 4 




General characters ;. Distantly related 
to pigs? feet.have.4 well developed 
toes, all supporting the animal 1 s weight 
muzzle without terminal disc-like snout? 
lower jaw greatly enlarged? enormous 
tusk-like canines, long & straight incisors? great 
square, lips? short, column-like legs,placed well 
apart? tract shows two separate deep ruts with 
a central ridge# Up to 1 4* long, 4 r JO” at-shoulder, 
4 tons wt., enormous head, mouth 2 r wide. Eyes 
raised on top of flat head, ears small, slit-like nostrils on top of muzzle. Body hairless 
except for a few hairs on muzzle, inside,ears and on tip of short tail. Large canine tusks 
exceptionally to 5* 4-f” long'(average 30") including root. 

Habits g Aquatic but comes on land to feed, mainly-at night. Can remain submerged 
for 4|". Lethargic, basking in sun either half-submerged' or on sand-bar, "Yawning” is 
•aggressive gesture, preliminary challenge to fight. Combat may be bloody, wounds- quickly 
heal, but.aim of contestants is to break fore-leg of opponent, an injury which is fatal. 
Community living with females and young in center and males in separate territories 
outside. 

Habitat?Large rivers* 

Food sHerbage, especially grass. 

Breeding a Gestation 210-255 days, 1 young 3* long, ly* high, 60 lbs.wt., walks and 
swims 5 mins, after birth. 

Present status8 Much reduced, 

- Range a,Africa, formerly from Nile Delta to Cape, Now, extinct north of Khartoum, and 
south of Zambezi (except in protected areas), • • 

Life Span sQver 49 years. 

■ Other stastics % Temp. 81.4 Degrees F, This,is skin temperature, not body temperature. 

Pygmy Hippopotamus(Cheeropsis liberiensis), of Liberia, Sierra Leone'and part of 
S, Nigeria? Forest streams, singly or in pairs, 5* leng-ht, 2 T 8" at shoulder, 600 lbs. 
wt., head relatively less bulky than in Common"Hippo, only two lower incisors. 

sjc >}c >|c >Jc >}c >J< sjc >jc >Jc >{c >}c >{c s{c sjc sfc >Je >{£ sj< s)c s}c >}c >}c sjc -^C >5^ 3§C >{c >jc >Js s{c >Jc >}c >{c 3=}c s{c s{c >§c >}c >}c >{c 



HORNBILL 

Family ?■ Bucerotidae 


(3/32 life size) 



/-yy 

[Mf / /••' -- X. 


•\ ... 


General Characteristics g Awkward looking, 
immense' horny bill which is filled with air 
cells, has a large base, a pointed end, and 
saw-toothed edges.Red' Hornbill coloring is 
white to blackish-gray with' a red horn-like 
. portion of its bill, while the rhinoceros 
hornbill has a red to yellow growth that arises from 
its forehead' similar to a rhinoceros, 

, Habits ;Lives in tops of trees, female lays eggs 
in hallow trees & remains there until hatched. 

Food s Berries,- fruits, & insects chiefly, but 
also likes reptiles and small mammals. 

\ Range ;Tropical Africa and Asia, 






x X 







\ 


Vv s 
\ 


X 


Y 


'( 8 ) 

















FIT VIPERS 


Poison 


General Characteristics 
formed by special glands and 
carried to victim®s body via hallow 
fangs much, like a hypodermic 
needle; all vipers dangerous to 
man but small varieties rarely 
kill anyone with their bite;head 
much broader than neck;eyes with 
cat-like pupils;thick bodies and 
rather short tails; facial pit very 
sensitive to heat which helps it 
to secure x^arm blooded prey. 

Habitat;Bushmaster(Lachesis 
muta) & Fer-de-lance(Bothrops a 
atrox) live in many part of trop¬ 
ical America but not the United 
States, Rattlesnakes (genera 
Crotalus & Sistrurus), Water 

Moccasin(A, piscivorus), Copperhead(Agkistrodon mokasen) live in the Americas. 

Breeding ; Bushmaster,only, lays eggs? Others bear young alive. 

Food % Water Moccasin eats frogs, fish and other small backboned animals; 

Rattlesnakes eat birds and small mammals. A few also eat amphibians and reptiles? < 
Copperheads eat rodents, small mammals, sometimes insects and cold blooded vertebrates 
such as frogs. 

Lengths Water Moccasin-3t to 5 feet; Rattlesnakes-2 to 7 feet; Copperheads- 
2-§- to 4 feet;Bushmaster-up to 3 3 feet;Fer-de-lance-8 feet. ‘ - 



FOR EIGN NEWS reported by Marvin L. Jones 

The German Museum Association has agreed not.to make further purchases of * 

Orang Utan skins and skeletons except from approved and legal sources, thus adding yet 
another organization to those that are banning purchase of sirnr * led orangs and or?n: 
skeletons. - 


The Canadian Government has announced that no hunting xd.ll be permitted this year 
ef the *white coats* or very young seals in Canada. This is a final victory for Dr® 
Grzimek and for others xrho have worked to halt this killing. It xdll be noted that 
due to economic reasons the killing of seals altogether cannot be halted, and we . 
agree* xdth Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada that as long as humane methods are used 
beyond this initial ‘white coat* stage* it is not to be argued, further. 

IF YOU TRIM YOU HAVE PROBLEMS, ATTEND THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE AND LISTEN TO OURS. 


OTHER NEWS FROM MARVIN JONES 

Following is two excerpts taken from a report nrepared by Marvin L. Jones, and 
taken from the yearbook of the World Wildlife Funded 

First is an explanation of the organization and their purposes.. 

The WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF) is an international charitable organization for 
saving the world*s wildlife and xdld places. It was established in 3 963 under Sxdss 
law and shares joint headquarters "with the International Union for Conservation of 
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in Merges, Switzerland. Its aim is to support 
the conservation of nature in all its forms (landscape, soil, water, flora and fauna) 
by raiding funds and allocating them to projects, by publicity, and the education 
of the general public and young people in particular. For all these activities it 
takes scientific and technical advice from the IUCN. WWF fund-raising and publicity 


( 9 ) 















activities are mainly carried out by National Appeals in a number of countries, and its 
international governing body is made up of prominent personalities in many fields. 

The INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES '(ICUN) was 
founded in 3 948 and has its headquarters in Morges, Switzerland; it is an independent 
international body whose membership comprises states, irrespective of their political 
and social systems, government departments and private institutions as well as internation 
al organizations. It represents those who are concerned at man's modification of the 
natural environment through the repidity of urban and industrial development and the 
excessive exploitation of the earth's natural resources, upon which rest the foundations 
of his survival, IUCN'* s main purpose is to promote or support action which will ensure 
the perpetuation of wild nature and natural resources on a world-wide basis, not only 
for their intrinsic cultural or scientific values but also for the long-term economic 
and social welfare of mankind. 


PROJECT ,f348 International Polar Pear Program in Svalbard (Spitzbergen)-Norwegian 
Expedition 3968 $25,230 


To understand fully the•population dynamics and the biology of the Polar Bear 
(Ursus maritimus), adequate information is needed of population density in various parts 
of the Artie? of the migration of the Polar Bear? of its denning biology; its physiology, 
etc. The question as to whether there exist several breeding groups or stocks, or, whether 
we have but one single population of polar bears throughout the Arctic is of utmost 
importance, A Norwegian long-term program for the study of the ecology and the physiology 
of the polar bear was launched in 3964, Field work in Svalbard (Spitzbergen) began in 
3966, with monthly serial surveys over the eastern pack ice from March to October. The 
survey program was repeated in 3967 . In the summer of 3966 , an attempt was made to trap 
bears from a ship in the Svalbard pack. Bears x^ere shot with a syringe gun and Immobilized 
with the morphine-like drug Etorphine (M— 99) • Four bears were trapped in four days 
effective work. Live trapping and marking of bears was repeated in 3967 with a much bigger 
effort. In two months 53 bears were successfully trapped and tagged. Drugs used were 
Etrophine and Sernylan. In August 3968 , one month's work was carried out, and in addition 
to the Norwegian scientific staff, Dr. Charles Jonkel, from the Canadian Wildlife Service 
participated for a fortnight; and Dr. Albert W, Erickson, from the University of Minnesota 
for one week. The expedition was filmed by Mr. Eugen Schumacher for the IUCN and /•/F, 

Only 12 days were possible for adequate x^ork and sailing. The bears were shot with 
Cap-Chur syringe gun and Sernylan except in one case when Etorphine was used, Sernylan 
was used in a concentration of 200 mg/cc. Hence a relatively small bulk was required, and 
a tranquillizer-different promazine drugs x^ere tried-could be added in the same syringe. 
Most adult bears were shot xd/th a standard dose of 600 mg, Sernylan, and received 
additional drugs by hand syringe or by a syringe mounted on a long bamboo pole. This 
summer guns XArere equipped xhLth scope instead of open sights, With the scopes, we were 
able to see how the syringe hit, whether it bounced off, etc. During the expedition, a 
total of 32 bears were trapped and handles. One bear ( r337) was a recovery from 3967, 
trapped only a few miles from where it was tagged in 3967 * Bears were tagged with a monel 
metal tag and nylon rototag in each ear, all four tags with the same number. The tags had 
the inscription "Reward 20$ Norsk Polarinst, Oslo, Norway," The digits that were on the 
tags, with an N prefix, were tattooed in both right and left upper lips, A 250 cc blood 
sample was drawn from each bear. Work on this project is continuing, as more knowledge 
Is needed, 

Thor Larsen 

PROJECT •r 450 Serengeti Research Institute, Tanzania-Study of xdJLdlife diseases $749 

The present study was carried out in the Serengeti Mlational Park in January 3968 , 

Its aims are to investigate the importance and role of diseases in the control of animal 
numbers in the ecosystem of the Serengeti, and to establish whether xd.ldlife is, in fact, 


( 30 ) 



a Reservoir of disease harmful to domestic stock as has often been alleged on a hitherto 
inadequately supported scientific basis. In order to obtain an idea of the pattern of 
disease, it was found necessary to evolve a method based upon the selection of individual 
animals that appeared to be sick. During 3968, altogether 3^6 post-mortem examinations 
were carried out. Material for further histological examination was made from 355 healthy 
animals (60 wildebeest, 40 zebras, 40 Thomson's gazelles, 2 Grant’s Gazelles, 7 impalas, 

6 warthogs) and from 72 sick animals. 

From all animals, sick and healthy, blood was collected for serological examination. 
These serological results will be of prime importance in shedding light upon the role 
of diseases (i.e. Rinderpest, Foot and Mouth, Brucellosis, etc.) in controlling the 
animal population. As a result of the micro-pathological examination, it may be stated 
that ecto-and.endo-parasites (i.e. ticks, mites, lurigworm, stomachnematode) are major 
factors in causing diseases. For example, from 43 sick Thomson's gazelles tested, 22 
showed infections with Sarcoptic Mange and 3 3 showed severe lung lesions due to lungworm 
-infection. The examination of the blood smears which are taken from all animals revealed 
a rather high number of infected animals with blood parasites (Theileria and Trypanosomes), 

Dr. Berncl Schiemann 

TOPEKA, KANSAS CONFERENCE WILL OFFER A CHANCE TO FACTION AS WELL AS MEET FELLOW KEEPERS,., 
HOPE YOU WILL PLAN TO BE THERE. 


DEAR FRIENDS $ 


The AAZK is planning its first National Conference to be held in Topeka,Kansas on May 
5 - 6 ,3 970 » and once again we are seeking, support to make pur meeting a huge success,. 

We plan to publish another post-conference brochure containing several of the important 
talks that will be presented at Topeka. 


The advertising we sell for this brochure helps to defray our conference expenses and 
affords us the opportunity to share ..the coherence • dth those "unable 


to 


•v/ WV.r 4 «C- _ . f 


This year's brochure will be printed into a booklet 8 - 2 1 ' x 3 3", 

Advertising sells as follows? 

Full page—$50.00 BOOSTER ADS-NAME ONLY—$5.00 ea. 

Half page—$35-00 

Quarter page-$35.00 

COVER’OUTSIDE REAR -$65 (3/4 page) 

All advertiseing limited to print only 

DEADLINE DATE FOR SUBMITTING ADVERTISEMENT IS MAY 3,3 970. 

We would appreciate consideration of this offer. 

Brochure circulation 3 000 
Zoos 90 

TALK PRESENTED AT SECOND AAZK ANNIVERSARY DINNER by Perry Alexander 

My short talk tonight will deal with the importance of additional and continuing 
education and training of zookeepers at all levels, I will attempt to break this down 
into part. 


(3D 




u 

2 , 

3 * 

4 r 


6, Summations The. benefits of a well-executed training and educational program to AA 


The need or why? for continuing training and education? 

Where can this training occur? - 

How can it be supported and financed? 

The future of the zookeeper in this program* 

The place of management in such a program's 



u7TT 


Lj lb 


and the zookeeping profession 


1. The need or why for continuing training or education of the zoo keeper 0 

Other than finances one of the greatest problems of the zoo today is the requirement 
of suitable qualified personnel. If one analyzes the large turnover of personnel in many 
zoos today, we find the lack of training and sense of belonging are a major contributing ■ 
factor,, A properly trained person becomes a secure person who shox^rs much more efficiency, 

A well informed person can usually anticipate problems with his charges and responsibilities 
and head off serious or undesirable situtations. 

These are not easy problems to solve but then the most deisrable things are rarely 
easily achieved. 

The diminishing supply and radical increases in cost of animals has placed a great 
responsibility on the individual keeper in the preservation, conservation, and repor— 
ducation of most zoo specimens. You as a keeper have a unique opportunity. Through daily 
intimate contact with and observation of your animals, you can provide a service and 
fulfill a responsibility that no one else can. One of the old policies was that of placing 
the new man .with common expendable specimens and hope for the best and that he would 
learn by word of mouth or catch „as catch can. 

Today, this is considered a poor policy and one that usually results in poor per¬ 
formances, The next zoo may place the nei*r man in what to him may bo very mediocre 
position for a period of time in hopes that he may learn something by observing (Often«verjj 
demoralizing for a person when the only thing they feel they do are the dirty jobs). 

The modern zoo will place the new man itfith an older more experienced keeper of 
proven quality for the necessary time so that he may be properly trained and conditioned 
for the demands of this profession. 

The most desirable but rarely achieved is the zoo wherein the new hand is placed 
in a formal training period,, covering complete zoology plus on the job supervised practi¬ 
cal training. 

Each of these methods of training are subject to merit and demerit based op local 
conditions. 


2, Where can training occur? 

The first place of training will be on the job with the support of any number of 
additional sources, for example, the zoo library in the Director's office can usually 
be utilized by interested keepers. Your public library will have a suitable section to 
start on for most any speqies. The research librarian will be most willing to assist you 
in your needs. 

Because wo all work full-time, wo are limited in full-time additional academic 
education, but not stopped. If the keeper is sincere and.interested in furthering 
himself and his profession, ho will consider "night school” at a local junior college or 
even high school if he lacks early schooling for any number of reasons. One semester or* 
basic and advanced biology will improve the capabilities of any zookeeper. 

The age of the keeper or the years that he has been in the profession should not 
stop him from considering this action as the rewards are immeasurable over the inconvenience. 
The next thing Tfould be correspondence courses which have merit but for our special¬ 


ized field there Is almost nothing of great value to be had. 

The one real bright spot that we have is the excellent publication by the-American 
Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums under the title of zookeepor training— 

”A Suggested Guide for Instructors", 

Jith the cooperation of management it is often possible to make arrangements with the 



w 


zoo veterinarian and/or curators or even a local biology or zoology instructor to conduct 
a class on a weekly basis using this manual as a guide. This may or may not be possible 
on job time but any effort is well worth the results. 

Much more information related to this instruction course and manual will be made 
available in the AAZK . Newsletter shortly. At this time I would mention that through the 
AAZPA, the manual is available to all zookeepers at the nominal cost of $2.00 per copy and 
well worth every penny, 

3- How can training be supported and financed? 

One could go on for hours on this subject if he desired but I would prefer to stay 
with generalities as local conditions and resources will vary so much. From the point of 
management, I must say that support for education exists very strongly, and one has only 
to look to the ever increasing requirements for qualifying for a new or higher position 
in our profession of zookeeper. 

As for financing education* I can only say that if it improves the individual in 
himself and'his performance r few prices are too high* Money will not be the great sacrifice 
as you might think. For example, our junior colleges (in California) offer night classes 
without English, math and history requirements for admission, at a cost of less than 
$ 6 3 00 and books in biology on^ cost about $8*00* 

To a few theCe words will fall on deaf ears as they are unwilling to sacrifice the 
least expensive thing that they have! Namely a couple of hours of their time each week,Some 
might hesitate due to age or any number of other considerations to attempt schooling or 
training, but I can only say from personal experience and a profound belief in education 
that age need not be a deterent, 

4, The future of the zookeeper r 

Cf a national population in excess of 180 .million, the zookeeper today is in a position 
of being able to achieve prominence and recognition achieved, by few professions. For less 
than 3>000 people can claim the profession of zookeeping in the IMS. The stigma and image 
of 50 years ago is still with us and going out slowly, In Europe, the zookeeper is held in 
highest esteem along with or exceeding the medical profession. It can and will be so here, 

^ Each and everyone of us on all levels have reasons to be proud of our profession. 

Me each have our faults but we have a tremendous" responsibility of securing the existence 
oi zoos and wildlife for future generations. 

Just as our parents and grandparents enjoyed zoos, we would hope our great grandchildren 
might enjoy them. The present decimation of wildlife would indicate that only the better 
trained and educated zookeeper can insure the existence of native forms of wildlife 
anywhere in the world. 

We could give the names of many people that ireceded us and a great number still 
with tis and: adding to our knox^ledge daily in the profession of zookeeping, consider the 
background of these esteemed individualss ■ ' 

Lee Crandall,‘Bronx Zoo, wrote the zockoepers bible. 

Bell Benchly,’ San Diego Zoo, proved gorillas could live in captivity. 

Both were trained and educated!! One academically and one by personal dedication. 

There is no limit on where one can go if they try, 

5. The position of management. 

It s still their ballgame and they are exposed to catching hell from every direction. 

Instead of making derogatory statements, maybe, we would be better served if we supported 

them, ' 

■ ^ ■ , 

After all they are exposed to many problems we rarely face,.! 

Personalities are involved at times through misunderstanding but the primary goals of 
zookeeping must be foremost, 

* 

Summation, 

All I can say at this point is wildlife can use all the help it can get from a better 


0 3) 


understanding and informed public. It is the purpose of the AAZK to increase the principlej 
of recreation, education, and conservation in any way possible, ^ 

As you would build a church or house you would first need a good strong foundation or 
supporting object,. I would suggest that the builder consider the foundation and how 
important it is to the general structure. The individual zookeeper is the basic foundation 
of the zoo of today* 

A SPECIAL AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE KEEPER WHO TRAVELS THE MOST MILES TO ATTEND OUR 
CONFERENCE, 

NEWS FROM ATLANTA ZOO reported by Elizabeth Dobbs 

Following is a list of recent promotions within the zoos 

JoS 0 DOBBS, the former Curator of Reptiles, is now the Director of the Zoo. 

VERNON No KISLING, the former Assistant Curator of Mammals, is now the Curator of 
Mammals e 

RONALD JACKSON, a former mammal keeper, is now the Assistant Curator of Mammals, 

R 0 HOWARD HUNT,former Assistant Curator of Reptiles, is now the Curator of Reptiles, 

AAZK HEADQUARTERS will pres.crtta special program on Thursday, February 5*3970* Dr,. Joel 
D e Wallach* Assistant Director, Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield, Ill, will be guest 
speaker. Dr, Wallach's talk will deal -with husbandry and nutrition problems. 

All AAZK members, wives and guests are invited, 

PLACE a -Elmer C, Otto Center, San Diego Zoo 

TIME s' 7 P.M, sharp 

DATEs Thursday,, February 5 5 1970 

FR ES H WATER DOLPHINS (Inia geoffrensis) by Harold V, Ottesen,Jr . - 

Also.known as Boutos, Boutu- Bufeos, ■ and;Boto Vermelho (South American names), 

This animal inhabits the Amazonian and Orinocoan River, systems' of South American, It 
-is restricted to freshwater 3 Head and body lengths are Two to three meters (six to seven 
feet) and the tail fluke is about 500 mm (20”), weighs about 325 kg, (275 lbs,). 

The coloration of this species is probably related to ages young individuals usually 
have greyish or black upper parts which shade into lighter grey under .parts, whereas, 
older 3 larger Individuals become pale, pinkish,’ and even flesh-colored. However, these , 
color changes can be reversiblescaptive inia kept in clear, shallow water becomes darker 
during the; six month period. It has been noted that the darkest coloration in wild, adult 
Amazon dolphins is in the vicinity of the blowhole, an area that is frequently exposed 
to sunlight because the animals must surface to breathe B Perhaps, the skin responds to 
such frequent exposure in clear waters and In surfacing by concentrating pigments, thus 
preventing sunburn, 

A long, slender, slightly down curved beak is characteristic. The teeth number 
about 33 to 34 on each side of the jaw making a total of 332 to 336 teeth, the back 8 or 
9 have a distinct keel. With the jaws closed’the teeth fit in pockets of both upper and 
lower jaws. Very sharp I 

The rounded head bears the blowhole on its summit, and seems to be offset to the..., • 
right side. The blowhole itself is U shaped and placed in back of what I believe to be 
the echo location area. The snout Is covered with, short, stiff bristles. 

The action of T breathing varies 1 sometimes only the blowhole and the head are 
exposed, but frequently, especially when excited, the dorsal fin and the ridge of the 
neck are also exposed. When swimming,rapidly and apparently when feeding, inia rolls to 
breathe., Amazon dolphins breathe about every half minute, on the average, 

Inia seems to be less active then the Delphinids but will occasionally leap- out of the 
water to heights of four feet. Speeds obtained are from two miles per hour to short bursts 
of ten miles per hour. They usually travel singly or in pairs, but loose groups of up to 






six individuals are •fairly common. 

Although it appears: bo ;sc*an its surroundings above water at times, the senses of 
hearing and touch are: more acute than that of visions I believe, they are almost blind 
for in very clear water, I have seen them pass fish up and then locate them, by other means* 
Inia apparently utilizes echo location to locate underwater obstacles‘and prey, and it 
also probes for food on the bottom. 

They primarily feed on fish, including those that are found on river bottoms, The., 
prey is usually less than 305 mm (32") in length. Remains of fish, gastropods:, lamelli- 
branchs, feathers of shore birds and plant roots have been found in their stomachs. These 
are believed to come from the stomach's of fish eaten by the porpoise, although I’ve 
seen them eat horse heart* ....... . 

The single young is assumed to accompany the"mother until it is as large as the 
parent; Gestations probably about eight months. The dorsal fin is long and ridge-like. 

They have 43 to 45 vertabra and can move the head more than other small cetaceans, 

Inia occupies the Amazon folklore in some ways such as taking on the shape of an 
attractive young lady and perambulates the river banks. Meeting with an impressionable 
young man, she entices him nearer to the river banks until he is close enough to touch 
her. Then she disappears with him beneath.the waters. 

The natives also believe that the Bouto will attack a-man in the water. They dread 
the creature greatly and will not spear it. The other river dolphin(Sotalia) will 
endeavor to protect people. ’ ' : 

We received our three dolphins, two females, one male, May 4, 3 968 , They were' 
donated by MacDonald 1 s Restaurants., They were picked up at 0 ’Hare Field in Chicago by 
Men Schoenrock, George Dolinac, and myself in a heated metro van, Tom Reed of Hialeah, 
Florida, flew with them all the xmy and accompanied us to Milwaukee, 

The porpoise were In plastic lined wooden crates 6-f-’ x 3* x: 38" deep, with just 
enough water to float them. Water temperature around 75 degrees, air temperature 50 
degrees. We reached the zoo around seven A,M, and it took about half an hour to move the 
porpoise Into their pool. All three animals wore eating out''of our hand's within 5 minutes 
after putting them In the pool. 

The size of the pool Is 45* x 35* x 32’ deep, with three shift cages each one being 

3 5 s x 6 1 x 6’, All shift cages can be independent of the main pool. The filt ra ^ on system 

is composed of a sand and gravel swimming pool filter that delivers 600 gallons of 
water per minute. We can also use a diatamacious earth filter in conjunction with the 
regu3_ar filter if need be. Water temperature hold's around ?8 degrees to 82 degrees. 

They ate twelve pounds of fresh water smelt the first'day. On the second day, we 
noticed some round spots of a brown color, blister-like'in appearance. It comes and goes 
In a twenty-four hour period. We treated these blisters with 250 mg, of tetracycline 
hydrochloride,The vitamins are as follows? 0,6 cc wheat germ oil, 0.6 cc ironized yeast, 

0,6 cc noviplex. daily and one tablet of vitamin B3 2 approximately once a week. The feed¬ 
ing is as follows 5 3/8 pound smelt In the morning with vitamins. Two pounds at noon and 

two pounds at 4s30 P.K. Every once in a while this is increased-by two pounds. This is 

for. each animal, p . ' .... .' . 

We are trying to train our porpoise to play basketball and go through a hoop. The 
male -seems to bo doing the best. They will not leap out of the water to go through the 
hoop, but, do go. through if the hoop is just in the water. The male is much more 'aggressive 
than the female and will take fish from her by biting on the neck and also by talking 
to her. 

We lost one of the females to arsenic poisoning. This female,while we had her, 
seemed to be the easiest one to itfork with, very friendly and seemed to catch on the 
fastest. We go in the pool every day with them and they have shown no inclination to 
bite or any other aggressiveness toward us. The couple of ’times I was lucky enough to pA . 
hear them vocally out of water, they-.sounded like tursiops* 

Referencess 

■ 'alker, Ernest P a 3968 MAMMALS OF THE WORLD John Hopkins Press, 

Baltimore, 


( 35 ) 


Locale 


Tank 


Water analysis: 

PcHo 5.9 

Hardness less than JO PPM 
Total alkalinity 3 7.5 PPM 
Chloride 0,5 PPM 
Iron 3,0 PPM- 


P.H. 7.5 

Hardness 3 5 PPM 

? 

? 

« 

? 

Copper None 
Oxygen 6 PPM 


Questions I would like answered are as follows:? 

Has anybody noticed the teeth of their porpoise as our male has white 
teeth while both of the females have brown-colored teeth? 


Any suggestions on training?. 


Anything on-breeding or gestation of Inia? 

If anybody can answer these questions or wants to correspond, please write? 
Harold V, Ottesen,Jr, 

3 352 So,. 102 Street ' 

: West Allis, Wise,53234- 


IF YOU WANT TO VISIT A GREAT ZOO, JOIN US AT THE TOPEKA ZOO IN MAY,, ,SEE FIRST PAGE FOR 
•DETAILS... ' 



JL (I 
,t ;f 

it 

if 

it 

if 

!> 

if 

JL 

It 

JL 

It 

//. 

ft. 

A 

ii 

fl 

if 

t 

JL 

~ir 

L 

t 

.11. a. 
•itir 


OFFER 0F DISCOUNT SUBSCRIPTION RATE FOR INTERNATIONAL # 
ZOO NEWS IS STILL IN EFFECT, 

MEMBERS REQUESTING THEY BE ADDED TO THIS LIST ARE 
URGED TO SEND THE RATE OF $7.50 TO AAZK HQ. AS SOON AS 
POSSIBLE. 

BE SURE TO INCLUDE COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS, AND 
ZIP CODE. 

YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WILL BE FORWARDED TO THIS PUBLIC¬ 
ATION AS SOON AS WE REGIEVE IT. 

THIS OFFER IS MADE EXCLUSIVELY TO AAZK. WE URGE ALL 
'MEMBERS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GENEROUS OFFER. 

INTERNATIONAL ZOO NEWS, PUBLISHED IN HOLLAND, CARRIES 
HEWS OF ALL ZOO AND REGULARLY SELLS FOR $15.00 PER YEAR. . . 

ILIPLJPLJPLtUpPLJPLJPPPLJUPPUllUpULPUUPU piJU PUUUPppppUUPppULJPL PP lJl. 'LJPP^UPLJL 

t . u -i rnnr a iiir,r,nt'-.nrinnrthhnnnnir^hlirinnhnrinrnnn^inhtinnHi^imnnnrirlnnrinr!^ 


JL 

it 

IL 

ll 

& 

II 

JL 

ir 


- xr 
il 


A 

II 

a 

it 

it 

JL 

T 

■l* 

if 

JL 

It 


BIRTHS AT TURTLE BACK ZOO FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 5. 1969 presented by Peter Yoost 


All births are recorded as of one day of age. This practice will of course raise our 
yearly death percentage but on the other hand, it will give us a better perspective of 
the overall picture. 


MAMMALSt 

1/22 

3/39 
3/20 
3/28 
4/34 
4/3 4 
4/23 
4/29 


/3 Muntjac 
3/3 Cameroon Goats 
1/3 Cameroon Goats 
2/ Cameroon Goats 
9 European Ferrets 
3/ Karracul Lamb 
/2 Cameroon Goats 
/I Dromedary Camel 


Died 

Sold 

Sold 

Sold 

Died 

Sold 

Sold 

Added to Collection 


( 36 ) 








5/1-J 

3-/ Sitatunga 

For Sale 

5/22 

/3 Sika Doer 

Added to Collection 

5/23 ■■ 

/ 3 Yak 

- Sold 

5/25 

/i Sika Deer 

Added to Collection 

5/29 

3/ Sika Deer 

: For Sale 

5/30 

, r - 3/ Yak 

Sold 

6/30 

. /3 Damara Zebra 

; . Added to Collection 

6/3 2 

3/3 White-tailed Deer 

: ( 3/ Died /3 Added to 



Collection 

6/33 

/! Elk 

Added to Collection 

6/34 

/l Scotch Highland Cow 

Added to Collection 

6/^6 

3 / Elk 

- Died 

6/38 

4 European Ferrets 

Sold 

6/39 

3 / White. FtfJ-W. Peer,....... 

: Sold 

6/22 

/3 White, Fallow. Pe,er.. ; 

1 4 < » 1 * f : f • • S old 

6/25 

/3 Guanapp, . . 

Sold 

7/3 

3/ Pygmy Dpr-kcy- - . 

For Sale 

7/35 

/3 Guanaco 

Sold 

8 /6 

3/ Squirrel Monkey 

Added to Collection 

9/38 

; 3 : ; Gerbils 


9/29 

/3 Muntjac 

Died 

30/30 

/3 Llama 

Sold 

30/33 

/3 Llama f. ,W : 

‘ - • Sold, 

3 0/29 

3 / llama 

Sold 

3 2/5 

• ; 3 / Sitatunga - 

... For Sale 

* 

• rj 7 t BIRTHS 


3/34 , 

3 Diamond Dove 

Missing 

4/23 _ 

3 Silver Pheasant 

• Sold 

4/26 

• 3 Golden-Pheasant 

Sold 

4/2 7 

3 Ringneck Pheasant 

Sold 

4/2 7 

3 Silver Pheasant 

; R Sold 

5/3 

2 Ringneck Turtle Doves 

Added to Collection 

5/1 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Sold , 

5/2 

3 Ringneck Pheasant 

5 I-.f ,.r Died r '"‘ » 

5/4 

. • y 3 Golden Pheasant _ 

; •' ; Died 

5/4 

4.*. . ,,v 3 Silver Pheasant 

Died 

5/6 

3 Ringneck Pheasant 

Sold 

5/6 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Died 

5/6 

3 Ringneck Pheasant, 

Died 

5/3 3. 

3 Ringneck Pheasant 

Escaped 

5/32 

3 Canadian Goose 

Sold 

5/32 

3 Eastern Wild Turkey 

Sold 

5/32. 

3 Ringneck ...Pheasant. 

Died 

5/34 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Died • { 

5/36 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Escaped 

5/36 

3 Silky Chicken: 

Sold 

5/37 

2 Diamond Doves 

Missing - 

5/3 7 

3- Golend Pheasant 

Sold 

5/3.7 

3 Ringneck Pheasa.nt 

Died 

5/39 ' ' 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Died 

5/23 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Died 

5/23 

3 Golden Pheasant 

Escaped 

6/1 T 

. 1 , 2 Golden Pheasants 

Died 

6/3 

. . 3 Eastern Wild Turkey- 

• • Died 

6/4 

3 Ringneck Pheasant 

Died 

6/8 

2 Ringneck Turtle Doves 

Added to Collection 


07 ) 



6/8 
6/8 
6/23 
6/24 
6/25 
6/2 6 
6/28 
7/3 



Eastern Wild Turkey 

Died 



3 Silky Chicken 

Died 



2 Ringneck Turtle Doves 

Added 

to 

Collection 

3 Egyptian Geese 

Sold 



3 Egyptian Goose 

Sold 



2 Ringneck Turtle Doves 

Added 

to 

Collection 

3 Egyptian Goose 

Sold 



4 Indian Peafowl 

Sold 




REPTILES 


32 Eastern Ribbon Snakes 


MLS 
BIRDS,. 
REPTILES 


C • » • 






50 

49 

32 


TOTAL 


• •••••••a,,. 


33 3 


‘THE. VERY FIRST STEP TOWARD SUCCESS IN ANY OCCUPATION IS TO BECOME INTERESTED IN IT. 

William Osier 


DEAR MEMBER; 

On December 32,3969, I, once again, had the pleasure of pressing the blade of 
optimism into another AAZK birthday cake, 

I use the word optimism because AAZK will not survive without this particular frame 
of mind. In the two years of our existance our accomplishments have been substantial, 
but far from the heights we can ultimately achieve. I can readily understand those who 
are discouraged about services of our organization, and I sympathize with those who 
feel AAZK offers little in the way of tangible proof of our purpose. But, I also hope 
a defeatist attitude does not engulf our present membership, because nothing will defeat 
our purpose faster than a serious lack of incentive. 

The future of this organization rides on the initiative and the genuine concern of 
the zoo ■keeper. 

Neither words, nor ideas can be effective without practical application of their 
intent. The zoo world isn't going to do anything to help AAZK achieve success. Our progress 
and our accomplishments are not going to be derived from a helping hand. They will evolve 
only from hard work, and our own desire to elevate our position to a recognized trade. 

If AAZK removes its foot from the open door, you can be assured it will remain closed 
for a long time to come. 

By virtue of our membership, we took the initial step to progress. Now we take 
the first walk into the purposes we intended to cultivate. But the only way this can 
be accomplished is by your support and your individual efforts to make AAZK click. 

We can f t expect to receive something for or from nothing, and we all realize that . 
nothing worthwhile comes easy or cheap. AAZK cannot and will not succeed unless you, as 
a member, are willing to support its intended goal. 

As members of a meaningful profession, we have the right to develope a code of 
standards, and on equal right to seek individual satisfaction in our careers, but we 
have to pay the price- of achievement, and the price is high. 

The zoo keeper has to overcome the age old adage that he should be seen but not • 
hoard, We have the task of developing our own syllabus for the universal acceptance, that 
we are an integral part of a zoological park, 

Wo have to erace the idea that the zoo keeper was born of the VPA* We have to 
convince the zoo world that animal husbandry is the life line of their existance, but 
we cannot do this with a false sense of privilege. The right to seek recognition has 
to be accomplished by self initiative and a willingness to pay what it costs to operate 
the AAZK independant of any outside influence. 

It would be very easy for us to become affiliated with another organization, for the 








benefit of financial assistance, and within a short period of time, loose our identity, 
and our freedom of choice. 

I would much rather see the AAZK struggle through periods of uncertainty than to 
panic, and give up our fight. Our membership dues are'small, if we stop and consider the 
return of ..profit, from what wo are capable of producing, but'We must plant the seeds 
of our intentions before we can expect to- reap a harvest. We can destroy the crop at 
the roots if we fail to fertilize it with a willingness of support, and a belief 
. in our goals c . . . . j;. : •/ 

^970 should be the year of construction for'. AAZK. 

Cvir foundation is settling; into place,-.-.ncw its- time"' for us to erect the framework 
of an endurable structure, but we must do it together on our own, 

Letts look forward with optimism and .work for what we believe in. 

Sincerely, ...... • 

Richard G> Sweeney 
Executive Secretary AAZK 

? HOLIDAY INN IN TOPEKA OFFERS THE HOSPITALITY AT THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE, MAY 5-6J970, 
JAPAJY5E ZOO NEWS by Ken Kawata 

Fir st Maned Wol f in Japan .. . 

On October 25.-1969, Ueno Zoo, Tokyo, purchased a pair of adult maned wolves from 
Sao Paulo, This is the first arrival of Its species In Japan. 

Pig m y Hip po i n J apan Dies 

Chiiko, the female pigmy hippopotamus at Ueno Zoo, died of nephritis on November, 

24.9 J969She i\ras born In Easel on June 12, 1 949: and got around Hannover, 'Gelsenkirchen, 
and again to Basel; arrived at Tokyo on July 14,, i960 as the first pigmy hippo in 

Japan,, At ueno, she had two offspring and an abortion. 

New_Direct ors in Tok yo 

Mr. Eiichi Imaizuml, Ueno Zoo Director, retired on December 10, He will work on 
LOF project in Japan at the Tokyo Zoological Society. The new Ueno Director is Mr, Asano. 

Mitsuyoshi Asano is the former Tama Director, The now director for Tama is Mr. Ishiuchi. 

Dr, Shiro Nakagawa, who recently studied zoo management is several European zoos for 

9 months, was appointed general curator of Ueno* .. f .. 

Manatees 1 n Japan 

In July I969? a pair of Amazon manatee Trich echus inung uis arrived in Japan from 
Leticia^ Columbia, On August 30, they-joined the two male T. ma natus (arrived Nov. I968) 
In the great tank at Yomiuri Land Aquarium, They are fed about 10 kg, of cabbage and * 
meadow grass each a day. So far there are 5 manatees in Japan (Atagawa Banana and 
Alligator Garden has a male T„ 'Inun guis ? which arrived April 1969») 

Repti l e H ou se at Os aka 

Jonnoji Zoo, Osaka City, will open its new reptile house in the middle of January, 

It will house about 40 species of reptiles a 
African Ga rden at Senda i 

Yagiyama Zoo, Sendai City (the largest city In the northern part of mainland Japan) 
opened the African garden on October 15^1969* Among the animals are a pair of white 
rhinos (Arrived August 29. The second pair over imported in Japan, the first white 
rhinos arrived at Ueno, Tokyo In August I966) and two African elephants (which means 
Yagiyama is one of the throe Japanese zoos which have African elephants), 

G alapagos Penguin Dies 

The only Galapagos penguin in Japan, a male, which had been kept at Ueno Zoo in 
Tokyo for 4 years and 1 month; died on August 21,1969. 

Female Komodo in Tokyo Dies 

D . ^ omodo dragons. ar rived at the Ueno Zoo Aquarium on April 27,1066,. They 

had been doing well. but the female died of bleeding in the ovary onAugust 16,1969* 





























Sho was 19^,5 cm and weighed 37*5 kg (180 cm and 18 0 8 kg on arrival) and. many mature 
.eggs were found. 


..PITTSBUR GH■ ZQC NEWS by George Bad a nich 

Our 3 Siberian tigers are doing fine and seem to have settled down to the enjoyment 
of all the visitors. They are very friendly with most of the keepers. They are young, not 
quite a year old. 

We've aquired. a gibbon which is very sociable and likes to be shown attention by his 
keeper.Torn Tryzeck, and the keeper’s helper^Rich Nogel, 

Our underground zoo has undergone renovation 9 and I must say Bon Blackson has done a 
wonderful job of it, r 

Gus MeClung has and is doing a bang up job as our new kitchen caretaker and 
dietician. 

We welcome Howard Hawkins back to the Pachyderm Department, He spent a year or so 
handling the poverty program here at the Pittsburgh Zoo. 

Carl Jones has been added to the Pachyderm Dept, and has been keeping the Hoofed 
Section of the Department in shape. This includes the zobrhs, ~oryx, elk, eland, blesbok, 
and muntjac, 

David Robinson and his helper, Bennett McCann are continuing to do a fine job in 
the Cat Department, . 


NSW FEATH ERS FOR THE SAN DIEGO ZO O ".' 

\ ' . ' . e • 

Following is a list of birds born since the first of January to the fourteenth of 
January and being cared for by the capable hand of Mr. Pat Kilroy,Sr, Keeper. 


Yellow back- Lorys 

2 ea. 

Blue Mountain Lorikeets 

3 

ea, 

Red collared. Lorikeets 

1 ea a 

Ornate Lorikeets 

5 

ea, 

Perfect Lorikeets 

2 ea c 

Black Lory 

2 

ea. 

F or s te n r s L orikoet s 

c, oa, 

Blue thighed Lory . 

2 

ea 3 

Black throated Lorikeet 

4 ea. 

Rothchild : s Red Lory 

- 1 

ea. 

Green wing•King Parakeet 

1 ea a 

African Gray Parrot 

1 

ea. 

Crim.si.on Rpsella 

2 ea. 




ST, LOUIS ZOO 


by Kathy Alexander 


RECENT. BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS t 

,1/.I Siberian Tiger 

0/1 Sooty Agouti 

O/l Bison 

0/2 Lesser Kudu 

6/3 Aoudad 

0/1 Gelada baboon- 
I/O Eland 
5 Llama 

0/0/2 Common.Hippo 


250 Diamond backed Water Snake 
22 Corn Snake 

7 Speckled Kingsnake 

4 Copperhead 

8 Mojave Rattlesnake 

5 Pygmy Rattlesnake 
5 Massasauga 

5 Blue Racer 


7 Ostrich 
3 Common Rhea 
1 Ruddy Duck 

RECENT. ACQUISITIONS s 
0/l Binturong 
O/l Margay 
0/2 Klipspringer 
1/2 Broke*s Gazelle 


2 Cayenne Rail 
1 Brush Turkey 

1 Blond-phase Indian Rock Python 
1 Sunbeam Snake 
1 Elephant Trunk Snake 
1 Blair r s Kingsnake 
1/1 Saddle-back Galapagos Tortoise 


( 20 ) 








3 /0 Wooly Monkey 
3/0 Grevy's Zebra 
3 /6 Sika Deer 

3 Java Green Peafowl 

5 African Jacana 

6 Flower Pecker 

3/1 Cre sted Cura s s ow 
3/3 Razor-billed Currasow 
2/2 Lesser Brazilian Teal 
3/0 Greater Brazilian Teal 
2/2 Marbled Teal 
1/0 Hooded Merganser 
0/2 Cheer Pheasant 

1/0 Bornean Crested Fireback Pheasant 


2 Jumping Vipers (baby) 

1/I Basiliscus Lizard 

0/l Florida Peninsula Cooter 

3 American Crocodile 


1/2 Southern Green Pheasant 
I/O Scintillating Copper Pheasant 
1/1 True Silver Pheasant 
1 /0 Blue-eared Pheasant 
22 Various Finches 
1/1. Siamese Fireback Pheasant 
l/l Yellow Golden Pheasant 
1/2 Lady Amherst Pheasant 


Three of our staff members have been involved in changes. Moody Lentz, formerly 
General Curator, was made Assistant Director as of October 1 . Charles Hoessle was made 
General Curator and remains Coordinator of the Education Department, Ed Schmitt, former 
Education Assistant and Assistant Curator, has been put in charge of the Bird Division. 

' • Our Children*s Zoo outdoor area-has been closed for the winter. The present plan is 
to keep the inside area open all year and the 2 - 2 - acre outside area open on fair weather 
weekends throughout the winter season (October through April) as well as summer. 

The contact area at the Children*s Zoo presently houses a young bison and a young 
male eland. They both seem to have, taken well to their new home and the contact they get. 

On October 3 3., 3969 3 the second Keeper-Keeper marriage at the St* Louis Zoo took 
place, Kathy Arencl and Jim Alexander were married. Both are members of AAZK, 

One morning in October became unforgettable for many keepers and staff members at' the 
St. Louis Zoo, "Mr, Moke", a 34 year old chimp who retired several years ago from the 
Chimp Show, managed to open the lock on his shift cage. During his brief reign of the 
zoo grounds, he tried to engineer the zoo train and chatted with several staff members 
through their car windows. He briefly ventured to a road bounding the Zoo where he peered 
into windshields and flexed radio aerials, but decided he preferred the zoo grounds. He 
was quickly tranquillized by zoo employees and quietly returned to his enclosure in the 
Ape House, Moke became famous for his utterance of the words "mama" and "no" in his 


earlier days* 

On Christmas Day, a second set of twins were born to our pair of Nile Hippo, "Jeepers" 
and "Peepers " Both babies are., doing well and have been named "Chris" and "Noel", Their 
sex hasn't been determined as', of this writing. The other twins were born in April, 1 963 * 

To our knowledge, we have, the only hippos in captivity in the United States to joroduce twins, 

October 3 7,39 69 * marked the end of a 481; year long career in zoo work for a keeper 
at the St, Louis Zoo, William "Willy" Raaf retired after spending 45 years in the animal 
division. Most of this time was spent as the small mammal keeper in the Small Mammal 
Wing of the Reptile House, 

Editor notes Our best wishes to Mr. Raaf for a long and happy retirement- 


C HANGE IN OFFICERS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5,3970 

Mr, Ken Kennedy, Stanley Park Zoo, Vancouver,B,C 0 has been appointed Vice Chairman of 
the National Board of Trustees to replace Mrs. Judy Fields, Mr, John Wortman, Topeka 
Zoological Park, Topeka,Kansas has been appointed to the Board, replacing Judy Fields, 
who recently submitted her resignation, Mr, Carl Pyle, San Diego Zoo will serve as 
Conference Program Chairman for the Topeka Conference in May, 


LEWS FROM TOPEKA ZOOLOGICAL PARK'reported by Ken Kawata 


,t 7 s 30 PvMe*, 3 7 November 3969-1 


i110 j v-V L 


;ins of’ the 


Topeka 


Chapter of the 1 AAZK was 





held in the Education Room of the Large Mammal Building, Gary Clarke, Zoo Director, ex¬ 
plained the design of the Cassowary Building, a new project for. the Zoo, and told of 
progress on the Rain Forest Building planning. After that, John Wortman, a regional 
coordinator of AAZK and our hippo-primate keeper, told of his recent trip to the Chicago 
zoos and the Milwaukee Zoo and showed his most beautiful color slides. Cake and punch were 
served. Nine members attended. 


The First Zoo-born Gorilla Pairi . 

Topeka Zoo recently established the first and only pair of non-related captive-born 
go rillas in the world, . 

On 29 September 3969 , Max, the male baby gorilla, arrived at the Zoo, He was born at 
the Dallas Zoo on 7 March 3969 . Max was purchased for $5,000 by the Downtown Topeka Rotary 
Club as a gift to the Zoo and people of Topeka and Kansas, 

Tiffany, the female, was born at the Kansas City Zoo on 3 5 July 3968 . The purchase 
price of $5»000 was donated by citizens of Topeka-from a small child to a big organization 
in less than a week* Tiffany arrived at Topeka on 3 5 October 3969 , We now have the first 
gorillas in Kansas, and the. first non-related captive-born gorilla pair,in the world. 

Zoo''Management Trainee Established. 


Through the efforts of Mr. Dennis Showalter, Bark Superintendent, and the Topeka 
Zoo staff, the Topeka Park Department recently established the position of Zoo Management 
Trainee for the Topeka Zoo, "Professionalism and dedication" is one of our Zoo Director 
Gary Clarke’s favorite phras.es. The new position will enable those keepers who desire to ; 
advance'in the Zoo profession the opportunity to learn about and participate in the 
administration and management of the Zoo, 

Recent Happenings at the Topeka Zoo 

Accessions!! 3.3 Echidnas s 


3/0 White-handed gibbon 
3 Cereposis goose 
0,3 Kodiak Bear 
0 C 3 Sitatunga 

3.3 Racoon dogs 
3,0 Gemsbok 

' Removals g 

3.3 Grizzly bears 
3,3 Debrazza monkey 


3/0 Orangutan 

3.3 Lowland gorillas 
0.3 Brazilian tapir 
3,3.. Arctic foxes 

3„3 Madagascan tenrec 

2.3 Galagos . 

3.3 Moor Macaque 


^ >!< >!< >!« sjojc :£ >!< >|c >[< ^ ^ >|c # ^ >|c >Jc >}: >}c >}: j{c >!c >|c >jc ajc jJ: sjc ^ sjc sfc >jc % >}c >}c >|< %: 


>:< 

* 

*■ 

•X- 

* 

* 

* 

, 1 , 

-r* 

* 

* 

* 


AVAILABLE AFTER FEBRUARY A5,J970. 

BOOKLET OF . GESTATION PERIODS. NOTEBOOK SIZE WITH 
COLORED COVER. THIS IS A BOOK EVERY ZOO' KEEFER 
SHOULD OWN. IT WILL MAKE AN IMPRESSIVE ADDITION 
TO HIS COLLECTION. 

$5.50 EACH 
WRITE* AAZK HQ, . 

8024 TOMMY DR.' 

SAN DIEGO,CALIF. 92119 

>jc >;< >f; >;« >j< >jc ^ ti: >;< ^ ^ ^ >;< % >}c ^ ^ >;< >;< >;<>!< # •>'$ sjc.jfc >}c >jc siojof: 5joj< # >}c >!« j{c sjc 

COMING SOON* A BOOKLET WITH KEEPER TIPS 
AS THEY HAVE APPEARED IN VARIOUS ARTICLES IN 
THE AAZK NEWSLETTER. WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS. 


* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

> 

* 


*. 1 ^ 


* 

* 

* 

* 

* 


>!c >;< >;< >;< ^ ^ >;< >;•< >;< 5^ >;< >;< ^ sj: >;t ^ >^c >fi 


( 22 ) 







WN>> 


Na tional 


Conference 


TOPEKA, KANSAS 
MAY 5 - 6, 1970 


ZOO DIRECTORS 
ZOO VETERINARIANS 
ZOO KEEPERS 

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE 
MEAT EATERS 

WITH 

NEBRASKA HORSE MEAT 

U.S. Government Inspected — Your assurance of a 
Quality Product — backed by Products Liability Insurance. 

WE OFFER A PROGRAM TO HELP ZOOS SECURE THEIR OWN FREEZERS. 
LET US GIVE YOU THE DETAILS. PAY AS YOU USE. 

We also offer ground frozen NEBRASKA FELINE FOOD 

for a prepared mix. 

For Information and Prices Contact: 

KIRK MENDENHALL or LOREN MORRIS 

CENTRAL NEBRASKA PACKING CO. 

P.O. BOX 550 

NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA 69101 

Phone A/C 308 532-1250 




AAZK Newsletter 

Published by 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS 


BULK RATE 
U. S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

PERMIT NO. 344 
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. 


8024 Tommy Drive 
San Diego, California 92119