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Animal

Keepers'

Forum

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

JANUARY 1984

ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Mike Coker JANUARY 1984

Managing Editor: Susan Chan VOLUME ELEVEN

Associate Editor: Alice Miser NUMBER ONE

Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

kYumal foAuni (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the

American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of AKUJDfxC Kce.pc/i/6 ' FoAum, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

AMERICAW ASSOaAnON OF ZOO KEEPERS, IWC.
NATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V., TOPEKA, KS 66606
\ Votly CtoAk, Admiyii^tAatlvo. SiicAnta/iy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP /Conservation & Research Center
Front Royal, VA 22630
Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park
Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

PAi2J>Td2.VVt
l/.Tc.e PAQJilddYit

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

PotXt Kuntzmann, LTnaoln Pcuik

Continuing Keeper Education

Judin StembeAg, Woodland PoAk

Historical Committee

LoAAy SammoAco, Linnotn PoAk

Professional Standards Committee

Coordinator for International Affairs
Randy Adolph, St. LouU) Zoo

Research/Grants Committee

FAank Kohn, National Zoological PoAk

Awards Committee

Htkn CAockoA, Vtc.knA6on PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee

Knvtn Conway, hIZP/CRC, FAont Royal Knvtn Conway, NZP/CRC, pAont Royal

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Aum, Uoodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
BnAYiln Fnldman, Topnka Zoo
Program Library
Mcfee CAockeA, Vtaknuon PoAk
Infant Development
Stnvn TayloA, Loulsvtlln
Keeper Accomodations List
OtlvnA Clal{^ny, HntAo ToAonto

Keeper

MoAy SlaybauQh, San Antonio S Vav^

Library Resource /Book Review

Ellnn Lnack, Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Cestat ion

HoAy UuAn, San pAanctdco Zoo
Diet Notebook

South Flo Alda ChaptnA, Mtaml
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Vtanc Fon^ytn, AizAon Zoological PoAk
Data Survey

!. 0AndoA{i{i, Sea Mo Aid ShoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
ilitfee CoApentoA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, VlAectoA

Linda RohA
Vacancy
Gene P^^HeA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne VllleA6
LoAAy SammoAco
Vacancy
Alan ShoAplei
Vacancy
Candy Kao it

M.V. Stone MemoAlal Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
Motional Zoo
VetAolt Zoo
Lndlanapolli> Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo

Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhlll Woodland PoAk Zoo

Joanle Stinson Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

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CA,Wl/,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

TfiL6 moyLtk'6 cuutioo/ik Ls by Vovlylcl Mason Sm-iXh, a zookddpoA at thd

Btnmlngkam Zoo, HeA sketch i^catuAcs a Hooded MeAganseA [MeAgus cucultatas )
Thanlts, Vonnal

Scoops

and Z' Scuttlebutt

Call For Papers for 1984 Southern Regional

Plans are being made for the 1984 AAZPA Southern Regional Conference
hosted by the Little Rock Zoo April 1-3, 1984. Papers addressing animal
husbandry, practical veterinary care, animal conservation programs, and
ethics, education, apd support organization activities are welcome. Ad-
ditional sessions for special interest will be scheduled as necessary.
Sens abstract to Anna Patterson, Conference Coordinator, Little Rock Zoo,
#1 Jonesboro Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. A copy of all papers must be
turned in prior to presentation.

ZOO AND AQUARIUM LIBRARY NEWS

Mary Rabb, the librarian at the Brookfield Zoo, is willing to send copies
of articles to other zoo or aquarium libraries. If you have a problem
finding a copy of an article you want, have your librarian contact Mary
at the Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL 60513.

There is now a newsletter for zoo and aquarium librarians. For copies,
your librarian may contact Kay A. Kenyon, National Zoological Park Library
Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 673-4771.

Mike Dee of the L.A. Zoo has volunteered to help identify rare books. If
your librarian is contemplating getting rid of some old books or suspects
that he/she may have some valuable holdings, have him/her contact Mike for
a list of titles. He may be reached c/o 524 Irving Ave., Glendale, CA
91201.

ZOOKEEPERS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE FORMING

Does your zoo use Keepers in its public education efforts? Is your chapt-
er involved in public education?

We hope to begin a Zookeeper-Public Education Committee. This would be
a separate committee from the already formed Continuing Keeper Education
Committee, and would be directed more toward Zookeepers educating the
public.

Please send a response if you would like to participate in this committee
and a description of your role in public education at your zoo. We would
appreciate any literature you could send us on this subject and we will
contact you depending on the responses received and the Board's approval.
We hope to initiate this committee after the first of the new year.

Please direct responses to: Eileen P. Gerity, Education Coordinator, Van
Saun Park Zoo, Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Births|^ Hatchings

BRONX ZOO. y^aAQOAQj: P^ixce.

B&H for October 1983 include: Mammals - 0.1 Guanaco, 6.0 Brow-antlered
deer, 1.0 Fruit bat, 1.0 Douroucouli, 1.0 Maxwell duiker, 2.0 Bushy-tail-
ed jird, 2.0 Minnie Down’s mouse, 2.0 Black-backed duiker, 2.0 Acouchi,

1.0 Hammer-headed bat, 1.0 Sambar, 0.1 Axis deer, 1.0 Yak, 1.0 Slender-
horn gazelle; Birds - 1 Golden-breasted bunting, 2 Silver gull, 1 Green
wood hoopoe, 1 Superb glossy starling, 1 Red-breasted touraco, 1 Edward
lorikeet, 1 Mauritius pink pigeon; Reptiles - 10 Kenyan sand boa, 7 Mojave
sidewinder, 7 California kingsnake, 1 Common snapping turtle, 1 Bog turtle
and 8 Sinaban milksnake.

ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO. BoAb Ha^neA

October 1983 B&H include 1 Common marmoset, 1 Triangular-spotted pigeon
and 1 Crested bronze-wing pigeon.

TAMPA— BUSCH GARDENS. ,Sand^ MoheA

B&H for November 1983 include: Mammals - 0.0.1 White-handed gibbon, 1,0
Hunter’s hartebeest, 1.0 Sitatunga, 1.1 Dorcas gazelle, 1.0 Kafue (red)
lechwe, 0.0.1 Black spider monkey, 1.1 Thomson’s gazelle, 0.1 Sable ante-
lope, 1.0 Addax, 0.0.1 Guinea (Western) baboon; Birds - 0.0.1 Black-necked
swan, 0.0.7 Cockatiel, 0.0.3 Fischer’s lovebird, 0.0.3 Black-masked love
bird, 0.0.5 Sun conure, 0.0.1 Crested tinamou; Reptiles - 0.0.8 American
alligator and 0.0.10 Spectacled caiman.

JACKSONVILLE ZOO Anne E. (jUXgg^nA

The following are the B&H for September, October and November 1983:

Mammals - 0.0.1 Brindled gnu, 0.1 Celebes crested macaque, 0.1 Sitatunga
(DNS), 0.0.5 Capybara; Birds - 0.0.1 Peached-f aced lovebird, 0.0.4 Vul-
turine guineafowl; Reptiles - 0.0.7 West African dwarf crocodile and
0.0.32 Bahama boa.

MIAMI METROZOO LoU BAuckhelm i

November 1983 B&H include: 0,1 Thomson’s gazelle (died - age 19 days),

0.2 Grant’s zebra, 0.1 Forest buffalo, 0.1 Sable antelope, 0.0.2 Grosbeak i
starlings (0.0.2 DNS), and 0.0,2 Emerald tree boa (0.0.2 DNS),

TOPEKA ZOOLOGICAL PARK. ..................................... .AUae ‘

Recent B&H at Topeka include: 1.1 Common eland, 1.0 Siberian tiger (DNS)
and 0.0.1 Blue-crowned pigeon (DNS).

Coming Events

1984 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS

ASSOCIATION SYMPOSIUM

February 22-26, 1984 Kalamazoo, MI

For information contact: Kalamazoo Nature Center, c/o Pat Adams, 7000 N.
Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. (616) 381-1574.

AAZPA GREAT LAKES REGIONAL CONFERENCE

March 4-6, 1984 Grand Rapids, MI

AAZPA WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

March 18-20, 1984 Sacramento, CA

AAZPA SOUTHERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 1-3, 1984 Little Rock, AR

AAZPA CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 15-17, 1984 Omaha, NE

AAZK SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 19-21, 1984 Columbia, SC

Hosted by the Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter. Registration fee is $25.00.
for members and $30.00 for nonmembers. Contact person at Riverbanks Zoo
is Stephen J. Danko. Watch AKF for registration forms and information.

AAZPA NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 21-May 1, 1984 Philadelphia, PA

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK at Woodland Park Zoological
Gardens, 5500 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103. Watch upcoming
issues of AKF for conference hotel site, registration forms and addition-
al information. "f-indeA6 Ke.e.peA^, No-Shooo6 WeepeAA”/

VANCOUVER-SPECIAL SESSION QN

STAFF TRAINING. PART II

JadZe Ste-dnb^^g , Coon-dlnciton.
AAZK Eduaat-lo n Comm-lttdd

This article will cover the second
part of the presentation on Staff
Training given at the AAZPA Confer-
ence in Vancouver, B.C., condensed
for publication.

There will always be a need for Staff
training within an institution:

— for the orientation of new employees.

— for the new Keeper coming into the profession, with or without educa-
tion, and no practical experience.

— for experienced Keepers to review and expand their knowledge and skills.

During the past eighteen months, the AAZK Education Committee, comprised
of 26 members, has been working on finding out what is currently available
regarding Keeper training. To do this the Committee worked on three pro-
jects:

Manual Review: this entailed locating and reviewing training
manuals and programs being used in Zoos.

Reference Search: collecting data for the development of a bib-
liography on captive animal management.

Training Videotapes: a pilot tape on the subject of Safety; a

supplement to the AAZPA Animal Husbandry Training
Manual .

The objectives of the manual review were first to determine what was avail-
able and second, to help determine supplements that AAZK could provide to
the AAZPA Manual. (Copies of several manuals were available for hands-on
review in Vancouver) . The AAZPA Animal Husbandry Training Manual was re-
viewed by nine AAZK Committee members. In general, it was felt that the
manual provided a good basis for any Zoo to develop their own program from,
geared to their own needs. Author Jim Ellis had mailed out a follow-up
questionnaire on the manual which resulted in some interesting information.

— time was mentioned as a primary factor for not having a training
program.

— several zoos mentioned that they were "trying*' to start a program.

— 24 of the 50 respondents had not developed any in-house training
materials.

— one Zoo had used the ZPA manual to write their own manual.

(Copies of the AAZK Committee's evaluation and the survey results were
distributed. )

The one manual that was written using the AAZPA Manual as a guide was the
Metro Toronto, Manual of Zookeeping, by Chris Parker. It is an excellent
example of how the ZPA manual outlines can be used. AAZK Committee mem-

CKE--VANCOUVER SPECIAL SESSION ON STAFF TRAINING, PART II, Contcnue.d

bers who reviewed the Toronto manual found it to be quite comprehensive.
With some rewriting of items that pertain specifically to the Toronto Zoo,
the manual would be very useful to the individual as well as to another
Zoo. However, their manual is NOT YET AVAILABLE outside of the Toronto
Zoo. The possibility of it becoming available for purchase at a future
date is being worked on.

A total of 12 manuals, notebooks or guidebooks were reviewed. A chart
indicating the major topics covered by each will be published in a future
issue of AKF, pending approval of the various Zoos involved.

During the manual review several Keeper training programs were identified;
The Santa Fe Community College Biological Parks program (see AKF, September
1983 issue, p. 272); the Moorpark College "Exotic Animal Training and Man-
agement Program"; and the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust six-week
internship. Animal Management, a British correspondence course offered
by the National Extension College, Cambridge, is a self-directed study
course. The course was developed at the request of British and Scottish
Zookeepers and is reported to be quite comprehensive. Just recently it
was learned that overseas students can test on the course and receive
certification. Committee member Douglas Richardson, Howletts Zoo Park,
has made arrangements with the National Extension College for U.S. students
to test at local universities. (See details under "Highlights of Phila-
delphia Conference" later in this column.)

One especially interesting program was the Calgary Zoo’s four-year appren-
ticeship program. A list of test assignments is posted to give the appren-
tice a guide to acquiring the skills and job knowledge (s)he is expected
to have. Before moving from one area to another, the apprentice is test-
ed by an evaluation team. (A sample of Calgary’s Job Method Training

was available for review.)

Also available was a brief description and a copy of the Woodland Park
Zoological Garden’s 1983 Staff Training program and schedule. References
used in the WPZG program are; WPZG Employees Notebook which is issued to
each new full-time employee and covers personnel information and Zoo pro-
cedures on safety and animal health; copies of Murray Fowler’s Restraint
and Handling of Wild & Domestic Animals; the WPZG Plant Care Manual; and
The Keeper’ s Role in Zoo Animal Health are all available through each
of the Senior Keepers as well as the Zoo Library. Plans are underway to
develop a structured basic Keeper training program for the Assistant Ke-
epers and Keeper Aides.

The AAZK Staff Exchange Program was discussed as another approach to Staff
training. Information was mailed to all AAZPA member zoos in August as
well as to several other zoos; copies of the mailing were available. The
preliminary list of 21 zoos that had registered to date was also displayed.

At this point in the special session, Mr. Simon Hicks, from the Jersey
Wildlife Preservation Trust spoke about their program and answered ques-
tions from the delegates regarding the program and funding.

Closing comments were directed toward the realization that Staff training
is not an easy task. The key to success is having a commitment and work-
ing cooperatively. Delegates were asked to give consideration to how
larger Zoos with more resources can help smaller Zoos. It was hoped that
everyone would leave the special session both acknowledging and supporting
the need for continuing Keeper education and the development of training
materials in their institutions. The last fifteen minutes was spent by
most of the attendees taking advantage of the opportunity to look at the

CKE— VANCOUVER SPECIAL SESSION ON STAFF TRAINING, PART II, ConUnu^d

suitcase full of materials we had brought along for display. Comments
were very supportive and appreciative of the opportunity to attend the
session.

The information in this two-part series was also presented at the AAZK
Conference in Philadelphia during the paper sessions. AAZK delegates
had the opportunity to review all the materials mentioned, plus more.

During the past month there have been four requests from Zoos wanting to
know about the information presented at the special session; they had not
been able to attend. Overall the response to the special session and the
subject of Staff training has been very good. It confirms the need to
identify and share programs, and materials for the training of Keepers.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE

Over 50% of the Education Committee members attended the Philadelphia

Conference allowing for several decisions to be made, with Board approval.

— AAZK Keeper Training Videotape on Safety was viewed and approved by the
Board and members present. This is the first of a series of training
tapes AAZK will be producing. Guidelines for the production and dis-
tribution of future tapes was submitted, discussed and approved with
some changes.

— Reference Search Project status report was presented. An IBM personal
computer was used to compile existing bibliographical information on
over 300 references. Goals for the coming year are to enter index data
from International Zoo Yearbooks, Animal Keepers* Forum, Zoo Biology,
and the AAZPA Newsletter.

— Exhibit Design Form prototype copies were distributed. This project

will require additional development, but promises to be a valuable source
of information.

— Animal Management Correspondence Course (see the Sept. 1983 issue of
AKF p. 206). We have finally managed to enable those people taking
the British Keepers Course to gain certification. It is up to the
zoo or the individual to find an establishment like a high school or
college that will oversee the final exam. According to Douglas M.
Richardson, Howletts Park Zoo, Bekesbourne near Canterbury, Kent,

England — once an individual has located such a proctoring agency, they
should write to him at the above address and he will verify the infor-
mation with the City and Guilds of London Institute. This is the organ-
ization from which an individual will receive certification. He notes
that it is probably not necessary to find a test site until one is
working on Volume III of the Course.

—Zoonoses, A Keeper's Guide received approval as an Education Committee
project. Although there is considerable work to be done, the end re-
sult will be a valuable reference.

— Manual Review is taking on a new direction. The Committee is still
interested in receiving copies of training materials currently being
used in zoos. Ideas and information from this project will be incor-
porated into other projects. Permission will be sought prior to using
any information.

CKE— VANCOUVER SPECIAL SESSION ON STAFF TRAINING, PART II, CoyuUnmd

—Feed Bag is in need of your questions: mail them to the Metro Toronto
Zoo AAZK Chapter. Delegates at the Conference provided 10 questions to
be answered in future AKF* s .

— Zookeeper Husbandry Fundamentals: An outline for this project was pre-
sented to the Committee by Jim Ellis. ZHF would be a book that would
incorporate much of what has been worked on to date. The Board and
Committee unanimously approved the project. Pat Sammarco has agreed to
co-author the book with Jim. This will be an opportunity to collect and
publish the experiences of many Keepers and Zoos regarding animal husban-
dry in a practical sense. ZHF is expected to take at least two years to
complete. You will hear more about this in the near future.

The Education Committee’s first year was very productive. All members are
to be commended on their hard work. A complete list of Committee members
and the projects in which they are involved will appear in the next issue
of Animal Keepers ' Forum.

AAZK STAFF EXCHANGE PROGRAM Help Wanted

The Puget Sound Chapter is in the process of compiling the master list
of institutions interested in participating in the Staff Exchange. Decem-
ber 1st was the cut-off date and the list will be available after January
1, 1984.

All participating institutions will receive a detailed copy of the master
list and a copy will be on file at AAZK National Headquarters. The list
will also be published in Animal Keepers ' Forum.

We would like to hear from you if you have:

—already participated in an exchange (problems, highlights, name of
participating institutions, duration of exchange).

— —have encountered problems in trying to arrange an exchange.

—have questions about conducting an exchange (see Vol. X, Issue No. 10,
pages 303-304 in AKF) that have not been covered.

— -are anticipating an exchange in 1984 (names of institutions, duration
of exchange) .

Contact: Elandra Aum, Coordinator Staff Exchange
Puget Sound Chapter
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue N.

Seattle, WA 98103

USE OF NATURAL TOYS BY SMALL FELIDS

AT THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO

[/ateAyio, OJeAneA, ZookeepeA
Ullwauke.e. County Zoo, ^Ulwcaikee.^ WI

In an attempt to provide ’’amusement" and to stimulate activity for view-
ing by zoo visitors, the keepers at the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Feline
Building have experimented with various natural toys for use by the two
species of small felids exhibited here: servals jfelAJi 6QAvcit) and cara-
cals (FeZls c-OAdccil} .

Included among the more successful toys are rounded pieces of wood, pine
cones, and the knotted ends of rawhide bones. These all provide a rolling,
ball-like motion when struck, inviting the animal to chase it. Care must
be taken to ensure that these toys are large enough to prevent accidental
swallowing by the animal, and the pine cones should have scales with
smooth edges, not sharp bracts or thorns. At our zoo, we have installed
drain covers to prevent clogging should the toy roll near or into the
drain opening.

Balls made of tanned sheepskin, with the fleece intact, were also succes-
sful toys. Not only could they be rolled about, but because of their
light weight and fibrous make-up, these toys could be tossed and caught
by even the smallest kitten. Unfortunately for us, the animals enjoyed
playing with the sheepskin toys too much; they were reduced to practical-
ly nothing in a few hours. Replacing these toys regularly became quite
an expense.

Our alternative to the sheepskin toys is rabbit fur. Since we feed rab-
bits to both the servals and caracals on a weekly basis, the fur is
readily available. A small portion of the rabbit is skinned; the fur is
rolled into a ball-like shape and placed in our refrigerator’s freezer
section to harden before being presented to an animal. The freezing
allows the "ball" to retain its shape for a longer period of time and
also prolongs the life of the skin with regard to decomposition.

Rabbit fur toys have proven just as successful as sheepskin without the
expense. When our cats tire of playing with the fur, it is often in-
gested. If not, care is taken to remove the skin from the cage before it
begins to decompose.

All of the toys discussed have been used to alleviate boredom in soli-
tary animals, both adults and kittens. Where two or more animals are
housed in the same enclosure, a toy is provided for each animal to pre-
vent any fighting that might occur over possession of a single toy.

We have also used these toys as a means of enticing an animal out of a
shift area into a display cage, or into an unfamiliar area such as a
squeeze cage or shipping crate. In the latter case, we usually attach
a cord to the toy so that it can be quickly retrieved before the animal
catches hold of it.

In conclusion, these various natural toys have not only provided our
animals with a safe source of mental and physical stimulation, but have
also helped present a more active display for our zoo's visitors.

One call does it all!

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KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PROJECT
SEEKS PARTICIPANTS

B. Wayne, Badho-nan
Woodland PoAk Zoologldol GaAde.n6
SdoUle,, WA

One of the projects of the Education Committee this past year was the
initiation of the keeper training video tape project* The aim of the
project was to produce video tapes for beginning keepers that will comple-
ment the AAZPA Keeper Training Manual.

It is hoped the varied expertise of AAZK members will be used to produce
these tapes. That means we need volunteers! I urge everyone to read
the project guidelines below and give serious consideration to partici-
pating by producing a training tape:

1) The tapes will be sold to any interested party with the following
agreed to in the purchase agreement:

a) the price of each tape will include the cost of the cassette *
insured postage, and a small "contribution" of $15“$30. This
contribution will vary with the program length.

b) the purchaser agrees not to copy the tape or make the tape avail-
able to any person or institution for the purpose of duplication.

c) the purchaser agrees not to use the tape for any commercial pur-
pose.

d) should the purchaser decide the program will not be useful to
their training system, the undamaged tape may be returned within
fifteen days of receipt and the cost of the cassette will be re-
funded. The "contribution" will be retained by AAZK as a rental
fee, (See page 12 of this issue for Purchase Agreement Form.)

2) All collected "contributions" will be placed in a special account
and made available and used specifically for payment of future
AAZK keeper training tape production.

3) Funding for future video tapes will be restricted to;

a) cost of video tape

b) the cost of renting video hardware,

NO money will be provided for the purchase of video hardware or
payment of person (s) or institution(s) for services or time render-
ed in conjunction with the video tape production.

4) Because the intent is to complement the AAZPA Keeper Training Manual,
funding priority will be given the following topics:

a) Sanitation and Pest Control

b) Feeds and Feeding

c) Animal Restraint and Handling

d) Safety-note that though the pilot project is a program on
safety, it deals with a systematic safety approach to zoo keep-
ing and development of the proper attitude. It does not address
specifics .

Again, other topics will be considered, but the above will have
funding priority.

The AAZPA Keeper Training Manual should provide a very good source around
which to build a program, but do not feel obligated to follow its form
exactly. It is intended only to provide guidelines.

KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PROJECT SEEKS PARTICIPANTS,

Application for funding support can be made in the following manner:

1) Write a detailed script. Include comments on what type of shots
you plan on using for each scene. This will insure that there is
enough information to fairly evaluate the application.

2) Include an expected budget and clearly state the exact amount you
wish granted.

3) Make three (3) copies of the script and budget information. Mail
two (2) copies to:

B. Wayne Buchanan

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens

5500 Phinney Avenue N,

Seattle, WA 98103

Mail the third copy to:

Jim Ellis

General Curator/Professional Specialist
Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo
3000 N.W. 83rd
Gainesville, FL 32602

Applications will be reviewed by myself, Judie Steenberg, and Jim Ellis.
We will make every effort to do this as quickly as possible.

I'd also like to refer you to the article "So You Want To Be A Star" in
the December 1983 issue of AKF. It has some helpful hints on making such
a training tape.

Additionally, Jim Ellis has a full studio available and may be able to
assist in editing, credits, and voice over work. Contact Jim or me if
you desire more information.

BROOKGREEN GARDENS GOOD CHOICE FOR POST-REGIONAL TRIP

Sabmutto-d by Connie. Cloak
Che.e.kwood BotavU-cal GaAden6
Nashville., TM

I recently attended a conference at Brookgreen Gardens just south of
Myrtle Beach, SC. It's a beautiful place, and one I think keepers would
be interested in knowing about. It's unique in being a sculpture garden,
with over 400 pieces ranging from small bronzes to huge marble statues,
the great majority being of animals. The gardens are beautiful with
hundreds of huge live-oaks. Part of the Garden's property is a wildlife
sanctuary and there is a small collection of captive native animals,
including a one-half acre area of cypress swamp enclosed under a 70-foot
mesh tent and containing several species of heron, ibis, and small ducks.
Adjoining the gardens is Huntington Beach State Park, with camping facil-
ities and magnificent bird-watching habitat in a salt marsh. The whole
area is an oasis of wild land in an area rapidly being overrun by luxury
hotels and condos. Keepers going to the AAZK regional in Columbia this
spring, or to the 1985 national in Miami, might want to put Brookgreen
Gardens on their itinerary.

AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE NOW AVAILABLE

Entitled Zoo Keeper Safety, An Atti tude Adjustment, this first tape at-
tempts to create a safety attitude and presents a systematic safety
approach to the job of zoo keeping. All proceeds generated from the
sale of training tapes will be used to finance production of future
training tapes.

AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE BUYER

1) The tape may not be duplicated or made available to any person or
institution for the purpose of duplication.

2) The tape may not be utilized for any commercial purpose,

3) Should the buyer decide the tape will not be useful to their training
program, the undamaged tape may be returned within 14 days of receipt
for a partial refund--$10 for BETA and VHS, $18 for 3/4 inch.

I, the undersigned, accept responsibility for the restrictions listed
above.

NAME: _(TYPE OR PRINT)

SIGNATURE: DATE:

ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION:

SHIPPING ADDRESS:

ZIP

TELEPHONE: ( )

TAPE TITLE:

FORMAT: BETA VHS 3/4 INCH

$25.00 $25.00 $35.00

Make checks payable to: "AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PROJECT".

Mail to: B, Wayne Buchanan

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103

SeAg^o Oya/izon^ P. Aqa, , M. Sc,

Animal MuJyujtlom^Z

H2XA0 JoAowto loo, ToAonto, OvutaAlo, Canada

Q. ....my question concerns our cuban anoles and a giant toad. They are
both fed a diet of crickets only. The anoles are not putting on weight
and the toad’s skin darkens and flakes off quite often. How often and
how many crickets should these animals get, and should their diets be
supplemented with something else?

SubnuXte.d by Bath Foi{^, Ultt MoantcUn loo, Inc., Roanoakc, PA.

A. 1) The problems you describe can indeed be caused by dietary deficienc-
ies, but there are some basic husbandry requirements that should be
checked. Both species are tropical and require a warm, humid environ-
ment. Both species also require a day temperature of about 80-85®F
for proper digestion and assimilation of food. Amphibians must have
access to water at all times. The skin condition you describe, assum-
ing it is not a fungal problem, might be a shedding problem resulting
from a dry atmosphere or the inability to burrow in the substrate. Most
amphibians shed weekly so that a build-up of skin is not normal. The
skin is important in oxygen exchange and water uptake so you must en-
sure that it is in good condition.

Your Anolis lizard, being aboreal, prefers to lap water from leaves
so it should be misted daily, preferably in early morning so that it
can dry out before lights off in the evening. Dehydration is a com-
mon problem with arboreal lizards and it usually results in poor ap-
petite. Most amphibians and reptiles eat a large variety of food-
stuffs in the wild. It would be advisable to provide some variety in
their diets. Try your toad on earthworms, pinkies, mice, crickets,
mealworms, and flies. Your lizards will eat mealworms, crickets,
flies, moths, and pinkies.

B. Johnson

2) As already mentioned and also well stated by Frye (2), there is no
single course of action to be taken when one is faced with a captive
reptile that refuses to eat or presents the problems you describe.

The entire captive environment, husbandry practices, and feeding pro-
gram should be considered as a whole and must be carefully assessed.

Unfortunately it is very difficult for anyone to set up or to
recommend a balanced diet for a reptile or amphibian, particularly
for species that will only accept live prey food. First, because
neither their quantitative nor their qualitative nutrient require-
ments have been established, our knowledge of their natural feeding
habits is incomplete. Under captive conditions we are limited to
only a few prey food items (mealworms, crickets, earthworms, etc.),
and the published data regarding the chemical (or nutrient) composi-
tion of these foodstuffs is incomplete and sometimes even controver-
sial.

FEED BAG, Continued

At this point the best I can do is to try to provide you with an
"educated guess." From a qualitative standpoint, we will assume
your Anolis and toads have the same basic nutrient requirements as
birds and mammals. In other words, they do require a dietary source
of amino acids (protein), energy (fat and/or carbohydrates), vitamins,
and minerals. With this in mind I have no doubts that your diet of
crickets only is extremely deficient and consequently inadequate. For
example, from the data presented in the table below you can see that
crickets have very low calcium levels in addition to an imbalance in
the calcium:phosphorus ratio (0.1 ; 1.0). Continual use of such a
diet will produce a Secondary (nutritional) Hyperparathyroidism
Syndrome .

MEALWORMS (3)
BRAN BRAN+

ONLY SUPPL.

CRICKETS
ADULTS (3)

MICE
1-DAY
OLD (1)

EARTHWORMS

(1)

WAX MOTH
LARVA (1)

Dry matter

40.41

35.77

29.63

18.81

Protein

55.90

55.50

73.45

63.47

Fat

27.16

26.25

12.96

19.62

Fiber

5.96

5.98

8.32

Ash

4.94

4.65

5.27

10.00

G. energy

Kcal/g

6.23

6.11

5.62

Calcium

0.07

0.39

0.09

1.72

0.95

0.03

Phosphorus

0.86

0.95

0.90

1.66

0.95

0.39

Magnesium

0.23

0.27

0.11

Potassium

0.92

0.95

1.16

Manganese

ppm

14.

31.

Copper

ppm

16.

22.

Zinc

ppm

152.

244.

Ca:P

0.08:1

0.41:1

0.1:1

1.03:1

1:1

0.08:1

(1) : Allen, M.E., and O.T. Oftedal, (1982) . Calcium and Phoshorus levels in
live prey. AAZPA Regional Proceedings.

(3) : Metro Toronto Zoo data.

Again, looking at the data presented in the table, Bob’s recommenda-
tion to provide variety in the diet is a logical and practical ap-
proach. By offering a variety of prey-food items there will be a
better chance of providing a more balanced diet, i.e. the calcium
deficiency in crickets will be compensated by the calcium level in
mice and earthworms, and the same may be applicable for other nutri-
ents as well. Also, I think that it would be advisable to supplement
each of the food items before offering them to your animals. This
can be accomplished by "dusting" them with a vitamin-mineral powder
and a source of calcium (calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, lime-
stone etc.) Even though this approach is not perfect, still it will
provide an additional source of nutrients to your animals.

It would also be advisable to keep your mealworms on a supplemented
food substrate (i.e, wheat bran + vitamin-mineral powder + source of
calcium) . With this method calcium content can be increased (see
table) , and presumably the vitamins and minerals ingested by the
worms will be retained in their digestive tracts, increasing their
overall nutritional value. A similar approach can be used to increase
the nutritional value of crickets and earthworms.

FEED BAG, Contlnatd

With respect to your question of how often and how much food should
be offered to your animals, apparently there is a general concensus
among zoo people that these types of animals need only to be fed
two or three times per week. This recommendation makes sense if we
consider their lower metabolic needs compared to birds and mammals
who need food on a daily basis. Despite this fact, considering your
present problems I would recommend you to start feeding your toads
and Anolis daily and on a free-choice basis. Try offering alternate
sources of food in order to stimulate their appetites. At the same
time you should keep an accurate record of the amounts of food offer-
ed and consumed. Weigh your animals before you start the new feeding
program and continue to weigh them on "a weekly or bi-weekly basis,
and at the same time record all possible observations regarding changes
in activity, food preferences, physical condition, etc. This infor-
mation will provide you with sufficient data to re-evaluate your feed-
ing program and set up a more adequate one in the future, without the
risk of ending up with obesity problems. Additional information will
be sent to you by mail.

5. OycUtzim

Note: Bob Johnson is a curator-in-training at the Metro Toronto Zoo.

His main area of interest is amphibians and reptiles.

(2) Frye, F.L. 1981. Biomedical and Surgical Aspects of Captive
Reptile Husbandry. Veterinary Medicine Publishing Co.,
Edwardsville, Kansas 66111.

There has been some concern and hesitation from zoo keepers about
submitting their questions to this new column, which explains its
interruption since it was initiated in August. Apparently this
hesitation derives from the fact that many people, for obvious and
understandable reasons, would like to remain anonymous. Because of
space limitations sometimes it will not be possible to fully answer
a particular question. In order that additional information can be
forwarded to the relevant individual it is requested that the person’s
name and address or institution be included with the question. Those
who wish to remain anonymous in Animal Keepers* Forum may do so by
request. I hope that in future this column will be a regular feature
in AKF, You may submit questions to: S. Oyarzun, c/o Metro Toronto
Zoo, P.O. Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MlE 4R5,

Information Please

The elephant keepers at the Topeka Zoo are reviewing elephant commands
from different zoos throughout the United States. Your input would be
appreciated and will be put to substantial use. Please send your list
of commands to: Kirk Graver, Topeka Zoological Park, 635 Gage Blvd,,
Topeka, KS 66606.

For an upcoming conference presentation on Timber Wolves I would appreciate
any information in the following areas: Handraising Techniques, Reintro-
duction of handraised young to existing pack, and all available information
on zoos that have received timber wolves as ’’orphan wildlife”. Send in-
formation to Diane Weinhardt, Lincoln Park Zoo, 220C North Cannon Drive,
Chicago, IL 60614.

LING-LING SHOWS POTENTIAL FOR RECOVERY

Worried panda watchers issued a collective sigh of relief when medical tests,
performed December 8 showed that Ling-Ling’s serious kidney ailment can be
attributed to a bacterial infection. Although the prognosis is still guard-
ed, this type of condition is more amendable to treatment than the other
kidney diseases which were being considered and it offers some hope that re-
covery is possible.

A medical team from Children's Hospital National Medical Center, consisting
of nephrologists, radiologists, and an anesthesiologist joined the NZP vet-
erinary staff in conducting a highly specialized examination on the anes-
thetized panda. A variety of blood tests were performed to pinpoint the
cause of Ling-Ling’s anemia, and the team used an ultrasound machine to getjl
a picture of her kidneys. Then they used a laprascope to visualize one hid-i
ney and to aid in getting a biopsy of kidney tissue. Each test contributed :]
to the guardedly optimistic prognosis. Antibiotic therapy will now be in- ;
tensif ied and Ling-Ling will be treated and carefully followed in an at-
tempt to bring the kidney infection under control and to reverse the anemia.^

LAB TESTS REVEAL HSING-HSING IS PANDA CUB'S FATHER

Laboratory tests conducted on giant panda tissue samples have revealed ,

that the sire of the panda infant born at the National Zoological Park :

in July 1983 is Hsing-Hsing, the resident male.

The paternity of the baby panda, which lived only three hours before j!

dying of a respiratory infection, had been in question. In March 1983 ij

Ling-Ling, the National Zoo’s female panda, mated once with Hsing-Hsing, j
but when no further breeding occurred Ling-Ling was artificially insemin- ’ !
ated with semen from the London Zoo’s male panda, Chia-Chia. j

Blood and skin samples taken from the Washington pair, from the male in |
London, and from the deceased infant were analyzed at the National Insti- '
tutes of Health laboratories in Bethesda, MD. According to the NIH report, I
genotype comparisons indicate that the "London male is excluded" and could j-
not be the father. 5

The new information will have no immediate effect on the National Zoo’s jl
giant panda breeding plans. National Zoo scientists will continue to be L
prepared to use artificial insemination as a back-up to natural mating .1
during Ling-Ling’s annual spring breeding season.

Hsing-Hsing, who in years past had not bred with Ling-Ling even though
the pair showed strong sexual interest, is now documented as one of the
handful of proven giant panda sires.

Christen Wemmer, acting director of the National Zoological Park, ex-
pressed his thanks to the staff of the National Institutes of Health and
extended special thanks to Drs. Stephen O’Brien and David Goldman, who ,‘j
worked on the project. Wemmer added, "The sophisticated laboratory tech- |
niques that allow for the tracking of animal kinship links holds great jl
potential for enabling successful genetic management in endangered species^
breeding programs."

In other news related to the world-wide effort to breed the giant panda
in captivity, the zoo world was saddened to learn of the death on October
23 of Shao-Shao, the nine-year-old female in Madrid, Spain. She was the
first panda to have successfully conceived by artificial insemination out-
side of China, and the first to have delivered a litter as a result of AI.
One of the twin cubs survived and is now one year old. "This is a real
tragedy for giant panda captive breeding," said NZP panda researcher Devra
Kleiman,

who noted that Shao-Shao was one of only three breeding females r
outside of China. "She probably was one of the very few captive-born ani- J

mals to reproduce successfully."

— NZP MeiOA Re^QXLie.

Publications Available

jThe Endangered Species Technical Bulletin is once again available to the
general public. The Wildland Management Center is making annual subscrip-
tions available at cost. The subscription, $12.00 annually, is based on
a minimum of 2,000 subscribers. An "Insert”, containing feature articles,
short news items, book reviews and announcements of meetings and conferenc-
es, has been added to the reprinted material. To subscribe send name,
address, telephone and organization affiliation along with a check for
$12.00 (made payable to University of Michigan) to: Endangered Species
Technical Bulletin, Wildland Management Center, School of Natural Resourc-
es, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

TURTLE TRUST TURTLE BOOK is scheduled for publication early this year.

It will contain 500 plus pages of information, range maps, 300 plus
illustrations and will include the work of many author’s personal exper-
iences with turtles. A solid tool designed particularly for those inter-
ested in captive breeding. The format is loose-leaf to allow for updates.
Each species is discussed on one sheet. If ordered during January 1984,
the price is $35.00; the price will rise to $50.00 on 1 March 1984.

Direct order inquiries to Turtle Trust, Westport Point, MA 02791.

WANTED. .

Single man to travel eleven months out of the year
with on educational exhibition of exotic felines OR birds.
Must be a truck driver with commercial license, able to
work with the public, keep accurate records, lecture and
participate in television and radio appearances.

Salary $150.00 per week plus living quarters and

bonuses.

Contact:

Two weeks paid vacation the first year.
Mr. or Mrs. D.H. Luce
Rt. 3. Box 410
Trenton. Florida 32693

Telephone: (904) 463-7292 or
(904) 463-6121

Legislative News

CompZte.d by Conway :

L2,gAjilatlv<i Coon^dlvLoton. j

TWO FLORIDA MAMMALS LISTED AS ENDANGERED IN EMERGENCY RULE |

An emergency rule listing as Endangered two small mammals known only from f
one area in the Florida Keys was published by the USFWS on 21 September >
and took effect immediately. The Key Largo woodrat {hio^otoma {^toM^dancL [

6maJdyi) and Key Largo cotton mouse PeA.omy-6C.ii6 g066ypXn.ii6 wCEapotacO-ta] |

are jeopardized by the loss of their forest habitat to residential and [
commercial development. An emergency determination was necessary to al- J
low full consideration of the welfare of these animals and their habitat |
during consultation on a Federal construction loan that could result in ,
accelerated habitat loss. During the 240-day life of the emergency rule, ,
the Service will proceed with development of a permanent listing. j

Both woodrat and cotton mouse subspecies are endemic to Key Largo, in f

Monroe County, Florida. Currently, they are found only on 1,150 acres >

in the northern section of the key where they depend on tropical hard- (

wood hammocks for their survival. With their floristic affinities to f

the West Indies, these hammocks support a rich biota, including many rare
plant and animal species. Many of the tropical hardwood hammocks in the [
U.S., which reach the northern limits of their range in the southern pen- [
insular Florida, have been lost to development, and this habitat type is
one of the most limited and jeopardized ecosystems in Florida. The ham- \
mocks of north Key Largo represent some of the best remaining tracts,
but they are the proposed site of a large number of residential tracts. f
A section of new water pipeline now extends into the area, and is expect- i
ed to accelerate the pace of residential, commercial, and recreational
development. Such intensive development in the Florida Keys generally
results in destruction of the hardwood hammock ecosystem, even if indivi- I
dual large trees are left in place. The Key Largo woodrat and cotton i

mouse are both considered by the State of Florida as Endangered, but their!
habitat is not protected under State law. '

On 19 May, 1980, Dr. Stephen R. Humphrey of the Florida State Museum j

petitioned the USFWS to add the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse to ,

the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Species. The petition includ- ■
ed a status report prepared under contract to the Florida Game and Fresh i
Water Fish Commission. On 28 July, 1980, the Service published in the ^
PC-dcAat R2.g-t6tCA a notice of petition acceptance and status review, and
announced its intention to propose listing the two rodents.

In June 1983, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) requested f
immediate consultation with the Service on a proposed loan to the Florida ;
Keys Electric Cooperative for construction of a substation that would
provide increased delivery of electricity to northern Key Largo. Such
consultation is required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act [
because the REA is a Federal agency whose action may affect two federally i
listed species in the area, the Threatened Schaus swallowtail butterfly ;
[pap-ltio aAAJ)todma6 poncC.aniL6] and the Endangered American crocodile
{CA0C0dylLL6 aciVtiU)] . The proposed electricity delivery system, which could
serve up to 6,000 new residential units, would probably have even greater
adverse effects on the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse, which prior to
the emergency rule were not federally listed.

If the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse were not on the U.S. List of
Endangered and Threatened Species, their welfare could not initially be
given full consideration during the REA consultation. If instead these
two mammals had been only proposed for listing, REA would have been re-
quired under Section 7(a)(4) of the Act only to informally "confer"

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, Cowtlniidd

on actions that are likely to jeopardize their continued existence, and
the Service would have made recommendations to reduce any adverse effects
Upon a final listing, the REA would have been required to reinitiate con-
sultation if the action may affect the species. This could have resulted
in delays and increased project costs.

Effects of the Rule

The Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse are now listed as Endangered and
benefit from the conservation measures authorized under the Endangered
Species Act. Taking, possession, or engaging in interstate/international
trafficking in these species are among the prohibitions in 50 CFR 17.21.
Certain exceptions apply for agents of the Service and State conservation
agencies, and permits for otherwise prohibited activities can be issued,
for certain scientific, conservation, or economical hardship purposes.

A designation of Critical Habitat for the two mammals was not included in
the emergency rule because the process for making such a determination
would have delayed the listing, probably beyond the time needed to give
consideration to the species during Section 7 consultation with the REA.
However, the Service intends to include Critical Habitat when a permanent
listing rule is proposed. In the meantime, the Key Largo woodrat and
cotton mouse, along with their habitat, still will receive protection in
accordance with Section 7. All Federal agencies (including, but not
limited to the REA) shall ensure that any actions they fund, authorize,
or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the
species by directly affecting the animals or by adversely modifying their
habitat .

— Endang(2AQ.d SpecUe^ Technd-cal BiMiiZln
[/ol. Vn, No, 10, OcXoboA 19S3

EPA CANCELS STRYCHNINE USE AGAINST PRAIRIE DOGS

Because "non-target" animals, such as the Endangered black-footed ferret,
are being killed. Environmental Protection Agency moved on 19 October to
cancel use of strychnine as a poison to kill prairie dogs and other ro-
dents. Despite opposition from the Agriculture Department and the cattle
industry, EPA announced in a EndoAOlt notice that it intends to

cancel within 30 days registration of all pesticide products that contain
strychnine and are used to kill prairie dogs, rabbits, opossums, chipmunks
and mountain beavers. Strychnine used to kill ground squirrels, porcu-
pines and some species of rats and birds will be allowed if product labels
are modified.

Nearly half of the 498,700 pounds of strychnine baits manufactured last
year were used to kill prairie dogs, which can spread plague and destroy
hundreds of acres of ranchland. According to Ron Michieli, vice presi-
dent of the National Cattleman's Association, besides destroying vegeta-
tion, prairie dog villages cause havoc in irrigation areas and stepping
in a prairie dog hole can break a steer's leg. "We're sure as hell not
calling for the destruction of the black-footed ferret," Michieli said,
"but we would like fair play in protecting our resources."

A number of alternative poisons are available, EPA said, though none has
proven as effective as strychnine against prairie dogs, and they will cost
an estimated $1 million more to use.

~ — ECOLOGY USA
OcXobeA 24, 1983

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, Continued

BIGHORN SHEEP IN QUIET CRISIS

Bighorn sheep, common from the Rockies of British Columbia to the waste-
lands of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, are being threatened by a vast change
in habitat and by disease. "There’s a quiet crisis going on," according
to wildlife biologist James A. Bailey, who also noted that while the big-
horn is not in danger of extinction, the herds are now only 2%-3% of what
they once were. "The long-term trend has been downhill, and I don't think
we’ve done much to stop it," Bailey added.

With state and federal budgets being slashed, the financial ability to
slow this trend rests with private enterprises. Bailey is advising
Colorado’s Martin Marietta Corp. in such a program. Waterton Canyon, home
to one of Colorado’s few low-altitude bighorn sheep herds, begins at the
back door of Marietta’s headquarters in the foothills of the Colorado
Rockies .

Disease killed off roughly 80% of a nearby herd in less than a year, and
its numbers dwindled from about 90 in 1980 to less than 20 in 1981. In t

order to improve the animals’ habitat, volunteers spent hundreds of hours >
clearing 60 acres of scrub to provide open grazing areas close to the |

rocky locations favored by the sheep. The cost to Marietta was minimal.

Marietta is now developing a program for volunteers to perform controlled ■

burns on the land, opening up summer and winter range for the animals. |

The aim is to allow the sheep to be healthy, migrate freely, and maintain [
the same habitats they’ve always had. The obvious threat to bighorns is j:
human encroachment on their territory. In desert lands such as the Baja,

man competes for water sources, and |
there are other troubles that stem f
from man’s tampering with the fra- '
gile ecological balance. l'

In the last 60 years, since natural |
fires in national forests have be- j
gun to be fought consistently, vege-i
tation once controlled by those |

fires has begun to creep into big- ^
horn territory. Because bighorns ^

don’t have large, sensitive ears [

like deer and elk, they rely on
their eyes to look for food and
enemies. The encroachment of trees .
and brush makes it difficult for [
them to see either. The underbrush [
also makes it difficult for bighorn i;
to move from summer to winter ranges:
A sedentary herd eats and defecates
in the same place and thus is more ^
susceptible to diseases, particular-,;
ly lungworms .

Even a low level of lungworm, car- <
ried by snails that inhabit vegeta- \
tion eaten by sheep, can kill off f
more than 90% of lambs at birth,
and when the infection begins to
destroy lung tissue, it can cause
"die-offs" of 80-90% among adults. !

environmental

T-SHIRTS

W CATALOG!

^ 18 GREAT DESIGNS.

10% OF PROFITS GO TO
ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES. MAPLEWING 1983

IIM MnPRIQ P.O. BOX 2308 DEPT. EA4
Jim lYlUhKIb boulder. COLO. 80306

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

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LEGISLATIVE NEWS, Continued

Today just about every sheep herd has some level of lungworm infection.

In treating the sheep for lungworms, "we're only treating the symptom,
not the causes. Unless we can commit a lot of money to habitat manipu-
lation, you're not going to see any dramatic changes," Bailey concluded.

NORTHERN SHEEP ALSO THREATENED

Bacterial pneumonia is killing large numbers of sheep in Canada. In one
basin 20 miles north of the Montana border, 400 of a herd of 500 sheep
were killed by the bacteria. Nearly a quarter of British Columbia's
2,400 sheep have been killed in the past few years, and biologists fear
it will spread to the herds of the United States.

Little is known of the origin of the bacteria. There is no known cure.
Some animals are receiving experimental treatments, however, if this
disease spreads to Glacier Park, the herds will not be treated because
park policy requires that natural occurances such as forest fires and
disease run their natural course.

Canadian biologist Peter Davison believes a major factor in the spread of
the disease was stress. Winter ranges have been lost to subdivisions, in-
dustry, and fire. "Some of these herds will be wiped off the face of the
earth," Davison said. Bighorn sheep evolved to their present state in
the last Ice Age and are not very resistant to disease in the present
warmer climate. In Yellowstone National Park in 1981, more than 100 sheep
because blind with keratocojunctivitis and fell from the cliffs.

ECOLOGY USA

SeptembeA 12, 1983

Imminent Herpetologist Die$> Memorial Fund Established

Submitted by Su6an Ban.na^d, Atlanta, Zoo

Dr. Edward Elkan, who was recognized internationally for his work on the
pathology and diseases of reptiles and amphibians, died at the age of 88
on 4 July 1983.

A fund in memory of Dr. Elkan has been established and will be used to
perpetuate his name and work. A number of commemorative ventures have
been proposed and will be considered in due course. The most pressing
requirement, however, is to ensure that Dr. Elkan 's unique collection of
microscope slides and other pathological specimens is properly collated,
mounted and maintained. Much of the material is already housed at the
Royal College of Surgeons of England as the "Edward Elkan Reference Col-
lection of Lower Vertebrate Pathology". Dr. Elkan passed this collec-
tion on to J.E. Cooper before he died and was anxious that it should re-
main intact and serve as a working collection. This will be supplemented
with a number of Dr. Elkan ’s drawings, reprints and reference books. It
is intended that this collection be widely used for study by herpetolo-
gists, pathologists and researcher workers from a range of disciplines.
All colleagues, friends and admirers of Dr. Elkan are invited to con-
tribute to this Fund. Checks should be made payable to "The Edward Elkan
Memorial Fund" and forwarded to the address below. Comments and sugges-
tions concerning the Fund will be welcomed. Acknowledgement will be sent
upon request only. However, a full list of subscribers will be compiled
and affixed to the Collection. Reports of the Fund’s progress will also
appear regularly in the herpetological literature. Please include full
name, title and complete mailing address with your contribution. Return
to: J.E. Cooper, Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35-43 Lincoln's
Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN, England.

Bird Calls

CAPTIVE BREEDING OF HOODED VULTURES

hl2.cAo-}>ynd:<i6 monackiLS

John Cokm, KdzpoA I
V^nve/i loo, VmveA, CO

The Denver Zoo received its breeding pair of Hooded vultures iNe,(lA.06y/Lte^ I
monackubi, ) on 11 October 1974. They came to us as wild caught adults with [
no previous history. The birds were moved into our outdoor flight cage on .
24 June 1975 and they have remained there ever since. On 10 April 1982,
they hatched and subsequently raised a chick. This is, as far as we can |
determine, the first reported rearing of a Hooded vulture chick in captiv- i
ity in the United States, and possibly the world.

The flight cage is an iron mesh outdoor exhibit, 29.5m long by 7.75m deep.
The front of the exhibit is 7.75m high sloping down to 3.8m at the rear. '
The rear of the exhibit is formed of concrete rock to resemble a cliff
face. There is a small waterfall that flows into two pools at ground lev- :
el. The cage floor is planted with sod throughout. There are several |

natural wood perches and three living pine trees at the north end of the i

exhibit.

The exhibit is the permanent home for two Cinereous vultures (AegupJLbS |

monachal ) , four Golden eagles {Aqatla chAy^aoXo^ ) , one Red-tailed hawk j

(BittS-O jcimcU.ce.n6C6} and two Turkey vultures ( Ccuthcuvtc6 CiUAa ) in addition to '
the two Hooded vultures. From July to October, two Egyptian vultures
[hlcoph/LOn peA.chopteA.u6> ) are also in residence. |

The birds remain in the exhibit throughout the year with the exception of
the Egyptian vultures. All appear to be quite winter hardy. It snowed |
once after our Hooded vulture chick hatched. The female was observed to j
be lightly dusted with snow, but she brooded the chick with no apparent !

difficulty. The temperature at night during this time was in the low |

20* s. In the summer, prior to fledging, the temperature reached into the {
low 90* s. During these hot periods, one parent would crouch over the chid'
and spread its wings. The chick would then sit in the shade provided by j
the adult.

Our Hooded vultures began breeding in October 1975. They built their firsti
nest in mid-January 1976. They began producing eggs in 1976 and have con- |
tinned to produce yearly since then. (See Table I) ■

On 8 February 1976, two eggs were observed in the nest. The eggs were
described as white with pinkish/tan splotches. The eggs were found brok-
en later on the same day. Two other eggs were subsequently found broken |
in the nest. A fifth egg was* laid on 31 March 1976. The birds incubated
this egg through 31 May 1976, at which time it was pulled and candled. It ‘
was determined to be fertile but dead in the shell. No other eggs were :
produced that year.

Courtship behavior began again in September 1976, breeding was observed
in October. The pair began adding new materials to their nest in Novem- '
ber. After the first egg of 1977 was found broken in the nest, it was
decided to set future eggs under Banty hens for incubation. The Banty
hen broke the first egg placed under it but set the second. The embryo
subsequently died in the shell.

CAPTIVE BREEDING OF HOODED VULTURES, ConUnu^d

In 1978, the first three eggs were set under Banties. The fourth was left
with the parents. The parents abandoned this egg after one week. Candl-
ing disclosed that it was fertile. The attempt at artificial incubation
of that egg failed. The three eggs under the Banty hens died in the shell.

Since the parents abandoned their egg in 1978, it was decided to pull the
first egg laid in 1979 and let the parents set on any future eggs. It was
felt that this would give them an egg fairly early in the season and hope-
fully they wouldn't abandon it. Both eggs laid subsequently died in the
shell.

We planned to use the same strategy in 1980 but we ran into dif f iculities .
The first egg of 1980 was pulled and set under a Banty. She broke the egg
the next day. The second egg of 1980 was found to be infertile. There
were no other eggs that season.

After four years of unsuccessful attempts of incubating eggs utilizing
Banties and various combinations of artificial incubation, the 1981 eggs
were pulled as they were laid and placed in an incubator. Three fertile
eggs all died in the shell.

For 1982, a completely different approach was decided upon. We would try
for only one egg. We would pull the first egg laid and replace it with
a dummy. We would then attempt incubation of the egg in a Turn-X(A) and
replace it under the parents prior to hatching. This proved to be a suc-
cessful formula.

On 17 February 1982, an egg was observed in the nest. It was pulled and
the dummy substituted on 23 February 1982. The egg was placed in a Turn-
X. Dry bulb temperature was 38°C. Wet bulb was 32®C at 59% humidity. The
parents accepted the dummy egg without problems.

The egg was candled weekly and development was observed. On 5 April 1982,
the 48th day of incubation, the egg looked completely developed. However,
no movement was seen. Additionally, the egg showed indications of having
died. We were ready to discard the egg when the curator remembered a
similar experience that we had with the egg of a Cincereous vulture. In
that instance, we opened a supposedly dead egg and found a live embryo.
Thus, we placed the egg back under the female.

Normal incubation for the Hooded vulture is 46 days (Bannerman, 1953).

Our chick hatched on 10 April 1982 after 52 days of incubation. The
chick was first observed on 11 April 1982. It was covered with dark brown
down and its eyes were open. There were two small dark blue patches lo-
cated bilaterally, just posterior to the cere. These disappeared by the
45th day. It began to moult its down on 25 April 1982. It fledged on 15
July 1982 at 92 days of age. Presently the chick retains subadult plumage
with a dark brown head.

The nest was built in an artificial nest pocket on the top of the cliff
face in the southwest corner of the exhibit. The same nest site is used
every year. Branches and twigs were placed on the ground by zoo staff to
provide nest material. Additionally, the female stripped fresh pine boughs
from the trees at the north end of the exhibit. She would then use these
to line the nest (Grossman & Hamlet, 1964; Brown & Amadon, 1968). Both
parents assisted in nest building but most of the work was accomplished by
the female.

The Hooded vultures seemed to establish a territory in the southern one-
fourth of the exhibit. Once the egg was laid, they defended this territory

CAPTIVE BREEDING OF HOODED VULTURES, ConUnu^d

from the other birds of prey. The female would set on the egg, the male
perched on a branch just in front of and below the nest. He would attack
and chase other birds who entered the defended territory. Shortly after
the Hooded vultures began defending this territory, it was noted that the
other birds stayed in the remaining three-quarters of the exhibit.

Daily, at about 1530 hrs., a keeper would enter the exhibit through a ser-
vice door in the cliff face. He would distribute two tubes, approximate-
ly 4.15k of commercial Birds of Prey diet (B) throughout the exhibit. We
have established 12 feeding sites throughout the exhibit. Food is distrib-
uted in varying proportions to these sites. At least twice a week, mice,
rats or guinea pigs were added to the diet. The male would eat first, then
he would set the egg while the female ate. In contradiction to the litera-
ture (Grossman & Hamlet, 1964; Brown & Amadon, 1968), the male was never
seen bringing food to the female. I

!■

After the chick hatched, the remaining three-quarters of the exhibit was j
fed as usual. The protected area got additional food. Four freshly-
killed mice were added three times per day. In addition, approximately

0.23k of Birds of Prey diet was tossed onto the ledge next to the nest at
the regular feeding time. The parents were observed feeding strips of
mice and pieces of Birds of Prey diet to the chick. The parents appeared
to eat first, then they fed the chick. They were never seen to regurgi-
tate food for the chick. This again contradicts the literature (Grossman
& Hamlet, 1964; Brown & Amadon, 1968).

The chick was observed feeding itself by mid-June. The parents would |

bring it mice, which it would dismember and eat on its own. It would i

walk to the Birds of Prey diet thrown onto the ledge and eat from it. |

While the chick remained in the nest, it was often exposed to human con- j;
tact. There was considerable activity on the roof above him. There were |
frequent observations and videotaping. On several occasions, keepers j

reached down to touch the chick while the parents were off the nest. The j
parents appeared to be nervous when humans were around but they didn’t |

become aggressive or overly protective of the chick. The chick itself
never showed any aggressive or defensive postures, other than facial
flushing.

Several points were viewed by staff as important for the successful rear-
ing of Hooded vultures. These are:

1. The birds will apparently incubate only one egg at a time in cap- ;

tivity, but will lay another if the first egg is taken; provided that |,

conditions are conducive to egg laying. 1

2. The parents will accept a dummy egg without problems even though the h
dummy does not look like their egg. Vulture eggs are splotched, the dummy !;
egg was plain white.

3. Although the nest is made of twigs and branches, the female acquires ■

soft material to line the nest. If pine boughs are not available, some |
soft material should be provided. '

4. The pair protected the territory against all other species. If they |

are kept in a multispecies exhibit, sufficient space must be provided for ,
the other birds. J

5. Contrary to the literature, two points regarding egg incubation/chicl?j
rearing and male-female feeding behavior while incubating should be noted. |,

:APTIVE breeding of hooded vultures, CoyvUnu^d

:he female left the nest to feed; she was not fed by the male. During
,:hese periods the male incubated the egg. Additionally, the parents did
lot regurgitate food for the chick at any time.

I 6. Literature cited indicates an incubation period of 46 days. We
lave observed an incubation period of 52 days in this instance.

he successful rearing of this chick was a collective effort, involving
jieople in different areas of the Zoo. The author wishes to acknowledge
ihe efforts of these people: Ed Schmitt, curator and Bruce Kane, Keeper
T, breeding program development; Bill Loessberg and Archie Paulson,
heper I's, management of Birds of Prey exhibit; Rick Haeffner, Keeper I,
rtificial incubation of the egg. Questions may be directed to these
eople care of the Denver Zoo, City Park, Denver, CO 80205.

TABLE I - EGG

SUMMARY

ear

#laid

#infertile

#died in shell

#hatched

975

976

!977

978

1979

980

981

[982

IIBLIOGRAPHY

• The Birds of West and Equitorial Africa, Vol I. Bannerman, David, 1953

Oliver & Boyd London pp 340-341

• Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World. Brown, Leslie & Amadon, Dean 1968

McGraw-Hill New York pp 314-315

• Birds of Prey of the World. Grossman, Mary Louise and Hamlet, John, 1964

Clark N. Potter, Inc. New York pp 341-342

RODUCTS MENTIONED

. Turn-X Incubator - Marsh Farms, 14232 Brockhurst St., Garden Grove,
CA, 92643.

. Nebraska Brand Birds of Prey - Animal Spectrum Inc., 5801 Locust St.,
Lincoln, NE 68516.

J^'n^cr6an^s

The Riverbanks Southeastern
Regional AAZK Conference will
be held April 19-21, 1984 at :
the Riverbanks Zoological Park,;
Columbia, S.C.

Soutflcastern ^caionai
Confcre.n.c c.

priC ,t^81 Cdumfjia S.C-'.

by February 15, 1984.

Papers are requested for this |
regional conference. Each '

paper will be limited to 20
minutes with a 5 minute ques- |
tion and answer period. Top- !
ics should pertain to zoos & j
zookeeping. Abstracts and/or ’
outlines should be submitted j
The conference registration fee will be reduced for j

those people presenting papers.

Tentative Conference Schedule

Thursday, April 19

Registration

Icebreaker

Friday, April 20
Announcements /Welcome
Tours of Riverbanks Zoo
Presentation of papers
Presentation of keynote
speakers

Workshop /Discussion

Saturday, April 21 ,

Presentation of papers
Presentation of keynote j'
speakers ji

Bar-B-Q Supper/Volleyball j|
game

Auction/Party

Sunday, April 22 — Post-conference trip to Congaree National Monument

Tentatively scheduled keynote speakers include: Bill Ziegler, General
Curator, Miami Metrozoo; Guy Smith, Director, Knoxville Zoo; Dr. Joe
Erwin, Curator of Primates, Brookfield Zoological Gardens; Les Schobert,
General Curator, North Carolina Zoological Park; and Dr. Kenneth Gould,
Head of Reproductive Physiology, Yerkes Primate Center, Atlanta, GA.

Please make checks payable to: "Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter". Send papers,
completed registration forms with the registration fee to: Stephen J. Dankc
Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210.

Registration Form i

Name : i

Address : i

City : i

State: Zip code:__ |

Phone No: ( ) '

Name of Zoo: I

Area of interest:

No. attending BBQ/Conf erence :

Vegetarian: ^YES NO

Transportation

FEES:

Member ^r spouse — $25.00
Non-member — $30.00
Late registration fee after
3/1/84 — $5.00 additional
TOTAL fees enclosed: $

Hotel Reservation Request Form

Riverbanks Southeastern Regional

AAZK Conference !

Name:

Address :

City :

State :_ Zip code:

Phone No . : ( )

Arrival Date: Time:_

Departure Date: Time: ;

Total No. of Nights in Hotel:

Please check the type of room you j

wish to reserve:

Single $20.95 daily

(one person)

Double $24.00 daily

(two people)

Name of roommate: ]

Please send one night's deposit with 'f
this form to; COMFORT INN, 827 Bush |
River Rd., Columbia, S.C. 29210, careji
of J.K. Mehta. Deposits will be re- '
turned on reservations cancelled 24
hours in advance of arrival.

LIMITED EDITION

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE AKF TENTH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT

Animal Keepers’ Forum

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

TENTH ANNIVERSARY 1974 - 1984

AKF will be ten years old in October 1984. To commemorate ten years of
continuous publication, a special T-shirt is being issued.

The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter has taken this on as a fund-raising project
for the 1984 AAZK Conference. All profits will benefit the Conference
and AKF.

The T-shirts will only be available from October 1983 through October
1984. A check must accompany your order. Please allow 3-4 weeks for
delivery. The price of $7.50 each includes postage and handling. The
j shirts are 100% cotton; if you wash or dry at high temperatures, order
a size larger.

NAME:

ADDRESS:

AKF COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

Color choice: powder blue beige

I Size: Small ^Medium Large Extra Large

|Make checks payable to: The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter Conference Account
iMail to: Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, 5500 Phinney Ave., N., Seattle,
jWA 98103. ATTN: Judie Steenberg

I TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $

Tke. i^olZoLOlng "Po^^iX^on6 AvcUZabln" weAe Aecexuecf at thu oUtad

oi AKf, In^ttMitloyiii u}ti)klng to adveAtu>ii mpl.oyme.nt oppontimittej^ oAe.
a^ke.d to 6znd peJittvie,nt data by the. 15th oi e.ach month to: OppontuLvUty
Knocks, AKf, 635 Gage. Btvd, , Tope.ka, KS 66606. Vue. to the. e-CUiZy hoZtday
de.adltne., the. AAZPA lJj>ttng6 uje/ie. not n.e.c.etve.d tn time, and theAe.ion.e. not
tncJiude.d in thti> ij>6ue..

ELEPHANT HANVLER-- experienced handler to assist trainer. Includes par-
ticipation in African elephant husbandry program and exotic hoof stock
management. Salary $924-$l , 224/month, plus benefits. Send resume to:
Mike Blakely, Curator /Mammals, Kansas City Zoo, Swope Park, Kansas City,
MO 64132.

Al/ES KEEPER/ ASSISTANT MAMAGER- -responsible for care of large number of
birds in Chicago quarantine and holding stations. Current driver’s
license, passport and previous experience with birds required. Basic
knowledge of aves medicine, Spanish and carpentry helpful. Contact:

Jill Grade, Station Manager, International Birdhouse, 956 West Huron
Street, Chicago, IL 60622 or call (312) 412-5458.

ZOOKEEPER- -responsible for care of small mammals, hoof-
stock, reptiles and amphibians. Requires six months'
experience in the care and maintenance of wild animals.

Starting salary $5.26 per hour, plus benefits. Apply by
31 January, 1984 to: Gordon B. Henley, Jr., Director,

Ellen Trout Zoo, P.O. Drawer 190, Lufkin, TX 75902-0190.

Seasonal positions at Oceana Marinelife Genter, G.N. 5006,

Gedar Point., Inc., Sandusky, OH 44870. Application
deadline is 15 February 1984/interview required.

MARIME MAMMAE HANVLER-- (3 positions) - to assist trainers in
care of dolphin and sea lion and in presentation of shows.
Responsibilities include cleaning animal quarters and lab
areas, record keeping, limited food preparation and mainten-
ance of filtration system. Position requires public speak-
ing abilities. Two openings are from 1 April-23 September
and one from early June through 23 September 1984.

A(2UARIST--responsible for preparation of food for marine
mammals. Monitors water quality and equipment used to
control it. From 1 April to 23 September 1984, Requires
background in biological sciences and aquarium systems.

P k

0 n
r o
t c
u k
n s

mVING????

Please send complete name and address changes
to:

Dolly Clarke Administrative Secretary
AAZK National Headquarters
635 Gage Blvd.

Topeka^ Ks 66606

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name

Che.ck -Li AdvimaZ [ ]

Address

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VaJUL-tlmd KeepeAi

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ktt mmboMJi OLutii^dd the.
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tvttk an antmat coAd {^acAttty

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OtheA -iitaii and voluntddAS

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$50.00 Contributing

0AganA,zattovu> and JncUvtduai^
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

Zdd (nJoAk kAda Spddtal JntdAd6t6

Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
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Membership includes a subscription to the KnAmoJi KddpeA^ ' FoAum. The
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^ |S

C0cS

ON •=-«•

D-O)

American ri»»u^i«»iwii Paid At Topeka

Animal

Keepers'

Forum

tl, ,

ii/* */.5<#:’! '1 ^ ,3fo,\''''iv

i-f^’i'>f‘„ %t • t4i'% »!■ h

:'. ’-Jl 10k ■i'*’**

?■>' ••<:. •:

'If ,„' '’'

*i - ^

■*' I;

# /%

I '■ . ^ ,

.■f^- ■, ' ■/ ,• , •i.'n'-'‘'’^*W . X'-!''r-^..

- f f ' ■ '4 1 -,

\ ^ %3C ^ ^ ■ ■ #1 "t t- r ?, . > f ^

V‘, C'-

■■■?■ s*'!

y«. :t’-"'

f,.-.

■

\lf'>''% y f ,. ' J% .

K ' \-:

« # .r

y. . M^-

tS:- ■''

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

FEBRUARY 1984

ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Mike Coker
Managing Editor: Susan Chan
Associate Editor: Alice Miser
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

KyujnoJi FoAum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the

American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of tKYwraoJi Keepers' FoAum, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster Please send address changes to:

FEBRUARY 1984
VOLUME ELEVEN
NUMBER TWO

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS, INC.

I 'NATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V., TOPEKA, KS 66606 .

Votly CloAk, Admlyu^tAatlvQ. SucAdtoA-y J

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP/Conservation & Research Center PA<li>Td2,vit

Front Royal, VA 22630

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park l/Tcc PA2A.ld2.yvt

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

G2Aatd Payyi2., V2XaoaX loo

Continuing Keeper Education

Ju-c/lc Stemb2Ag, [Woodland PccAk

Historical Committee
LaAAy SammoAco, LTnc-oln PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jayi McCoy, (nJoA king ton PoAk Zoo

Coordinator for International Affairs
Randy Adolph, St, Lolua Zoo

Research/Grants Committee

FAank Kohn, Ncutional Zoological PoAk

Awards Committee

Mtkc CAockcA, VtckcAAOn PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee
Kcvtn Coyiway, NZP/CRC, FAoyit Royal

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Aum, Woodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
B2Ayvcc F2l.dman, Topeka Zoo

Program Library
Mike CA0ck2A, Vtck2AA0n PoAk
Infant Development
Steve TayloA, LoiuAvtlle
Keeper Accomodations List
OlivcA Cla{^{^ey, M2XA0 ToAoyvto

Keeper

MoAy Slaybaugh, San Ayvtoyito 6 Vav^

Library Resource/Book Review

Ellen Leach, [Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Cestat ion

MoAy Muac, San FAancjAco Zoo
Diet Notebook

South FloAida ChapteA, Miami
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PaAk
Exhibit Design

Plane FoAAyth, AkAon Zoological PaAk
Data Survey

L OAndoA^, Sea Wo Aid ShoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Mike CoApeyiteA, Phoeyilx Zoo, AZ, VlAectoA

Linda RohA
Vacancy
Gene P^eHeA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne VIII2AA
LaAAy SammoAco
Vacancy
Alan ShaApl2A
Vacancy
Candy Kao it

W.V. Stone MemoAlal Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
VetAoiX Zoo
I ndlanapoliA Zoo
Lincoln PaAk Zoo

Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhlll Woodland PaAk Zoo

Joanle Stinson Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

ME,VT,NH,MA,RI,CT

PA,NJ,MV,VE

VA,W,VA,V.C.

IN,0H,KV

WI,IL,M0,MN,IA

TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA

AR,MS,LA

TX,NM,C0,0K,KS,NE,

SV,NV

WA,0R,IV,MT,WV,AK

CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

Tkl6 month' 6 KQ,2.p2AlAAtt6t ti> V2Zon.Qj> Sckmtdt Mho wo^kA at tho, AkAon
looloQloaZ VoJtk tn AkAon, OH. The. sketch t& a composite, oi thAe.e. agz
gAoup6 {4 Miu., b iA)kJ>., and S an A^/tlcan ltone^6 which Vel-OAe^

hand-Acuj>cd In the. Tati ol 19B2. Thanlzs, VeloAe^i

Scoops

and r^^Scuttlebutt

ANIMAL CARE REGISTRY OPEN THIS MONTH

The Animal Care Registry for the Washington D.C. Civil Service Area will
be open from 2 February until 21 February 1984. The Register is only
opened every IJ^ to 2 years and is the only way of securing a position at
the National Zoo. Interested persons must secure and fill out Form 171
plus Supplemental Personal Information Form. Forms are available from:

Office of Personnel Management
Attention: Room 2R52
Washington Area Office
1900 E St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20415

Mike Johnson
National Zoo
Personnel Office
Office of Animal Programs
Washington, D.C. 20008

FROM THE OUTGOING AAZK PRESIDENT

Dear Fellow AAZK Members,

Thank you for all your support during my time as president. I know that
the association is at a stage of growth and activity that will continue
with your enthusiasm and with the guidance of our new president, Kevin
Conway; Vice-President Jean Hromadka, and our new board members Mike
Carpenter and Verona Barr. I am excited about continuing on this board
for another two years and see the transition of offices going smoothly.

We owe thanks to Mike Maybry, Connie Cloak and Steve Taylor for all their
efforts during their terms in office.

Thank you all for reflecting your professional enthusiasm in AAZK’s
growth. You have made my presidency a satisfying experience.

Patricia E. Sammarco
Past President
Board Member
Zoo Keeper

GRANTS COMMITTEE SEEKS HELP ON RESEARCH GUIDE

The AAZK Research Grants Committee is currently working on "A Keeper's
Guide to Research in Zoos". The guide will consist of sections discus-
sing research methods, ethograms, information gathering, data analysis
and a section on applied research in which designs for research on
specific animal families are discussed.

SCOOPS AND SCUTTLEBUTT, ConUna^d

The guide is intended to provide a keeper with a framework for organizing
and carrying out a research project. Although it will be written by
keepers, it is hoped that non-keeper zoo staff and non-zoo persons will
also benefit from the guide.

Keepers are currently being sought who would be interested in working on
the guide committee. If you have a desire to contribute and have an
interest and/or background in any form of research, please contact me
as soon as possible.

Frank Kohn

Department of Zoological Research
National Zoological Park
Washington, D.C. 20008

From the Membership Directory Editor

Dear Fellow AAZK Members, j|

With many thanks for your patience, I must make some explanation and apolog- ^
ies for the lateness of the new edition of the MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY. I ;

think that you will find that the DIRECTORY contents are continuing to im- j
prove, more information is available for our use in contacting members with jj
common concerns, and the technology of typesetting is adding to the appear- ||
ance of the publication. You may or may not notice that we now have a kern- |:
ing program that places letters together where appropriate, instead of j

wasting the space between them. * |

The work of putting the DIRECTORY together involves inputting it to a
computerized typesetter after filing entries in proper order. Your help i

in indicating your zoos, chapter affiliations and correct addresses is a '
great help. The new renewal cards are working fine. Once all the inf or- |

mat ion is in, it is up to Rick the Printer to format line lengths, spacing, j

page sizes, etc. This is the art, and takes some time after the cut-off j;
date for inputting information. ,

The DIRECTORY is ready to print and will be in your hands soon. It is, ij

unfortunately, a bit behind since the cut-off date for input was early j|

summer and it has taken a long time to coordinate my days off with Rick's !
to get it all done. Those of you who have moved, changed status, or »

joined the association within the last six months will understandably be j

disappointed with your listing or lack thereof. I apologize for this |-

and promise that I will be better at keeping up with the DIRECTORY from 1

now on . i

You will note that awards and grants are listed for the periods that were
not previously published. An easy guide to finding Chapters is in the '

index and the separate pages that duplicated Chapter information from the
main body are gone. Our membership has increased by over 13%, adding pages ^
to accomodate these new members and the expanded Incorporation Papers and :
By-Laws. |!

Even with its limits, I think you will find the DIRECTORY useful and I ;|

will welcome your suggestions.

Slnc-QA^y,

VaZnyicA-CL E. Smma/ido
VJRECTORV ^dUXon.

Births^^ Hatchings

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO Ste,ven M. (jUXng

December 1983 B&H include: 0.0.9 Blue tongue skink, 0.0.1 Diamond dove,
0.0.6 Common marmoset (0.0.2 DNS), 0.1 Patagonian cavy (DNS) and 0.3
Meerkat .

DALLAS ZOO Tam/. Jone^

The November and December 1983 B&H at Dallas include: Mammals - 0.3 Suni
antelope, 1.1 Kirk's dik dik, 0.1 Blackbuck antelope (DNS), 0.0.1 African
crested porcupine, 1.0 Gerenuk, 0.1 Yellow-backed duiker, 0.1 Dusky leaf
monkey; Birds - 0.0.1 Yellow-fronted canary, 0.0.1 White-winged dove.

0.0.4 Spur-winged lapwing, 0.0.5 Black swan; Reptiles - 0.0.1 Cuban boa
'cplcJuLt2M anQiitijdn..

RIVERBANKS ZOO .Vlana K^ug

The second half of 1983 brought many interesting births and hatchings to
Riverbanks. We had our first acouchl birth and the first birth of a
siamang to be accepted and raised by its mother.

Mammal births include: 0.0.1 Black howler monkey (DNS), 0.1 Siamang, 0.0.1
Lion-tall macaque, 0.0.1 Debrazza's monkey, 1.1.2 Acouchi (1.1.1 DNS), 1.4
Capybara (DNS), 0.1 Baird's tapir, 1.1 Greater kudu (1.0 DNS), 2.0 Reticu-
lated giraffe (1.0 DNS), and 0.0.2 Cotton-top tamarin.

Hatchings from the bird house include: 2.3 Radjah shelduck, 1.2 Mandarin
duck, 0.0.2 Black-footed penguin, 0.0.2 Sun conure, 3.4.8 Cape teal,

0.0.5 Crested barbet, 0.0.1 Red-crested cardinal, 0.0.8 Crimson seed-
cracker, 0.0.1 Stella lory, 0.0.3 Lilac-breasted roller, 0.0.3 Roul-roul,
0.0.5 Bluebill, 0.0.3 Luzon bleeding-heart dove, 2.4 Black-necked swan
and 0.0.3 Burrowing owl.

MEMPHIS ZOO. RobaU L, Eva/u>

B&H at the Memphis Zoo for the month of December 1983 include: Mammals -
1.0 Llama, 3.0 Cape hunting dog, 0.0.1 Red kangaroo; Birds - 0.0.1 Hart-
laub's touraco, 0.0.2 Gouldian finch and 0.0.2 Chattering lory.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO Randi/ McMahon/Su6an Moy

The following are the B&H for December: Mammals - 0.0.1 Lion- tailed maca-
que, 1.0 Mandrill, 0.0.1 La Plata three-banded armadillo, 0.0.1 Patagon-
ian cavy; Birds - 0.0.1 Double-striped thick-knee.

BROOKFIELD ZOO .....John S. Stoddcuid

iB&H for November and December 1983 include: Mammals - 0.0.27 White-
i toothed shrew, 0.0.3 Spiny mouse, 2.0 Collared peccary, 0.0.2 Callimico
monkey, 0.0.2 Squirrel monkey, 0.0.2 Guinea baboon; Herpetiles - 0.0.1
Brown anole.

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS. Continaid

TAKPA-BUSCH SARDENS Sandy MoheA

December 1983 B&H include: Mammals - 1.0 Thomson's gazelle, 0.1 Grant's
gazelle, 0.1 Sable antelope, 0.1 Addax, 1.1 Scimitar-horned oryx, 1.1
Roan antelope, 0.1 Kafue (Red) Lechwe, 0.0.1 Chimpanzee, 1.0 Hunter's
hartebeest; Birds - 0.0.3 Cereopsis goose, 0.0.2 Blue and gold macaw,
0.0.1 Crested tinamou and 0.0.1 Jandaya conure.

LITTLE ROCK ZOO Cfi/itA Roaujua

The last quarter of 1983 produced the following B&H at Little Rock: 1.0
Scimitar-horned oryx, 1.0 Guanaco, 1.0 Zebra, 2.0 Serval, 0.0.2 Sloth
bear ( 1 DNS), 0.1 Diana Monkey (DNS) and 0.0.1 Crested screamer (DNS).

Coming Events

AAZPA WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

March 18-20, 1984 Sacramento, CA

AAZPA SOUTHERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 1-3, 1984 Little Rock, AR

AAZPA CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 15-17, 1984 Omaha, NE

AAZK SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 19-21, 1984 Columbia, SC

Keeper’s Alert

The AAZPA Western Regional Conference is to be held in Sacramento, CA
the week of March 18-20. Realizing that the expense of registration plus
lodging can often prevent keepers from attending, the Sacramento Zoo staff
is willing to provide bed and sleeping bag space to help cut costs.

Please contact us at least two weeks prior to the conference. At that
time provide us with the following information:

— Your name, affiliation, address and phone number
— The number of people in your party
— Whether you wish single or double accomodations
— Dates you will need accomodations
— How you are arriving (car, train, bus or plane)

As soon as this information is received, we will contact you to confirm
your accomodations and give your further information. Send information to:
Sacramento Zoo, 3930 W. Landpark Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822, Attn: Jane
Hansjergen, Keeper Accomodations or call (916) 447-7383.

1985 State of the Association Report

a6 ^ubmZtted by ?n,(Li^ld(LYit Vat SammciKcio

The American Association of Zoo Keepers continues its growth in both num-
bers of members and in activity. Over 1700 members are contributing their
enthusiasm and time to the exchange of ideas that makes AAZK a truly pro-
fessional association of people committed to ever improving animal care.

Administration within the association is changing as three board members
are assuming their responsibilities, and as board officers take on their
duties as of the first of the new year. Thanks are due to Mike Maybry,
Steve Taylor and Connie Cloak who are finishing their terms, and congratu-
lations are in order for new board members Verona Barr, Mike Carpenter and
Jean Hromadka. Kevin Conway and Pat Sammarco continue on the board with
Kevin elected to serve as the President for the next two years. Jean
Hromadka will be our Vice-President. To fulfill the requirements of the
incorporation papers, the president will also assume the titles of Secre-
tary and Treasurer, with the duties delegated to National Headquarters
and Administrative Secretary Dolly Clark. The oversight of various com-
mittees has been distributed among the board members to facilitate the
coordination of association activities and to better serve the members.

Within national association administration there has been a change in
Chapter Affairs Coordination, with Gerald Payne of the Detroit Zoo taking
over for Patti Kuntzmann. International Affairs Coordinator Randy Adolph
continues to keep AAZK in communication with our sister associations over-
seas. Mike Carpenter remains at the head of the Regional Coordinator Sys-
tem, with plans for revamping the program and increasing regional activity
Already there are plans for regional conferences and symposia hosted by
a number of chapters.

Lynne Villers is to be thanked for the fine job of coordinating the nat-
ional elections of the AAZK Board.

Without a doubt, the most active group within AAZK is the Continuing
Keeper Education Committee. This group of sub-committees and programs has
been incredibly busy locating and assessing existing keeper training pro-
grams, sources of information pertinent to our profession, and developing
I Keeper Training Videotapes. A video program on Keeper Safety was pre-
I viewed at the National Conference and is now available. Other tapes are
I in the planning stages, and other technology in this committee includes
a computerized list of resources. Adding the Staff Exchange program to
the list of projects, and the undertaking of writing a book to consoli-
date zookeeping information under one cover, and a few new data collec-
tion projects, leads to the recommendation that the best way to keep track
of the education activities is to watch their column in Animal Keepers*
Forum each month.

At the same time that we are looking at the need to continue our profes-
sional education, AAZK has established a new committee to assess the
zoo keeper’s role in public education.

The film project, "Looking To The Future", unfortunately exceeded its
original concepts and has been terminated.

j As we continue to share the information vital to improving captive animal
care, the notebook projects near publication, and data banks are filling.

! Information on ourselves and our professional concerns is being accumu-
j lated by the Keeper Data and Professional Standards committees.

STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION REPORT, CoyvUna^d

Research grants made to keepers by the association have born fruit, and
further grants are available to assist keepers in their quest for know-
ledge. Connie Cloak’s and John Brannian’s study of the Echidna has been
published; Sue Barnard’s atlas of reptile parasites and Stan Held’s
Tailed-frog study are near completion. The second edition of ’’Biological
Values" has funding, and a study of elephant nutrition is underway. Four
grants will be available in 1984.

Our liaslon with ZOO BIOLOGY has been enhanced with Frank Kohn being
named consulting editor of that journal.

The health and activity of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is a
tribute to our members- — keepers who are dedicated to professionalism,
people who are committed to improving captive animal care through the
exchange of ideas and expertise. In a moment of immodesty, we can all be
proud of ourselves and our association.

President

Dear Fellow AAZK Members:

Effective on January 1, 1984 AAZK has a new national board with three new
enthusiastic keepers. We also have a new President and Vice President for
the association. Jean Hromadka has been elected Vice President by her fel
low board members. Other new board members are Mike Carpenter and Verona
Barr. Pat Sammarco and I continue as board members through 1985. We will
be working to keep AAZK the fine organisation it is while continuing its
progress as a professional association. The AAZK national board’s purpose
is to guide the association in the directions indicated by the membership.

It is also the time of year to turn our thoughts to attending regional
conferences and workshops. I urge all our members to consider attending
a conference in their region if at all possible. I think we should con-
sider giving priority to the first AAZK regional conference. It will be
hosted by the Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter April 19-21, 1984 in Columbia,
SC. For those of you who have attended conferences but never visited the
Riverbanks Zoo, don’t miss this opportunity to see a fine zoological facil
ity.

Also consider the numerous AAZPA regional conferences. Exchange of infor-
mation is the primary conference purpose coupled with the opportunity to
visit other facilities. Zookeepers have always attended these conferences
in large numbers so think of attending yourself.

When you attend any conference as a member of AAZK, remember those of us
who couldn’t make it. Once you’re back write something up about it for
AKF. And if you’re going to attend a regional conference, please act as
an ambassador of AAZK while you’re there, both to other keepers and cura-
tors/directors as well. Dates and locations of all the regional conferen-
ces can be found in AKF.

Finally, on behalf of the board of directors and our members, thanks are
in order to the outgoing board members. Connie Cloak, Steve Taylor and
Mike Maybry deserve many thanks for their contributions on behalf of the
association.

Sincerely,

Kevd.n Conway
AAZK Pn.(i6Zdiint

EDUCATION COrrilTTEE UPDATE

KEEPER

-"EDUCATION

JucUc Stiie.nb2Ag , Coordinator
AAIK Education Committee

Roster ;

At the 1983 AAZK Conference the following
list of committee members was confirmed by
the Board of Directors. During the past
year a few names have been added to the list
as a place on the Committee became available.
This list will now stand until the 1984
Conference. A poll was taken of members
regarding their willingness to serve on the
committee for one year or two years; the
majority have agreed to serve for two more
years .

* indicates Project Coordinators

*Elandra Aum

Staff Exchange Liaison
*Wayne Buchanan

Keeper Training Videotapes
*Bruce Clark

Zoonoses Reference Guide
Connie Cloak
Mike Coker
Marilyn Cole

Kevin Conway

Bela Demeter
*Jim Ellis

Zookeeper Husbandry Fundamental

Woodland Park Zool. Gdns., Seattle, WA
Woodland Park Zool. Gdns., Seattle, WA
Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH

Cheekwood Botanical Gdns., Nashville, TN
Topeka Zool. Park, Topeka, KS
Metro Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada

Conservation & Research Center, Front
Royal , VA

National Zool. Park, Washington, D.C.
Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo,
s Gainesville, FL

*Diane Forsyth
I Exhibit Design Form
i John Jaffee
I Jay Jason
j Dwight Knapik
I Frank Kohn

Brenda Scott-Lodge

Akron Zool. Park, Akron, OH

Potowatomi Zoo, South Bend, IN
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ
Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
National Zool. Park, Washington, D.C.
17245 SW Heritage, Ct. #37, Aloha,

OR 97006

*Liz MacGlaughlin
Reference Search
Russ Mennard
*Beth Poff

Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence,

Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence,
Mill Mountain Zoo, Inc., Roanoke, VA

Manual Review
Chris Rasums
* Jenny Rentfrow

Reference Search
*Douglas Richardson

Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR
1951 Eden Rd., Mason, MI 48854

Howletts Park Zoo, Kent, England

Animal Management Correspondence Course

EDUCATION COMMITTEE UPDATE — Committee Roster, Continued

*Pat Sammarco

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL

Board Representative and Zookeeper Husbandry Manual

*Judie Steenberg

Woodland Park Zool. Gdns., Seattle, WA

Education Committee Coordinator
Laura Trechsel
Adrienne Wright

Folsom Children's Zoo, Lincoln, NE
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI

The following members were unable to remain on the Committee due to other
commitments. We would like to acknowledge their support and thank them
for their contributions: Chris Parker, Metro Toronto Zoo; John Chapo,
Potowatoml Zoo; Diana Quintero, Vancouver Aquarium; Robert Keel, Seattle,
WA; Bill Hunt, Abilene Zoo; Kelli Westbrook, Little Rock Zoo; Mike Crocker,
Dickerson Park Zoo; Rick Gutman, St. Louis, MO.

Goals for 1984:

- to identify and phase in a new Education Gommittee Goordinator by
October, 1984.

- to establish a liaison from the Education Committee to the AAZPA.

- distribution of the Keeper Safety tape and the production of two
additional training tapes.

- to investigate and pursue the possibility of having a special session

or panel discussion on staff training at the AAZPA Conference in Miami.

- to re-evaluate and redirect the manual review project.

- additional development of the reference search project.

- completion of the Zoonoses reference guide.

- development of the Zookeeper Husbandry Fundamentals project.

It was also decided that no additional projects would be considered until
the 1984 Committee meeting at the AAZK Conference in October 1984.

Next month the list of participating institutions in the AAZK Staff Ex-
change project will be published along with the name of who to contact
at each institution. ^

Chapter News

DALLAS AAZK CHAPTER

LITTLE ROCK ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

Newly elected and re-elected
officers of the Dallas Chapter
are :

New officers for 1984 at the Little
Rock Zoo AAZK Chapter are:

VXQ^ldent Kathy l\citey

\Itcie Vne^tdent Tent Henmann

SeciT/LecL6 Tamt Jone6

P/Le6tdent Vebbte Jacluon

l^tce P/ie^tdent. .... Ltia Peach

TA.ea6u/LeA Mcuik VameAon

SecAetoAy ChnJj) Rasum

Q: How many
keepers does
it take to
change a
light bulb?

Seattle has the answer.

Join us to exchange information about animal
care, share new ideas, discuss common concerns,
and meet fellow keepers from around the world.

For registration information, write Debbera Stecher
c/o Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, Washington 98103 (206)625-5402

1984 AAZK Conference/Seattle, Washington
September 30 ■ October 4

Book Review

SURVIVAL IN THE WILD--Sexua1 Strategies

By Tim Halliday

University of Chicago Press

5801 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, IL 60637

147 pp. with Glossary and Bibliography

Published 1982. Price $10.95

Re.v^m by Jame^ L. Pou)eLt
Se.nX.on. K.e.e.peA, Rone. AnXmal
Bme.cU.ng Compound
Oklahoma CXty loo

This is one book in a series entitled "Survival in the Wild". The series'
purpose is to describe and explain the bewildering diversity of strategies
displayed by the living world. Each book selects a biological activity
vital to survival and describes the array of physical and behavioral adap-
tations which have evolved as a result of fierce competition.

Other books in the series are: Camouflage and Mimicry by Dennis Owen and i
Feeding Strategy by Jennifer Owen.

Survival in the Wild — Sexual Strategies is light reading with most exampl- i
es being amphibians. There are over 25 color photos and over 50 black and
white photos. The cover is an excellent photograph of Golden Toads mating
in a cloud forest in Costa Rica. There are good photographic and graphic
examples for description in all the chapters. j

The chapter on sex is basic biology using elementary examples. It high- !
lights sexual selection and reproductive effort. "Mating Systems" is a |<

chapter thoroughly explaining the immense variety of sociosexual situa- f

tions. j;

"Finding a Mate and Choosing a Mate" describes tactics from sessile aquatic j
animals that shed their eggs and sperm to animals that modify their envi- j
ronment to attract mates, to more sophisticated means such as visual, ol- I'
factory and auditory means of mate attraction. Mate selection is treat- ;
ed objectively and it is made clear that the idea of animals choosing
their mates is interesting yet lacks scientific support. The chapter on
mating deals largely with amphibians, anthropods and birds and their var-
ious methods of mating. !'

Human sexual strategy is the topic of the final chapter. It is intrigu-
ing and offers biological interpretation of sociology — not a new idea but
one worth repeating. :

My favorite chapter is "Sex, the Family and Society", which cites kin '

selection, cooperative breeding and sexual conflict in social groups.

This book not only is an adequate reference to mating patterns in ani- I

mals, but it also offers important behavioral examples which zookeepers
can use in their day-to-day task of creating better situations in which
exotic animals may propagate.

One call does it all!

SoAg-lo OyoAZiim, P. Ag/L. , M. Sc.

AnjjnaZ HatnJjtiovuJit

MoJyLO Toronto Zoo, ToKowto, OntoJhio, Canada

Q. Is thawed frozen smelt an acceptable diet for Maribou storks?

Anonymouu>

A. According to the literature, this species is primarily a scavenger in
its natural habitat, feeding mainly on carrion and also acting as a
predator of other species of birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians,
and insects (locusts) . So you can see that their natural diet includes
a wide variety of foodstuffs and even though they may also consume fish,
apparently this is of secondary importance.

Unsupplemented smelt, as the sole ration, definately cannot be con-
sidered as an adequate diet for this species, and as a matter of fact
for any species. If you take the time to look at the data presented
in the accompanying table, you will see that certain nutrients (calcium,
potassium, magnesium, zinc, and perhaps iron) are provided at levels
that could be considered adequate, some others (protein, fat, phosphorus,
energy) are at levels in excess of possible requirements but should not
cause any problems, particularly for a carnivorous species such as the
Maribou stork. The selenium level, although extraordinarily high,
considering the dietary requirements of birds and mammals ( 0.3ppm) is
still below what is normally considered toxic ( 5 ppm) .

Vitamin A is also far in excess of requirements ( 2 to 4 times) if we
consider that a commercial birds of prey diet provides approximately
4.41 lU/g, and pelleted feeds for zoo birds provide 10 lU/g, which in
turn correspond to what is normally recommended for poultry rations.

I am not certain whether the high levels of these two nutrients will
have deleterious adverse effects on your animals if kept on such a
diet for an extended period of time. It certainly has not caused any
problems in penguins, although this is a completely different species
and the comparison may not be valid.

Tliere are other things that need to be considered when feeding fish to
either mammals or birds. Fish, in general, and smelt in particular,
contain very high levels of enzymes ( thiaminases) that destroy thiamine
or vitamin Bp. Consequently this vitamin must be added. This problem
can be easily overcome by supplementing at the recommended level of
30-50 mg of thiamine per kilogram of fish.

Furthermore, considering the high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids
in fish, it would be advisable to supplement vitamin E. A level of
50-80 lU/Kg of fish is perhaps adequate (!?). The need to supplement
B-complex vitamins is another concern, particularly if fish is thawed
in water.

Keeping in mind the natural dietary habits of the Maribou stork and
the problems with a fish diet, perhaps it would be advisable to feed

FEED BAG , Coniyinadd

these animals on one of the commercially-prepared birds of prey diets
as the sole ration or supplemented occasionally with certain prey foods
such a mice, hamsters, chicks etc.

If, for reasons that you did not mention, smelt is your only
alternative, I think that you may be able to obtain reasonable success
with this diet providing you only use the very best quality fish, you
supplement it with adequate levels of minerals and vitamins, and at the
same time you closely monitor all factors that may cause deterioration
of fish quality and loss of nutritional value.

S. OyoAzun

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SMELT USED AT THE METRO TORONTO ZOO (*)

LAKE SMELT

SMALL(EYE) SIZE

JUMBO

ATLANTIC

MEDIUM

SMELT

EXTRA

Dry matter

22,77

22.92

20.46

22.75

Crude protein

59.50

67.30

71.50

68.10

Fat

33.99

19.80

12.84

15.20

Crude fiber

0.33

0.28

0.20

0.33

Ash

7.48

10.10

9.39

9.51

Gross energ)'

Kcal/g

6.20

5.67

5.05

5.48

Calcium

1.55

1.27

2.20

1.39

Phosphorus

1.50

1.45

2.15

1.90

Magnesium

0.10

0.09

0.12

Potassium

1.05

1.08

1.07

0.91

Sodium

0.20

0.41

0.43

0.34

Manganese

ppm

10.

Copper

ppm

2 .

Zinc

ppm

76.

84.

92.

80.

Iron

ppm

43.

25.

43.

38.

Selenium

ppm

1.05

1.20

1.00

1.22

Vitamin A

lU/g

36.7

38.3

18.7

24.6

(*): All nutrients are expressed on a 100% dry matter basis. Data
presented correspond to whole raw smelt (one sample of each
only) analyzed at the University of Guelph, Dept, of Animal &
Poultry Science Feed Advisory Programme, July 1982.

THIS ARTICLE HAS NO TITLE FOR A GOOD REASON!!'

Jim ktbdhJi

BoJtdX-okQA, BalcLono^ VnJjnoXo. labon.atoH,y
Gn-Oiddxatd Stad£.yit, Ve.paAtme.nt ol AnthAopoZogy
LlyilveJU'Uty oi Te.xaA cut Aiutln, Atutln^ TX

In this article, the first of a series, I’d like to introduce you to a
tool, one that many people (including many grad students) are ’’afraid” of.
In spite of the feelings of dread that this tool generates in many people,
it doesn’t have whirring blades or mashing pistons and doesn't even pro-
duce heat or high voltage; in fact, it can’t inflict damage at all (unless
you become addicted to its use, perhaps).

Use of this tool, unlike most in the zookeeping craft (such as hoses,
brooms, shovels, etc.) is very much optional. As such, it probably isn’t
for everyone in the profession; but since you are sufficiently dedicated
to belong to AAZK and to read AKF— why not read on and base a decision
about the usefulness of this tool in your own work on my full argument?

I am referring to the computer, specifically the "micro” or "personal”
computer. The purpose of this article and those that will follow is
to present a usable system that costs less than $100 and to explain how
it can meaningfully be applied at the zookeeper level in a zoological park.
I will as much as possible avoid the use of arcane words and cryptic
phrases, but words — like computers— are nothing to be afraid of. The
essential point of this article is simply that what you don’t know as a
result of not using a computer may be far more frightening than any elec-
tronic device— these are times of declining wild populations and unstable
captive ones, and a specie’s future may depend on your being able to sift
through mounds of records and layers of confounding factors.

Even though your zoo may have access to a mainframe (big!) computer, or
have its own microcomputer such as an Apple, Tl, or IBM, I think it is
important that this critical tool be put into the hands of the individual
keeper for personal investigations. Too often, institutionally-owned
machines fall under the control of a "computer elite,” or classes in pro-
gramming might be "required”, or at the very least, you have to wait your
turn. With your own computer, none of this is a factor; and with the
declining prices in the lower-end personal computer market, a zookeeper
could very well be able to afford his own. I want to encourage you to
consider buying a computer, and in the next article will look at the best
buys .

So, what can a zookeeper do with a computer? Applications include manipu-
lating animal census data—by copying parts of the ISIS Species Distribu-
tion reports into your machine, you can reformat them to your own needs.

I very usefully did so with colob ine primates when I worked with several
such species at the Dallas Zoo. The computer will allow you to juggle
information so as to see patterns that you would otherwise miss.

Also, you can use a computer to do statistics. Statistics are simply a
method of reducing information into meaningful patterns, and are, like
computers, nothing to be afraid of. Sources of data that could be bene-
ficially looked at statistically could be as close as your dally report
forms .

The computer is also a useful tool for record keeping. The cassette

HIS ARTICLE HAS NO TITLE FOR A GOOD REASON!!!, CoyvUnu^d

zorage system that budget limits most of us to is very slow; I still
italog my books on file cards. However, I do keep a listing of the 68
)nkeys that I work with on the computer, and as a result I can keep track
: who has lost name tags and adjust a group's food ration when membership
lifts.

presented a paper at a conference last year that made use of graphic
-ides generated by my computer. I wrote a brief program that moved typed-
1 text around on the screen; when it looked the best, I photographed the
\l screen, and mounted the resulting black-and-white negatives in slide
)unts. The results were very readable. Charts and diagrams can be made
i a similar fashion.

le computer can be employed as a learning aid, asking you questions at
iindom from memory, and even timing your responses. And it doesn’t even
Hugh if you answer incorrectly.

j intend to cover all the above practical applications in greater detail
ji upcoming articles. But, I must say that I cannot teach you in this
i'.ries how to program or to "do” statistics. I’m trying to give you good
':asons to teach yourself those things. I am convinced that the average
iirson can teach himself BASIC, the most common microcomputer language,

'.th little difficulty.

'' conclude this installment: the computer is a useful tool for zookeepers,
.personal computer can allow the keeper to concentrate on what interests
Im when it interests him, and at an affordable price. Some learning is
:quired, but it is not difficult, and is an excellent personal invest-

!nt. This series of articles in AKF is designed to introduce you to
e usefulness of computers and to encourage their use by zookeepers.

I COMING ARTICLES:

i —the affordable computer

j —sorting it all out

, — -figuring it all out

— -self-tutorial programming
— theory and the zookeeper computist

iy comments or questions about this series are welcome. Write to:

.W, Albert, Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin,
istln, TX 78712.

BICAN FIELD SERVICE SEEKS HOST HOMES FOR CONSERVATION STUDENTS

I International, the leading non-profit, volunteer supported youth ex-
Uge organization, is this year inaugurating a new program: the Multi-
alonal Conservation Program. This summer program will bring 60 to 100
>ig adults from around the world to the U.S. for three weeks of conser-
lilon/environmental studies and "hands-on" conservation work, followed
yiive weeks homestay experience with a U.S. family. Students range in
; from 15-30 and come from 19 different countries. If you are interest-
iLn offering your home and serving as a host to one of these students
n 29 July through 30 August, 1984 contact: Carolyn Yohannes, AFS
larnational/intercultural Programs, 313 East 43rd St., New York, NY
IL7 (212) 661-4550. Deadline for application is 15 March 1984.

FOR LOVE OF PIPPEN A Bat Rescue That Beat The Odds

Siuan BoAna/id, S2,vilon. Ke.epeA '

V^pt. o{^ HeApoXology

Atlanta loologtaal VoJik '

Atlanta, GA

[EdUton.’^ Hotz: The, ^olloMtng l6 an account oi a veJiy unusual young lady
and heA chance cncounteA Math an animal in deApoAotc need o^ help. Only
heA coAing conceAn and 6acAi{^ice along Math heA deteAmanataon to "beat j
the oddU>" make thl6 ^toAy a Aealaty,] |

On 11 June 1983, Karen Peterson was expecting to spend a pleasant after-'
noon with old friends at an annual school picnic. Arriving at Moss Park,^
Orange County in Florida for the event, Karen was disappointed to find '
that only one other person had come and so went down by the nearby lake
to write and enjoy the sunshine. '

In her own words, these are the events that transpired that afternoon:j
"Near one of the benches sat a fat squirrel. I was whistling trying to i
coax him closer when I was startled by squeaks answering me. Looking to
my left, I saw a star-shaped black icky thing crawling towards me. I
jumped off the seat away from it!

The bat followed me dragging two large red ants. One was clinging to
its right claw and the other to its right rear foot. Once I recognized i

that it was a bat, I flicked off the ants and threw out the coke in my j

paper cup. I squiggled it into the cup just before the pavement ended.

I went to the ranger — no help. I went back to St. Cloud to the vet. Dr.
Andrix. The bat was still in the cup, at least till I got to Dr. Andrix.j
By that time the bat has crawled out of the cup (which was slanted to '
provide shade). Dr. Andrix couldn't help and he suggested the Serpentar- j
ium. That's where I got Susan Barnard's name. After calling Susan, I '
called George at the Serpentarlum for help on the list of things you sale
I needed. After traveling to three different places for supplies, I |
discovered I did not have EspilaePbut Peidolyte® an electrolyte water
solution. By this time the poor thing had been traveling with me in the
heat and I knew it needed something desperately.

I gave the electrolyte solution to the bat and it drank greedily. I
soaked the soft cloth she was on and she lapped it up from there. Then
I used a damp cloth to clean off any coke that might have clung to her. |j
She then slept peacefully with a pillow case puffed over her. Then I jj
called Susan who told me to get Similac® She liked that much better. j|

To put it frankly, I am an animal amateur. Bats are out of my league.

For some reason I just couldn't let the little thing die. That s when j,
I decided to bring the bat to Susan in Atlanta. j.

That night Pippen (now identified as an Eastern Pipistrelle, the smallesj
bat species on our continent) crawled out of the box, under the bathroom j
door, through the bedroom, through the hall (past the dog and cat), unde,
my bedroom door and ended up clinging to the bottom of a broom. The only^
way I found her was by whistling and Pippen would answer. i

When I fed her Similac® again, she wasn't satisfied. The next day I left'
for Atlanta, a 500 mile journey. While traveling toward Atlanta I tried

-OR LOVE OF PIPPEN, CoyuUnued

:o keep the box out of the sun because the car’s air conditioning wasn’t
TOrking. Everytime she moved I would try to feed her a little more, but
Lt was soon apparent that she didn’t like the Simllac.®

Jhen we stopped to eat, I brought the box with me, fearing if I left it
Ln the car she might escape again."

Caren’s car broke down in Cordele, GA (150 miles from Atlanta) at 2:50
).m. The Atlanta Zoo was sponsoring a festival and her expected time of
irrival was 5 p.m. I informed her that she would not be able to get in
:ouch with me until then. I told her that I would be at the phone at
) p.m. in case she needed Instructions on how to get to the zoo. She
lad to wait from 2:50 to 5 p.m. before she could let me know that she
Tas still 150 miles away.

I'Near 5 p.m. we traveled to a nearby Pizza Hut to call Susan and my
rlend Mary’s husband, Hal. We were on foot with a human infant as
'ell as a bat in a box."

I P-lppen beyCng hand-/LCLl6ed by Su^an Ba/ina/id. Photo by: Zcak PeAAy.

lien I received Karen’s distress call, I hopped in my car to make the
00 mile round-trip to save the bat. I told them to walk to the near-
S'l' Holiday Inn to find some comfort in the lobby while I was enroute to
.tet them.

I.al agreed to send money as soon as we knew where we were staying. While
awaited Susan’s arrival, we decided to eat. I covered Pippen in the
een fuzzy and placed the pillowcase like a hill over her to keep out the
',ld. Crawling and straining, she climbed to the highest spot on the
jillowcase and began flapping away. Mary and I had been so careful not
Hj say "bat" while we were around people, knowing that they would probab-
3 not feel too comfortable eating there with a (horrors!) bat! Boy was
^mortified to see those wings af lapping. I could just imagine chasing
it at dinky thing all over the place. I wanted to move. So we quickly
illft and waited in the Holiday Inn lobby.

V\iS 50 5aft- -Vo -VVve A-ouc)n ,

V»e. ic^ueaVvS "te bVvo'Aj V»e, CA'f^S 60 nnucft /

A ViOoocJie''', ■?lvjvn'^ io ■'A€. n(

■Vvo.'jt^^''"^ 'ovj s>ounci ) ocV \>| 6i<^WV.

K mcvmrrva^ Vvkc <Tnd

aoc^ nQ-Vave encioiA>eci -\:W,fn coi"^ X€.,

(Tiudjn +0O o^''Ven rn\sunclev-s+ccd j

X Wxve Vvioon bo\i-5 -vW-V Loe^e oolv^ ^ood.

An AobOO mv'ra.cJ6./ So s'noqll

^-ea^^l -Vo enVr ^esUy vAieobs, one cinci al^-

^Winc^ nicKo oaVur-e's pWn

-Vo u>\V\ enem\| i Pnencij mqA .

Idr love of PIPPEN, Coyitlnuzd

it was mostly luck that Plppen got to Susan in time. I thank her so much
hr restoring my dying faith in humanity. I was beginning to feel like
I "one bat against the world" battle 'til she came along."

arrived 2h hours after their SOS. I found two exhausted young girls and
ae screaming infant human and an unconcerned infant bat. I made some
rrangements to have their car serviced for the next day as it was Sunday
i^ening. I scouted around to find the nearest Western Union so they could
|st Hal to wire money and I paid for their motel room for the night. Short-
y thereafter, I wished them good luck on their long day ahead in getting
heir car repaired and returning home. I departed with one 2.8 gram,
iangry bat. It was too small for the carrying case I had brought so it
raveled the 2^^ hour trip to Atlanta in my uniform pocket. I keep an
Imergency supply of food at home for baby animals. At midnight it got
ts first substantial meal since 9 a.m. the previous day.

loday Pippen is learning to fly. She is a very stubborn brat and is
lonths overdue for flying. To inspire flight, she received no food
jwax worms) until she puts in a good showing in the air. Like the big
irown bat Egore ( See August 1983 AKF Page 246), she lives in a convert-
d snake cage. Although Egore and Pippen routinely share my pocket each
vening, they are not fond of each other. Since bats are not aggressive
hey express their lack of friendship with irritation squeaks. It is
ery convenient for me that these critters are basically sweet animals,
gore is three times larger than Pippen and not having to maintain them
eparately is a pleasure.

he first to leave my pocket is Pippen. She bops around the place slight-
y moth-like, slightly crab-like and always cute as she struggles to get
ff the ground. Egore is then set into motion. Being a year old and
airly experienced at flying, Egore wings through the air like a Sopwith
amel.

3th animal have their own homes to eliminate competition and needless
tress. Egore knows her home and when it's time to return I open her
por and she gladly flies in to feed on her evening meal (wax and meal
prms) . Pippen still has a long way to go to master what Egore has, but
Lth time and patience, she too will be able to do the things Egore does.

■zdJXo^'6 note: The. above. maXeAlal tooA 6abmv(Xe,d an August {^ottoM-lng the
gat AeACLie". The. ^oltoMtng aj, a New Ve.aA'6 update, on hoi/j ?tppe.n ti>

'UAtng undeA the. Aehabttltatton c^^oAts oi Su2>an BoAnoAd. )

Lppen holds her weight at 5 grams (overweight by about 1 gram but still
nailer than my thumb) and has changed little. She has reached her peak
j: flight for this year which is a far cry from a Sopwith Camel! We still
Lay the "boomerang" game. I throw her in the air and she flies one revo-
htion around the living room and I catch her as she passes to land in
jne dining room. Then we repeat the process until one of us tires (usual-
7 me) .

i:om her behavior I do not think Pipistrelles hibernate as do such bats
j[5 the Big Browns (Egore). Egore 's activities all but completely halt
j:om November to April. Pippen, on the other hand, remains active.

rch in her cage. She was pinned between the perch and her dinner bowl,
heard the thud and immediately rescued her, however she was in deep
lock for over an hour. I almost lost her. I sat with her for several
)urs to keep her warm. When she recovered I was able to examine her
e body and no bones appeared broken. She was maintained on a heating
id for two days after which she regained her normal bitchy ways.

THE 1983 ANIMAL DATA TRANSFER FORFl SURVEY

ATTENTION: All Keepers! Please answer the following questions. (1) Please
send this survey right from the AKF or (2) photocopy the survey from the
AKF and complete the photocopy or (3) use a piece of paper for your survey
Send completed survey to: Bernie Feldman, Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris
Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701.

1) Have you seen or are you familiar with the Animal ^ata Transfer Form? |

YES NO ?

2) Are you satisfied with the style of the ADTForm? j

YES NO ?

3) Have you used the ADTForm at your Zoo/ Aquarium? S

YES NO f

4) Have you received the ADTForm from other Zoos or Aquaria? ^

YES NO ;

5) If you've received the ADTForm, has it been helpful to you? i

YES NO i

6) When you received the ADTForm, is it properly & completely filled out? ,

YES NO I

7) Are you able to properly fill out the ADTForm? ;

YES NO i

8) Are you aware that ANYONE can make an order for any amount they want? !

YES NO

9) Are you aware that the ADTForm is FREE, a professional courtesy of

AAZK to anyone? ^

YES NO I

10) Would your zoo/Aquarium pay a nominal fee for use of the ADTForms? -i

(e.g. $_/100 ADTForms) I

Yes NO [

11) Would you recommend the use of the ADTForm for all Zoo/Aquaria? j

YES NO I

12) If your Zoo/ Aquaria doesn't currently use the ADTForm, would your 1

management welcome its use? i

YES NO I

13) Are you aware that photocopying the ADTForm is discouraged because it

has a self-dupl i eating feature and is intended for Keepers, Veterin- !
arians, and Management? ■

YES NO I

14) Do you like the self-duplicating feature of the ADTForm? j

YES NO

15) Are you aware of how to order the ADTForm and whom to contact?

YES NO '

16) What changes or suggestions would you recommend on the ADTForm? Please

use the space provided for your comments or add additional sheet of ^
paper if necessary. '

Comments/Suggestions: |

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
BeA^tce VoAdman, AVTfoAJv CooA.dincutoA.

I Animal Data Transfer Form Survey Results

BeAyilo, Feldman, Coo^dlncuto/i
AVT Fohm VKojact

Topeka Zoolog-leat PoAk, Topeka, KS

In the April 1983 AKF I had submitted the Animal Data transfer Form Survey
jfor all Keepers to respond to. By late summer I had received the last re-
sponse and began compiling and summarizing the results. Thirty-one sur-
veys were returned.

The survey reflects the attitudes Keepers have towards their animals when
they are shipped to another zoological institution and their concern that
a continuance of professional care be ensured. 1 would like to acknow-
ledge the assistance of Verona Barr of the Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington,

!iL for helping me to develop the survey. 1 would also like to heartily
thank all the Keepers who took the time to send me their completed survey.
iHere, therefore, are the results of the survey (See survey opposite page).

iQuestion #1 — ■ 93.5% of the returned surveys said yes, they have seen or
are familiar with the ADTForm. 6.5% said no.

!#2 — 93.5% said they were satisfied with the style of the Form. The re-
mainder said they’d like to see the following changes: On the top of the
Form the white copy have : Keeper receiving animal; the yellow copy have:
receiving Zoo/Veterinarian; the pink copy have: Keeper /Zoo sending animal.
Another change suggested is that the dam/sire numbers should be mentioned
;on the sheet. 6.5% said they weren’t sure they were satisfied with the
'Style of the Form.

#3 — 87% said they have used the Form at their Zoo or Aquarium while
13% said they had not.

#4 “ 58% have received the Form from other institutions; 35% have not
received the Form from other Zoo or Aquaria and 7% don’t know.

£5 — 58% who have received the Form said it was helpful to them, 3% said
it was not helpful to them and 39% gave no answer.

//6 — 39% said it is properly and completely filled out when received,

39% gave no answer and 9% said not always.

#7 — 93.5% said they were able to properly fill out the Form and 6.5%
said they are sometimes able to properly fill out the Form.

#8 “ 77% are aware that ANYONE can make an order for ANY amount they
want and 23% were unaware of this feature.

#9 — 84% are aware that the Form is FREE, a professional courtesy of
AAZK to anyone and 13% are unaware of this feature while 3% gave no reply.

#10 — 39% said their Zoo/Aquarium would pay a nominal fee for use of the
Form, 16% said their Zoo/Aquarium V70uld not pay a fee, 6% gave no answer
and 39% added the following remarks: maybe, unsure, possible, probably,
do not know and AAZK Chapters might pay a nominal fee for use of the Form.
One respondent said, "I spoke to my Curator about this. He uses the Forms
and highly recommends them. However, being practical minded, he wouldn’t
pay for a service already provided for free. Good luck."

#11 • — ■ 100% of the returned surveys said they recommend the use of the
Form for ALL Zoos and Aquaria!

#12 — 29% said yes, their management would welcome the use of the Form
if it doesn’t currently use the Form, 16% said maybe or don’t know and
55% gave no answer.

ANIMAL DATA TRANSFER FORM SURVEY RESULTS, ConjUnuad

#13 — 68% are aware that photocopying the Form is discouraged because it
has a self-duplicating feature and is intended for Keepers, Veterinarians
and Management. 26% are unaware of this feature and 6% gave no answer.

#14 — 90% like the self-duplicating feature of the Form, 3% did not like
the feature and 7% gave no answer.

#15 — 77% are aware of how to order the Form and whom to contact while
23% are unaware. FYI: The ADTForm is available from the National Head-
quarters AAZK, Topeka Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.

#16 — The following are the comments, suggestions or changes that the
respondents have mentioned: 1) I am satisfied with the Form as is. 2) I
think they are wonderful but I think if AAZK began charging for them
people would make up their own. 3) I really like knowing who sent the
information and have often times called this person for more information.

I keep the Form in the animal’s file and find it useful over the years as
a quick reference and for diet suggestions. 4) There may be cases where
management does not give the Keeper his/her copy. Is there something that
can be done about this problem? Answer: At this point AAZK cannot do any-
thing about this problem. Perservere. 5) Knowing how much I appreciate
the information forwarded on the ADTForm when I get a new animal, I make
sure every animal that leaves my area is accompanied by a Form. It’s a
great resource! 6) An older version of the Form is still being used in
several places. Space needed for entry under any given heading is more
thhn adequate to thoroughly fill out the Form. 7) ADVERTISE! Would it
be possible to send samples to some zoological institutions not currently
using the Form? We don’t receive enough of them. It is disappointing
because the ADTForm is a great tool. The Forms do not accompany many
animals we receive. FYI: The AAZPA Newsletter and the AKF regularly pub-
lish notices of the ADTForm’ s availability. 8) After using the original
ADTForm for two years and having seen the revised ADTForm, I have no !

suggestions, only praise for all the work you’ve put into this valuable j

piece of information. 9) Have the Form at the 1983 Conference in quantit- [

ies for Keepers to take back to their Zoos. Present a update at the 1983 f
Conference and show a sample for those who haven’t become familiar with 1
it. FYI: At all Zoological Conferences the ADTForm is available to every-
one. 10) On some animals I find the comments sections does not have enougbi’
room so I type a supplemental sheet, photocopy it 3 times and attach a [

copy to each copy of the ADTForm. Usually that’s with hand-raised ani- f

mals or ones we’ve had a long time and have a long history. I think the '

ADTForm is invaluable — info from other Keepers has saved me lots of trial
and error with new animals. (It’s also started some correspondence and ■
friendships with other Keepers when I let them know how their animal is ^

doing.) 11) Would be helpful to have more space for comments and data ii

i.e. legal sized paper. 12) Get AAZPA backing! 13) After personal com- ^
ments an i.e. of suggestions like distinguishing marks or attitude to-
ward Keepers should be added. 14) Works fine when we get enough lead time
to fill them out. 15) I think it’s great. 16) Dam/sire numbers should ]

also be mentioned on the sheet. ;

As we can see through the results of this survey, the ADTForm is well-
received and continues to provide valuable information about animals when \
they are shipped from one zoo to another. Encourage their use at your
Zoo or Aquarium. !

[Legislative News

I Comp^e,d by fCeuXja Conway

liiQAjiljCutLvd CoofidinatoK.

jrWO FOREIGN REPTILES PROPOSED FOR LISTING, ONE FOR DELISTING

:wo lizards that occur on islands under the jurisdiction of Spain have
)een proposed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to
threats from habitat destruction, overcollection and predation. At the
same time, a turtle from India and Sri Lanka was proposed for removal
from the provisions of the Act because a review of its status indicates
;hat it is much more common than previously believed.

'Che Hierro giant lizard [GoJUiotlja ^imOYiyl ^Ajnonyl] is a large species, up
j;o 70 cm from, the snout to the tip of the tail, and is found only on the
Canary Islands. It is one of 18 foreign reptiles included in a notice
of review published by the USFWS in August, 1980. Based on information
received that the lizard was extinct, the Service decided that no further
iiction was warranted. The Service subsequently received further informa-
tion on G.4. 6-imony-l from Dr. Brian Groombridge of the International Union
Eor the "Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources (lUCN) . A 1982 article
ay J.P.M. Rica stated that the lizard survives on a steep, rocky, arid
cliff. Reproduction is occurring on this refugium, as about half of the
estimated population of 200 lizards in 1975 were juveniles.

Although concerns about the species’ extinction appear to have been, for-
tunately, premature, threats to its survival persist. A stone-breaking
facility has been proposed for construction at the cliff. This develop-
ment would directly impact the lizard and adversely affect its plant food
sources through excessive deposition of dust. G. 6. ^Ajnony-l, which is
entirely herbivorous, also could be in competition for young plant leaves
With goats that graze the area. Several European scientists have indi-
cated that overcollection is another problem that has contributed to the
■precarious status of the species. Predation of juvenile lizards by gulls
'could also be a factor, although the degree of impact is not known. The
lizard is considered a top priority for action and research by the Con-
iservation Committee of the Societas Europa Herpetologica .

Ilhe Ibiza wall lizard [VodaAcJj, pdXya^ 2,n^Lb] is a small reptile found in
the Balearic Islands, mainly on Ibiza and Formentera, and on some parts
of Mallorca, in the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the large number of
small islands within its range, considerable evolutionary divergence has
occurred, and there are 35 subspecies. In a 1982 report, Rica and A.M.C.
Costa reviewed the status of 32 of these subspecies. The vast majority
^of the lizard populations were found to have been reduced by 1) destruc-
ition and alteration of habitat by tourist developments, 2) direct killing
by poisoning, 3) overcollection for commercial and scientific purposes,

4) hybridization of some subspecies resulting from transport and release
of lizards among various islands by fishermen, and 5) predation by gulls
and other animals (thought to be a minor problem).

The Indian flap-shelled turtle (1X6-6 emt/4 punctata punctata) is a softshell
species found on the Indian subcontinent and on Sri Lanka. Male turtles
'are usually less than 6 inches in length and females less than 11, and
I both have brown, somewhat domed shells. This turtle was listed in 1976
as Endangered after being placed, upon recommendation by Bangladesh, on
Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species
I of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) .

As part of the Service's continuing efforts to ensure that the U.S. List
of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants reflects the true bio-

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, CoyvUna^d

logical status of the species it includes, a literature review was con- i
ducted recently to determine if current evidence justified an Endangered !
classification for the Indian flap-shelled turtle. No such supporting j
data could be found. The Service then contacted a number of scientists j
and the unanimous opinion was that the turtle is common in India and thatj
there is no justification for listing it under the Act. After consideri-
ing the currently available information, the Service concurs that keeping
it on the list is not warranted.

If the proposed rule is approved as published, all prohibitions of Sec- 1
tion 9(a)(1) of the Act would apply for the Hierro giant lizard and Ibiza]
wall lizard. The prohibitions, in part, would generally make it illegal
for persons under U.S. Jurisdiction to import, export, or engage in inter
state or international trafficking in these species. Permits to carry out
otherwise prohibited activities for scientific, conservation or economic
hardship purposes could be applied for under 50 CFR 17.22, 17.23, and
17.32. All of the above prohibitions would no longer apply for the
Indian flap-shelled turtle. This proposal does not affect the turtle’s
status as a CITES Appendix I species, however, and all CITES restrictions
on import and export will remain in effect.

— EndangeA^d Speck.eA Te.aliyUcal BuLteJU-n
\}ot. [/m, hlo. 10

TWO FISHES REMOVED FROM
ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST

Two fishes once common in the
Great Lakes, the blue pike
iStlzo^t^cUon vitAdam glauccm ]
and the long jaw cisco [Co^dgonni)
atpdyiae. ) , are now thought to be
extinct throughout their range
in the U.S. and Canada and have
been removed from the U.S. List
of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants. (F.R. 9/83).

Historically, the blue pike oc-
curred in Lakes Erie and Ontario,
and in the Niagra River. This
subspecies was abundant in the
Great Lakes commercial fishery
of the late 1800s, but by 1915
landings began to fluctuate ex-
tensively. Fishery biologists
have evidence, which disputed
self-stabilizing mechanisms
within the population, led to
the extreme population fluctua-
tions and ultimate crash of the
fishery. The long jaw cisco,
which once was found in Lakes
Michigan, Huron, and Erie, was
another commercially important
fish that suffered the effects
of overexploitation. Both
species may have also been af-

environmental

T-SHIRTS

W CATALOG!
0'

^ 18 GREAT DESIGNS.

10% OF PROFITS GO TO
ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES. MAPLEWING 1983

MM MflRPIQ P.O. BOX 2308 DEPT. EB4
Jim munniii boulder. COLO. 80306

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

SHARE THE EARTH!

■ EGISLATIVE NEWS, ConUnued

'ected by water pollution and by competition and predation from non-native
j.’ishes. Hybridization with closely related species may have also contrib-
ited to the extinction of these fishes. By 1960, they were all but extinct,
ilhe longjaw cisco was listed as Endangered in 1967, and the blue pike in
.970.

In official review of their status was Initiated in 1979. No confirmed
specimens of the blue pike have been taken since the 1960s, and the last
collection of the longjaw cisco was in 1967. Based on the lack of recent
Sightings, the USFWS concluded that both fishes are extinct and it pro-
)osed on 25 May, 1982, to remove them from the list of Endangered species.
[Velve comments dealing specifically with the proposal were received,
aost of them in support of delisting one or both of the fishes. None of
:hose responding provided evidence that either species survives.

irhe final rule removes both species and their former habitats from the
)rovisions of the Endangered Species Act; however, this action could be
j.-eversed if confirmed evidence is ever provided that either species still
ixists.

— EndangeAe.d Spacile^ Te.chnlccil BiMoZln
Uol, Vin, No, 10

PROPOSAL TO LIST NINE SPECIES FROM THE MARIANA ISLANDS

)n 29 November, the USFWS issued a proposed rule to list the following
lipecies of birds and mammals as Endangered: Mlcronesian kingfisher
jHaZci/on dlnnamonu-na CyCnnamomlna) , Guam broadbill or chuguanguang (

^ , bridled white-eye or nossa (Zo^'tCAopA COH-^pA-CAXZcutd CLOyiy!>pA.C-
Ittata] , Mariana gallinule or pulattat {GdlLlmila ahZo^opLU guaml) , Vani-
coro swiftlet or yayahauak {AeAodAomuJi vanA-ko^dyLhAj, bOAXichk.) , Guam rail
)r koko (RattlLi 0(A)6toyii) , Mariana crow or aga (CAOUCIA kubciAy^] , and the
lariana fruit bat or fanihi (PteAppiU) mo/ilanniLS ma/LcanncU) ) , and the lit-
:le Mariana fruit bat [PtOAOpLUi tokudae.) . These nine species are found
Ln the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. If the species are
round to be endangered, they will be protected under the Endangered Spec-
ies Act. Comments may be made to: Mr. Sanford Wilbur, Chief, Division of
Endangered Species, USFWS, 500 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, OR 97232
(503) 231-6131. Comments period ends 29 February 1984.

^ — AAZPA Nm^lutteA

Ja.yLaaA.y 19S4

pOODLAND CARIBOU EMERGENCY LISTING EXTENDED

3n 25 October, the USFWS extended its emergency rule which listed the
population of woodland caribou taJumdlLS caAlboii] as Endangered.

The prior emergency rule was limited to six months. This extension will
remain until the permanent protection of the Endangered Species Act be-
comes effective. (In June, 1983, the Fish and Wildlife Service began the
regular process for listing the woodland caribou as Endangered.)

■ — K. l/eA7L6 In

AAZPA Nm^loXtoA,
JamoAy 19S3

ivcr6an(is

Soutfleastern 'R.caiomi
Confc.re-n.cc.

The Riverbanks Southeastern
Regional AAZK Conference will
be held April 19-21, 1984 at
the Riverbanks Zoological Park
Columbia, S.C,

Papers are requested for this
regional conference. Each
paper will be limited to 20
minutes with a 5 minute ques-
tion and answer period. Top-
ics should pertain to zoos &
zookeeping. Abstracts and/or
outlines should be submitted

by February 15, 1984. The conference registration fee will be reduced for
those people presenting papers.

^ pril '10 *-ZI^ / 9fff Coltinifyi a S.O.

Tentative Conference Schedule

Thursday, April 19

Registration

Icebreaker

Friday, April 20
Announcements /Welcome
Tours of Riverbanks Zoo
Presentation of papers
Presentation of keynote
speakers

Workshop /Discussion

Saturday, April 21

Presentation of papers
Presentation of keynote
speakers

Bar-B-Q Supper/Volleyball
game

Auction/Party

Sunday , April 22 — Post-conference trip to Congaree National Monument

Please make checks payable to: "Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter". Send papers
completed registration forms with the registration fee to: Stephen J. Dank
Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210.

Regisjiration Form

Name;

Address :

City:

State:

Zip code:

Phone No:_(_ ^

Name of Zoo:

Area of interest:

No. attending BBQ/Conference;_

Vegetarian: YES NO

Transportation ;

FEES:

Member _or^ spouse — $25.00
Non-member -- $30.00
Late registration fee after
3/1/84 “ $5.00 additional
TOTAL fees enclosed: $

Hotel Reservation Request Form

Riverbanks Southeastern Regional

AAZK Conference

Name ;

Address :

City :

State:

Zip code:

Phone No . ; ( )

Arrival Date;

Time
Time :

Departure Date:

Total No. of Nights in Hotel :

Please check the type of room you
wish to reserve:

Single $20.95 daily
(one person)

Double $24.00 daily
(two people)

Name of roommate:

Please send one night ' s deposit with
this form to: COMFORT INN, 827 Bush'^:_
River Rd., Columbia, S.C. 29210, carej
of J.K. Mehta. Deposits will be re-
turned on reservations cancelled 24
hours in advance of arrival. '

LIMITED EDITION

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE AKF TENTH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT

Animal Keepers’ Forum

Dedicated to Professional Aninnal Care

TENTH ANNIVERSARY 1974 - 1984

l^will be ten years old in October 1984. To commemorate ten years of
ontinuous publication, a special T-shirt is being issued.

he Puget Sound AAZK Chapter has taken this on as a fund-raising project
or the 1984 AAZK Conference. All profits will benefit the Conference
nd AKF.

he T-shirts will only be available from October 1983 through October
984. A check must accompany your order. Please allow 3-4 weeks for
elivery. The price of $7.50 each includes postage and handling. The
hirts are 100% cotton; if you wash or dry at high temperatures, order
‘ size larger.

' ^ COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

AME:

DDRESS:

Color choice: powder blue beige

Size: Small Medium Large Extra Large

lake checks payable to: The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter Conference Account
lail to: Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, 5500 Phinney Ave., N., Seattle,
(A 98103. ATTN: Judie Steenberg

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $

The ^olZotvTng kvoUZahte" tl&tlng6 MOAe KeeQAved out the o{f^tee\

oi AKT. Jyu>tAtuttoyUi wtsklng to adventAJte emptoyment oppo^u.ntttej> oAe i
cuked to -6end penttnent data by the 15th oi each month to: OppontmuZy -
Knocks, AKT, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606, ||

ZOOKEEPER I...Due to major expansion of our zoological park, the Jackson
Zoo is not accepting applications for the entrance level of Zoo Keepers.
Salary range $893-$ 1,298 per month. Standard benefits. Duties include
the general care and maintenance of a wide variety of mammals, birds andj
reptiles. Applicants must have a high school education
and some practical experience is necessary. This is an
excellent opportunity to be part of a progressive, expand-
ing zoological park. Certified candidates will remain on
an active list for six months. Send resume to: James L.

Swigert, Director, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 West
Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39209.

KEEPER, . .ambitious person needed to handle keeper duties.

Responsible for care of hooved stock, small mammals, birds
and herps. Experience in exhibit construction and mainten-
ance desirable. Salary commensurate with experience. Apply
by 20 February, 1984 to: Harry Gregory, Director, Hutchinson
Zoo, Carey Park, Box 1567, Hutchinson, KS 67504-1567. Phone:

(316) 665-2659.

STUVENT INTERNSHIP, , .available at the Animal Rehabilitation
Center within the Conservancy Nature Center in Naples, FL.

Involves wildlife as well as educational programs and
special projects. Interested applicants must be available
for up to five months. Housing and $55/week stipend pro-
vided. Internships available year round. To apply send
resume, statement of goals and three references to: Julie
Wasserman, Supervisor, Animal Rehabilitation Center, Conservancy Nature
Center, 1450 Merrihue Dr., Naples, FL 33942. Phone: (813) 262-2273.

Information Please

r
t
u
n s

1
t

Information is requested on the care, feeding and especially training of
Macaws, Cockatoos and Parrots. Please send to: Mrs. D. H. Luce, Rt. 3,
Box 410, Trenton, FL 32693.

The Little Rock Zoo is seeking information on the birth of Sloth Bears
(Mei.u/L5a6 LLUtnLU> ) in captivity. We would appreciate any information
regarding gestation length, number of cubs born, number surviving, and
any medical problems developing within the first year. Please send any
information to: Debbie Jackson and Lisa Peach, Little Rock Zoo, #1
Jonesboro Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.

The Topeka Zoo is seeking information on the captive maintenance of
Colomus monkeys with particular emphasis on diet and reproduction. Any-
one with pertinent information is asked to send it to: Ron Ringer, Topek;
Zoological Park, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name Che.ak heAe li KanmaZ [ ]

Address

$20.00 Professional
VaUt-timo, KeepeAA

$25.00 International
AZZ mmbeA^ out6Zde. tke.
(J.5. and Canada

$10.00 Associate
IndlvldaaJU not conmcXad
ivtth an animal co/te lacJJJjty

$15.00 Affiliate

OtkoA -}>ta^ and volunt2,(2A6

$50.00 Contributing

OAganizatiovU) and Indio idixatii
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

ViAQ^otoAij Inionmoution

Too WoA-fe AAQ,a Sp2.CA.aJl lvitZA2J)t{,

Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

Membership includes a subscription to the Animat K^^pcA^ ' foAum. The

membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
!iin the U.-S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Animat K2.2.p2A6 ' foAum publishes original papers and news items of inter-
est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
articles.

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
size of no more than 6" x 10" (15 cm x 25^$ cm.). Literature used should
be cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
scientific names.

Articles sent to Animat Keepe/t6 ' VoAum will be reviewed for publication.
No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
addressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
not be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

A/itictc^ pAint2.d do not n2.c2A>6aAity AC-itzoX the,
opinio vUi oi the. Animat Keepe7t6 ' FoAum e.ditoAiat
6ta{)^ OA oi the. AmoAiaan t^i>o elation oi Zoo KeepeA^.

Items in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
is requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

On OOt^
5* s*

Animal

keepers'

brum

Dedicated to Prcfessional Animal Care

MARCH 1984

FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Alice Miser
Managing Editor: Susan Chan
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

MARCH 1984
VOLUME ELEVEN
NUMBER THREE

AyUmal Kc^peJU,' Von.im (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.

Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of kYUmal KcepeA^’ FoAum, Second Class postage ^aid at Topeka, KS.
Postmastet Please send address changes to:

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Of ZOO KEEPERS, INC. ^
I ^'ATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V., TOPEKA, KS 6660'

Dotty CtoAk, A(hitnjJ>tn.cvtlv^ SdcAoXcuiy J

BOARD Ui- UiREClORS

Kevin Conway, NZP/Conservation & Research Center P^eJttddwt

Front Royal, VA 22630

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park UtcKl P^QJitddnt

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

G2Aatd Payne,, VeJyiott Zoo

Continuing Keeper Education

JuidLLii Ste.mbeAg, Woodtand Pcuik
Historical Committee
La/iAy Samma/Lco, Ltnootn PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jan McCoy, Wa^htngton PoAk Zoo

Coordinator for International Affairs
Randy Adotph, St. Loluj> Zoo

Research/Grants Committee

fAank Kohn, Nattonat Zootogtcat PoAk

Awards Committee

Mtkc CAockcA, VtckeA6on PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee
Kcvtn Conway, NZP/CRC, fAont Royat

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
EtandAa Aim, bloodtand PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
BeAnic Fctdman, Topeka Zoo

Program Library

Anne M. Payne, VqXaoaX Zoo

Infant Development

Steve T ay to A, Loiujivttte

Keeper Accomodations List

OtiveA Cta{^ley, MoJjio ToAonto

Keeper

MoAy Staybaugh, San Antonto S Vavi

Library Resource/Book Review

Elten Leach, Woodtand PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Cestat ion

MoAy Muac, San PAanctsco Zoo
Diet Notebook

South ftoAlda CkapteA, Mtamt
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Ltncotn PoAk
Exhibit Design

Vtane foAsyth, AkAon Zootogtcat PoAk
Data Survey

L OAndoA^ii, Sea WoAtd ShoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Mtke CoApenteA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, VlAectoA

Linda RohA
i/acancy
Gene P^ei)^eA
Angela Keppet
Lee Payne
Lynne {/lLteA6
LoAAy SammoAco
Vacancy
Alan ShoApted
Vacancy
Candy KAo^^t

LauAence Gtedhltt
Joanle Stlni>on
Vacancy

W.V. Stone MemoAlat Zoo

Phltadetphla Zoo
National Zoo
VetAolt Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo

Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

Woodland PoAk Zoo
Phoenix Zoo

ME,VT,NH,MA,RI,CT

PA,NJ,MV,VE

VA,W.VA,V.C.

IN,0H,KV

WI,IL,M0,MN,IA

TN,NC,SC

fL,AL,GA

AR,MS,LA >

TX,NM,C0,0K,KS,NE,

SV,NV

WA,0R,IV,MT,WV,AK

CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

Thl6 month' 6 (Wtut X6 Vo^ht. SonoJicmt Mho mo/lIz^ Iok. ZooVEL {Zoo Ve^tgn
and Education Lab) In Kobe, Japan. Haj> dAmlng mpha^tzc6 the Impontmce
oi tnteAactton between Zoo ^ta^^ and vtsltoA^ In the pA.omotton oi pubtlc
education. Thanks, Vo6hl. I

Scoops ^

andy ScuMebutt

NEW PHONE NUMBERS LISTED FOR SANTA FE TEACHING ZOO

Santa Fe Community College has been changing its telephone system over to
a new direct dial computerized system. Unfortunately, unexpected diffi-
culties have arisen which have temporarily interrupted service for the
Teaching Zoo/Biological Parks Program. The new number is expected to be
(904) 395-5601. Service to the security office can relav messages to the
zoo via radio. Their number is (904) 395-5518, Ext. 19 & 20. Santa Fe
Community College's main campus operator is (904) 395-5000. In addition,
the night zoo number as listed in the AAZPA Zoo and Aquariums of the
Americas can be used as it is my personal home number (Jim Ellis: (904)
357-6326). The continued understanding of our colleagues is appreciated.

FOURTH ANNUAL ELEPHANT WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE

Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Elephant Management Workshop held in
Kansas City in October 1983 are now available. This 60-page publication
includes all papers presented at the workshop in addition to the panel
discussion, list of registrants and budget information. While compli-
mentary copies are sent to those who attended the workshop, copies are
available from the Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Swope Park, Kansas
City, MO 64132. Please send check or money order in the amount of $2.00
for each copy ordered.

NEW EXECUTIVE AND ASSOCIATE EDITORS NAMED

Due to expanding professional responsibilities in his role as Area Super-
visor at the Topeka Zoo, Mike Coker has resigned as Executive Editor of
Animal Keepers' Forum. While not retaining a formal position on the edit-
orial staff, Mike hopes to continue to be involved in AAZK publications as
time permits. Alice Miser, formerly Associate Editor, will assume Mike's
position immediately. Bernie Feldman has been recruited to assume the
position of Associate Editor and will be working on soliciting advertising
patrons for AKF.

KEEPER TRAINING VIDEOTAPE NOW AVAILABLE

The first Keeper Training Video Tape, entitled "Zoo Keeper Safety, An
Attitude Adjustment", is now available for purchase for use in Zookeeper
training. This first tape attempts to create a safety attitude and pre-
sents a systematic safety approach to the job of zoo keeping. All proceeds
generated from future sale of training tapes will be used to finance pro-
duction of future tapes. A copy of the Purchase Agreement can be found on
Page 12 of the January 1984 issue of AKF of interested parties may write
to B. Wayne Buchanan at the Woodland Park Zoo for further information.

Birthsj^ Hatchings

LINCOLN PARK ZOO Siuan Moy

The following are the B&H for December 1983 and January 1984: Mammals —
0.0.1 Titi monkey, 0.0.2 Tree shrew, 0.0.1 Pygmy marmoset, 1.1.3 Geoffrey's
tamarin, 0.0.5 Capybara (0.0.3 DNS), 0.1 Grant's gazelle (DNS), 0.0.2
Ghimpanzee (stillborn), 0.0.1 Lowland gorilla (stillborn), 0.0.2 Gotton-

top marmoset; Birds — 0.0.1 Yellow-fronted canary.

BRONX ZOO Ha/igcuioX VnJ^c.(L

B&H for November and December 1983 include: Mammals — 1.0 Lesser long-
tongued bat, 0.1 Gaur, 3.0 Minnie Down's mouse, 2.0 Lesser spear-nosed
bat, 1.0 Axis deer, 4.0 Pen-tailed bettong, 0.2 Brow-antlered deer, 3.0
Lesser galago, 0.2 Red brocket deer, 0.2 Sambar deer, 2.0 Polar bear, 1.1
Large Malayan mouse deer, 1.0 Pudu, 2.0 Gottontop marmoset, 1.0 Blackbuck,
1.0 Maxwell duiker; Birds — 1 Mauritius pink pigeon; Reptiles — 9 Brazil-
ian rainbow boa.

JACKSONVILLE ZOO kvim E. Dilgglm

December and January B&H include: 1.1 Golden spider monkey (1 DNS), 0.0.1
Nanday conure and 0.0.4 West African dwarf crocodile.

TAMPA— BUSCH GARDENS .Scividy MohoA

B&H for January 1984 include: Mammals — 1.1 Addax, 0.1 Gerenuk, 1.0 Roan
antelope, 0.1 Grant's gazelle, 1.0 Gemsbok, 0.1 Scimitar-horned oryx, 0.1
Ankole; Birds - 2 Grested tinamou, 2 Hahn's macaw, 4 Gereopsis goose, 5
Sun conure, 7 Golden-capped conure, 1 Golden conure, 3 Jandaya conure and
3 Senegal parrot.

DALLAS ZOO Tam-i JonoA

January 1984 B&H include: Mammals -- 1.1 East African oryx, 1.0 Nile Lechwe
1.0 Hamadryas baboon, 1.0 Suni, 0.0.1 Black howler monkey; Birds — 0.0.2
Alexandrine parakeet.

MIAMI METROZOQ Lo/U BmckheJin

The following January 1984 B&H were recorded: 0.1 Chimpanzee, 1.3 European
brown bear (0.1 DNS), 1,1 Thomson's gazelle, 0.1 Defassa waterbuck, 1.1
Scimitar-horned oryx; Birds — 0.0.2 Green junglefowl (0.0,1 DNS).

ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO .BoAb Ha^noA

Reported B&H from November 1983 through January 1984 include: Mammals —

3 Bush pigs, 1.0 European bison, 1.0 Bennett's wallaby, 0.1 Lion-tailed
macaque, 0.1 Llama and 2.2 Addax.

BROOKFIELD ZOO John S. StoddoAd

January 1984 B&H include: Mammals ■ — 0.0.8 White-toothed shrew, 0.0.5
Ermine, 0.2 Collared peccary, 0.0.1 Callimico, 0.0.1 Squirrel monkey,

0.0.1 Spot-nosed guenon, 0.0.1 Guinea baboon; Birds -- 0.0.2 Inca tern
and 0.0.1 Red and white crake.

Coming Events

AAZPA SOUTHERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 1-3, 1984 Little Rock, AR

AAZPA CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 15-17, 1984 Omaha, NE

AAZK SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 19-21, 1984 Columbia, SC

Hosted by the Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter. For information contact:

Steve Danko, Riverbanks Zoological Park, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia,

SC 29210 (803) 779-8717. See registration forms in this issue of AKF.

AAZPA NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 29-May 1, 1984 Philadelphia, PA

CONFERENCE ON ZOO ANIMAL PATHOLOGY

May 25-26, 1984 Cincinnati, OH

For information contact: Dr. Betsy Dresser, Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St.,
Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513) 281-4701.

lOTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AVICULTURE

August 1-5, 1984 Redondo Beach, CA

For information, write AFA, P.O. Box 1568, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 or
call (213) 372-2988.

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 . Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK at the Woodland Park Zoological
Gardens, 5500 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103. Watch upcoming
issues of AKF for conference hotel site, registration forms and additional
information. "fZndeA^ Keepe/td, No-6hom WeepeA6''/

AAZPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 9-13, 1984 Miami, FL

REQUEST FOR NOMINEES FOR AAZK AWARDS

Nominations are being sought for awards for 1984. These awards will be
presented at the 1984 AAZK Conference in Seattle, WA. If you work with |
or know someone who is performing in an exceptional manner and meets the ,
qualifications listed herein, please consider nominating them for the i

appropriate award.

These awards are the EXCELLENCE IN ZOOKEEPING award, the CERTIFICATE OF
MERIT FOR ZOOKEEPER EDUCATION, and the MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. ;

The deadline for acceptance of nominations is 1 June 1984. Each month
the AKF will discuss one of these different awards.

The first award, EXCELLENCE IN ZOOKEEPING, is given to recognize outstand-
ing people in the zookeeping field. Any keeper is eligible for the award
and more than one award may be given each year. If five excellent keepers
are nominated, five awards will be given. If none of the nominees qualify,
no award will be given.

Excellence in zookeeping cannot be determined on the basis of an isolated I
breeding success or upon one spectacular instance, but rather, upon ex- ,
amination of the keeper’s total performance. Each keeper has a slightl^y
different idea of what his or her job entails. There are, though, basic |
themes which can be used in judging a keeper’s performance.

Perhaps the most essential characteristic is commitment to the animals
and to the profession. Commitment is defined as, "the state of being
bound emotionally or intellectually to some course of action". This
commitment is necessary because the needs of the animals often exceed
the demands of an eight to five workday. Without this basic foundation
of commitment, it is impossible to realize one’s full potential as an
animal keeper.

The next important quality is the ability to empathize. You must under-
stand your animals’ needs, both physiologically and psychologically and
fulfill them the best you can.

In fulfilling the animals’ needs, a keeper must have a knowledge of the
animal’s behavior, physiology, and natural history. This knowledge is
essential to maintain the animals efficiently and effectively. Further-
more, a keeper should actively pursue greater knowledge of his or her
animals through observation or private study. In addition, a keeper
should be able to communicate this knowledge effectively to other keepers
and to the public. At the same time, keepers should be receptive to the
knowledge and experience of others. The task that keepers face is too
difficult to be stingy with our own knowledge or disdainful of another’s
opinion. We must share our knowledge with other keepers and make the
public aware of the intrinsic value of the animal we care for.

Finally, the keeper must function as the animal’s representative in policy
decisions and planning. A keeper may not be an expert on an entire order
or even a particular family, but he or she should be an expert on the
animals in his or her care. Therefore, since the animals can’t tell us
themselves whether a new cage is inadequate or a new situation too stress-
ful, it is up to the keeper to represent their interests in zoo decisions.

These, then are the basic criteria for examining the performance of a
zookeeper. Any single area, isolated, is of little value. The ability

; REQUEST FOR NOMINEES FOR AAZK AWARDS, ConUnue,d

j to empathize with the animals is useless if you lack the knowledge and
['skill to improve their care. Similarly, knowledge and skill without
[commitment leads to a keeper who, "keeps his or her animals alive and
► nothing more". Each area must be evident in the good zookeeper. The
[excellent zookeeper will excell in one or more of these areas, but can-
1' not lack any of them. If you feel that a keeper you know meets these
; criteria, submit his or her name, along with a brief letter describing
|i why you feel they deserve the EXCELLENCE IN ZOOKEEPING award.

I QUALIFICATIONS

1. The nominees must be a full-time animal keeper, employed in
any North American zoological institution or aquarium.

2. The nominee must have been employed at least two years on a
permanent basis at a zoo or aquarium.

3. The nominee must be nominated by his or her peers who have
also been employed at that same zoo or aquarium.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

1. List name, position, institution, years of service in the
field and the recommendations of peer or colleague.

2. List outstanding achievements: exhibits, breeding, education,
etc.

3. List any extra activities outside of zoo or aquarium work;
working with conservation groups, youth, wildlife officials,
etc.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The Awards Committee, consisting of five people, will indepen-
dently review each nominee.

Send Nominations to:

Mike Crocker
AAZK Awards Committee
Dickerson Park Zoo
3043 North Fort
Springfield, MO 65803

STAFF EXCHANGE PROGRAM UPDATE

^KEEPER

"education

Jadld StdmbeAg, Coo^dlnaton.
AA2K Educcutlon ComrruXtdd

The Puget Sound Chapter has nearly com-
pleted the master list of institutions
interested in participating in the Staff
Exchange Program. Copies of the master
list will be sent to all institutions
that registered with the project. In-
dividuals and unregistered institutions
that want a copy may obtain one by send-
ing their request to: Elandra Aum at
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, 5500
Phinney Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98103.

A list comprising only institutions* and contact persons’ names is includ-
ed below. Individuals and institutions engaging in exchanges do so on
their own responsibility; as facilitators, the persons working on this pro-
ject do not share in that responsibility.

INSTITUTIONS INTERESTED IN STAFF EXCHANGE

Akron Zoological Park, Akron, OH; Dave Ford

Atlanta Zoological Park, Atlanta, GA; J.S. Dobbs

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ; Peter Siminski

Beardsley Zoological Gardens, Bridgeport, CT; Gregg Dancho

Binder Park Zoological Society, Inc., Battle Greek, MI; Everett Harris

Buffalo Zoological Gardens, Buffalo, NY; Gerald Aquilina

Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Park, Colorado Springs, CO; Bill Aragon

Cleveland Aquarium, Cleveland, OH; Ed Bronikowski

Como Zoo, St. Paul, MN; Brint Spencer

Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX; Larry 0. Calvin

Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, MO; Mike Crocker

Dreher Park Zoo, West Palm Beach, FL; Sally Lieb

Greater Baton Rouge Zoo, Baker, LA; Ralph Minor /Jerry Hendry

Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu, HI; Jerome S.W. Marr

Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN; Julian Duval

International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, WI; Shirley Russman/Jane Fordham
Jo-Don Farms, Inc., Franksville, WI; Don J. or Bob E. Meyer
Lafayette Zoological Park, Norfolk, VA; Connie Sweet
Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA; Ed Alonso

Louisville Zoological Garden, Louisville, KY; J. Douglas Porter
Metropolitan Toronto Zoo; West Hill, Ontario (Canada); Ken Thompson
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens, Milwaukee, WI; Ken Kawata
Minnesota Zoological Garden, Apple Valley, MN; Brint Spencer

STAFF EXCHANGE UPDATE, ConUnue,d

Institutions Interested in Staff Exchange (continued)

National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD; Jackson Andrews
New England Aquarium, Boston, MA; Paul L. Sieswenda
Northwest Trek, Eatonville, WA; Scott Ransom
Oakland Zoo, Oakland, CA; Val De Leon

Philadelphia Zoological Garden, Philadelphia, PA; Wilbur B. Amand
Potter Park Zoo, Lansing, MI; Jerry Miller

Rio Grande Zoological Park, Albuquerque, NM; Ingrid Schmidt
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI; Roger Valles

San Antonio Zoological Gardens & Aquarium, San Antonio, TX; Russell L. Smith

Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA; Laura Mumaw

Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, KS; Ken Redman

Topeka Zoological Park, Topeka, KS; Craig Dinsmore

Tulsa Zoological Garden, Tulsa, OK; D. Zucconi/B. Fiore

Utica Zoo, Utica, NY; Steven U. Matthews

W^ashington Park Zoo, Portland, OR; Steve McCusker

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, Seattle, WA; Elandra Aum

A Keeper Exchange Experience

"MY PENGUIN ENCOUNTER"

Holm Shewman, Ke.epeA, B-Oid Bum

ifJoodZand Pa/ik Zoological Ga/idcvUi, Seattle, WA

Recently I had the special opportunity to participate in a keeper exchange
program with Sea World of San Diego. As part of my work at Woodland Park
I am responsible for eleven Humboldt’s penguins iSpkeyili>CLU{> himboldtl] .

In the past year, particularly during breeding season, we have consulted
with keepers at Sea World in the Aviculture department about various
problems that arose with the husbandry of our Humboldt’s. Although a
lot of valuable information was acquired over the phone and through read-
ing various articles, I felt there was something lacking in my knowledge,
and that was hands-on experience. I thought if I could go to Sea World
and work directly with their staff, things that were somewhat confusing
would become clearer. I was especially interested in learning hand-raising
techniques from people familiar with the routine and in acquiring practi-
cal experience under their supervision. Along with obviously increasing
my expertise, I believed this opportunity would increase my confidence as
well.

In September 1983 I was able to attend the AAZPA Conference in Vancouver,
Canada, Walter English, Curator of birds at Woodland Park Zoo introduced
me to Frank Todd, Corporate Curator of birds at Sea World. We discussed
the best time for me to go— I wanted to spend time at Sea World when as
many species of penguins as possible would be hatching. Frank informed
me that any time from December through March, during the Adelie breeding
season, sounded great. Also, Todd, Scott Driescham and Frank Twohy would

'MY PENGUIN ENCOUNTER", Con^Unuad

be returning in mid-December from a collection trip to the Antarctic
Peninsula. They would be bringing eggs from Gentoo {VyQOi,C,QJUj> papua)
amd Chinstrap {VygoS doUjy (lYVt(ViCJti.C.CL ) penguins. These eggs would be
hatching almost immediately and would require many people to help feed
and care for the chicks. Hence, we decided that the best time for me
would be the month of December.

I arrived the second week and was assigned to Sea World's "Penguin En-
counter". This is a new, multi-million-dollar Antarctic exhibit that
houses six species of penguins: Emperor [Apt2.nodyt£A , King

[Aptmodytoj) pcUagonXciu ) , Adelie [Vygo^cdtU , Gentoo {?ygo6(i<itu

papua) , Rockhopper ( Eudypt^A CA^^tatuUi] , anT~Macaroni ( Eudypt2A cdVty^oto-
phui, ) . It has an elaborate air and water filtration system, plus an
artificial light system that provides the exact photoperiod penguins would
experience in the southern hemisphere; so, during our winter it is austral
summer and breeding season in the Penguin Encounter.

The exhibit contains over three hundred penguins. Walking into the en-
closure itself that first day — feeling the gust of freezing cold air
(not to exceed 28°), seeing the snow on the ground (10,000 pounds blown
in per day) , and being surrounded by hundreds of penguins — was truly
like stepping off the edge of the world and landing on the South Pole.

The level of noise was the first thing that really astounded me; Emperors
trumpeting, Adelies growling at anyone that tried to come near their nest,
and Rockhoppers singing in a mutual display. Penguins were everywhere,
completely outnumbering their human counterparts, and practically oblivious
to them.

For a student of penguin behavior, here was a gold mine. Everything I
had read in books and seen in documentaries was suddenly materialized in
flesh and blood right before my eyes: a pair of Kings exchanging an egg;
an Adelie stealing a pebble from another's nest, another one feeding its
chick, an Emperor tobogganing over the ice, and a pair of Macaronis mutual
preening.

As if that wasn't enough, there was a whole colony (over 50) of Humboldt's
penguins to observe. Plus there were two eight-week-old Emperor chicks
being hand-raised (chicks? 12 pounds and two feet tall?) and Adelies,
Chinstraps and Gentoos hatching almost everyday.

One of my main goals was to master the art of feeding baby penguins and
I had lots of opportunity. I learned how to make the formula which con-
sists of filleted herring, krill, half-n-half , vitamins, and minerals all
blended together into a milkshake. This is drawn up through a syringe
with a tuberculin tube and placed in the chick's mouth past the trachea
and partly into the esophagus. The feeding response is elicited by put-
ting two fingers over the chick's head and pressing its bill slightly.

The detailed procedure can best be read in the literature Sea World has
written so I will not elaborate on it here. My main point is that the
experience of getting to see this technique in operation and practice it
myself was invaluable.

One of the highlights of my stay included the day we had to change bands
on Emperors because they were molting and swelling up. It was quite an
experience to be involved in trying to tackle a 100-pound Emperor and re-
strain it while someone removes and replaces the band. Less glamorous
jobs included helping thaw and bucket over 800 pounds of fish and stuff
them with over 2,000 vitamins and minerals per day. Whatever the work
was I happened to be doing, it was fun, educational and rewarding. Many
of my questions were answered regarding the husbandry of penguins in cap-
tivity, not only what was being done, but why it was done.

'MY PENGUIN ENCOUNTER", ConUna^d

I want to make special note of how kind and patient everyone on the Sea
World aviculture staff was. Without their professional attitude and
willingness to take some time, I never would have learned all 1 did. A
special thanks to a member of the staff, Michael Barry, who offered to let
me have his apartment while he moved in with a friend. It was within walk-
ing distance to Sea World and the beach!

My main feeling after having been to Sea World is that of excitement and
encouragement as we approach the beginning of the Humboldt breeding season
here at Woodland Park Zoo. I feel very grateful for having had the op-
portunity to go to Sea World. I was paid two weeks regular salary, and I
added one week vacation for a total of three weeks. Without Woodland Park
Zoo's cooperation the trip would have been impossible.

I encourage other zoos to investigate and participate in such exchanges —
whether it be an exchange of actual personnel— or an exchange of knowledge
and experience. In my case, it was an exchange of information because it
was not arranged for a keeper from Sea World to come up here to work. As
we move into the 1980* s, professional animal keepers will need to maintain
and increase our willingness to share knowledge. After all, we share the
same goals: to promote the welfare of the animal kingdom we are privileged
to care for, and to enhance their conservation, breeding success, and sur-
vival. If we can help each other toward these goals, all of us and the
animals we love will gain a great deal in the long run.

ZOO News From Japan

NEW ARRIVAL OF RARE ANIMAL
TO JAPAN SEROW CENTER

Vo^kl. Vonutavil

looVELjZoo S Educcutlon Lab

Kobe., Japan

On 11 November, 1983 1.2 rare Formosan Serows {Cap^COA.nAJ> ^W^nhoQA.) ar-
rived at the Gozaisho Alpine Zoo which belongs to the Japan Serow Center,
Mie prefecture. The three specimens came from the Taipei Municipal Zoo,
Taiwan. This event represents the first time this species has been in
captivity at a foreign zoo. The animals are estimated to be between two
and three years old. This species has been on the decrease in its natur-
al habitat and thus exportation has been banned.

The above Zoo is located on a mountain side 1210 meters above sea level
and is surrounded by natural environment including wild Japanese Serows
( CapnA.coH.nAJ> CAA^pait ) . We can reach there by the ropeway that extends
2159 meters with an unevenness of 718 meters. The Center was founded
in December 1973 and is organized and managed as a juridical foundation
Included in the animal collection there are: 2.2 Rocky Mountain Goats
(0n.(Lamno^ ame/UcaniU } , 2.2 Chamois ( Rup-icapAa n.uplc.apm) , 4.2.1 Chinese
Grey Gorals (NemoxhadduA goAoX) and three Japanese Serows.

The first pair of Rocky Mountain Goats in Japan came from the Los Angeles
Zoo to the Alpine Zoo in March 1977. The first pair of Chamois came from
the Helsinki Zoo, Finland in December 1980. The pair of Goral arrived
in December 1978 from the Peking Zoo, Republic of China and are believed
to be the first to come to our country since the war. A pair of Saiga
are scheduled to be introduced this spring season. When this is accom-
plished, that big event shall be a first in Japan. The Alpine Zoo is
the only Japanese Zoo to keep Chamois, Goral and Formosan Serow now and
they had the first experience of raising of Pronghorn several years ago.

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Keepers and Computers. . .Part Two

BUYING YOUR OWN COMPUTER OR THE JOY OF ZX
By

Jim klbojvt

CoAoXakeA, BatconeA VHAmcuto. Labon.cutoA.y
Gnuduatd Stad^wt, V(ipaAtme.yit AnthAopotogy
[i¥iAV2A6iX.y oi Texa6 at kuUittn, AuJ^ttn, TX

The revolution in microelectronics has made available to the average in-
dividual information processing capabilities that were strictly the pro-
vince of government and big business until very recently. These capabil-
ities may be extremely useful in captive animal management, and are both
inexpensive enough and sufficiently easy to master to allow zookeepers
direct access to them.

If you are considering the purchase of a computer already, don’t let me
persuade you to buy the cheapest possible one! I would encourage you to
read the buyer’s guide that appeared in the October 1983 issue of Radio-
Electronics magazine. There are many excellent machines available for
less than $500, many priced substantially lower than that. I personally
like the Commodore 64, a well-designed computer that has been discounted
as low as $150, but let your own tastes and inclinations be your guide.

If you are not already considering a computer purchase — this article was
written primarily for you! It will try to tell zookeepers who are not
considering buying a computer what less than one hundred bucks will get
them, in hopes that they will consider buying one.

For some years, the British firm of Sinclair Research Ltd. has been manu-
facturing an extremely small computer. Previously available only by mail
order as the Sinclair ZX-8lf Timex® bought the U.S. marketing rights and
has been selling it through retailers as the Timex/Sinclair 1000.® I
ordered a ZX-81 for $100 a couple of years ago; today the T/S 1000 has
been priced as low as $19.95!

I purchased a memory expansion pack — also a must for the T/S 1000 —
at the same time for $50, bringing my investment to $150. Even at what
by today’s standards was a high price, I think that it was worth it. I
have used the machine to plan my budget and play games as well as to do
more animal-related tasks such as cataloging. What statistical sophisti-
cation I possess is due at least in part to the computer, since it allowed
me to ’’pick apart” various procedures and thereby understand how they work.

The T/S 1000 is being phased out (thus its incredibly low price), to be
replaced by the very similar T/S 1500.® The latter machine is essentially
the same as the 1000, but with a slightly improved keyboard and the extra
memory already built in, and costing about the same as the 1000 plus the
memory pack. Both computers require an ordinary (non-stereo) cassette
recorder to store programs on, and a TV for display.

Can anything so cheap be any good? I certainly think so, though my feel-
ings are not universally shared. I wired a full-sized, typewriter style
keyboard to my ZX, which eliminated the problem of the tiny keyboard.

The cassette storage of programs is rather slow, and the connection between
the computer and the memory pack which plugs into it is really quite shabby.
But the BASIC language that is uses is a powerful version, and most com-
mands can be entered by a single key-stroke — a unique and very handy fea-
ture. The ZX family of machines are as a result excellent ’’trainers”.

BUYING YOUR OWN COMPUTER OR THE JOY OF ZX, ConUnao^d

Too much emphasis has been placed, in my opinion, on "software availabil-
ity" in computer marketing. Most small computers are used either for very
general or specifically business-related purposes, and the software--
prewritten programs that you buy from your dealer— are for that market.

For zookeepers’ application, or for any scientific uses, you can expect
to have to write your own programs, whether you own a T/S lOOd® (for which
there isn’t a lot of software available) or an IMB PC® (for which there’s
lots — mostly the wrong kind!). By the way, it really isn’t very hard at
all to write a program that will do what you want. (More on that later in
the series.)

What can you do with your computer, in more specific terms? I’ll address
that question in two major ways in the next couple of installments: the
cataloging and sorting of information, and the statistical examination of
information. I’ll try to include some short examples in BASIC that will
illustrate that some very simple programs can accomplish some pretty amaz-
ing things. And if you’re the extremely eager sort, you can address ques-
tions in the meantime to me at:

J. W. Albert

Department of Anthropology
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712

Chapter

TOPEKA ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

The Topeka Zoo AAZK Chapter was
recently reactivated and members
are in the process of reorganizing.
The Chapter is considering various
fund-raising possibilities and would
be interested in hearing from other
chapters on their successful and
not so successful ideas. The mem-
bers also hope to plan some special
activities for National Zoo and
Aquarium Month in June. It is
hoped that the Topeka and Kansas
City Zoo Chapters may be able to
coordinate some activities in the
future .

Newly elected officer at Topeka
are:

feldman

?KQ^i.de,wt Toni

TACOAUAeA. . . ,ktiQ.(L IhliidA
SdcAdloAy, . . . P-cpcA KJjnbaZl

PHILADELPHIA ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

Newly elected officers for the
Chapter are:

Vnulddvit Venlde. Robinson

Mlod VnoAldo-nt. . Mcuik ThuASlon

TmasuAeA Gme. P^e^^eA

Re,c.oH,dlng Sec.,. Bob BeAghaleA
ConAe^pondlng Sec. . .Gina Blytken.

News

ATTENTION ALL CHAPTERS: Dolly
Clark, Administrative Secretary
for AAZK wishes to notify all
AAZK Chapters that National Office
will no longer supply free station-
ary and envelopes to individual
Chapters. Due to the increased
costs of printing and mailing
such materials, this is no longer
a viable option in the AAZK budget.
Chapters who do not already have
their own stationary may have
such printed using their Chapter
name, address and may use the
AAZK logo. National Office will
continue to supply stationary
needs for Board of Directors mem-
bers, Project Chairmen and Com-
mittees.

.*5'° Cq

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Call Collect: (402) 466-8271

A ZOOKEEPER'S REFLECTIONS OF PERU

RoboAt B2A.gkcu,2A, S^yiio^ KeepeA
PkttadelpfUa Zoological Gan.dcyu>
Philadelphia, PA

After my participation in an Earth Watch project in July 1983, I spent
two weeks traveling through Peru visiting several wildlife areas and the
Lima Zoo.

My trip started in Lima, the most disliked city (next to Buffalo, NY) I
have ever come across. This feeling is shared by Peruvians and foreign
residents alike. There is a common saying in Peru - "Does the sun ever
shine in Lima?" Because of its location, between the sea and the Andes,
the sky is often overcast. It is also a dirty city and, sometimes danger-
ous due to street crime and more recently to a Moaist terrorist movement,
the Shining Path. The night before I flew into the city, the Shining
Path set off bombs and sprayed a major city square with machine gun fire.
On a more positive side, the food in Lima is great. It is reputed to
have some of the best restaurants in South America.

The Lima Zoo is also a pleasant surprise. The older section of the zoo
is rather plain. The newer part contains an outdoor rainforest exhibit
of native Peruvian fauna. The animals exhibited here include tayra,
spectacled bear, spider monkeys, black-capped and white-fronted capuchin,
collared and white-lipped peccary, tapiers, jaguar and puma among others.
The exhibits were large, well kept and most animals, including the pri-
mates, had offspring. The zoo has the potential to be one of South
America's best. On its grounds are pre-Inca ruins which make a most
unusual and attractive setting. While talking to the staff I was shown
the zoo's masterplan which would bring the collection up to the status of
a major world zoo. However, it cannot be implemented without government
money — -something which may be a long time coming.

The first wildlife area I visited was the Paracas Reserve on the Pacific
coast. The area is a contrast between the richness of the sea and the
bleakness of the arid coastal desert. The Paracas coastal area normal-
ly supports huge numbers of seabirds along with good populations of sea-
mammals due to the influence of the cold Humboldt current. This current
forms an upswelling of nutrients which supports large schools on anchovys
which in turn supports both animal life and the Peruvian fising industry.
During the time of my visit, environmental disaster was occurring. A
phenomenon of warm water called the El Nino (the child) which blocks the
upswelling had extended its normal stay or several months to over a year.
Bird populations have dropped to 10% of their former levels due to starva-
tion or migration. I often saw dead seabirds and an occasional dead sea-
lion or fur seal. The extended El Nino has also caused the collapse of
the Peruvian fishing industry, a factor which has severely hurt Peru's
economy.

Even though the ecosystem was in turmoil, the sights at Paracas were
spectacular. I saw Andean condors, Chilean flamingos, Humboldt penguins,
and Inca terns, along with huge flocks of cormorants, boobies, petrels
and pelicans. Also present were schools of dolphins and herds of sea
lions and fur seals, called seawolves by the Peruvians (an excellent name
I thought) .

In marked contrast to this diversity and numbers of living organisms is
the almost lifeless coastal deserts. This area sometimes does not receive

A ZOOKEEPER'S REFLECTIONS OF PERU, CorvUnu^d

rainfall for years. It is certainly the most barren area I have ever seen.
I vividly recall one two-hour drive in which the only living things spotted
were two tint plants and a small lizard. The area is primarily sand with
wind sculptured, strangely shaped rock formations. It creates an awing
environment.

Both ecosystems make the Paracas Reserve a "must stop" for a naturalist
in Peru. Excellent accommodations are found at the Paracas Hotel. The
prices were moderate by U.S. standards, and the food great. The grounds
are beautifully planted and the colorful flowers attract lots of humming-
birds.

My next stop was the plains of Nazca. The drive south from Paracas was
quite an experience. The Pan American Highway is two lanes wide in this
part of Peru and, of course, the best way to drive along it is right down
the middle. I believe the national sport of Peru is trying to see if you
can force the oncoming driver to swerve before you do. At this game of
chicken my driver excelled at the expense of a few new grey hairs on my
head. Another interesting Peruvian tradition is the custom of placing
crosses as memorials to those killed in traffic accidents on that sight.

The highway is sprinkled with them every ten miles or so. The effect is
sobering. What is truly unnerving is coming down a narrow, winding moun-
tain road, turning a sharp bend and seeing a dozen crosses and hearing how
a bus or truck left the road there killing all aboard.

Nazca is famous for its vast system of lines and animal shapes dug into
the ground. Its method of creation and purpose have puzzled westerners
for years. In the book "Chariots of Fire" Eric Van Danikan theorized
that the area was used as a landing sight by extraterrestrials. Scientists
have known for sometime the lines and shapes were dug by pre-Inca peoples
who used it as a vast astrological chart. As a joke, the local Indians
have carved the figure of an E.T. in the side of a hill so it can be seen
from the air by visiting gringos.

I stopped in Nazca because it was a convenient place to stay while I
visited the Pampa Galeras Reserve in the puna zone of the Andes. The
puna is a dry grassland found on the eastern side of this mountain chain
and is home to the llama-like vicuna. The Galeras Reserve was created
specifically to allow vicuna populations some protection after a period
of heavy hunting. The goal of the reserve has been realized and vicuna
numbers have greatly increased. In fact, the reserve has probably worked
too well since overgrazing is now a problem.

The drive to Galeras was another battle with the Peruvian road network.

The distance from Nazca to the reserve is 90km as the crow flies, but it
is 180km by vehicle. The reason, the route climbs from the plains to the
4000 ft level. The road is a narrow Ik. lane winding course often with
sheer drops of 500 ft straight down on the sides. Amazingly large buses
and trucks use this road and traffic being two ways one often meets them
coming in the opposite direction. Again crosses are placed at the site
of fatal accidents. Understandably there are many crosses on this road.

When we finally reached the plateau of the puna we were rewarded by the
sight of hundreds of vicuna. Not since Africa have I seen so many large
mammals in so short a time. I watched the antics of the territorial
male vicunas patroling their holdings; chasing off the bachelor herds
that strayed near the family groups. The reserve is also used by the
local people for the grazing of livestock. Both parties coexist and the
Galeras shows that a conservation area need not be a strict nature reserve
to protect wildlife.

Every one of us
is waiting for you
to make the
1984 AAZK
conference the
best ever.
September 30 -
October 4

First call for papers

This year's topic for
presentation papers,
Working in zoos and
aquariums: today and
tomorrow, was chosen to

encourage all conference
delegates to participate ir
writing about their profes
sions. Working in zoos
and aquariums today is
complex, challenging, anc
exciting requiring many
skills such as public
speaking, computer use, f
construction technique i
and nutritional analysis, ir
addition to caring for j
animals. The ablity to
share this knowledge and
to educate others is a
great asset. In the future,
it will be even more
important to exchange
ideas and information.

Send papers, information,
or questions to:

Phil Pennock
AAZK Conference
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103-5897

Watch for more informa-
tion in upcoming issues
of the Forum, or contact:
Debbie Stecher,

will be limited to
with a 5-
question/answer
Please submit an
ine or abstract by July
1984. AAZK national
imittees that plan to
3 meetings at the
ference should submit
3 and meeting space
jirements by this

625-5402.

encourage all conference $ers will be limited to
delegates to participate in 0 minutes with a 5-
writing about their profes-ninute question/answer
sions. Working in zoos Please submit an

and aquariums today is or abstract by July

complex, challenging, and 5,1984. AAZK national
exciting requiring many oi^mittees that plan to
skills such as public nieetings at the

speaking, computer use, ;®'^ference should submit
construction technique and meeting space
and nutritional analysis, in^^irements by this
addition to caring for
animals. The abllty to
share this knowledge and
to educate others is a
great asset. In the future,
it will be even more
important to exchange
ideas and Information.

Send papers. Information,
or questions to:

Phil Pennock
AAZK Conference
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 PhinneyAve. N.
Seattle, WA 98103-5897

Watch for more Informa-
tion In upcoming issues
of the Forum, or contact:
Debbie Stecher,
625-5402.

First call for papers

This year's topic for
presentation papers.
Working in zoos and
aquariums: today and
tomorrow, was chosen to

Every one of us
is waiting for you
to make the
1984 AAZK
conference the
best ever.
September 30 -
October 4

;

!a ZOOKEEPER'S REFLECTIONS OF PERU, CoyvUvLu^d

iThe next wildlife habitat I visited was the cloud forest of the Eastern
[Andes. When people think of Macchu Picchu, they know it as the site of
the magnificent Inca ruins found there. However, the area which is a
national park, also has wildlife which, unfortunately, is depleted in
[numbers. Spectacled bear, huemel and pudu roam the area. In spite of
getting up at dawn and walking the forest trails, I had to be content view-
ing the numerous birdlife and the viscach, a sort of overgrown chincilla.

'The cloud forest is a mystical place with the morning mist enveloping the
[surrounding peaks. The effect of walking through the ruins of Macchu Picchu,
covered by the morning fog, was an incredible experience.

After leaving the Andes, I traveled to the South Eastern Peruvian jungle
at Tambopata Reserve. The Explorers Inn Tourist lodge runs the area and
provides comfortable accommodations. Tambopata is a birders paradise.

Flocks of blue/gold, scarlet and military macaw were sighted daily. Other
■birds seen included toucans, toucanettes, king vultures, guans, trogons,
.horned screamer, anis, hoatzins along with numerous tanagers and antbirds.
Mammals are present, but not so easily observed. Primates are the most
-often spotted. In a three day stay I saw Dusky Titi, Red Howler, black-
capped capuchin and saddleback tamarin. Other mammals sighted were coati,
Ithree-toed sloth and forest squirrels. Mammals that were seen by other
parties during my stay included jaguarundi, tayra, peccary, giant anteater,
[and brocket deer. The reserve also has a resident jaguar wno is seen an
average of once a month. Caiman are present in the Tambopata River. Most
are small; a sign of poaching pressure. I also saw Iguana, an unknown
[species of snake and numerous anoles and frogs. The insect life is diverse
with army and leaf cutter ants abundant. Seeing army ants foraging with
accompanying antbirds was fascinating. The Tambopata Reserve is one of the
most biologically diverse areas in the world and through Explorers Inn,
one of the most accessible.

As this article can attest to, Peru is the most ecologically diverse country
in South America. If a person can make only one trip south of the border,

' I would recommend they visit Peru. Compared to a trip to Africa or India,
it is relatively moderate financially. Last year's airfare, roundtrip from
'Miami, was running $550 to $700. Accommodations can be good while inexpen-
's ive and food is cheap. A U.S. visitor will find their dollars go far in
,Peru. Many organized tours leave from the States and interested readers
should glance over the travel advertisements in Natural History or Animal
Kingdom magazines to contact various touring groups. Doing Peru on your
own is also practical and cheap and you will come across lots of other
[Americans and Europeans doing the same. Remember if you visit that you
[are in what is essentially a third world country, so expect possible delays
I with transportation. Peru is an incredible country with great natural beauty;
ja contrast of several ecosystems which in turn have a diverse flora and fauna.
[For a nature lover, Peru may be the best kept secret in the hemisphere.

I ^

Dusky Seaside Sparrow Notes

Submitted By Jtm Ettls |

FAo^e66toncLl Spec^citl6tlGm£Aat CuAaton. !'

Santa fe Commantty College Teaching Zoo i

Gainesville, fL

On September 27 & 29, 1983 the remaining four male dusky seaside sparrows
{AmmodA,amuS moAltlma nlg/iescensjwere transferred from the Santa Fe Com-
munity College Teaching Zoo facility back to the United States Fish &
Wildlife Service and Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission. These
agencies had reached the conclusion of their contractural/f inancial agre-
ements with the Teaching Zoo regarding this group of birds and have decid-
ed to make the specimens available to other agencies/ facilities .

The Teaching Zoo has been actively involved in a maintenance agreement
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since April, 1981. During the
past year (Sept. '82 to Sept. '83) an additional service agreement was
reached with the Florida Audubon Society. This agreement under the per-
mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service involved the Teaching Zoo
staff in an effort to breed the male duskies with Scotts seaside sparrows
and existing captive intergrades of said races.

Initial efforts to use the wild caught specimens of Scotts and Wakulla
seaside sparrows developed serious veterinary problems. Mortality of
specimens caught in the wild and transferred to the Teaching Zoo proved
to be high. Necropsy reports on said specimens revealed considerable
parasitism difficulties: ( Acanthocephala Sp. ) , potential AspeAgUHuS Sp.
difficulties, as well as possible bacterial hazards. Due to the lack of
baseline information on the species as a whole, our veterinary care staff
(University of Florida) recommended a cautious approach. The only female |
birds used involved one captive-held Scotts female, one 50% intergrade and I
a 25% intergrade. The only success was achieved on 25 August, 1983 when,
after repeated nesting/clutches with a different male, the 50% female
hatched one intergrade chick which survives to date and was transferred
with the adults. Although nomenclature remains to be established, it is
presumed that taxonomically this individual would be appropriately listed
as AmmodAomas moAltlma pennlnsulae x nlg^escens.

Finally on 10 September, 1983, a male dusky #23613-Red died following a
week of abnormal behavior and intensive veterinary observation. Prelim-
inary necropsy results indicated a large anterior abdominal growth pres- '
sing on the lungs. Final results following histopathology determined the
growth to be a fungal granuloma. Cloacal cultures taken three days prior
to death indicated AspeXglXluS -6p. (clavatus group). Although source,
transmission, and definitive results were not possible, the implications
for future management of the species in captivity are important. None i

of the remaining individuals showed signs of difficulty although all were |
showing possible age related behavioral activities. ,

Currently the Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo is working with the i
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in an attempt to continue |

its work in the modeling of captive propagation of the species as a whole, i
Although funding appears to be limited, the Florida Game and Fresh Water i
Fish Commission has expressed continued interest in determining those
techniques for the captive propagation of small native passerines which
may be threatened or endangered. Special interest in applying those i

techniques exist for the currently endangered Florida Grasshopper sparrow.

Anyone currently working with or having an interest in our data or exper-
iences should feel free to contact us. ;

i^gfari Memories

AAZK Kenya Safari 1983

l\a,n.QCLKQ,t

'I GKoup SalQ,^ Ve.pt., B/ionx Zoo

I B^onx, NY

lave you ever dreamed of going on a safari? Well, for 16 AAZK members

fheir dream became a reality in October 1983 when they boarded a plane
ound for Kenya, East Africa.

)uring the safari, the mini-bus stopped frequently as cameras, lenses and
>inoculars were excitedly assembled to enhance the sighting of, for example
jmffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, Thomson’s gazelle. Grant's gazelle
:;erenuk, genet, lilac-breasted roller, Grevy zebra. Grant’s zebra, impala,
Itryx, hippopotamus, alligator, giraffe, bush buck, waterbuck, white-tailed
liongoose, comorant, warthog, spotted hyena, wildebeest, topi, cheetah,

'dive baboon and vervet moneky. The animals, in most instances, were un-
lerturbed by the presence of the mini-bus. Some priceless photos were
:aken during this memorable trip.

IJhe airfare, lodging and most meals were included in the special rate of
>1975 offered exclusively to AAZK members by Park East Tours of New York,
irhe accomodations were impeccable. Personally, I believe this trip was
yell worth the money.

Tiis trip was an exhilarating learning experience about the animals and
Culture of Kenya. It also gave me the opportunity to meet fellow AAZK
lembers from Toronto, Ontario, Los Angeles, Florida, Rhode Island, Colo-
rado, Missouri and New York. An AAZK Kenya safari trip is the ultimate
Iream vacation for an animal enthusiast.

llEdlto^’6 hlote.i Vue, to the, e,vitkuu>tcutta ^e^povise. to the, 19B3 Kenya ^a^a/U,
^oAk East Mttt again be o^i^eAtng a JSpedaUiy paieed tnlp this yeoA. The
\ittneAy wM be the ^ame and PoAk East Is also holding to the 1983 pAiee.
feyitattve depoAtuAe dates oAe Augast 3, 1984 and OetobeA 26, 1984. Membeas
should watch theJji mailbox ^OA a special sa^oAt notification In the coming
nontks, )

Book Review

The Fall of the Wild, The Rise of the Zoo

By Robert Bendiner

E.P. Dutton, New York, 1981

212 99 with Appendix and Bibliography

Price: $15.50

'Rovlm by John VavZd Pool
Ho ah' ^ khk loo, SulphuA, LA

The author, Robert Bendiner, has served as a member of the editorial board
of the New York Times, a free-lance writer for magazines and as managing
editor of Nation. He is chiefly concerned with environmental matters.

Bendiner begins his book with an interesting account of how animals have
been of enormous practical value to man in medical research and the eco-
logical balance. Example — "...alligator tongue oil produces a steroidal
action in the human body that is claimed to give temproary relief for
asthma, rheumatism, and arthritis." Through this he makes a very practi-
cal appeal for the preservation of endangered species.

From this beginning, the author delves into the reasons for species becom- !
ing endangered — such as the destruction of natural habitats and their pre-
dation by man. If Bendiner were a lawyer, he would win his case- — man is
the endangering species.

This book shows in a forceful way that the better zoos and preservation
projects can and are making the difference in the survival of many animal
species. The author paries the critical charges leveled against zoos and
defends them in an artful manner.

Bendiner has a lengthy list (derived from the Red Data Book) in the book's
appendix of endangered, vulnerable and rare species of animals. The
author also lists a Selected Bibliography which can't possibly cover all
the sources he used; and, because of this, the work is bordering on use-
less for research.

As a whole, the 196 pages of text and 16 pages of photographs are inter-
esting, entertaining and informative. The book is well worth purchasing
and placing in your personal or zoo library.

4n Encouraging U^ord.

MISSISSIPPI KITE HACKING PROJECT-

MEEMAN-SHELBY FOREST STATE PARK/

MEMPHIS ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

John Stckeyi, CuAntoK o{s BXacLs

Mmplvu loo, MmpkLs, TN

INTRODUCTION

:he Mississippi Kite is a medium- sized raptor found primarily in the
Southeastern and south-central United States. The kite is a graceful
ind marvelous flyer, sometimes spending hours on the wing. Incredible
lerobatics have been seen when this bird is engaged in pursuit of flying
.nsects such as grasshoppers, dragonflies or cicadas. (It also takes
iccasional snakes, toads, small birds and bats.)

t is found in extremely local colonies but has recently begun rapid
•ange expansion in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. It is, however, consider-
'd as an Endangered species in Tennessee, found only in the western por-
;ion of the state. It is Endangered primarily due to loss of habitat
since 50-70% of the river bottomland habitat they prefer has been con-
rerted to soybean fields.

he kites* main strongholds in west Tennessee are Memphis, Meeman- Shelby
Itate Park, Ft. Pillow State Park, and Reelfoot State Park/National Wild-
-ife Refuge. In order to bolster local populations of the Mississippi
lite, a hacking program was conducted at the Memphis Zoo and Meeman-
helby State Park from August-October 1983. The kites were hacked into
:nown kite colonies/habitat areas. (Memphis Zoo/Overton Park has three
>airs and Meeman- Shelby has 10-15 pairs.) Hacking was done in these areas
iue to availability of personnel who could participate in the project,
mt future hacking programs might include areas that are of slightly dif-
i'erent habitat. If habitat loss continues in west Tennessee at its pre-
sent rate, then new colonies may have to be established in other portions
)f the state. In this case, hacking may become a very valuable tool for
iransplantating kite populations.

jChis project, a successful one, was the result of the cooperation of the
jCennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Kansas Fish and Game Commission,
Tennessee Department of Conservation, Tennessee Ornithological Society,
llemphis Audubon Society, and the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium. Thanks to
ill who helped...

'August 19 , 1983-9 : 30 a. m.— Mississippi Kites (12 in all, 2 adults and 10
iLmmatures) arrived at Memphis International Airport from Wichita, KS via
Cansas Fish and Game. We took them to the Zoo hospital and opened their
shipping crates, of which there were three in all. Joe Schaefer, the
nan who located and climbed to the kite nest, did an excellent job of
lacking the birds safely. Upon opening, we discovered that the kites
<ieve roughly of two age groups. Four were about four weeks old and were
[iesignated for the hack site at Meeman-Shelby State Park. Five were too
/oung for placement in the hacking box at the Zoo, so three were sent to
jlartha Waldron, a licensed raptor rehabilitator and a member of the
Tennessee Ornithological Society, for hand-rearing. Two were kept by me
jfor the same purpose (the hand-rearing consisted of placing the kites in
a large cardboard box with nest material in the bottom. A feeding flap

MISSISSIPPI KITE HACKING PROJECT, Continued

and observation flap were cut in the box to permit feeding of the birds i'
without them associating the food with humans). One additional nestling i
was intermediate in size between the two groups, so I kept it with my !

two youngsters to use as a leader bird in the zoo's hacking station. 1

August 19, 1983-3:30 p.m. — Transferred the four older kites to Meeman- ‘
Shelby. This state park is located some 20-25 miles north of downtown \
Memphis and offers excellent kite habitat. In fact, it probably has the j
largest single concentration of kites in west Tennessee. The hacking i
station here was located in the unused, very private group camp and was [
situated atop a 10-foot high metal shed that was formerly used to house [
the TWRA’s radio equipment. Charlie Norvell, a Ranger-Naturalist at
Meeman- Shelby, supervised the hacking of the kites and used several sea- [
sonal ranger-naturalists to care for the birds during their two-week stayf

The hacking boxes used for this project were constructed out of 2" x 4" i
frames covered with plywood. They measured 4' x 4' x 3’ high and had f
two doors on the left side for feeding and watering. The doors were !■

arranged where we could feed and water without the birds seeing us. One '
side of the box had a long door approximately 3’ x 1’ with wooden
dowels spaced 1" apart. This door was hinged and folded down to allow I
release of the birds. The opposite side had a window of the same dimen-
sions, but did not fold down.

All the kites in Group A, as they were called, adjusted well to this new
situation, but were a little leary of each other. None of these birds t
were nestmates and were not used to seeing three other birds with them.
They settled in however and continued on with their business of growing.

August 20-29, 1983 — All ten kites were doing well at this point. Group t
A birds as well as Group B birds were all eating voraciously. They were
being fed a diet of Nebraska Brand Birds of Prey® diet enriched with '

Wings® bird vitamins and crickets dusted with Wings? The B.O.P. diet !

was fed about 90% of the time. !'

August 22, 1983 — Received an immature kite from the Lichterman Nature 1
Study Center in Memphis. This bird was a native Memphian and apparently ^
was blown out of its nest in a passing storm. It was placed with the
Group A birds and worked in rather well since it was approximately the i
same age . j

August 30, 1983 — 7:00 a.m. — Brought a kite from Group A to the Zoo hos- f
pital for treatment. I observed this bird gasping on 8/29 on a routine j
check and at first thought this bird was gasping due to the heat. After
a while, I noticed that it was still gasping and decided that something '
was wrong. I caught the kite using a net constructed from a clothes
hanger, a rainsuit hood and a broom handle. I took it home for the night j
and it ate well. The kite was examined by Dr. Mike Douglass, Zoo Veter-
inarian, and he suspected , a dreaded lung fungus that is

virtually untreatable and usually kills its victim. This time was no .
exception. The bird died about two hours after it was brought in and
was necropsied to show that the fungus was indeed the culprit. We watch-
ed the other kites closely to make sure that they didn’t show signs of
infection (as if we could have really done anything if they did).

September 2, 1983-3 ; 30 p.m. — Released Group A. One kite left almost
as soon as the door was opened. Two left after three minutes and the
last, the Lichterman bird, left after fifteen minutes. They all flew
very well and flew no farther than 75-80 yards. All landed in nearby
trees to get an idea of where they were. One kite even tried to emulate

ISSISSIPPI KITE HACKING PROJECT, CoiUlnued

[at- like behavior by hanging upside down on a limb for a few minutes.

I f ter it figured the world didn't look correct from this unusual position,
he kite did one and one half somersaults to a lower limb. All of the
I coring judges gave the bird a score of 9.8 for this incredible and dif-
ficult maneuver. (Watch out 1984 0l3nnpics)

eptember 3, 1983-10; 00 a.m. — Placed six kites, Group B, into hacking box
t the Memphis Zoo. This station was atop the Birdhouse above the visitor's
,ntrance. Martha Waldron banded all six with two being banded on the left
’ ide and were designated as transmitter recipients. All six were placed
n the box with no problems.

eptember 4-20, 1983— All the kites in Group B were doing fine except
wo that had some feather problems. Apparently, these birds had whacked
heir wings on their perches and damaged some of their primaries while
hey were still in the blood. These birds will be held until next spring
hen their feathers grow back. All the kites ate well during this period
nd ate an average of two pounds of B.O.P. diet a day with crickets sub-
I tituted two-three days a week. This food was placed in two spots — one
jleing the flip door and the other a metal chick feeding pan placed in the
' ottom of the box. Water was also provided in a plastic bowl in a corner
way from the upper perches. The water was very important since they all
rank from the container almost as soon as it was put in the box. During
;his two-week period, all of the kites' feathers became hard-penned and
i;rew to their full lengths. By the 20th, nearly all the kite had lost
iheir down. They also became very restless and began to dash against the
vertical bars trying to get out. Perhaps they sensed that freedom was a
i;ew days away.

September 21, 1983-12;00 p.m. — Placed transmitters (provided by the Memphis
iLudubon Society) on two of the four kites that would be released on the
’.2nd. They were sewn on the two central tail feathers with a synthetic
suture that would last around three months, about as long as the transmitter
mtteries. A drop of Super Glue was placed on each knot. These trans-
litters weighed a mere 7 grams apiece and their frequency numbers were
1-50.994 and 151.040 MHZ. Both transmitters were checked with the receiver
ioth before and after they were put on.

September 22, 1983-12;00 p .m.— Released kites. Two kites left within
|;hirty seconds after the door was opened. Another left after 30 minutes
and the last to do so left after 52 minutes. Both transmitters were send-
ing clearly and indicated that the birds were in some trees about 50 yards
aast of the hacking station.

jaeptember 22, 1983-2 ; 20 p.m.— I scanned the area with the receiver and
jfound one kite perched in a tree by the bird house. It soon launched
into a thermal and began soaring. I could clearly see the antenna stick-
ing out beyond its tail as it passed overhead. I picked up the signal of
:he other kite in a tree at the southwest portion of the Zoo.

September 22, 1983-5:00 p.m.— Scanned the area again and found both sig-
lals just south of the Birdhouse.

September 23, 1983-8 ; 30 a.m.— I scanned the Zoo grounds and found both
lairds inside the Zoo again. One was in a tree by the Birdhouse and the
iDther was in a tree at the southwest corner of the Zoo.

jSeptember 23 , 1983-10 ; 00 a.m. — Checked food pan which was left on top of
the hacking box and discovered that all of the food, about two pounds, was

MISSISSIPPI KITE HACKING PROJECT, ConUnued

gone. Apparently, the kite were returning in the late afternoon to feed. t

September 23, 1983-3:00 p.m. — Scanned the area and found 151.040 within ,
the Zoo grounds and 150.994 very faint to the southwest of the Zoo. i

September 24, 1983-10;00 a.m. — I scanned the Zoo and found both signals, i,
although 150.994 was very faint to the southwest. j;

September 24, 1983-10:15 a.m. — After scanning for 15 minutes, 151.040’s {

signal became very strong and suddenly three kites appeared, soaring to- jj

gether as they passed over the hacking box. Two landed, including 151.04C|!
This bird sat in a tree on the northeast corner of the Birdhouse and stayej

there for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, this bird and another that land-

ed close by, departed for airspace north of the Zoo. I observed all three
of these birds until 1 p.m.

I saw one of the untransmitted birds today make an attempt at prey. The j
kite was soaring about 200 feet above the western portion of the Zoo.
Suddenly it folded into a 60 degree dive and began to rapidly change di-
rections. I first thought that it was merely engaged in play but I soon
saw what he was doing. Approximately 70 feet up a migrating Monarch
butterfly was winging its way over the Zoo and the kite intended this
migration to be the Monarch's last. As the kite closed in it looked like |
the butterfly was going to be the main dish. But, at the last possible |
instant, the Monarch "side-stepped" the kite with a move that Chicago |
Bears runningback Walter Payton would have been proud of. Not too ruffled
by the miss, the kite flew off in search of easier prey that hasn't been i
reading NFL playbooks, (the immature kite showed all the grace and flashy ^
aerobatics that the adults are known for. The birds are born graceful.).
After this I went out of town for two days and was unable to track the
birds.

September 26, 1983 — Two Memphis Zoological Scoeity members spotted two
kites soaring and calling over the Birdhouse.

September 27, 1983-9:20 a.m. — Scanned the Zoo grounds (and sky) and found I
nothing .

September 27, 1983-12:35 p.m. — Scanned Wolf River, north of Zoo, and found[
nothing in this excellent kite habitat. j

September 27, 1983-1; 00 p.m.— Scanned Mississippi River south of down- j
town Memphis and found nothing. Apparently the transmitted birds have
left the area.

September 28, 1983 — No sign of kites.

September 29, 1983 — No sign of kites. In fact the species has yet to be
discovered by European man. The native Americans on this date, however,
named the Mississippi Kite. The Choctaws came up with the name "Umpata-
galalametrohackalotta" . Roughly translated the name meant "One that will
someday become Endangered due to greedy land gobbling and will have to be
hacked to help them out" (just seeing is anyone was still with me this far
along in the report!).

September 29, 1983 — Spotted an immature kite soaring over the western por-
tion of the Zoo. It had a cloud of gnat-like Chimney Swifts following it
around. This bird was visible for about 5 minutes and disappeared to the
south end of the Park. It did not have a transmitter on it. This bird
was seen at 10:04 a.m. and was not seen the rest of the day.

I:SSI$SIPPI KITE HACKING PROJECT, CoyvUnuzd

iptember 30, 1983-12;00 p.m. — Dave and Susan Hill of the Zoo spotted an

1 mature kite today, possibly the same one from yesterday. It was unknown
lether or not it was a hacked kite or a stranger.

Iitober 1, 1983 — No kites seen. All have left for the South.

iis project was a success. Of course, the real measure of success will
j determined in the spring of '84 if any of the kites return to the
acking areas. It would be interesting to see if kites could be hacked
1 some hilly areas, say at Land between the Lakes (Kentucky-Tennessee) ,
id to see if an upland population of kites could be established. If
Ja, it would probably help the kites as far as the species in Tennessee,
^specially if more lowland habitat is lost to agriculture. The upland
Dpulation might very well carry the species.

Information Please

would appreciate hearing from any zoos that are keeping harbor seals
id sealions in fresh water. I am interested in knowing if you have had
roblems with loss of hair or skin diseases and what, if anything, has
ien done about it. Send information to: Betty Krohn, Lincoln Park Zoo,
’.00 Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

jersons having experience with captive breeding of Brazilian Tapir
TapdAu^ tOAAQJitAAJi ) are urged to contact the Mesker Zoo. We are
interested in factors that improve or enhance reproduction including
ietary, housing, and social conditions. Please contact: Pam Rogers,
acyderm Keeper, Mesker Park Zoo, Bement Ave., Evansville, IN 47712.

in 1 December, 1983 our 19-year-old female Polar Bear gave birth to twins

I one survived) in a recently modified den. An integral part of the den
etup was a special video monitor connected via cable to our main build-
ng — a run of approximately 200 feet. As of this writing we have over
50 hours of tape tracing the development of the cub from day 1; all
ctive periods are taped. At present I am editing much of the footage
nto condensed tapes with emphasis on development /mother-cub interaction/
ocal changes, etc. I would like to make contact with any other zoo hav-
ng similar tapes to compare notes. If anybody has any footage on new-
orn Polar Bear cubs, please contact me at: Mike Schofield, Curator of
i-nimals, Worcester Science Center,, Worcester, MA 01604.

Legislative News

Compiled by Ke.v-in Conway ,

AAZK Legd^Zcutive, Cooadlnaton.

FWS RECLASSIFIES THREE NATIVE SPECIES OF WILDLIFE '

The Fish & Wildlife Service has recently changed the status of two native
species and determined a third to be Endangered. Please update your Legis- '
lative Manual.

The Texas population of the American alligator ( AjULiQaXoK m^^-Ls^^pp^en6-U) )'
has just been d owngraded from Endangered to Threatened status. This action
was taken because of the Texas population's recovery within most parts of ,
its range. Biologists in Texas feel that the population has reached the j
maximum, or at least optimal, carrying capacity of the habitat and warrant£|
this change in status. t

The Santa Barbara song sparrow (MeXo^p^za meZodla gAamine.a} , which was (
found only on Santa Barbara Island in Los Angeles County, CA, has been re- i
moved from the Endangered Species List because of its apparent extinction.
This form was common on Santa Barbara Island until a severe fire in 1959 f
swept much of the island; no live birds have been seen since. ^

The Kentucky cave shrimp ( PaZaeinoyilai ganteAX] was provided Endang ;red j
status and its Critical Habitat has' been determined. This species is foun|
only in Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and is threatened by the coii
tamination of the cave's ground water supply through improperly treated
sewage from nearby communities and from toxic spills and highway runoff. 1
Mammoth Cave is listed as the shrimp's Critical Habitat.

---A. ShomakeA Xn i

AAZPA MmUMoA, Vq,c.. 1983

PROPOSAL TO REMOVE BROWN PELICAN IN SOUTHEASTERN U.S. FROM E$L |

On 10 November, the Fish and Wildlife Service published a proposal in the j
FS-dcAoX to remove the brown pelican ( PgXg.c.a.taa6 occXde.hXdXX6 ) from

the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in Alabama, Florida, Georgii'
South Carolina, North Carolina and points along the Atlantic coast. This j
proposal would not change the status in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas,
California, Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. The '
proposed change is based upon the increase in the stabilization in popu-
lation numbers and productivity. i

— AAZPA Vue, 1983 f

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE REVIEWS THE STATUS OF THREE FISH i

The status of the amber darter ( PeAclna anted M.a} , trispot darter [Etkeo-
6toma tAldoIIa] and reticulate logperch (PeACA,na 6p, ) is being reviewed by I
the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if they should be listed. The I
species are known only to be from Georgia and Tennessee. |

—AAZPA HowaIMoa, Vea, 1983 !

TRADE IN PANDA SKINS REVEALED

World Wildlife Fund and lUCN have alerted the world to what may be a new
threat to China's giant panda [AUjjJwpodja melanolmca) - -trade in the
panda's fur. One skin reportedly was sold to a Taiwanese company for

EGISLATIVE NEWS, ConUnae.d

fS $50,000 and then imported into Japan. Other skins are currently being
>ffered for US $25,000 each. This is the first solid evidence of a trade
;hat could devastate the 400-1000 pandas remaining in the wild. In re-
:ponse to this dangerous new development, the People’s Republic of China
irges immediate inclusion of the species on Appendix I by postal procedur-
is. The CITES Secretariat fully supports China’s request. On 7 Septem-
ber, 1983, the panda was placed on Appendix III as an interim measure by
:he Chinese government.

— TRAFFIC (U.5.A.)

uEGISLATION INTRODUCED PROHIBITING TAKING OF KILLER WHALES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY

Iseveral members of the House of Representatives from the state of Washing-
Iton introduced legislation on 17 November which would prohibit the taking
pf killer whales for public display purposes. Congressman Rod Chandler
authored the bill, and it was co-sponsored by Mike Lowry, Sid Morrison,

:'Jorman Dicks, A1 Swift and Thomas Foley. At the press conference follow-
ing the introduction of the bill. Congressman Chandler stated that the
method of capturing killer whales was harmful to the population, that there
is great uncertainty with reference to the size of the wild population,

:hat the life expectancy in captivity is only four or five years, that the
commercial interest in killer whales overshadows the interest in research
jand that after one year in captivity, killer whales become despondent and
iiisoriented. The bill was referred to the Merchant Marine and Fisheries
Committee, but no hearing have as yet been scheduled. AAZPA is not sur-
prised at the introduction of the bill and will monitor it closely to keep
bur members informed.

— R. IfJagneA Tu
AAZPA Hm^toJXnA

MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT REAUTHORIZATION

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 expires on 31 October, 1984. The
'^ct will be considered for reauthorization early in 1984. AAZPA members,
in particular those who hold (or plan to hold) marine mammals in their
collections, need to review the Act and its accompanying regulations.
jA^ZPA will be involved in the reauthorization of the Act and we need your
thoughts on what areas, if any, you believe need to be changed, deleted
or expanded. Address comments to; Chuck Bieler, Donald Bruning, Kris Vehrs,
and Bob Wagner at AAZPA.

—AAZPA Jan. 1984

PROPOSED ENDANGERED STATUS FOR FRESNO KANGAROO RAT AND SMOKY MADTOM

9n 21 November, the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed endangered status
for the Fresno kangaroo rat (V^ipodomy^ nAjC/utto-ldz^ 1 a small hop-

ping mammal restricted to the grasslands in San Joaquin Valley, CA. The
FWS is also proposing critical habitat of 857 acres in Western Fresno
County. Most of the mammal’s habitat is threatened by grazing of domes-
tic livestock or by agricultural development. Also proposed for en-
dangered status is the smoky madtom [UotuMUi boJ^nyi. ) , a small catfish.
FWS also proposes its critical habitat. This species, thought to be
extinct in 1957, was rediscovered in Tennessee in 1980. The only popu-
lation known to exist is limited to a 6.5 mile area in Monroe County,
jlN. The species is vulnerable due to its limited distribution and its
jtiabitat could be threatened by logging activities and road construction.
|A June 1982 review found that almost all state agencies and federal ac-
jtivities located in Tennessee support the listing.

— AAZPA Jan. 1984

RAISED HOPE FOR SURVIVAL

Endangered Species Act's First 10 Years

The Endangered Species Act celebrated its 10th anniversary December 28,
and Interior Secretary William Clark, speaking of the act, said, "Perhaps
the most significant achievements of the Endangered Species Act are that
it focused public attention on these species and established a workable
government mechanism to bring about their recovery. Although we still face
many difficult problems, the law has enabled some species to make signifi-
cant progress toward recovery." Clark continued, saying, "As a result of
the Endangered Species Act, the odds for many U.S. species are better
today than they were 10 years ago."

The act directs the government to keep a list of species considered "en-
dangered" and those that are slightly less imperiled, called "threatened,"
and authorizes programs to protect them, ranging from biological research
to prosecution of people who kill or traffic in endangered species. It
also authorizes DOI to hold up any projects requiring a federal permit
which might "jeopardize the continued existence of" vanishing species, and
creates federal grants to foster state protection programs.

One of the act’s major accomplishments has been the successful involve-
ment of state and federal agencies in endangered species conservation, with
thousands of consultations having been held between Federal Wildlife Ser-
vice and other federal agencies under a provision of the law designee to
prevent projects from jeopardizing the survival of endangered species.

Victories under the act — the whooping crane, the Aleutian Canada goose,
the bald eagle comeback in several states due to research and the ban on
DDT, the survival of the manatee despite threats to Florida estuaries,
the rallying of an obscure green parrot whose habitat was nearly wiped out
in Puerto Rico, a rare primrose holding on in the Antioch Dune — are im-
portant but tiny in a global context. World Wildlife Fund scientist
Thomas Lovejoy said, "We know we're not just talking about a whooping crane
here and a white rhinoceros there, but a potential biological transforma-
tion of, the planet unequalled perhaps since the diappearance of the dino-
saur . "

Nearly a species a day is lost to development in southeast Asia, Africa,
and South America's rain forests. The chief cause of extinction is des-
truction of habitat and the trend in the United States is also serious.
Twenty- two animal species became extinct in the U.S. between 1700 and
1920; in the next 50 years, the toll was 25.

The list of threatened and endangered species has grown to include 300
American species and 438 from foreign countries. The Smithsonian Institute
reports 1,800 plants alone in enough peril to qualify for listing. Some
scientists estimate there could be 2 million species lost by the year
2000, mostly because of man's intrusions into nature's environment. Inter-
national efforts to control trade in rare species, law enforcement, and
recovery programs are growing.

The increased need for the act does not take away from the successes it
has spawned. The bald eagle population, about 3,000 in 1970, is now es-
timated at 5,000. The Puerto Rican parrot, numbering 14 in 1975, is now
up to 40. Through experiments at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
in Laurel, MD, done with its near-twin the Andean condor, the California
condor may survive. The bird's decline has halted for the first time in

ENDANGERED SEPCIES ACT'S FIRST 10 YEARS, ConUnu^d

several decades, and condors now number about 20 In the wild and 9 in
captivity, some of which will be released into the wild in 1985.

The whooping crane, counted at 15 in 1974, now numbers 148. The Aleutian
;Canada goose, in decline after Arctic foxes were introduced to its nest-
ling habitat in the Aleutian Islands, now numbers 3,5000, up from 800 in
1975. DDT so devastated the American peregrine falcon that it no longer
: nested east of the Mississippi, but with assistance from state and fed-
eral wildlife agencies, the Peregrine Fund, and falconers, peregrines
ihave been bred in captivity. Since 1975 nearly 1000 such peregrine off-
spring have been returned to the wild and once again nest in habitat where
none had nested for 30 years.

The black-footed ferret, considered extinct as recently as 1981, was redis-
covered that year when the body of one was found apparently killed by a
rancher's dog. Since then 88 ferrets have been counted around 18 Wyoming
prairie dog towns. The Delmarva fox squirrel, one of the first mammals to
be listed as endangered, has been translocated by FWS in cooperation with
biologists from Maryland and Virginia wildlife agencies, to reestablish
breeding populations, and is now doing quite well. Perhaps most remark-
able of all, the American alligator has made so strong a comeback that
most estimates place the total U.S. alligator population at more than 2
million, and FWS, with the support of conservationists will now approve
alligator hide exports through 1985, rather than on a year-by-year basis.

The Endangered Species Act has also achieved broader objectives. The law
embraces not only mammals, birds and other vertebrates, but plants and
creatures without backbones such as insects, crustaceans and mollusks. The
law also strives to conserve the ecosystems on which endangered and threat-
ened species depend.

A desert wetland at Ash Meadows, NV, supports two fishes listed as endan-
gered and seven plants and one insect that have been proposed for listing,
but until recently, the species' survival was threatened by construction
of a housing development. Congress has now appropriated funds to preserve
this unique area as a national wildlife refuge. And several western trout
(Californi'a Paiute cutthroat, Colorado's greenback cutthroat, and Arizona's
Apache trout) were reclassified from "endangered" to "threatened" status
during the 1970' s as a result of habitat restoration, elimination of in-
troduced, competing trout species, and hatchery rearing and restocking pro-
grams .

According to Clark, "One of the greatest obstacles to saving many species
is our lack of knowledge about them. But biologists have learned a great
deal in the past 10 years and these advances will continue."

To many environmentalists, much of the act's importance lies in the implicit
warning to humans that if man's works are making the planet unlivable for so
many species, at what point could it become unlivable for man as well?

^/Lom ECOLOGY USA

JanuoAy 16, 19S4

J^[pcr6an(ls

South-eastern ^caiond
fiSi ConScrcnca

^ pri( , I9fff Cdunthia SS.

The Riverbanks Southeastern
Regional AAZK Conference will
be held April 19-21, 1984 at
the Riverbanks Zoological Park,
Columbia, SC.

FINAL Cx\LL FOR PAPERS— Each
paper will be limited to 20
minutes with a 5 minute ques-
tion/answer period. Topics
should pertain to zoos and zoo-
keeping. Abstracts or outlines
should be submitted by March 1,
1984 . The conference registra-

tion fee will be reduced for those people presenting papers.

Tentative Conference Schedule

Thursday, April 19

Registration

Icebreaker

Friday, April 20
Announcements /Welcome
Tours of Riverbanks Zoo
Presentation of papers
Presentation of keynote
speakers

W^orkshop /Discussion

Saturday, April 21
Presentation of papers
Presentation of keynote
speakers

Bar-B-Q Supper /Volleyball
game

Auction/Party

Sunday, April 22 — Post-conference trip to Congaree National Monument

Tentatively scheduled keynote speakers include: Bill Ziegler, General
Curator, Miami Metrozoo; Guy Smith, Director, Knoxville Zoo; Dr. Joe
Erwin, Curator of Primates, Brookfield Zoo; Les Schobert, General Curator,
North Carolina Zoological Park; Dr. Kenneth Gould, Head of Reproductive
Physiology, Yerkes Primate Center, Atlanta, GA and A1 Valenzuela, Curator,
St. Catherine's Survival Center, GA.

Registration Form

Name :

Address :

City :

State: Zip code:

Phone No: ( )

Name of Zoo:

Area of interest:

No. attending BBQ/Conference:

Vegetarian: ^YES NO

Transportation :

FEES:

Member £r spouse — $25.00
Non-member — $30.00
Late registration fee after
3/1/84 — $5.00 additional
TOTAL fees enclosed: $

Hotel Reservation Request Form
Riverbanks Southeastern Regional

AAZK Conference

Name :

Address: 1

City:

State: Zip code: I

Phone No . ; ( ) 1,

Arrival Date: Time: I

Departure Date: Time: |

Total No. of Nights in Hotel: j|

Please check the type of room you
wish to reserve:

Single $20.95 daily

(one person)

Double $24.00 daily

(two people) 1

Name of roommate:

Please send one night's deposit with
this form to: COMFORT INN, 827 Bush j
River Rd., Columbia, S.C. 29210, car€
of J.K. Mehta. Deposits will be re-
turned on reservations cancelled 24
hours in advance of arrival.

LIMITED EDITION

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE AKF TENTH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT

Animal Keepers’ Forum

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

TENTH ANNIVERSARY 1974 - 1984

i\KF will be ten years old in October 1984. To commemorate ten years of
fr:ontinuous publication, a special T-shirt is being issued.

The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter has taken this on as a fund-raising project
For the 1984 AAZK Conference. All profits will benefit the Conference
;jnd AKF.

The T-shirts will only be available from October 1983 through October
1984. A check must accompany your order. Please allow 3-4 weeks for
delivery. The price of $7.50 each includes postage and handling. The
shirts are 100% cotton; if you wash or dry at high temperatures, order
a size larger.

AKF COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
^AME:

!\DDRESS :

‘ Color choice: powder blue beige

Size: Small ^Medium Large Extra Large

^ake checks payable to: The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter Conference Account
'lail to: Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, 5500 Phinney Ave., N., Seattle,
\iik 98103. ATTN: Judie Steenberg

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $

The. ^otlou)T.ng "Po^TXToiu AvcuZable." Lutings weAe. n.Q.(iQAve.d at the. oK^tcie. I
oi AKF. Jn^tttutloyu wTjthtng to adveAttie. zmpJioyme.nt oppontuyUtteA axe. i
cu>ke.d to i>e.nd peJvtme,vit data by the. 15th oi e.acih month to: OppoAtuntty i
Knocki, AKF, 655 Gage, Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606. |

ZOOKEEPER l...Due to major expansion of our zoological park, the Jackson |
Zoo is NOW accepting applications for the entrance level of Zoo Keepers.
Salary range $893-$ 1,298 per month. Standard benefits. Duties include
the general care and maintenance of a wide variety of mammals, birds and
reptiles. Applicants must have a high school education and some practi-
cal experience is necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to be part
of a progressive, expanding zoological park. Certified candidates will !
remain on an active list for six months. Send resume to; James L. Swigeri
Director, Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS
39209.

KEEPER. . .responsible for care of small mammal and bird
exhibits at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Exhibit
fabrication and design experience helpful. Salary
$18,645. Send resumes by April 1, 1984 to: Personnel
Director, 10 Idaho Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.

ANIMAL KEEPER. . . temporary position from April 1 to end
of October. Responsibilities include care of collection
of mammals, birds and reptiles, with related tasks of
building and repairing cages and enclosures. Must be
able to work with a minumum of supervision and be willing
to learn to give animal talks to groups of visitors. Some
experience in a zoological setting required. Salary $4.50/
hour to start. Send resume to: Vince Hall, Claws 'N* Paws
Wild Animal Park, RD 1, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

ZOOKEEPER. . .responsible for care/maintenance of reptile
collection. Experience with felines/primates also desired.
Salary range, $13,619 to $16,456, plus benefits. Contact
City Personnel Department, City Hall, 830 Boonville,
Springfield, MO 65802, or call Paul Price, Dickerson Park
Zoo, (417) 833-1570. Deadline, 30 March 1984.

1
t

MOVING?????

Please send complete name and address changes
to:

Dolly Clark, Administrative Secretary
AAZK National Headquarters
635 Gage Blvd.

Topeka, KS 66606

Delays in sending address changes directly to AAZK Hdqts,
may cause you to miss several Issues of ARF and other AAZK
mailings and also costs the association ZB^cents postage due>
on each item returned due to an old address, Please help!

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

lame

Check hoAe n-enmat [ ]

l^ddress

$10.00 Associate
I ncUv^duats not connected
iA)tth an avumat coJie {^acttlty

$15.00 Affiliate
OtkcA 6ta{^i and volunteen^

$50.00 Contributing

Oaganlzatton^ and JndtvtduaLi
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

ltaecjtoH.y InjoHmatton

$20.00 Professional
Valt-ttme KeepcJU

$25.00 International
AIZ mmbeu oatMtde the
U.S. and Canada

Idd (jiJoak Aaea Spectat InteacJitM

lail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
335 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.

Membership includes a subscription to the kYiimat KeepeA^' foAum. The
nembership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
in the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

[ntmal KeepeA^ ' VoAim publishes original papers and news items of inter-
est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
Articles.

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
:ables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
jsize of no more than 6” x 10" (15 cm x 25^^ cm.). Literature used should
3e cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include-
scientific names.

Articles sent to Andmol KeepeAJ)' VoAim will be reviewed for publication.
No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
jsubmitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
jiddressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
Hot be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

j AAttcloJi pAtnted do not nece^^oAtly Ae^lect the

optntoni> 0^ the AvumaJi Keepen^ ' FoAum edUtoAlat
6ta{){, oA 0 1 the AmeAtcan A^^boctatton ol loo KeepeA6.

terns in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
s requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

<s6\- ■

^7' ^

C/i .jS*

CT ^ O M

^4 0 0

o r* O

> iTr r ^
h*«

Cl’ t~>

'ysi. ■'■t?

r- -I?.

!n ; T5 -<■

r .

o ^

r^o

Heated to Professional Animal Care

APRIL 1984

ANIMAL KEEPERS'

FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Alice Miser
Managing Editor: Susan Chan
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

APRIL 1984
VOLUME ELEVEN
NUMBER FOUR

kYUmal KeepeAi' Vonxm (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. :
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing |
costs of Aviuncit Ke.epeA6' FoAim, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS
Postmaster Please send address changes to: '

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEFERS, INC.

. ^'ATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, 63S GAGE BL{/V., TOPEKA, KS 66606 j
V Dotty CloAk, AdmtyiyUT/icutLVii SdcAotxuiy J

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP/Conservation & Research Center

Front Royal, VA 22630 !

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park VtC-d PA.d6tddnii

Escondido, CA 92025 I

Pat Sarnmarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614 |

Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010 ,

Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701 [

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

GoAcitd Paynd, Dedyiott Zoo

Continuing Keeper Education

Judid Ste-dnbeAg, Woodland PoAk

Historical Committee

LoAAy SammoAdO, Lincoln PoAk

Professional Standards Committee

International Affairs Coordinator
Convild Cloak, Ncukvtttd, TN

Research/Grants Committee
FAank Kohn, Ncutlonat ZoologTdoJt Pcuik
Awards Committee
Mtkd CAOdkdA, Dtdk2A^0Yl PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee

Jan McCoy, Wcukington PoAk Zoo KdV-ln Conway, NZP/CRC, FAont Royal

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
EtandAa Aim, iiJoodtand PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
BdAvbid Fdldman, Topdka Zoo

Progra.m Library

Annd M. Paynd, DdtAoTX Zoo

Infant Development

Stdvd T ay to A, LouuUvtttd

Keeper Accomodations List

Otivdn. CtaK^dy, MqXao ToAonto

Keeper

MoAy Staybaugk, San Antovilo S Dav^

Library Resource /Book Review

Ettdn Ldach, Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Gestation

MoAy MuAd, San FAancJj>co Zoo
Diet Notebook

South Flo Alda C hapten. , Miami
Membership Directory
Pal SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Dland Fouyth, AkAon Zoological PoAk
Data Survey

> OAndoA^, Sda Wo Aid ShoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Mlkd CoApdntdA, Phodnlx Zoo, AZ, DlAdctoA

Linda RofiA
Vacancy
Gdnd PidiioA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne Villens
LoAAy SammoAco
Vacancy
Alan ShoAples
Vacancy
Candy KAo^t

W.D. Stone MemoAial Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
DetAott Zoo
Indlanapotu Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo

Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhlll Woodland PoAk Zoo

Joanle Stin6on Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

ME,VT,NH,MA,RI,CT

PA,NJ,MD,DE

VA,W.VA,D.C.

IN,0H,KV

WI,IL,M0,MN,IA

TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA

AR,MS,LA >

TX,NM,C0,0K,KS,NE
SD,ND

WA,0R,ID,MT,WV,AKl
CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI '
Canada '

month’ ^ Ke,e.peA/A/Ltl6t Both Hmd Antmal Kto-poA at the. kWt

buntatn Zoo tn Roanoke., UA. HeA dAowtng {^entuAe^ "Sampson", a tivo-month-
)ld iejnate. ^qatnAeZ monkey wtth tt6 motheA. Thanks, Beth!

Scoops -

Scuttlebutt

DIET NOTEBOOK Project Update

rhe Diet Notebook is being developed as reference material for keepers and
all others interested in caring for exotic animals. When enough informa-
tion is collectedj it will be presented in loose-leaf fashion which will
kllow the periodic addition of new material.

Response forms are ready now and can be obtained from the South Florida
Chapter, Little Rock Chapter or Sedgwick County Zoo Chapter (addresses
aelow) . Little Rock has been appointed as the Bird Collection Center
and Sedgwick County as the Mammal Collection Center. For the time being.
South Florida will handle reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (also fish).
Ef anyone is interested in handling reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates or
fish — please contact the South Florida Chapter.

Please type or print information on the response form using metric units
whenever possible. Also please refer to the ISIS or lUCN listings for
scientific names. When forms are complete please send them to the appro-
priate Collection Center.

BIRD COLLECTION CENTER: Kelli Westbrook

Little Rock Chapter AAZK

//I Jonesboro Drive

j Little Rock, AR 72204

JIAMMAL COLLECTION CENTER: Terrie Correl

1 Sedgwick County Zoo AAZK

i 5555 Zoo Boulevard

: Wichita, KS 67212

ALL OTHERS: South Florida Chapter AAZK

c/o Debbie Burch
17860 SW 112 Court
Miami, FL 33157

PLANT RESEARCH PROJECT

The Woodland Park Zoological Gardens* Plant Research Team is working on a
project to identify which species of plants and animals are being success-
fully interacted in zoo exhibits. Members of the team are: Keepers Gregg
Thompson, Chuck Harke and Judie Steenberg; Horticulturist Sue Maloney; and
Gardner Aides Kathy Long and Elsa Steele. An interest survey and letter was
mailed to the Directors of the Zoos represented on the Association of Zoo
Horticulture mailing list and the majority of zoos listed in the AAZPA Mem-
bership Directory. If you are interested in participating in this project
as a zoo or as a individual working within your Zoo’s operation, but did
[not receive the interest survey, please contact:

jchuck Harke/Sue Maloney , ^

Iwoodland Park Zoological Gardens (20« 625-5498 or 625-2140

15500 Phinney Avenue North
'Seattle, WA 98103

SCOOPS AND SCUTTLEBUTT, CorvUnuo^d

NOTE FROM THE CHAPTER AFFAIRS COORDINATOR

Newly appointed Chapter Affairs Coordinator Lee Payne of the Detroit Zoo
wishes to let all Chapters know that this position has again become active
and that he is catching up on past correspondence as quickly as possible.

A delay in the transfer of files and pending correspondence has contribut-
ed to a bit of a backlog, so please be patient. Lee is eager and willing
to assist in your Chapter formations, questions, etc. and will be corres-
ponding with individual chapters in the near future. In the meantime,
watch for next month's AKF which is scheduled to have an article by Lee
updating Chapters on their role in the AAZK organization.

AAZK EXPRESS TRAIN PROPOSED FOR SEATTLE CONFERENCE

Ken Guillaume of the Minnesota State Zoo is looking into schedules, rates,
and perhaps a group deal in train travel to the Seattle National Confer-
ence. If others are interested, contact Ken. We may be able to arrange
an "AAZK Express", maybe starting at the East Coast and adding members at
cities on the route. Ken's preference is for the especially beautiful
Canadian route. If there is reply enough, another "AAZK Express" could
start its course in the Southeast. Please contact Ken to indicate your
interest or to learn more. His address is; c/o Minnesota Zoological
Gardens, 12101 Johnny Cake Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

from the President

The Only Constant Is Change

AAZK has a new International Affairs Coordinator and a new Program Library
Project Head. Connie Cloak, who recently served as an AAZK Board member,
will replace outgoing lAC Randy Adolph from the St. Louis Zoo.

At the same time, Mike Crocker has resigned as Program Library coordinator.
Anne Payne at the Detroit Zoo will be replacing Mike and the Program
Library will be moving to Detroit.

Any member wishing to help Connie or Anne with their projects, or wishing
information about the projects should contact them directly:

Connie Cloak

International Affairs Coordinator
1032 Granada Ave.

Nashville, TN 37206

Anne Payne
Detroit Zoo
P.O. Box 39
Royal Oak, MI 48068

On behalf
thanks to
projects.

of the Board and all AAZK members I want to express my sincere
Randy and Mike for all their efforts while they headed these

Kevin Conway
AAZK President

\Letters To The Editor

j Dear Editor:

; After renewing my membership in the AAZPA for the year of 1984, I received
I a "thank you" form letter from Robert Wagner (Executive Director) . In it
I he states: "In our endeavor to better serve you, we would appreciate re-
ceiving any comments you may have for the betterment of the Association."

I hope all AAZK member keepers who are also AAZPA Associates took this
opportunity to remind the AAZPA of the inappropriateness of including us
in the Assocuate member category, as it includes all non-zoo people as well.

I feel that we, along with other non-management zoo professionals (such as
zoo veterinary technicians) should be classed differently. The membership
categories in AAZPA seem to need revision. It may have a greater effect
if these comments came from the AAZPA’ s own membership as opposed to coming
from the board of an entirely separate organization (i.e. AAZK).

Sincerely.

Jay Jansan, Keeper
Turtle Back Zoo
West Orange, NJ

Dear Editor,

I am writing in regards to Ms. Rachel Roberts’ fine paper "The Birth and
Development of a Ear or White-Handed Gibbon", which appeared in the
Special Edition from the AAZK National Conference 1983, Animal Keepers’
Forum . According to recent findings (Prouty, Buchanan, Pollitzer, and
Mootnick [1983] i”BayLOpothe,Cli6 '• A Genus-Level Taxon for the Hoolock Gibbon
hooZock) " , in the American Journal of Primatology 5:83-87, I
would like to update Ms. Roberts’ paper with the following.

In 1983 we announced in two separate papers that the Hoolock gibbon has
38 chromosomes not 44 as previously mentioned in past text. With this
evidence and along with other morphological traits compared with those of
the lar-group gibbons, we proposed that the Hoolock gibbon be placed into
a new sub-genus, Bimopdjthzcjxti .

GENUS

SUB-GENUS

SPECIES

SOURCE

Hylobatu

Woma6c.a6

concolon.

Prouty, Buchanan,

SymphatanguA

^yndactyluA

Pollitzer and

BunopttkccuA

hoolock

Mootnick

Hylobatu

kZoMt

pttcatuA

loA

moloch

agiltA

mucllzAt

Whereas Ms. Roberts states, "3 genera and about 9 species"' — 'the Hytobatz^
is made up of some 7 species of gibbon within 3 subgenera; HyZobcutZ^ ,
BmopJXhz,c.iu , and Bmc.kita.nytu .

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, CoyvUnu^d

I hope this information and the reference titles below will be of help to
your journal and will aid in our understanding of the gibbon.

Haimoff, E. (1983). AAZPA Regional Conference Proceedings.

Groves, C.P. (1972). Gibbon and Siamang (d. Rumbaugh, ed) , vol. 1
Krager, Basel.

Preushoft, H., Chivers, D., Creel, N., & Brockelman, (eds) . (1984). In
The Lesser Apes; Evolutionary and Behavioral Biology. Edinburgh University
Press, Edinburgh.

Sincerely yours,

Alan Mootnick, Director

Gibbon and Gallinaceous Bird Center

Saugus, CA

Coming Events

AAZPA NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 29-May 1, 1984 Philadelphia, PA

CONFERENCE ON ZOO ANIMAL PATHOLOGY

May 25-26, 1984 Cincinnati, OH

For information contact: Dr. Betsy Dresser, Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St.,
Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513) 281-4701.

lOTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AVICULTURE

August 1-5, 1984 Redondo Beach, CA

For information, write AFA, PO Box 1568, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 or call
(213) 372-2988.

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK at the Woodland Park Zoological
Gardens, 5500 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103. See further infor-
mation on pages 104-108 of this issue of AKF.

^Hatchings

■ MIAMI METROZOO LoU BmakhoAM

February 1984 B&H at Miami Metrozoo include: Mammals ~ 0.1 Thomson’s
j gazelle, 1.0 Nile Lechwe, 0.1 Gravy's zebra, 1.1 Malayan sunbear, 1.0
Ringtail lemur (1.0 DNS), 2.1 Chinese golden wolf, 0.1 Reticulated giraf-
1 fe; Birds - 0.0.1 Grosbeak starling.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO Siuan Moy

Included in the February 1984 B&H are: Mammals ~ 0.0.1 Orang-utan (hybrid),
1.0.3 Central American agouti; Birds - 0.0.1 Double-striped thick-knee.

TAMPA/BUSCH GARDENS Sandy UokoA

B&H for February 1984 include: Mammals - 1.1 Addax, 1.0 Gemsbok, 3.0
Thomson's gazelle, 0.0.1 Guinea (Western) baboon, 0.1 Dama gazelle, 1.0
Scimitar-horned oryx, 1.0 Dorcas gazelle; Birds - 11 Sun conure, 4 Black-
masked lovebird, 1 Fischer's lovebird, 6 Jandaya conure, 3 Alexandrine
ring-necked parakeet, 3 Chilean pintail, 1 Cockatiel, 2 Golden-capped
conure, 6 Red-necked pochard, 3 Cereopsis goose, 2 Forsten's lorikeet,

4 Black swan and 2 Blue and gold macaw.

BRONX ZOO UoagoAet Tfilaa

January 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 2.0 Axis deer, 1.0 Sambar deer, 3.0
Pen- tailed bettong, 3.2 Nyala; Reptiles - 1 Travancore tortoise and 1
Forest cobra.

DALLAS ZOO TamL Jone6

February 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.0,1 Red kangaroo, 0.1 Grevy's zebra,
0.1 Dama gazelle, 0.1 Klipspringer , 1.0 East African oryx, 0.1 Axis deer,
1.1 Suni; Birds - 0.0.1 Plum-headed parakeet, 0.0.1 Double-striped thick-
knee.

BROOKFIELD ZOO. John S. StoddoAd

B&H during the month of February 1984 include: Mammals - 0.0.9 White-
toothed shrew, 0.0.2 Fruit bat, 0.0.5 Spiny mouse, 0.0.9 Degu, 0.2 Col-
lared peccary, 0,0.2 Golden lion tamarin, 0.0.1 Silvered leaf monkey
(1st Brookfield birth), 0.0.2 Callimico (Believed to be the first record-
ed birth of twins in captivity. One only survived for three days); Birds-
0.0.2 Red and white crake, 0.0.2 Robin chat (fledged) and 0.0.1 Inca tern.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO. ste^vm M. Wing

January /February 1984 B&H include: 0.0.2 Vampire bat, 0.0.3 Tree shrew
(DNS), 0.0.2 Japanese macaque, 0.0.1 Thomson gazelle and 0.0.1 Cordon
bleu.

What's Your Zoo Doing About

Continuing Keeper Educati on?

Juidiz StembeAg, Coo^cUncUoA.

AAZK Educojtcon CommJJXzn

What ' s happening at your Zoo in the
area of Continuing Keeper Education?
Last year this column had several
articles about what individuals and
institutions were doing to accomplish
this goal. We would like to publish
more articles in AKF this year to
share ideas and programs. What ef-
fort is being made at your zoo? Do
you have workshops - speakers -
training sessions - special train-
ing - paid leave or reimbursement
for classes? You don’t have to have

a formal training program to have information to share. Let me know what's
happening at your Zoo. This column is for sharing ideas and information
regarding Keeper training.

KEEPER

^EDUCATION

PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE SURVEY RESULTS

A questionnaire was distributed at the Philadelphia Conference by the
Education Committee; the same survey was printed in AKF at a later date.
A total of 32 Keepers completed the survey; 20 zoos were represented.
Following are the results of the survey.

1, "Have you read the 'Continuing Keeper Education' column in AKF this
past year?" ^4 yeS 3 NO 5 no answer

The 24 "yes" replifes all indicated that they found the column infor-
mative. Comments and suggestions for future articles were:

have more complete updates on projects more often

more involvement from smaller zoos

- — want to know more about what other zoos are doing
— -include complete addresses so one can aid programs that need
assistance

kept me up to date with what AAZK is doing and what programs other

zoos have

2. "Does your Zoo have any of the following audio-visual equipment?"

Yes

video recorder - 19

movie projector - 25

slide projector - 29

computer equipment -11

3. "Does your Zoo have a library?"

Yes

video camera - 20
movie camera - 10
tape recorder - 21

24 YES 3 NO 5 n/a

"Does it have literature on Keeper training and/or animal management?"

27 YES 5 NO

CONTINUING KEEPER EDUCATION COLUMN, Continued

[ References listed:

Crandall's - Wild Mammals in Captivity
I Walker ' s - Mammals of the World

Hediger’s - Wild Animals in Captivity

“ The Psychology and Behavior of Animals

in Zoos and Circuses

j - Man and Animal in the Zoo

Fowler's - Restraint and Handling of Wild and
1 Domestic Animals

Karsten's - Safety Manual for Zoo Keepers

Animal Keepers ' Forum and Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia were
also listed as well as in-house manuals and guidelines, various
materials from other zoos and handouts from staff classes.

4. "Which of the following basic Keeper training videotapes would you like
to see produced?" (selections were numbered in order of preference
from 1-10 and scored on a point system - total points for each topic
are in parentheses.)

1. Keeper's role in zoo animal health (225)

2. Feeds and feeding (179)

3. Exhibit maintenance (147)

4. Parasitology (122)

5. Communications and records (121)

6. I.D. and marking (116)

7. Sanitation and pest control (101)

8. Additional safety tapes (78)

9. Tool use and storage (52)

10. Other categories suggested;

-animal transportation
-introductions

-reproduction and incubation

-dealing with the public

-aquarium water quality and control

-inbreeding

-exhibit building

-manual restraint

Thank you to all who took the time to fill in the questionnaire. Please
send all information for the Continuing Keeper Education column to;

Judie Steenberg
9550 2nd Avenue N.W.

Seattle, WA 98117

AAZK AWARDS DEADLINE IS JUNE 1

Nominations are being sought for 1984 AAZK Awards. Let’s recognize those
individuals worthy of an award due to their commitment and performance in
the zookeeping profession.

The EXCELLENCE IN ZOOKEEPING award, CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FOR ZOOKEEPER
EDUCATION, and the MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD will be presented at the
1984 AAZK Conference in Seattle.

Last month, the AKF discussed the characteristics and qualifications for
the Excellence in Zookeeping award. This month it features the MERITOR-
IOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.

This award is given to professional members of AAZK or AAZK-af filiated
chapters for outstanding achievement in the zoo field and related activit-
ies. This award is to cover activities outside the scope of the Excellence
in Zookeeping awards. Any keeper or AAZK Chapter is eligible and more than
one award may be given each year.

Unlike the Excellence in Zookeeping awards, this award may be given on
the basis of isolated noteworthy breeding successes or other individual
spectacular achievements. This would include such things as keeper par-
ticipation in AAZPA Bean Award projects, individual breeding projects
carried on outside the zoo proper, wildlife conservation efforts, zoo and
wildlife education programs, and many other related activities.

The guidelines for this award are broad and very general and cover almost
any activity associated with zoos and wildlife; however, the persons re-
ceiving such must be professional animal keepers or AAZK Chapters in
keeping with the goal of our organization, which is professional animal
care .

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The nominee must be a full-time animal keeper, employed in any
North American zoological institution or aquarium.

2. The nominee must have been employed at least one year on a permanent
status at a zoo or aquarium, or in the case of an AAZK Chapter, must
have been on active status for at least one year.

3. The nominee must be nominated by his or her peers. They need not be
from the same zoo or aquarium.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES

1. List name, position, institution, years of service in the field,
and the recommendation of peer or colleague.

2. List the outstanding achievements: Exhibits, Breeding, Education,
Conservation, etc.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The awards committee, consisting of five people, will independently
review each nominee.

REMEMBER THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF NOMINATIONS

JUNE 1, 1984

Send nominations to: Mike Crocker, AAZK Awards Committee, Dickerson Park
Zoo, 3043 North Fort, Springfield, MO 65803.

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Banana flavored primate Pro-Plus, 25%
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Omnivore dry
Polar Bear dry
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When you need a complete line of high-quality dry,
canned, and frozen animal diets for your feeding program,
call Animal Spectrum today.

In Nebraska, call collect 402/488-6492.

Animal STOCTRUM Inc.

Box 6307 Lincoln, NE 68506-0307

Keepers and Computers. . .Part Three

SORTING IT ALL OUT: OR,

YOU'RE NEVER OUT OF SORTS WITH A COMPUTER BY YOUR SIDE

Jiw AZbeAt

Colony UanagoA, BalconoA VnMnate, Loibon,aton.y
Gn.adacLte, Stade.nt^ Vepc{Atme.nt AntfiAopology
UyUveAslXy o^ Texa4 cU Austin^ Acutln^ TX

Last time* I wrote about buying a cheap computer. Now* I*d like to start
addressing uses for a computer. If you already own a computer, your ap-
preciation of this article will be considerably enhanced; however, if
you don’t have one, you may find here some more justification for invest-
ing in one, or at least some increased tolerance for co-workers x^ho mum-
ble on about ’for-next loops’ at break time,

A group of animals may be characterized in many different ways. Age and
sex are obvious categories, but others include reproductive history (or
lack of it), weight and other size measures, health status, lineage mem-
bership, and so on. When information about an animal, such as that men-
tioned above, is combined with identification data, such as a name, ac-
quisition number, ISIS number, or whatever, and entered into a computer,
it constitutes a ’case’, A group of cases is usually called a ’file’,
and is saved for future use on the storage medium available--frequently
disks, but for the average zookeeper, the much cheaper cassette recorder
is a slower but affordable medium.

To be sure, sorting can be done by hand, using information on index cards.
However, imagine that you have a file that contains 150 cases; and you
want to list all females (criterion #li sex) above the age of three years
(criterion #2: age) that haven’t reproduced (criterion #3; reproductive
history) in spite of being housed in an appropriate social group (criter-
ion #4; housing). Once the computer has read the file, it takes only
seconds to print out on the TV screen the desired list; and the search
parameters can be easily changed, so that other, contrasting lists can
be quickly generated. I think you’ll agree that this would be a tedious,
time-consuming job by hand.

I’d like to illustrate computerized sorting of cases by using a couple
of primate examples. I used my Sinclair ZX-81, so the programs were
written in ZX- BASIC. The information was stored on a cheap cassette re-
corder and output was to a small black-and-white television.

The primate behavior research lab where I work houses 70 monkeys of four
species in one single-taxon and three multi-taxa groups. I use my com-
puter to keep track of general inventory, note lost ID tags, and calcu-
late optimum food distributions. Each case consists of the number in
the file of the case, the animal’s name, tag, and sex, its date of birth
and mother’s ID, its group and species identities. This is entered in
response to the questioning of an entry program, and is stored such that
each piece of information is in a specific column; date of birth is found
in columns 22 through 28 of each case, for example. To search for ani-
mals born in April (our busiest month for births), I would have the
computer look at columns 24 to 26 (month) to see if a ’apr’ was there;
if it was, it would print out the entire case history. In BASIC this
goes something like this, where D$ is the array of cases, I is a case
number, and L is the total number of cases s

KEEPERS AND COMPUTERS. . .Part Three, CowUnue,d

100 FOR I = 1 TO L

110 IF D$ (1,24 to 26) = ’APR’ THEN PRINT D$(I)

120 NEXT I

If you just wanted to count the number of births in April, you could
change line 110 to;

110 IF D$:(I,24 TO 26) = 'APR' THEN LET TOTAPR = TOTAPR + 1

and add a line before line 100 that says LET TOTAPR=0, and add one after
line 120 that says, PRINT 'NUMBER OF BIRTHS IN APRIL = TOTAPR.

More than one search criteria can be incorporated into one line, thus:

no IF D$(I,24 TO 26) - 'APR' and D$(I,31 to 32) = 'SV THEN PRINT
D$(I). This would list the cases that have birth dates in April and live
in the South Vervet group .

Sound confusing? To simplify a little, we're dealing here with a string
array — a two-dimensional grouping of letters and numbers used as sym-
bols — whose name is D. The fact that it contains string data is re-
flected by the dollar sign after its name: D$. The letter 'I' is a con-
trol variable, that as the computer goes through the 'for-next loop'
assumes all the case number values from one to how many you have (which,
for convenience, is stored as variable 'L'). PRINT D$(35) would set you
the thirty-fifth case record; you specify parts of it by putting column
numbers after the case number, so that PRINT D$(35,5 TO 16); D$(35,24 TO
26) would print out on the screen the name of the animal in case number
thirty-five, followed directly on the same line (the semi-colon tells the
computer to do so) by the month of birth. Hopefully, this helps you un-
derstand what's going on some, but there's something to muddy the waters
a bit: the notation used by ZX-BASIC isn't standard. Users of other
machines probably need to translate to MID$ (D$ (35) , 24, 26) from D$(35,24
TO 26).

One of my favorite groups of primates are the colobine (leaf-eating)
monkeys of Asia, a generally understudied group that is poorly repre-
sented in American zoos. The ISIS listings are useful, but too long for
comfortable mental juggling of who's where. I copied the Asiatic colo-
bine section of the ISIS Species Distribution Report into my computer,
using abbreviations for both species and zoo to save space (and typing!).
So, PRESBYTIS OBSCURA FLAVICAUDA becomes PREOBSFLA, and the zoo's name
sets bent to fit 10 spaces, like JXN ZP MS for Jackson Zoological Park
in Mississippi. Each individual animal once again constitutes a case,
with age and sex information. Simple BASIC routines allow listing by
species, zoo, age, or sex, or any combination of these. This can give
an easily seen picture of the overall population.

My sort programs generally have three parts: first, I identify the file,
then list array dimensions and 'initialize' certain counting variables
(set them equal to '0'), plus put in 'comment' lines (called REM state-
ments in BASIC) that do nothing in the program, but tell necessary things
like what is in what column. The second part is an input routine that
aids entering information into the file. The final part if an easily
modified search and/or count routine. Actual listings of such programs
isn't practical here for space reasons, but I am willing to share what
I've done if people will write and ask. I can try to adapt them to your
computer if it's different from mine, and if you have other troubles will
try to help.

KEEPERS AND COMPUTERS. .. Part Three, CoyvUnu.^d

It goes without saying that there is an enormous amount of information
involved in a zoo operation. The modern, small, inexpensive computer
offers a practical way to make sense of lots of information. Sort pro-
grams based on two-dimensional (case by column) strong arrays and a
column-consistent form of data storage are easy to write and use. They
can be extremely useful in such keeper-related tasks as food distribu-
tion, such management functions as assessment of collection reproduction
patterns, and in curiosity-satisfying ways as well. I hope that all of
you who have computers put them to use in this way, and that those of you
who don’t might find this very useful ability further reason for consider-
ing obtaining a computer for yourself.

Finally, I would once again offer to field your questions. You can write
to me at The Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin,
Austin, TX 78712. I'd like to thank the people who've written so far, and
assure them that personal replies are in the making.

Next time, in contrast to this installment, where the only math was the
adding of a 1 to a variable. I'll take up the subject of statistics.

Stats, like computers, are much easier to learn than most people realize,
and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Primate Profiles

MONKEY MUNCH I ES

Judy Si-dVOAt, P^Umcutd Keepe/i
and

VAjina Ly^tdn., hAi>iAtav\X. V^vunatz KzzpQA
iJJoodtand VoAk loologi-CjOt Ga/iddnA, Szattlz, WA

We developed a treat food for our primates at Woodland Park Zoological
Gardens using the leftover "dust" in bags and barrels of Monkey Chow.

After looking through natural food cookbooks, we found a bar cookie re-
cipe which could be adapted. We substituted Monkey Chow "dust" for flour
and left out salt, spices and sugar. All the food ingredients are regular
food items and therefore are available from our commissary. We are pleased
that our primates enjoy this new treat. For primate keepers who are inter-
ested, here is the recipe.

Monkey Chow Bars

li cups mashed bananas
2 eggs
i cup oil

1 cup milk or water

2 cups Monkey Chow "dust"

1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 Teaspoon baking soda
J cup chopped peanuts or
other nuts
i cup raisins

1. Blend bananas, eggs, oil, milk or water until smooth.

2. Stir together all remaining ingredients; make a deep well and pour in
blended mixture. Combine mixtures.

3. Pour the batter into two 9" x 9" well-oiled pans. Bake at 350°F for
35 minutes.

4. Cut into bars while still warm.

100

THE STRUGGLE

SURVIVAL ~

ELEPHANT CRISIS DEEPENS

The huge wilderness area of southern Sudan and the adjacent
grasslands of Zaire and the Central African Republic are now
littered with the bones of tens of thousands of slain ele-
phants, victims of Africa’s most intensive ever poaching
campaign. Since 1980 gangs of elephant killers, ranging far
and wide across this thinly populated territory and armed
with automatic weapons (Russian Ak~47s and West German G-Ss)
have been on the rampage. The herds are now decimated.

In the 4-year period 1979-82, the tusks of some 107,000
elephants left Sudan by one escape route or another. Although
this figure represents about 80% of Sudan’s elephants, much
of the ivory bearing a Sudanese label almost certainly origin
ates from across the border in Zaire or the Central African
Republic, or, further afield, Tanzania. Two well-connected
traders have no apparent difficulty in obtaining "legitimate"
export documents from the Sudanese government.

Elsewhere in Africa the situation is not much better. Ele-
phant expert Ian Douglas-Hamilton says that indiscriminate
slaughter is on the increase nearly everywhere. From the
trade statistics, lUCN (International Union for Conservation
of Nature) estimates that at least 194,000 elephants — or
close to 20% of Africa’s total population — were killed dur-
ing the three years 1980-82.

That the scale of the slaughter is fast leading to the ex-
termination of the elephant is shown by the rapid fall in
tusk weight as measured in Hong Kong and Tokyo, the two main
centers of trade. In Hong Kong the average weight is down
from 18.17 lbs in 1979 to 11.85 lbs in 1982; in Tokyo, where
larger tusks are preferred for carving, the comparable drop
has been from 34.83 to 21.34 lbs. It is clear from these
figures that older elephants — those mature enough to breed-
are becoming increasingly scarce.

With ivory ("white gold") commanding a price of around $35 a
pound— as against $3 a pound in 1970 — ^corruption at all
levels is widespread. In many countries, including Sudan,
the anti-poaching squads, however brave and dedicated, have
small chance of finally defeating the highly organized and
"highly protected" gangs of poachers.

"It’s a disaster; the only thing left is to put the elephants
in parks and sanctuaries," says Douglas-Hamilton. But will
even this be enough to staunch the flow of precious life-
blood from the species Loxodovita a{^Hyi(LavWi'l

— Tk2. kvimaJi Institute, Qun/vt^AZy

Uol, 32, Wo. 3, ¥aU 1983

101

Captive Reproduction

Of Brocket Deer

M^chcceX L. Hughes, P.l/.M.

Gladys VonjtoJi loo
BA,OLVyi6v.llX.^ TX

In recent years zoos have become more conscious of the need to have the
animals in their care produce offspring. Captive reproduction will allow
zoos to display animals that are difficult to obtain and possibly to re-
stock wild habitats with surplus captive-born animals. For some species
facing extensive habitat destruction, the captive environment may be their
only chance for survival.

First efforts to improve captive reproduction involved relatively simple
and common sense procedures such as providing more suitable environments,
experimenting with new diets, experimenting with the numbers of animals
kept together, changing photoperiods, and in some cases simply placing
males with females.

As time passed, zoo managers sought other methods to improve reproduction
of the more difficult species in their collections. Zoo workers began
looking to domestic animal practices for possible answers to some of their
reproductive problems. Procedures such as electroejaculation, artificial
insemination, superovulation, induced ovulation, and embryo transfer, all
commonly used in domestic species, have been experimented with in zoo
animals with limited but increasing success.

At the Gladys Porter Zoo we have had a group of Brown Brocket Deer that
has had limited reproductive success. About three years ago our only
proven breeding male died, leaving us with one male of questionable fath-
ering capabilities. This buck was put in with four females for 2h years,
and no fawns were produced. In order to solve this reproductive problem,
we decided first to determine if both male and females were fertile. To
check the buck's sperm production we needed to collect a semen sample.

An electroejaculation machine purchased by Mrs. Ila Loetscher of Sea
Turtles Inc., was used to accomplish this. The Zoo veterinarian has been
working with Mrs. Loetscher and others attempting to induce breeding in
captive Ridley Sea Turtles. When the machine was not being used on sea
turtles, Mrs. Loetscher has generously allowed it to be kept and used by
the Zoo. The male deer was anesthetized, and by using the machine a
semen sample was obtained. The sperm count was high, motility was good,
and morphology was normal.

Now that we knew our buck was fertile, we felt the low reproductive rate
was due to one of two problems. Either the does had suddenly become in-
fertile, and we felt this was unlikely, or the buck was not breeding the
does. While we could not find any reason for this, we decided to attempt
to artificially inseminate the does.

After checking with, and receiving help from other zoo staff around the
country, we decided to breed two does in November 1981. Two more does
were bred in December 1981 and another two in April 1982.

The most critical points for successful artificial insemination were to
know when the does were in estrus (or heat) , to be very clean during the
entire procedure, and to protect the sperm from fatal thermal shock. The

102

CAPTIVE REPRODUCTION OF BROCKET DEER, ConX^na^d

first problem was solved by using a new drug used in cattle. This drug
causes the animal to ovulate approximately three days after it is given.

The second problem was approached by sterilizing all instruments to be
used, and finally all semen handling equipment was kept at a constant
temperature.

Since this was our first attempt, we were hopeful but skeptical about
our chances for success. The two females bred in November passed their
due date without producing fawns. The does bred in December each had a
fawn on 18 June and 21 June respectively. This is a noteworthy accomplish-
ment, and has given us the incentive to use this and other procedures on
other species that are having problems perpetuating themselves in captiv-
ity. Both fawns were females.

This project was a combined effort of many people: General Curator/
Mammalogist Jerry Stones, who along with his staff of Keepers, is re-
sponsible for the day to day care of the the deer and who originally
suggested we should take a more manipulative course with these deer; my-
self and my clinic staff, who coordinated and performed the procedure;
and the Los Angeles Zoo who sent three does to us on breeding loan.

By using procedures designed and developed for domestic livestock, cap-
tive reproduction of rare and endangered species can be increased, thus
assuring these animal species' survival into the future.

[Editor’ 6 note.: This a/ittcXe. o^gtnatZy appe.aAe.d tn Gladys VonteA loo
UewA. Uol. n , No, 2, June. 1982 and ts pubtu>ke.d heAe. MAXk the. iA)KUXe.n
peAmt66ton o^ the. author. )

THINK Safety!

Submitted by Jttt G^ade.

InteAnationaZ Btn.d House.

Chtdjago, IL

Judie Steenberg from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle informs me that
the keepers there Think Safety.

Wayne Buchanan, as you know, has produced a video tape on Keeper Safety
which is now available through the Puget Sound Chapter in Seattle. Keeper
training includes safety education through the use of seminars on various
aspects of the subject, including demonstrations by the local fire depart-
ment on fire hazards and placement and use of fire extinguishers.

Judie also suggests two slogans — "Safe Keeping" and/or "Keeping Safe"
for use on bumper stickers and/or buttons/patches in our zoos. Produc-
tion of this material could be handled by an individual or as a Chapter
project. Interested parties may contact me at International Bird House,
956 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60622, (312) 421-5458. Constant exposure
to the idea of safe keeping would serve as an important reminder during
our work days to Think Safety!

I am still awaiting input for this column — -articles, short stories, car-
toons and descriptions of keeper training programs which include safety
education are all welcome. What is your zoo doing to promote safe work
habits?

103

THOSE TERRIBLE TAX RETURNS

JiZt Gnjidd

InteAncutionat BiAd Hoiua
Cklcago, IL

(EcUXoa.’^ note: (nJkcle tkt6 cuvtlcJte did not oAAlve tn ttme to pub-tUk
be{iOn.e tkiA kpfuJi 1984 AJ>6ue oi AKF, it may give you i,ome iood ^oK
thought in keeping the pAopeA Aeeeipti ioA deductions ioA next yeoA's
tax ioAms, you have a question as to MhctheA an item is deductible^
iA)e suggest you contact youA local IRS oHice ioA claAt{^ication.)

It's that time of the year again — time to read your tax returns and weep.

Or is it?

Are you aware of the numerous tax deductions available to members of the
zookeeping profession? Percentages of costs incurred by keepers in pur-
suit of interests related to their jobs are refundable to those completing
both long and short forms. The following is a list of deductions avail-
able to zookeepers. You may wish to discuss them with your tax consultant-
the results might surprise you.

1. All professional memberships and charities (i.e. AAZK, AAZPA, zoo
societies. Humane Society, World Wildlife Fund, etc.)

2. All professional publications related to animals in captivity and in
the wild, and ecology (i.e. International Wildlife, National Geographic,
Legislative News, catalogues, conference proceedings, etc.)

3. Professional libraries including all reference books on animals and
ecology — purchases for the current year are deducted individually whereas
established libraries may be depreciated.

4. All job-related meetings (i.e. national conferences, regionals, chapter
meetings, zoo tours, seminars, society meetings — deductions include
registration fees/gate costs, travel, accomodations and meals, including
those provided for visiting professionals.)

5. Field studies (i.e. bird watching, wildlife travel tours, national park
tours, zoo visits — travel, accomodations, meals, permits and special equip-
ment including field glasses, camping needs and cameras.)

6. All clothes, accessories and equipment designed as such to eliminate
use for other than zoo or zoo-related work.

7. Work-related education, not required by your employer, either individual
classes or classes taken toward a degree in biology, zoology, etc.—
deductions include registration fees, permits, parking, books and travel to
and from class site.

Zoo keeping is a profession, and serious-minded zoo keepers pursuing
various aspects of wildlife education in conjunction with their careers
are entitled to tax deductions accordingly. The deductions listed herein
are some I myself have used. If your accountant is not familiar with them
(many are not up on the intricacies of our profession) find one who is.
Those terrible tax returns are money in the bank. I look forward to fil-
ling out all of those forms each year— do you?

104

National Conference
SEATTLE 1984

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORF!

Sept, 30-0ct, 4, 1984

Please type or print. One name per form.

Return form xjith your fee to:

Mary Bennett, Registration Coordinator
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 625-5488

Make checks payable to Puget Sound Chapter AAZK.

Deadline for Pre-registration is August 15, 1984 .

1984 Registration

Name

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/COUNTRY_

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

ZOO AFFILIATION IF APPLICABLE

AREA OF INTEREST

VEGETARIAN YES NO

WILL BE SUBMITTING PAPER YES NO

($20.00 will be refunded on acceptance of paperl

AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:

MEMBER OR SPOUSE

$50.00 each

NON-MEMBER

$70,00 each

LATE FEE

$15.00

(After Aug. 15th)

TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED

ONE DAY RATES FOR INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE
CONTACT MARY BENNETT FOR INFORMATION.

Are you interested in purchasing a conference T-shirt?

YES NO Size S M L XL

(This will help us provide adequate inventory)

106

HOTEL-SEATTLE

515 Madison
Seattle, WA 98111

800-426-1172 Out of State 800-851-8010 In State (206) 583-0300 Local

Our conference headquarters is the Madison Hotel, a quality hotel within
Seattle's business and financial district. Shopping, entertainment and
many of Seattle's scenic and historic attractions are within a easy walk.

Each of the Madison's 575 guest rooms has its own seating area with sofa
iand chairs, from which you can enjoy a sweeping view of Puget Sound and
the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

[Special room rates for the conference delegates are: $55.00 single

$60.00 double

sUse the toll free number (800 number) to make your reservations, and
[identify yourself as being with the American Association of Zookeepers.

If you wish to be matched with a roommate, let the hotel know when you
call, and they will attempt to do so.

We feel the Madison offers a unique mixture of "new hotel", while retain-
ing a sense of warmth in its smaller size. With the busy schedule we
have planned, it would be advantageous to stay with us at the hotel. It
is one of Seattle's finest hotels and we think you will enjoy it, espec-
ially at our reduced conference rates.

NOTE: The hotel also has a swimming pool and health club so you will want
to bring your swimsuit! There is nightly entertainment at Visions,
a video disco. Their rooftop restaurant, Pregos, serves a fine
Italian cuisine. Be sure to bring evening attire for these.

Transportation from Sea-Tac Airport to the Madison is easy! Just take
the Airporter bus directly from the airport to the hotel. The Madison
|is the first stop! It leaves every half hour from United Airlines Bag-
gage Terminal, and the ride takes 20 minutes--Cost $4.75.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

'SUNDAY

'Board Meetings
Registration
' Ice Breaker

WEDNESDAY

Trip to Tacoma's Pt. Defiance Zoo
Lunch provided

Visit to Northwest Trek, Eatonville

MONDAY

Paper sessions all day
Lunch on your own
Evening tour of Seattle

THURSDAY

Papers sessions

Lunch provided at hotel

Banquet at Seattle's famous

Aquarium

Space Needle

[TUESDAY

I Day at Woodland Park Zoo
[Lunch provided by Docents
I Workshops

[Dinner provided by Seattle Zoological Society

107

TEN WAYS TO HAVE FUN IN SEATTLE '

Proposed Pre and Post Conference Activities-1984 AAZK Conference, Seattle

These tours will be scheduled if there is enough demand. Each tour or
activity would have a staff member host. We want to show you our beauti- i
ful Northwest, have fun and qet to know each other better. If you are ‘

interested please respond by June 1st to: Wendy Wienker or Eric Kowalczyk,'
Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103. |

1) Breakfast at Snoqualmie Falls Lodge, followed by a mountain drive and :
scenic hike to Gold Mayer Hot Springs. Approx, cost $15.00

2) Forty-five minute waterfront cruise to Blake Island. Indian-baked

salmon dinner. Northwest Indian dances, artifacts and craft displays. S
Stroll on trails and walk on beach. Approx, cost $22.00 |

3) Tour Washington's premier winery Chateau Ste. Michelle. Approx, cost ,
$5.00

4) Scenic or white water raft trips. View snow-capped mountains and ,,

native wildlife in its natural habitat. Approx, cost $35.00-$50.00 ‘

5) Cruise the beautiful San Juan Islands in search of the elusive Orca |
whale. This tour depends on how many people are interested, as we

may need to arrange a charter. Approx, cost $30.00 to $40.00

6) Cruise the Princess Marguarite to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada i;

through Puget Sound. Enjoy Old World shops, English pubs and antique 1
stores. One day trip, round trip ticket approx. $29.00 ^

7) Visit spectacular Olympic National Park. Drive up to Hurricane Ridge [

and possibly view mountain goats. Can be done in one long day; share li

expenses. t

8) Visit the National Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. See migrating water- [

fowl, raptors and other birds. One day trip; share expenses. ;

9) Drive to Paradise Lodge at Mt. Rainier. This majestic mountain offers [

hiking and spectacular views-weather permitting. One day trip; share i;
expenses. f

10) Drive to Mt. St. Helen's and, weather permitting, view the mountain
and visit an interpretive center to study the volcano. One day trip;
share expenses.

CALL FOR PAPERS |

This year's topic for presentation papers, WORKING IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: |:
TODAY AND TOMORROW, was chosen to encourage all conference delegates to !
participate in writing about their professions. Working in zoos and (

aquariums today is complex, challenging, and exciting, requiring many f
skills such as public speaking, computer use, construction technique and f
nutritional analysis, in addition to caring for animals. The ability to |
share this knowledge and to educate others is a great asset. In the j

future, it will be even more important to exchange ideas and information. ;;

Papers will be limited to 20 minutes with a 5-minute question/answer j

period. Please submit an outline or abstract by July 15, 1984. AAZK [

national committees that plan to have meetings at the conference should j
submit time and meeting space requirements by this date. I

Send papers, information, or questions to: Phil Pennock I

AAZK Conference
Woodland Park Zoo j

5500 Phinney Ave. North .

Seattle, WA 98103-5897

108

Legislative News

Compiled by Kev^n Comay
LQ,Q-U>toXavii CooH-dlnaton.

;AT SKIN TRADE SHIFTS TO SMALLER SPECIES

i’he lucrative market for cat skins to fashion into fur coats has shifted
"’rom the larger species to smaller ones, according to a new TRAFFIC (U. S .A. )
istudy of CITES annual reports. The largest consumer is Europe, which im-
)orts over two-thirds of the pelts in trade. In the U.S., fashion prefer-
mce and strict regulations against the import of endangered cats limit
;he cat skin trade to species native to North America, the bobcat and the
i^anadian lynx. Unfortunately, it takes up to three times the number of
)elts from the smaller cats as it does from the larger cats no longer
:ound in trade.

:he cat skin trade, like the reptile leather trade, illustrates a phenom-
i;non common to trade in all wildlife: when one species is no longer avail-
ible, the trade shifts to other similar species to supply continued con-
jumer demands.

[rade in the skins of large cats, heaviest between the late 19th century
md 1960, was a major threat to the survival of some species. By the
jarly 1970s, the plight of the tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, snow
Leopard, and others prompted efforts worldwide to control the trade. Many
of the larger cat species were listed on CITES Appendix I in 1975, result-
*Lng in restricted commercial trade in their fur. All other Felidae species
^ere listed on Appendix II.

\fter 1975, the cat fur market decreased dramatically in the United States,
international and U.S. protective legislation, combined with voluntary
efforts of the U.S. fur industry to halt trade in endangered species and
i nationwide campaign to popularize fake fur, effectively curtailed the
■J.S. market for cat fur coats.

The European market, however, remained strong. As the larger species be-
jcame rare, and finally prohibited from trade, the European fur industry
;Simply started using pelts of smaller spotted cats. TRAFFIC (U. S .A. ) esti—
nates that in 1980, 685,000 cat pelts were traded internationally to supply
European demands. Most of these originated in South America and Asia and
were fashioned into garments in West Germany. Many were then exported for
sale in other European countries. Approximately two-thirds of these pelts
were of small to medium-sized spotted cats (see Table) . According to CITES
Secretariat, some of this trade was illegal and has since been controlled.

This shift from the larger to the smaller cats has not changed the apnear-
ance of garments currently marketed in Europe from those of the early
il970s. Fur coats made from cat pelts retain the "leopard look" but are
now made from the smaller spotted species, primarily Geoffrey’s cat ( FgXtA
‘qO-O^/ioyl] , jungle cat (F. ckauU>) , little spotted cat (F_. tlgnlna] and
wildcat [f, i,iXv2AitnJ^ ) . There is an important distinction, however:

8 to 10 leopard pelts are needed to make one coat, but 20 to 30 pelts of
these smaller spotted cats are required to manufacture a garment of the
l^same size.

!"Leopard look" fur coats have a limited market in the U.S., but there is
jsome demand here for coats made from two North American species, the
jbobcat [Lynx Aa^jUAjand the Canadian lynx (_L. canad^nA^ ] . Bobcat and
ilynx coats are also exported to Europe and Japan where the demand for
[them is strong; approximately 205,000 skins of bobcat and Canadian lynx
Imoved in international trade in 1980.

109

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, Cayutinu^d

Approximate Numbers of Cat Pelts Reported
In Commercial Trade*

Species

1979

1980

Fe/is geoffroyi (Geoffroy's cat)

115,000

145,000

Lynx rufus (bobcat)

126,000

140,000

Felis Chaus (jungle cat)

90,000

79,000

Felis tigrina (little spotted cat)

46,000

70,000

Lynx canadensis (Canadian lynx)

42,000

64,000

Felis silvestris (wildcat)

7,000

60,000

Felis pardaiis (ocelot)

22,000

45,000

Felis wiedii (margay)

20,000

30,000

Felis colocolo (pampas cat)

10,000

27,000

Felis bengaiensis (leopard cat)

13,000

9,000

Lynx caracal (caracal)

1,000

6,000

Lynx lynx (European lynx)

9,000

5,000

Others

5,000

TOTAL

506,000

685,000

* Includes re-«xpoft8 and exports from countries of origin where the animals are not native. Also includes
a conversion of number of pelts per garment where the number of garments traded was reported.

SOURCE: McMahan, L., The Intemationai Cat Trade,* presented at the Intemationai Oat Symposium,
October 4-6, 1962, in Khtgsville, Texas. Proceedings are in press.

The U.S. and Canada annually conduct studies to determine the number of
animals killed and to estimate population sizes, providing at least some
information on the effect of trade on the lynx and the bobcat. Only
limited information is available, however, on the effect of trade on
Geoffroy's cat, the little spotted cat, and the other small spotted cats.

Despite international efforts, many of the larger cat species still have
not recovered from the demand for their skins. Presumably, excessive
trade could be similarly devastating to the smaller spotted cats.

— Ey L^yida McMahan, TRAFFIC (U.S. A. )

TEXAS ALLIGATORS RECLASSIFIED

The status of the American alligator (Att^gotoA, ) in Texas

has been reclassified under the Endangered Species Act from Endangered
and Threatened in different regions of the State to the less restrictive
statewide category of Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance (F.R.
10/12/83). This action constitutes formal recognition by the USFWS of
the biological recovery of the alligator in Texas. The State may now
institute a comprehensive management plan for the alligator, which could
include a regulated harvest season.

Due to poaching and overhunting for its hide, the American alligator was
listed in 1967 by the Federal Government as Endangered throughout its
entire range. In 1969, the State of Texas closed its alligator hunting
seasons. Subsequently, in response to strict Federal and State protec-
tion, American alligator numbers rebounded in many parts of the species’
range, and it has been gradually reclassified in areas where it is most
secure. In 1977, alligators in most coastal Texas counties were reclas-

110

;6ISLATIVE NEWS, conUmed

l.fied to Threatened, a category which authorized the control of nuisance
limals. The October 12, 1983, reclassification of all American alligators
i Texas to the category of Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance
Its them in the same status as those in Louisiana, where a limited har-
jst of American alligators is allowed under State management and in
icordance with specific State and Federal regulations.

jcent estimates of the American alligator population in Texas have been
ised on aerial surveys, line-transects, and survey questionnaires dating
:om 1975-81. Using a census technique developed for Louisiana’s manage-
snt program, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) indicates
lat numbers of alligators on prime Texas habitat have doubled in the
ast five years. According to TPWD, alligator nest densities are near
le maximum for the habitat, and population growth may have reached opti-
qm levels. On the basis of this information, the USFWS proposed on 13
iptember, 1982, to reclassify all American alligators in Texas.

Ejects of Rule

lie American alligator in Texas is reclassified statewide to Threatened
ue to Similarity of Appearance, the least restrictive category under
tie Endangered Species Act. Authority and responsibility for the manage-
!ent and protection of this animal now rests with the State of Texas under
ecently enacted State statutes. This gives Texas the options to expand
ts nuisance alligator control program and/or to allow the harvest of
lligators in specified counties in accordance with State management pro-
edures and Federal regulations [50 CFR 17.42(a)].

degree of continued protection for the alligators under the new clas-
ification is authorized by Section 4(e) of the Act. It is necessary to
egulate commercial activities in products derived from American alligators
n Texas (as well as Louisiana) because these animals are similar in
ppearance to American alligators from less secure populations, as well
s to other vulnerable crocodilian species that still need law enforce-
lent protection. In accordance with the requirements of CITES, foreign
ommerce in American alligator parts from Texas will not be allowed until
uch time as the State develops a tagging and marking program for harvest-
ed alligators that is consistent with Service regulations and CITES criteria.

he reclassification rule removes American alligators in Texas from the
labitat conservation measures under Section 7 of the Act. Fortunately,
jiuch of the prime habitat is under State or Federal management (includ-
ing a number of national wildlife refuges) , and water storage activities
ire increasing habitat availability. The status of the American alligator
i.n other parts of its range is not affected by this rule,
i

I ---EndangeAe.d Spo^cloA TeckiUc.aI BiMeXln

l/o^. VII, Mo. 11

111

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, CoivUnu^d

REVIEW INITIATED FOR SPECIES LISTED IN 1978

In order to ensure that the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wild-
life and Plants reflects the true biological status of these species,
the Endangered Species Act requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to con-
duct a review of all listed species at least once every five years. The
USWFS published such a notice of intent to review on 8 December in the
FedeAoL. Re.gZ6.teA. if the present species classification is not consis-
tent with the current evidence, FWS may propose changes in the classifi-
cation. The following is a list of species proposed for review.

Wild Species

Common Name

Scientific Name Population Where (Status)!

Endangered/Threatened

Mammals :

Elephant, African

Loxodowta a{)Alcana

Entire

(T)

Wolf, gray

Cavut lupcu

USA (48 cont.

States except

MN) , Mexico

(E)

Wolf, gray

CanZ6 lupiu

USA (MN)

(T) ,

Birds:

Eagle, bald

Hatiazetiu le,uc.oce.phatiL6

USA (48 cont.

States except

WA,OR,MN,WI,MI

(E)

Eagle, bald

Hatlae.etLL6 te.u.c.oce-pkatiu6

USA (WA, OR,MN,

WI,MI)

(T)

Reptiles:

Boa, Mona

EptcAotet mone.yi6Z6 mone,n6t6 Entire

(T)

Iguana, Mona ground

CycZuAa 6te.ine.geAl

Entire

(T)

Rattlesnake, NM

ridge-nosed

C^otatiu MWiaAdt ob6c.uAUL6 Entire

(T)

Snake, eastern indigo

V^ymoAchon C-OAoaA coapeAl Entire

(T)

Turtle, green sea

CkeZonta mydoA

Where found except

where listed as

endangered below

(T)

Turtle, green sea

CkeZonta myda6

Breeding colony pop

* m

in FL, Mexico

(Pacific Coast)

(E)

Turtle loggerhead sea

CoAetta coAetta

Entire

(T)

Turtle, Olive (Pacific)

Ridley sea

Le.ptdoc.kely6 ollvaa^a

Where found except

where listed as

endangered below

(T)

Turtle, Olive (Pacific)

Ridley sea

Le.ptdoc.keZy6 otivaceji

Breeding colony pop

» «

Mexico (Pacific

Coast)

(E)

Fishes:

Darter, leopard

VeAclna pantheAlna

Entire

(T)

Trout , greenback

cutthroat

Salmo cZoAkt 6tonUjCL6

Entire

(T)

Trout, Little Kern

golden

Salmo agaabcnita Lohltet

Entire

(T)

AAZPA New6leXteA, VehmaAy 19S4 and
EndangeAe.d Spe^cte^ Te,chyUcal Battettn, Jan. ’ 84

112

Golden Lion Tamar in
Reintroduction Program Update

On 7 November, 1983, the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological
Park sent 15 captive-bred golden lion tamarin monkeys to the Primate
Center of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, with the goal of reintroducing these
endangered animals into their native environment.

The National Zoo, along with the Brazilian government authorities and the
Primate Center of Rio de Janeiro, hopes to prevent the species' extinction
in the wild, in part, by the annual reintroduction to the Poco d'Anta
Biological Reserve near Rio de Janeiro of as many captive-born golden
lion tamarins as possible. The monkeys flown to Brazil in November were
captive-born residents at a number of American zoos, including the Nation-
al Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, the
San Antonio Zoo, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the King's Island Zoo in Ohio.

These squirrel-sized, long-haired and brilliantly colored golden monekys
are native to the Brazilian Atlantic coastal forests, but are nearly ex-
tinct in the wild. The number of golden lion tamarins surviving is esti-
mated to be as low as 150 individuals. Due to the reduced size of the
wild population and its diminished habitat, the species is considered to
be threatened with extinction. In 1977 the Brazilian Federal Government
established the 12,500-acre Poco d'Anta Biological Preserve in an attempt
to preserve a portion of this Brazilian national animal's rapidly disap-
pearing habitat. If successful, the reintroduction plan will bolster the
number of endangered tamarins in the reserve so that the population may
have a better chance of becoming self-sustaining.

For decades the beautiful and extremely active little monkeys have been
popular in zoo exhibits. Until the 1970s, however, the species rarely
reproduced in captivity and the few offspring born rarely survived.

Aware of the animal's near-extinction in the wild, scientists at the
National Zoo set out 10 years ago to solve the problem of golden lion
tamarin reproduction in captivity. Dr. Devra G. Kleiman, Acting Assis-
tant Director for Animal Programs at the National Zoo, has been in charge
of this project since 1973. Important discoveries were made about the
species' diet, housing requirements, medical care and the required group
size and composition for effective breeding. Most important was the
discovery of the monogamous relationship of male and female and the com-
plex family interaction necessary for rearing offspring. Today, an
excellent understanding of golden lion tamarin captive behavior and care
exists. It was this understanding that allowed the National Zoo to pro-
duce successfully more than 200 of these highly endangered animals,
i Golden lion tamarins are now being bred in many zoos around the world
using data compiled from the National Zoo and other zoo research programs.

Several factors have made it possible to attempt the reintroduction of the
tamarins in the wild. The establishment of the Poco d'Anta Reserve and
the hiring of guards to protect it, the collaborative efforts by zoolo-
gists at the Primate Center of Rio de Janeiro, funding from wildlife or-
ganizations, and the availability of captive-bred animals are among the
most important factors. A National Zoo scientist, Dr. James Dietz, is
now at the Reserve taking a census of the native animal population and
assessing the availability and suitability of golden lion tamarin habitat
for sustaining reintroduced animals. The National Zoo also has an educa-

113

GOLDEN LION TAMARIN REINTRODUCTION PROGRAM UPDATE, Continued

tional specialist, Lou Ann Dietz, working with the people living near th(i
Reserve to encourage an understanding of the tamarin’s plight and the i
importance of preserving the remaining 2 percent of the Brazilian Atlant;]
coastal rainforest. |

For the past six months, the captive-born golden lion tamarins have been j
housed at the Primate Center while undergoing a program of readaptation
to local foods and climate. The animals* survival skills are being sys- i
tematically tested and evaluated by Dr. Adelmar F. Coimbra-Filho , Directc;
of the Primate Center in Rio de Janeiro, and Dr. Benjamin Beck, National |
Zoo Primatologist . Then, should there be suitable habitat available at !
Poco d’Anta, the animals will be released this month into specially builli
cages within the forest and the animals will be conditioned to their nat-
ural habitat. The captive-reared golden lion tamarins will then be re-
leased into the forest with the hope that they will strengthen the reduc-
ed natural population and thus enable the species to perpetuate itself |
indefinitely. If suitable habitat is unavailable, the animals will joln|
the captive propagation program for this species at the Rio de Janeiro |!
Primate Center. i'

ral

Zoos have been widely acclaimed for years as centers of education that '1
increase the public's understanding of wildlife. In the past decade
many zoos have established research programs to utilize more completely
the valuable scientific resources offered by their animal collections.

The long-term maintenance in captivity of species endangered or extinct
in the wild is becoming an increasingly important function of zoos. Whei
habitat is destroyed before wildlife sanctuaries can be established, pre-
servation in zoos has become the only hope for a number of species. Re-
placing lost wild populations with captive-bred animals is an important
long-term objective of zoo captive propagation efforts. "The zoos that |
are providing collaborators in Brazil, and the organizations and indivi- f
dual donors providing financial support for this undertaking may be lay-
ing the foundation for what will become an increasingly important wild-
life conservation practice," says Dr. Christen Wemmer, Acting Director,
National Zoological Park. I

Shown below is the project logo, designed by Bob Bischoff, along with
other staff members in the Office of Graphics and Exhibits, NZP.

114

Education Alternatives...

Wildlife Preservation Trust -

Professional Training Program

Purpose: To train individuals in the techniques of captive breeding of
;i variety of endangered animal species so that they can advance the cause
')f endangered species work and animal conservation in their respective
countries.

background : The Wildlife Preservation Trust is an international non-
, profit organization dedicated to the support of captive breeding of endan-
gered species. It supports projects in captive breeding, field surveys,
rescue missions, research and education. The zoological facility for the
' -ust's work is located on the island of Jersey, Channel Islands, British
Lsles. This facility is both a zoo and breeding/research facility for
endangered species and has a collection of over 100 species of birds,
aammals and reptiles. The International Training Center is an education-
il facility for training in captive breeding and endangered species work;

It combines dormitory, classes and research facilities for students, staff
und visiting scientists.

Program: The training program consists of sixteen, ten or six weeks of

Intensive work in all divisions of the zoo. Trainees work in close con-

:act with zoo staff in all phases of animal keeping and breeding. Each
:rainee spends two weeks in each section and a final two weeks on an inde-
mndent project. Daily duties are supplemented with weekly seminars on a
rariety of topics. The program is flexible in terms of length and focus.

Eligibility; The program is designed for individuals with previous prac-
tical experience with animals: zoo and animal center staff and postgradu-
ates in conservation-related fields.

i^pp llcation: Applications may be obtained from the address below. Sel-
ection is made in July/August of each year. Applications should be sub-
mitted by June 1st for training to begin in the following year.

iDat e s ; Starting date is by arrangement.

Location : Jersey, Channel Islands, British Isles.

Tees : Tuition is free. Full room and board costs approximately $70 per
week. Trainees are responsible for air fares to and from Jersey.

For application and further information write or call:

' Training Program

I Wildlife Preservation Trust International

I 34th Street and Girard Avenue

) Philadelphis, PA 19104

! Telephone (215) 222-3636

3eadline for application for 1985 positions is 1 June 1984.

115

EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVES, Contlnue.d

The Trust will also be offering a three-week summer course on breeding ai
conservation of Endangered Species from 11 August to 1 September 1984.
Following the success of the 1983 summer school, this year’s course agaii
covers mammals, birds and reptiles. The program is intensive and includjl
lectures/discussions, practical instruction with zoo staff, and the re- ,
search, preparation and presentation of individual project using Trust '
facilities for behavioral observation, veterinary investigation, record I
research and reference material. Course Directors are: Mr. J.E. Cooper, j
Senior Lecturer in Comparative Pathology, Royal College of Surgeons of !
England and Dr. S.K. Bearder, Lecturer in Physical Anthropology, Oxford
Polytechnic, England. [

Residential course fee is approximately $675 inclusive. Deadline for ap-
plications is 30 April 1984. Contact for further information at the
above address and phone number.

TAKE HEART!

SubmUZz^d by Helm HuggeXt, VoluLvit^^ GiLldn

UqXao Ton.OYito loolTakzn tho, Ovita/vio Science. CcwOie.

ANIMAL

WEIGHT (KG)

HEART RATE (beats/minute)

Beluga Whale

700-1000

15-16

Elephant

2,000-3,000

25-50

Horse

380-450

34-55

Ostrich

60-70

Human (adult)

70+

50-100 (average 72)

Human (5-9 years)

18-28

68-128 (average 96)

Goat

70-135

Seal

20-25

100

Turkey

8.7

Cat

2.5

110-240

Chicken

1.9

178-458

Rabbit

1.3

167-330

Squirrel

0.6

390 j

Mouse

0.02

480-738

Hummingbird

0.004

615

Shrew

0.004

588-1.320 1

The heart rate in warm-blooded animals (mammals and birds) depends on
body size. The smaller the animal, the faster the heartbeat.

A small animal has a larger surface area relative to its weight, there-
fore it loses body heat more quickly, resulting in a faster heartbeat.

116

Chapter

’t. LOUIS AAZK CHAPTER

!he St. Louis AAZK Chapter is
leased to announce the follow-
ing newly elected officers for
1984;

resident Ann Day

lice President Gary A. Michael

:ecording Sec Lucy Bailey

ireasurer Randy Adolph

jorresponding Sec... Steven McGehee

gt-at-Arms Joe Norton

ictivities in the previous year
Included; tours of specific
uildings on the zoo grounds,
ours of St. Louis area animal
onservation projects, and guest
jpeakers at meetings such as R.
■arlin Perkins and Walter C.
rawford Jr. of the Raptor Re-
abilitation and Propagation
reject Inc. A lawn party was
:eld to which all 200 zoo
mployees were invited and money
as raised for the Chapter. More
ducational activities are planned
or the coming year.

fe are also happy to announce our
jlhapter's participation in the
^LAL program. Any zoo person who
Itlans to visit St. Louis should
l:et in touch with our KAL repre-
iientative, Lucy Bailey, 1231
|j[ighland Terrace, St. Louis, MO
>3117. We have numerous keepers
rho can accomodate visitors. All
jre ask is that you say a few words
jibout your work to our Chapter.

lEMPHIS ZOO & AQUARIUM CHAPTER

jewly elected officers for 1984

jire:

'’resident Robert Evans

KcePresident David Hill

jlec/Treas. ... .Cathy Harrison

TOPEKA ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

Following a month of weekly re-
organizational meetings, the
Topeka Chapter is well on its
way to becoming an avtive, viable
chapter again. Proposed activit-
ies for the coming year include;
the manufacture and sale of items
made from shed hair and moulted
feathers (i.e. jewlery, greeting
cards etc.) at the September
Animal Fair; a display of AAZK
and Keeper information on the
zoo grounds; keeper lectures to
the public; some type of special
event for Zoo and Aquarium month
in June. The Chapter is also
proposing to host a Great Ape
Workshop similar to the Tropical
Habitat Workshop held in 1982.
This event is still in the early
planning stages.

News

Melissa Svoboda of the Kansas
City Zoo AAZK Chapter visited at
one of the Topeka Chapter’s meet-
ings. She shared ideas used by
the KC Chapter and also noted
the importance of communication
between regional chapters. A
regional Chapter meeting was
held March 10 & 11 in Wichita
with representatives attending
from Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Kansas
City, Topeka and Wichita.

Chapteyu axo, <uke,d to ^md tkoJji
new^ ttem to Cooxdtnatox oi
Chaptex Lee. Payne at the

Vetxott Zoo with a eopy at6o 6ent
to the AKf Oi^^teed,

117

PEOPLE AND POLECATS

Jo VavJ.d Pool, VAjiQ,cXon.

Noak’6 Aa-Iz Zoo ■

SuZphuA, LA !

In America, the terms "polecat” and "skunk" are often used to refer to
the same odorous animal. However, the truth is that these two animals
are only far distantly related.

The polecat ( fvlLOSteXa patoAliU ) is the ancestor of the domesticated ferret !
(MiLiteZa pmtoAluA {^UAo) . Its weight of about two pounds and length of
about 16 inches compares favorably with the ferret's weight of 1^^ to 3 '

pounds and length of about 18 inches. The European polecat's whitish- j
yellow lower fur and dark brown surface fur are identical to the most i
common color variation of the ferret. !

The spring breeding season and six weeks gestation period are the same as
that of the domestic ferret. The polecat young are born with short white
hair as are baby ferrets.

Some qualities of the polecat have been eliminated from the ferret by j

selective breeding. For instance, the ferret no longer possesses as |!

strong an odor as the polecat, although ferret males can easily be smell- I
ed. The ferret has lost some of its ancestral aggressiveness; however,
enough of it remained for a colony of feral ferrets to establish themselve
on the islands of Sicily and Sardenia. The domesticated variety is also
not as firmly nocturnal in their habits.

I,;

The European polecat is found near man in suburbs, parks and farms. It !
also lives in more remote fields, meadows and forests. The animal inhabits'
houses and barns where it often nests in the lofts and attics. Away from j
man, the polecat lives in holes in the ground that he tunnels or in those
that have been dug by rabbits and the like.

The species usually sleeps during the day and is active at night. It is
beneficial to farmers because it feeds on rats and mice. The polecat
finds its prey at night relying on its hearing and sense of smell. It i
kills its prey with a neck bite or repeated bites on the snouts of larger j
animals. The polecat's enemies include owls, hawks, foxes, wolves, wild-
cats, dogs and man.

Other extremely close relatives of the European polecat and the domestic
ferret include the Turkish or Siberian polecat ( IkuJitdJia. e.ve/L6ma.nnA,} and [
the Black-footed ferret (Ma6^eXa. yu,g^pQJ> ) . The Turkish species is ^

smaller than the European polecat, whitish in color, and" ranges from east“i|
ern Europe to China. The almost extinct Black-footed ferret of the west-
ern United States is almost identical to the Turkish species; in fact, it j;
is thought that there is a common ancestry of all three species of pole- fl
cats and ferrets.

Bibliography

Grzimek, Bernard. Grzimek' s Animal Life Encyclopedia, Vol. 12 (1972)
Roberts, Mervin F. , All About Ferrets (1977) !

Taylor, Joan, Success With Ferrets (1977) p

^ !

118

LIMITED EDITION

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE AKF TENTH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT

Animal Keepers’ Forum

^ will be ten years old in October 1984. To commemorate ten years of
ontinuous publication, a special T-shirt is being issued.

he Puget Sound AAZK Chapter has taken this on as a fund-raising project
or the 1984 AAZK Conference. All profits will benefit the Conference
nd AKF.

he T-shirts will only be available from October 1983 through October
984. A check must accompany your order. Please allow 3-4 weeks for
Sell very. The price of $7.50 each includes postage and handling. The
hirts are 100% cotton; if you wash or dry at high temperatures, order
I size larger.

AKF COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
' AME

DDRESS:

Color choice: powder blue beige

Size: Small Medium Large Extra Large

ake checks payable to: The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter Conference Account
jail to: Woodland Park Zoological Gardens, 5500 Phinney Ave., N., Seattle,
|A 98103. ATTN: Judie Steenberg

I TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $

The, {iOttowTng "Vo^yUtion^ AvcUJiabte." -tLstlng^ weAe, Ae,CLeylve,d at the, o^itce,
oi AKf, JyutttuttoiU W-tifUng to adveAtt&e. employme-nt opponX-aviitieM cute,
cu>kzd to i>e,yid peAttne.ivt data by the, 15th 0^5 e.ach movith to: Oppontayuty
Knoalu, AKf, 635 Gage. Blvd. , Tope,ka. KS 66606, The. AAZPA ttstlng^ loexe,
not Ae,c.eA,ve.d tn ttme. to tncZude, them tn tkti, month’ .6 t6-6ue.. Tht6 dae,
to a cU.iieAe,ncie. tn de,adLineUi ioA the, two pubticattons, Tho^e, Mt^htng to
tnMUte, tnclcL&ton 0^ thetA tilting tn AKf oAe. cubed to ^end the tn^oAmattoy
dtAeetly to AKf,

Ai/ES KEEPER/ ASSISTANT MAMAGER. . .responsible for care of large number of
birds in Chicago quarantine and holding stations. Current driver's
license, passport and previous experience with birds required. Basic
knowledge of aves medicine, Spanish and carpentry helpful. Contact;

Jill Grade, Station Manager, International Birdhouse, 956 West Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60622 or call (312) 412-5458.

STUVEMT INTERNSHIP, , .availabl e at the Animal rehabili-
tation Center within the Conservancy Nature Center in
Naples, FL. The Animal Rehabilitation Center (Project
A.R.C.) is a community-supported program, where native
injured wildlife are brought in for treatment, and re-
leased, is possible, back to their environment. Intern-
ship involves wildlife, as well as educational programs
and special projects. Interns must be available for up
to five months. Qualifications: a college student or
recent graduate, studying wildlife or related field; some
experience with people and animals; a sincere concern and
interest in working with animals. $55/week stipend, hous-
ing provided. Internships offered year-round. To apply,
submit resume, statement of goals and three references
to: Julie Wasserman, Supervisor, Animal Rehabilitation
Center, Conservancy Nature Center, 1450 Merrihue Drive,
Naples, FL 33942, (813) 262-2273.

n s
1

ZOOKEEPER I... Due to major expansion of our zoological park,
the Jackson Zoo is NOW accepting applications for the
entrance level of Zoo Keepers. Salary range $893-$ 1,298 per month.
Standard benefits. Duties include the general care and maintenance of
a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. Applicants must have a
high school education and some practical experience is necessary. This
is an excellent opportunity to be part of a progressive, expanding zoo-
logical park. Certified candidates will remain on an active list for
six months. Send resume to; James L. Swigert, Director, Jackson Zoologi-
cal Park, 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39209.

LARGE MAMMAE KEEPER. . .responsible for care and maintenance of large mammal
collection. Requires one year zoo experience. Elephant handling experi-
ence preferred. Send resume and references by 30 April to: Michael Tudker
Supervisor of Mammals, Caldwell Zoo, Box 428, Tyler, TX 75710.

120

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name

Check heAc /icnewal [ ]

Address

$20.00 Professional
Vutl-Zimc KccpoMJi

$25.00 International
Kll mmboA^ ouuUZdc the
U.S. and Canada

$10.00 Associate
IndUvldacUU not connected
uottk an antmat coAe iaciUXij

$15.00 Affiliate

Otken. 6taii and volantecu

Vtn.ecton.ij InlonmatZon

$50.00 Contributing

0n.gantzation6 and JndtvtduaLi>
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

Zoo Wo^fe An.ea Spectal Jnten.c6t6

Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

Membership includes a subscription to the Antmat KeepCU' Von.am. The
membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
in the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Antmat KeepeJU ’ fon.um publishes original papers and news items of inter-
est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
articles .

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
size of no more than 6” x 10” (15 cm x 25h cm.). Literature used should
be cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
scientific names.

Articles sent to Antmat Keepe^u' ¥on.um will be reviewed for publication.
No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
addressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
not be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

Anttcte^ pntnted do not necei>6aAtJiy n.eitect the
optnton^ 0^ the Antmat Keepen2> ' Von.um edtXontat
6ta{^l on. oi the Amcntcan ^^octatton oi loo Keepen^.

Items in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
is requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

Topeka , KS 66606

^ond Class

irjstitaiv.fei’e LlferiJirlsa

Animal
Keepers'
R)rum

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Alice Miser
Managing Editor: Susan Chan
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

MAY 1984
VOLUME ELEVEN
NUMBER FIVE

kviunal KmpeJU' fo/LUm (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of AyUmcit Ke.e.peA6’ VoMum, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

( AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS, INC,

NATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V., TOPEKA, KS 66606
V Dolly CloAk, Admlnli>ln.cutlv^ SdcAtLla/iy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP /Conservation & Research Center P/Ld^lddutl

Front Royal, VA 22630 ,

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park i/lcd PA-e^ldd/it'

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614 "

Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010 '

Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN i

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

GoAold Payvid, V2th.0AX loo

Continuing Keeper Education

Jmdld Ste.mbeA.g, iiJoodland Pa/ik

Historical Committee
LdnAy SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jan McCoy, lulcuhlngton PoAk Zoo

International Affairs Coordinator f

Connie Cloak, NashvltCc, TN
Research/Grants Committee !

FAank Kohn, Nallonal Zoological PoAk
Awards Committee I

Hike CAockoA, Vlckc^on PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee
Kevin Conway, NZP/CRC, PAonl Royal i

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Aim, OJoodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
BeAnle Feldman, Topeka Zoo

Library Resource/Book Review

Ellen Leach, Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Gestation

HoAy HuAe, San FAancJj>co Zoo

Program Library

Anne M. Payne, DuIaoTI Zoo

Infant Development

Steve TayloA, Louisville
Keeper Accomodations List
OllveA Cla{^{,ey, UetAo ToAonto

Diet Notebook

South Flo Alda ChapteA, Miami
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

AkAon Zoological PoAk

Diane FoAsyt

Keeper Data Survey

HoAy Slaybaugh, San Antonio S Dave OAndoA^, Sea MoAld SkoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Hike CoApenteA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, DlAectoA

Linda RohA
Vacancy
Gene P^eHeA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne DltlefU
LoAAy SammoAco
Vacancy
Alan ShaAplQj>
Vacancy
Candy Kao it

{JJ,D, Stone HmoAlal Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
DetAoll Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo

Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhlll Woodland PoAk Zoo

Joanle Stinson Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

HE,VT,NH,HA,RI,CT |
NV

PA,NJ,HD,DE

VA,W,VA,DX,

HI ,

IN,0H,KV

WI,IL,HO,HN,IA

TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA

AR, HS, LA

TX,NH,C0,0K,KS,NE,

SD,ND

WA,0R,ID,HT,WV,AK ,1

CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

Aj> month' 6 (10V2A cuvt X6 by Chd^yl LangeA. kt thz timo, tho, d/iawtng M(i6
.bnUtt^d, ChoAyl wcu a Hammat Ktzpz/i at the, Jaaluonvtile. Zoo tn Flo/Uda
d AKf i>ta{^i ha^ ^tnce. loi>t t/iack o^ CheAyl but dOAtaZnly hope, that 6hd
^ an oppontuvUty to heA a/Uwon.k on the. AKf coveA. Thanlu, CheAyll

Scoops — -

and y S^ttlebutt

W AAZK AWARDS COMMITTEE MEMBER NAMED

le AAZK Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Rachel Rogers
) the Awards Committee. Rachel is a Keeper at Miami's Metrozoo. Welcome
loard, Rachel, we appreciate your desire to volunteer your time to the
fards Committee!

)TICE TO MEMBERS ON RENEWAL MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURES

[rer the years there seems to have been a considerable amount of confusion
|i the membership renewal process, especially in reference to how long
member is maintained on the AKF mailing list before being dropped. Hope-
illy the following outline will help explain the renewal process and if
lis format is followed by members, there should be no interruption of
leir AAZK/ AKF mailings.

. One month before a member's expiration date, a card notifying him/her
of their need to renew their AAZK membership is sent. If a member
' sends in their renewal then, there is no interruption in mailings.

|. At the end of the month in which an individual's membership expires,

‘ he/she is sent a "Dear Former Member" reminder card. If an individual
I renews promptly at this time, there is no interruption in mailings.

A member is kept active on the mailing list for ONE MONTH following
the expiration of his/her membership.

|. If a member does not renew his/her membership by the end of the month
following their expiration date, he/she is dropped from the mailing
I list. If an individual then sends in his/her renewal, he/ she will
f be reactivated on the mailing list. However, depending on what time
' during the month the renewal is received, that person may end up
Ij missing two or more copies of the Forum. We have a cutoff date with
our computerized mailing service for inserting additional mailing
labels and if the renewal comes in after this date, that name is not
added to the list until the next month.

. After a member is dropped from the mailing list for (1) failure to

renew or (2) failure to notify National Headquarters of an address

change, and subsequently renews, they are NOT sent back issues which
I they may have missed due to late renewal or failure to notify of an
' address change. These missed issues may be purchased for $1.00 per
copy but will not be sent free.

|l. Members are also reminded that the Association pays a charge of 20c
! per listing each time an individual's name is either deleted or added
! to the computer's mailing list. This is in addition to the 25C postage
I due fee which is assessed when a member moves and does not notify us

I of his/her new address. As you can see, this can become quite costly

I to the Association and so your prompt reply to your renewal notice is
important and greatly appreciated.

ROMPT RENEWAL SAVES AAZK TIME AND MONEY AND ASSURES YOU CURRENT MAILINGS.

121

Births|^ Hatchings

BRONX ZOO ^aAQCvi2X VnJjiz.

B&H for February 1984 include: Mammals - 4.0 Egyptian fruit bat, 3.0
Pen-tailed bettong, 2.0 Wild cavy, 3.3 Blackbuck, 1.0 Nyala, 10.0 Mouflon, j
3.0 Collared peccary, 2.0 Cotton-top marmoset, 1.0 Sugar glider, 1.0
Slender-horn gazelle, 1.0 Saddleback tamarin, 1.0 King-tailed lemur;

Birds - 2 South American yellow winged honeycreeper , 4 Green wood hoopoe,

3 Crested tinamou, 1 Green junglefowl, 4 Inca tern, 4 Lilac-breasted roller,
1 Tawny frogmouth, 3 Congo peacock, 1 Black-rumped hemipode; Reptiles - ji
13 Uracoan rattlesnake.

JACKSONVILLE 700 Anne E. WXgg^n4 j

February and March 1984 B&H include: 0.0.3 Ring-tail lemur, 0.2 Sitatunga
(1 DNS), 0.1 Guanaco, 0.0.1 Nanday conure, 0.0.3 New Guinea snakeneck
turtle and 0.0.1 Aldabra tortoise.

The birth of the Aldabra tortoise [GwchdZoYKL QLQayvtQXi] occurred at the
Jacksonville Zoo on 27 February 1984 after an incubation of 97 days. The
hatchling was one of eight eggs which were deposited in a well-constructed
nest on the evening of 22 November 1983; an additional 12 eggs were laid I

on 2 December 1983 following administration of 250 units of oxytocin. '

Clutches of 15 to 18 eggs were laid between 2 November and 2 December 1983
by two additional females in the breeding group. i

The hatching represents the first reproduction of the Aldabra tortoise in :
the Northern Hemisphere. Previous captive hatchings have been reported
only by the Sydney Zoo, Australia and from the Seychelles Islands, where j

the species was introduced during the last century. For more information !
contact: Dave Collins, Curator of Birds and Reptiles, Jacksonville Zoo.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL PARK Vlano, HcLQ2.y !

B&H for January through March 1984 include: Mammals - 0.1 Ocelot, 0.1.2 ^

Cougar (0.1 DNS), 0.0.1 Dama Wallaby; Birds - 0.0.1 Lesser sulphur-crested j

cockatoo, 0.0.3 Indian ring-necked parakeet, 0.0.8 Fischer's lovebird,
and 0.0.6 Wood duck.

TURTLE BACK ZOO .

Recorded B&H for January through March 1984 include: Mammals - 1.0 Llama, i
2.0 Pygmy goat; Reptiles - 0.0.11 Snake-necked turtle, 0.0.5 Red-eared f
slider; Birds - 0.0.1 Cormorant. I

TOLEDO ZOO iliccAetCe G/ttgo/ie .

March 1984 B&H include: 0.0.5 Orangequits, 0.0.1 Basilisk, 0.0.3 Cuban -
boas and 0.0.1 Sooty mangabey.

TOPEKA ZOO Attce I

January through April 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 1.1 Cotton-headed !

tamarin (DNS), 1.0 Sitatunga, 1.0 Dama wallaby, 0.0.1 Giant Indian fruit
bat; Birds - 0.0.1 Scarlet macaw.

122

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, ConUnaed

PITTSBURGH AVIARY. Xu/U Robbliu

The following hatchings were noted from January to March 1984: 0.0.3
Palawan peacock pheasant (1 DNS), 0.0.2 Goldie's lorikeet, 2.0 Levaillant's
barbet, 0.0.3 Double-barred finch, 0.0.1 Goiildian finch (DNS), 0,0.2
Rothchild's mynah.

Previously unpublished hatchings for 1983 included: 2.6.51 Elegant crested
tinamou (0.0.8 DNS), 0.0.6 Green-backed heron (0.0.5 DNS), 0.0.2 Scarlet
ibis (2 .DNS), 0.0.6 Cape teal (5 DNS), 9.6.2 Tonkinese red junglefowl
(0.0.2 DNS), 1.1.12 Lady Anherst * s pheasant (0.0.4 DNS), 1.3.3 Palawan
peacock pheasant, 2.3.2 Malay argus pheasant, 0.0.43 Common peafowl—
blue, white and pied (0.0.3 DNS), 0,1 West African crowned crane, 1,2.4
Gray-headed gallinule (0,0,3 DNS), 0.0.1 Sun bittern (DNS), 0.1.1 Spur-
winged plover (0.0.1 DNS), 3.0.1 Red lory (0.0.1 DNS), 4.2 Goldie's
lorikeet, 0.0.4 Red-fronted Kakarikl (0.0.3 DNS), 0.0,1 Greater roadrunner
(DNS), 0.0.2+ Speckled mousebird (2 DNS), 3.2 African gray hornbill—f irst
captive breeding was apparently here in 1982, 3.0 Levaillant's barbet,

0.0.3 Double-barred finch ( 3 DNS), 0.0.5 Gouldian finch (4 DNS), 1.0.4
Purple glossy starling, 0.0,2 Purple glossy starling x Blue-eared glossy
starling hybrid - hen unknown 0 (1 DNS), 0.2.3 Rothchild's mynah (0.0,3
DNS), 1.0 White-collared mynah - St/L2.ptocJjtta CLibi.C.oLLi& - probable first
captive breeding.

DALLAS ZOO. .................................................. .TomI JoneA

B&H for March 1984 include; Mammals “ 0.1 Llama, 0.1 Suni (DNS), 1.0
Bactrian camel, 1.1.1 Patagonian cavy, 1.0 Chimpanzee, 1.0 Addax, 0.1
East African oryx; Birds - 0.0.1 Hawaiian goose, 0.0,3 Spur-winged lapwing,
0.0.1 Cape Barren goose, 0.0.2 Jandaya conure; Reptiles ~ 13 Mexican
massasaugas {SjAtHU/mA ARVUA ) .

ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO. ...................................... ,BaAb HaUi^eA

Recent B&H from Winnipeg include: 2 Yak, 1 Lion-tailed macaque, 5 Gambian
pouched rat, 2 Ring-tailed lemur and 1 Parma wallaby.

MIAMI METROZOO. ........................................... Loax BH.ac.kheJjn

March 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 1.0 Reticulated giraffe, 1,0 Lowland
gorilla, 0.1 Ring-tailed lemur, 1.0 Grant's zebra, 1.0 Dama gazelle, 0.1
Scimitar-horned oryx, 0,1 Maxwell's duiker, 2.0 Blackbuck antelope;

Birds - 0.0.12 Ostrich, 0.0,2 Green junglefowl, 0.0.2 Hottentot teal and
0.1.2 Red-crested pochards.

TAMPA— BUSCH GARDENS. ....................................... ,SavLdy MoheA

B&H for March 1984 include: Mammals - 1.0 Scimitar -horned oryx, 0.1
Greater kudu, 0.1 Dromedary camel, 0,3 Thomson's gazelle, 1.0 Addax, 0.2
Roan antelope; Birds - 2 Jandaya conure, 1 Greater sulphur-crested cocka-
too, 1 Stone Curlew, 3 Bare-eyed cockatoo, 4 Sun conure, 2 Black swan,

2 African gray parrot, 2 Pied cockatiel, 2 Scarlet macaw, 3 Hahn’s macaw
and 1 Green-winged macaw.

123

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, ConUnae.d

BROOKFIELD ZOO John S. Stoddcuid

March 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.0.7 White-toothed shrew, 0.0.1
Callimico monkey, 0.0,2 Cotton-topped tamarin, 0.0.2 Golden lion tamarin,
0.0.1 Crab-eating macaque, 0.0.1 Guinea baboon, 0.0.1 Siamang, 0.0.1 Gibbon
Birds - 0.0.2 Red and white crake, 0.0.2 Blue-shouldered robin chat, 0.0.2
Inca tern, 0.0.1 Humboldt penguin; Herps - 0.0.1 Brown anole.

Unusual Acquisition — Also in March, Brookfield Zoo received 2.2 South
American marsupiai possums iVA,omlcJ^op6 au^tAOiZAJi ) as a donation from the
Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago) . These animals were brought
back by a returning field research team that had been studying them in
their native Chile. These small (25-35 g.) marsupials have no common
English name but are called "Monito del Monte" (little monkey of the
mountains) by the locals. They have limited distribution, being found
only in the higher altitude bamboo forests of south central Chile. They
are common within that range, but probably due to their inaccessibility
these are believed to be the only individuals in captivity.

Coming Events

lOTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AVICULTURE

August 1-5, 1984 Redondo Beach, CA

For information, write, AFA, P.O. Box 1568, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 or
call (213) 372-2988.

AAZPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 9-13, 1984 Miami, FL

1984 NATIONAL AAZK CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK. See information on registra-
tion and accomodations in this issue of AKF.

124

FINAL CALL FOR AAZK AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Deadline - June h 1984

This is the last call for nominations for 1984 AAZK awards. This month
features the last segment of a three-part series on the AAZK awards. The
March and April issues of AKF discussed the Excellence in Zookeeping and
Meritorious Achievement awards. This month features the CERTIFICATE OF
MERIT FOR ZOOKEEPER EDUCATION.

The CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FOR ZOOKEEPER EDUCATION is given the zoo most
actively promoting educational programs for zookeepers. Keeper training
courses, staff seminars, and reimbursement for formal education are obvious
examples of such programs. If you feel that your zoo merits such an award,
please submit a brief letter of nomination, mentioning specific educational
programs at your zoo.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Any North American zoological institution or aquarium is eligible.

2. The keeper training program must have been in existence for at
least a year.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

This award will be given to the zoo most actively promoting
educational programs for zookeeper s—keeper training courses,
staff seminars, and reimbursement for formal education, etc.

If you feel that your zoo merits such an award, please submit
a letter of nomination, mentioning specific education programs.

THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF AWARD NOMINATIONS IS JUNE 1, 1984.

Send nominations to:

Mike Crocker
AAZK Awards Committee
Dickerson Park Zoo
3043 North Fort
Springfield, MO 65803

CORRECTION: Jn RobeAt BeAgafUeA’^ cwUcZo,, "A ZoofeeepeA'^ Ro^iUcMon^
oi PeAu" ll/ol. 11, No. 3, MoAch 19B4 AKF), the. authoA ImdoeAte-wtly
note,d Eacc Han Vantkan'-6 book cl& ”ChaAA,ot6 o^ ViAe.'\ It should have.
be.e.n '*ChaAloti> oi the. GocU".

125

ANIMAL MAMAGENENT CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

Submitted By Judie Steenbe/ig
Coo/LcilnatoA. AAZK Education Committee

In the January AKF, page 6, information was
given on testing for certification in the
correspondence course, Animal Management ,
offered by the National Extension College,
Cambridge, England. It has been suggested
that the certification exam be given in con-
junction with the annual AAZK Conference; the
test would be given the day before the Confer-
ence begins.

The Education Committee is looking into this
possibility and would like your help. If you are taking the course, or
have taken it, and would be interested in being tested on it at the upcom-
ing AAZK Conference in October, please write to Judie Steenberg, 9550 2nd
Ave., N.W. , Seattle, WA 98117. Although there might not be many students
ready to take the certification exam this year, we want to make the op-
portunity available to any who are. Please pass the word to anyone you
know who is taking the course.

**************

Following is a list of references on captive mammal management that was
received from Douglas Richardson, Rowlett’s Zoo Park, England. A note
that accompanied the list stated:

"...when I started in Zoos, I had difficulty in finding pertinent
material. In fact I still meet Keepers and Curators who are at
a loss to find any books or periodicals which pertain to zoo ani-
mals. Many of these books are available from

Wildlife Publications Review
520 N. Dixie Hwy.

Hollywood, FL 33020."

Wild Animals in Captivity, Hediger

The Psychology & Behavior of Animals in Zoos and Circuses, Hediger
Man and Animal in the Zoo, Hediger (This is a must)

International Zoo Yearbook, Vol. 1-22, Zoological Society of London
International Zoo News, Zoo Centrum, London

The Dodo, Annual Report of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust

The U.F.A.W. Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals,

U.F.A.W.

Patterns of Mammalian Reproduction, Asdell (second edition)

Animal Management , Vol. I-III, National Extension College, Cambridge, GB

The Care and Capture of Wild Animals, Young

Management of Wild Mammals in Captivity, Crandall

Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals, Fowler

Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, Fowler

126

CONTINUING KEEPER EDUCATION COLUMN, CowUnue^d

Mammal Reference List, con’t

Handbook of Zoo Medicine, Klos and Lang
Breeding Endangered Species in Captivity, Martin
Mono tr ernes and Marsupials, Collins

International Symposium on Breeding Non-human Primates for Laboratory

Use, Beveridge

Feeding and Nutrition of Non-human Primates , Harris
Zoonoses of Primates, Fiennes

Captivity and Behavior , Erwin, Maple, Mitchell

The Biology and Conservation of the Callitrlchidae, Kleiman

The Squirrel Monkey , Rosenblum, Cooper

Gibbon and Siamang, Vol. 1, Rumbaugh

Orang-utan Behavior , Maple

Gorilla Behavior, Maple, Hoff

Otters, Harris

The Giant Panda, Barzdo

The Giant Panda, Jing, Yangwen

International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, Vol. I-III, Blomquist
(Many other studbooks contain management articles)

The World's Cats, Vol. I-III, Eaton
Wild Elephants in Captivity, Adams
The Asiatic Wild Horse, Mohr

The Biology and Management of an Extinct Species; Fere David * s Deer,

Beck, Wemmer

Reproductive Behavior in Ungulates, Fraser

The Behavior of Ungulates and Its Relation to Management , Geist, Walther

Does anyone out there have a similar list on birds, reptiles or other Zoo-
related subjects that they are willing to share? If so, please send it to
Judie Steenberg at the previously listed address.

********

More Register for Staff Exchange

6ubmXtte.d by Etayidn.a Aunt

Exchange. CooKdyinato^

We have a few more zoos that have registered themselves for inclusion on
our master list, as published in the March, 1984 issue of AKF.

Persons interested in working on exchanges should check the list for
registered institutions. If your place of work is listed, then first try
talking to the contact person whose name is included; that person has all
the information, including the complete master list, published and dis-
seminated to date. If you have any difficulty or further questions, write
or call Elandra Aum at Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle,
WA, 98103.

127

CONTINUING KEEPER EDUCATION COLUMN, Continued

Additions to the previously published Master List are:

Denver Zoological Park, Denver, CO Ed Schmitt

Kings Dominion Wild Animal Safari, Dowell, VA David Jeffers/Don Goff

Knoxville Zoological Park, Inc., Knoxville, TN — Sam A. McCoig
Memphis Zoological Park, Memphis, TN — - Charles G. Wilson

Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville, IN Lynn Griese

Sacramento Zoo, Sacramento, CA Steve Taylor

In addition, the following changes or corrections should be noted on the
original master lists:

For Northwest Trek, the correct spelling for the contact person's name
is "Greg Starypan".

For the Philadelphia Zoo, the contact person's name should be "Rick Beyer".
For the Como Zoo, the contact person's name should be "John Fletcher".

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BEAR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT (IBA)

ENCOURAGES KEEPER INVOLVEMENT/OFFERS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

6ubniitte,d by Van C. HuaXh, IBA-Zoo CooKdlyhotoK

The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is
an international organization made up of scientists, managers, and lay
persons with an interest in bears. The purpose of this organization is
to foster communication and cooperation in the management, research and
protection of bears and their habitat. A newsletter is issued quarterly
and an international conference is held every third year. Annual member-
ships is U.S. $7.00 for regular and $5.00 for students. Group member-
ships, e.g. AAZK Chapters, are available for $7.00, and is payable to:

International Bear Biology Association
Brian L. Horejsi, Secretary/Treasurer
Box 3129, Station B
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2M 4L7

Zoo personnel are encouraged to join this multi-dimensional bear group.
Many have already actively participated in the formation of ad hoc,
committees, and in the presentation of poster sessions and papers on
spectacled bears and sloth bears at previous conferences. If you are
conducting research on bears in captivity, or are interested in problems
of both captive and wild populations of bears, consider joining IBA. We
welcome your input.

128

SPECTRUM

Quality exotic animal diets
Fixed formulation
Nutritionally balanced
Economical

NBI

Frozen feline diets
Frozen bird of prey diets
Frozen canine diet

Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts,
livers, rib, shank, and knuckle bones

Zu/Rieem®

Feline canned
Primate canned
Marmoset canned

Omnivore dry
Primate dry

a Banana flavored primate, 1 5% protein
Banana flavored primate Pro-Plus, 25%
SPECTRUM protein

Omnivore dry
Polar Bear dry
Ratite dry

Hoofstock supplement, with Selenium

When you need a complete line of high-quality dry,
canned, and frozen animai diets for your feeding program,
call Animai Spectrum today.

AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE NOW AVAILABLE

Entitled Zoo Keeper Safety, An Attitude Adjustment, this first tape at-
tempts to create a safety attitude and presents a systematic safety
approach to the job of zoo keeping. All proceeds generated from the
sale of training tapes will be used to finance production of future
training tapes.

AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE BUYER

1) The tape may not be duplicated or made available to any person or
institution for the purpose of duplication.

2) The tape may not be utilized for any commercial purpose.

I, the undersigned, accept responsibility for the restrictions listed
above.

NAME; (TYPE OR PRINT)

SIGNATURE: DATE:__

ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION:

SHIPPING ADDRESS;

ZIP

TELEPHONE: ( )

TAPE TITLE:

FORMAT: BETA VHS 3/4 INCH

$25.00 $25.00 $35.00

Make checks payable to: "AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PROJECT".

Mail to: B. Wayne Buchanan

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103

Great Ape Clu'^■C"^emon\i^

SEPARATION DEPRESSION IN AN
ADULT FEMALE ORANGUTAN

JokvL B^jOLYlYtimi
kYUjnal. T (KLhvbidJjCLYi
Kamca City Zoo, Kayii>ca City, MO

On 22 September 1983, an eleven-year-old female Bornean orangutan, Suai,
came to the Kansas City Zoo on a trade from another zoo. This individual
had been mother-raised with the male until about the age of five. Since
that time she had been living in a mixed group of young adult orangs of
various ages. She had never, according to her keepers, been isolated from
other orangutans for any extended periods of time.

At the time the Kansas City Zoo maintained 1.1, 21-year-old wild-born
Bornean orangutans, Timmy and Tammy, who were housed together on exhibit.
These two orangs have been in residence at the Kansas City Zoo for nearly
twenty years where they have produced three surviving offspring, all of
which were hand-raised. Never had these two shared their quarters with
other adult orangutans.

When Suai arrived she was placed in a transfer cage in which a screen-
covered window had been installed to allow visual, auditory, and olfactory
contact with the two resident orangutans. The plan was to provide free
contact via the window between Suai and her future companions and concur-
rently give Suai periodic access to both the indoor and outdoor enclosures
for 3-4 weeks before attempting an introduction. It was hoped that this
would allow ample time for Suai to become acquainted with all aspects of
her new environment and give the older pair of orangs a chance to adjust
to Suai’s presence.

Unfortunately, in transit, Suai had sustained severe abrasions to her
knuckles and had lost two teeth in attempts to escape the shipping crate.
She had lost some blood and her face was somewhat swollen. The first
concern was her physical condition. Immobilization and examination by the
staff veterinarian on the morning following her arrival revealed that al-
though her injuries were severe they were localized and it was thought
that her condition was not critical.

During her first day in her new surroundings Suai spent almost all of her
time huddled in the rear corner of the enclosure. A variety of food items
were offered but all except a few bites of banana were refused.

By the second morning the swelling in Suai’s face was greatly reduced and
her hands appeared improved. Her behavior had not changed, however.

Keepers continued offering her a variety of food items in various forms
including flavored milk which she accepted in small quantities. Her
enclosure had been provided with a variety of play objects such as ropes,
burlap bags, boxes, etc. but these were ignored. The only times she would
move were to occasionally come to the front of the enclosure to take a
drink of milk from a keeper or to look through the window at the two orangs
on the other side.

131

SEPARATION DEPRESSION IN AN ADULT FEMALE ORANGUTAN, ConUnu^d

The third day brought no change. Her depressed behavior could not be
attributed solely to her physical discomfort. Concern now shifted from
her physical to her psychological condition. The zoo at which she had
formerly resided was contacted in hopes of finding a special toy, favorite
food item, or any other suggestion that might help lessen her depression.

All ideas were tried but nothing seemed to significantly improve her con-
dition. This continued through the first week.

On 30 September, the eighth day of residence, Suai was released alone into
the outdoor enclosure for the first time. Inclement weather earlier in
the week had prevented an earlier release into this exhibit. It was
hoped that the more spacious open-air enclosure might provide some stimu-
lus which would begin to bring her out of her depressed state. To the
disappointment of the zoo staff, Suai, upon entering the exhibit moved
to the opposite corner, sat down in her characteristic huddle and did not
move the rest of the day. When it came time for her to return to her
indoor quarters for the evening she would not move. All attempts to coax
her back inside were futile. Since the weather was mild more drastic
measures to get her inside did not seem warranted. Keepers left her with
free access to the indoor enclosure.

The next morning she was found in exactly the same spot she had been left
in the previous evening. The food that had been left for her had not
been touched.

It had been the consensus of the zoo staff throughout the week that one of
the major sources of Suai’s stress was that she had never before been separ-
ated from conspecif ics . An early introduction with the older female, Tammy,
had been discussed. Considering the risk involved in a premature introduc-
tion and the uncertainity of success in changing Suai's behavior, this
action had been delayed.

With all other obvious alternatives exhausted it was decided to proceed
with the introduction at once. Tammy was separated from the male and
released into the outdoor enclosure with Suai. The moment Suai saw Tammy
in the doorway she rose to a bipedal stance with eyes fixed on the larger
orangutan. Tammy, seeing Suai at nearly the same instant, stopped in her
tracks and stared at her new cagemate. Neither orang seemed alarmed. On
the contrary, Suai's expression appeared to be less distressful that it
had all week and Tammy’s appeared to be one of mild curiosity. After
mutual appraisal for about half a minute, the two orangs began moving
towards each other. To the relief of the onlooking staff members, Suai
approached Tammy with an outstreatched arm and the two began investigating
and grooming each other. Within minutes both were circumambulating the
exhibit together. Suai followed Tammy up poles and ropes provided in the
exhibit. This was by far the most activity seen from Suai since her arrival.
Food was tossed into the exhibit in hopes that her appetite had improved as
well. She immediately began eating apples, bananas, celery and primate
biscuits, items that she had thusfar refused or only nibbled.

This remarkable reversal in Suai's behavior has continued. As of 1 March
1984, she and Tammy are still getting along very well. Suai had adapted
well to her new environment. The injuries she sustained in shipment proved
to be slow-healing. Both hands had to be casted for nearly three months.

At present both hands are healed and an introduction with the male orang,
Timmy, is scheduled to take place soon.

132

SEPARATION DEPRESSION IN AN ADULT FEMALE ORANGUTAN, CoyuUnu^d

Loss of appetite in captive primates is usually attributed to depression,
illness, or environmental changes (Erwin and Deni, 1977). In this case
any or all of these factors may have been involved.

Depression associated with separation has been widely studied in captive
primates, particularly in regard to mother-infant separations and juvenile-
age peer separations (see Erwin, Maple, and Mitchell, 1979, for review).

Typically responses to separation in these cases follow the pattern des-
cribed by Bowlby (1961); (1) an initial period of protest followed by
(2) depression or withdrawal and (3) a period of detachment upon reunion.
Erwin ^ (1971) observed this pattern in mother-infant and juvenile-

age peer separations in rhesus macaques except that no detachment period
was seen during mother-infant reunions. The Bowlby pattern including
detachment was observed in an orangutan mother-infant separation and re-
union (Nadler and Codner, 1983). Separation of socialized rhesus juveniles
of slightly older age than those observed in the previously cited study
resulted in hyperactivity with no evidence of depression or withdrawal
(McKinney et al . , 1972). These authors suggested age differences in re-
sponses to separation.

Chronic depression as a result of temporary separation in a mother/peer-
raised, well-socialized adult great ape may be an unusual situation. In
the case described here, Suai exhibited protest, which resulted in her
injuries, and prolonged depression. In addition to separation from famil-
iar peers, stress from physical injury and subjection to a totally foreign
environment were factors which probably contributed to her depression.

What is particularly interesting from this observation is that her behavior-
al reversal was so immediate and complete in response to an introduction
with an unfamiliar peer in an unfamiliar environment.

References

Bowlby, J., 1961. Separation anxiety; a critical review of the
literature. J. Child Psychol. Pyschiat. 1; 25 1-269.

Erwin, J. and Deni, R. , 1979. Strangers in a strange land; abnormal
behaviors or abnormal environments? In J. Erwin, T. Maple, and
G. Mitchell (Eds.) Captivity and Behavior — Primates in Breeding
Colonies, Laboratories and Zoos . New York; Van Nostrand Rheinhold
Co., pp. 1-28.

Erwin, J., Maple, T., and Mitchell, G., 1971. Separation of rhesus

monkey juveniles of the same sex. J. Abnorm . Psychiat . 78; 134-139.

McKinney, W.T., Suomi, S. J. , and Harlow, H.F., 1972. Repetitive peer
separations of juvenile-age rhesus monkeys. Arch. Gen. Psychiat.

27; 200-203.

Nadler, R.D. and Codner, M.A. , 1983. Maternal separation and reunion
of an infant orangutan. Primates 24(1); 67-76.

133

Zookeeper Husbandry Fundamentals Manual Update

The Committee that is working on the manual is currently
attempting to 1) organize itself into several working groups
and 2) formulate a format for material submission. Anyone
interested in participating in this project by providing des-
criptive articles on all types of techniques and other husban-
dry procedures should contact either Pat Sammarco or Jim Ellis
by filling out the form below.

NAME

ADDRESS

DESCRIPTION OF INTEREST AREA AND MATERIAL TO BE PRESENTED

Send completed interest survey to either: Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo,
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614 or Jim Ellis, Teaching Zoo, Santa
Fe Community College, P.O. Box 1530, 3000 NW 83 St., Gainesville, FL
32602.

134

l\/nv^0HWHypipJ cOMe to. me MmcoNFEmwe in

^EmuEFJl

....BECAUSE YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS THE CONFERENCE IN SEATTLE!!

September 30 - October 4, 1S84

Actually it rains less in Seattle than in Miami Beach, Florida. Sunshine
has also been ordered for that week and is currently being stored in the
zoo commissary. Tacoma also promises sunshine for their midday barbecue
on Wednesday at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, to be followed by a
nice, warm evening under the stars at Northwest Trek. All this plus the
wine and cheese party to be held at the Seattle Aquarium Monday night will
give you a unique opportunity to visit four major zoological facilities in
the Pacific Northwest. PLUS, with Portland’s Washington Park Zoo and
Canada’s Vancouver Aquarium only 3^ hours away, you can easily see five
to six major institutions for the price you’d usually pay for one. This
is a conference package you just can’t afford to miss!

Look what else this package includes;

A large hospitality suite with a patio and a view of the city,
open Saturday-Thursday .

The Traditional Icebreaker and a lunch on Thursday both catered
by the Madison Hotel, known for its wonderful cuisine.

Five coffee breaks with something extra.

You’ll have time on Monday to explore the city, take a trolley
ride along Seattle’s Waterfront, have salmon dinner (or anything
you like) at an outdoor cafe with a view of Puget Sound, then
meet at the Aquarium for tours and wine and cheese.

Besides the Hotel lunch and the barbecue by Point Defiance, the
Woodland Park Zoo Docents will serve lunch during your day at
the Zoo, and dinner the same day will be provided by our
Zoological Society.

Our banquet will be at the World Famous Space Needle. Dinner
will be buffet style to please all the big appetites.

When you think of the unique opportunity to participate in workshops,
paper sessions, tours and just exchanging ideas with keepers from four
Northwest zoos and aquariums, plus other keepers from all over the world,
how can you pass it up?! It’s a professional opportunity that can’t be
beat; the National Conference ^ where it’s at.

Added Note; For all those registered with the Madison Hotel by August
15th, we will have a drawing for three free nights (to be deducted from
your hotel bill). If we fill 60 rooms, we’ll be able to draw for four
more nights, and with 70 rooms, another five nights! Remember that two to
a room is ideal and four is the hotel maximum, which is, frankly, a bit
tight. (Additional $10.00 per person per night over two). The more help
we get from you to fill these rooms, the more we can help you. And besides
that, the hotel is beautiful!

SEE YOU AT THE 1984 AAZK CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 4!

PLEASE START THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU'LL BRING FOR THE AUCTION.

136

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984

Please type or print. One name per form.

Return form with your fee to:

Mary Bennett, Registration Coordinator
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 625-5488

Make checks payable to Puget Sound Chapter AAZK.

Deadline for Pre-registration is August 15, 1984.

1984 Registration

Name

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/COUNTRY

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

ZOO AFFILIATION IF APPLICABLE

AREA OF INTEREST

VEGETARIAN YES NO

WILL BE SUBMITTING PAPER YES NO^

($20.00 will be refunded on acceptance of paperl

AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:

MEMBER OR SPOUSE

$50.00 each

NON-MEMBER

$70.00 each

LATE FEE

$15.00

(After Aug. 15th)

TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED

ONE DAY RATES FOR INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE
CONTACT MARY BENNETT FOR INFORMATION.

Are you interested in purchasing a conference T-shirt?

YES NO Size S M L XL

(This will help us provide adequate inventory)

MADISON

800-426-1172 Out of State

H 07 E L • S E ATT LE

800-851-8010 In State

515 Madison

Seattle, WA 98111 (206) 583-0300 Local

Each of the Madison's 575 guest rooms has its own seating area with sofa
and chairs, from which you can enjoy a sweeping view of Puget Sound and
the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

Special room rates for the conference delegates are: $55.00 single

$60.00 double

Use the toll free number (800 number) to make your reservations, and
identify yourself as being with the American Association of Zookeepers.

If you wish to be matched with a roommate, let the hotel know when you
call, and they will attempt to do so.

Transportation from Sea-Tac Airport to the Madi son is easy! Just take
the Airporter bus directly from the airport to the hotel. The Madison
is the first stop! It leaves every half hour from United Airlines Bag-
gage Terminal, and the ride takes 20 mi nutes--Cost $4.75.

CALL FOR PAPERS

This year's topic for presentation papers, WORKING IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS:
TODAY AND TOMORROW, was chosen to encourage all conference delegates to
participate in writing about their professions. Working in zoos and
aquariums today is complex, challenging, and exciting, requiring many
skills such as public speaking, computer use, construction technique and
nutritional analysis, in addition to caring for animals. The ability to
share this knowledge and to educate others is a great asset. In the
future, it will be even more important to exchange ideas and information.

Papers will be limited to 20 minutes with a 5-minute question/answer
period. Please submit an outline or abstract by July 15, 1984. AAZK
national committees that plan to have meetings at the conference should
submit time and meeting space requirements by this date.

Send papers, information, or questions to:

Phil Pennock
AAZK Conference
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98103-5897

VACATION SUGGESTIONS FOR

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES

B, Wayne. Buchanan
Woodland ?a/ik Zoological GaA.de.n6
Seattle, WA

If you're planning on attending the National Conference this fall in
Seattle, you'll be in the northwest during a period offering great wild-
life watching opportunities. The fall migration season will be in pro-
gress creating numerous areas of wildlife concentration in Oregon, Cali-
fornia, and Washington. Here are some of ray favorite areas to visit at
that time of the year. When combined with a drive along the Oregon pic-
turesque coastline they form a large, convenient, loop auto trip.

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge - located in part of extreme
northern California, and in part of extreme southern Oregon, this refuge
is perhaps the premiere waterfowl area in North America. They can number
in the millions. A visit here after the Conference would give slightly
better odds of seeing a heavier concentration. This is also a major
wintering area for Bald Eagles. Some of these birds should also be pre-
sent, For more information contact:

Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
Route 1, Box 74
Tule Lake, CA 96134
(916) 667-2231

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge - located in southeastern Oregon,
this refuge is only an hour or two from Klamath NWR. This area offers a
good variety of typical prairie bird life with many possible migrants.

The primary attraction here is the swift and keen-eyed pronghorn antelope.
Once on the brink of extinction, this unique North American antelope is
common here. However, they can be easily overlooked. Mule deer and, with
a little luck (or a lot of hard work), California bighorn sheep can also
been seen. For moire information contact;

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
P.O. Bix 111
Lakeview, OR 97630
(503) 947-3315

Malheur Wildlife Refuge - located 42 miles from Hart Mountain NWR,

Malheur offers one of the greatest variety of wildlife watching in the
U.S. In the fall one of the major attractions is the gathering of sand-
hill cranes in preparation for migration —7,000-plus are possible. Swans
and other waterfowl are here in large numbers, also white pelican, shore
and wading birds, and raptors. Golden Eagles are fairly common. Mule
deer and coyote are common. Pronghorn antelope, porcupine, beaver and
weasle are possible. This is one of my favorite areas. For more infor-
mation contact;

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 113
Burns, OR 97720
(503) 493-2323

139

VACATION SUGGESTIONS FOR 1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES, Con’t

This has been only a brief listing of the highlights of these areas. There
are many other animals possible as well as some very notable geographical
points of interest. 1 will be traveling to these areas the week prior to
the Conference. Though I cannot offer transportation to anyone, I will be
glad to help with questions, information, or other assistance. I would
also welcome the company of other AAZK members.

Whether you visit these or other areas of interest, I strongly encourage
you to take advantage of being in this region by adding some enjoyable
vacation time to your conference trip.

Information Please

We would appreciate any information on actual recorded birth weights
(and other relevant data such as sex, gestation, etc. of the animals)
of Reticulated giraffes. Send information to the Rocky Mountain Chapter
Information Committee, c/o Denver Zoo, City Park, Denver, CO 80205.

We have been releasing black bears born at our facility into the wild as
yearlings, but we need more information. If you have knowledge of cap-
tive black bears released into the wild, contact Doug Carmichael, Curator,
Municipal Black Bear Habitat, 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 or call
(615) 436-5423, Ext. 128.

I would like to hear from anyone having information on training
parrots and cockatoos to do tricks for an exhibition. Send to:
Endangered Species, Inc., Rt. 3, Box 410, Trenton, FL 32693.

macaws ,
The

140

Primate Profiles

SIAMANG BIRTH AT THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO

LLbci HambuAgeA^ Ape, KeepeA
San F/iancXsao Zoo, San VA.ancJj>co , CA

The San Francisco Zoo and Ape Keepers John Alcaraz and Lisa Hamburger are
proud to announce the birth of twin Siamangs [SympkaJiangaA -6 yndactytaA ) —
iwe believe the first recorded in captivity. The female Siamang gave birth
unassisted during the night of 9 March, The twins were spotted in the early
morning, Saturday, 10 March 1984, and the next day were identified as two
males.

One had swelling and edema in both legs, we believe, from the birth process.
The swelling did not abate until Monday morning, 12 March. Neither twin was
[removed during this period from the mother, and the edema abated naturally.
The male Siamang was in the cage during and after the birth. On Sunday,

11 March, the female was separated into the nightquarters to ascertain that
both infants were healthy and nursing. Upon verification, the mother was
released with her tightly clinging duo and reunited with her mate. She was
[given access to the entire cage (cage description; 25x25x50' cyclone fence
oblong, hanging branches, access through flap door to heated concrete and
wood nightquarters) .

In addition to their normal diet of cooked sweet potatoes, apples, bananas,
bread and monkey chow, we have added mirror leaf (cop-^asma) , cooked horse-
meat, and 8 ounces of milk supplemented with one dropper (1 ml) of liquid
vitamins, to the nursing female's diet.

The female Siamang is a six-and-one-half-year-old primaparous mother, born
9-13-77, on breeding loan from the Jackson Zoo, MS. The male is wild-
naught, est. birth 1972, also from the Jackson Zoo. He has sired two pre-
vious offspring at the San Francisco Zoo; one DNS, the other, a female, was
'sent back to the Jakcson Zoo for an unrelated female—the present mother.

Housed approximately 50 yards away in a similar structure is our Siamang
[pair who have produced the most offspring in captivity— to date 10 off-
spring. These progeny are on breeding loans throughout the United States,
with first and second generations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. The
breeding pair are in their 20 's, arriving at the zoo in 1962. Their two
, most recent offspring, two females aged Ih and 3% years, live with them. A
\5h year old son was shipped out in December 1983 to the Gibbons and Gal-
ilinaceous Birds Center. It brings to four the number of individuals in
laach Siamang family group (1.3 and 3,1).

Each day the two groups participate in several ear-splitting territorial
[calls, loud hooting back and forth, together and independently. Each
iindividual participates in the group effort and when separated responds
iljfrom whatever part of the zoo he or she is in.

It was amazing to see the twins which looked almost like one baby with
four arms and legs tucked so close to mama's belly and chest, held up by
j.ier knees. But there they are, two healthy twin male Siamang babies!

.Doing fine so far. ^

141

THE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN:

A SUITABLE CASE FOR TREATMENT

Rtfee CloAk, VomoA K2,<ip2A
J2A&Q,y Zoological Pcuik, Channel l6.
and

Doug UlchoAditOn, Keeper
HoMlctt6 Zoo PoAk, Kent, England

Most people who read this journal regularly will be familiar with the
Species Survival Plan (SSP) as outlined by the AAZPA and which was the
subject of an "open house" discussion at the AAZK Conference in Phila-
delphia.

In crude terms, the object of each species-specific SSP is to formulate
long-term plans of management for endangered species thus assimilating I
all pertinent data - e.g. the number of animals involved, their sex ratio,!
the hold capacity of the institutions concerned, projected capacity of I
those institutions, etc. - in an effort to monitor the healthy develop-
ment of the captive population (1.). The eventual aim is to have each
relevant species achieve a genetically balanced "population pyramid"
with younger, more vital animals providing the base and working up through
the bulk of the breeding population to the older animals at the apex.
Surplus animals go to form bachelor groups or are euthanized.

At the present time, the SSP proposals are a response to management dif-
ficulities encountered in U.S. zoos, but there can be little doubt that
such schemes will evolve sympatrically in Europe and elsewhere as major
collections grapple with similar problems. The SSP then, has an inter-
national significance even at this early stage.

While a great deal of the initial reaction to the SSP has been emotional
(with particular reference to euthanasia) , the urgent need for improved
long-term management of endangered species is obvious — as are the con-
flicting values inherent in the proposals.

In the sense that each SSP will provide closer scrutiny of the captive
population and greater accountability of member institutions, these pro-
posals are long overdue. If we accept this to be true, then it is neces-
sary to examine the fine print of the SSP. I|

Among other criteria proposed, it is said that feasability in captivity
is concomitant with placing a given species on an SSP program. This
includes availability of adequate facilities and mastery of husbandry
for the species. (2.). As any keeper will testify, it is the absence of
adequate facilities which is the irritating norm and is a failing common-
place in the zoo-world. Much harder to prove and dangerous to propose
is the absence of required animal husbandry skills. Perhaps more dif-
ficult to ignore are the propagation figures for Snow Leopards in 1981
when the world's zoos recorded a net gain of 8.1% for this species.

If conservation were a multi-national corporation then the board would
be asking questions! However, we do not suggest that Snow Leopards should
not be accorded the benefits of an SSP. We only urge that management
compentence should not be presupposed too readily for any species.

Another related question is the vitality of the captive population. A
species such as the Amur Leopard may well be eligible for SSP, but this
becomes complicated when the history of the species is examined. Nearly

142

THE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN: A SUITABLE CASE FOR TREATMENT, CoyvUnuzd

all the captive stocks derive themselves from two pairs— the original
wild-born ancestors being deceased. In fact most individuals of all
three races of Studbook Registered Leopard races derive their ancestry
from only 8 to 10 individuals. The point we are trying to make here is
I that we should take care to recognize that our breeding programs and SSP
|i initiatives do not help to conceal the very flaws which they are (hope-
( fully) designed to correct.

tWe would like to propose that this journal become a focus for discussion
of the SSP concept and all the argument surrounding it.

I Perhaps we could invite comment on the following: An SSP could be seen

tin a disadvantageous light if, in the actual process of moving animals
around and checking records, will the rate of propagation in some species
i|(be effectively slowed down? Also, if animals are to be moved around on
a regular basis in order to implement SSP objectives, does this not ex-
pose greater numbers of important specimens to disease and accident?

Will it be a straightforward procedure to pull replacement specimens from
the surplus stock poll which will be differently structured socially from
the main breeding populations?

: There will, of course, be many more questions than answers with regard to
! the long-term management of zoo animals. However, we hope this in itself
lidoes not discourage open discussion.

;i References

1. The role of zoos and aquariums in captive propagation of rare and
endangered species - AAZPA Newsletter, August 1981 - Nancy Muckenhirn.

2. AAZPA Report - May 1981 - Tom Foose

3. The 1981 annual report of the captive Snow Leopard population -
International pedigree book of Snow Leopards III - L. Blomquist.

4. International Zoo Yearbook No. 19 - A.H. Shoemaker

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS ANNOUNCED

I The National Audubon Scoiety Expedition Institute has announced a grant
and scholarship program for high school, college and graduate students.
The 1984 awards are designed to defray an individual’s expenses while
attending school or completing a project, internship or summer program
of the person’s choice.

Application forms and instructions for grants up to $500 are available
until July 1984 by sending a self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to:
Scholarship Committee, RFD#1, Box 149-B, Lubex, ME 04652. Applications
must be received prior to 15 July 1984.

143

THE STRUGGLE

^ A CRUEL DILErW

VdtQA. Jacfuon
JUCN SeAvlcn

Zimbabwe is planning to reduce its elephant herds by 30 per cent over
the next few years because of the recent severe drought and pressure on ■
land from the growing human population. Vegetation has suffered so badl'
from the drought, and its potential for early regeneration is so reduced*
that the government’s wildlife specialists have decided that an initial
cull of 6,000 elephants must be taken this year out of the total popula-f
tion of some 50,000. The long-term aim is to reduce the population to
around 35,000, a figure considered to be within the carrying capacity of
the land likely to be available for elephants in the foreseeable future.

The prolonged drought has been one of the worst suffered by southern ■
Africa. Recently it was broken by heavy rains, but a senior Zimbabwe •'
government scientist has declared: "The situation in most of the wildlif^l
reserves remains critical. The level of rainfall, and therefore plant •
growth, is still well below that required to sustain game populations f
through the next dry season." ?

Zimbabwe’s plans are bound to cause a shock at a time when there is an
international outcry about ivory poaching and a decline in the number f
of elephants in many parts of Africa. It is indeed tragic, especially '
since Zimbabwe has the healthiest elephant population in Africa.

At the turn of the century hunting for ivory had almost wiped out ele-
phants in most of southern Africa and only around 4,000 are believed to i
have roamed the wide open spaces of what is now Zimbabwe— then called ,|
Rhodesia. But by the beginning of this century laws were introduced to ,|
protect them and reserves were being established. In Rhodesia careful
management has led to a 12-fold increase in the country’s elephant popu-
lation in the past 80 years.

But while elephants were increasing so were poeple, and present day j
Zimbabwe has a population of seven and a half million—lb times the 1900'
population— which is growing at a rate of 3-4% a year. There is great
pressure on land and elephants and other wild animals will be lucky to '
retain their present 12% of Zimbabwe’s area at the end of this century—;
only 16 years away.

Faced with this situation, Zimbabwe’s wildlife managers have decided tha
the elephant population has to be kept in check. Furthermore, experienc i
has shown that elephant herds confined to reserves and no longer at libeiJ
to wander widely may destroy their habitat and food sources, resulting i
starvation and a population crash.

The extensive Hwange (Wankie) National Park is a good example of the ove '
all situation. Bordering the Kalahari desert, it is a dry dusty land,
and in the past the waterholes filled during the rainy season and dried
up in subsequent months. Elephant had to migrate. Management of Hwange
involved making many of the waterholes perennial by installing pumps to
bring up subsoil water. Elephants stayed throughout the year and bred
in the favorable conditions so that there are now over 20,000 compared i
with 1,000 when the reserve was first established in the 1920s. Not on! ■

144

I A CRUEL DILEMMA, CoyvUnuQ^d

elephant flourished. Buffalo, impala, sable, roan, black rhino and re-
introduced white rhino have all benefitted and combine to make Hwange
^ a spectacular place to view wild Africa.

However, it is soon apparent to a visitor that Hwange is endangered by
^ the abundant elephant herds. Stark tree skeletons litter the landscape,

1 especially around the waterholes. Some areas look like deserted battle-
i fields. Elsewhere bark hangs from the trunks of trees, still green with
j|t leaf but doomed to die. It may be exciting to watch elephants tearing
I down branches with their trunks, or bulldozing trees to the ground for
tithe sake of some fruits or twigs. But in large numbers they may cause
such destruction that the time couold come when there is no food for them.
In the past herds could move to new pastures, but now expanding human
(populations have surrounded and encroached on the remaining wilderness
and there is virtually no space left for elephants outside their present
habitats .

Twenty years ago a similar situation was developing in Kenya's Tsavo
East National Park, where growing numbers of elephants were destroying
the trees. There was a long and bitter debate between advocates of
culling and those who argued that it was a natural phenomenon and nature
should be allowed to take its course. In the event the argument became
academic as drought and a massive wave of poaching took the lives of
thousands of elephants— over 16,000 according to some estimates — as well
as rhino and other species. Since then poaching has continued to reduce
elephant numbers in Tsavo and many other areas of Africa.

Elephant poaching has not been such a serious problem in Zimbabwe, and
elephants flourished even during the bush war preceding independence in
1980. But now the drought has dramatized the potential threat of over-
population and Zimbabwe's wildlife managers see no alternative to sacri-
ficing individual elephants for the future benefit of the species. This
year 4,000 elephants will be culled in Hwange, and some of the pumps pro-
viding perennial water are being switched off so that elephants are no
|l longer attracted and the surrounding vegetation will have a chance to
recover.

In the southern reserve of Gona-re-Zhou bordering South Africa, the ele-
phant population was reduced by culling last year to nearly one-third —
from 7,000 to 5,000- — because of the severity of the drought and the damage
the herds were doing to their habitat. Great Baobab trees, some which
have survived for 2-3,000 years— a sobering thought — -were being decimated.
Now five hundred more elephants will be culled there. In the north of the
country, along the southern shores of the Zambezi, up to 1,000 elephants
will be culled in the Matusadona and Chizarira/Chirisa reserves, and 900
[i in the Zambezi valley between Kariba and Mupata Gorge.

Zimbabwe's wildlife scientists feel that culling is fully justified in
, the interest of both woodlands and elephants, not to speak of other
I species. They argue that damage to woodlands may well be irreversible
by the time it is obvious— in some devastated areas of Tsavo there is
still no regeneration after 20 years. And if regeneration does take
j place it can take much longer to produce a mature tree than an elephant.

Culling may be considered justified, but it is not a pleasant task. In
the words of a spokesman of the Department of National Parks and Wild
Life Management, "Controlled culling by skilled teams involves shooting
large chunks of the populations, which is not pretty. Entire family
groups are eliminated by skilled marksmen in the numbers and areas in

145

A CRUEL DILEMMA, ConUna^d

which reduction is necessary. ' It is unpleasant, but so are the alterna-
tives— a return to ad hoc human predation and loss of control, or a
IjCUMiiCZ-lOAAC approach with the risks of habitat destruction and massive
numbers of elephants dying."

The culling produces ivory and hides, which are sold to benefit the
national exchequer. Twenty-five per cent of the meat goes to local
people near culling operations, and the rest goes to more distant markets.
But all of this is considered to be "windfall" or spin-off of elephant
population control and not a justification. However, it does serve to
soften the often hostile attitude of local people to wildlife reserves,
which may have been their former hunting grounds, or even their homes from
which they have been moved. Wildlife managers say that poaching has
noticably diminished, and virtually ceased in some areas where food and
other products from wildlife have been provided from culling.

THINK Safety!

s/!^7y-

146

Chapter

GeAold Payne

jCooAcUnatoA ^o/l ChupteA A^^al/u

The following zoos have expressed an interest in forming Chapters at their
jinstitutions: California Living Museum, Bakersfield, CA; Central Texas Zoo
;Waco, TX; North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC| Boise City Zoo,
Boise, ID; John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, MI; Turtle Back Zoo and Van Saun
Park Zoo for possible Jersey regional chapter; and the Alexandria Zoologi-
cal Garden in Alexandria, LA.

The following Chapters are in the process of reactivating: Topeka Chapter,
Topeka, KS; Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO; and Audubon Park Zoo, New
Drleans, LA.

The North Jersey Zookeepers held their first meeting during a blizzard
[but remained undaunted and came up with an outline of their purpose for
a chapter and discussed future meetings.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo reports that all is going well. They held
ia profitable holiday turkey raffle and are also selling zoo posters to
raise money. They are also interested in information on possible guest
speakers. Maybe some of the other Chapters can supply them with this
jlnf ormation. If so, write and let them know.

The South Florida Chapter continues to put out their monthly newsletter.
They hold a barbacue one hour before their regularly scheduled meetings
ISO that members can eat there instead of going home and coming back,
jin March they had a Book/Bake sale at the South Miami Street Fair. They
iare now gearing up for the 1985 National AAZK Conference.

irhe Detroit Chapter held a membership drive and recruited 22 professional
[land seven affiliate members. The Zoo's Director, Steve Graham, paid half
The dues for all the new members and also the Chapter's charter fee. The
[Chapter made $200 selling uniform T-shirts to the employees and $80 on
ilbake sales.

rhe Oklahoma City Zoo Chapter is working on designing a Chapter logo and
are interested in what other Chapters have used. There seems to be no
record at National Headquarters on Chapter logos and the staff is only
aware of a few. Chapters who already have their own logos or patches
are asked to send a photocopy of same to both the Coordinator of Chapter
!\.f fairs and the National Headquarters. This way, when the question arises
ve can help avoid duplication of logos between Chapters.

Chapters should keep me posted on what they are doing. I want to put out
im update on x^hat all the Chapters are doing!

147

Keepers and Computers. ■ .Part Four

FIGURING IT ALL OUT: OR,
COMPUTER STATISTICS ARE NOT SADISTICS

J-an AZboAt

Colony ManageA, BalconoA VAtmatu LaboAotoAy
GAdducut^. Studunt, Vzpojvtmunt oi Anth/iopology
UvilvQA6AJ:y oi T(lx(U at ku^ttn, kuMtin, TX

This month, I'm going to discuss statistical tests and how they can be !’i
performed using an inexpensive microcomputer. But, instead of describ- ,
ing the arid details of the statistics themselves and then (if you were
still with me) dealing with some practical examples, I'm going to start
with a simple, practical research problem and work through it, illustrat-f
ing the math and the programming as I go. I hope that the general princii:
pies show through the specific nature of the example. '

Let's say that we have four reasonably large, 'chain-link box' outdoor
primate exhibits, with concrete floors and heatable houses at the back.

In these cages we have, in appropriate social groups based on the species!
and the space available, Japanese macaques, Celebes macaques. Mandrills, I
and Gelada baboons. We also have a curious keeper, who has been feeding [
these animals for enough years to have begun to ask himself, "What is i
the relationship between the temperature and the amount of food these
guys eat?" >

This is a practical question in that it might prevent wastage of food, t
which would be good for both the budget and pest control efforts. '

What does the keeper need to know to do this study? The important infor-
mation would seem to be the high and low temperature in his area (calling
the weather bureau would not cut it) and the amount of food each group |
consumes. The former could be obtained from a therometer mounted behind ij
the area; it would be dandy if it was the sort that recorded the high
and low temperature itself. The latter could be determined by weighing |
the food before feeding, and sweeping up and weighing the leftovers. A
simple data sheet could be printed up that could make recording this
information easy. i

Although it could be done in other ways, the information is stored in thel
computer in the form of string arrays, much like I discussed last month h
for sort programs. Each string is 24 characters long; the first six are I
the date (example; 240284), the next one is cloud cover (0-4, 0 being |

clear and 4 being totally clouded over) , the next three are for high |

temp (it could go over 99, ex: 87), the next two for low temp ( ex: 45), I
and then there would be four groups of three characters each for the amoul
of food eaten by each of the four groups (decimal points for tenths of |l

pounds or kilos would be omitted) . An example of a complete string wouldi

be :

240484308745125134092170 !

Let's say that data for a hundred or so days has been entered into the
computer in the above format. What are we going to ask the machine to
tell us?

First of all, it would interesting to look at the statistical descriptionf

148

:EEPER$ and computers— part four, C0YuUvLUL2.d

»f each variable (’variable* referring, of course, to cloud cover, high
Ind low temp, and the amount of food eaten by the four groups). These
re univariate statistics, since they are performed on one variable at

1 time, and include the mean (what is usually called ’the average’) and
;he standard deviation. The mean is a measure of central tendency —
iround what value do the values cluster?— and the standard deviation
I'or s.d.) is a measure of variability or dispersion—how far away from
:hat central value are values found? Both are easy to compute; in
iddition, the following short program will give us minimum and maximum
values, and the range of values.

example for high temperature)

j.ET SUM = 0
.ET SUMSQ = 0
■ET MIN = 1000
..ET MAX = 0
'OR I - 1 TO N
ET V = VAL D$ (1,8 TO 10)

ET SUM - SUM + V
ET SUMSQ = SUMSQ + (V*V)

,F V^MIN THEN LET MIN = V
F V^MAX THEN LET MAX = V
lEXT I

j.ET MEAN - SUM/N

.ET VAR = SUMSQ/N

.ET S.D. = SQR VAR

.ET RANGE = MAX - MIN

'RINT 'MEAN: ' ;MEAN, 'S.D. ' ;SD

I'RINT 'MAX: ';MAX, 'MIN: ' ;MIN

'RINT 'RANGE '; RANGE

.Note: '*' means multiply, 'SQR' means square root; N, keep in mind, is
■imply the total number of cases; 'var' is short for variance, a useful
alue in other analyses but here used to find the S.D. Also note that
;he above BASIC example rs in BASIC and would require each line to be
lumbered in some fashion for it to run.]

jfe know that the high temperature will vary widely over a period of many
lays, so we should expect to see a rather large standard deviation. How-
jiver, if we find a MINimum value of 85, then somewhere a mistake was made
n entering data for writing the program! 1 But what about food consumer?
/ould the S.D.’s be large or small? It would be interesting, if weights
^ere available on all of the individual animals, to sum the weights of
he inhabitants of each case and divide the mean of the weight of the
ood consumed by that value so as to obtain numbers that are more direct-
ly comparable between groups.

ivariate stats will more nearly answer the question we are asking: Is
here a relationship between temperature and the amount of food consumed?
dvariate means two variables are used; in this case, we want to see if
iigh temp, low temp, and (importantly) the difference between these two
I’alues are correlated with the food intake of each of the four groups.

2 such tests need to be made, one for each of the four groups, for each
'f the three temp variables (3*4=12). The test illustrated in the follow-
ing program is called the ’product-moment correlation’ or ’Pearson’s r
iitatistic’ . It’s intended application is to what is called ’normally
■jistributed data’ , but a discussion of normalcy is beyond the purposes

iijf this article; fortunately, when a statistical test’s assumption of

149

KEEPERS AND COMPUTERS. .. PART FOUR, CoyiUvia£.d

normalcy can be violated without dire consequences it is said to be ;

’robust', and Pearson's 'r' is quite robust (so don't worry about it). il

LET SUMX = 0 I*

LET SUMY = 0 1'

LET SUMXSQ = 0 ^

LET SUMYSQ = 0 f

LET SUMXY = 0

FOR I = 1 TO N

LET X=VAL D$ (I, 11 TO 12)

LET Y=VAL D$ (I, 13 TO 15) |

LET SUMX = SUMX+X !

LET SUMY = SUMY+Y

LET SUMXSQ=SUMXSQ+(X*X) '

LET SUMYSQ=SUMYSQ+(Y*Y) ij

LET SUMXY=SUMXY=(X*Y)

NEXT N :

LET SQSUMX=SUMX*SUMX i|

LET SQSUMY=SUMY*SUMY

LET R= (N*SUMXY) - (SUMX*SUMY)/SQR(SUMXSQ-SQSUMX)*(SUMYSQ-SQSUMY) j,

LET DF=N-2 '

PRINT ‘PEARSON'S R = ' ;R I

PRINT 'DEGREES OF FREED0N= ';DF ^

(the above calculates a correlation between the low temp and the amount j
of food eaten by the first group, according to our data storage format ^
devised earlier.)

In the example above, 'degrees of freedon' are printed out. This value '
allows you to resort to a standard statistical table for correlation
coefficients and find the significance for the correlation that is com- ji
puted. As for the 'r' itself, it it's almost 1, then the correlation is jj
strongly positive; that is, if the low temp goes up, then so does food |[
consumption. If it is nearly a minus 1, then the opposite is true. If
it is 0 or close to it, no or a weak correlation exists. Regardless, you j
should set a number between -1 and 1; if you don't, something's wrong!

Of course, the univariate and bivariate routines in this article could 3
be combined into one program, that would automatically step through the ,
variables or variable pairs as needed. There isn't space here to go into j
this nonmathematical process of for-next loops.

I'd encourage you to try it yourself, but if you really want to do this
sort of statistics and can't seem to set it to work, I might be able to
help in a couple of ways. I can try to answer your questions. I am also
working on a program that will input data, sort it, do univariate stats |
on it, do three correlation routines, and plot the data on the screen as i
well. I would be willing to share this program with anyone who could put j
it to some use. If you have an Apple II or a Timex/Sinclair, then a copy ij
could be sent on cassette tape; otherwise, a program listing could be
provided, and you'd have to type it in yourself.

The example discussed in this article of temperature and food consumption
is intended to be just that — an example. I'm not going to defend it as
worthwhile thing to do (though it might be); I just used it as a founda-
tion for presenting the statistical stuff. With a little imagination, yoi
will probably find even more practical applications for elementary statis-
tical analysis. [Oh, by the way, why do you think I picked the species thi
I did for this study? Why did I have 'cloud cover' recorded, and what coi
be done with it?]

150

EPERS AND COMPUTERS.,. PART FOUR, ConUnu2.d

iw, that wasn’t TOO painful .. .was it?

ixt time, I'm going to tell you about how you can use your own computer as
learning tool, and for other miscellaneous purposes. As usual, your ques-
.ons and comments are welcome. Address to: Jim Albert, Dept, of Anthro-
(ilogy, UT-Austin, Austin, TX 78712.

Legislative News

Comp-lt2.d by Ke,vAM Camay
LugL^laZvJd Coon.cUnaX.on.

CENT FW$ ACTIONS UNDER ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

partment of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed Endangered
iatus and to designate its Critical Habitat under authority contained in
dangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, as follows:

Wyoming toad {Bu£o_ koMLOphny^ baxXdnX) , formerly abundant in the
; Laramie Basin, is now known to occur only in one 40-acre area of
^ privately-owned land in Albany County, WY.

Florida Torreya ( T on/idya taxXi^oZUx.) . is endemic to the Apalachicola
River area in Florida and Georgia, and is endangered by a fungal
disease, which kills trees before they reach seed-bearing size.

S also has designated 10 foreign mammals Endangered, but cannot desig-
te Critical Habitat as all are found totally out of U.S. jurisdiction,
e ten are: Singapore roundleaf horseshoe bat [H-ippo^-idoAO-S nXcLLdyi.) ,
idrigues Island flying fox fruit bat ( VtOAopuJi ~h.0(dnA.C.2nAA^ T, Bulmer's
ying fox fruit bat ( kpAotdtd^ boAmoAX] , Bumblebee bat ( Caou> donycLtdAUi
^-ong-tongyaX} , Buff-headed marmoset ( CojXLuthnXx {^taoXc-dp^ ] , Preuss's
c:d colobus monkey (Co-tobuA bacU.li6 pAdLUUi) , Vancouver Island marmot
I \anmota vancouvdAdyLSXs) i African wild dog {Lyc.oJ>on pXcXiu] , Pakistan
Ind cat {t^dZXs moAganAXa ^ckdj^zZX) and the Giant panda TKiZuAopoda

il'IanoldacaJZ

‘US has removed from the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
jimpson's pearly mussel [ {^Vy^nomla) 6amp60VlX] , once found in portions of
Vbash River in Illinois and Indiana and the Ohio River near Cincinnati,
id has labeled it extinct since no specimens have been collected in over
years despite repeated samplings within its range.

I'S amended its regulations under the Eagle Protection Act, as approved by
ingress, to permit taking (i.e., collection, molestation, disturbance, or
istruction) of golden eagle nests during resource development or recovery
iierations when the nests are inactive if the taking is compatible with
:ie preservation of the area nesting population of golden eagles.

IS proposed to amend Part 17 of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regula-
-ons in order to comply with changes made in the Endangered Species Act
■ 1973 by the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982. Part 17 would
; amended to establish procedures for: (1) the establishment and/or
isignation of certain populations of species otherwise listed as Endan-
ired or Threatened as experimental populations; (2) the determination
: such populations as "essential" or "nonessential"; and (3) the pro-
ilgation of appropriate protective measures for such populations.

151

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, Continued

In findings on pending petitions, FWS has determined:

Designation of critical habitat for the Higgins' eye pearly mussel is i
not a petition requiring published findings under the Act.

Listing of the bobcat ( Li^nx Au^u6 ) and the river otter [LuX/ia. canaden6li
is "not warranted" at this time.

Petition for listing of 58 foreign bird species requested by Dr. Warren
B. King, Chairman, United States Section, International Council for
Bird Preservation in 1980, was found to be "warranted but precluded."

FWS may find petitions "warranted but precluded" under Section 4(b)(3)
(B)(iii) of the Act when FWS is making expeditious progress in revising
the lists. In the 12-month period following the effective date of the
Amendments (Oct. 13, 1982), the Service rendered final listing actions on
28 species, proposed listing actions on 83 species, and emergency listings
on 8 species. As of Oct. 13, 1983, FWS's Washington Office of Endangered
Species was also reviewing documents that would propose or make final list-
ing actions on 95 species.

The FWS has also proposed the following;

(1) Endangered Status for the Guadalupe fur seal ( kh.QJto CUpkaZu^ tou}n6 enc

(2) Endangered Status and Critical Habitat for the Key Largo woodrat
(Meotoma {^tontdana -Smattl) and the Key Largo cotton mouse ( VeAomy^CLL
go6^ypA.nu^ aZJiapcutic.ola) .

(3) Endangered Status and Critical Habitat for the Modoc sucker

( Cato^tomu6 mlcAop6 ) .

(4) Threatened Status for the Ozark Cavefish [Ambtyop^lA A.06ae] .

FWS also has proposed reclassifying from Endangered to Threatened the snaij
darter ( PeAclna tana^l) and rescinding Critical Habitat Designation.

Comment period on proposed Endangered Status and Critical Habitat for the
Fresno kangaroo rat [Vlpodomy^ jut/iatoldil^ exltiA] was repoened.

FWS also announced final findings by a Scientific Authority and a Manage-
ment Authority under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on export of several species taken
in 1983-84 and subsequent seasons. These species Included: Alaskan Gray
Wolf (CanLs tupuUi ) , Alaskan Brown or Grizzly Bear (IfAAtM CUidto^ ] , Bobcat
{Lynx ^u^u6 ) , Lynx {Lynx canadensis } and River Otter {Lat/ia eanaden^l^] .

— iKom ECOLOGY USA

Eebn.uaAy 13, 19S4 and Ma/teh 12, 19S4

152

k Encouraging IPord.

HORSE TRADING AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH PAYS OFF

WITH IMPORTANT FIRSTS AT SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK

Ve.bb^e, HmEtt, Ho^pEtal K^epeA
Mldd Vn.QAld2.YVt Sm VXe.go ChaptoA
Sayi VA2.go kYumoJi Pa/ik

I very significant endangered species birth occurred on 28 February 1984
it the San Diego Wild Animal Park with the arrival of Vasiliy, a male
iirzewalski* s wild horse. Vasiliy represents an invaluable horse trade
bat will help preserve the genetic variability of Przewalski's wild
jorses for decades to come. The birth also provided support to an impor-
ant new theory on wild stallion behavior.

jasiliy was born early in the morning after a normal gestation of 327
;ays, according to Rich Massena, field service manager at the Wild Animal
:ark. Massena said the colt and mother, 5-year-old Vata, are "looking
Ktremely well and the veterinarians and keepers couldn't be more pleased
1th how everything's going."

lassena has an avid interest in the health and welfare of Vasiliy and
as been anxious about the pending birth. It was exactly eleven months
efore the birth date (on 28 March 1983) that Massena was attacked and
itten by Vasiliy's father, 20-year-old Basil, as he was trying to rescue
bother newborn colt, Vargo, from repeated aggressions from the stallion,
fassena was hospitalized for several days with a crushed forearm and was
ff work for two months due to the accident. During several hours of sur-
ery. Dr. Gary L. Douglas reconstructed both bones in Massena 's left fore-
irm using a bone graft from Massena' s hip, two metal plates and 11 screws,
assena has regained most of the use and strength of his arm, but still
as to undergo surgery in June or July of this year to remove the hardware.

|espite Masenna's heroic efforts to save that newborn colt, Vargo died
|he next day from internal injuries.

largo and Vasiliy had the same mother, Vata, who arrived in the U.S. in
uly 1982 from the Ukrainian preserve at Askaniya Nova. Vargo was sired
iy a stallion in Moscow prior to Vata's departure for the U.S.

;fter Vargo' s death. Wild Animal Park officials began to analyze a pre-
ious Przewalski colt death (Dec. 1982) that had, for lack of any con-
jrary evidence, been listed as a stillborn. Suspicions grew that Basil
|ay have caused that death, too. That colt, like Vargo, had not been
jired by Basil.

lasil's behavioral history prior to coming to the Wild Animal Park in
'ctober 1982 was very favorable. At his previous home at the Marwell
oological Park in England, he sired and was present for the birth of 48

Ioals. He had shown no aggressive tendencies toward any of these babies.

onfused by Basil's seemingly inconsistent behavior. Zoological Society
f San Diego researchers discussed the symptoms with equine specialists
rom around the world, and, in doing so, discovered other recent studies
hich recorded similar actions for feral horses in the U.S. and Europe,
lue to increasing amounts of data, equine behavioral specialists have now
jieced together a theory that when a wild stallion displaces another
Itallion as leader of a band of mares, the new stallion often kills any
ewborn offspring he did not sire.

153

HORSE TRADING AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH PAYS OFF WITH IMPORTANT FIRSTS

AT SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK, CowUnaQ.d

The fact that Basil may have killed both unrelated colts at the Wild
Animal Park, yet is very calm around Vasiliy, supports this theory of
infanticide in wild horses.

This breakthrough in behavioral research for wild horses enables zoos
and wildlife preserves to better manage changing herds of horses. Pre-
vious management of Przewalski's wild horses had followed guidelines set
for domestic horses. This type of infanticide has never been reported in
domestic horses.

Dr. Oliver A. Ryder, geneticist for the Zoological Society of San Diego,
was elated at the news of Vasiliy's birth and the resolution of problems
with Basil. Oliver claims, "Vasiliy is a very desirable mixture of blood-
lines and has a great future in store for preserving the genetic vari-
ability of Przewalski's wild horses."

Ryder is also the species coordinator for the Przewalski's wild horse
Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the American Association of Zoological
Parks and Aquariums. As such, Ryder keeps computerized records of all
500 Przewalski's wild horses alive today at 74 zoos and private collection
around the world.

Ryder and others on the SSP committee have worked across political bound-
aries in an effort to save this wild horse from extinction. The Prze-
walski horse is extinct in the wild and the future of the species is
entirely dependent on human management.

Ryder was instrumental in the organization of the 1982 exchange of
Przewalski horses between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that resulted
in Vata's arrival at the Wild Animal Park and a mare and a stallion going
to the New York Zoological Society's Bronx Zoo. The stallion at the
Bronx Zoo, Vulkan, has sired a filly, born last fall, but the mare, Varna,
has yet to foal.

The Russian bloodlines are a direct descendent of the last horse taken
from the wild in 1947. Vasiliy's birth represents the inroduction of
two valuable bloodlines into the U.S. ■ — Vata's and Basil's. According
to Ryder, "We must control the breeding of these horses to prevent re-
peated brother-sister, father-daughter matings which could produce harm-
ful effects in the offspring. The addition of the two new bloodlines into
the gene pool help insure the genetic variability and stability of the
Przewalski species for years to come. This healthy baby, our behavioral
research findings and the encouraging progress against extinction are
what our organizations (San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park) are
all about."

154

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO PURCHASE YOUR

"SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE AKF TENTH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT"

Animal Keepers’ Forum

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

TENTH ANNIVERSARY 1974 - 1984

AKF will be ten years old in
October, 1984. To commemorate
ten years of continuous publica-
tion, a special T-Shirt has been
i ssued.

All profits from the T-Shirt sales
will benefit the 1984 AAZK Annual
Conference and ANIMAL KEEPERS’

FORUM.

The shirts will only be available
for a few more months; through
the AAZK Conference. A check must
accompany your order; $7.50 each
includes postage and handling.

The shirts are 100% cotton, if you
wash or dry at high temperatures
order a size larger than you norm-
ally wear.

Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Send your order in TODAY, avoid the
last minute rush.

AKF COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM:

NAME :

ADDRESS :

Color choice: _powder blue beige

Size: small ^medium large extra large

Make checks payable to: The Puget Sound AAZK Chapter Conference Account
mail to: Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Aven. North
' Seattle, WA 98103

attn: Judie Steenberg Total Amount enclosed $

155

The. {jOllow-lng "?o6TtA.ovii> Avaltable." tUting^ weAe. n.e.CLeAve.d at the. oUTAe.
ol AKT. Jn^tAXuttoiU ivtshtng to adveAtti>z ejmpto yme.yit oppoAtuyUtte^ axe.
0Ahe.d to ^e.Yid peAttvLe.yit data by the. 15th oi e.ac.h month to: OppontaYiLty
Knocks, AKF, 635 Gage. Blvd, , Topzka, KS 66606.

SUPERVISOR Of BIRPS, ♦ .responsible for care/maintenance of Bird Collection.
Requires a minimum of two years zoological park experience with birds.

B.S. in Zoology or related field preferred. Send resume and references
by 31 May, 1984 to: Hayes Caldwell, Executive Durector, Caldwell Zoo,

P.O. Box 428, Tyler, TX 75710.

ELEPHANT HANVLER. . . to assist trainer and participate in
African elephant husbandry program/exotic hoof stock manage-
ment. Salary $924-$!, 224 per month plus benefits. Send
resume by 1 June 1984 to; Mike Blakely, Curator /Mammals,
Kansas City Zoo, Swope Park, Kansas City, MO 64132.

KEEPER - E LEPH ANT /GEN ERA L. . .performs responsible animal
husbandry duties in the care of a variety of exotic animals
at the Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR. Prefer applicants
with extensive elephant management experience. Pay $8.41
per hour plus benefits. Contact Personnel Office, Metropol-
itan Service District, 527 S.W. Hall St., Portland, OR
97201, phone (503) 221-1646 for job description and applica-
tion procedure. Position closes 6 June 1984.

P k

0 n
r o
t c
u k
n s

STUVENT INTERNSHIP. . .available at the Animal Rehabilitation ^

Center within the Conservancy Nature Center located in
Naples, FL. The Animal Rehabilitation Center (Project A.R.C.) y
is a community-supported program, where native injured wild-
life are brought in for treatment, and released, if possible,
back to their environment . A student internship with the program involves
wildlife, as well as educational programs and special projects. Interns
must be available for up to five months. Qualifications: college student
or recent graduate, studying wildlife or related field; some experience
with people and animals; a sincere concern and interest in working with
animals. Housing and stipend: $55/week, housing provided. Internships
offered year round. To apply, send resume, statement of goals and three
references to: Julie Wasserman, Supervisor, Animal Rehabilitation Center,
Conservancy Nature Center, 1450 Merrihue Dr., Naples, FL 33942 (813)
262-2273.

Ai/ES KEEPER /ASSISTANT MAMAGER. . .responsible for care of large number of
birds in Chicago quarantine and holding stations. Current driver’s
license, passport and previous experience with birds required. Basic
knowledge of aves medicine, Spanish and carpentry helpful. Contact;

Jill Grade, Station Manager, International Birdhouse, 956 West Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60622 or call (312) 412-5458.

ZOOKEEPERS. .. responsible for daily feeding/maintenance/health/behavioral
observations. Positions in Children’s Zoo and primate sections. Contact
Sam Winslow, Curator of Mammals, Audubon Zoological Garden, P.O. Box 4327,
New Orleans, LA 70178 (504) 861-2537.

156

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name

Check koAc i-i renewal [ ]

Address

$20.00 Professional
fuJit-tunc Keeper

$25.00 International
All mmbeA6 OLLt6-idc the
U.S. and Canada

$10.00 Associate
individuals not connected
with an animal ccuie {^acuity

$15.00 Affiliate

Otken. 6ta{^{i and volunteens

$50.00 Contributing

Onganizattons and Individuals
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

Vinecton.y Injonmation

Tod ^onk Anea Special Ivitexosts

Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

Membership includes a subscription to the Animal KeepCAS ' fonum. The
membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
in the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Animal KeepeAS' foAum publishes original papers and news items of inter-
est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
articles.

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
size of no more than 6" x 10" (15 cm x 25^^ cm.). Literature used should
be cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
scientific names.

Articles sent to Animal KeepeAS ' fonum will be reviewed for publication.
No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
' lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
I tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
I submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
I addressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
not be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

: DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

Articles pointed do not neces^oAlly Aellect the
* opinions 0^ the Animal KeepeAS ' FoAum editorial

Ata^l oA oi the American Psi>o elation o^ loo KeepeAS,

j Items in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
I is requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

• NATL ZOO LIB^JARY
fvATL ZOOLOGICAL PA R<

L AoHINGTCNI/ DC 20008

}0dicated to Professional Animal Care

JUNE 1984

ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606 i

Executive Editor: Alice Miser JUNE 19841

Managing Editor: Susan Chan VOLUME ELEVE^!

Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman NUMBER SIX

kviunaJi KcepCAA ' foA.um (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of Ayiuncit KeC-pcAi ' Fo^um, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, K"
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS, INC,
NATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V,, TOPEKA, KS 66606
Dolly CloAk, Admlyu^tAotlv^ So^cAoXa/iy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP/Conservation & Research Center P4.eAT.de

Front Royal, VA 22630

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park l/T^ee P4.eAT.de

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

GoAold Payno., DoJ^iolX Zoo

Continuing Keeper Education

JctdTe StQ,mbeAg, bJoodtcLnd PoAk
Historical Committee
LoAAy SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jan McCoy, OJashlngton PoAk Zoo

International Affairs Coordinator

Connie Cloak, NcuhvMc, TN

Research/Grants Committee
FAank Kohn, National Zoological PoAk
Awards Committee
Hike CAOCkoA, VickcAiiOn PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee
Kevin Comvay, NZP/CRC, FAont Royal

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
Elancbia Aim, Uoodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
BeAnie Feldman, Topeka Zoo

Progra^m Library

Anne M. Payne, VetAoit Zoo

Infant Development

Steve TayloA, LoiLUvWie

Keeper Accomodations List

OtivQA Clayey, MetAo ToAonto

Library Resource /Book Review

Ellen Leach, Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Gestation

^oAy Muac, San FAancJj>co Zoo
Diet Notebook

Sooth FloAida ChaptoA, Miami
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Diane Foh^ytk, AkAon Zoological PoAk
Data Survey

Keeper

MoAy Slaybaagh, San Antonio S Dave OAndoAH, Sea. [loAld ShoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Hike CaApenteA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, DiAectoA

Linda RohA
i/acancy
Gene PieiieA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne VilleAi,
LoAAy SammoAco
Vacancy
Alan ShaAplc6
Vacancy
Candy Kao it

W.P. Stone HemoAial Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
Detroit Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo

Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhill Woodland PoAk Zoo

Joanie Stinson Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

HE,VT,NH,HA,RI,C^'
NY 1

PA,NJ,HD,DE I;

VA,W,VA,DX, 1

IN,0H,KY I

WI,IL,H0,HN,IA

TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA

AR,HS,LA

TX,NH,C0,0K,KS,N,

SD,ND

WA,0R,ID,HT,WV,A'

CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

\\kU month.’ 6 K^2.p2Al Ajvtut Jttl Htckzy Tucson, AZ. Jt£l u)oA.k^ In

l ike, i^tetd oi ayUmal coah at the. Ve^eAt ?eZ Ce.nteA tn TucAon. HeA oAti^oAk
llojotuAeJi om the. many hummtngbtAcU JWi 6ay6 vtAtX heJi ie.e.deA and
'{loioeA^. Thanlu, JtttI

Scoops ^

andy^^S^ttlebutt

:ELEBRATE your zoo during JUNE 1984

'!he month of June is officially National Zoo and
|Lquarium Month. Over 125 million people visit
tur nation's some 200-plus zoological parks and
iquariums each year to take advantage of both the
•ecreational and educational benefits. June is
in excellent time to interact with your zoo's
visitors, help them learn more about the purposes of zoos and aquariums
ind to hopefully increase their awareness of and appreciation for animals,
iany Chapters plan special activities at their institutions during June.

;f you are not actively participating in National Zoo and Aquarium Month
!.n 1984 — begin making plans now to promote your institution next June.

:eeper accomodation list update/survey

— 6abmttte.d by OtlveA ClaUzy, MetAo ToAonto Zoo

; am revising the Keeper Accomodation List for 1984. In your Membership
l)irectories please add KAL alongside the following zoos:

...Utica Zoo, New York

I ...Columbus Zoological Gardens, Ohio

I . . .Riverbanks Zoological Park, Columbia, SC

...Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ

If your zoo or aquarium chapter is a KAL participant, would you please
ijielp? Just fill in the form below and mail to: OltveA. M. CZa{^{^e.y, AAZK,
‘Aetn.0 Toronto Zoo, Box 2B0, (jJeAthtlZ, OntoAlo, M£E 4R5, Canada,

100

pONTACT PERSON

|aVE you been hosts to traveling AAZK MEMBERS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
YES NO

I[F SO, HOW MANY TIMES?

10 YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING THIS SERVICE?

157

Births|^ Hatchings

TOPEKA ZOO Atcce MT^eA ,

Late April, early May 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.0.3 Giant Indian fruit I'
bat, 2.1.0 North American porucpine; Birds - 0.0.2 Red-crested touraco
(first time at Topeka) and 0.0.2 American golden eagles. These two eagle
chicks represent the 30th and 31st successful hatching of this species at ;
the Topeka Zoo since 1971. j

TAMPA/BUSCH GARDENS Sandy MokoA \

B&H for April 1984 include: Mammals - 1.0 Greater kudu, 1 Senegal bushbaby.|
6.7 Thomson's gazelle, 0.1 Sable antelope, 1 Black-capped capuchin monkey, }
0.1 Scimitar-horned or3rx, 2.7 Nyala, 0.1 Muntjac, 0.1 Kafue (Red) lechwe, ,
0.1 Addax, 1.1 Soemmering's gazelle; Birds - 6 Gold-capped conure, 11 j

Ringed teal, 29 Mandarin duck, 15 Red-crested pochard, 8 Indian ring-
necked parakeet, 10 Jandaya conure, 4 Crested tinamou, 8 Sun conure, 2
Moustache parakeet, 2 Cockatiel, 2 Fischer's lovebird, 1 Red-crested
touraco, 1 Indian peafowl (Blue Phase), 1 Chilean pintail, 1 Green-winged
macaw, 2 Chattering lory, 4 Black-masked lovebird, 1 Timneh parrot, 2 J

Golden (Queen of Bavaria) conure, 5 Orinoco goose, 2 Goldie's lorikeet, i

2 Black-necked swan, 3 Black swan and 2 Red-necked ostrich. ■

LINCOLN PARK ZOO Su^an Moy ;

The following are the April 1984 B&H: Mammals - 0.0.1 Chimpanzee, 0.0.2 j
Geoffrey's tamarin, 0.0.2 Black lemur, 0.0.2 Black and white ruffed lemur,
1.0.2 Owl monkey, 0.0.2 Emperor tamarin, 1.0.2 Geoffrey's marmoset, 0.0.2 j
Senegal galago, 0.0.3 Moustached tamarin; Birds - 0.0.1 Sunbittern (DNS),
0.0.2 Nicobar pigeon, 0.0.4 Shama thrush, 0.0.3 White-crested laughing I
thrush, 0.0.2 Fairy bluebird; Reptiles - 0.0.11 Rainbow boas. |

HONOLULU ZOO St^ve Rob-imon j

B&H for January through April 1984 include: Mammals - 0.1 White-handed |;
gibbon, 0.0.5 Golden lion tamarin (3 DNS), 1.0 Black lemur, 1.0 Giant i

anteater (DNS), 2.2 Hawaiian sheep, 0.1 American bison, 1.1 Aoudad, 0.0.4
Hawaiian pig; Birds - 6.4 Nene, 0.0.12 Hawaiian gallinule, 0.0.1 Kea (DNS).jj
0.0.6 Galah, 0.0.3 Amboinia king parrot, 0.0.4 Green-winged king parrot, j;
1.1 Grand yellow macaw (DNS), 0.0.2 White ibis; Reptiles - 0.0.2 Helmeted j;
turtle and 0.0.8 Day gecko. ^

DALLAS ZOO Tam-c Jone^ i

April 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.2 Dama gazelle, 0.1 Addax, 0.0.1 |

Mexican fruit bat, 0.1 Speke's gazelle, 3.0 Barbados sheep, 0.1 Bison, ’
0.1 Grey x Pygmy goat, 1.0.2 Patagonian cavy, 1.0 Nile lechwe, 1.0 Eland,
0.0.1 East African porcupine, 1.0 Kirk's dik dik; Birds - 0.0.1 Bar-tailed’
cuckoo dove, 0.0.1 Nicobar pigeon, 0.0.1 Edwards pheasant, 0.0.1 Hawaiian |
goose, 0.0.3 Black-necked swan; Reptiles - 0.0.20 Macquarie turtle {Emydu/U)
macqua/vil) .

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO SUvm M. WXng j;

B&H for March and April 1984 include: Mammals - 0.0.1 Red kangaroo, 0.0.1
Vampire bat, 0.0.2 Tree shrew (DNS), 0.0.3 Ruffed lemur, 0.0.1 Bolivian ;j
titi, 0.0.1 Diana monkey, 0.0.1 Caribou (DNS); Birds - 0.0.2 Humboldt
penguin, 0.0.2 East African crowned crane (DNS) and 0.0.1 Barn owl. I

158

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, Continued

KANSAS CITY ZOO. .Pee Wol^e

B&H for January through March 1984 include; Mammals - 0.0.1 Red kangaroo,
0.0.2 Meerkat (1 DNS), 0.1 Masai giraffe, 0.0.1 Potoroo, 1.0 Ring-tailed
lemur, 0.1 Dairy calf, 0.2 African pygmy goat, 0.1 Sicilian donkey, 2.0
Barbados sheep, 0,0.2 Patas monkey; Birds ~ 0.0.1 Emu, 0.0.1 African
Speckled pigeon, 0.0.2 Ostrich (DNS).

BRONX ZOO. MoAgcULet Vnlee

March 1984 B&H include; Mammals - 0.1 Yak, 1.0 Slender-horn gazelle, 1.0
Pen-tailed bettong, 2.0 Mouflon, 1.0 Nyala, 0.1 Red brocket deer, 0.1
Grevy zebra, 2.0 Patagonian cavy; Birds - 3 Green wood hoopoe, 2 Tawny
frogmouth, 1 American barn owl, 1 Malay peacock pheasant and 7 Ring teal.

MIAMI METROZOO. lont BAuckhelm

April 1984 B&H at Miami Metrozoo include; Mammals - 1.1 Ringtail lemur,

: (0.1 DNS), 0.1 Dromedary camel, 1.0 Baird's tapir, 0.2 Scimitar -horned
oryx; Birds - 0,0,1 Red-crested pochard (DNS), 0.0.12 Ostrich (0.0.1 DNS),
0.0.2 Demoiselle crane, 0,0.16 Mandarin duck, 0.0.2 Yellowbill stork
(0.0.2 DNS), 0.0.6 Java tree duck (0.0.5 DNS), 0.0.9 Wood duck, and 0.0.1
Crested wood partridge.

Coming Events

The 8th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL HERPETOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM
j ON CAPTIVE PROPAGATION AND HUSBANDRY

I July 17-21, 1984 Columbus, OH

?For more information contact: Herpetological Symposium, 13019 Catoctin
; Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

1 AAZPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

j September 9-13, 1984 Miami, FL

! AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK at the Madison Hotel. For
information contact Mary Bennett, Registrar, 5500 Phinney Ave., North,
Seattle, WA 98103.

ECOLOGY RESTORATION SYMPOSIUM

j October 11-12, 1984 Madison, WI

[)To be held at the University of Wisconsin, the two-day symposium focuses
!|on the scientific value of attempts to restore ecological communities
and ecosystems. For information contact; Nancy Dopkins, 1207 Seminole
[Highway, Madison, WI 53711 or call (608) 262-2746.

159

Letters To The Editor !

Dear Editor, ;

There are a number of comments that could be made concerning the article j
"Elephants Crisis Deepens" in the April issue of Animal Keeper's Forum.

The article raises more questions than it answers. It is not argued that
economic pressures have caused a rise in the incidence of poaching. That
is evident even here in our own national park system. What is questioned, :
however, are the facts presented really an indication of a crisis? t

The figures given were based on the ivory trade. The tusk from an ele- j

phant does not tell us whether the animal died of natural cuases, from an
accident, was culled, or was poached as the article would have us believe. f

If the number 194,000 represents approximately 20% of the population then (

that would give us a total population of 1 million individuals. Current
estimates have the population numbering between 1.2 and 1.5 million animals. ■
The figure is also for a three-year period giving an annual death rate of |
60,000 or roughly 6%. Nowhere is the birth rate given for comparision.

Studies done by Laws and Parker at Tsavo showed that elephant herds on
the periphery of the park, which were the heaviest poached, were the herds i
with the highest reproductive rate. When an anti-poaching campaign purged
the area of poachers, the elephant population rose to the point where they j)
were destroying the habitat. (Ed. notQ,^ "A C/LU.eX VLtmmOi\ Hay 1984 AKF) j:
Culling was viewed as the only viable management tool. Keeping the habitat j

from being devastated would not only benefit the elephant, but also those j'

other species inhabitat ing the area.

From the figures concerning the tusk weight it it not clear that "older |

elephants — those mature enough to breed — are becoming increasingly scarce." |
Tusk size is a genetic variable. Some are short and stubby and others
long and slender with males having larger tusks than females. The ques-
tion remains as to whether there is selective pressure for elephants with
smaller tusks or a disproportionate number of female tusks have entered ■

the ivory market during that time period. This could be so if culling
operations had occurred whereby the whole herd is destroyed. This, by
the way, is the method suggested by Douglas-Hamilton as opposed to kil-
ling random individuals. That way the remainder aren't psychologically |j

distraught or disoriented at losing their matriarchs. What is the rela- i;
tionship of tusk size to age and how does that relate to maturity? Laws
and Parker have found that elephants may first give birth as young as 13
or as late as 20 years of age with puberty being dependent on ecological
factors. :

Putting all the elephants in parks and sanctuaries as the article suggests |

has its disadvantages. Few parks encompass all of the elephant's migra- i

tion routes. Isolation in these reserves may inhibit genetic flow and !

variability. As already mentioned elephants have a good reproductive
capacity which in too small a reserve could lead to overpopulation and
habitat destruction.

If we truly wish to see an elephant crisis which has deepened we should j

look at the plight of the Asian elephant. Olivier estimates a population
numbering between 40 and 50 thousand elephants. Of those, several thou-
sand are in work camps and cannot be considered part of the breeding
population. Mahouts traditionally have discouraged breeding. A cow with j
a calf is not going to be worked and a non-working elephant means a loss |

of wages for the mahout. Also most work bulls are unwilling to try to j'

mate since everytime in the past when they made an unstructured move they
were disciplined. So if we are going to focus on an elephant crisis, let
us focus on the real elephant crisis concerning Etzpha^ maXA/niiS !

Charlie Rutkowski

Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR

160

AAZK Education Committee;

Project Updates

SubmXX:te.d

JadZe. Steenbe^g f Coo/idd-natoA.
AAZK Education Cornmd-tt^e.

A major change will occur in the Edu-
cation Committee later this year. Pat
Sammarco, former AAZK PResident, and
currently a member of the Board of
Directors and the Education Committee,
has agreed to be the new Education
Committee Coordinator. Pat will grad-
ually phase into this position and as-
sume all duties just prior to the AAZK
Conference in Seattle. With new energy and ideas, the Committee will con-
tinue to identify and become involved in projects that promote Continuing
Keeper Education.

As a step toward phasing in as Education Coordinator, Pat will begin in-
vestigating Zoo/University relationships. There has been considerable
discussion on this topic during the past year. Pat is also Co-editor
of the ZOOKEEPER HUSBANDRY FUTIDAMENTALS project. You will be learning
more about both of these projects in the near future.

The resignation of Dwight Knapik, Calgary Zoo, was accepted with regret.

He felt it was best to tender his resignation due to other commitments.
Dwight had been very supportive of the Committee while he was a member
and has offered to continue to answer any questions about Calgary Zoo
and their training program. Hopefully, he will be rejoining the Committee
at a future date.

AAZK/AAZPA Liaison

AAZK President Kevin Conway is working on this aspect of the Committee’s
involvement. Efforts are also being made to arrange for a time slot to
conduct a special season, or panel discussion on Keeper Education at the
AAZPA Conference in Miami.

Animal Management Correspondence Course

If there are members ready to test for certification in this course by the
Conference in Seattle, every effort will be made to arrange for testing
at that time. Please refer to previous issues of AKF for additional infor-
mation. Anyone interested in testing is urged to contact me as soon as
possible.

Exhibit Design Form

Diane Forsyth reported this project is nearing completion and should be
ready for presentation and implementation by the Conference. The final
format has been submitted to the Board of Directors for their review and
approval. A proposed release form, bids on reproduction costs, a budget
and recommendations from the project committee were also submitted.

161

CONTINUING KEEPER EDUCATION COLUMN, ConUnuad

Keeper Training Videotapes

Wayne Buchanan reports that to date, eight orders have been received for
the AAZK videotape on Keeper Safety (refer to the January 1984 AKF for
details) . The Metro Toronto Chapter has expressed interest in producing
a training tape on the subject of Feeds and Feeding. The "Keeper's Role
in Zoo Animal Health" (Tape //I on the subject of "Keeper Know Thyself")
is also being developed. Both tapes should be ready for membership re-
view and approval by the Conference.

Manual Review

Beth Poff has submitted a project outline with recommendations for addition-
al use of materials collected to date. Information on the subject of safety
has been referred to the ZOOKEEPER HUSBANDRY FUNDAMENTALS project.

Staff Exchange

Elandra Aum has completed and distributed the master list and first addendum
on this project. To date 50 Zoos and Aquariums have registered and have
designated a contact person to coordinate staff exchanges with other insti-
tutions. If you are interested in an exchange, refer to the March and May
issues of AKF to see if your institution has registered, and note the con-
tact person listed. If your zoo or aquarium has NOT registered contact
your Director and discuss the possibility of becoming a registered institu-
tion. In some instances local regulations or other problems have prevented
registering. It is also possible that your Zoo/Aquarium was missed.

If you are having difficulties with arranging an exchange, please contact
Elandra Aum to seek help finding a solution, or for information on alterna-
tive approaches. During the remainder of this year the Staff Exchange
Project will continue to develop and addenda to the Master List will be
issued as deemed necessary.

Zookeeper Husbandry Fundamentals

Jim Ellis and Pat Sammarco will be Co-editing this project which is expect-
ed to take about two years to complete. The organizational stage has been
completed with project members receiving outlines, memoranda and survey
forms for consideration. A survey form was printed in the May issue of
AKF requesting volunteers to contribute to the project. All correspondence
on the project should be directed to the Co-editors. Project members are:
Frank Kohn, Bruce Clark, Kevin Conway, Adrienne Wright, Mike Coker, Douglas
Richardson, Ken Reininger, Wayne Buchanan, Judie Steenberg and Marilyn Cole.

Zoonoses Reference Guide

Project coordinator Bruce Clark is still in need of typing assistance with
the ZOONOSES NOTEBOOK. The final draft is expected to be ready for typing
by early July. With typing assistance, the Notebook could be ready for
the conference. . .anybody out there willing to help? If so, contact Bruce
Clark, 1116 Radcliffe, Toledo, OH 43609.

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Are you planning to submit a paper for the AAZK Conference??? Have you
prepared your outline or abstract? By the time you read this it will only
be about a month until the deadline. Continuing Keeper Education is the
sharing of experiences, techniques and unusual occurrences in the manage-
ment of captive animals. Presenting a paper at a National Conference is
an excellent way to share information with your colleagues.

162

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PREDATION ON A NICOBAR PIGEON

BY A MATSCHIE'S TREE KANGAROO

Jadld Ste.enbeAg and Chuck HoAkc
KccpeA^, if) 00 (Hand ?a/ik lootoglcaJi Gaadcvu,

SccMlc, WA

A group of 1.3 Matschie's tree kangaroo {Vcnd/L0tagu6 mat^ckici] has been
exhibited in a naturalistic exhibit at the Woodland Park Zoological Gar-
dens since December, 1982, The exhibit measures 20 ’W x 40 'L x 25'*H. The
exhibit also contains three New Guinea water dragons ( Phy6-ignoutkui> COCA.nCyCnu6 )
and free-flying Edward's lories {T^ckogZo6^u6 hacmcutodLU cap^Li-tfLOtu^ ] .

There are currently 2.0 lories in the exhibit but there have been as many
as four in the past. From February through June 1982, 3.0 potoroo (PotofLOU^
,apd.caUJi ) also shared the exhibit. During the past fifteen months no
aggression has been observed from the tree kangaroos toward any of the
other animals.

Tree kangaroos are classified as herbivores, so we did not anticipate preda-
tion on a nicobar pigeon (Catocncu nicobcUvica) by a tree kangaroo. After
windows are coated with "Glass-wax", and the electric hot-wire around the
plant areas was restrung to allow for the pigeons to pass under it, 1.2
nicobar pigeons were introduced into the exhibit. Our main concerns when
introducing the birds were their reactions to an exhibit having a very large
free-f light area faced in glass along one side and part of one end wall,
their coming into contact with the hot-wire, and possible harassment by the
Edward's lories.

Forty minutes after the pigeons were released into the exhibit, with a
keeper observing from the public area, the adult female tree kangaroo
descended from a tree near the perimeter of the exhibit where the pigeon
was pecking at the ground. The bird was in a planter behind the hot-wire.

The tree kangaroo reached the ground and immediately jumped through the
wire into the planter and grabbed for the pigeon. The pigeon escaped, but
the kangaroo pursued it as it fled across the open sandy area to a point
about 35 feet away from the original attack. The tree kangaroo again cros-
sed over the wire into the planted area and captured the pigeon in the
vegetation. Keepers entered the exhibit no more than 1^^ minutes after the
predation began, but the pigeon had already been decapitated and was being
eaten by the tree kangaroo.

When the keeper grabbed the tree kangaroo by the tail, she dropped the
pigeon, but was intent upon returning to it (now on the ground behind the
keeper) and actually challenged the keeper. Two keepers clapping their
hands and talking loudly for several minutes convinced her to climb a tree.
Interestingly, the male tree kangaroo also descended from the tree, pos-
sibly to come to the aid of the female, or was just caught up in the excite-
ment of the event. However, normally he is the most shy of the four tree
kangaroos and retreats to the tree tops whenever there is more than rou-
tine activity in the exhibit.

There is no doubt from either keeper involved that the attack and killing
of the pigeon by the tree kangaroo was deliberate and very efficient. She
had been watching the pigeons for quite some time, but showed no special
interest when they were in the open sand area. The site of the initial
attack was only a few feet from the tree she was in.

None of the literature on tree kangaroos indicates that they are predators
of other animals. Several times over the past 15 months, our tree kangaroos
have been sitting on tree limbs right next to the lories and water dragons.
They have also been observed grazing next to potoroo during the time poto-
roo were in the exhibit. If anyone knows of another incident of tree
kangaroo preying upon other animals, please write: Judic StccnboAg and
Chuck HoAkc, ifJoodtand Pcuik Zoologdcat Gan.dcn6, 5500 PfUnncy Aue. Nonth,
Seattle, OJA 9 SI 03,

"Glass Wax" is a product of Gold Seal Co., Bismarck, ND

164

RfiPtlle Care; Relating To
The Inquiring Novice - Part I

Introducti on

Nomenclature, Taxonomy, Anatomy, and Physiology

Suu>m M. BcuinoAd, S(LYbion. Ko^npz/L
V2,pt, oi HoApoXology
AtZawta loologlaoJi Vcuik, Atlawta, GA

As zoo keepers, we are expected to interact with the public, offering
information about the zoo in which we work and the animals housed within.

We may perform this duty as a guided tour, formal lecture, through journals,
or by answering telephone inquiries. Whether we are disseminating infor-
mation formally or informally, our assistance is essential in promoting
animal welfare. The following series of articles should be helpful for
those reptile keepers who enjoy assisting the inquiring public.

When discussing animal information with a novice, it is often necessary
to first identify the animal in question. To avoid confusion the keeper
should attempt to assist the inquiring novice with scientific terminology.

For example, a caller may confront a keeper with local names such as
Highland Moccasin, Chunkhead, Poplar Leaf, Rattlesnake Pilot or just
Copperhead. Of course we know the Northern Copperhead as AglzdJit/iodon
(LOWtOfltMAX mokcU>il¥i, Scientific names are helpful since they often describe
an animal’s physical characteristic, coloration, pattern, habitat, or
locality. Basic knowledge of reptile nomenclature, taxonomy, anatomy and
physiology may promote a better understanding of an animal’s habits and
natural environment, aiding reptile enthusiasts in providing the best pos-
sible care for their charges.

Of the nearly 6,000 species of reptiles, all are ectothermic, air-breathing
vertebrates covered by scales or plates. Reptiles have internal fertiliza-
tion and produce their offspring oviparously or viviparously .

The order ChdZoYiUi comprises 219 species of turtles and tortoises. Sexual
dimorphism is well pronounced in many species. These animals possess well
developed copulatory organs and all are oviparous. Chelonians are tooth-
less, and have a sharp-edged beak called the tomium. Like snakes, chelonians
have no external ears. Typically, turtles may be terrestrial or semi-
aquatic; tortoises are terrestrial reptiles, occasionally entering water.
Water requirements vary according to species, as well as individuals. Their
eating habits vary widely. Most turtles are omnivorous, however they may
tend to be primarily carnivorous or primarily herbivorous; tortoises are
primarily herbivorous.

Twenty-one species comprise the order C^ocodLLtla which includes alligators
and caiman, crocodiles, and gavials. These are semi-aquatic animals pos-
sessing a scaled epidermis with osterderms. All possess well-developed
copulatory organs, are oviparous, and display strong parental instincts.

All crocodillians are carnivorous, and have sharp conical teeth without
roots. Alligators and caimans differ from crocodiles in that their fourth
lower tooth fits into a socket of the upper jaw and is not visible when
the mouth is closed. The fourth lower tooth of crocodiles fits into a
groove in the upper jaw and is visible when the mouth is closed. Gavials
(Gharials) are the only species that exists today in the crocodilian family
GaVAMlX-dan . This reptile has a long, slender snout adapted for catching
fish.

165

REPTILE CARE: RELATING TO THE INQUIRING NOVICE, Part I, ConUyLUO^d '

With approximately 5,000 species, snakes and lizards comprise the order
Sqaamcuta, They are extremely diverse in structure, habit, dietary re- '

quirements, and behavior. All have paired copulatory organs and they
produce their offspring oviparously or viviparously . Squamates have a :

well-developed Jacobson’s organ: a chemorecptor which enables them to smell.
All lizards have internal pelvic girdles, but not all have legs. Some ]

groups have vestigal limbs, while others lack external rudiments altogether. J
With the exception of some geckos, lizards have moveable eyelids and the |
majority have external ears. Like chelonians, lizards, collectively, have i
a wide dietary requirement. With the exception of one genus, HeXodeAma,

all lizards are non-venomous . Of the more than 2,000 species of snakes, '

all are legless; some boids have a trace of vestigial limbs. Snakes lack

moveable eyelids and external ears, and all are carnivorous. Some species |

such as some boids, and rattlesnakes, have evolved thermoreceptor pits; |

however, most rely on smell, sight and vibrations to hunt their prey.
Approximately one- third of the world’s population of snakes are venomous.

Part II of this series will be concerned with assisting the novice herpe- ,
tologist in purchasing a reptile for a pet.

Information Please

Information is requested on the management and breeding of Tawny Frog-
mouths jPodoAguA 6dyU-goXd£yi, ] in captivity. Diets, exhibit descriptions
and breeding data all would be appreiated. Our zoo has hatched out one
young this year and would like to enhance our knowledge of these birds
to accompany the videotapes we’ve made so far. Please send information
to: Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo, Box 280, West Hill Ontario, Canada
MIE 4R5 .

RESEARCH ASSISTANCE NEEDED : Request for ectoparasites, endoparasites , and
fecal material from all zoo animals except birds, rodents, and ruminants.
Parasites and fecal material should be preserved in 10% formalin or 70%
alcohol. If collecting vials and preservatives are needed, please contact
Sue Barnard, Senior Keeper, Dept, of Herpetology, Atlanta Zoological Park,

800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315.

The Guernsey Zoo seeks information on the use of plants within a sloth
exhibit, and would be interested in any species (scientific names please)
that can be safely be in contact with the sloths. Please send information
to: Peter Merrett, Guernsey Zoo, Guernsey, Channel Islands.

Anyone having information concerning toe problems in Scarlet Macaw (AA(X
macao ) hatchlings, please contact: Alice Miser, Animal Keeper, Topeka
Zoological Park, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. I’m also interested
in diets fed the parent Scarlet macaws, nesting material offered and the
general breeding set-up for the macaws.

Would anyone with any information on Celebes Apes ( CynopAJthXdUiA Yvig<lA]
please get in touch with me. In particular — the rejection and hand-
rearing of infants. The reason (s) for rejection and anything done to
alter this situation and also any formulas and timetables used in rear-
ing the offspring would be appreciated. If any attempts at reintroduction
to the group (even if unsuccessful) were attempted, I would like this
information as well. I am compiling information for a paper that I am
writing on this species. Send information to: Lynda M. Collrin, Cherry
Brook Zoo, RR// 1, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada E2L 3W2.

166

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168

WILD ANIMAL PARK ASIAN ELEPHANTS

SOON TO GET NEW DREAM HOUSE

Pebble HmWi, Ho-sp-ltal Ke.e.peA
San V^ce-go AnlmaZ Pan.k

! The construction of a new 10,000 square foot Asian Elephant Breeding
Facility at the San Diego Wild Animal Park began May 1, with tentative
completion set for 1 October, 1984. This $336,000 project, which has been
. on the drawing boards for several years, involves three major areas of
construction: a female elephant (cow) barn, a nursery yard and a forage
warehouse.

The 3,745 square foot cow barn will contain three stalls for adults plus
a maternity stall. It will accomodate 10 adult cows plus allow additional
space for segregating expectant mothers and aunties prior to pending births.
All of the stalls are constructed of six- inch-diameter steel pipe, inter-
! connected by steel rolling gates. Much of the construction expense comes
' from the oversized steel reinforcements, bars and safety gates that are
‘ customized to contain elephants weighing up to 12,000 pounds.

Adjacent to the maternity stall is a keeper's "apartment" unit where
keepers and veterinarians can conduct 24-hour-a-day survelliance of expec-
tant and new mothers and have quick and easy access for specialized care.

A nursery yard of approximately 6,000 square feet is connected to the cow
barn via heavy-duty swinging gates. Mothers, babies and aunties can be
safely transferred to the yard for fresh air and exercise. Fabric-covered
shade structures in the yard will provide shelter from the sun for the new-
, born elephant's delicate skin.

The third part of the Asian Elephant Breeding Facility is a storage area
i for forage and equipment. The warehouse will hold 220 bales of hay, which
'■ is the amount required for food and bedding for 15 days. It will also
store grain and supplies and equipment for maintaining the elephant herd
and the facility.

I The Wild Animal Park's elephant breeding program is a long-term project.

I The first phase of the project involved the construction of isolation
yards and barns for the African and Asian bulls. That bull project was
entirely funded by donations and was completed in 1981. Another phase
of the breeding project was accomplished in 1982 with the construction of
outside nursery yards for three African elephant calves born earlier that
I year.

I To date, $225,000 has been raised through donations for the Asian Elephant
Breeding Facility. Over 2,5000 members of the Zoological Society of San
Diego have contributed to the project and those who donated $250 or more
will be recognized with a bronze plaque on the barn.

The Asian Elephant Breeding Facility will be located north of the existing
cow enclosure and the Elephant Show Amphitheater. The nursery yard and
adjacent bull yard will be visible to passengers on the Wgasa Bush Line
, Monorail.

" The Wild Animal Park presently has eight Asian cows, six of which share
I cramped nighttime quarters with seven African cows in the African's barn.

I The remaining two Asian cows are tethered outside at night in the Asian
enclosure. No elephants are pregnant now. Breeding introductions will be
j scheduled upon completion of the barn next fall.

Chapter

After the fine job Wayne Buchanan
of the Seattle Chapter did with
the Safety Video-tape, our Chapter
has accepted the baton (so to
speak) and is busily working on
a video program dealing with Feeds
and Feeding in Zoos (not neces-
sarily the title of the tape) .
Response from Chapter members,
nonmembers, management and the
community e.g. local TV stations
has been tremendous. We're all
biting our nails and hoping that
the tape will be available for
screening during the Seattle
Conference.

^LLbmUtdd by Otiv^ Cla^ny

METRO TORONTO AAZK CHAPTER

Newly elected and re-elected
officers of the Toronto Chapter
are:

President ... .Oliver Claffey
1st Vice Pres. .. .Marilyn Cole
2nd Vice Pres ... .Harry Hofauer
Treasurer ... .Neville Pike
Secretary. . . .Karen Mot tram

New officers for the Washington
Park Zoo AAZK Chapter are:

President .... Stanley Held
Vice President ... .Mike Marchall
Elayne Barclay
Secretary ... .Janet McCoy
Treasurer ... .Mike Keele

News

New officers for the Bronx Zoo AAZK
Chapter are:

President.... Angelo Arena
Vice-president. . . .Dan Maloney
Treasurer ... .Bob Eddington
Corres. Secretary. .. .Margaret Price
Record. Secretary ... .Marty Zybura

6md CkapteA to
lee VcLynd at tho, V^tAott Zoo
kUiO 6(ind a copy to tkn AKf
e.cUtoAcal oUtcKi^^ 635 Gage
Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

On 18 October 1983, the animal keepers of the Honolulu Zoo reactivated
their Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), elect-
ing the following officers. Honolulu Chapter will be meeting

„ . , ^ on the first Wednesday of each month

, to discuss and plan activities.

Vice-President ... .Peter McLane

Secreatry/Treasurer . . . .Steve Robinson
Sergeant-at-arms. .. .Larry Zolton

The Honolulu Zoo AAZK Chapter's first activity was an In-Front-Of-The-
Scenes presentation in support of the Zoo Hui's Halloween Day held at the
Zoo on 30 October. While the elephant handlers (Larry Zolton, Steve
Robinson, Gwen Yoshimura, and Peter McLane), dressed in Asian Indian out-
fits, put the elephants through their routine and brought "Empress" out
to meet the public, other keepers gave the public a close-up look at other
handleable zoo animals. Dan Vitiello, in Tarzan attire, showed off the
Zoo's young white-handed gibbon. While a pirate's parrot parroted the
pirate (John Halemano) , a witch (Margo Lengen) explained the advantages
of having a vulture around (no leftovers), and the troll (Gail Wine) hung
on tightly to Hawaiian Goat Gruff. A good time was had by all with a
little more education provided for the public. In appreciation of the
Honolulu AAZK Ghapter's support of the Zoo's Hui on Halloween Day, the Zoo
presented the Chapter with a ticket for two to the outer islands. The
ticket was raffled off as a fund-raiser for the Honolulu AAZK Chapter.

— submitted by Steve Robtuson

170

FROM US TO you

The tu)o yea/u -sTnce ooe decided to accept the tmpo^^tbte mutton putting
on a con^QAence have gone by at iA)aAp 6peed (the lauo^ o^ phyitc& don't 6eem
to apply tn the Paclitc No/ithweAt) , The deadline ^OA submitting papeAS
almost heAe, and the deadline ioA AegtAtAotlovU) Tji Alght behind it. {)Jhen
planning an event like this, thoAe Mill always be pAoblems and unexpected
setbacks. But, thAough it all, theAe is> always a shining light at the end
oi the tunnel (and, no, it's not {,Aom the oncoming ^Aelght tAoln) . It's a
leoAnlng pAocoAS £oa eveAyone Involved. youA chapteA is consldeAlng
hosting a con^eAence, GOT TOR IT. Vou'll need eveAyone' s help to pull it
oli, and it Mill be a lot o^ hoAd MOAk. But it Mill all be Month it. ijJe'Ae
convinced o^ that, and ouAS hasn't even happened yet.

li you've neven been to an AA2K con^eAence be^oAe, make Seattle youA {^lAst.
Vou'll have a unique oppoAtunity to visit a voAlety oi zoological {^acuit-
ies, meet and exchange Ideas Mith InteAestlng people {Aom acAoss the countAy,
and have a good time Mhile you do it.

HaAmony iXazitA-Tayl^

Phil Pennock

VebbeAa StecheA

Co-chaiApeASons

FINAL CALL FOR PARERS

VEAVLWE: JULV 15, 19S4

WORKING IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: TODAY AND TOMORROW

There is still time to submit your paper for presentation at the 1984
conference. We encourage all delegates to share the unique and special
knowledge they have about their professions. Don't think that everyone
knows what you know. Your experience could hold the answer to some other
keeper's problem.

Submit your paper as soon as possible because presentation time is limit-
ed. If your paper is accepted, you will receive a $20 refund from your
registration. And don't forget — all papers will appear in the special
conference issue of Animal Keepers' Forum at the end of the year.

Papers will be limited to 20 minutes, with a 5-minute question/answer
period. Please submit an outline or abstract by July 15, 1984. AAZK
national committees that plan to have meetings at the conference should
submit time and meeting requirements by this date.

Send papers, information and questions to: Phil Pennock

AAZK Conference
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Avenue N.
Seattle, WA 98103

172

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984

Please type or print. One name per form.

Return form i/ith your fee to:

Mary Bennett, Registration Coordinator
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 625-5488

Make checks payable to Puget Sound Chapter AAZK.

Deadline for Pre-registration is August 15, 1984.

1984 Registration

Name

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/COUNTRY

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

ZOO AFFILIATION IF APPLICABLE

AREA OF INTEREST

VEGETARIAN YES NO

WILL BE SUBMITTING PAPER YES NO^

($20.00 will be refunded on acceptance of paper")

AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:

MEMBER OR SPOUSE

$50.00 each

NON-MEMBER

$70.00 each

LATE FEE

$15.00

(After Aug. 15th)

TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED

ONE DAY RATES FOR INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE
CONTACT MARY BENNETT FOR INFORMATION.

Are you interested in purchasing a conference T-shirt?

YES NO Size S M L XL

(This will help us provide adequate inventory)

MADISON

HOT E L • SEATT LE

515 Madison
Seattle, WA 98111

800-426-1172 Out of State 800-851-8010 In State (206) 583-0300 Local

Each of the Madison's 575 guest rooms has its own seating area with sofa
and chairs, from which you can enjoy a sweeping view of Puget Sound and
the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

Special room rates for the conference delegates are: $55.00 single

$60.00 double

Use the toll free number (800 number) to make your reservations, and
identify yourself as being with the American Association of Zookeepers.

If you wish to be matched with a roommate, let the hotel know when you
call, and they will attempt to do so.

Transportation from Sea-Tac Airport to the Madison is easy! Just take
the Airporter bus directly from the airport to the hotel. The Madison
is the first stop! It leaves every half hour from United Airlines Bag-
gage Terminal, and the ride takes 20 mi nutes--Cost $4.75.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

SUNDAY

Board Meetings
Regi strati on
Ice Breaker

WEDNESDAY

Trip to Tacoma's Pt. Defiance Zoo
Lunch provided

Visit to Northwest Trek, Eatonville

MONDAY

Paper sessions all day
Lunch on your own
Evening tour of Seattle
Aquarium

THURSDAY
Papers sessions
Lunch provided at hotel
Banquet at Seattle's famous
Space Needle

TUESDAY

Day at Woodland Park Zoo
Lunch provided by Docents
Workshops

Dinner provided by Seattle Zoological Society

Keepers and Computers. . . Part Five

TEACHING YOUR COMPUTER TO TEACH YOU
IS A BIT LIKE WATERING YOUR GARDEN

jAjn AtbeAt

Colony HanageA, BaXcone^ P/Umcut^ Labo/iato^y
G/iaduatd Student, VepoAtment oi AnthAopology
dnLveAAitty oi Texcu, at Austin, Austin, TX

In addition to a multitude of other failings, I have a rather horrible
inemory. I have tried a fair number of techniques and tricks to help me
|iearn a variety of materials, including "flash cards" (back when I was a
cid and despairing of ever learning the multiplication tables, and several
times since). Well, it happens that one of the things that the micro-
tomputer lends itself to quite well is the creation of a set of electron-
ic flash cards.

Che particular situation that got me thinking about using my computer in
this way was the need to memorize 95 three-letter codes for behaviors
that comprises the ethogram that we use in our behavior laboratory. Gener-
ally, the codes are based on the first three letters of words involved,
put there are many exceptions, such as VEC — ventral cling; PRG — present
for groom; and TAH — tail hang. Even where the first three letter rule
adds, you have to remember that FIG is fight, GEC is gecker, and IGN is
, Ignore. And there are 95 of them!

[Since it is no problem at all to get a computer to remember 95 items, I
iantered them into computer memory such that each code was assigned a
lumber. One of the interesting and valuable characteristics of almost
all computers is the ability to generate "random numbers" (not true
random, but pseudorandom, since they depend on a "seed" number) ; so I had
the computer select a number from 1 to 95, look up the ethogram code
■associated with that number and print it out on the TV screen. If I
iidn’t know what it meant, I looked it up, and told the computer to print
lanother code. I could have done a more elaborate job of programming, where
il would have had to type in the right answer.

Since the commands to get your computer to generate random numbers may
jbe quite different than those used by the Sinclair machine that I own, be
i^ary of this example.

1000 LET A = INT ( RND * 95 )

1010 IF A 1 OR A 95 THAN GOTO 1000

jlhe variable "A" will equal a number between 1 and 95 inclusive. INT and
EIND are Sinclair "keywords" that represent "integer" (remove the fraction-
!al component; note that this is not the same as rounding!) and "random"
i(produce a number between 0 and 1 using the random number generator).
Multiplying the number produced by RND by 95 creates the range off values
we’re interested in, INT makes it into a whole number, and line 1010
jinsures that they do fit the required range by starting the process over
I if they don’t.

What could you use this for? Perhaps for the same thing that I used it
for — memorizing lists. Maybe you get asked all the time how old the
animals in your area are, and can never remember their birth dates. The

175

KEEPERS AND COMPUTERS, Part Five, CoyiUnuo^d

basic idea could be extended into a game of sorts where the user is callei,
upon to provide a variety of information about an animal, with the comput(
"keeping score".

So how is teaching your computer a bit like watering your garden? You
have to know just a little bit to do both effectively, but the rewards cai
be quite great.

Many lectures and presentations are accompanied these days with slides.

In addition to regular photographs, slides of graphs, charts, and lists
are popular. The traditional way to construct such "graphics" slides is t
to draw what you want on a piece of paper, carefully composing it, and ii
then photographing it.

I didn't have time to go through the process of producing a bunch of draw-
ings and figures for a presentation I was giving, so I wrote a "screen ■
manipulator" program for my computer. Once I entered what I wanted for ‘
each line, the program allowed me to move things around, add and delete,
and change the spacing. I photographed my small black-and-white TV's
screen with a 35mm camera mounting a 200mm telephoto lens, using a high- ;
contrast developer on the black-and-white film thus exposed. Since the i
Sinclair prints black letters on a white screen, the negative came out |:
white on black, and were very readable when mounted in slide mounts and [,
projected. |

There's another reason beyond convenience for using a computer to do your,;
graphics slides: limiting the information per slide. I have been at con- j
ferences when slides packed with tiny numbers that would have taken 10 li
minutes to digest flashed by in 15 seconds. The computer's ability to ]
pack that much onto its screen (the Sinclair allows 22 lines of 32 char- |
acters each) really helps to make more reasonable slides, a fact that youi
audience is certain to appreciate.

I'm not going to deal with word processing, since that requires a good |
quality printer, and those are still quite expensive. I wrote a limit-
ed but useful word-processing program once, and used it to "rough-draft" ^
a couple of articles, setting my typewriter up in front of the TV and i

typing off of it to make a final copy. This was a rather awkward arrange-;
ment, and I gave it up. The price of good printers may soon be low |

enough for the likes of us to afford them, and at that time, I might write
a sequel to this series dealing with word processing, but not until then! !

Finally, an item of news: Timex, who has been marketing the Sinclair line
of computers in the United States, is going out of that line of business, j
Sinclair machines will still be available, directly through their repre- [
sentatives, and supposedly some new computers will join the product line.
Since Sinclair has a tradition of unorthodox but quality electronics at
a low price, their ads may be worth watching if you're considering buy- i
ing a computer.

In the next installment. I'll offer some thoughts to wrap all of this up. i
I hope that these articles have stimulated some of you to consider the .
possibilities that the computer holds for assistance to the professional
zookeeper. If on the other hand, I've merely generated raving frustratior;
I'd like to try to help out. My address is, once again. Department of
Anthropology, UT-Austin, Austin, TX 78712.

176

ELEPHANT SET

I ELEPHANTS IN JAPAN MID-1982 TO EARLY 1984

! Part I

I B(/

Vo^kl, VoneXavU

! looVELIIoo VeA-lgn S Education Lab

\[EdUton.'6 note: The ^olXotvlng -a> Va/it 1 o^ a two-poAt ^ente^ on the
hJj>toAy and cuJixent ^tatuu> oi elephants kept In captivity in Japan. Only
mlnoA edUtontal change6 have been made iAom the ontglnal text to provide
continuity oub it Ma6 ouA wtbh not to negate the oAtglnal Intent S {^lavoA
oi Vo6hl. ' 6 manoLbcAlpt. )

1 . Introduction

I have taken an interest in the historical keeping of the elephants for
some time past. Therefore, I began to gather the related informative
matters bit by bit.

Before now, I had added to the stock of information about many raising
situations for elephants of overseas as well as internal facilities.

Under the latest full-scaled Zoo-travel around Europe-area from August
to November 1983, I visited at some spots famous for the breeding success
of elephants. These were the Munich Zoo which succeeded the first propa-
gations of Asian and African elephants in Europe; the Hannover Zoo, where
I observed Asian elephants breeding; the Amsterdam Zoo, Holland; and the
Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark. Besides, 1 also looked at several African
^Forest elephants. Their places were the Whipsnade Park, England; the
Paris Zoo, France; the Duisburg, West Germany except the West Berlin Zoo
here the individual had already died in 1982. In addition to them, I
I recognized a pygmy-sized male Forest elephant which was exhibited as a
[calf of an African elephant in the Barcelona Zoo in Spain. I also called
at the homes of Asian elephants — Sri Lanka and Thailand. Thus, these
jknowledges and informative matters were indirectly very useful for the
purpose of this survey.

During the summer of 1982, I conducted a survey of elephants in Japanese
Zoos in earnest. A questionnaire drawn up by the author was mailed to
some zoos and zoo-related institutions that were listed in the newest
annual report of the Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens and
Aquariums. Among the rest, I directly contacted with the persons con-
cerned as animal care keepers or veterinarians in each facility. At the
same time, I was given many significant informations including not only
the census of the zoo's elephants, but also various captive aspects of
the pachyderms by sympathetic associate members.

jin the case of several circus shows, I tried to visit at the performance
I location and then checked up on the matter. But I couldn't get the perfect
reply against definite subjects enough.

This research generally brought difficulties. To tell the truth, the
reaction of almost all was thick-skinned at the beginning. Because
accurate animal-inventories or annual reports haven't been written out
regularly in most Japanese Zoos, there was not much information available
about the study of elephants up to now. So, those questioned didn't
give especially complete answers of "Gaptive Gare", "Training Sessions"
and "Chemical Immobilizations" except for a few institutions. By force
of circumstances, I was compelled to omit some items from the expected

177

ELEPHANTS IN JAPAN, Continued

data. Finally, the target was strained to know the number of animals in ^
captivity lately. I

After this survey, I found out several corrections on that data and |

grasped some new facts about the movement of elephant-population in my |
country by the re-examination from the end of 1983 to the early 1984. |

Accordingly, I intend to state the additional matters of investigation |

against the data of 1982 on a previous notice in that case. Principal
findings of the survey will be discussed below. j

A Brief History of the Elephant's Advent to Japan I

The first elephant was imported to Japan (present Fukui prefecture) from I
South Asia in 1408. Between that time and 1863, elephants were imported 1
seven times. i

The first ones to come to a Zoo arrived in June, 1888 as a gift from the '
Emperor of Siam (present Thailand). They (15-year-old male and 8-year-
old female) were kept at the Ueno Zoo which celebrated its 100th birthday
on 20 March, 1982 as the oldest Zoo in Japan. Afterwards, the female '
died in 1893 and the male was sold to the Hanayashiki of Asakusa, Tokyo, i:
which was a famous amusement park in late 1923. In the Ueno Zoo, the |
keeping of elephants reached 89 years within a century. !■

In 1941, there were about 20 elephants in Japanese Zoos. As the war
became worse, these were killed off one by one. At the end of the war j
only two were left living. They were females in the Higashiyama Zoo,
Nagoya. They had arrived in December 1937. One died in September 1963 '

at the age of 61, and the other died in October at the age of 58. ^

The first elephant to arrive after the war was a 2.5-year-old female from!
Thailand, which came to Ueno on 4 September, 1949. She was later sent to
the Inokashira Park Zoo in Tokyo on 5 March, 1954 where she lives today.

The Ueno Zoo had had 11 elephants since its opening (4.7 total: 2.4 "

Thai; 1.3 Indian; 1.0 Ceylonese). Five of these were gifts from heads '
of state of foreign countries. It was only one time that Ueno Zoo
bought a pair of elephants in 1954. The others were all presents to the !
Zoo .

All the elephants so far mentioned have been Asians.

The first African elephant was a young male brought to Japan in March of
1953 by a circus. The second male African elephant arrived at the '

Kanazawa Zoo from Kenya on 25 July, 1965. He was 1.5-year-old and was

the first of this species at an established zoological facility.

...data at that time: weight about 700kg, height at the shoulder
1.4m

After 10 years, he died on 6 May, 1975.

Continuously, the first female African elephant reached the Oji Zoo in
Kobe on 29 November, 1965. She was approximately 1-year-old and ended in '
a short life.

Sources of Elephants (from survey findings)

Animal dealers were the most common source of Zoo-elephants, followed
by countries of origin including the part of province, such as Southeast
Asia (India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka), Kenya and South

178

LEPHANTS IN JAPAN, Coyitcnued

frica. Other sources includes other Zoos and the International Animal
ixchange, U.S.A.. It appears that it is extremely difficult to determine
he geographical race of Zoo-elephants. In spite of this, I tried to
ursue the respective origins as much as possible. As a result, I had
, erne elephants whose subspecies were specifically cleared up. Of those,
n African Forest elephant belonging to a certain animal training pro-
uction and a Ceylonese elephant at a small animal-dealer were found in
982.

.tructure of Zoo's Elephant Population

L total of 164 elephants were maintained in 46 Zoos (public & private)
ind other facilities in Japan in mid-1982. In this data for investiga-
;ion, the public zoo contained 31 municipal, 1 pref actual management and
I juridical foundations (Ritsurin Park Zoo and Okinawa-Kodomonokuni Zoo
£ Aquarium) for a total of 34 facilities. There were 12 private Zoos
'only city-typed ones indicated) . The total number of elephants consisted
if 86 Asiana (10.75.1) and 78 Africans (18.60).

!^t the present, mid-February 1984, a total of 172 elephants were maintain-
ed in 46 Zoos and other facilities. The public zoos numbered 35 municipal,
L prefectual management and 2 juridical foundations for a total of 35.

[here were 11 private zoos (only city-typed ones indicated) . The total
number of elephants consisted of 89 Asians 12.74.3) and 83 Africans
(19.64). SEE TABLE I.

Df 61 institutions, 26 had one elephant each. Of these 26 individuals,

24 were Asian (1.23) and 2 were African females in mid-1982. After that,
one private Zoo (=the Yatsu) put an end to their history by the end of
the same year. In the beginning of 1984, of 64 institutions, 27 had one
alephant each. These 64 individuals were 24 Asians (3. 20.1 [the one of
unknown sex is probably a Ceylonese male) ; 2 African females and 1 male
African Forest elephant.

In 1982, nine institutions exhibited both Asian and African elephants.

In March of 1983 that number dropped to eight after the Elza Wonderland
jno longer exhibited both species.

The largest number of elephants kept by one institution was 12 (Fuji
Safari Park and Nanki Shirahama Adventure World in early 1983, but now
is only Fuji Safari Park.

I Seven institutions had 5 or more elephants in 1982. This includes 6
I Safari parks and 1 public zoo (Tama Zoo, Tokyo). By now, this data has
^increased to 7 safari parks (with the addition of the newest Safari:
jHimeji Central Park which opened in March 1984) and 2 public zoos (the
Tama and Nagoya-Higashiyama) .

In this connection, commercialized zoos, including safari parks and 7
private animal facilities (except zoos definitely) owned 82 elephants
in the census at the present time. Among them, circuses were left out.

It is my feeling that there cannot be an accurate source for a head count
of elephants held in captivity in Japan. In small local facilities or
dealer compounds, I couldn't grasp how elephants exist exactly. However,

I hope that their survey serves as a "yardstick" to review the status of
captive elephants in my country in the future.

179

Table I

Elephonts in Jgpon: Mld-1982-Earlv 1984

From September of 1982 to February 1984, contents at each item are made
into one in the event of unchanged figures of elephants. The data of
mid-1982 shows on the upper row, and the data for early 1984 shows on the
lower row for those facilities which experienced elephant population shifts

ZOO

Asian Female African Female TOTAL

Male Male

Sapporo-Maryuama Zoo* 0

Asahikawa-Ashiyama Zoo* 0

Obihiro Zoo* 0

Kushiro Zoo* 0

Yagiyama Zoological

Park-Sendai* 0

Hitachi City-Kamine
Zoo* 0

Utsunorniya Zoo 0

Kiryugaoka Park Zoo* 0

Gunma Safari World 0

0 0 2

0 1 2

0 0 2

1 1 2

1 1 4

0 0 1

2 5 8

Tobu Zoological Park,
Saitama* 0

Ueno Zoological Gardens,
Tokyo* 1

Tama Zoological Park,
Tokyo* 1

Inokashira Park Zoo,

Tokyo* 0

Tatsu Zoological &
Botanical Gardens,

Chiba 0

1 4 6

1 1 2

0 0 3

0 0 2

1 2 6

0 0 1

0 0

Nogeyama Zoological
Gardens of Yokohama* 0 2

Odwara Zoo* 0 1

Mishuma City Park,

Rakujuen* 0 1

Kofu Yuki Park Zoo* 0 2

Komoro Zoo* 0 1

Nagano-Chausuyama Zoo* 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 2
0 0 1

0 0 1
0 0 2
0 0 1
0 0 0

0 1
0 1

0 0 1
0 0 1

Kanazawa Zoo

180

IFABLE I, Covitinu.a.d

Asian

Male

Female

African

Male

Femal e

TOTAL

Fuji Safari Park

Izu National History

Park

Shizuoka municipal

' Nihondaira Zoo*
Hamamatsu municipal

Zoo*

—

Toyohashi municipal

Zoo*

Nagoya-Higashiyama Zoo

& Botanical Gardens*

—

Korankei Snake Center,

Aichi

Elza Wonderland, Aichi

—

Kyoto municipal Zoo*

Nanki Shirahama

Adventure World

~0“

~e~

Ayameike Zoo, Nara

Misaki Park Zoo &

Aquarium, Osaka

Osaka municiapl

Tennoji Zoo*

Koshien Hanshin Park,

Hyogo

Takarazuka Zoological &

Botanical Gardens

Kobe-Oji Zoo*

Himeji municipal Zoo*

Himeji Central Park

—

Ikeda Zoo, Okayama
Ritsurin Park Zoo,

Kagawa*

Tokushima Zoo*

Ehime prefectual

Dogo Zoo*

Asa Zoological Park,

Hi roshima*

181

TABLE I, CoyvtivLUQ,d

ZOO

Asian

Male

Female

African

Male

Femal e

TOTAL

Tokuyama Zoo*

Akiyoshidai Safari

Park, Yamaguchi

Itozu Zoological Park,
Fukuoka

2 ;

Fukuoka municipal
Zoological &

Botanical Gardens*

2 ^

Omutu Zoo*

1 i

Sasebo Subtropical
Zoological-
Botanical Garden*

1 ^

Cable Rakutenchi, Oita

1 '

Africa Safari, Oita

Kannawa (Yama-jigoku)
Zoo

—

1 I

Kumamoto Zoological
Park*

1 !

Miyazaki Safari Park

8 :

—

— — 1

Phoenix Natural Zoo,
Miyazki

1 j

Hirakawa Zoological
Park, Kagoshima*

Oki nawa-Kodomomokuni

Zoo & Aquarium

—

(*) mark... these are public institutions

The above mentioned institutions are official

members

of the Japanese :

Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquariums except for Korankei

Snake

Center, Elza Wonderland

, Himeji

Central Park

and Kannawa Zoo. Membership '

application for the Nagano-Chausuyama Zoo is

pending

at the present

time. ^

Touhoko Safari Park,
Fukushima

Iwaki World Safari

Nasu Safari Park

Nagaski Bio-park

"unknown

sex: probably females

182

TABLE I, Cowtinadd

ZOO

Asian

Male

Femal e

African

Mai e

Female

TOTAL

Fureai Children Zoo

Toshin Planning

(1)

"unknown

sex: male?"

Shonan Animal
Planning

CIRCUS

Asian

Male

Female

African

Mai e

Female

TOTAL

Kinoshita Circus

1 Performing Ltd.

Kigure Circus

Kakima Circus

Holiday- Inn Circus

The Sum Total

Mid-1982/

11+(1

) 74

164

Early-1984/

12+(1

) 74+(2)

172

(a) About the aforesaid list, the following matters of those subspecies
are ascertained by the author.

Ueno Zoo... Indian (0.1), Thai (1.1)

Tama Zoo. . .Ceylonese (1.0), Cambodian (0.1)

Inokashira Zoo... Thai (0.1)

Nogeyama Zoo... Thai (0.1)

Kanazawa Zoo... Thai (0.1)

Nihondaira Zoo... Indian (0.1)

Korankei Snake Center. . .Thai (1.0)

Kyoto Zoo. . .Malayan (0.1)

Nanki Shirahama Adventure World... Thai (2.0)

Tennoji Zoo... Indian (0.1), Thai (0.2)

Hanshin Park... Thai (0.1)

Takarazuka Zoo... Thai (0.1)

Himeji Zoo... Thai (0.1)

Itozu Zoo. . .Ceylonese (0.2)

I Hirakawa Zoo... Thai (1.0)

I Kodomonokuni by the route of the closed Yatsu, and Eliza Wonderland...

i African Forest elephant (1.0) = Loxodowta a{)^c.ana ci/cZoti^

183

ELEPHANTS IN JAPAN^ CoyvUnu^d

(b) Worthy Matters of Special Mention

1. Yatsu Zoological & Botanical Gardens in a big amusement park I

had closed by the end of 1982 in connection with the opening

of Tokyo Disneyland (TDL) in March of 1983. The Zoo was managed
by the co-related company as a nucleus of the enterprise of TDL. |j

2. Kannawa Zoo belongs to a tourist hotel with a hot spring. j

3. A new city Zoo in Nagano opened in summer of 1983. They got a !

female elephant from Elza Wonderland. About that time, Elza I

Wonderland sent away the Forest elephant to Aritake Birds & J

Animal Co., Ltd. in March 1983. The animal dealer deposited it !
with Okinawa-Kodomonokuni .

4. The African female who arrived in Yagiyama Zoo in July of 1969 at ;

approximately two years of age, died suddenly after the first
compiling of this survey. In place of it, a new female came from ^
Miyazaki Safari Park in 1983. ;

5. In Nagoya-Higashiyama Zoo, a big male African died in September of

1981 and a new male came from Nanki Shirahama Adventure World in ?

1983 at an interval of about two years. '

6. From 1980 to 1981, a male Asian elephant from the Yano Circus died i
following medical treatment for a fractured foot bone. It was the |
Yano Circus only elephant. Besides, the only male Asian in the
Japanese Circus world was sent to Nagasaki Bio-park in November of ji

1982 by the Kigure Circus. The male had become too difficult to :

control . i.

7. The following Safari Parks - Thouhoku Safari Park, Iwaki Safari j

World, Nasu Safari Park are operated by the same person and these ^
are entirely profit-making concerns. i'

8. The newest Safari combines a large, Ameri can-style amusement park j

and sports area and is called Kimeji Central Park. It is similar j

to Great Adventures of U.S.A. (New Jersey). This park imported j

10 young African elephants (3-5 years old) from South Africa in [I

January, 1984. One animal died due to the stress of the long
voyage. ;

[EcUjtoK' Yiotm Pcuvt 1 majH ddccl MdXh Captive. 'Rz(i.o^cU>,Longe.vtty, MoCe
Ele.phant6 In Captivity, BAee.ding, etc. Vac to the length o{, the Tabic
1 Chants, n.cieAcnce^ cited and acknowledgements will be included in Pant
2.)

184

Book Review

The Return of the Brown Pelican
Photography by Dan Guravitch
Text By Joseph E. Brown
L.S. U. Press, Baton Rouge, 1983
Price: $24.95 Hardback
51 pages/101 photographs

Re,v-lejA} by Joo, Vav-cd Pool
Noak'6 knk loo
SalpkoA, LA

These experienced professionals, Guravitch and Brown, who have given us
, numerous books and magazine articles on the ocean and nature, have teamed
together to create a work that is, in the author’s words, "...not only a
celebration of the brown pelican, but in some measure as a guide to the
steps we must take... to avoid the fate of its long-vanished cousins, the
I passenger pigeon and the Carolina parakeet."

This beautiful book reports on the most endangered of the eight species
of the family Pelecanidae — PelacaniU 0CCA.de,ntall6 . In a most artful and
Interesting way, the authors deal with the life history of this bird and
explores all of the subjects that might bring that history to a close.
Hazards such a oil spills, fishing lines, red tides, fish hooks, human
habitation, and chemical pollution are explored in the 51 pages of text
and 101 photographs.

[The authors, I think, did not mean this book to be a work for academic
research, but rather one of merciful appeal to the public. The photo-
|graphy is excellent, especially in the seventeen 8x10 full color photo-
f graphs.

[The shape and size of 8 3/4 X 11 inches intends the work to be a display
'■'book rather than a reference source. Should the reader purchase the book
with that quality in mind, he would not be in any way disappointed.

BIOLOGICAL VALUES FOR SELECTED MAMMALS
Limited Copies Left

A limited number of copies of the booklet "Biological Values For Selected
Mammals" are still available from the AAZK National Hdqts. The price of
the booklet is $1.25 for Professional Members and $2.50 for all other
categories. To order send check or money order payable to "Biological
Values/AKF" along with desired number of copies and your complete mail-
ing address to:

Biological Values/AKF
, 635 Gage Blvd.

Topeka, KS 66606

185

Legislative News

CompiZdd by Ke.v^n Comay
AAZK Le.gd^tatlve Cooadlnatoa

FINAL RULEMAKINGS ON ENDANGERED/THREATENED SPECIES ANNOUNCED BY USFWS

The following is a synopsis of recent final rulemaking by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service to the list of endangered and threatened species.

The U.S. population of the American wood stork [MyctOAla ameAyicam.) , has
been determined to be an Endangered species. The present population is
thought to number about 10,000 adults, a 75% decline since 1930. Since
1975, this species has experienced a 5% decline annually and would, at
that rate, be extinct in North America by the turn of the century. Popu-
lation declines are attributed to disturbances, both natural and man-made I
of their rookeries and feeding areas.

The population of Woodland caribou (Rangd^^CA. taA£Lndubi> ca/LlboLi) , known alsc
as the Southern Selkirk Mountain herd of Woodland caribou, has been added
to the list of Endangered species. This population is found in extreme
northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and southern British Columbia,
and is the only herd regularly occurring within the conterminous United
States. The herd is now limited to approximately 30 individuals because
of habitat destruction, poaching, and probable inbreeding due to its ex-
treme isolation from other populations to the north in Canada.

The Hierro giant lizard [GcitZotdjl ^AjnoVLyd, i>djmO¥iyi.] has been added to the
list of Endangered species, and the Ibiza wall lizard [VodaJicJji p-Ltya^Zyib^
has been added to the list of Threatened species. The Hierro giant lizarc
a native to the Canary Islands, was thought to be extinct until recently.
The Ibiza wall lizard is found on the Balearic Islands and Mallorca Islanc
in the Mediterranean Sea. Both species suffer from greatly reduced habit?
competition and predation by introduced animals, and over-collection by
researchers and the pet trade. Several subspecies of the Ibiza wall lizai
indigenous to small Mediterranean Islands have already been extripated.

The Arctic peregrine falcon (Fa£co peAegAcniiS tandAliU ) , first listed as
an Endangered species in 1970, has been reclassified to Threatened. The
species is no longer is danger of extinction throughout a significant por-
tion of its range, which extends from Alaska to Greenland in summer and
south to South America in winter. The species is estimated to have a
current population of at least 3,000 pairs found in the Arctic and sub-
Arctic areas of North America. Under "similarity of appearance" provisioi
of the Act, the rule also extends legal protections granted to any type
of peregrine falcon in the continental U.S.

— AAZPA Hay 1984

Endang2A2.d Specxe^ TeckyUcal
and DOT RoZdo^o^

INTERIOR DEPT. WITHDRAWS PROPOSAL TO REMOVE KANGAROOS FROM ESL

The Interior Dept.’s FWS has withdrawn a proposal to remove three kangaroc'
species from the U.S. Endangered and Threatened Species List. The propose;
was based on a petition from the Australian Government in 1982; its with- i
drawal was made after more recent data from Australia indicated a substan-i'
tial drop in kangaroo populations due to widespread drought last year.

This ruling maintains as Federally listed Threatened species: the eastern
gray {HacAopiU g-lgante.LL6 ) , the western gray {HacA.opai> /)uLcgd,no-6a6} and
the red kangaroo (Hac/LOpiU ) .

186

IjISLATIVE news. Continued

L:ge parts of Australia experienced the worst recorded drought in that
t:intry*s history in 1982-83. The drought resulted in a decline of 17
[):cent of red kangaroos and 20 percent of gray kangaroos in New South
/iLes and South Australia between 1981-83; smaller declines are thought
t have occurred in Queensland and Western Australia. The nationwide
tiiigaroo population is now estimated at between 10 and 12 million animals,
ivn from a pre-drought estimate of 19 million.

[:3ULATI0NS PROPOSED FOR EXPERIMENTAL POPULATIONS

/proposed rule to establish procedures for the designation of certain
jpulations of listed species as "experimental populations" has been
[blished by the USFWS. This proposal would amend Section 10(j) of the
Idangered Species Act, as amended in 1982.

/ experimental population is defined as a reintroduced population (in-
[uidng offspring) of a listed species that is geographically isolated
lorn the non-experimental populations of the same species during specific
griods of time. Experimental populations can be classified in two
[tegories, "essential" and "nonessential". An essential experimental
[pulation is one whose loss would appreciably reduce the likelihood of
le survival of the species in the wild. All other experimental popula-
lons would be classified as nonessential.

)ior to the 1982 Amendments, the USFWS was authorized to reintroduce
isted species into unoccupied portions of their historic range in order
: aid in their recovery. However, legal prohibitions associated with
’sted species often resulted in local opposition to reintroductions. In
i effort to encourage greater cooperation and therefore enhance the re-
jvery capability of listed species, the concept of experimental popula-
IjOns was developed during the reauthorization of the Act in 1982. It
s hoped that this designation would encourage greater State and local
Tticipation in recovery efforts by reducing Section 7 (consultation)
d Section 9 restrictions identified in the Act.

jction 9 strickly prohibits the taking of Endangered species. Under
e experimental population designation. Endangered species would be
eated as Threatened. This less restrictive designation can allow for
're exceptions to the taking prohibitions by developing special regu-
tions (50CFR 17:84-86) for the management of each individual popula-
on. The special rule would also include the specific geographical
cation of the experimental population and any special procedures to
used in its management.

Iction 7(a)(2) prohibits Federal agencies from authorizing, funding, or
rrying out any activity that would be likely to jeopardize the contin-
d existence of an Endangered or Threatened species. This provision
uld continue to apply for essential experimental populations and all
perimental populations (both essential and nonessential) located on
tional Wildlife Refuges or National Parks. It would no longer apply
1' other nonessential experimental populations. However, Federal agencies
li'uld still be asked to confer (a non-binding process) with the Service
■d to treat nonessential experimental populations as if they were pro-
jised species under Section 7(a)(4). Incident ially, it should be pointed
{.t that before individuals intended to comprise the experimental popula-
l.on are removed from the "donor" population, it must be determined that
jieir removal does no violate Section 7(a)(2) of the Act.

— EndangeAed Specxe^. TecknlcaZ ButtoJU-n
' Uol, IX, Mo, 2 „

187

1984 MARKED BY SETBACKS, SUCCESSES

FOR ENDANGERED CALIFORNIA CONDOR

Alan

Ve,panXme,nt o{^ the, InteAton.

The discovery in late March of a dead California condor is viewed as an \
unfortunate setback in what researchers is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ||
Service had otherwise characterized as the most successful year to date l;
in the effort to improve the chances for survival of this severely endan-
gered species.

Radio signals led scientists to a remote section in the southern Sierra
Nevada Mountains in California on 22 March, where they discovered a dead
male condor, thought to be between 5-6 years old. Preliminary results
following necropsy at the San Diego Zoo by the zoo's veterinarian and a
scientists from USFWS have not established the cause of death. The bird ^
had not been shot. A small (8mm by 1 mm) piece of metal, of unknown con-
tent and origin, was found in the gizzard and is being analyzed. Tissue j
analysis is also being conducted to pinpoint the cause of death. '

The immature condor had been tagged with two miniature radio transmitters'
in October 1982 in an effort to track its movements in its range through-;
out the rugged coastal hill country north of Los Angeles. Scientists j
became concerned when radio signals indicated the bird's movements had
stopped. I

(■

"We have no clues yet about the cause of death of this condor," said I

Robert A. Jantzen, director of FWS which sponsors the condor recovery [

project along with the California Dept, of Fish and Game, National Auduboi[l
Society, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. "The only (
positive aspect we can take from this situation is that it demonstrates [

the critical value of radio telemetry in allowing us to investigate condoil,

deaths that we know are occurring in the wild, but that have previously t
been nearly impossible for us to document." f

There are only an estimated 16 California condors known to exist in the i
wild, with another nine birds in captivity in zoos. |

The latest death follows what scientists hail as the most successful !

season yet in the ongoing attempt to remove condor eggs from breeding
pairs in the wild and hatch them in captivity. Six condor eggs have beenf
removed from four wild pairs this season and placed in incubators at the
San Diego Zoo. Four eggs and two nestlings were removed from the wild (;
last breeding season. Researchers are also heartened by the discovery |
of a fifth breeding condor pair, thought to be nesting in the most unusua!|
location yet spotted — halfway up a 200-foot giant sequoia tree in Sequoia}
National Forest. Prospects for discovery of additional condor eggs in th<!
future are good, scientists say. I

188

984 MARKED BY SUCCESSES/SETBACKS FOR CALIFORNIA CONDOR, ConUnucd

lemoval of condor eggs to the carefully maintained environment of arti-
icial incubators stimulates production of replacement eggs by breeding
airs, a phenomenon known as "double-clutching.” The removal can also
ignificantly lessen the chances that eggs or chicks might fall victim to
redators or nesting squabbles between adult condors.

Egg production has been excellent this year and we anticipate good chick
urvival, "Jantzen said. "The encouragement we take from this news is
empered by our concern over the deaths of two wild condors. We are still
.n need of a more complete understanding of the reasons for condor mortality."

,1. young female California condor was also found dead in Kern County,
lalifornia last November.

FILM OFFERS VISUAL DELIGHT. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Submitted by Bob BoAghcUoA
VkiladoJiphdjCi Zoo, VhhadoZpInla., PA

have recently viewed for the second time what I consider one of the most
eautiful and informative wildlife films 1 have ever seen — "Korup". It is
I film about the forest of the same name located in the West African nation
f Cameroon. The area is one of the most diverse in life forms of any
frican forest and has recently been declared a national park. "Korup" was
ilmed over a three-year period by an Englishman, Phil Agland. It has the
learest film footage of forest primates you will ever see: Red Colobus,
langabey. Guenons, and Drills. Nocturnal shots show Potto and Angwantibo.
[long with the primates, birds are also represented. A long sequence takes
lace at the nest of a forest-dwelling African Crested Eagle. The smaller
'nhabitants of the forest are also covered by the film. Those familiar
ith tropical forest ecology know how fascinating invertebrates can be and
his film gives excellent coverage of this topic.

jiombined with the film's outstanding photography is an informative narration,
'etching this movie, your visual senses are overwhelmed by the sights of the
orest and your mind is broadened by the dissertation of Korup 's ecology,
ihose of you who have seen the movie "Greystoke" will perhaps think that some
j'f the scenery in Korup looks familiar. That is because the "on location
i'ork was shot at the forest.

’ feel that "Korup" should be viewed by all zoo professionals. The film
;ives one an idea of what can be lost if a forest like Korup is allowed to
1)6 destroyed. The film is now being used by an organization called Earth
ijife (started by the filmmaker) which is attempting to raise money to help
':he Cameroon government preserve Korup. Obtaining this film for zoo employe-
jis or zoo members would make a worthwhile AAZK Chapter project. If you are
jlnterested in getting a copy of Korup or want more information on Earth Life,
|:ontact A1 Imhoff, Suite 700, 1990 M. Street, N.W. , Washington, D.C. 20036
j:202) 223-4300. ^

189

WEAR YOUR PRIDE

Join the celebration

Animal Keepers
Forum invites you to
celebrate its ten year
anniversary. To
commemorate ten
years of publication,
we are proud to offer
you a limited addition
anniversary T-shirt.
Show your
dedication
We know you are
deeply committed to
your work and
professional animal
care. Why not tell the
world how you feel?
You can wear your
pride when you buy

your anniversary
T-shirt, your money will ;
directly benefit the :
AAZK Conference
and AKF.

Order yours today

These shirts are made
of quality 100%
heavyweight cotton r
and are only I

available through the !
P84AAZK i

Conference. This |
limited edition T-shirt is '
available to you for s
$7.50 and includes
postage and
handling. Please allow
3-4 weeks for delivery ;
of your T-shirt.

Send this form to:

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Attn: Judie Steenberg

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Color:

□ Powder blue □ Beige

Size:

□ Small □ Medium □ Large □ Extra Large

Enclosed is a check for $_ ^payable to the Puget Sound AAZIC

Chapter Conference Account.

190

AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE NOW AVAILABLE

Entitled Zoo Keeper Safety, An Attitude Adjustment, this first tape at-
tempts to create a safety attitude and presents a systematic safety
approach to the job of zoo keeping. All proceeds generated from the
[sale of training tapes will be used to finance production of future
"training tapes.

AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE BUYER

1) The tape may not be duplicated or made available to any person or
institution for the purpose of duplication.

2) The tape may not be utilized for any commercial purpose.

I, the undersigned, accept responsibility for the restrictions listed
labove.

liNAME: (TYPE OR PRINT)

SIGNATURE : DATE :

I ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION: :

I SHIPPING ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE: ( )

^ TAPE TITLE:

FORMAT: BETA

$25.00

VHS 3/4 INCH

$25.00 $35.00

.Make checks payable to: "AAZK KEEPER TRAINING VIDEO TAPE PROJECT".

I Mail to: B. Wayne Buchanan

* Woodland Park Zoological Gardens

I 5500 Phinney Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98103

JyL6:fJXLvtloiu Making to advoAtu^o, mploymzwt oppontanttl^A 0x2, cukzd to
^md p2/vttvi(int data by tho, 15tk oi mch month to: OppontavuXy Knocks, AKf
635 Gage Blvd, , Topeka, KS 66606. Thexe ti no ekaxge (^ox ^ueh tlAttng^ . :

Please tnelude cZo6tng dateA lox po^ttton6 avatZabte.

EXECLITJVE DIRECT OP. . .for Zoological Society of Florida, Miami. Salary ope
DOQ. Reports to Society Board of Directors. Responsible for staff selec 1
tion and supervision. Functions include development, fund raising, educa :
tion, membership development and support, volunteer program management am
marketing. All efforts support Miami's world class Metrozoo. Requires su'
stantial related experience including management expereince, preferably 1
in a zoological environment. Budget $600k. Society has 13,500 members.
Send confidential resume to: Robert E. Slavin, Korn/Ferry International, !
1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, CA 90067 by 11 June,
1984.

ZOOKEEPER. . .responsible for animal care and public interaction in child-
ren's zoo. Salary $600/biweekly . Contact John Donaho, Curator, ChildrenI
Zoo, Houston Zoological Gardens, 1513 Outerbelt Dr., Houston, TX 77030, i|
(713) 520-3250.

BIRV KEEPER. .. responsible for care/maintenance. Requires one
year experience in aviculture. Send resume to: Guy Farnell,

Curator /Birds, Audubon Zoological Garden, P.O. Box 4327, New
Orleans, LA 70178.

POSTVOCTORAL POSITIONS. . .contact The Population Council, 1230
York Ave., New York, NY 10021 (212) 360-1000.

Available July - to study steroid regulation of gene expres-
sion. Requires PhD, MD or equivalent, background in re-
combinant DNA technology; experience in protein chemistry
helpful. Send curriculum vitae and three references to
Dr. Olli Janne.

Available August - to study sperm structure and motility/
in vitro fertilization in exotic mammals. PhD, DVM or
equivalent required. Send curriculum vitae and three refer-
ences to Dr. David Phillips.

SUPERi/JSOR/KEEPER. . .responsible for care/maintenance of hoofed
stock/cats/mammals . Will supervise staff. Elephant handling
preferred. Salary $15,000, plus benefits. Send resume by 18 June to '
Dave Jeffers, Director, Kings Dominion Zoology Dept., Doswell, VA 23047. I

'll |j

Poi>tttonii avcuZable at IntexnattonaJi Wtldtl^e Paxk, Gxand Pxatxle, TexoM: |

ELEPHANT SUPERl/ISOR. . .requires 5 years' experience with elephants. Train-;
ing expereience desirable. Salary based on experience. ^

BIRV KEEPER /SUPER[/JS0R. . .requires three years' expereince as bird keeper. >!
Salary based on expereince.

For either position send resume c/o Wildlife Manager, International Wild-
life Park, 601 Wildlife Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. t

GRAPHICS VESIGNER. . .requires knowledge of print graphics, interior/exter-
ior interpretive and signage graphics, exhibit techniques and client
relationships. Send resume with salary requirements to Angelo Monaco, 1
Personnel Manager, New York Zoological Society, 185th & Southern Blvd.,
Bronx, NY 10460. EOE

k li

n |i

192

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name

Check heAc renewal. [ ]

Address

$20.00 Professional
VuUi-tAjmc KccpoA^

$25.00 International
Alt mmbeu ouuts-ldc the
U.S, and Canada

$10.00 Associate
lndAvd.dLiaJU> not connected
njtth an animat coAe iacJJJXy

$15.00 Affiliate

Otken. i>taii and votuntee/u

$50.00 Contributing

0H.ganlzattoni) and J ndlvlduati
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

Vln,ecton.y Injonmatlon

loo

b)on.k kn.ea

Special lYitexe^tM

Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

Membership includes a subscription to the Animat KeepCU ' foA.um, The
membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
in the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Animat KeepeA^ ' foAum publishes original papers and news items of inter-
est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
articles .

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
i tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
' size of no more than 6” x 10" (15 cm x 25^1 cm.). Literature used should
be cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
' scientific names.

Articles sent to Animat KeepeA6' foAum will be reviewed for publication,
i No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
I lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
I separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
I staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
I tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
i submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
addressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
not be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

; DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

I Antlcte^ pAlnted do not necoJi^oAlty Aeitect the

i opinions 0^ the Animat KeepeAS ' VoAuum edltoAlat

I ^ta{){, oA oi the AmeAlcan l^^odatlon oi loo KeepeAS.

j Items in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
is requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

o r" o

2! O

s r”

C? O X
O >« X

r~ 5>

rv X "<

O l>

O X
O
00

JULY 1984

ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Alice Miser JULY 1984

Managing Editor: Susan Chan VOLUME ELEVEN

Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman NUMBER SEVEN

AlUmal Ke.e-peA^' foAum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of Kyumcdi KeepeA^’ VoAum, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.;
Postmaster; Please send address changes to:

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS, IWC.
NATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE SLi/V., TOPEKA, KS
\ Votly Cla/ik, AdmTyi{J>tAcutlv2, SiicAoXoAg

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP /Conservation & Research Center PAOJ^TdlWi

Front Royal, VA 22630

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park l/T^ce PAC6Tdi2.yiA

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs
GoAoZd Pay no., VatAo-ct loo

Continuing Keeper Education

Jactie S-te.mbeAg, Woodland PoAk

Historical Committee
LaAAy SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jan McCoy, {JJcuhlngton PoAk Zoo

International Affairs Coordinator

Connie Cloak, Nashville, TN

Research/Grants Committee
fAank Kohn, National Zoological PoAk
Awards Committee
Mike CAockeA, VlckeAi>on PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee
Kevin Conway, NZP /CPU, PAont Royal

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Aim, iJJoodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
SeAnle Feldman, Topeka Zoo

Program Library

Anne M. Payne, VetAo IX Zoo

Infant Development

Sieve TayloA, Louljivllle

Keeper Accomodations List

OllvcA Clai/^ey, MelAo ToAonlo

Keeper

MoAy Slaybaugh, San Antonio S Vav<

Library Resource /Book Review

Ellen Leach, bJoodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Gestation

MoAy Muac, San FAancl6co Zoo
Diet Notebook

South FloAlda ChapteA, Miami
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Vlane FoAi>ytn, AkAon Zoological PoAk
Data Survey

!. OAndoA^^, Sea Wo Aid ShoAk Institute

Mike

Linda RohA
Vacancy
Gene P^eHeA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne VllleAi
LoAAy SammoAco
Vlane KAiig
Alan SkoAplej)
Vacancy
Candy Kao it

LauAence Gledhlll
Joanie Stinion
Vacancy

REGIONAL COORDINATORS

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
VetAolt Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo
RlveAbanks Zoo
Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

Woodland PoAk Zoo
Phoenix Zoo

VlAectoA

ME,VT,NH,MA,RI,CT l|
NV 1
PA,NJ,MV,VE :
VA,W,VA,V.C,

MI I
IN,0H,KV I
WI,IL,MO,MN,IA !■
TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA I
AR, MS, LA j
TX,NM,C0,0K,KS,NEJ
SV,NV

WA,0R,IV,MT,WV,AK
CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI j
Canada '

CoApenteA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ,
W.V, Stone MemoAlal Zoo

\ku> month' 6 Kce.peA./ A/LtUt Cathy Tcolbbt, a kce.peA tn tha Reptile Vupt.
U th2. Atlanta Zoological Rank. Cathy' 6 dkawlng Li> o^^ a Rcd-Ea/ied Guenon
C2AcopltheaiL6 cAythAotu> ) . Thaniu, Cathy!

Scoops ^ '
and/'^^uttlebutt

|V\ZK BOARD APPROVES NEW RC APPOINTMENT

The AAZK Board of Directors congratulates Diane Krug of the Riverbanks
Zoo, Columbia, SC on her appointment as Regional Coordinator for North
Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. We know her interest and her
enthusiasm will benefit all AAZK members in her region.

INFORMATION SOUGHT ON INSTITUTIONS OFFERING ZOO CURRICULUM

Dear Fellow AAZK Members,

A question that we are often asked by our public and our personal friends
is where can one go to school to learn zookeeping, or where can one find
bourses that relate to captive animal care. I have undertaken a project
to identify these sources and will appreciate any help that you can give
me. I thought that there would be an easily obtainable list of institu-
tions and curricula, but it seems that universities do not share that
iinformation. The next most logical step is to ask for sources that you
know.

I am familiar with the programs at Santa Fe Community College and at
Moorpark College. Please let me know about full programs and even single
classes that are available and that relate to zookeeping. I will especial-
ly appreciate leads to already established lists to use as guides.

Thank you for your help in increasing AAZK's sources of professional in-
j format ion.

jPa;£ Samma/Lco, Zoo KeepcA
Lincoln PoAk Zoo, Chicago, IL

from the President

iro Mike Coker, Former AKF Executive Editor:

bn behalf of the AAZK Board of Directors and our general members, thank
you for the work, guidance and inspiration in putting out the monthly
(issue of Animal Keepers* Forum from 1977 to 1984.

hooking back through my copies of AKF it becomes evident that you have
[overseen the development of a quality publication for AAZK. Year in and
[year out I have never been disappointed by the AKFs I receive each month.
When I consider that your editorship of AKF is not your principal job.

193

SCOOPS AND SCUTTLEBUTT, ConUna^d

I'm even more impressed with the production quality. Additionally I need
to thank you for probably inspiring and training your staff replacements.

I seriously doubt that I will notice any significant change in the AKF
format due to your departure. This is a sure indication of your regard
for AKF and AAZK that such a smooth transition should occur upon your
leaving the publication.

I hope that all continues well for you in your professional career and
that you will continue to support AAZK and its publication. Animal Keepers*
Forum. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of zoo professionalism and
animal care.

Sincerely,

Kevin Conway
AAZK President

Nixon Griffis Establishes Fund For Zoological Research

New York Zoological Society trustee, Nixon Griffis, has established a
unique fund for zoological research. Open to zoo and aquarium scientific
staff members across the nation, fund recipients may be curators, keepers,
veterinarians, and research and consulting biologists. Programs to be
considered for support include those in: animal behavior, veterinary
medicine, reproductive biology, genetics, exhibition design and other
research areas that address the care, management and propagation of wild-
life in captivity.

Mr. Griffis, a long-time supporter of zoological research and education,
has been active on behalf of the New York Zoological Society through his
work at the New York Aquarium and Bronx Zoo. Collecting trips for these
institutions have taken him to such destinations as Cameroon to collect
goliath frogs, Fiji for sea snakes and, recently, Papua, New Guinea in
search of the rare green lace scorpionf ish .

In describing his motivation for establishing the fund, Griffis comment-
ed, "With the world's wildlife both above and below the water threatened
as never before, this fund will support research which will help zoos and
aquariums fulfill their ever-increasing role as repositories of life".

Grants, not to exceed $3000, will be awarded biannually. For information
about the Fund and grant applications, interested persons are urged to
write to the Nixon Griffis Fund for Zoological Research, c/o New York
Zoological Society, 185th Street and Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460.

194

Coming Events

AAZPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 9-13, 1984 Miami, FL

BLACK-FOOTED FERRET WORKSHOP

September 18-19, 1984 Laramie, WY

Held at the University of Wyoming, the purpose is the first comprehensive
meeting on the endangered black-footed ferret since their rediscovery in
1981. Biologists will discuss research, searching, and management. The
workshop will close with a panel presentation and discussion on the direc-
tion of black-footed ferret research and management in the future. Regis-
tration fee is $20/general, $10/student. Fee includes published proceed-
ings. For more information contact: Conference & Institutes, P.O. Box
3972, University Station, Laramie, WY 82071-3972.

THE 4TH ASSOCIATION OF ZOOLOGICAL
HORTICULTURE CONFERENCE

September 19-22, 1984 Brookfield, IL

To be held at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Blvd., Brookfield, IL
60513. Those interested in attending please contact Bill Torsberg at
the above address.

AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK at the Maidson Hotel. For
information contact Mary Bennett, Registrar, 5500 Phinney Ave., North,
Seattle, WA 98103.

ECOLOGY RESTORATION SYMPOSIUM

October 11-12, 1984 Madison, WI

To be held at the University of Wisconsin, the two-day symposium focuses
on the scientific value of attempts to restore ecological communities
and ecosystems. For information contact: Nancy Dopkins, 1207 Seminole
Highway, Madison, WI 53711 or call (608) 262-2746.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL DR. SCHOLL CONFERENCE ON

THE NUTRITION OF CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS

December 7-8, 1984 Chicago, IL

Held at the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens. For further information
contact Thomas Meehan, DVM, Staff Veterinarian, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200
N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

195

Births|^ Hatchings |

TAMPA— BUSCH GARDENS Sandy HokzA

May B&H include: Mammals - 3.1 Nyala, 0.1 Greater kudu, 4.5 Thomson's i

gazelle, 1.0 Reticulated giraffe, 8.13 Impala, 0.0.1 Ring-tailed lemur,

0.1 Muntjac deer, 0.1 Kafue (Red )lechwe, 0.1 Roan antelope, 2.0 Dorcas .j
gazelle; Birds - 11 Orinoco goose, 5 Crested tinamou, 19 Indian peafowl i!

(blue phase), 3 Indian peafowl (white phase), 20 Mandarin duck, 2 Illiger’s ;
macaw, 3 Green-cheeked conure, 1 Black-necked swan, 4 Mexican military j

macaw, 0.1 Lesser Bahama pintail, 1 Blue and gold x Military macaw, 9 jj

Redhead duck, 3 Golden-capped conure, 4 Moustache parakeet, 4 Scarlet
ibis, 2 Golden (Queen of Bavaria) conure, 1 Green (white-eyed) conure,

1 Greater sulphur-crested cockatoo, 6 Abdim's stork, 2 Pied cockatiel, ..

3 Black swan, 2 White-bellied carique, 4 Severe macaw, 1 Ringed teal, 3
Yellow- cheeked (red lored) Amazon and 1 American flamingo.

DALLAS ZOO Taml JoKieA

B&H for May 1984 include: Mammals - 1.0 Slender-horned gazelle, 0.0.1
Spider monkey, 2.2 Ruffed lemur, 3.1 Markhor, 0.1 Kirk's dik dik, 0.1
Speke's gazelle, 1.1 Snow leopard, 0.1 Hamadryas baboon, 1.0 Bison;
Birds - 0.0.2 Green-winged parrot, 0.0.3 Spur-winged lapwing, 0.0.1
Coscaroba swan, 0.0.1 Philippine duck, 0.0.1 Abysinian ground hombill.

0.0.1 Double-striped thick-knee, 0.0.2 Mute swan; Reptiles - 0.0.18
Bismarck ringed python (Lta2>^ boa) , 8.6 Green tree python ( Ckond/LOpytkon
viV'idJji ) , and 0.0.6 Children's python ( LaL6-c6 c}uZd/LQ,¥li)

TOPEKA ZOO Atcce HUoJi

May and early June 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 1.0 Degu, 1.0 Dama wallaby,
1.0 Japanese macaque, 1.1 Cotton-headed tamarin (DNS), 1.1 Siberian tiger

(0.1 DNS; first born at TZP, part of SSP program/sire is at Henry Doorly
Zoo in Omaha, NE) , 1.1 Przewalski wild horse (part of SSP; 10th birth at
TZP of which 2 DNS), 0.0.? Bobcat (mother and kittens are in seclusion
due to mother's past history of eating her kittens); Birds - 0.0.3 Lilac-
breasted roller, 0.0.3 Red-crested cardinal, 3.0 Trumpeter swan, 0.0.4
Darwin's rhea (first at TZP; artificially incubated; 0.0.2 DNS).

MIAMI METROZOO lonl B/iuckhe^

The following are the B&H for May 1984: Mammals - 0.2 Defassa waterbuck,
2.0 Himilayan tahr, 1.1 Impala, 1.0 Markhor; Birds - 0.0.16 Ostrich
(0.0.4 DNS), 0.0.4 Ruddy duck (0.0.3 DNS), 0.0.3 Wood duck (0.0.1 DNS),
2.1.9 Mandarin duck, and 0.0.3 Red-crested pochard (0.0.1 DNS).

THE LONG BEACH ZOO l/^cXoa Pant

Recorded B&H from November 1983 through March 1984 include: Mammals -
2.1.8 Virginia opossum, 0.0.7 New Zealand rabbit, 0.0.9 Beveren rabbit,
1.2 Pygmy goat (1 DNS), 1.0 Angora goat, 11.2 Chinchilla; Birds - 13
Rhode Island red, 8 Reeves pheasant, 3 Golden pheasant, 2 Ringneck phea-
sant, 14 Pharaoh quail, 6 Plum-headed parakeet, 8 Cockatiel, 24 Zebra
finch, 10 Society finch, 2 Indian ring-neck pheasant (DNS); Reptiles -
1 Banded gecko, 6 California desert tortoise (1 DNS), 2 Texas desert
tortoise, 14 Southern alligator lizard, 6 Western fence swift, 22 Ribbon
snake; Fish - 47 Sailfin mollies, 52 Black mollies, 31 Jack Dempsey's,

14 Angelfish, 100+ Platt ies; Invertebrates - 2 Praying mantis. j Amphib-
ians - 4 Fire belly toads. ’

196

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, CoyvUmtd

METRO TORONTO ZOO. ......................................... OUvoA ClaU^y

B&H for March and April 1984 include: Mammals - 0.0.16 Kowari, 0.0,6
Egyptian fruit bat, 0,0.2 Ringtailed lemur, 0,0.6 Plains rat, 3.0.1 Hama-
dryas baboon, 0.0,3 Hog-nosed badger (DNS), 0.0.1 Reeves muntjac, 0.0.1
Nubian ibex (DNS), 0.0.3 Common marmoset, 0.0.1 Geoffrey's cat, 0.0.1
American woodland caribou, 3.5 Aoudad, 1.1 Black lemur, 0.0.1 Dourou-
couli; Birds - 0.0,6 Emu ( 2 DNS), 0.0.3 Black-footed penguin, 0.0.5
Sacred ibis, 0.0.2 S.A, ostrich, 0.0.6 Yellow-billed duck, 0.0.1 Tawny
frogmouth; Fish - 0.0.70 Brichardi cichlid, 0,0,2 Striped panchax; Inver-
tebrates - 0.0.25 Brazilian cockroach.

BROOKFIELD ZOO. .................... ............. .John S. StoddoAd

April and May 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.0,13 White-toothed shrew,
2.2.11 Domestic goat, 0.1 Llama, 0.0.2 Dali sheep, 0.0,2 Callimico mon-
key, 0.0.2 Spiny mouse, 0.0.2 Acouchi, 0.0.3 Degu; Birds - 0.0.3 Inca
tern, 0.0.2 Blue- shouldered robin chat, 0.0.2 Purple swamphen, 0.0,2
Purple honeycreeper (fledged); Herptiles - 0.0.3 Poison arrow frog and
0.0,4 Australian side-necked turtle.

BRONX ZOO. Ha/igoAoX PAice,

B&H for April and May 1984 are: Mammals - 2.0 Saddleback tamarin, 0.1
Pudu, 2,0 Lesser galago, 1.1 Axis deer, 3.0 Pen-tailed bettong, 1.0
Collared peccary, 4,0 Minnie down's mouse, 1.0 Red brocket deer, 2.1
Mongolian wild horse, 1.0 Slender-horn gazelle, 2.1 Pere David’s deer,

1.0 Gaur, 1.0 American bison, 0.1 Reeves muntjac, 1.2 Patagonian cavy,

1.0 Mandrill, 1.1 Maxwell duiker, 1.0 Egyptian spiny mouse, 2.0 Bara-
singha, 2,0 Wild cavy, 1.0 Mexican fruit bat, 4.0 Snow leopard, 5,2
Thomson’s gazelle; Birds - 5 Red-crested pochard, 1 Green jungle fowl,

13 Crested tinamou, 4 Tawny frogmouth, 1 Mauritius pink pigeon, 2 Kooka-
burra, 2 Humboldt penguin, 3 Black- rumped hemipode, 1 Malay peacock
pheasant, 1 Rothchild’s mynah, 1 Edward’s lorikeet, 1 Inca tern, 1 Congo
peacock pheasant, 1 Scarlet ibis, 2 Silver gull, 1 Andean gull, 1 Palawan
peacock pheasant, 2 African purple glossy starling, 4 Lilac-breasted
roller, 1 Hooded crane, 1 East African pratincole, 4 Kashmir koklass
pheasant, 3 Melba finch, 2 White-naped crane, 1 American bam owl;
Reptiles - 1 Travancope tortoise, 1 Siamese crocodile, 37 Russian viper
and 9 Boa constrictor.

JACKSONVILLE ZOO. .......................................... Ann^ Wiggins

April and May 1984 produced the following B&H: Mammals - 0.1 Dama Wallaby,
0.1 Guanaco, 1.1 Eland (1.0 DNS), 0.2 Sitatunga, 0.0.1 Ring-tail lemur
(DNS), 2.0 Cape hartebeest, 1.1 Grant’s zebra; Birds - 0,0.3 Nanday

conure, 0.0.6 Kookaburra (1 DNS), 0.0.8 Killdeer (1 DNS), 0.0.9 Masai
ostrich (2 DNS), 0.0.2 Leadbeater's ground hornbill ( 1 DNS), 0.0.25
Wild turkey, 0.0.1 Pondicherry vulture, 0.0.1 Sacred ibis, 0.0.4
Indian spoonbill, 0.0.2 Rothchild’s mynah (2 DNS), 0.0.2 Mandarin duck.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO. .................................... .Ste^vm M. Wing

May 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 1.0.1 Tree shrew (1.0 DNS), 0.0.2 Common
marmoset, 0.1 Miniature horse, 0.1 Canada moose, 0.2 Caribou; Birds -
0.0.2 Mute swan, 0.0.3 Barn owl; Reptiles - 0.0.7 Yellow anaconda.

197

Front RovqI Visiting Keeper Program

Submitted By

Juidi-d StddYibdfiQ , Coon.dlnatoK !
AA2K Educat-ion ComnUttdd

A special program is being offered by the
Staff at the Front Royal Conservation and i
Research Center in conjunction with the
AAZK Staff Exchange program. The Center,
located near Frotn Royal, Virginia, offers
the opportunity to learn about current con- t
servation and research programs involving
many species of birds, small mammals and
ungulates.

The Visiting Keeper program would allow
keepers to spend time at the Center in a
working situation, learning and sharing
information and ideas. Guidelines for the program would be as follows;

1. If the participating Zoo or Keeper requests that training /experience j:

be limited to either birds or mammals, the training period should
cover a maximum of 4 weeks (mammals — 2 weeks in small mammals and ;

2 weeks in ungulates; birds — 4 weeks to cover this complex operation ;
involving incubation room, rearing facilities, diets, etc.). I

2. If the participating Zoo or Keeper requests that training/experience '
be gained in both birds and mammals (several zoos have keepers work-
ing both areas) , the training period could be extended to 6 weeks

(2 weeks in each "unit”).

Visiting keepers would benefit from experience gained while working at this i
unique facility and the Center would benefit from the sharing of ideas and
information as well as the additional help provided.

The Center would provide free-of-charge housing in the dormitory as it
does for other volunteers. Participants would be responsible for their
own transportation to and from the Center and for food while at the dormi-
tory. Work would be on a regular 40hour/week schedule, which would allow
time to visit the Tock Creek facility as well as other nearby institutions.

Examples of the variety of species currently being managed at Front Royal i
are: Birds - Rothchild's mynah, Jobi Island ground dove, mountain witch

dove, blue-crowned pigeon, sun bittern, Schalow’s touraco, satin bower-
bird, Szechwan parakeet, black palm cockatoo, European hoopoe, tule geese,
white-winged wood duck, Teminck's tragopan, satyr tragopan, Koklass pheas-
ant, various crane species including Mississippi sandhill, saurus, white-
naped, red-crowned and Stanley’s. Mammals - Small mammal species include
Matschie's tree kangaroo, golden lion tamarin, Goeldi's tamarin, clouded
leopard, maned wolf, red panda and marsupial tiger cat. Ungulate species
include Reeve’s muntjac, Eld’s deer, Pere David’s deer, reindeer, bactrian
camel, wisent, sable antelope, scimitar-horned oryx, Przewalski’s horse,
onager and zebra.

A maximum of two Keepers would be allowed to participate in the program
at one time. Larry Collins, Mammalogist, DOC, will coordinate the pro- I
gram. All inquiries should be referred to him at: National Zoological
Park, Conservation and Research Center, Front Royal, VA 22630. i

-HAVE YOU SENT IN YOUR REGISTRATION FOR THE AAZK CONFERENCE? I

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tfizyi Conference.

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HiveAbank^ Zoo A AIK

VKe&ldent

Chapter

Riverbanks Chapter Hosts Successful First AAZK Regional

The Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter (Columbia, SC), decided to conduct a
regional conference to further promote professionalism within the zoo
keeping profession and to make the highly educational and Inspirational
zoo keeper conference available to financially restricted animal keepers
within our region. The conference was held April 19,20 and 21, 1984.

With these ideals in mind, it was decided to have only two and a half
days of conference activities and that the conference would be managed
in a "break-even" fashion for the Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter. Cost
cutting methods included: holding all conference activities at the River -■
banks Zoo to avoid renting any facilities; providing most of the meals
thus saving by purchasing in bulk and saving on time and individual
expenses of traveling to and from eating; selecting a fairly inexpensive
but adequate motel located only a short distance from the Riverbanks Zoo;
and soliciting contributions from various companies and individuals in
the Columbia area.

To increase the educational value of this conference, we invited several
noted individuals within the zoological profession. By inviting these
people, we hoped to give our conference participants the opportunity to
meet and talk with these individuals. We are extremely grateful to:

Dr. Joe Erwin, Dr. Kenneth Gould, Miles Roberts, Les Schobert, Guy Smith,
Dr. David Taub, A1 Valenzuela and Bill Zeigler, who participated in the
conference at their own expense!

The total conference intake including donations, registration fees and
the auction amounted to $1,819.00. The actual conference cost amounted
to $1,569.09, yielding a surplus of $249.91. As previously agreed, all
profits generated were to be split 50/50 with National AAZK.

I would like to thank the AAZK Board of Directors for their support and
the assistance of the Editors of Animal Keepers ’ Forum for making this
conference possible.

This first AAZK regional conference attracted a total of 75 participants
representing 20 zoological institutions and eight states! Hopefully we
have sparked some interest in AAZK from several non-AAZK keepers who
attended. We sincerely hope that the Riverbanks Zoo AAZK Chapter, by the
attitude in which this conference was managed, fairly represented the
goals and ideals of AAZK in regards to professional zoo keeping to the
directors, curators and keepers who attended.

200

Viewpomf

A TRIBUTE

To A Man Who Has Made A Difference

\kidacLdi G. IIZlq, Avumat Ko^ojpdn.
(jiIcU)ktn.gton VoAk loo, VonXtand, OR
foAmeA EATM Student

There is a man whose major contribution to the animal business should not
go unheralded. This man, William Brisby, is the Director of the Institute
for Wild and Exotic Animal Studies at Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA,

30 miles north of Los Angeles. Ten years ago, "Briz”, as he is known to
his students and friends, founded the Institute with one timber wolf and
a dream that many believed would never come true. Today the collection
comprises over 750 animals of 150 different species.

Competition for entry into the program is tough. There are up to 2000+
applications received every year for this 2^ year program where graduates
receive an Associate of Science degree in Exotic Animal Training and Man-
agement (EATM) . There are only 40 people chosen each year for the pro-
gram. Applicants have ranged from those just out of high school to PhDs
and Veterinarians.

What happens in this very condensed facility of Ihi acres in what makes
William Brisby so remarkable. Briz has created such an environment of
learning and hands-on experience that it may be the perfect start for
those wanting to work with animals. The standards are very high in this
program. So high, in fact, that often less than half of the students who
start the program ever finish. Brisby demands 110% effort from every
student 110% of the time. Students will attend a full-time academic
program with such classes as Biology of Exotic Animals, Exotic Animal
Behavior, Animal Health and Safety, Exotic Animal Nutrition, Exotic Ani-
mal Care and Handling, Animal Parks Planning and Design, Veterinary Pro-
cedures, Public Relations and Administration, among others.

Every one of the 750+ animals are cleaned and fed by 8 a.m. Every past
and present EATM student knows that it is like to have a flashlight in
one hand and a hose in the other on a dark winter morning, making sure
the animals' quarters are spotless. A student must also maintain a "C"
average, cannot fail any class, and can be absent no more than three times
or they are out of the program. There are no vacations, no regular days
off, and many times a student will stay at the animal compound all night
for a scheduled "nightwatch" . In the program's ten-year history, there
has been someone on the grounds every second. The students must also
raise the majority of the operating funds themselves. So, along with
their already grueling schedule of work and study, they put on hundreds
of educational animal shows a year, and also an annual circus, among
other fund-raising events. This all may sound rather harsh, but Briz
has produced some of the most dedicated, hard-working people in the ani-
mal business.

The graduates of the EATM program are in demand. Many students with no
prior experience have successfully competed for jobs in zoos, aquariums
and research facilities around the world. There are many former EATM
students who are past, present and, I am sure, future presidents, vice
presidents and other officers in AAZK Chapters all over the country.
William Brisby has helped create a high degree of professionalism in the
animal business.

201

A TRIBUTE- — To a Man Who Has Made A Difference, ConX>cnu2-d

Another dream is now taking shape for Briz and the faculty and students
of the EATM program. The cramped Ihi acre facility will soon be moving
to 9 acres adjacent to the Moorpark College campus. There is no doubt
in my mind that with the standards that William Brisby demands, that this
will become a zoo of the highest quality.

Personally, I cannot say enough about what being an EATM student has done
for me and has meant to me. I just want to join with hundreds of "ex-EATM-
ites” in thanking Briz for all the sacrifices he has made and all the work
he has done to make us better animal people and to improve the care that
is given to animals all over the world.

THINK Safety!

SA^sry- 6^5^ ^P’roj^jE, yoa /r /

202

Keepers and Computers. . .Part Six

SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
By

J-lm AtbeAt

Colony ManageA, BalconeA P/UmaXe LaboAoto/iy
GAO-duatz Studo^nX, V2.pa/iXm2.yX oi AnXhAopology
UnXv2A6AXy o{^ Texcu aX Aubi>tLn, AuufitXn, TX

It's time to finish this series on Zookeepers and Computers, and I'd once
again like to address the rationale for keeper use of computers. The
temptation to wax philosophical is great at this point, but I'll try to
keep it short and simple.

We are in the midst of an "information explosion". The advances in many
fields in the past five years are monumental compared to the gains over
centuries previously. These major leaps in technology and science have
helped make modern zoos possible, by creating the leisure time and finan-
cial basis that makes parks a part of modern society, as well as contribut-
ing to better construction of exhibits and superior veterinary care.

Along with the information explosion, and in part caused by it, there has
been a population explosion, and while people have increased, so wild
places have been decreased, and the numbers of many species have dwindled
and in some cases, extinctions have occurred. Efforts to conserve many
critical areas of unmolested habitat, particularly in the tropics, are
relatively recent and are of uncertain success, while captive conservation
has not been particularly successful in some cases.

What is needed to enhance both habitat conservation and captive mainten-
ance is simply more information. Specific knowledge of an animal's habits
is required to effectively deal with threats to its existence in the wild
as well as to ensure its survival in the zoo. Such knowledge is notably
lacking for many species. It is extrodinarily difficult to conduct re-
search on many animals in their native habitats, due to difficult con-
ditions, both ecological and political.

Laboratories hold animals for a variety of research purposes, and have
made meaningful contributions, but the species that they have are limit-
ed for the omost part, to "standard" research animals. The place where
most of the animals about which more information is needed to ensure their
survival are located is in the zoo. The person with the most constant
exposure to the animals and with the most intimate knowledge of their be-
havior is the zookeeper.

What is clearly needed is the transferal of what the keeper knows by
routine observation or suspects by "professional intuition" from the
keeper's private knowledge to a more public domain. AKF and AAZK con-
ferences do much to meet this need within the zoo industry, and there are
other, outside avenues as well.

Much about animals is subtle and complex. The professional keeper may
nonetheless be aware that "something is going on", but unable to make
systematic sense of it; this is where a computer can be of great assis-
tance. The computer can also be useful in formalizing a report such that
it commands the respect of the academic community, who may then turn their
attention to the problem.

203

KEEPERS AND COMPUTERS, Part Six, Coi^nu^d

Zoos, zookeeping, and indeed our jobs will continue to exist only so long
as there are animals to keep. Although the survival of many species in
captivity is virtually a given thing, this is not so for a multitude of
others, and numbered among them are many of the animals that "draw" people
back to the zoo.

The computer is a product of the information explosion. I commend it to
you as one of the tools that are useful in building our defences against
the "extinction explosion", hoping that in putting computers to work, you
have as much fun with them as I do.

Chapter

The Toledo Zoo AAZK Chapter is
pleased to announce these newly
elected officers for 1984:

Newly elected officers for the
Brookfield Zoo AAZK Chapter are:

President ... .Barbara Clauson
Vice-Pres. . . . Jan Ramer
Assist. Vice-Pres ... .Mary Schollhamer
Secretary ... .John Stoddard
Ecology Off icer. .. .Fran Olson

President ... .Don Red Fox
Vice-Pres. .. .Valerie Windus
Secretary ... .Joanne Terry
Treasurer ... .Terri Heminger
Sgt.-at-arms. .. .Cheryl Hanzlick

We would also like to thank our
outgoing officers for a great year
in 1983. Our second annual AAZK
haunted house (Halloween II) took
in $4,800 for our chapter. Some
of our guest speakers included
local wildlife rehabilitators , our
county game warden speaking on
wildlife laws; Dr. Tramer who spoke
about migrant birds in the neo-
tropics, and a program by one of
our keepers who traveled to Venezuela.
The weekly summer volleyball games
sponsored by AAZK gave everyone a
chance to socialize while they exer-
cised. Our successful Keeper Con-
tinuing Education Program has become
a part of the standing committees
sponsored by the zoo. Keepers still
sit on and chair the program, but we
are no longer solely sponsored by the
AAZK Chapter. The Toledo Chapter is
participating in the KAL program and
we welcome keepers from other zoos.

SubnUJXzd by HichMe. GAA.goAe.

News

?le.(ue, 6md ChapteA Nm6 to Luo,
Payne., ChapteA A^atAi> CooAdinatoK,
at the. VetAo-it loo. At&o 6 end a
copy to the AKf edltoAial o^^tce.6,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

204

A HAUNTED HOUSE IN A ZOO?

It was a wild joke offered in response to a request for fund-raising
ideas at an AAZK Chapter meeting. We didn't think anyone would take it
seriously. Everyone laughed, but the man in charge, W. Dennler, TZ
Director, was laughing as he said "yes" to the project. Beyond the basic
idea of a haunted house, we had only Machiavellian fantasies. That was
two years ago, and the "haunted house" is now a significant zoo event
created and produced by the Toledo AAZK Chapter with the wholehearted
support of zoo management, staff, volunteer organizations, members, vo-
cational students, media, and private business. It has been an astound-
ing success, especially financially.

If your chapter is looking for fund-raising ideas (and which chapter
isn't?), you should consider a haunted house. The benefits are numerous
and substantial, foremost of which is financial. This single annual
event can significantly enrich a chapter's treasury. The first year our
gross profit was $950.00; the second year it was $4,800.00! With our
profits we help support the organizations that participate with us and
other related professional organizations whose aims we share; we bring
speakers to our zoo, fund zoo-related projects, and last, but not least,
we have fun in the form of chapter parties and activities.

As long as we're talking about fun,, let us point out that doing a haunted
house can be just that. In spite of all the frustrations, fits of des-
pair, etc., it is entertaining and rewarding. I know, I've sworn after
each "I'll never do it again... but. Oh, Damn! Here I go again, "Hmmm,
Halloween III." What we offer is not just a haunted house but also
associated activities, such as a graphics display describing Halloween
traditions, halloween movies with live action, and for zoo members only,
a free children's party with games, prizes, and refreshments donated by
local merchants.

The haunted house is live theatre, pure and simple, with props, special
effects, costumes, characterizations, etc. We let our imagination run
wild and then use what fits or feels right. The creative freedom is
exhilarating.

The event is definitely worth the trouble when you consider the benefits
to zoo personnel relations, public relations, and more significantly the
opportunity to make Halloween a safe, enjoyable holiday again. The time
honored tradition of "Trick-or-Treat" is rapidly disappearing. We are
all too familiar with the increasing incidents of razor blades, needles,
etc. hidden in the treats given to unsuspecting children, "Well, maybe
just one more time,"

Look at your zoo facilities* See what they offer or don’t offer and
let imagination go to work. Focus on the real spirit of Halloween
and let it happen.

Our Chapter has learned a lot in two years of trial and error and we
would be happy to help any chapters interested in trying it. Perhaps
we can spare you some errors. Write toi Totiido Zoo AAZK, 2700 ExoCLdiAXiy ,
Toledo^ OH 43609, Haltomm Commvttee,,

205

Reptile Care; Relating To
The Inquiring Novice - Part 2

BUYING

Siuan M. BoAnoAd, Se^nloA Ke.e.peA
V&pt, 0^ HeApeXology
Atlanta Zoologtcal PoAk, Atlanta^ GA

The snake scam of Atlanta Wildlife Exchange should have stimulated every-
one (especially zoo keepers) to inform the reptile novice about the legal-
ities of any animals being acquired. While not always obviously protec-
tive of our wildlife, animal welfare laws must be observed. Whether the
reptile enthusiast is contemplating collecting an animal from the wild or
purchasing one from an animal dealer, it is important to be familiar with
federal, state, and local animal regulations.

Deciding on the "right” reptile often requires considerable thought.
Novices must ask themselves why they wish to own a reptile. As they pon-
der the reasons, consideration must be given to family members. Will the
reptile in question be compatible with others who must live with it? How
large will the animal be at maturity? Can it be financially afforded
(housing, artificial environment, veterinary care, food, etc.)?

Once potential reptile owners have justified the need to own such an ani-
mal, they can begin to become serious about the matter. There is a great
deal of research to be done. It is the moral obligation of any animal
owner to thoroughly research the requirements of the intended acquisition
so that it will receive the proper care. Also, background information
about the particular animal is essential to know, its age, disposition,
and current state of health, etc. However, the novice should not rely
entirely on information offered by the seller. It will be necessary to
exercise good judgement. If possible, the animal should be viewed be-
fore purchasing. It is also helpful if the novice invites an experienced
herpetologist along to assist in choosing "the best of the lot"!

Some factors to consider are the animal’s weight: is it in a proper state
of flesh? Is it vigorous or listless? Does the animal look dehydrated?
Are there any scars or cuts on its body? Are there missing appendages
or broken bones? Check for retained sheds and eyecaps. Is the animal
gaping (may signify mouth rot or respiratory problems)? Is it being
housed in the same cage with other reptiles? If so, what kinds and how
many others? What is the condition of the cagemates? Is there fecal
material present, or is the cage clean? Does the animal have access to
water, and if so, check for cleanliness and the presence of drowned mites.

If all seems in order, and before a purchase, the novice should be pre-
pared to properly transport (Part 3) and house the new reptile.

THE REPTILE NOVICE SHOULD NEVER ACQUIRE A VENOMOUS ANIMAL

206

National Conference
SEATTLE 1984

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Sept. SO^Oct. 4, 1984

Please type or print. One name per form.

Return form with your fee toi

Mary Bennett, Registration Coordinator
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 625-5488

Make checks payable to Puget Sound Chapter AAZK.

Deadline for Pre-registration is August 15, 1984.

1984 Registration
Name

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/COUNTRY_

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

ZOO AFFILIATION IF APPLICABLE

AREA OF INTEREST

VEGETARIAN YES NO

WILL BE SUBMITTING PAPER YES NO

($20.00 will be refunded on acceptance of paper! '

AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:

MEMBER OR SPOUSE

$50.00 each

NON-MEMBER

$70.00 each

LATE FEE

$15.00

(After Aug. 15th)

TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED

ONE DAY RATES FOR INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE
CONTACT MARY BENNETT FOR INFORMATION.

Are you interested in purchasing a conference T-shirt?

YES NO Size S M L XL

(This will help us provide adequate inventory)

Papers^ Papers^ Papers! ! !

As this issue goes to press, the deadline for papers is at hand. We hope
your abstracts are in the mail and on the way. If you missed the deadline
but have a peper, contact Phil Pennock right away. No guaranteed, but
we’ll try to squeeze it in. If you have a paper but aren’t sure if you’ll
be able to come to the conference, let Phil know. Depending on the situa-
tion, we can try to work something out.

Auction Items

If you have an item for the auction, please consider sending it to us
ahead of time, if at all possible. It might make your traveling easier
and it will definitely make auction arrangements here go much smoother.
Send all items to:

Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
ATTN: Pat Maluy

No cod’s, please.

Day Fees

Sunday $10.00

Monday $10.00

Tuesday .... $ 5.00

Wednesday. .$15.00
Thursday. . .$15.00

Thursday . . .$25.00
( evening )

includes
includes
includes
from WPZ
includes
includes
evening
covers ba

ice breaker
evening tour of
lunch, dinner &

buses all day,
lunch at hotel .

nquet & evening

Seattle Aquarium
buses to and

lunch and dinner
Does not cover

at Space Needle

Tentative Schedule

SUNDAY

Board Meeting
Registration
Ice Breaker

MONDAY

Opening presentations
Morning paper session
Lunch on your own
Evening tour of Seattle
Aquarium

TUESDAY

Bus to Woodland Park Zoo
Morning- tour s

Lunch provided by WPZ docents
Afternoon-workshops, tours
Dinner provided by Seattle
Zoological Society

WEDNESDAY

Bus to Pt. Defiance Zoo, Tacoma
Morning-tours

Lunch provided by Pt. Defiance
Early afternoon— demonstrations
Bus to Northwest Trek, Eatonville
Tram tours, walking tours
Dinner provided by Northwest Trek

THURSDAY

Morning paper session
Lunch provided at hotel-awards given
Afternoon-AAZK general membership
meeting

Banquet at Seattle’s famous
Space Needle

209

ONLY 2 MONTHS TO GO

ELEPHANT SET

ELEPHANTS IN JAPAN MID-1982 TO EARLY 1984

Part 2
By

Vo6kl, yOYidtCLYli

looVoJilloo VeA-lgn B Education Lab
Kobe, Japan

(EcUtoA*^ note: The ^ottoujlng aa VoAt 2 oi a two-pant ^entoA on the
hjAtony and cunjient i>tatuA o^ elephants In capttvtty In Japan. Only
mlnon. edttontat changes have been made ^n-om the ontgtnal tex.t to pn.ovtde
conttnutty oa It woa oua Mtsh not to negate the ontgtnal Intent ^ {^lavon
oi Vo^ht. '4 maniucntpt. )

Captive Records

Records showing that many elephants were kept in the same location at the
same time is included in the following matters.

In the Japanese Zoo-world, a real raising of elephant herds began at the
Miyazaki Safari Park that is the first typed facility of this kind from
1975. This herd was made up of 8 African elephants.

Twenty-two African elephants (5.17) consisting of two groups, each with
a matriarch, resided at the Africa Safari, Oita from September 1977 to
April 1980. At the same time, three female Asians (=lndian elephants)
were there, too. A a supplementary thing, 10 African elephants exist
together with 27 Cheetahs, 10 White Rhinos and 2 African buffalos in

I a mixed species exhibit in the same zone now.

I I must mention three big elephant events in Japan. For one thing, many
j Asian elephants came from Thailand to Japan in order to join in a cere-
mony, "National Day" for Expo ’70 in 1970. Twenty elephants (8.8 adults

land 4 calves) marched in the street on foot from the port of Kobe to the
i suburbs of Osaka. This is the only time such a thing has happened in
'Japan. And then, these elephants spent hh months from early May until
September at the Expo grounds. Moreover, it is worthy of special men-
tion that the breeding success had been observed there. *See an item
on "Breeding" for details.

I By the way, 1 female calf of that group was purchased by the Phoenix
I Natural Zoo after Expo ’70 came to a close. And more, 1 female calf was
! donated to the Osaka munucipal Tennoji Zoo as a substantial reminder of
i the exposition by the government of India. She is doing well now.

As another thing, 11 Asian (Thai elephants) group came to Japan to appear
' on stage in a special elephant show which the Nagashima spa in Mie
prefecture provided as entertainments for 50 days from mid-March to early
^May in 1979.

I In a similar idea, 12 Asians came again to promote freindly relations
j between our country and Thailand on a larger scale. Their exhibition
jwas held in the Nanki Shirahama-Adventure World for 165 days from mid-
1 March to the end of Eugust in 1981. In rememberance of this elephant’s
I festival, 2 females (4 and 3 years old) were presented by the government
of Thailand on 13 August, 1982.

211

ELEPHANTS IN JAPAN, ConUnued

Longevity

Thirty-one elephants (3.28) had been with current owners for more than
20 years at the time of the survey (see June 1984 AKF for other survey |

results). However, the years indicated (See Table II) represent only
the period in which the animal was maintained by the surveyed owner and
may not state the animal’s total years in captivity. All animals listed ^
in Table II are Asians. In addition to those elephants listed in captivit!
in zoos and/or safari parks, I supposed 5 Asians (^females) over 20 years |1
old at five different institutions including circus-companies, ;

The oldest elephant in the survey was 49-year-old "Indira” in the Ueno
(pronounced ”Way-no”) Zoo, Tokyo. She arrived at the Zoo on 25 Septem-
ber, 1949 at the age of 15. The late premier, Nehru of India, presented '
here to the people of Japan as a messenger of peace. Her name was callec
after his daughter, who is currently Prime Minister of India, Madame Indiil
Gandhi .

The ceremony celebrating Indira’s 30th anniversary since her arrival in [
Japan was held in the presence of an ambassador of India on 22 September, t

1979. 1

Indira died at 1:42 a.m. on 11 August, 1983. Since 1967 when she injured [
her haunch in an altercation with another female who shared her night \
quarters, Indira couldn’t lie down and had to sleep in a standing positiorj
Due to this hard work, she was old for her age and this hastened her deattl

Captive Situation of Male Elephants

As matters stand currently, male elephants in Japan are not very experi-
enced in propagation. However, it is said that there is possibility of
breeding success. From my point of view, some institutions which keep
groups of Africans (1.1 elephants or more) may have the possibility for {

success in the future. But there is little chance fot the Asians. I ^

think that most of Japanese Zoos need to solve many problems such as
correspondence of puberty, a disparity of the pair’s ages, and a capacity j:
of supervision of the males.

There are 11 Zoos and Zoo-related institutions that maintained male
elephants in the past days no matter how short the term of keeping
(more than 1 year) might be, I supplement 2 circus-companies to the |

above mentioned matter in 1984. [

Asians ... .Asahiyama Zoo, Hamamatsu Zoo, Tennoj i Zoo, Ikeda Zoo, l

Cable Rakutenchi, Phoenix Natural Zoo, Hanayashiki [

(-closed zoo), Yano Circus, Kigure Circus

Africans ... .Namegawa Island, Kanazawa Zoo, Yatsu Zoo (- a closed zoo) (
and Shirahama Adventure World j

At the present, 25 institutions have males including Asians and Africans.
Two institutions have males of both species. The total number of males j
in captivity in Japan is 31. Twenty-four of them were older than 10 ^

years of age. They included 12 Asians (including 1 Ceylonese) and 19
Africans (including 1 Forest elephant) in 1984. i:

212

I lEPHANTS IN JAPAN, CoyvUnmd

1 Asians. .Ueno Zoo (the individual number—l) , Tama Zoo (1 *Ceylonese) ,

‘ Toyohashi Zoo (1), Takarazuka Zoo (1), Oji Zoo (1), Hirakawa

Zoo (1), Kannawa Zoo (1), Elza Wonderland (1), Korankei
Snake Center (1), Nasu Safari Park (1), Nagasaki Bio Park
(1) , Fureai Children Zoo (= a strolling zoo) (1) .

Africans. .. .Kushiro Zoo (1), Yagiyama Zoo (1), Tobu Zoo (1), Tama Zoo (1) ,
Higashiyama Zoo (1) , Asa Zoo (1) , Okinawa-Kodomonokuni
’ (1 ^Forest elephant), Iwaki World Safari (1), Nasu Safari

Park (1), Gunma Safari World (1), Fuji Safari Park (2), Himeji
Central Park (2), Akiyoshidai Safari Land (1), African Safari
(2), Miyazaki Safari Park (2)

Asian & African. .. .Tama Zoo, Nasu Safari Park

||l Historical Review

[Three institutions no longer maintain any elephants but have had experi-
mce in keeping them in the past. The Asians were in two places (Kochi
/.oo: total 2 females; Matsushima Aquarium; total 1 female) and the
African was in one place (Namegawa Island; total 1 male and 2 females).

iChere were six institutions that went through the keeping of both species
ip to this time. It didn’t always follow that those Asian and African
ilephants were kept during the same period.

...Kanazawa Zoo, Oji Zoo, Tokuyama Zoo, Omuta Zoo, Yatsu Zoo
(“ a closed Zoo, *Forest elephant), Elza Wonderland (^Forest
elephant) .

[ncidentially, there are eight institutions that maintain both species
(Without regard to the sex distinction at each place at the present time.

...Asahiyama Zoo, Yagiyama Zoo, Tama Zoo, Higashiyama Zoo, Nasu
i Safari Park, Gunma Safari World, Nanki Shirahama Adventure World,

' African Safari.

3 reeding

Che Takarazuka Zoo received a pair of elephants from Thailand in 1950.

)n 10 April, 1962, they mated for the first time. The male was 13 years
bid and weighed 2.8 tons, the female was 14 and weighed 2.6 tons. After

|:hat, they mated every 30 days until the following May. The female was
?iven a pregnancy test in August 1963. The result was positive. Around
February 1964, her belly began to get large and her breasts to swell.

Dn 6 May, 1965 at 8;47 a.m., a male baby was born. But it died of
asphyxiation just before birth. It weighed 133.3 kg, and measured 87 cm
from the ground to the shoulder, 224 cm from tip of trunk to tip of tail,
the girth of the chest measured 113.5 cm, the trunk 44 cm, the tail 51 cm,
the right ear; 30.5 cm by 27 cm. This was the first pregnancy and birth
of an elephant in Japan.

The male of the pair died from complications of a dislocated forefoot
|3n 9 June, 1964. At this time, their delivery room was much too small
jDeing only 45 square meters. Also, their enclosure was by the side of
[a railway and they were always troubled with the train’s noises. The
female, who is 35 years old, lives in the same place even now.

213

ELEPHANTS IN JAPAN, Continued

Moreover s it is worthy of special mention that the breeding success had
been observed there when Expo "70 was held in Osaka. A male baby elephant,
was born on 16 August at about 2 a.m. This fact was the so called second 1|
birth in my country. The baby's mother was estimated at 18 years old ;
and had given birth twice before. The calf measured 92 cm from ground |i
to shoulder, length (from head to the root of the tail) 102 cm, the girth ;i
of the chest measured 120 cm, the trunk, a little less than 40 cm, the P
left ear: 30 cm by 25 cm. I;

On 31 January, 1984, one African elephant was born at the Gunma Safari
World. It was a male, and before everything else, it was the first case !|

of this species in Japan. However, his mother had a hard labor and the ij

birth took 16 hours. Unfortunately the African baby died from breathing li
dif f iculities about 30 minutes after birth. ■

His mother, "Sakuve" was estimated at 15-16 years of age and she was im-
ported through the International Animal Exchange, Detroit in the U.S. in <
March 1979. The sire was estimated to be the same age as the mother or

perhaps one year older. The baby weighed 125.7kg and his length was

1,22 m. The remaining three females at Gunma Safari World are all preg- !
nant and so we are looking forward to catch the good news at next time
indeed . j:

* Compare with the first elephant pregnancy at the ;

Takarazuka Zoo ,

Symbol Mark (used as an institution’s logo)

Several Zoo-facilities are putting to use the symbol mark from sittings j;

given by an elephant at this time in Japan. ;

In case of an African elephant, Gunma Safari World, Nanki Shirahama

Adventure World and Asa Zoological Park used it. I

In another Asians, Obihiro Zoo and Dogo Zoo used it.

In addition to them, the Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens and

Aquariums had a symbol mark of the Asian elephant. This organization |

affiliates 124 members being organized of 74 Zoos and 50 Aquaria in earlyf

1984. Six institutions are currently applying for membership.

Lists of literature cited

Kawata, Ken and Bennett, Joe/Tulsa Zoological Park, OK

"Elephants in U.S, Zoos mid 1976"; AAZPA Regional Workshop
Proceedings 1979, 164-180.

"Annual Report of 1981" by Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens
and Aquariums, 1982. i

Sunamoto, Etsujiro, "The Elephants"

Koto, Natsuki, "Animals in Zoos" (Vol. 17, No. 7) published by Tokyo
Zoological Park Society, 1965.

Otsuka, Kazuo, "Animals and Zoos" (Vol. 22, No. 11) published by Tokyo i|
Zoological Park Society, 1970. ’

Komori, Atsushi, "Animals and Zoos" (Vol 36, No. 1) published by Tokyo J
Zoological Park Society, 1984.

214

"LEPHANTS IN JAPAN, Cowtinao^d

P^.E.P. Delaniyagala, Some extinct elephants, their relatives and the
two living species/National Museum of Ceylon, 1955.

'The 100th annuals of Ueno Zoological Gardens" compiled by Ueno Zoo, 1982.

'Animals in the World/Classification and rearing", series 3 published by
Tokyo Zoological Park Society, 1983.

iSpecial thanks to the following individuals/institutions who cooperated

in this survey.

Associate Members

Nakayama, Fumiyoshi

Animal care keeper, Yagiyama Zoological Park-Sendai
Nagase, Kenjiro

Zoo veterinarian, Osaka municipal Tenno j i Zoo
Hayashi, Teruaki

Zoo veterinarian, Nanki Shirahama Adventure World
(E. I.G. /Elephant Interest Group-member)

Information Offers

Hashimoto, Shoichi

General Curator, Kobe-0 ji Zoo

Araki, Kaoru and Saburi, Takashi

Animal care keeper and Zoo veterinarian, Takarazuka
Zoological & Botanical Gardens

Nagata, Shingo

Zoo Director, Misaki Park Zoo & Aquarium
Abe, Tatsuo

Superintendant , Gunma Safari World
Kurihara, Ikuo

Zoo veterinarian, Akiyoshidai Safari Land
Nakagawa , Ayato

Animal care manager, Miyazaki Safari Park
Ikeda, Yoshiaki

Administrative staff, Nogeyama Zoological Gardens of Yokohama

Fuji Safari Park; public relations unit

African Safari

Kofu Yuki Park Zoo

Elza Wonderland

Ishikawa, Takeshi
A.N.C. (New York), U.S.A.

Advisory Board

Kawata , Ken

General Curator, Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
(E. I.G. -member)

Table II

Elephants Kept in Zoos Over 20 Years

zoo

House-name

Species

(sub-species)

Sex

Presumed-

age

Sapporo-Maruyama

Zoo

Hanako

Asian

Obihiro Zoo

Nana

Asian

Yagiyama Zoo-
Sendai

Toshiko

Asian

Hitachi City-
Kamine Zoo

Hanako

Asian

Gunma Safari

World

El i eMay

Asian

Ueno Zoo, Tokyo

Indira

Asian

(Indian)

(deceased)

Jambo

Asian
(Thai )

Menam

Asian
(Thai )

Tama Zoo, Tokyo

Anura

Asian

(Ceylonese)

Gacha

Asian

(Cambodian)

above 25

Takako

Asian

Inokashira Park Zoo,
Tokyo

Hanako

Asian
(Thai )

Nogeyama Zoo,

Yokohama

Hamako

Asian

(Thai?)

Mariko

Asian
(Thai )

Rakujuen

...

Asian

above 21

Kanazawa Zoo

Miyako

Asian
(Thai )

Izu Natural History
Park

Asian

216

; TABLE II, Continued

ZOO

House-name

Species

(sub-species)

Sex

Presumed-

age

Ayameike Zoo,

Nara

Hana

Asian

22-23

Misaki Park Zoo

Izumi

Asian

28-29

Midori

Asian

28-29

Tennoji Zoo

Haruko

Asian

above 24

Yuriko

Asian

above 24

Koshien Hanshin
Park

Akiko

Asian
(Thai )

37-38

Kikuko II

Asian

33-34

Takarazuka Zoo

Mary

Asian

Kobe-Oji Zoo

Taro

Asian

Suwako

Asian

Himeji Zoo

Himeko

Asian

(Thai)

above 33

Ritsurin Park

Zoo

___

Asian

above 21

Tokushima Zoo

Asian

above 21

African Safari

Winky

Asian

Hirakawa Zoo,
Kagoshima

Dorn

Asian

above 33

CORRECTION: In Vcwt 1 oi tku ^qvqarI mls^pellycng^ Xn the, mmeA

0^ Japanese. zoo6 lm.dvQAt<L¥M.y ^tlpp^d thAough. The. ^otlouiing oAe tko^d
QAAoh^ and tho, (ioAn.tcX ^poZlying^:

Rage, 180 - OdiooAa loo should be. OdawoAa Zoo

lluhima CTXy PoAk, Rakujuen should be. Mt&fuma CTXy PoAk

Page. 182 - Touhoko SaioAi, PoAk, EukLuhTm^ should be. Touhoku Sa^au.

PoAk

Nagaskd. Kio-PoAk ^houtd be. Nagasaki Eio-PoAk
Page. 184 - KAjne.jd. Ce.YvtAal. PoAk skouZd be. Hime.ji. Ce.ntAaZ PoAk

We apologize. ioA theMe, eAAoAS to the. authoA and to the. zoos involve.d. It
should oLso be. note.d that Table. 1 tute.d the. zoos In gtogAaphtcjoZ oAdeA
{^Aom noAth to south and not by size. OA e.x.peAie.nce. oi the. iacAltttes,

217

Legislative News

Comp^e,d by Kev^n Conway
AAZK Lugi^latlve, Coordinator

GUAM RAIL GIVEN EMERGENCY PROTECTION

A small, flightless bird, the Guam rail (RaZZiLi OW6tont} was listed as an i
Endangered species under an April 11, 1984 emergency rule (F.R. 4/11/84)
which will be in effect for 240 days. This bird, found only on the island)
of Guam in the Mariana Islands, has declined drastically over the past few.
years in numbers and distribution. An emergency situation developed when )
the U.S. Air Force was about to begin clearing an area adjacent to Ander- ■
sen Air Force Base to enhance base security. The habitat that would have >
been cleared is one of the few areas still occupied by the rail. After
concern was raised about the rail habitat, the USAF suspended its land
clearing plans while it works with the USFWS and Guam wildlife officials
to find a way to conserve the rail and still improve base security.

The severity of the rail's decline is illustrated by the fact that, over
just the past 15 years, its numbers have declined 99 percent. By 1983,
fewer than 100 birds were thought to survive, and the population may be
down to fewer than 50. Besides habitat destruction, other possible
reasons for the rail's decline include predation by an introduced snake
species (brown tree snake), lizards, rats, dogs and cats. Another sus-
pected cause for the sharp plunge in numbers is the possible spread of
a yet undetermined avian disease.

Under the emergency rule, the Guam rail and its habitat will receive full
protection of the Endangered Species Act for 240 days. In accordance with
Section 7 of the Act, all Federal agencies, including the USAF, are re-
quired to ensure that any actions they fund, authorize, or carry out are
not likely to jeopardize the survival of the Guam rail or degrade its
habitat. A proposal to list the species permanently as Endangered was
published in November 1983 in the F.R. , but that proposal is still under
review.

— EndangQAQ,d Specter Te.ckntcaZ Bulletin
i/ol, IK, hio, 5

MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT FAVORABLY REPORTED OUT OF HOUSE/SENATE

On 8 May, the Senate Commerce Committee favorably reported out S. 2584,
the reauthorization of the Marine Mammal Protection act. The bill would
require that nominees to the Marine Mammal Commission — the body respon-
sible for monitoring how the Act is carried out — be the unanimous choice
of the Smithsonian, the Council on Environmental Quality, the National
Academy of Sciences and the National Science Foundation. The bill would
require the Marine Mammal Commission to maintain a minimum staff of 11.
The staff has been steadily decreasing since 1972, and yet their duties
have been increasing. Finally, the Act would extend the marine mammal
permit currently held by the American Tunaboat Association and would in-
clude that foreign nations which export tuna to the United States will
be required to meet restrictions on incidental killing of porpoise.

S 2584 is now ready to go to the Senate floor for a vote.

On 10 May, the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee favorably
reported out H.R. 4997, its version of the Act's reauthorization. The
bill had been amended to include several of the same provisions as the
Senate bill. There was no attempt in the House Committee to amend H.R.
4997 to mesh it with those provisions in the Chandler bill which would
prohibit the public display of killer whales. H.R. 4997 also is ready
to go to the House floor for a vote. — AAZPA HmileXtM.

June 19B4

218

■ EGISLATIVE NEWS, ConUna^d

ySFWS COMPILES LIST OF 1,000 INVERTEBRATES AS POTENTIAL
CANDIDATES FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES LISTING

rhe Interior Department's USFWS has published a notice of review that
identifies over 1,000 species of invertebrate animals as candidates for
possible addition to the U.S. list of endangered and threatened species,
jrhe notice, published 22 May, 1984 in the Federal Register, is the first
such candidate list drawn up for invertebrates. Publication of the can-
ididate list does not constitute formal proposal of the species for addi-
ction to the endangered species list, however.

irhe Endangered Species Act directs the FWS to review the status of species

iwhen scientific evidence indicates they may be endangered. To obtain that
Idata, the Service has periodically compiled candidate lists as a tool to
identify species for which formal listing may be justified. The notice
mentions all known invertebrate species native to the U.S. that may war-
rant protection under the ESA, based upon the best available data, as well
as those species for which listing could be considered once more conclu-
sive data becomes available.

The Service has assigned different levels of status to the species on the
candidate list, based on nearly three years of data collection and review.

Of the 1,000 invertebrates, the Service considers 35 species as meriting
formal listing based on existing biological information. Of the remainder,
the Service feels that 841 species could be proposed for listing only if
additional information about their status and biological vulnerability
becom4s available. A separate category of 141 invertebrates has been com-
piled to include those species whose extinction is suspected, or that do
not meet criteria for listing under the act. The Service, however, is
|Soliciting any additional data from the scoentific community that might
support a change in status of these latter species.

The candidate list of invertebrates is dominated by 335 species whose
habitat is limited to the unique ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands. These,
and many other invertebrates in the list, represent aniamls that have
(evolved in very specialized areas—caves, windswept sand dunes, and iso-
lated springs, for example. These restricted habitats, in many cases,
make the species that much more vulnerable to natural or man-made disrup-
tions.

— Ve,p(VjJynQ,vit T-wtoAd-on.

News Rete£U>e.,

HARBOR PORPOISE PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED LISTING

The National Marine Fisheries Service, which has management authority
over most marine mammals, has proposed listing the cockvto , or Gulf of
California harbor porpoise [Pkoc.oe.nci sd.niLS ) , as an Endangered species
(F.R. 4/25/84). It is believed that only one small population remains,
and that it has been seriously affected for over 40 years as an accident-
ally taken species during commercial gillnet fishing within its restrict-
ed range. Estimates have been made of an annual incidental catch of
tens to hundreds of the porpoise.

— EndangeAe.d Spe.CA.es Te.chnlc.cil Battctln
l/o£. IK, No, 5

219

Education Alternatives

{EdJXo^'6 Note: Ike ^ottoootng cute tmo o£ a. tmtnlng vtdeotape

entUZed "ReseoAch Methods ioA Stadytng AnZmaZ BehavZoA Zn a loo SeZtZng^'
u)hZek W(U eo-pAodueed by the WcuhZngton PoAk Zoo and the MZnnesota Zoo,
The tape Zs avaZZabZe Zn eZtheA 3l4~Zneh oZdeocxLSSette OA UZ-Zneh l/HS
ioAmat; ha^ a pZayZng time o^ SO mZnutes dZvZded Znto two poAts and eomei
wZth ten copZes o^ text whZeh outZZnes the tape contents, gZves examples
Ofj ethogAom^, bZbZZogAaphZes oi AeseoAch methodology and checksheets luec
ioA 6coAing the tempting methods. The coi>t i^ HOO and the tape may be
puAchased {^Aom the Minnesota Zoo,)

Review By

fAank Kohn, ChalAman

AAZK ReseoAchlGAants Committee

"Research Methods for Studying Animal Behavior in a Zoo Setting" is a
multimedia project assembled jointly by the Washington Park Zoo and the
Minnesota Zoo. A two-part video tape presentation— the first part an
introduction to research and the second part an exercise in observationa]
skills — is supplemented by a workbook, and combines excellent video foot-
age with straightforward examples. The tape is geared to, and easily
comprehended by, all individuals interested in gathering behavioral infoi
mation in a systematic and organized fashion, regardless of previous ex-
perience.

Keepers will be pleased to learn that no distinction is made between
keepers and researchers; keepers are considered researchers and are, as
noted in the tape, one of the researcher’s important sources of informa-
tion of a given species.

The major issues addressed in the first tape include; Careful definitions!
of behaviors; an emphasis of the distinction of mutually exclusive be-
haviors; and the simplicity of the construction of an ethogram. In the
second tape, six methods of studying interactions and recording predeter-
mined parameters are presented using birds, mammals and reptiles as
models. Although not exhaustive of all observational techniques, the j

video-workbook gives ample exposure to methods for the collection of |

basic meaningful data. An extensive bibliography is the workbook will
aid beginners observers to major sources of research methods.

But the workbook also implies that research is as useful as a management |
tool for the study of endangered species and not as an end in itself.

This point is an essential concept for the observer to realize.

I highly recommend any institution interested in training keepers, volun-
teers and students to obtain the tape. Although the cost is expensive,
the benefits derived from its use will surpass the price. ;

Further information can be obtained from Jill Mellen, Washington Park Zooj
4001 S.W. Canyon, Portland, OR 97221.

220

RESEARCH METHODS VIDEO TAPE REVIEWS, CoyvUme^d

ke-vlm By

B. OJayno, Buchamn, ChcuAman
. AAZK KeepeA Education \/ld2.ota,p(Z. CommUXtd

Iriginally designed for undergraduate students, this 80 minute video tape
rogram is a very good introduction to behavioral research methods. It
rovides simple, yet clear explanations of the proper steps and their
roper sequence for establishing a behavioral study that will yield ob-
ective, useable data. To zoo keepers, the usefulness of such a skill
ould be limited only by their imagination.

unique feature of this video program is the extensive "practice" section,
lere, using checksheets provided in an accompanying workbook, one actually
collects data from various taped animal sequences. A variety of situations
[and collection techniques are practiced in this manner. This learn by
doing approach should prove quite effective.

rhe above mentioned workbook contains virtually all the information in
the video tape plus useful bibliographies. It would, in itself, be quite
informative and valuable as a reference.

In general, the video quality is good with only minor, occasional flaws,
rhese are by no means a significant distraction and would likely not even
be noticed by most people.

rhe makers of this program state, and rightly so, that "statistical analy-
^sis of data is beyond the scope of this text." One may therefore require
assistance in this area. Such help should be fairly easy to obtain, but
one should also remember that many of the questions a zoo keeper seeks to
answer require only very basic analysis.

The program was produced by the Washington Park Zoo and the Minnesota
Zoological Garden. The latter is marketing the finished product. It is
available in either 3/4 inch or VHS format and comes with 10 copies of
!the workbook. Beta format is apparently not available. The only real
problem I see with this package is the price - $200! This puts it out
of reach of most individuals and possibly even some institutions. How-
ever, this is not really a surprising price for such a specialized video.

I suspect that any responsible zoological institution will recognize the
value of a keeper staff with basic research abilities and likely find
the funds for quality instructional material such as this. I strongly
encourage their efforts.

221

ANIMAL INTRODUCTIONS:

Some Suggestions For Easing The Trauma

Pebble HmXtt, Keeper.

San Vi-ngo Zoo, San VIq^qo, CA

There are a number of factors to consider when introducing new individual
to an established social situation or to an entirely new arrangement.

Every situation is different, characterized by species, environmental,
social and individual differences. The objective of a successful intro-
duction is to reduce the risk of injury or death by applying techniques
which fit the particular situation.

Two general statements about natural populations should be kept in mind a-
you plan. First, fear of strangers is a normal adaptive response. It is
the animal's way of protecting their resources, such as feeding trees,
nest sites, territories, or mates, from rivals. A strange individual '
evokes an aggressive response when it intrudes into another individual's ■
living space. Through this aggression, an intruder is either repulsed or
gradually integrated into the social order. Second, animals in nature
display a great variety of social arrangements. Therefore, the success
of a social arrangement in captivity depends on how consistent it is with
the natural tendencies of the animal in question. For example, it is
easier to achieve heterosexual pairing for a social primate than for a
solitary carnivore which has a very limited capacity for living in close j
proximity to others.

Because of nature's diversity, guidelines for introducing new members r
must be broad in scope and adaptable to the specific case. In order to
predict the response of group members to a new individual, several ques- '
tions need to be considered:

1. HOW DO THE INDIVIDUALS RELATE TO SPACE? If territorial, what is |
defended? At what time of year, and by whom? Which class of individuals
usually assumes the defensive or protective roles?

2. HOW DO THE INDIVIDUALS RELATE TO EACH OTHER? What is the compositior
of the social unit in nature (monogamous pairs, harems, multi-male group)?
Is there a status hierarchy? Which sex is usually dominant? Are allianc-
es formed during conflict? Is infanticide known to occur?

3. WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LOCAL GROUP? FOR EXAMPLE; ;

A. Ranks of individuals

B. Age/ sex composition [

C. Reproductive status of females (in estrus, pregnant, lactating,
quiescent)

D. Kin ties or "friendship" i

E. Developmental history, particularly as it may affect sociality ■

F. Individual temperament

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW SPECIMEN (S)?

A. Rank in past group, if known

B. Reproductive state, if female

C. Developmental history, i.e. normalcy

D. Immediate past history, e.g. length of isolation period

E. Temperament

F. Physical attributes

222

\NIMAL INTRODUCTIONS; Some Suggestions For Easing The Trauma, Cant'd

.’he information derived from these questions will usually help to pre-
lict the source and direction of conflict. In most instances conflict
ls inevitable, but by understanding its source and function, there are

Procedures to follow to reduce its intensity. The three types are:

„ 1. Handicapping those individuals which will be in a dominant position.

I 2. Permitting integration to proceed as far as possible before physical
[ contact occurs.

3. Managing the physical environment in ways which will reduce negative
social interaction.

1. HANDICAPPING THE DOMINANTS

L. Bring the dominant to the subordinate’s home turf.

2. Place all in a new environment at once.

3. If there are multiple newcomers, introduce all at once to reduce the
j chances of concentrating aggression on one individual.

!^^. Remove temporarily, allowing a subordinate newcomer to become acquaint-
ed with lower risk members.

■5. Socially distract, i.e. if the newcomer is female - introduce while
j in estrus.

6. Encumber with casts, bandages, etc.

7. Use drug therapy

8. Use negative conditioning, e.g. hosing, shock collar, etc.

PRE- CONTACT INTEGRATION

1. Visual, olfactory, and auditory familiarization with either juxtaposed
cages or a cage within a cage.

2. Limited contact, such as grooming, licking, or muzzling through a wall.

NOTE: A. Familiarity does not equal integration. A new individual must
still establish its niche within the system, and can only do
I so after full introduction.

B. Care must be taken to avoid injury to appendages during initial
I familiarization.

I C. Monitoring the interactions during pre- introductory familiar iza

I tion allows one to predict more accurately whether the intro-

j duction will be successful. Some pairings will never work,

and should not be forced or even attempted.

MANAGING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Space; the larger the cage, the better. Use of adjoining cages with
a door between them adds flexibility to the introduction process.

2. Escape routes: apparatus or corridors for individual travel should be
well defined.

3. Retreats: resting areas should be provided for the harrassed individual
such as a single-animal perch high on the cage wall.

4. Sight barriers: even temporary barriers, which can be removed later,
are a consideration.

5. Displacement material: hay, straw, browse, grain, or other innocuous
onjects can be used. However, regular feeding may increase competi-
tion and should not be used in this context.

In addition to the foregoing, thought should be given to the most propit-
ious time for initial contact. For instance:

223

ANIMAL INTRODUCTIONS: Some Suggestions For Easing The Trauma, Cant'd

1. New infants should be introduced at dawn, as occurs in nature for
diurnal animals.

2. Consider the time factor of the female reproductive state. Offspring ,
are most vulnerable during pregnancy (fetal stress) and during lact-
ation (infanticide).

3. Take into account the timing of surrounding activities. Any change in
the immediate vicinity would excite the animals, such as the appearance
of visitors, construction, etc., and should be avoided.

PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENT '

1. Are there any adjoining cages or pens available for the introduction
phase?

2. Are there escape routes, visual barriers, safety perches, or other
physical structures which would provide refuge for an individual?

3. Are there any potentially dangerous cage features which should be (

modified prior to introduction, such as moats, etc.?

4. Is there a plan for quick separation, if necessary? \

5. Are there any outside disturbances (construction, view of other ani- i

mals, visitors, etc.) which may unnecessarily arouse the animals? j

6. Is there a more appropriate time of day to schedule the introduction, '■
for instance, during periods of low activity or during feeding time? ^

7. Is there a plan to monitor the situation until stability has been

achieved. \

8. Have preparation been made to insure that feeding will not trigger |

violence? To insure that everyone gets food and shelter? ^

9. Is emergency equipment (nets, hoses, etc.) available and working?

10. Has the veterinary staff been alerted?

11. Is there a plan to record results accurately to benefit future intro-
ductions?

EVALUATING THE ANIMALS

1. Is the proposed arrangement socially compatible with what occurs in
the wild state? If not, do the animals display enough flexibility to
allow an unnatural arrangement to succeed?

2. If any young individuals, would their safety be jeopardized?

3. Is there a risk to submissive or low-ranking individuals? Can this
situation be changed to reduce risk?

4. Are there any physically handicapped individuals with limited mobil-
ity?

5. Does any individual display sterotypic behavior, e.g. bizarre limb

movements, self-biting, or unusual locomotor activity, to indicate
inadequate early socialization? *

6. Are there pregnant females which may be unduly stressed?

7. Can the sexual state of the females be used to advantageously divert
males from aggression?

8. Are there any obvious temperamental traits (such as hyperaggressive-
ness, assertiveness, alertness, or their opposites) which will affect
the outcome?

9. Regarding the animals to be combined, has there been any previous
exposure to one another?

10. Are all the individuals equally familiar with the exhibit cage or pen?

11. Have previous caretakers been consulted about past experiences with
the individuals?

12. Are there any individuals which should be temporarily handicapped with
drugs or any form of restraint?

224

SnIMAL INTRODUCTIONS: Some Suggestions For Easing The Trauma, Cant'd

[3. Can the introduction be gradual— a few minutes or hours a day?

-4. Will the temporary removal of certain individuals facilitate the

I integration of a new member?

5. If more than one new individual, is introducing one-at-a-time or
all-at-once more likely to succeed?

" Animal Introduction Form

lipecies

[.ocation Time

•taff in Charge Weather

New Subject (s) Recipient Population

[lumber

l^qe

'?ex

^epro. State_

)rigin

^ast History

Number

Age

Sex

Repro. State

Origin

Past History_

Outcome

Terminated

Physical Injury

Extreme Aggression, Risk

Failure to Stabilize Socially

Successful

Initial Aggression, gradual
decline

Tense and wary, but non-
aggressive

Immediately Compatible

Details

A NOT TOTALLY SUCCESSFUL
HATCH ING OF A GREEN MAMBA

By Dave, So^Q^n^on, Rovqa and

Ctlii Van Bzok, Ro^ptULo, Kee.peA
UUwauke.e, County loo, Mtlwauk<iz, WI

On 18 January, 1984 the Milwaukee County Zoo received a female Green
Mamba {V(indA.oai>pLi) VVtLdJjb ) from a reptile dealer in Florida. This
animal had been imported from Liberia. On 24 February, she deposited
seven eggs on the floor of her cage. The eggs were transferred to a
plastic sweater box filled with wet vermiculite. The mixture of water/
vermiculite was not measured out. The eggs were incubated at a fairly
constant temperature of 83®F, although there was a brief drop to 80°F
once, during a power failure.

Three of the seven eggs were almost twice the size of the other four,
and it was assumed the four smaller eggs were infertile. The four
smaller eggs quickly discolored and, upon dissection, showed no signs
of fertility. Of the remaining three eggs, two began to show signs of
spoiling and were opened on the 13th of April. They showed signs of
having been fertile, but there was no visible embryo.

The remaining egg was first weighed on 8 April, weighing 51 grams. It
continued to grow in size (see Table) until being slit on 19 May at
about 4:30 p.m.; (it had weighed 109 grams earlier that day). After dis-
covery of the slit, a small hole was cut in the top of the egg using a
surgical scalpel. No measurements of the egg had been taken, but its
approximate size was 4cm x 8cm.

Table

Egg Weight

Date

Wt.

Date

Wt.

4-8-84

51.0 g

5-1-84

72.0

4-13-84

55.0 g

5-2-84

73.5

4-17-84

58.0 g

5-4-84

76.9

4-19-84

60.2 g

5-6-84

79.6

4-21-84

62.0 g

5-9-84

84.5

4-23-84

63.6 g

5-14-84

95.7

4-25-84

65.3 g

5-17-84

104.7

4-28-84

68.5 g

5-18-84

107.1

4-30-84

70.7 g

5-19-84

109.0

The following day, as the young snake had not appeared and no new slits
were evident, it was decided to investigate further. The juvenile,
visible through the opening in the egg, was touched, and when no move-
ment was seen, the egg was cut open. Unfortunately the young mamba was
dead. There was a small yolk sac still attached to the apparently normal
and fully-formed male. The snake and yolk sac weighed 22 grams. Its TL
was 44cm; with a SVL of 34cm; and a tail length of 10.1cm. The ventral
scales, which were divided, numbered 213; subcaudals 101+; midbody 13.
Coloration was like that of an adult, dark green with black borders on
each scale. The only difference between it and the adult was a yellow
tail tip, a familiar juvenile characteristic in many snakes. Perhaps
this is used as a caudal lure for lizards, etc.

Since the female who laid the eggs was intended as a mate for our male
mamba, it is hoped that in the future we may again have the opportunity
to try our hand at hatching out and raising green mambas.

We were unable to find any references to egg laying or hatching and
raising of young for VmdAOCUptt vtAtdU in any literature seen by us.

If anyone has any information on this species, or for further information
on our experience, please contact the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West
Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

226

WEAR YOUR PRIDE

I Join the celebration

j Animal Keepers
Forum invites you to
celebrate its ten year
anniversary. To
commemorate ten
years of publication,

: we are proud to offer
you a limited addition
anniversary T-shirt.

I Show your
dedication
We know you are
deeply committed to
your work and
professional animal
I care. Why not tell the
world how you feel?
You can wear your
pride when you buy

your anniversary
T-shirt, your money will
directly benefit the
AAZK Conference
and AKF.

Order yours today

These shirts are made
of quality 100%
heavyweight cotton
and are only
available through the
P84 AAZK
Conference. This
limited edition T-shirt is
available to you for
$7.50 and includes
postage and
handling. Please allow
3-4 weeks for delivery
of your T-shirt.

Send this form to;

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Attn: Judie Steenberg

Name

Address,

i City/State/Zip

Color:

^ □ Powder blue □ Beige

Size:

□ Small □ Medium □ Large □ Extra Large

Enclosed is a check for $ payable to the Puget Sound AAZK

Chapter Conference Account.

w^hlng to adveAtu><i mployrmnt oppontuyutlt6 cuio, cuked to
^end peAttmnt data by tk<L 15th o{^ moh month to: Oppoatuyilty Knoalu/AKf,
635 Gage. Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606, ThoJte no change ^oa 4ac.fi Lutings ,
Please tnclude clo^tng date6 iofi po^aXtoyu available.

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN {\Jet:eAtna/iy Techntetan] . . .requires completion of 2-year
veterinary assistant, animal health technology or equivalent program and
2 years’ related experience. This person will assist full-time veterinar-
ian in all aspects of zoo animal health operation including animal treat-
ment, surgical assistance, and veterinary laboratory technology as well as
direct animal care in the zoo nursery. This is a supervisory position,
thus prior supervisory experience is desirable. Salary $1 , 111-$1 , 582 per
month, plus excellent benefits. Send resume directly to:

Earl Unell, Chief Examiner, City Hall, Personnel Dept.,

414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Closing date is
31 July 1984. EOE.

ASSISTANT ZOO MANAGER, . .requires BS in zoology or other life
science and zoo management experience. Duties include care
of animals and maintenance of buildings/grounds. Salary
$1 ,933-$2,350 per month. Send resume and application to
City of Fresno, Personnel Office, 2348 N. Mariposa, Fresno,

CA 93721.

STUVENT INTERNSHIP, ,, available at the Animal Rehabilitation
Center within the Conservancy Nature Center in Naples, FL.

The Animal Rehabilitation Center (Project A.R.C.) is a
community-supported program where native, injured wildlife
are brought in for treatment, and released, if possible,
back to their environment. Internship involved wildlife,
as well as educational programs and special projects. Interns ""
must be available for up to five months. Qualifications: a ^
college student or recent graduate, studying wildlife or ^

related field; some experience with people and animals; a sincere concern
and interest in working with animals. $55 /week stipend, housing provided.
Internships available year-round. To apply, submit resume, statement of
goals and three references to : Julie Wasserman, Supervisor, Animal Re-
habilitation Center, Conservancy Nature Center, 1450 Merrihue Dr., Naples,
FL 33942, (813) 262-2273.

CURATOR, , .new position, to be responsible for planning and operation of
proposed aquarium at the Denver Zoo. Applicants must be skilled in
technical management of aquatic life forms. BS degree and 2 years' pro-
fessional experience required. Salary begins at $27,228 with excellent
benefits. Mail resume to: Clayton Freiheit, Director, Denver Zoological
Gardens, City Park, Denver, CO 80205. EOE.

s 1

MOVING???

Please send change of address as soon as possible to:

Vo tty Cloak, Admtnt^taative SecaeXaay
Ameatojan A^^oclatton oi loo Keepeau, Inc.

635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606

228

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name

C/iecfe hoAQ, li Kmmal [ ]

Address

$20.00 Professional
Vutl-tlme, KeepeAi

$25.00 International
Alt mmbe/u 0iit6-ld^ the,
U.S. and Canada

$10.00 Associate
IndUvldaaJU not conmctcd
lotth an awmaJi coah ^acJJJjty

$15.00 Affiliate

OtfieA Jt^taii and voluntQ,QJU>

$50.00 Contributing

OA-gayitzatton^ and IndivtduaLs
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

VdAiZ(iton.y Jn^oAmatton

j Job l^Jo/ik hida SpJcJM~TntJ^tJJti

! [Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
'Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
{635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

I Membership includes a subscription to the Antmal Ke.e.peA^ ' Fo^um. The
I membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
j in the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

! AntmaZ ' FoKim publishes original papers and news items of inter-

est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
articles.

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
I tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
i size of no more than 6" x 10” (15 cm x 25^1 cm.). Literature used should
jl be cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
scientific names.

Articles sent to AntmaZ KQ,2,p2A^’ Fo^um will be reviewed for publication.

I No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
j lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
I separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
i tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
I submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
j addressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
not be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

AjittcZoA pfitwtdd do not n(ic.2^i>aJitZy h-ziZdct: thd
optntoni oi thd AntmaZ Kddpd/u ’ FoAum ddttoAtaZ
6ta{){^ on. oi thd Amdntcan f^hoaZatton oi loo Kddpd'u,

Items in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
is requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

C )

zc. r~ —i
hH r*
^ r J
cr> o r 4
H o o
o I" o
o

S iT’ {-

< > O '
c*) 'x>
r j>

f>J “O -<
O

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

AUGUST 1984

ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Alice Miser
Managing Editor: Susan Chan
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

AUGUST 1984
VOLUME ELEVEN
NUMBER EIGHT

An^al Von.um (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the

American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual piablishing
costs of Ayiuncit Kc.C.p2A^’ foAum, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster Please send address changes to:

f AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS, INC.

I ^'ATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE ELUV., TOPEKA, KS 66606

Vo-tty CloAk, AdmTnJj>tn.atlv(i SdcAOJtoAy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP/Conservation & Research Center
Front Royal, VA 22630
Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park
Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Pn.2J>Tde.nt
l/Xce Pn.z^ldQ.Yvt

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs

G^Aold Payne., VotAoiX loo

Continuing Keeper Education

JacFtc StcmbeAg , {Woodland PoAk

Historical Committee
LoAAy SammoAco, Linaoln PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jan McCoy, WaAklngton PoAk Zoo

International Affairs Coordinator
Connie Cloak, NoAhv-ltln, TN

Research/Grants Committee

F/iank Kohn, National Zoological Pcuik

xAwards Committee

Mike CAoekeA, Dicker on PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee
Kevin Conway, NZP/CRC, PAonX Royal

PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Am, bJoodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
EeAnle Feldman, Topeka Zoo

Library Resource/Book Review

Eilen Leach, Woodland Park
Biological Values Booklet /Gestation

MoAy MuAe, San FAaneiAco Zoo

Program Library

Anne M. Payne, VetAo it Zoo

Infant Development

Steve TayloA, LoiuAville

Keeper Accomodations List

OtiveA Clayey, M^tAo ToAonto

Diet Notebook

South Flo Aida ChapteA, Miami
Membership Directory
Pat SmmoAeo, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Diane FoAAytn, AkAon Zoological PoAk

Keeper Data Survey i-

MoAy Slaybaugh, San Antonio S Dave OAndoA^^, Sea WoAld ShoAk Institute ||

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Mike CoApenteA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, ViAectoA

Linda RohA
Vacancy
Gene P{^eiieA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne Villens
LoAAy SammoAco
Diane KAug
Alan ShaAple6
Vacancy
Candy KAo{,t

{fJ.D. Stone MemoAial Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
DetAoit Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo
RiveAbanks Zoo
Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhill Woodland PoAk Zoo

Joanie Stinson Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

ME,VT,NH,MA,RI,CT

PA,NJ,MD,DE

VA,W.VA,D.C.

IN,0H,KV

WI,IL,M0,MN,IA

TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA

AR,MS,LA

TX,NM,C0,0K,KS,NE,

SD,ND

WA,0R,ID,MT,WV,AK

CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

:i Tkli, month' ^ KeapeAl A/itt6t t6 Steve. Gtngna6, Mho at the tune he mbmit-
! ted thJji (pLOWtng^ ivcu a Keepen. Tooo Mon.ktng wJth eati>!pnJjfnatei>fpola/i bea/u
i at the Uttca Zoo, Uttea, MV, Thanks, Steve!

Scoops

?5^L/^Scuttlebutt

I DIET NOTEBOOK

j Here is a unique opportunity to share with other keepers the types of
diets used to maintain exotics in captivity. This project has the poten-
i tial to develop an excellent reference on captive diets but only if you
participate.

;i Forms may be obtained from the Collection Centers listed below and when
li completed they should be sent to the appropriate center. Please type
j or print information, use metric units whenever possible and refer to
i, the ISIS or lUCN listings for scientific names.

Please become Involved.

I BIRD COLLECTION CENTER:

I MAMMAL COLLECTION CENTER;

ALL OTHERS:

KelLL OJeJitb^ook
Little Rock ChapteA AAZK
Jone^boAo Vntve
Little Rock, AR 72204

TeAnte lonxell
SedgMtck County Zoo
5555 Zoo SoulevaJid
Wtehlta, KS 67212

South Vlontda ChapteA AAZK
eto Vebbte Bu/ich
17S60 S(jU 112 Count
Iklamt, FL 33157

Keeper’s Alert

SPECIAL SESSION ON STAFF TRAINING IN MIAMI

A special one-hour session has been set aside at the AAZPA Conference in
Miami on the subiect of Staff Training. The session will take place on
Wednesday, September 12th from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the La Brisa room of
the Omni hotel.

:! The AAZK Keeper Training videotape "ZooKeeper Safety - An Attitude Adjust-
' ment" will be shown and information will be distributed on additional train-
i ing videotapes. The Staff Exchange project will be updated and discussion
I will center on Staff Training.

For more information contact Judie Steenberg, Woodland Park Zoological
Gardens (206) 625-5498.

229

SCOOPS AND SCUTTLEBUTT, CoyvUnmd

AAZK SENDS GREETINGS TO ABWAK ON ITS lOTH ANNIVERSARY

[EdiXon.' 6 noto.: The. {^ottoMTng a leXten. 6e.vvt by AAZK Vn.eJilde.Yit Kevtyi
Conway avid InteAncutlonal kHadJUi CooKcilnaton. ConvUe. Cloak to Mn., John
Vantyvldge., e,dJXon. o{^ RATEL, the. jouAnal o{^ the. A^^oatatton oi BnJJUj>h
{jJTJid Avujnal Ke^peAJ> . )

Dear Mr. Partridge:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of AAZK and all our members please
accept our best wishes on the tenth anniversary of your founding. We
will look forward to your second decade of existence with the excitement
of what you will achieve for your members and the zoological collections
you represent.

Since our founding in 1968, our organization has grown in ways that per-
haps were not anticipated by the founders. Nevertheless, we now hold
annual national and regional conferences, represent zookeepers all over
the North American continent, we comment on and are asked to comment on
matters of zoological interest and we continue to expand the information
we provide our members each month in Animal Keepers’ Forum. A review
shows that our publication alone has expanded significantly in just the
last eight years. When we review the recent progress of our own organiza-
tion, we are able to see the future potential for ABWAK.

The most significant achievements of ABWAK must be the establishment of
your four major objectives; these being:

1. To provide facilities for the meetings of keepers of wild
animals in the British Isles.

2. To improve cooperation and communication between keepers and
zoos, both nationally and internationally.

3. To improve the standard of all animal collections by promoting
the education of all those involved in wild animal husbandry.

4. To support any projects of conservation that the association
shall, in its discretion, think fit.

The establishment of such objectives and the work towards achieving them
shows the dedication and professional attitude of your members on behalf
of the animals placed in their care. We are very impressed with your
desire to educate your members through meetings and actual class work
provided by the Animal Management Course.

As you begin your second decade of existence please accept our offer to
work closely together with you on behalf of international zoological
cooperation. As you have found out through your meetings, the exchange
of information between animal caretakers is one of the best ways to pro-
vide quality care for the animals we keep. This type of exchange on an
international level is what we need now to insure the survival of both
natural wildlife and captive wildlife.

From a sister organization, congratulations on your first decade and
keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

CoYLYite. Cloak Kevin. CoYiway^ AAZK Pn.eJ>ldeYit

InteAnatlonal A^^alA6 CooKcUnaton.

230

Births|^ Hatchings

TWIN BISON CALVES BORN IN BATTLE CREEK Kcuim JUmbeAgeA

I On 15 April, 1984, twin bison calves were born at the Binder Park Zoo in
Battle Creek, MI. The 1.1 calves appear to be very healthy and are eat-
i ing well. To our knowledge, very few cases of twin bison calves have
been reported. Any additional information regarding the number and origins
I of twin calves would be greatly appreciated. Send pertinent data to:

Binder Park Zoo, 7500 Division Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017.

KANSAS CITY ZOO Pee

B&H for April and May 1984 include: Mammals - 0.0.1 Patas monkey, 1.1
jYak (0.1 DNS), 2.0 Bison, 3.0 Barbados sheep, 0.0.1 Colobus monkey, 1.0
Roan antelope. 1.0 Blesbok, 0.0.2 Giant Indian fruit bat, 0.2 African
! pygmy goat, 1.0 Ayrshire/Holstein calf; Birds - 0.0.4 Grey-necked wood
rail (2 DNS), 0.0.4 Emu, 0.0.5 Bali mynah, 0.0.2 White-tailed sea eagle
(1 DNS), 0.0.2 Ostrich, 0.0.1 Victoria crowned pigeon, 0.0.5 Dyhal thrush,
0.0.1 Fairy bluebird (DNS), 0.0.2 Brazilian teal, 0.0.8 Northern pintail,
0.0.1 Umbrella cockatoo, 0.0.1 Shama thrush, 0.0.1 Brazilian cardinal (DNS),
0.0.2 Red-vented bulbul, 0.0.7 Ringed teal (5 DNS), 0.8 Trumpeter swan.

INSTITUTE FOR WILD AND EXOTIC ANIMAL STUDIES (JilUUam L. BAU>by

April and May 1984 B&H from Moorpark include: Mammals - 4.0 Raccoons, 1.3
Coatis, 1.0 Reeve's muntjac, 1.4 Bengal tiger, 2.1.1 Coyotes, 1.0.2 Rhesus
macaques; Birds - 0.0.15 Blue peacock.

BROOKFIELD ZOO John S. StoddoAd

June 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.0.3 White-toothed shrew, 1.0 Collard
peccary; Birds - 0.0.1 Golden-eared tanager, 0.0.1 Paradise tanager, 0.0.2
Violet touraco, 0.0.4 Spur-winged plover, 0.0.1 Red and white crake, 0.0.11
Hooded merganser, 0.0.2 Ruddy duck and 0.0.3 Trumpeter swan.

TOLEDO ZOO Md^cheZln GAAgoAo,

iB&H from April through June 1984 include: Mammals - 2.0 Snow leopard, 0.0.1
^Diana monkey, 0.0.1 Sooty monkey, 0.0.2 California sea lion; Birds - 0.0.2
I Long-tailed grassfinch, 0.0.1 Lilac-crowned amazon, 0.0.6 Orange quit, 0.0.2
I Plush-crested jay, 0.0.5 Black swan, 0.0.2 Blue-streaked lory, 0.0.1 Superb
[Starling, 0.0.2 Violet-backed starling, 0.0.3 Golden pheasant, 0.0.5 Swin-
hoe’s pheasant, 0.0.2 Herring gull; Herpetiles - 0.0.7 Haitian forest frog,
0.0.3 Indian pythons, 0.0.3 Cuban boa, 0.0.10 Monacled cobra, 0.0.7 Leopard
gecko, 0.0.2 Tokay gecko, 0.0.4 Cone-head lizard and 0.0.4 Basilisk lizard.

HONOLULU ZOO Gtovo, RobAn^on

May through July 15, 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.1 Pygmy hippo (DNS);
i Birds - 1.1 Grand eclectus parrot, 0.0.2 Burrowing owl, 0.0.1 Temple dove
i (Ringed turtle dove), 0.0.2 Blue and yellow macaw (DNS), 0.0.1 Scarlet
i macaw, 0.0.3 Red-billed hornbill, 0.0.1 Turkey vulture.

231

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, CowUnuzd

SAN ANTONIO ZOO Vnbonah Reed

Recent B&H at San Antonio include: Mammals - 1.0 Greater kudu (DNS), 1.0
Scimitar-horned oryx, 1.0 Addax, 1.1 Topi, 1.1 Thomson's gazelle (0.1 DNS),
0.1 Arabian sand gazelle, 0.1 Springbok, 1.2 Aoudad, 1.0 Himalayan tahr
(DNS); Birds - 1 Sacred ibis, 2 Scarlet ibis, 9 Moluccan radjah shelduck
(1 DNS), 9 Cinnamon teal, 7 Ringed teal, 1 Ruddy duck (DNS), 2 Roul-roul
(1 DNS), 2 Palawan peacock pheasant, 23 Ocellated turkey (5 DNS), 2 Crested
seriema, 2 Black-necked stilt, 2 Double-striped thicknee, 1 Inca tern (DNS),

2 Galah, 1 Queen of Bavaria conure, 1 Painted conure, 1 Pygmy kingfisher
(DNS), 2 Dyhal thrush (1 DNS), 3 Rufous treepie, 1 Picathartes; Herptiles -

3 Central American milk snake, 5 Mexican milk snake; Aquarium - Koi, Tomatoe
clownfish and Sarasota Springs pupfish (1st time in collection).

TAMPA/BUSCH GARDENS Siaan Rackle^

B&H for June 1984 include: Mammals - 2.4 Thomson’s gazelle, 5.0 Impala,
2.1 Nyala, 1.0.5 White-bearded gnu, 4.2 Grant’s gazelle, 0.1 Scimitar-
horned oryx, 1.0 Muntjac deer, 0.1 Sitatunga, 0.1 Kafue (Red) lechwe, 0.1
Sommering’s gazelle; Birds - 1 Hahn’s macaw, 4 Orange-winged amazon, 8
American flamingo, 8 Crested tinamou, 2 Golden (Queen of Bavaria) conure,
4 Abdim’s stork, 11 Mandarin duck, 1 Rosybilled pochard, 8 Scarlet ibis,

1 (white) Egyptian goose, 2 Stone curlew, 1 Red-crested touraco, 1 Bare-
eyed cockatoo, 1 Egyptian goose, 1 Blue-fronted amazon, 2 Sun conure, 9
Ringed teal, 1 Fischer’s x Black masked lovebird, 3 Mitred conure, 2
Scarlet macaw, 2 Lear’s macaw, 1 Pied cockatiel; Herptiles - 0.0.17 Nile
crocodile and 0.0.2 Ball python.

RIVERBANKS ZOO Lex, GloveA S Tony 1/eceIu.o

Jan. to June 1984 — The start of 1984 has proved to be a very exciting
time for the staff at Riverbanks. On 10 May, 1984, we successfully hatch-
ed a Cinereous vulture {Ae,gypTuJ> monaahiU ) . To the best of our knowledge
this will be the first successful breeding for this species in the western
hemisphere. The chick, which is being hand-raised, is doing great. The
adults laid a second egg which they hatched, but the chick did not survive.
Other hatchings include: 5 Stella’s lory (2 DNS), 3 Black-footed penguin,

2 Victoria crowned pigeon (1 DNS), 10 Crimson seedcracker, 3 Blue-bill
weaver, 3 Gouldian finch, 1 Tawny frogmouth (DNS), 3 Cape teal, 1 Roul
roul, 4 Black-necked swan, 4 Coscoroba swan (1 DNS), 2 Military macaw,

4 Emerald starlings (1 DNS), 1 Leadbeater’s cockatoo, 7 Mute swan, 18
Hooded merganser (9 DNS), 18 Wood duck, 7 Red-crested pochard, 11 Ringed
teal, 2 Bare-eyed cockatoo, 2 Barn owl, 2 Green-winged macaw, 7 Sun conure,
10 Mandarin duck, 14 Ruddy duck (2 DNS), 1 Pintail, 2 Toco toucan (DNS),

2 Burrowing owl, 3 Rhea (1 DNS), 2 White-lined tanager, 1 Blue-necked
ostrich .

The Mammal Department also is having a very successful year. We’ve had
our first gemsbok birth (a male), and second generation births of both
Black howler monkey and White-faced saki monkey. Other mammal births
include: 1 Ground cuscus, 2 Matschie’s tree kangaroo, 2.1 California sea
lion (2.0 DNS), 1 Indian fruit bat (DNS), 1 Dusky titi monkey (DNS), 1.1
White-faced saki monkey, 0.1 Mandrill, 1.0 Ring-tailed lemur, 1.1 Black-
and-white ruffed lemur, 1 Lion-tailed macaque, 6 Capybara (4 DNS), and
4 Golden lion tamarin.

232

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, ConUna^d

I DALLAS ZOO Taml Jone^

June 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.1.1 Axis deer, 1.0 Suni, 0.0.1 Bolivian

I grey titi monkey, 0.0.5 Pygmy hedgehog tenrec, 1.1 Pygmy goat, 0.0.1
Patagonian cavy, 0.0.1 White-handed gibbon, 0.0.1 Red panda; Birds -
0.0.2 Himalayan impeyan pheasant, 0.0.1 Bleeding heart pigeon, 0.0.3
' Red-vented bulbul, 0.0.1 White-winged dove, 0.0.2 Pied crow, 0.0.3 Double-
striped thick-knee, 0.0.2 Red-legged seriema, 0.0.2 Hybrid sacred x
I oriental ibis, 0.0.2 Sacred ibis, 0.0.2 Roseatte spoonbill; Reptiles -
; 0.0.2 Children’s python {LuUdj> ckit(PiQ.yU.) , 1.2 Mexican milksnake

I, ( iampKopel^tU, -t/Uangulum annulataj and oTo.ll Pueblon kingsnake ( Lampn.0-
pttU> t/uxanguJiLm C-cmpboUH] .

On an exhausting trip to Costa Rica, Herpetologist Donal Boyer, Bill
Corwin and Dr. Jonathon Campbell managed to bring back an extraordinary
assortment of amphibians and reptiles. These specimens were collected
for the Dallas Zoo and the Herpetology Museum at U.T.A. Those in paren-
( theses were collected for U.T.A. On their first trip they explored Sierra
de la Muerte where they collected the following: 1.0 Palm Viper [BothAOpi)
latoAXitU, ] , 0.0,4 Wi2.b-toQyi> ^olamandeA [BotUXoglo-i>sa ^ubpalmcUuml 0.0.11
Red-eyed tree frog [ AgaZ^ckyuJ) C,(lttldAyci6 ] , 0.0.4 Small-headed tree frog
[Hyta nU.CA0C2,pkaJia] , (Alligator lizard, BaAAJ>Aji mowtiC-Ot^, Montane swifts,
ScijiopOAiLi> mcLl(lcJnZtic.uui> , Brown basilisk, Bo6lLt{>C.uu{> VAjXcutlU, Smokey jungle
frog, L2.ptodacXytLU> socles.) From there they visited Pavones on the
Atlantic side where they collected: 0.0.3 Costa Rica tree frog [Hyla
AjnbnAcaXa] , 0.0.2 Spiny tree frog [Anothe.c.a 6p-lno6a] ^ 0.0.18 Blue^^^
legged strawberry frogs [VundAobcitOA pumitlo], 0.1 Double crested
basilisk [Ba2>TXtACU2> pl.umt^A0H6 J , (0^.1 Bushmaster, Lciche^xc muXa 6t2.nophAy6 ,
Eve lash viper, EothAop i>C.hJi(igdLi. )

MIAMI METROZOO loAi BAuckheAin

B&H for June 1984 include: Mammals - 1.1 Himalayan tahr, 1.0 Cape buffalo;
Birds - 0.0.3 Hottentot teal, 0.0.6 Mandarin duck, and 0.0.1 Stanley crane

LITTLE ROCK ZOO ChvU Rcuum^

Recorded B&H for the first half of 1984 include: Mammals - 1.1 Sloth bear
(1 DNS), 1.0 Muntjac, 1.0 Capybara, 1.0 Wallaby, 0.0.1 Spider monkey, 0.1
Diana monkey (DNS), 0.0.1 Red kangaroo, 1.0 Geoffroy's cat, 2.1 Binturong
(DNS), 0.0.2 Cotton-eared marmoset, '2.1 Coatimundi, 2.1 Bobcat, 0.2
Scimitar-horned oryx, 1.5 Nilgai, 1.0 Rock cavy, 1.0 Cape hartebeest ; Birds -
0.0.6 Canada goose (2 DNS), 0.0.12 Wood duck, 1.1 Red-crested pochard
(1 DNS), 1.2 Australian black swan, 0.0.1 Rhea, 0.0.1 Red crested cardinal
(DNS), 0.0.10 Peafowl, 0.0.1 Bar-headed goose.

TOPEKA ZOO ALldz Uc6eA

An unusual occurance happened in July with the birth of twin (1.1) Grant’s
zebras. The foals, both stillborn, weighed 37 lbs and 46 lbs. respectively.
Keepers were also able to determine that the female bobcat who was mentioned
in last month’s AKF as having given birth to an unknown number of kittens,
indeed produced 0.0.3 offspring and is caring for them. This female had
a history of killing her kittens and had been isolated to give her maximum
privacy.

233

Coming Events

AAZPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 9-13, 1984 Miami, FL

BLACK-FOOTED FERRET WORKSHOP

September 18-19, 1984 Laramie, WY

THE 4TH ASSOCIATION OF ZOOLOGICAL
HORTICULTURE CONFERENCE

September 19-22, 1984 Brookfield, IL

To be held at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Blvd., Brookfield, IL
60513. Those interested in attending please contact Bill Torsberg at
the above address.

AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK at the Madison Hotel. For
information contact Mary Bennett, Registrar, 5500 Phinney Ave., North,
Seattle, WA 98103.

ECOLOGY RESTORATION SYMPOSIUM

October 11-12, 1984 Madison, WI

FIFTH ANNUAL ELEPHANT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 1984 New Orleans, LA

Hosted by the Audubon Park Zoo. Watch for further information and call
for papers in the September issue of AKF.

234

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Primate canned
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Santa Barbara Zoo Keeper

Education Program

SubrrUJXdd By

Nancy HolZmbcck, Education Cu/iatoa
Santa BoAba/ia Zoo, Santa Ba/iba/ia, CA

Last year’s articles on Continuing Keeper
Education started a trend at the Santa
Barbara Zoo. Beginning in August, 1983,
monthly, hour-long sessions were estab-
lished for guest speakers to address our
keeper staff. The speakers have included
veterinarians, professors and other special-
ists from the area, as well as zoo volun-
teers and staff.

The following topics have been discussed

Primate Enrichment
Elephant Medicine
Zoonotic Disease

Comparative Anatomy and Fossil Bones
Play Behavior in Squirrel Monkeys
Safety on the Job

Visual Acuity and Concept Formation In Asian Elephants: A Santa
Barbara Zoo Research Project

Sea Lion Enrichment: A Santa Barbara Zoo Research Project
Dolphin Training
Disability Awareness

Topics we are looking forward to this summer are:

Public Presentation

Time Management

Routines in Veterinary Care

Our Public Relations, or What Do You Say To the Hundreth Person Who
Says "What Kind of Bird Are You?"

The Keeper Education Program has been extremely rewarding and useful.

It has also served a purpose to generate interest in the zoo for our
guest speakers. It is easy to set up and we would encourage other zoos
to develop similar programs. We also would like some exchange of ideas
for topics and speaker sources.

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT COURSES

Submitted by Judic SteenboAg , CooAdinaton.

AAZK Education Committee

During the past month several letters have been received by the Educa-
tion Committee requesting information on courses pertaining to animal
management. Following is a list of addresses for two college programs
that have established degree programs, and two correspondence courses on
the subject.

236

CONTINUING KEEPER EDUCATION COLUMN, CoyuUnu^d

TWO-YEAR:

Biological Parks Training Program and Teaching Zoo
Santa Fe Community College
P.O. Box 1530
3000 N.W. 83rd St.

Gainesville, FL 32602

...or a total four-year program in conjunction with:

State University of New York at Oswego
Oswego, NY 13126

Attn; Sigurd Nelson, Jr., Chairman
Dept, of Zoology

Moorpark College

Exotic Animal Training & Management Program
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, CA 93021

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES:

Seminars in Ornithology (bird biology correspondence course)

Laboratory of Ornithology

Cornell University

159 Sapsucker Woods Road

Ithaca, NY 14853

Animal Management Correspondence Course
National Extension College
Dept. Z, 18 Brooklands Ave.

Cambridge CB2 2HN
ENGLAND

I [EcUton.’6 no to,: An opm to tke, mmbe/uklp ^Aom Vat SammoAco

AdqUid^tlng tnloHmatton on tn6tttutton6 oHoAtnQ zoo-AoZatdd cuA/Ucutum
MU published on page. 193 oi the, July 19S4 t66ue oi AKF. ^ yoa have,
inionmatlon on mah tiUttXuutionA and the, coiiUeA the,y o^eA, ple,oii>e, i>e,nd
peAtlne.nt data, tncJtuding contact: peA6on and addAeA6 to Vat at the,

Lincoln VoAk Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Va, , Chicago, IL 60614.)

Information Please

Information is needed on the husbandry, breeding and hand-rearing of the
Bat-eared Fox [Otocyon mcgatotli) ) . Any information would be greatly ap-
I predated. Please contact: Kaoru Araki, Takarazuka Zoological & Botanical
Gardens, No. 1-57, Sakee-machi, 1-chome, Takarazuka, Hyogo pref.-665, JAPAN.

: RESEARCH ASSISTANGE NEEDED: Request for ectoparasites, endoparasites, and
I fecal material from all zoo animals except birds, rodents, and ruminants.

I Parasites and fecal material should be preserved in 10% formalin or 70%
j alcohol. If collecting vials and preservatives are needed, please contact
Sue Barnard, Senior Keeper, Dept, of Herpetology, Atlanta Zoological Park,
800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315.

237

'A QUESTION OF PRIORITIES

Viewpoiimf;

VZctoK S, MoyiAoQ,
BloloQ-Li>t and HoApoXo legist
OnRngdvalo,, CA

Today’s zoological parks are in dire need of well-educated, well-trained,
dedicated professionals. Reptile collections require specialists with
the aforementioned prerequisites, as do the carnivores, ungulates, and so ]
on down the line.

General purpose keepers who, "learned their trade on the farm", cannot,
in my opinion, be expected to function in the capacity required by today's
zoos. Medical procedures, habitat design, nutrition, and captive propa-
gation require more than mere "on the job training".

Our world of declining species demands that keepers are biologists, zoolo- i
gists, veterinarian technicians, or nutritionists. This can be achieved
by separate members of a team effort, or by individuals with a duplicity j
of qualifications. j

How many zoos presently require a college degree as a condition for keeper
employment? Of those few that do, how many require that degree to be with- j
in a related field? Of the twenty-two major zoological parks contacted
by this author, only two answered "yes" to either question. ;

One might assume that there is a shortage of qualified personnel, forcing
zoos to hire both non-grads and applicants from other academic disciplines, j
A reasonable assumption, but entirely false. The real problem is more
complex, and more demoralizing.

Most zoos, due to financial considerations, operate under local govern- I

ment jurisdiction requiring applicants to face the bureaucracy of the pub- '
lie emplo5niient procedure. Reams of paperwork, inadequate testing pro-
cedures, outdated hiring lists, and unions designed for city maintenance '
workers, are a few of the obstacles.

But these are by no means the only hurdles to be crossed — add nepotism,
hiring freezes, and unqualified personnel protected by seniority. Of
course money is the root of all evil, but the elimination of merely half
of the above-mentioned obstacles would ease the burden. Besides, what
realistic job hunter is our field expects to become wealthy?

A lack of qualified applicants? Explain impacted programs in wildlife
biology, zoology, and their related fields. Explain high unemployment
rates for graduates in the field, while non-grads, art majors, and city j

maintenance workers draw pay as full-time keepers.

Are these self-defeating procedures the means to achieve the goals of
any quality zoological park? Are English teachers allowed to perform
surgery, or salesmen to pilot commercial jetliners? Is the field of
zoology less important? Is our mission less crucial?

Changes in the system are overdue, and critically important. It is up to
responsible administrators and concerned keepers to demand professional-
ism through education, training, and practical application. There are
creatures depending upon us that do not have the time to wait.

238

zoo News From Japan

SEA OTTER BIRTH FIRST IN JAPAN

£/iom iyubmltto^d by

Mcuano/U NyUfU, AAZK JnXeAnatlonaZ MembeA

One young male and three adult female sea otters ( Enkyd/ui tuJyvii) ) were
accepted by the Toba Aquarium after being caught off the Alaskan coast
last October. They have been housed in a specially constructed, tempera-
|i ture-controlled water tank designed for sea otters and built at a cost of
200 million yen (about $87,000). The tank is 3.5m deep and the sea otters
are being fed freeze-pasteurized shellfish.

On the morning of 23 February of this year, a keeper unexpectedly found
' a baby on the belly of one of the females. The infant had a body length
of 40cm and a body weight of 1.5kg. None of the staff or veterinarians
were aware that the female was pregnant or showed any signs of impending
birth. Since the gestation period for sea otters is about 10 months, the
female must have been pregnant when she was captured. The infant's sex
is still unknown at this time.

I The birth of a sea otter in captivity is quite rare and only 24 such
instances have been reported in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to this
fact, there is almost no example of long-term captive raising of a baby
sea otter with the exception of the Seattle Aquarium's longevity record
of two years. The Toba Aquarium contacted the Seattle Aquarium for the
necessary technical information on captive husbandry prior to the sea
otters' arrival and sought further advice following the birth of the baby.

On the tenth day after the birth the baby nearly drowned because the
mother took a long dive after being frightened by the shadow of a kite
j flying over the tank. But after that incident, the baby has been grow-
ing well with no other problems so far. The baby was named "Cha-Cha"
by a fifth-grade schoolgirl.

' According to the Japanese newspaper VorrujuAUi Sklnbun of June 18, 1984,

[ "Sea Otter Fever" has hit the Toba Aquarium. The baby and nursing mother
; have become very popular attractions and attendance at the aquarium has
doubled since the baby's birth. The Aquarium staff is making careful
daily observations of both mother and baby using both videotape and color
slides to document information in anticipation of future sea otter births.
Observation records have been made available to the visiting public. In-
cluded were the following daily entries:

— 20 March, 1984 - the baby took a bite off a fish and ate it for
the first time.

— 27 March, 1984 - the mother broke a shell and handed it to the
baby. The shell-breaking practice has begun.

— 13 April, 1984 - the baby becomes capable of diving to the depth
of 1.2m under water picking up and playing with
^ a shell.

— 1 June, 1984 - the baby's downy fur has started to turn from brown

to black. The body length has grown to 85cm and
the weight to 7.2kg.

This rare growth record and nursing behavior will be officially reported
at the Marine Mammal Convention for Japanese marine biologists which is
planned for December of this year.

239

Let your t-shirts do the talking . . . Information about endangered species and environmental issues
printed on high quality 100% cotton t-shirts. Also, exquisite artwork. Many printed front and back.
Satisfaction guaranteed. Send for free catalog. Designs include: elephant (front)/ rhino (back),
dolphin/whale, wolf/ eagle, polar bear/harp seal, clean air/acid rain and more. JIM MORRIS T-
SHIRTS, P.O. Box 2308, Dept. EH4, Boulder, CO 80306 or call (303) 444-6430.

.-ENVIRONMENTAL-,
- - - T - S H I R T .S - - -

{

FOREIGN OBJECTS IN EXHIBITS: AVERTING A TRAGEDY

H-lckaul J. Sdhoildid Ij

Ca/witon. oi kvimal^

Scxence Cdwtdn. I

On 20 June, 1984, our 7h month old female Polar bear maAJJUmuJ> ) \

was found with a loop of i^-inch reinforcing wire seven inches in diameter !
encircling her neck. Apparently she had found the loop of wire in a hole
she had been excavating in the exhibit and managed to squeeze it over her
head. A frantic half hour ensued whereby the young bear tried to remove j

the wire from her neck and the mother bear made several attempts to assist |

the youngster. We were able to isolate the juvenile in the den complex ;

and successfully removed the wire in the following manner:

A blunt hook with a long shank was secured to a four-foot length of one-
inch PVC pipe. Electrical tape was used to secure the hook to the pipe
to ensure that the hook would break before damage to the bear's neck
could occur. The bear cub was then encouraged to face the 4-inch by
10-inch keeper's viewpoint in a shift door and the wire was then hooked.

The juvenile backed up as was expected and the wire was pulled safely
from her head. A simple solution to a possible tragedy, but the best ..

solution is routine daily examination of exhibits for foreign objects. ’]

We were lucky. Think twice the next time an animal is seen playing with > ;i|
something seemingly harmless. Maybe it isn't.

^ :■

fall

240

10th National
AAZK Conference

September 30th - October 4th
HOSTED BY

WOODLAND PARK ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

JOIN

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984

Please type or print. One name per form.

Return form with your fee to:

Mary Bennett, Registration Coordinator
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 625-5488

Make checks payable to Puget Sound Chapter AAZK.

Deadline for Pre-registration is August 15, 1984.

1984 Registration

Name

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/COUNTRY

ZIP/POSTAL CODE

ZOO AFFILIATION IF APPLICABLE

AREA OF INTEREST

VEGETARIAN YES NO

WILL BE SUBMITTING PAPER YES NO^

($20.00 will be refunded on acceptance of paper")

AAZK MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND FEES:

MEMBER OR SPOUSE

$50.00 each

NON-MEMBER

$70.00 each

LATE FEE

$15.00

(After Aug. 15th)

TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED

ONE DAY RATES FOR INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE
CONTACT MARY BENNETT FOR INFORMATION.

Are you interested in purchasing a conference T-shirt?

YES NO Size S M L XL

(This will help us provide adequate inventory)

CONFERENCE UPDATE

Weather

Weather in the Pacific Northwest is often unpredictable. Early fall is
often cool, sunny days (50's-60's). We will be outside for several days
and evenings during the conference, so a light, warm jacket and possibly
a raincoat and hat would be good items to bring. You might also find a
small daypack handy.

Hotel

Remember to register as soon as possible, before the registration dead-
line, so you will be eligible for winning a free night!

Although the hotel does require evening attire in the top floor restau-
rant and entertainment longue, it is casually elegant. Jeans are quite
acceptable for all other areas of the hotel. Also, if you do wish to be
matched with a roommate, be sure and make that clear when calling in your
registration.

OUT OF STATE.... 800 426-1172

IN STATE 800 851-8010

LOCAL.. 206 583-0300

Auction

If you have an item for the auction, please
consider sending it to us ahead of time, if
at all possible. It might make your travel-
ing easier, and it will definitely make
auction arrangements here go much smoother.

Send all items to: Woodland Park Zoo

5500 Phinney Ave. No.
Seattle, WA 98103
ATTN: Pat Maluy

No cod's please.

Seattle,
The Emerald
City.

Day Fees

Sunday $10.00

Monday $10.00

Tuesday $5.00

Wednesday. . .$15.00

Thursday $15.00

Thurs. eve.. $25. 00

includes ice-breaker

includes evening tour of Seattle Aquarium
includes lunch, dinner & buses to & from WPZ
includes buses all day, lunch & dinner
includes lunch at hotel; does not cover evening
covers banquet & evening at Space Needle

243

Conference 84

1984 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULED PAPERS

These papers are listed in order of presentation; numbers 1 - 14 are
scheduled for Monday; numbers 15 - 23 are scheduled for Thursday morning.

1. "Gorilla Management at Lincoln Park Zoo", Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo

2. "Death of an Alpha Guinea Baboon {Paplo paplo) - the Effects on the

Offspring", Lynne Villers, Indianapol is Zoo

3. Jones and Jones, Zoo and Landscape Architectural Firm, Seattle, WA

4. "ZooCamp - A Learning Experience", Diane Krug, Riverbanks Zoological

Park

5. "Activity Patterns and Sexual Behavior in Two Pairs of Snow Leopards",

Elayne Barclay, Washington Park Zoo

6. "Establishing a Pride of Lions at the New Pittsburgh Zoo", Regina Greeb,

Pittsburgh Zoo

7. "What to Do When Your Zoo Doesn't Have a Graphics Department", Cathy

Taibbi, Atlanta Zoo

8. "Husbandry and Breeding of Water Ouzels ( C^ncZiu mexx^c.a.n(L6 ) , at the

Washington Park Zoo", John H. Houck and Ralph Arrison, Washington
Park Zoo

9. "First Captive Breeding of the Common Trumpeter [P^opkla c. cAzp-ltayis

Jim McNeal and Eric Kowalczyk, Woodland Park Zool ogi cal Gardens

10. "Horticultural Enhancement of Exhibits at the ASDM", George Montgomery,

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

11. "Guidelines for Aquarium Designs in Zoos", Dave Gordon, Point Defiance

Zoo and Aquarium

12. "The Modern Keeper in a Small Growing Zoo", Wayne Sager, Valley Zoo,

Alberta, CANADA

13. "Sliding Door Nestboxes at Front Royal", Kevin Conway, National Zoo

Conservation & Research Center

14. "AAZK Exhibit Design Form", Diane Forsyth, Akron Zoological Park

15. "Illness and Recovery of a Male Koala - A Case History", Don Richardson,

Los Angeles Zoo

16. "Training Asian Elephant Cows for Artificial Insemination", Mary Dukes,

Santa Barbara Zoo

17. "The Keeper As an Educational Resource", Joanie Stinson, Phoenix Zoo

18. "Creating An Ethogram: A Fundamental Tool of Ethology", Diane Forsyth,

Akron Zoological Park

19. "Management and Husbandry of the Western Tarsier, T(vu^ bancayiuA,

at the National Zoological Park", Frank Kohn, National Zoo

20. "Social Behavior of Two Groups of Lion-tailed Macaques", S.G. Hornshaw,

J.D. Rempel , The University of Western Ontario

21. "Investigation into Maintaining, Exhibiting and Breeding the Tailed

Frog, A^daphuU) t/Luol,. in a Zoological Park", Stanley Held, Washington
Park Zoo

22. "Fresno's Wolf Woods: Frustrations Resolved", Mary L. Swanson,

Fresno zoo

23. "Animal Keepers' Forum: A Decade of Growth and a Future of Challenge",

Susan Chan, Topeka Zoological Park

{SdVQAjot Icutd oAnlvaJU) ojid htWi undeA coyu>ld2Aatlon. WoA.k^kop6lVLi>ucJ>6-lon>!il
Vmov\^tAjcutloYUi wWi foe tiitdd vKDct month. )

244

teptlle Care: Relating To
'he Inquiring Novice - Part 5

^^^{fehibian .

^ potpourri

TRANSPORTING AND HANDLING

Silvan M. BoAmAd, Se.vilon. K^^peA
Vept. 0^ HeApetology
Atlanta Zoologtcal. PoAk, Atlanta, GA

Transport and inexpert handling is stressful to an animal, and the risk
)f injury to them is increased. Too often a snake is transported around
in owner's neck, in a paper bag, in a pocket, or by other undesirable
nethods. A reptile, being transported, should be placed in a clean, well-
stitched cloth sack such as a pillow case (sacks must be made of a mater-

|Lal that will allow a reptile to breathe) . To prevent an animal from

jiscaping, the sack should be carefully inspected for holes. If all appears
In order, the sack's opening can be secured with tape, string, or by knot-
ting the sack itself.

|)nce the reptile is secure within the sack, it is placed in an insulated
container (styrofoam) of appropriate size. Unless the reptile is to be
containerized for several days, it is not necessary to riddle the con-
tainer with air holes. If an owner is concerned about a pet receiving in-
sufficient air, a few holes can be placed on each end of the container,
lowever, one should keep in mind that the more holes, the less effective

the insulation will be. The zoo keeper should explain to the novice that

insulated containers are used to prevent the reptile from being exposed
to drafts and extreme temperatures.

ilhe container should be secured with tape in the event the animal escapes
from the sack. Also, it is desirable to label all containerized reptiles
with their common and scientific names, the number of animals within, and
the fact that they are non-venomous.

It cannot be stressed strongly enough that containerized animals should
never be left in direct sunlight or in any other place where temperatures
can exceed 90®F. Too often a reptile owner planned to make a "quick"
stop somewhere, but upon arriving back to a sunbaked car, has found dead
or overheated reptiles. Reptiles overheat quickly, so transport directly
from point A to point B.

|lf many animals are being transported, the owner should avoid overcrowd-
jing. When sacking reptiles for transport, accidents can be avoided by
|ip lacing one animal per sack. This is especially important with "snappy"
animals that tend to bite each other.

After relocating a reptile according to the prescribed method, the sack(s)
and insulated container should be washed and sanitized with a mild solu-
tion of Clorox® and then thoroughly rinsed and dried.

Most reptiles bite! Even the "tame" one that has been captive for years
!may have an unpredictable moment. Large specimens such as pythons can
'inflict severe wounds which may require medical treatment. A snake's
[recurved teeth may break off in a wound and must be removed. Whether a
[reptile is wild-caught or has been captive for years, proper handling
'will reduce the incidence of bite wounds. The first step in safe handling
! is to firmly grasp an animal with a smooth, rapid, and confident motion.

245

REPTILE CARE: RELATING TO THE INQUIRING NOVICE - PART 3, ConX^nued

Hesitation upon an approach may provoke a bite. A larger and/or aggres-
sive animal should be gently pinned behind the head with one hand while
using the other hand to support its body. If an animal is too large for
one person to comfortably support, employ an assistant.

Aggressive turtles, such as snapping turtles, can be held by the base of
the carapace and/or plastron. Be sure that the novice understands that
these animals must never be restrained by their legs or tails. Also,
many lizards have fragile tails; therefore they must not be grasped by
this appendage.

While leather gloves may prevent scratches and bites from a struggling
animal, they are bulky and can prevent a firm grasp. Weak grips may
allow an animal to injure itself or squirm free and escape.

Zoo keepers should attempt to instill confidence in new reptile owners,
since their desire to own a reptile is greater than their experience.

If one is determined to work with reptiles, one must not have a phobia
for being bitten. Animal bites can be avoided with forethought and
smooth technique.

Be certain that the inquiring enthusiast understands that one must NEVER
HANG A SNAKE AROUND THE NECK! Even small snakes can inflict an injury to
the face and neck when frightened. A gentle squeeze from a large snake
can cut off circulation of blood to the brain causing unconsciousness
and possible death to the handler. vlJ'

iPcuit 4 oi thAj> uoM. dual ''Hou6Xng: Ve^Xgn and Con^tnucXXon" .)

AAZK Committee Reports

PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Submitted by Eileen GeAity
ChaJjvpenJiOn oi AAIK Public Education Committee

Although apparently silent, the newly-formed Public Education Committee
has been hard at work. The committee has been contacted by many interested
individuals from various sectors of the country concerning possible sub-
committee ideas.

One suggestion, submitted by Oliver Claffey of the Metro Toronto Zoo, was
on an SSP booklet; preparing keepers to answer questions from the public
professionally, as this is an important aspect of public education.

Another suggestion was the preparation of a booklet containing commonly
asked questions concerning the animal kingdom. This will offer the keepers
insight into the type of information in which the public is interested.

Finally, an informative program educating the public concerning the life
of a zookeeper has been suggested. Perhaps this could be achieved with a
display demonstrating the daily activities of the zookeeper so that the
public can see how the zookeepers interact with the various species of
animals .

The Committee welcomes the suggestions of other members of AAZK and re-
quests any ideas be forwarded to Eileen Gerity, Educational Coordinator,

Van Saun Park Zoo, Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.

246

{Education Alternatives...

i SOME OF THE ANIMALS WORK FOR A LIVING:

' THEIRS AND OTHERS

HeyCcU Emlty
Sdvilo^ AvumaZ HandteA
Ayilmal CklX-Chat Skom
SpucAjoZ Evzyiti) V(ipa/UmQ,vvt
San VZe.go Zoo, San VZugo, CA

Che San Diego Zoo has, for years, had a very extensive Education and Pub-
lic Relations Department. Creative and innovative programs have been
developed by the instructors, who not only hold classes in our education-
al facilities all year around, but also go out to schools in order to
aring "the Zoo to You". Animals have always been a vital part of these
arograms; a visual and tactile tool to get the children and adults closer
to the theme — animal natural history and conservation.

Jntil recently, the animals used for education have been similar to those
ised by most zoological gardens; small, easily accessible, and common
tandidates such as: reptiles, raptors, psittacines, and small mammals.
Jsually these animals have either been donated pets, young, abandoned.

Local wildlife, or acquired animals known for their tolerance of human
tontact .

decause of the demand by the public to see and hear about new things, we
lave had to acquire other types of animals in order to avoid repetition.
Some of the newly acquired animals are surplus, and they will stay with
IS throughout their lifetimes. Others are temporary animals that we house,
^7ork and show during a transitional period of their lives here at the Zoo.
rhese animals are carnivores. They are a part of our educational animal
collection and they are enclosed primarily in one area. They are cleaned,
landled and talked about by a limited number of handlers.

IChese animals* participation in educational and public relations activit-
ies not only generates a substantial income for the zoo, but also intro-
duces innumerable people to the plight of animals in the wild and to how
bur captive management goals are faring.

iere in sunny San Diego, the zoo is open 365 days out of the year. Our
public is exposed to one of the largest collections of animals in the
<7orld. All of these animals are housed out-of-doors and, because of the
[lemperate clime, all are pretty active subjects for the over four million
j/isitors a year. We are also fortunate to have an environment ally-
briented press and, of course, donors. Because of this interest, the
demand to see exotics close-up has increased over the years. Our Good-

IA^ill Ambassador, Joan Embery’s appearances on the Johnny Carson Tonight
Show, among others, has definitely added to their popularity.

In 1983 alone, our small collection of educational animals participated
In quite a few public-oriented activities. The chart illustrates the
diversity, and the following descriptions, hopefully, will depict just
what it is that we do.

School programs - off zoo grounds. We have an educational van that
transports two to three animals in crates to schools for these assembly
urograms entitled "The Zoo and You". It is designed for grade levels
<-6, and each program lasts about 50 minutes. It includes a short slide

247

SOME OF THE ANIMALS WORK FOR A LIVING: THEIRS AND OTHERS, CoyiUnLie,d

show introducing the conservation theme. The animals’ spots are con-
ducted by the handlers, and they exhibit the animals’ uniqueness, natural
history and allow some petting.

School programs - on zoo grounds. Kinderzoo, Juniorzoo and Summer
school sessions bring grade levels K-12 to the zoo. The students are
brought to our animal compound for an introduction to more specific ani-
mal information, i.e. adaptation, animal classification, behavior, care
and management. There is some hands-on experience. j;

Special Tours - behind-the-scenes groups are led on a three and one j,
half hour tour of different areas in the zoo; one being our animal com- i|
pound. The smaller groups are invited into the animals’ houses in order j
to get an "up close and personal" experience with our family. V.I.P j

tours, of four hours duration, allows a smaller group (usually a family) {
an exclusive tour.

Parties - day and evening parties are booked either in our catering i
facilities or at a local hotel/restaurant. They are usually held for
promotional purposes for the zoo. Animal Pals is a package deal which j
includes a presentation with animals. This can be an informal walk-
around during the pre-feed serving period, or a formal presentation. The I
price is determined by the number of animals and handlers requested, the i
length of time for the appearance, and whether or not we need to load |
and transport the animals to an out-of-zoo location. The larger activit- i
ies, numbering up to 3,000 people are usually fund-raising enterprises i
for the zoo. '

Media exposure - this includes a wide variety of television photo ;

sessions and filming for special segments on T.V. , and for commercials.
Newspaper interviews and photo shoots are for both local and U.P.I. use.
These sometimes occur spontaneously and can be either in our compound or
at the studio. ;

All this is in addition to the 700-odd Animal Chit-Chat Shows a year in
which our animals perform. We have one amphitheater at the zoo which ^

seats 2500+ people. The shows are held twice daily, seven days a week,
and are free.

Who are these animals? Our family of educational/public relations ani-
mals include:

Red-tailed hawk, 1.0, 6 years old |

Great-horned owl, 1.0, 6 years old

Indigo snake, 1.0, 8 years old

California Harbor seal, 1.0, 8 years old

Guanaco, 0.2, 3 years and 1 year old

Mini-horse (registered) 1.0, 10 years old

Emu, 1.0, 6 years old

Eastern-grey kangaroo, 0.1, 8 years old
Indo-Chinese leopard, 0.1, 2 years old
South African cheetah, 1.0, 3 years old
Golden Retriever, 0.1, 3h years old
Timber wolf, 0.1, 12 years old
Bengal tigers, 1.2, 1 year old
Asian lion, 1.0, 8h months old
Dhole dog, 1.0, 1 year old

248

[

I SOME ANIMALS WORK FOR A LIVING: THEIRS AND OTHERS. Continued

Educational Animal Activity Chart
Jan. -Dec. 1983

j Activity

Animal Chit
Chat-total
number in-
volved in.

Total part-
icipants

Pee

Total re-
venue

Animals part-,
icipating

School

proerains

(off

grounds)

48 schools

19,500

students

3150.00 for
first pro-
gram, $50.
for addi-
tional
programs

$7,600.00

all but, seal,
horse , emu ,
roo 8ind wolf

School

programs

(on

grounds)

76 classes

2,815 stu-
dents

$18.00-

$40.00

/person

/session

$77,607.00

all

Special

tours

76 tours

approx ,

13,162

people

$5.75-$l3.25

/person

$300.00 for

a V.I.P.
tour

approx,

$101,979.63

all

Parties

68 appear-
ances

3,284 peo-
ple

(partial)

$150.00-

$500.00

$2,250.00

(partial)

all but,
wolf and
leopard

Media ex-
posure

— M„

63 ses-
sions

undetermined

free

undetermined
advertise-
ment val-
ue

all

Associated animals:

Macaw (Blue and Gold), 1.0, adult
Boa constrictor, 0.1, adult
Rosey boa, 0.1, adult
Tawny Frogmouth, 1.0, 2 years old
Ferrets, 2.1, adults
Kinkajou, 1.0, 14 years old

Coatimundi, 0.1, 5 years old
Hedgehog, 1.0, adult
Barn owl, 1.0, 15 years old
Burrowing owl, 1.0, adult
Green Iguana, 0.1, 6 years old

249

SOME ANIMALS WORK FOR A LIVING: THEIRS AND OTHERS, CowUnu^d

i!
f

The permanent "lifers" you can probably guess. The transitional animals i
are the large carnivores; they have been rejected and hand-raised and
are ear-marked for future breeding ventures. These animals have become j
too large for the Children’s Zoo nursery facilities, but are still too i

young to be introduced to a viable breeding group. The wolf and the 1

harbor seal are exceptions; these two were abandoned animals that have
proven themselves tractible in adulthood. The leopard, tigers, and
lion will, when sexually mature, be used either in our zoo as part of a |
breeding program, or loaned out to other zoos for the same purpose. |

The cheetah is another exception. His acquisition as an education ani-
mal was funded by a private group of zoo donors. His is an inbred «

specimen and will not be used as a breeder, hence the dog as a companion.

At over three years of age, he has proven himself well acclimated to
public perusal. "Anna" and "Arusha" are zoo favorites.

We feel strongly about not keeping a viable breeding animal out of a
concerted breeding effort. Carnivores seem to acclimate easily, and
the hand-raising and personal contact they receive as juveniles and
adolescents does not seem to deter their natural instincts when they
mature.

Our cats are not declawed or defanged, and it is always a very challeng-
ing experience for the handlers. We have the discretion of dictating
what our animals will tolerate. We basically call the shots as far as
the strange environment, public handling, and length of exposure they
may tolerate. Fortunately, everyone listens to our edicts.

We have an exceptional group of animals that tolerate a lot of strange
people up close. We’d like to think that we are very protective of what
they can and will do. In the process we have disseminated some important
animal information, and our "show" animals have, perhaps, made it a little
easier for the public to understand what other, less accessible animals
need to survive. Our kids really work for animalkind!

Statistics indicated in the chart were compiled from information provided
by: Education Dept., Special Tours/Group Sales Dept., Catering Dept.,
Animal Chit-Chat/Carlee Robinson.

Anyone having any questions, or possible animal alternatives for future
animal acquisitions please contact: AnAjncit ChiX-CkoX, San V'izgo loo,

P.O. Box 551, San Vd.ago, CA 92112.

250

Legislative News

Comp^dd by Kdv-in Comay
AAZK LdgLilatlvd Coo/idlncuton.

CHANGES TO THE MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT REGULATIONS

I On 7 June the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a proposal to
j enable all accredited institutional members of AAZPA to buy and sell law-
: fully acquired migratory birds or their progeny, parts, nests or eggs.
Currently only zoological parks that are open to the public and not oper-
ated for profit are exempted from the migratory bird permit regulations
and thereby permitted to buy and sell lawfully acquired migratory birds.
AAZPA has been working with officials from USFWS for some four years in
efforts to change these regulations.

In their published proposal, the USFWS noted: ..."propagation of various
migratory bird species (i.e. flamingos, ibises, etc) benefits the migra-
tory bird resource through the production of captive-bred birds, thereby
ipromoting knowledge useful to their conservation, increasing the captive
population, and reducing the demand for taking such species from the wild
The Service wants to encourage these zoological parks and aquariums to
I continue these activities by granting them an exception to the migratory
bird permit regulations."

— AAZPA Nm^ldtteA., JuZy 1984
and Vnd^Aol RdQl^toJi, 1 Jund, 1984

MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT PASSES HOUSE

On 5 June, the Marine Mammal Protection Act reauthorization passed the
House of Representatives on a voice vote. There were no amendments to
the bill (H.R. 4997) on the Floor. The bill contains no prohibition for
the public display of killer whales.

--AAZPA July 1984

(

' FINDING ON ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE PETITION

After a review of available biological information on the status of the
alligator snapping turtle {!^acAocI.dmy6 tdmmlndkl] , the USFWS has conclud-
ed that a proposal to list this species as Endangered or Threatened is
I not justified at this time. The review was carried out in response to
1 a Feb. 23, 1983 listing petition from Dr. Peter C.H. Pritchard. Although
the data gathered by the Service is not sufficient to warrant a listing
j at this time, they will continue to monitor the species status.

— EndangeAdd Spddld6 TdC-kniaat BuZldtin
Uol. IK, No, 5

251

LEGISLATIVE NEWS, ConUnu^d

MINNESOTA WOLF REGULATIONS AMENDED

The Federal regulations governing management of the gray wolf (CaiiX6 tapiU>)
in Minnesota, a species which is classified as Threatened in that State,
have been amended (F.R. 8/10/83). This revision will allow a limited,
controlled taking of wolves by the public, as well as designated Federal
and State agents. The FWS’s current wolf depredation control program also
will be modified. Sales of tagged Minnesota wolf parts will be permitted i
in interstate and international commerce. Wolf densities in the affected
management zones within Minnesota will be maintained at or above the levels
recommended in the Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan.

In response to comments on the proposed rule, several changes were made
in the final rule. Until a stable wolf population is established in
Wisconsin, wolves may not be taken, other than in direct response to de-
predation, in the areas of Minnesota from where wolves are beginning to
colonize northern Wisconsin, unless depredation in those areas becomes
chronic. The regulations have also been modified to make it clear that
they do not authorize trade in living wolves.

— Endange/ied Spe.Cyiej> T o^akyilcal BuZleJxn
Uol, l/JI, No. 9

SELKIRK MOUNTAIN HERD OF WOODLAND CARIBOU NOW ENDANGERED

The southern Selkirk Mountain herd of woodland caribou, considered the
Nation s most critically endangered large mammal, has been listed as an
endangered species by the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife j

Service. The action became effective on 3/30/84. [

The herd, now estimated to number only about 30 individuals, twice was i

granted endangered status under emergency provisions of the Endangered
Species Act; formal listing will now extend the protections of the act
to the species permanently. ;

The Selkirk Mountain herd is the only caribou population that is found
in the lower 48 States, occurring in northern Idaho and northeastern
Washington as well as southern British Columbia. Critical Habitat for [

the species has not been designated because the Service feels such a pre-
cise description could lead to illegal take of the few remaining animals. ,

The woodland caribou was once found throughout the northern tier of States
that border Canada; by the 1950 's the last remaining population had drop- I
ped to an estimated 100 animals in the Pacific Northwest. Reasons for the
species’ decline include once-legal hunting, poaching, habitat degradation,
low calf survival, and the absence of immigration from other herds in Canada.

--EndangeAed Sp^(Ue^ T^chwlcat BiMeZin
Vol. 1, No. B

252

A COMMENT ON THE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN

Jo6zph W. MaynoAd, VVidcXon.

Exotic. EqjHvlc Breeding Compound, Inc,

Rosamond, CA

[Editor’ ^ Note’- M/l. Haynaxd'^ ojvticle xM tn ^2J>pon6e to an oAttcle entit-
led "Tke SpecteXi SuAvtval Plan; A Suitable Coj>e Eon. Tn.eatment" LcnttXen by
Hike Clank, {^onmen keepen Jen^ey Zoological Pank, and Voug RlckancUon,
keepen at the Hoi0lett6 Zoo Pank. Tkli antlcJte Mas published on Page 142
oi the May 19S4 ti6ue o{i AKE. )

I agree with Mike Clark and Doug Richardson on their overall view of the
SSP, but I think we should elaborate a little more on past management
policies .

As most will agree, even though it may be a hard pill to swallow, that
past management policies are the cause of today’s overpopulation of poor
stock, i.e. mixed breeds and uncontrolled in-breeding. Also, but possibly
not as well known, past personality conflicts and ego have served well
to eliminate genitically pure animals from current breeding stock. It
wouldn’t serve any purpose to dwell on this, but we should be able to
utilize these past breeding mistakes in a constructive way.

Although in some cases euthanasia may have to be considered, instead of
Mass Euthanasia, consider the following: Why not take these animals and
use them for exhibit purposes and take the rarer animals off display to
be used as the nucleus for the SSP project.

As Leopards ( Panthena unlca) were used in the original article, let us
continue to use them in this discussion as an example.

To the general public a ’’Leopard is a Leopard”. This is not meant as a
derogatory slap in the face at the public, it is simply that the public
at large does not know that there are different species or sub-species
of Leopard. The same hold true about Tigers. A good example would be:

How many of us at our facilities have both a normal Spotted Leopard and
a Melanistic or Black Leopard? Those that do and have been present at
the exhibit during visiting hours have undoubtably heard the visitor re-
mark upon seeing the Black Leopard, ”000 a Black Panther”. If you try,
you stand about a 50-50 chance of convincing them that both the Spotted
Leopard and the Black Leopard are the same animal right down to their
spots.

j What all this boils down to is that most of the species of felines do
1 not breed well when constantly on exhibit, and since the general public
i is mainly interested in the larger more colorful cats like the Lion, Tiger
and Leopard, there shouldn’t be any reason why mixed or hybrid animals
that have been neutered or spayed couldn’t be put on exhibit and pure
stock isolated until such time there is a sufficient number available to
put back on display.

We believe the above is at least worth considering as it alleviates two
.current problems in a mature way. One, it eliminates empty exhibits
when animals are removed for breeding, and, two, it is a humane way to
deal with past mistakes.

Again, Mike and Doug used the population figures for the Snow Leopard as
j an example — take a look at you zoo’s most recent ISIS Species Distribu-
i tion Report. What about the Temmincks Golden Cat, and Clouded Leopard,
Pallas Cat, Flat Headed Cat, and on and on? All of these animals show
only a decrease in population. Why? What is the reason? Let us just
say that if old policy, and ego were eliminated from consideration, the
SSP just might work. There are a lot of good people directing the efforts
of the SSP Program. Let’s all work together to help them.

253

HAND-RAISING INFANT INSECTIVOROUS BATS

Siuan M. BaJinjOAd, SdviLon. Ke.a.peA
Ve.pt. oi HeApeXology, Atlanta loo
Atlanta, GA

Because of their small size, insectivorous bats are very difficult to
hand-raise. The odds are against success; and even if the bat survives,
it is unlikely that it can be returned to the wild. A training program
of this kind is beyond the expertise of most people. Therefore, those
attempting to hand-raise an infant insectivorous bat should be prepared
to keep the animal, or turn it over to an institution housing captive
bats of the particular species.

As soon as possible, the recently obtained bat should be identified as toi
genus/species. It is not enough to know the animal is a bat; each species
differs in weight, and to determine if the bat is growing properly, its 1
adult weight should be known. Furthermore, knowledge of the animal's
weight will be useful in estimating the orphaned bat's age. For example, t
a Big Brown bat ( ) may range in adult weight from 11 to (
16 grams. As Eastern Pipistrel fPtpt6tAellco!> ^ubfjlaviUjmay range in adul!
weight from 4 to 6 grams. The newborns may exceed 25% of the mother's ;
post-delivery weight. f

In temperate regions, bats give birth in May and June. They are hairlessP
but have milk teeth which allow them to cling to their mother's teat. i
These teeth are useless for eating insects, so beginning food must consist
of a prepared milk diet such as Espilac® Avoid supplementing the milk j
with syrups or vitamins as these may cause diarrhea. Infant bats should ,
be fed frequently (approximately every 2 hours), but never overfed. Most,
will accept food readily, a drop at a time, from the palm of the hand .
(see Fig. 1.) [

ft'g. 1. An Infant tn^Q,CLtlvon.OLLi, bat' 6 mouth Ta too 6maIZ to 6uak {^Kom
dvm a tiny doll bottle. The animal can dcAlve enough nouAl6hment by
racking daiopi> oi milk ^^om the palm o£ the hand. Vuuithenmofie, this methi
help^ prevent the Infant ^A,om a^pl^Lotlng the ^luld Into Its lung6. (Phot'
Rick PeAAy] .

254

HAND-RAISING INFANT INSECTIVOROUS BATS, CoyvUnu2,d

Baby bats grow very quickly. At the first sign of hair growth, the infant
can be transferred gradually to a more substantial diet of glop. In most
instances, the orphaned bat will probably be at an age where it can be fed
this artificial diet immediately. There are many variations on the bat
glop theme. I successfully raised several insectivorous bats on the fol-
lowing :

Daily, mix equal parts of Gerber ’ s^ strained baby egg yolk

Gerber's strained baby banana
Sour cream
Mealworm guts

To this add — 1 or 2 drops Polyvisol multivitamin infant drops,

^Bat glop should be slightly warmed prior to feeding, and offered from the
ipalm of the hand. Baby bats dehydrate easily. After each meal of bat
jglop, offer the animal several drops of tap water, also from the palm of
jthe hand. Most insectivorous bats are ready to fly at about 3 to 4 weeks
;of age. By this time their milk teeth have been replaced by their per-
imanent teeth, and the infant is ready to receive chitin in its diet.

IChitin constitutes the insect's exoskeleton, and is important to the bat
for the formation of firm stools. Begin replacing the mealworm guts with
finely chopped whole mealworms. Gradually decrease the amount of egg yolk,
banana, and sour cream mixture each day until the bat is eating 100%
insects. When the pure insect diet is started, place 1 or 2 drops of
hiultivitamins in lOmls of water. To prevent drowning, use shallow water
tcontainers such as small petri dishes.

jlhere is no definite rule to the number of mealworms a bat should consume
each day. Variables include time of year, size (species) of bat, room
temperature, and the amount of daily activity. My rule of thumb for deter-
inining what a bat should eat is by feeding it as much or as little as nec-
I essary to maintain a healthy weight. This can be determined by the animal's
ilflight ability. Lean bats fly well, while fat bats can barely get airborne.
ilFrom March through September, I maintain my Big Brown bat at between 14.5
and 15 grams which requires the consumption of 6 to 14 large mealworms
daily. During the animal's dormant months (October through February) she
received 1 to 4 worms weekly since it is a constant struggle to prevent
ler weight from increasing beyond 18 grams. On the other hand, I spend
all year trying to drop the Eastern Pipistrel to ^ to 5 grams. Rarely
does this animal receive more than one to three small mealworms daily. Dur-
ing the winter months I drop her mealworm intake to 1 to 4 small worms per
•^eek. However, always provide fresh water daily with 1 or 2 drops of multi-
vitamins. To insure that a bat is being maintained at a proper weight, it
■/ill be necessary to weigh the animal at least once a week on an appropri-
ate scale - I use a triple beam balance.

lousing can be a problem, especially during the early hand-rearing period,
it is very likely that anyone raising a baby bat will have to commute with
Lt back and forth to work. The infant's home should provide it with warmth,
safety, and security. It should be lightweight for ease of transport, and
asy to keep clean. I have experimented with several designs and have
ound that a 5 gal. plastic container works best (Fig. 2). Within this
:ontainer place a heating pad (be sure it is on lowest setting) , and 1 or
I rumpled pillow cases (Fig. 3). Notch the container to allow the heat-
ing pad cord to exit the container while the lid is tightly in place. It
/ill also be necessary to drill air holes in the container's top to pro-
vide ventilation.

255

HAND-RAISING INFANT INSECTIVOROUS BATS, ConUnued

Fd.g, 2, - Tkt& bcutmoblto. tkn li
o{j many aJXmpts to dej>ta.
the, mo6t 6LLitable, nun^oAy ion. tli
"mn,ktng mothoA." . |'

(Photo: Rtck PeAAy) |

Ftg. 3. - In addUtton to a he,at-
tng pad and n,umpte.d ptltoM aobOAf
one. on. two ple.c.eA oi Lightweight
conk bank may be tncludcd in the
nuJueny contatneA, Bats miut
have a noagh ^aniace upon which
to hang (upside down) .

(Photo: Pick Penny)

AND-RAISING INFANT INSECTIVOROUS BATS, Continued

'/hile this "batmobile" is suitable during the few weeks necessary to
iiand-raise the animal, it should not be used for permanent housing. I
lave found that cages designed for arboreal reptiles are also suitable
;or housing insectivorous bats. Only the size of the cage needs adjust-
ing according to the bat species. For example, a 1 ft. deep X 2 ft. wide
1 3 ft. high structure is suitable for the Big Brown bat. It should be
front opening, and a 25 watt red light bulb should be mounted at the top

i) f the cage, on the cage’s exterior. My Pipistrel is housed in a 1 ft.
jleep X 1 ft. wide X 2 ft. high snake cage. However, unlike a reptile
:age, a bat requires a rough interior surface. Cage contents should in-
i;lude non-resinous hardwood branches, and a substrate of newspaper or
itaper towels. Branches should be properly secured to prevent accidental
.njury to the bat, or cage damage.

pie cage sizes do not permit flight. However, my bats are removed from
iheir cages each evening for an hour of socializing and flying. I soc-
ialize the animals by placing them in my bathrobe pocket until each ani-
lal voluntarily leaves the pocket to fly. The time varies from 5 minutes
:o about an hour. If at the end of an hour the bats do not voluntarily
.eave my pocket, I remove them, one at a time, and encourage them to fly

j) y gently tossing them in the air. This is a dangerous time for the bats,
because of their small size, they can easily be lost under or behind house
:iold furniture. Furthermore, it is absolutely essential that other pets

)e put outside while the bat is flying.

5at experts have observed flight differences between differing bat species
fly bats are also different in their flying styles. My Big Brown bat flies
jiore quickly and for a longer period of time than my Eastern Pipistrel bat

he Big Brown bat may fly from 5 minutes to about 15 minutes each evening,
hile the Eastern Pipistrel tires after about 5 minutes. However, what
:nthusiasm she lacks in flight, she makes up for on the ground. She
pends about 5 to 10 minutes more flipping about the floor like a moth.

advocate a reasonable amount of exercise to maintain a strong, healthy
lat. For additional information on the care of captive bats, see BIOLOGY
)F BATS OF THE NEW WORLD FAMILY, ?kytloi>tomcutidcLQ,, Part I, Care in Captiv-
-ty, No. 10, Pgs. 89-131, by Arthur M. Greenhall; Special Publications
lie Museum, Texas Tech University.

iLee Catalogue of Government PubI ications Available

You can get a free bimonthly listing of all new and revised Government
books and periodicals for sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office.
Entries (including regulations, economic and labor statistics, reference
works, grant information, etc.) are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Each issue includes an order form. To be placed on the mailing list to
receive New Books without charge, write to: New Books, US Government
Printing Office, Stop: MK, Washington, DC 20401.

257

THINK Safety!

j‘/!/='j£rrx —

yoi/^ cy^yi/^/,y /

WEAR YOUR PRIDE

Join the celebration

your anniversary
T-shirt, your money will
directly benefit the
AAZK Conference
and AKF.

Order yours today

These shirts are made
of quality 100%
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and are only
available through the
P84AAZK
Conference. This
limited edition T-shirt is
available to you for
$7.50 and includes
postage and
handling. Please allow
3-4 weeks for delivery
of your T-shirt.

Send this form to:

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Attn: Judle Steenberg

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Color:

□ Powder blue □ Beige

Size:

□ Small □ Medium □ Large □ Extra Large

Enclosed is a check for $ payable to the Puget Sound AAZK

Chapter Conference Account.

259

JvUititutioyii) waking to advQJitLi>e mptoym<iyit oppo^taultt^^ oaq, cuked to
6md peAttmnt data by tke, 15th o{^ mck month to: Oppoatantty Knocks /AKF, ;
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, 66606. TheAe no ehoAge ioA ^aeh tUtingi> . |'

Please tncZade elo^tng date6 ioA po^yUtion^ avallabte. j

CURATOR Of EVUC ATI ON .responsible for planning, developing, and adminis- i
taring a comprehensive zoo education program. Also included are coordina-j
tion of volunteer program, public relations, and fund raising. Requires j]
a degree in education, biology, or zoology with a teaching credential
preferred. Two years' experience in the development and organization of i
educational programs. Salary begins at $21,120 with excellent benefits. j
For an application, contact Personnel Department, City of Santa Ana, P.O. ]i
Box 1988, Santa Ana, CA 92702 (714) 834-4154. Application deadline is J
31 August, 1984. Some interviews may be scheduled during the AAZPA Con- 5
ference in Miami, September 9-13. j,

ASSISTANT CURATOR. . .requires BS in related field with 1
year management experience. Responsible for animal care/
management. Elephant experience preferred. Equivalent
training/experience will be considered. Salary $17,014.
Send resume to Personnel Department, City of Louisville,

609 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202.

ASSISTANT CURATOR Of MAMMALS/GRASSLANVS. . .requires BS in
zoology or related field plus 2 years' experience in recog-
nized zoo, or 2 years of college with emphasis in biology
and 4 years' experience. Duties include staff supervision
and management of Grasslands section. Salary $13,800/yr.
Contact Sam Winslow, Curator of Mammals, Audubon Zoological
Garden, P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178.

PRIMATE KEEPER WITH SPECIALITY IN fOLIi/QRES. . . requires
experience caring for leaf-eating monkeys. Will develop
captive management protocols for proboscis monkeys.

Experience in the tropics, animal health and skill training
locals to care for primates preferred. Knowledge of botany
useful. Salary $14,000-$20,000. Position will run for two years
Sabah, Malaysia. Contact Diane Brockman, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box
San Diego, CA 92112 by 31 August, 1984.

0
r
t
u
n

1
t

551,

MOVING????

Please send change of address as soon as possible to:

Volly CloAk, AdminyUtAotlve SecAetoAy
AmeAtean A66oetatlon oi loo KeepeAS, Inc.

635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, K6 66606

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name Check heAc ficnmat [ ]

Address

$20.00 Professional
Valt-tmc KccpeJU

$25.00 International
Atl mmb(2A6 oiuUi^dc the
U.S. and Canada

$10.00 Associate
IndUvldaaJU) not connected
uftth an avLunat ca/ie {^acAItty

$15.00 Affiliate

OtkeA i,taii and volunteenA

$50.00 Contributing

0n.gantzcutiovii> and Jndtvtduat6
U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

Vtn.ecton.y Jn^oAjnatton

Too Wo/tfe hiea Spectal Jnten.e6ti>

Mail this application and check or money order, payable to American
Association of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

Membership includes a subscription to the Animat KeepcU ' foaum. The
membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
in the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Animat Keepea6 ' foaum publishes original papers and news items of inter-
est to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
articles.

Articles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
tables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
size of no more than 6" x 10” (15 cm x 25^1 cm.). Literature used should
be cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
scientific names.

Articles sent to Animat Keepea6’ Foaum will be reviewed for publication.
No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
lish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
staff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
tion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
addressed envelope.

Telephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
are accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
not be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

A/ittctefi painted do not necoA^aaity ae^tect the
optnioYiA ol the Animat KeepetA ’ Foaam editoatat
6ta{)^ oa oi the Ameaican AA-6ociation ol loo KeepoAA,

Items in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
is requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

<2>6V ■

C ss: "

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c,.o

X r -f

4—>j f

5r o-

cT? O
-H O O

<j P” iQ

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C3 r-i 05

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C D

Dedicated to Professional Animal Care

ANIMAL KEEPERS' FORUM, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606

Executive Editor: Alice Miser SEPTEMBER 1984
Managing Editor: Susan Chan VOLUME ELEVEN
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman NUMBER NINE

AyiimaZ VoM^um (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the

American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of Anuncit KccpcAi ' FO/ium. Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster Please send address changes to:

I AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Of ZOO KEEPERS, INC,

j ^'ATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V., TOPEKA, KS 66606 '

Dolly Cla/ik, Admlyili>tn.cutlvz SdcAoJjcuty

BOARD Ot- UiREClORS

Kevin Conway, NZP /Conservation & Research Center PH.ili>ld<lvvt

Front Royal, VA 22630

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park l/Xcc. PKOAlddYUt

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs
G^ald Payne,, V<zdyiolt loo

Continuing Keeper Education

JadLio, StembeAg, Woodland Pcuik

Historical Committee
loAAy SammoAco, Lincoln Pa/ik
Professional Standards Committee
Jan McCoy, Washington Pa/ik

International Affairs Coordinator
Connie Cloak, Nashville, TN

Research/Grants Committee

faank Kohn, National Zoological Paak

Awards Committee

Mike CaockeA, Dickenson PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee

Zoo Kevin Conway, NZP/CRC, faont Royal
PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Aim, Woodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
Beanie Feldman, Topeka Zoo

Program Library

Anne M, Payne, VetAo It Zoo

Infant Development

Steve Tayloa, Loalsvlile

Keeper Accomodations List

OllveA Clayey, Metao Toaonto

Keeper

MoAy Slaybaagh, San Antonio S Vav<

Library Resource/Book Review

Ellen Leach, Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Gestation

MoAy Muac, San faanclsco Zoo
Diet Notebook

South flonlda C hapten., Miami
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Diane foAsytk, Akaon Zoological Paak
Data Survey

L Oandoaii, Sea WonJid Shaak Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Mike CoApentea, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, Dlaecton.

Linda RohA
Vacancy
Gene P^e^^en.
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne i/ltteas
LaAAy SammoAco
Diane Knug
Alan ShaAples
Vacancy
Candy Kao it

W.D. Stone Memoalal Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
NatlonaZ Zoo
Detaolt Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln Paak Zoo
RlvQAbankA Zoo
Atlanta Zoo

Rio Gaande Zoo

LauAence Gledhlll Woodland Paak Zoo

Joanle Stinson Phoenix Zoo

Vacancy

ME,VT,NH,MA,RI,CT

PA,NJ,MD,DE

VA,W,VA,D,C,

IN,0H,KV

WI,IL,M0,MN,IA

TN,NC,SC

FL,AL,GA

AR,MS,LA

TX,NM,C0,0K,KS,NE,

SD,ND

WA,0R,ID,MT,wy,AK

CA,NV,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

TluA month' ^ oAtwon^k t6 by Gmn Vo^htmuAa who iA a KnnpoA at the. Honolulu
Zoo In Hawatt, This month’ 6 aoveA ti> cl Kookabu/iAa, Thanlu, Gwm!

Scuttlebutt

NEW EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY AAZK DIRECTORS

The AAZK Board of Directors is pleased to announce the official appoint-
ment of Jay Jason, Marilyn Cole, Russ Mennard, Marcelle Guidry and Ken
Reininger to the Keeper Education Committee. This is one of the most
active and dynamic AAZK committees. The combined leadership of Judie
Steenberg and Pat Sammarco and contributions of committee members help
to achieve the objective of Article II section 3 of our consitution ;

"to establish materials beneficial to zoo keeper education." We look for-
ward to the input and ideas of the new committee members.

REPTILE COLLECTION CENTER COORDINATOR NAMED TO DIET NOTEBOOK

Brit Spencer at the Minnesota Zoological Garden has been selected to
coordinate the Reptile Collection for the Diet Notebook. Let's all make
Brit feel welcome by sending him the diets of all those reptiles we're
caring for!

INDIAN ZOO SEEKS ASSISTANCE/SUPPORT

The Friends of Mysore Zoo in Mysore (south India) is working hard to try
to improve the conditions in their and other Indian zoos. This first and
only zoo volunteer society in that country faces innumerable difficulties
in trying to achieve these goals but their dedication and hard work is
certainly a fine example of "ticktoitism" . AAZK has sent this group back
issues of AKF and other publications for their infant library. AAZPA has
also donated materials. Sally Walker, Convenor and Secretary of Friends of
Mysore Zoo welcomes all donations of printed material, particularly those
dealing with zookeeper training. These materials can be sent to either of
the following addresses:

Ragni Darashan Sally Walker, Convenyor/ Secretary

89 Park Street Friends of Mysore Zoo

Montclair, NJ 07042 Padmanilaya, 9th Main, 2nd Cross,

Saraswathipuram, Mysore-570 009

Sally also mentioned in correspondence that if any AAZK members are plan-
ning of a trip to India, she would be pleased to have them visit Mysore
(with advance notice please) for a tour. She hopes that anyone doing so
might be willing to donate a few hours instructing volunteers and/or
keepers in various aspects of animal care.

261

BRONX ZOO

Ma/LgoAet PnJ^cLii

June and July 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 4,3 Formosan sika, 0.1 Blesbok,

0.1 Himalayan tahr, 2.1 Large Malayan mousedeer, 4.0 African spotted grass
mouse, 1.0 Reeves muntjac, 1.0 Pere David’s deer, 7.0 Minnie down’s mouse,

5.0 Egyptian spiny mouse, 1.0 Black-backed duiker, 0.1 Maxwell duiker, 1.0
Wisent, 1.0 Capybara, 2.0 Axis deer, 1.1 Gaur, 3.0 Red brocket deer, 1.0
Pen- tailed bet tong, 0.2 Barasingha deer, 2.0 Common marmoset, 0.1 Blackbuck,

1.0 Pygmy hippopotamus, 0.1 Mandrill, 1.0 Talapoin monkey, 0.1 Pudu, 0.1
Mongolian wild horse; Birds - 12 Crested tinamou, 2 Temminck’s tragopan,

1 White-naped crane, 2 Tufted puffin, 1 Crested guinea fowl, 1 Northern
masked weaver, 2 Giant laughing kingfisher, 4 White-headed jay thrush, 7
American ruddy duck, 1 Emperor goose, 4 Malay peacock pheasant, 3 Tawny
frogmouth, 1 White-headed piping guan, 1 White-quilled black bustard, 2
Satyr tragopan, 19 Mandarin duck, 7 Marbles teal, 4 Green wood hoopoe, 2
Andean gull, 1 Wood thrush, 1 Ovenbird, 1 Louisiana water trush, 1 Ocel-
lated turkey, 1 Humboldt penguin, 2 Common rhea, 3 Rothchild’s mynah, 1
American eider duck, 2 Caribbean flamingo, 1 Mauritius pink pigeon, 1
Red-crested touraco, 1 Hooded crane, 1 Black-winged stilt, 2 Chilean fla-
mingo, 3 Red-crested pochard, 2 Lilac-breasted roller, 1 Impeyan pheasant,

2 Patagonian conure; Reptiles - 2 Tracancore tortoise, 20 Yellow anaconda
and 9 Mojave sidewinder.

DALLAS ZOO

Taml Jone^

B&H for July 1984 include: Mammals - 0.1 Yellow-backed duiker, 2.2 Suni,

1.0 Pygmy x white goat, 0.0.1 Dusky leaf monkey; Birds - 0.0.2 White-
winged dove, 0.0.2 Red-vented bulbul; Reptiles 1.1 San Lucan speckled
rattlesnake ( CA,otalui6 m, mltcheltij , 0.0.1 Texas rat snake ( Elapkd ob^oloXa
lyindheMneAi) , 0.0.4 Grey banded kingsnake { Lomp^op^ldU^ CiltOAna] , 0.0.3
Mexican milksnake ( Lomp^opeldU^ tKAjCLvituMm ~a,VLVLaZcUjOi ) , 0.0.8 Ottoman viper
( l/^pe/KX xantkina 2.xcitklnci] and 0.0.2 Mexican king snake .

BROOKFIELD ZOO ..John S. StoddoAd

B&H for July 1984 include: Mammals - 4.0 Sitatunga, 1.1 Collard peccary,
0.1.2 European wisent, 0.0.3 White-toothed shrew, 0.0.2 European harvest
mouse; Birds - 0.0.1 Blue-shouldered robin chat, 0.0.1 Paradise tanager,
0.0.2 Purple honeycreeper , 0.0.2 Brazilian cardinal, 0.0.2 Purple swamphen,
0.0.4 Grey-headed kingfisher, 0.0.1 Red and white crake; Herptiles - 0.0.8
Poison arrow frog.

TOPEKA ZOO .A^Tce MkAeA

Recent B&H at Topeka include: 0.0.1 Burrowing owl, 2.2 Puma and 0.0.2 Brown'
headed tamarin.

LoaI BAuckheMn

MIAMI METROZOO

July 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 0.1 Red deer, 1.0 Cape buffalo, 0.1
Greater kudu; Birds - 0.0.5 Ostrich, 0.0.1 Grosbeak starling, 0.0.9 Java
tree duck and 0.0,1 Sarus crane.

262

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, ConUnmd

SAN ANTONIO ZOO. ............................................... .V^bl Reed

July 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 5 Four-toed African hedgehog (4 DNS),

0.1 Aardvark, 1.0 Chapman’s zebra, 0.1 Greater kudu, 0.1 Scimitar-horned
oryx, 0.2 Brindled gnu (DNS), 0.1 Blackbuck (DNS), 0.1 Markhor (DNS), 0.1
Thomson’s gazelle; Birds - 8 American flamingo, 2 Crested screamer (1 DNS),

4 Cinnamon teal (2 DNS), 1 Rosy-billed pochard, 5 Ocellated turkey (2 DNS),
1 Black-necked stilt (DNS), 1 Sun Bittern, 1 Inca tern, 3 Diamond dove, 1
Crested quail dove, 1 Painted conure, 2 Green-winged macaw, 1 Burrowing
owl (1st time in collection), 2 Yellow-headed rockfowl (1 DNS); Reptiles -
1 Honduran night lizard (DNS), 3 Dumerk’s ground boa, 5 Baird's ratsnake,

3 Palestine viper, 7 Taylor’s cantil (1 DNS); Aquarium - 12 Seahorse (DNS),
Casseopia jellyfish. Glass shrimp and Tomatoe clownfish.

In other news, we’ve received 1.1 Black-footed penguins and will receive
0.0.3 mire. All will be in a breeding situation. We are constructing a
seal /sea lion exhibit and our new Children’s Zoo is primarily complete.

A Langur exhibit has begun construction. We are truly growing!

TAMPA--BUSCH GARDENS. .Siuan Rackle.y

Included in July 1984 B&H are: Mammals - 1.0 Thomson’s gazelle, 2.0 Grant's
gazelle, 0.2 Scimitar-horned oryx, 0.2 Addax, 3.1 Impala, 0,2 Uganda Kob,
0.0.1 Chimpanzee, 0.0.1 Grant's zebra, 2,3 Greater kudu, 1.0 Gerenuk,

0.0.1 White-bearded gnu, 0.1 Topi, 1.0 Soemmering’s gazelle, 1.0 Reticulat-
ed giraffe; Birds - 13 American flamingo, 18 Indian peafowl (blue phase),

7 Redhead duck, 2 Blue and gold macaw, 1 Forsten’s lorikeet, 7 Jandaya
conure, 1 Garganey teal, 1 Red-necked ostrich, 1 Indian peafowl (white
phase), 3 Red-crested touraco, 7 Sun conure, 3 Abdim's stork, 4 Violet-
crested touraco and 2 Red-crested touraco.

JACKSONVILLE ZOO. ........................................ .Anne E. DJlggM

June and July 1984 B&H include: Mammals - 1.0 Sitatunga, 1,1 Eland, 0.1
Cape hartebeest, 0.1 Brindled gnu; Birds - 0.0.4 Nanday conure, 0.0,4
Whooper swan, 0.0.1 Red head duck, 0.0.2 Wild turkey, 0.0.3 Indian spoon-
bill, 0.0.2 Mandarin duck (1 DNS), 0,0.1 Golden pheasant, 0.0.1 Lesser
tern; Herptiles - 0,0.2 Aldabra tortoise, 0.0.12 Red rat snake, 0.0.2
Indigo snake, 0.0.27 Florida water snake, 0.0.2 Leopard gecko, 0.0.24
Florida coolers, 0.0.5 Yellow-bellied sliders.

ATLANTA ZOO. ................................................ Alan ShoApleA

Recent B&H at Atlanta include: Mammals - 0.1 White-handed gibbon, 0.0.1
Mandrill, 0.0.2 Caracal (1st at AZP) , 0.1 Grant’s zebra, 1,0 Domestic
donkey, 1,0 Rothchild’s giraffe (1st at AZP, stillborn); Birds - 0.0.2
East African crowned crane; Reptiles - 2 Spotted turtle, 2 Mexican beaded
lizard (1st at AZPO, 11 Black rat snake, 15 Corn snake,' 12 Black racers,

1 Northern pine snake, 8 Leopard gecko, 1 Eastern diamondback (DNS), 11
Urocoan rattlesnake (1 DNS), and 1 Bog turtle.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO. ...................................... .SUvm M. WTwg

B&H for June and July 1984 include: Mammals - 1.0 Red kangaroo, 0.0.3
Common marmoset, 0.0.2 Squirrel monkey, 1.0 Mandrill (DNS), 0.1 Greater
kudu, 0.0.1 Bongo (DNS), 0.1 Impala; Birds - 0.0.3 Common pintail, 0.0.1
Wood duck, 0.0.2 Laughing gull, 0,0.2 Morning dove, 0.0.1 Barn owl.

263

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, Continued

SAN DIEGO ZOO AND WILD ANIMAL PARK Jodi/ CouAtnei/

Selected B&H for April through June 1984 include: Mammals - 3.2 Golden
lion tamarin, 0.1 Northern Douc langur, 1.1 Goeldi's monkey, 0.0.3 Ring-
tailed lemur, 5.4 Black and white ruffed lemur, 7.6 Red ruffed lemur, 1.1
East African bongo, 0.1 Black lemur, 0.1 Clouded leopard, 2.3 Slender-
horned gazelle, 0.0. 2/1. 2 South African cheetah, 3.4 Arabian oryx, 1.0
Mhorr oazelle, 0.1 Przewalski's wild horse, 1.0 Barasingha deer, 1.0
Indian gaur, 1.1 Addra gazelle, 0.0.1 Queensland koala, 1.5 Scimitar-
horned oryx, 1.2 Formosan sika deer; Birds - 0.1.5 California condor, 1.0
Andean condor, 2.2 African pigmy goose, 0.0.2 Congo peafowl, 0.0.5 Chinese
monal, 0.0.16 Temminck’s tragopan, 0.0.1 Tahiti blue lori, 1.1 Nene goose
and 0.0.3 Brown eared pheasant.

Coming Events

AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sept. 30-0ct. 4, 1984 Seattle, WA

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF

ZOO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

October 12-14, 1984 Louisville, KY

Held at the Hyatt House. Registration fee is $60.00 which includes all
lectures, the business luncheon and banquet dinner. Student fee is $35.00
and includes everything except business luncheon and banquet dinner. All
interested persons are encouraged to attend and are eligible for either
registration fee. Preconvention activities will be held on Friday, Oct.
11, and includes transportation and admission to the Spendthrift Horse Farm
and the Keenland Race Track. The fee for these activities is $10.00. All
checks are to made payable to Virginia Morton (Louisville Zoological Gar-
den, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213. Phone No. (502-459-2181).
For a listing of scheduled lectures contact Barb Baumeister, Oklahoma City
Zoo, 2101 N.E. 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111. Phone; (405-424-3344).

FIFTH ANNUAL ELEPHANT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 1984 New Orleans, LA

For further information, contact: Carol Sullivan, Audubon Park and Zoo-
logical Garden, P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178, (504) 861-2537.

See CALL FOR PAPERS on page 270 of this issue of AKF.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL DR. SCHOLL CONFERENCE ON

THE NUTRITION OF CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS

December 7-8, 1984 Chicago, IL

Held at the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens. For further information
contact Thomas Meehan, DVM, Staff Veterinarian, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200
N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

A Look Back At The
Accomplishments Of The AAZK

Education Committee

Judie, St2.mb2Ag

Cooh-dUncutoA., AAZ/C Education Committee

As the annual Education Committee meet-
ing draws near, I’d like to recap the
goals that were set for 1984, a year
ago in Philadelphia.

— To identify and phase in a new Educa-
tion Committee Coordinator by October
1984.

Accomplished ; Pat Sammarco will assume
all duties and responsibilities as of September 30th.

— To establish a liasion from the AAZK Education Committee to the AAZPA.
This is very near happening and should be accomplished by October.

— To distribute the videotape on ZooKeeper Safety and produce two additon-
al tapes.

Accomplished ; This project is right on schedule and the new tapes are
expected to be ready for viewing in Seattle.

— To pursue the possibility of having a special session on staff training
at the annual AAZPA Conference.

Accomplished; A special session on staff training was help on 12 Sep-
tember at the AAZPA Conference in Miami.

“ The Manual Review Project and Reference Search Project are both in the
process of additional development, the results of which will be pre-
sented in Seattle.

— The Exhibit Design Form is ready for publication and will be presented
and distributed to the membership in Seattle with subsequent distribu-
tion to zoos.

— The Zoonoses Reference Guide (or Notebook) will be ready for Committee
and Board review and approval in Seattle.

— The ZooKeeper Husbandry Fundamentals Project is underway. This will be
at least a two-year project.

Work is being done on the Animal Management course, Zoo/University Relation-
ships, Information Brochure and the Staff Exchange by various Committee mem-
bers .

Following is the schedule for the Committee at the Seattle Conference:

Pre-conference: All project coordinators will submit written reports
for Board review.

Sunday Board Meetings: Updates by each coordinator and

discussion of each project. Decisions will be made
on budgets.

265

CONTINUING KEEPER EDUCATION, conUna^d

Monday Committee Meeting 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Hospitality Room

Tuesday Preview and approval of new Keeper Training Videotapes

by the AAZK Board and Education Committee.

Thursday Project Reports at the General Membership Meeting

Throughout the paper sessions at the Conference, Committee members will be
stationed at a table displaying materials from the various projects. It
is possible there will be another early morning meeting of the full commit-
tee on Thursday in addition to the sub-committee meetings of members work-
ing on various projects.

As you can see, the Committee will be hard at work all during the Conference.
If you are attending the Conference, please plan to attend the workshop and
feel free to discuss Keeper Education with committee members. If you can’t
attend let Pat Sammarco (Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Canon Dr., Chicago, IL
60614) know if you have a special interest or need regarding Keeper educa-
tion. This is your Association and the Committee is working on behalf of
all Keepers in the on-going effort to improve animal care. Remember our
motto, "Dedicated to Professional Animal Care"; this can be accomplished
through "Continuing Keeper Education".

In closing, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all who have served
on the Education Committee and to all who have given encouragement and sup-
port to our efforts. A special thank you to the Woodland Park Zoological
Park Staff for their support of the Committee and all AAZK projects at both
the Chapter and National levels. A large debt of gratitude is owed to Rick
Steenberg for his patience, understanding and help. Serving as Coordinator
of this Committee since its inception in June, 1982 has been a very reward-
ing experience.

Dear Fellow AAZK Members,

Judie Steenberg has been doing an incredible job of coordinating the
Keeper Education Committee. The committee has been active in a number
of directions, and within many projects meeting the stated purposes of
our association "through projects that will strengthen the zoo keeper’s
job knowledge," and "to establish materials beneficial to zoo keeper edu-
cation". Judie ’s logic and organizational skills have kept this very busy
group of keepers working together for the good of us all. We all appre-
ciate her efforts, and will show it by continuing the committee’s programs
as she takes a break from the leadership responsibilities.

As we go through discussions with the AAZK Board members and the members
at the National Conference, some projects will come to completion, some
will be further defined, some will grow and others will find birth. The
magic of our association is that we are enthusiastic professional Zoo
Keepers who realize the need to share the knowledge each of us has gained,
to further the quality of care our captive wildlife deserves. Those who
coordinate projects know that the rest of us will do our best to contrib-
ute ideas and data and inspire more enthusiasm.

I hope that each of you will look carefully at all of the AAZK projects
and commit to add information to existing activities as well as suggest-
ing new ways for AAZK to help us all be better keepers. Reports on each
project will be published after the conference and you will find questions
to answer and to ask. As I assume the coordinating position in the Keeper
Education Committee, I will appreciate all your help and will try to insure
that the committee continues to help you. Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

Pat E. Samma/Lco
Zoo Ke,e,p2A

266

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Rffitile Care: Relating To
The Inquiring Novice - Part 4

HOUSING

(Design and Construction)

SiL6an M. BoAnoAd, S2,viloA Kee.peA
Ve.pt. 0^ HeApetology
AttaAta Zoolog teal PoAk, Atlanta, GA

Before purchasing or constructing an enclosure for a reptile, there are
important questions the new reptile owner must ask. Will the pet be
turtle, lizard or snake? How large will the chosen reptile become by
maturity? What is its habitat (land, underground, trees, or water)? Will
it have cagemates? Is its enclosure easily cleaned and secure?

Arboreal reptiles require clean, non-resinous, hardwood branches. These
should be placed in such a way as to provide the tree-dweller with several
basking areas to allow it to regulate its body temperature. To prevent an
animal injury or death the branches should be properly secured.

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises require greater space than their semi-
aquatic counterparts. During warm weather, the reptile owner may wish to
consider outdoor facilities for all chelonians; these can be moveable wire
enclosures. Routine moving of wire enclosures provide fresh grazing areas
and prevent the accumulation of pathogens. However, outdoor enclosures
must be predator-proof as well as escape-proof. Zoo keepers should remind
the novice that chelonians can escape by digging under or climbing over
wire fencing.

Semi-aquatic snakes should be maintained in the same manner as terrestrial
snakes. Semi-aquatic snakes will soak excessively if large water bowls
are provided, causing them to develop skin problems. Large water bowls
should only be provided during feeding. However, the novice should never
deprive the animals, or any reptile, of water.

Semi-aquatic chelonians require water sufficient to bathe and feed, and
basking areas of floating bark are essential. Avoid explaining complicated
designs and enclosure contents. Simplistic enclosures provide ease of
cleaning, and prevent the accumulation of pathogens from excreta and un-
eaten food. Unless filters are employed, the use of gravel or other sub-
strates should be avoided. While aquariums provide excellent enclosures
for small species of semi-aquatic chelonians, cattle stock tanks are more
suitable for large specimens. Only overhead lighting should be used as
heating devices since they simulate the "natural" heating of the water
environment. Since water provides a means of cooling for basking chelon-
ians, reptile enthusiasts should avoid the use of underwater heating
devices .

Open bottom caging (Fig. 1) for giant boids prevents excessive humidity
since these animals excrete large quantities of fluid. Built-in shelves
for basking offer safe alternatives to tree limbs. Furthermore, the
larger the bold, the less likely it is willing to sit on a tree limb.

These animals require sturdy and comfortable support features for basking.

268

REPTILE CARE: RELATING TO THE INQUIRING NOVICE - Part 4, CowUnae^d

FXg. 1 - Opm-bottom cageA cuid g-lant bod,dU>. W-Oid lloonlng ■

pn.2VQ,yvU the. acaumalatton mot^tuAe., A colZe-ctlng tAag aan be. bnWt-tn
OA plcLc.e.d undeA the. cRge., Mew^papeA plac.e.d oveA the. mAe. ^looAtng mag
^eAve. CL& the. ^ub^tAote., oa addlttonal mateAtat {non-oAomcutlc muLtch OA gAaveJi
can be. placed on top oi the new^papeA; nejM^papeA (A)tll pAevent mo^t the
^ub^tAote mateAtal ^Aom lotting thAough the MtAe me^h llooAing. [JltutAa-
tton by Rick VeAAy] .

Great Ape Loan In Atlanta

The Atlanta Zoological Society and the Yerkes Primate Center signed an
agreement on 11 July, 1984 for the interim support of gorillas and orangu-
tans destined for exhibition at the Atlanta Zoo in 1986/87. A portion of
the cost of feeding and maintaining these animals at Yerkes will be assumed
by the AZS. When a naturalistic facility of sufficient size and complex-
ity is built, these animals will be placed on breeding loan to the zoo.

The zoo hopes to exhibit at least two families of gorillas (1.3 to 1.4
size plus assorted offspring), a third pair or trio and our present soli-
tary gorilla Willie B. The plan permits flexibility in management includ-
ing the potential for resocializing Willie.

The orangutan plan is equally dramatic, calling for separate male areas
and female-only access routes to all males. The total number of orangs
exhibited would likely be 3.5 plus assorted offspring (10-12 animals total).
Pairs of gibbons would be satellite exhibits completing the Asian Rain
Forest effect.

When the design phase is entered, the keepers will play an important role
in planning the exhibits.

269

COUNTERVIEWPOINT - Education and Exotic Animal Keepers

Kaxm SaZe^rmn-BoAmag y
kvianat Ca/ioXakoA
GAe.enpoAt LA. ^ NY

A Question of Priorities, an article which appeared in the August 1984
issue of Animal Keepers * Forum has upset me greatly »

I am an Animal Caretaker, very interested in obtaining work in a zoologic-
al park. Though my practical experience has been with domestic animals,

I feel I would do a darn good job as a keeper. Even though I am not, as
Mr. Monroe would put it ” a professional'* in the field of exotic animal
management, my dedication and concern for today's wildlife is something
which I believe overrides my lack of a degree in the field.

I think I speak for many people struggling to involve themselves in wild
animal conservation who, for various reasons (most because of lack of
availability of wild animal management degree programs), have not obtain-
ed a degree as "a professional" in the field. Many PhD's, biologists
and the like aren't half as dedicated as those who fight for emplojment
on sheer sincerity.

Alot of zoos, I am sure, have employees there that are much less concern-
ed than others. But I feel the majority of people working with exotic
animals are there because they have a genuine love and concern for wild
animals. So why can't a non-grad work as a keeper so long as he shows a
commitment to the field and an eagerness to learn "on the job"?

Sure, today's zoos need professional biologists, veterinarians and nutri-
tionists,but why shut out inexperienced personnel because they don't have
a piece of paper declaring their book knowledge?

If the majority of employees working as keepers are there working towards
a common objective - then half the battle is over. Instead of complain-
ing about "un-professionals", why not work towards having every zoo employ-
ees having the same dedication and commitment that we, as non-grads, strive
twice as hard to achieve?

CALL FOR PAPERS — - 5th Annual Elephant Workshop

Members are invited to submit abstracts and papers for
consideration for presentation at the Fifth Annual Ele-
phant Workshop to be held in New Orleans, LA, 29 November
to 2 December, 1984. Presentations to be 30 minutes,
abstracts to be submitted by 25 October, 1984; final
manuscript prior to 25 November, 1984. Please submit
to: David E. Anderson, Audubon Park and Zoological
Garden, P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178 (504)
861-2537.

270

ZOORIFIC EXPERIENCE

Moa/UIuq. TmoXt
Voliinto-ZA

La^ayQXXe. lootoQlccUi Vcuik
Uon-iotk., l/A

There has never been a time when I wasn’t simply infatuated with animals.
When I was little, I ran around on "all fours" pretending to be a dog,
horse or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. As I grew, I focused my attention
on collecting model horses (instead of baby dolls) and reading every book
I could get my grubby little hands on. With my career goal set on being a
veterinary surgeon, I readily accepted volunteer experience at the local
Zoo. I fully expected to do nothing more than clean and sometimes feed,
nonetheless I was in the presence of hundreds of animals! Little did I
know that as I proved myself dedicated and trustworthy, I gained enough
freedom from the keepers to make "poop scooping" the most self-expanding
experience of my life.

The amount of knowledge and handling experience I received vastly contra-
dicted my original expectations. I was allowed rapport with the animals.
Such a handling experience was the one I shared with Jill. On my very first
day, while being introduced to the barn animals, I noticed the black Sicil-
ian donkey that David called Jill, run out of the door every time one near-
ed her stall. As the days progressed, I was able to groom her stablemate,
the loveable Jack, but poor Jill always remained aloof. I started talking
softly to her and tossing tidbits of apple to her. The process was time
consuming, but I gradually found her trust. After several weeks she
would come within a foot of eating an apple out of my hand. Even later,

I succeeded in hand-feeding her. Gradually I began to pet her and touch
her halter. She began to nibble at my shirt the way Jack did. The affec-
tion-starved creature eventually brayed a welcome every morning when I
walked into the barn. This valuable experience taught me that laughter
isn’t the best medicine, patience is.

Working at the Zoo also gave my "animal sense" a chance to blossom. That
is, I gained valuable insight into the psychological characteristics of
man as well as beast. Obviously my "cutsie", "Bambi-syndrome" attitude
was abolished and I became less tolerant of those who are unaware of the
damage a sweet little monkey can do. I have picked countless plastic bags,
paper boxes, cigarette butts, and even aspirin out of the goat yard although
the sign explicitly say "Please do not feed". People like to pretend
Zookeepers do not exist, and that animals do not defecate by snobbily turn-
ing their heads at a smelly, but knowledgeable keeper. Some idiots go as
far as to try to climb into enclosures containing bears, rhinoceros and
the like. I am infuriated when I find rocks that have been thrown at poor
Leona the lion to make her roar. Observations such as these have led me
to conclude that I prefer the animals inside the cages!

Finally, my work at the Zoo has brought me closer to life and death situa-
tions. The episode most clear in my memory concerns shipment of doomed
wallabies. After almost finishing the required 30-day quarantine period,
we lost a new wallaby to pneumonia. The hairless joey in her pouch was
placed in a incubator to hand raise. Two days later, two more of the re-
maining three wallabies, one with another joey, were found dead in the
yard, their faces bloodied. Closer inspection revealed that the wallabies
had been frightened by local feral dogs, and had banged themselves into
the fences until their muzzles were crushed and they drowned from fluid

271

ZOORIFIC EXPERIENCE, ConX^nacd

filling their lungs. The final wallaby escaped death but severaly damag-
ed her jaw. The staff was outraged at losing four thousand dollars worth
of animals because of neglectful citizens. Authorization to shoot the
dogs was given, and a hunt organized. Although the keepers felt relief
at not finding any dogs to kill that night, the anger was still present.

I witnessed the last of the joeys die in a tear-eyed keeper's hands. As
it did, she declared "Damn those dogs." My thought were "Damn their owners!"
Through all the pain of death, a little light must shine. Later that after-
noon, a baby Aoudad (Barbary sheep) was born. As 1 witnessed the mother
licking the wobbly thing dry, an intense feeling of exhilaration filled me
as I thought of a new life replacing that of the ones that died. I went
home and had peaceful, instead of vengeful, dreams that night.

The Zoo has been a major part of my life for three years now. I have grown
as a person from working there. The keepers and the animals are very dear
to me. The handling experience, the insight I have gained, and the massb;e
emotional experiences are unequalled. There is so much more to the Zoo
than cannot be expressed, that no one but I could understand the state of
euphoria 1 was in when Ed, the supervisor, declared he no longer considered
me a volunteer.

Keeper’s Alert

DIET NOTEBOOK

Here is a unique opportunity to share with other keepers the types of
diets used to maintain exotics in captivity. This project has the poten-
tial to develop an excellent reference on captive diets but only if you
participate.

Forms can be obtained from the Collection Centers listed below and when
completed they should be sent to the appropriate center. Please type or
print information, use metric units whenever possible and refer to the
ISIS or lUCN listings for scientific names.

Please become involved.

BIRD COLLECTION CENTER:

Kilttl [)J2^tbn.ook
LdJXtii Rock ChaotoA AA2K
^1 3oYici>bon.o VnAVC
iWUic Rock, AR 72204

MAMMAL COLLECTION CENTER

Tcn/u-c CoK/ioZ
ScdgM^ck County Zoo
5555 loo Blvd.
{^IchUa, KS 67212

REPTILE COLLECTION CENTER

BnJJ: Spmccn.

Mtnnc^ota loologtcat Gcutdcn
Apptc VaZtcy, MW 55124

ALL OTHERS:

South Rlo^da C hapten. AAZK .
c/o Vcbbtc BuAch
17S60 SW 112 CouAt
Mtamt, fL 33157

111

SPECTEUM

Quality exotic animal diets
Fixed formuiation
Nutritionally balanced
Economical

Frozen feline diets
Frozen bird of prey diets
Frozen canine diet

Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts,
livers, rib, shank, and knuckle bones

7u/Pteettf

Feline canned
Primate canned
Marmoset canned

Omnivore dry
Primate dry

SPECTRUM

Banana flavored primate, 15% protein
Banana flavored primate Pro-Plus, 25%
protein
Omnivore dry
Polar Bear dry
Ratite dry

Hoofstock supplement, with Selenium

When you need a complete line of high-quality dry,
canned, and frozen animal diets for your feeding program,
call Animal Spectrum today.

NE CALL DOES IT ALL

In Nebraska, call collect 402/488-6492.

Animal STOCTRUM Inc.

Box 6307 Lincoln, NE 68506-0307

San Diego Zoo Was Birthplace
Of American Association Of Zoo Keepers

MeXX6-6a. fo/meA Editor

Zoo \}i.m

San Vd.ago looj WEZd kvianaJi Vank
San Vke.go, CA

Everyone knows that AAZK stands for the American Association of Zoo Keep-
ers and that the San Diego Chapter has monthly meetings with interesting
discussion, informative films and GREAT food. But, few people know that
this national organization began right here at the San Diego Zoo.

The Association, founded by seven San Diego Zoo zoo keepers, was organiz-
ed "...to promote and establish a means to stimulate incentive and create
greater interest in the zoo keeper profession, and to exchange ideas and
ideals beneficial to the field of animal care." Four of the founding mem-
bers are still at the Zoo — Dick Sweeney, Animal Care Manager/Mammals ; Red
Thomas, Senior Elephant Trainer; Dennis Melvin, Senior Keeper; and Ken
Willingham, Animal Care Manager/Mammals . (Conrad Grayson is now a deputy
sheriff; and two of the former keepers, Carl Pyle and Walt Bromley, have
passed away.)

On December 5, 1967, the first chapter of the AAZK, the San Diego Chapter,
was chartered with 29 participating keepers. The founding members began
promoting their fledgling organization through the mail. At first, people
joined as affiliate members of the San Diego Chapter, but then Cincinnati
Zoo and the Central Park (N.Y.) Zoo founded chapters of their own. By
the fall of 1968, the organization had grown to include 44 zoos in 25
states.

At that time, Dick Sweeney, the first President, presented the organiza-
tion to the AAZPA (American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums)
meeting in Los Angeles. In his address to the members, he asked that they
endorse the organization and pointed out that "...we keepers have a sin-
cere desire to contribute our best to make our zoos successful."

There are now over 30 active chapters in North America (two in Canada)
with a membership of approximately 1700 all over the world. (An AAZK
committee for international affairs keeps in touch with sister organiza-
tions overseas.)

Not all members are professional zoo keepers. People associated with a
zoo or an aquarium may join as affiliate members and interested individ-
uals may participate as associate members.

AAZK's purpose is to foster communication among professional zoo keepers
and to provide them with educational information. Animal Keepers’ Forum,
a monthly publication, is the national association’s major means of
meeting these goals. Contributions range from book reviews, to scientific
articles; from articles on animal-related legislation to animal/human
interest stories. Committees and projects headed by members report their
progress in the pages of the Animal Keepers' Forum.

The association has produced video films on keeper safety. Research grants
made to keepers by the association have resulted in books, articles and
studies on subjects such as animal nutrition and reptile parasites.

274

San Diego Zoo Was Birthplace of AAZK, CoyvtinuQ,d

On the local level, the San Diego Chapter is still carrying on the fine
work begun here nearly 20 years ago.

Every month, in keeping with the association’s stated purpose of provid-
ing 'materials beneficial to zoo keeper education', the chapter arranges
for a guest speaker and a film or slide presentation on a subject of
interest to the membership. According to current President Connie Carson,
Senior Keeper, the meetings are attended by about 60-70 people, but keeper
attendance is sometimes disappointing.

The chapter is self-supporting. It uses the proceeds from keeper T-shirt
sales and raffles to pay for general expenses and to fund the cash prizes
for the annual photo contest. Often, the proceeds from a particular meet-
ing will be donated to a worthy organization. The topic of the March meet-
ing was the Muriqui (or wooly spider monkey). Members held a raffle, sold
Muriqui T-shirts and posters and donated the money to the "Save the Muriqui
Foundation" .

In the future, Carson hopes for stronger participation in Animal Keepers'
Forum, development of keeper training films and development of a news-
letter for the San Diego Chapter. Plans are also being made to expand
the speaker series and to sponsor more educational programs.

AAZK memberships — and meetings — are open to everyone who is interested in
learning a little bit more about animals, particularly the professional
zoo keeper who is charged with their care.

[Eduton,'^ Yiotz: Tka> oAtlcle, onJ^glnally appe/med dn thd KpnJJi 1984 -Li>6a2.
oi th(L mployzu. ol the. Sm Vte.go loal^iLd AyiunaZ VoAk.

It AJi n.2.p/ilnte.d heAe. maXH the. peAml6^ton the author and the eu/uient
editor Peggy Ble^^tng.j

Information Please

Salmonier Nature Park is planning to display several Labrador species.

We are requesting any husbandry or diet information on the following or
similar species: Little brown bat, star-nosed moles, ungava lemmings,
northern bog lemmings and water shrews. Please send any information to;
Kevin Moore, Salmonier Nature Park, P.O. Box 190, Holyrood, Newfoundland
AOA 2R0.

Information is needed on Ajioto eephaZai> aLLStAatyCs (South American fur seal)
regarding diets fed, supplements, molt patterns, seasonal weight fluctua-
tions, fur problems, nutritional and/or housing problems. Please send any

of the above information, or referrals

Sita & Uwe Horn or

c/o Holiday Park

6733 HaBloch

Pfalz, West Germany

Europe

to people and/or literature to:

Sita & Uwe Horn
c/o Diana Guenero
P.O. Box 154
Laytonville, CA
95454

275

AAZK Committee Reports

COMPLETING A THOUGHT

V-iano. CM, Von^ytk
Vn-OjdcX. Head-Exkib^ VeJ>Zgn Eom
Akkon CklldAm' ^ Zoo, Akkon, OH

If you look for information on, for example, black bears, you can find
volumes dealing with their wild habitat, behavioral patterns, nutrition-
al requirements, blood values, and reproductive information. If you turn
to ISIS, you can find out how many zoos have how many bears, each bears’
lineage and so on. The volumes of information are blank, or at best
scattered when you research turns to enclosure specifics for your ani-
mals; strength and type of wire, substrate materials, drains, ponds, fur-
niture, plantings, etc. To gather information of this sort takes hours
of gleaning small paragraphs here and there from the written information
and countless phone calls and visits to zoos across the country to view,
review, question and then revamp their enclosures to your landscape,
terrain, and price range. Not to be found is a handbook on "Building an
enclosure for your Black Bear" with a variety of sizes, shapes and price
ranges from which to choose. Creating a workable and useful exhibit that
will serve the animal, the keeper and the public is an extensive research
proposition. Few zoos have the time or funds for such an extensive endea-
vor .

Exhibit planning is obviously not a perfect science. Mistakes can easily
be made in all aspects of exhibit designing. Too often the ideal exhibit
for the animal creates an unviewable situation for the visitors. Fre-
quently the beautiful exhibit plantings are destroyed by the animals, or
closer to home, the keeper finds that the journey to the drain is all
uphill !

This lack of available information coupled with the prevelance of avoid-
able mistakes during designing led to my decision to creat the Exhibit
Design Form for use by all AAZK members. I don’t for a minute profess
to know everything that should be done to make the ideal exhibit. I do
claim a curious mind, four years of keeper experience, and a passion for
learning. My primary goal and the goal of those who have helped me
"think through" this project is to offer a useful exhibit design tool to
be used in conjunction with architectural planning, overall zoo design
and staff brainstorming. The success of this goal is based on the know-
ledge and experience available to the members of AAZK through our own
membership. Zookeepers carry around with them a lot of the information
needed for exhibit designing. We are the ones who know that our tamarins
are shy, that the screech owls need a cavity to nest in, that the rheas
will destroy the three-foot area of grass in no time, that the scarlet
macaw will eliminate that wooden cage and on, and on. We’re also the ones
who have to make the water flow uphill to the drain, who bang our heads
on too-short entry doors, who create hiding places for our tools because
the architect didn’t leave room for storage, etc. How often have we con-
ferred with each other, cross-country, for breeding information, train-
ing hints, medication suggestions, all questions difficult to impossible
to find answers for in publications but frequently obtainable to a per-
sistent keeper.

Completion of each Exhibit Design Form will utilize most departments with-
in the zoo. The bulk of the information can be gathered by the exhibit
keeper. Maintenance personnel will be helpful when diagraming the exhibit.

276

COMPLETING A THOUGHT, ConUnue-d

directors and curators will be needed to supplu cost analysis. Two sides
of every problem are sought in each category; the advantages and the dis-
advantages. The reasoning behind each phase of the form is extensive, but
one thing stands out as a positive result of the form completion - coopera-
tion is a necessity. Cooperation underlines all aspects of the form; the
request from one zoo to another, the staff answering the questions, the
staff that receives and reviews the questions, the director that uses the
form in conjunction with other exhibit design sources.

Because of the knowledge available to us to organize and publish, this
form exists and will be available to members as early as the 1984 National
conference. Those requesting forms for use or interested in further in-
formation are urged to write; VAJinc, C.M. Voft^yth, AkAon ZooLoQ'Lc.cit PciA.k,
500 Edgmood Ave., AfeAon, OH 44307,

A special and heartfelt thanks to Judie Steenberg, Beth Poff, Jay Jason
and the AAZK Board who helped an idea take *'form” and take off!

(The following is a condensed version of the Exhibit Design Form. Spaces
normally provided for answering questions are omitted due to space limita-
tions in AKF. )

EXHIBIT DESIGN:

Specifics: Enclosure, Species, Keeper

Scientific Name;

Common Name;

Contributor;

Institution:

Designer/Architect ;

Year of exhibit construction;

Total cost of exhibit:

Local weather conditions; (C)

Mean;

Extremes;

Director’s signature:

I. ENCLOSURE SPECIFICS;

A. Description of exhibit including; Terrain previous to building,
dimensions, area, substrate materials, barriers (glass walls, moats,
fencing. Tec,), roofing, lighting, humidity and/or heat controls,
and any features within enclosure (trees, specific plantings used,
apparatuses, etc.) A labeled drawing should be included. Attach
sheets if necessary.

1. List the advantages of the enclosure in respect to keeping
techniques, public education and viewing, animal needs (psycho-
logical/behavioral needs, flight distance, stress factors, re-
curring problems, etc.)

2. List the disadvantages of the enclosure (include specifics listed
above) .

B. Shift and/or off-exhibit areas: Dimensions, substrate material,
barriers (see A), roofing, features within area, keeper areas, etc.
Labeled drawings should be included. Attach sheets if necessary.

1. List any advantages to this area taking into consideration animal's
needs (solitude, separation, reproductive needs, etc,), and keeper
considerations .

1. Requesting Institution

2. Collecting Institution

3. Contributing Institution

277

COMPLETING A THOUGHT (Exhibit Design Form), Con^tlnued

2. List disadvantages of the shift area considering all factors
as above .

3. Describe in detail the method used for shifting (including dif-
ficulties encountered, positive/negative reinforcers used, etc,)

4. Describe in detail any part of the off-exhibit area specifically
designed for unique purposes; Built-in squeeze cages, special
maternity dens, etc.

C. Enclosure Inhabitants:

1. List the total number of inhabitants within the exhibit includ-
ing a ratio of males/females; adults/subadult/inf ant .

2. Mixed exhibits; List the total number of inhabitants: co-inhabit-
ants and ratio of male/female; adult/subadult/ infant/species/
species .

a. Discuss the benefits of this mixed exhibit. Include: Public
reactions, educational aspects, etc.

b. Discuss the problems encountered within a mixed exhibit. In-
clude: feeding difficulties, aggression, reproductive prob-
lems, etc.

II. SPECIES SPECIFICS:

A. Handling and/or moving of species: List reasons for so doing, problems,
encountered and solutions to these problems.

B. Common or recurring medical problems: List reasons for these problems,
possible solutions, treatments, etc.

C. Routine medical treatments: Annual vaccinations, procedures for
eliminating and/or controlling parasites, etc,

D. Diet (per animal): Include favorite foods, problem items, vitamin/
mineral supplements, etc,

III. KEEPER SPECIFICS:

A. Suggestions for keeper and animal safety when working with this
species. Include: Special techniques, flight distance, daily
routine, etc.

B. Specific husbandry tools used and address for their acquisition.

C. What degrees of maintenance effort is required for the upkeep of
this exhibit (i.e. daily, weekly, monthly, annually, etc.)?

D. Suggested reference material for further research on this species.

Publications Available

Bear Essentials is an American Source Book and Guide to Planning Bear
Education Programs. An ideal guide for teachers, interpreters, outdoor
group leaders, wardens, conservation officers, or anyone who may be giv-
ing talks on bears. In a simple step-by-step process, the guide can help
you plan, present, and evaluate your talk on bears. Bear topics covered
in the guide include safety, history, biology and ecology, as well as many
suggestions on program presentation and information sources. Bear Essentials
can be ordered from the Great Bear Foundation, P.O. Box 2699, Missoula, MT
59806. The cost is $6.00.

278

The logo for this year's Conference, a male Lion-Tailed Macaque, was
drawn by Judy Sievert. Judy is currently part of Woodland Park's Pri-
mate Crew, working the Gorilla unit and the Primate house. She started
as a volunteer, was hired full time in 1979, and has since worked sever-
al areas around the zoo. Prior to becoming involved with the zoo, she
studied art at the Cornish Institute in Seattle. Her skills as an artist
are very evident and we thank her for all the time she has spent prepar-
ing this excellent drawings for the conference

1984 AAZK BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEETING:
Proposed Agenda

Sunday, September 30

MORNING 8:00 a.m.

Keeper Education Committee
Zookeeper Fundamentals
I Exhibit Design Form
Reference Search
Staff Exchange
Public Education
I Library Resources
Program Library
Zoonoses Notebook
Diet Notebook

Infant Development Notebook
Biological Values Book
Membership Directory
Book Reviews

Animal Keepers Forum (Membership
and Career Brochures)

AFTERNOON 1 p.m.

AAZK History

Awards Committee

Research Grants Committee

Keeper Data Committee

Professional Standards Committee

Legislative Information Committee

Regional Coordinator System

Chapter Affairs

International Affairs

National Headquarters

Keeper Care Buttons

Logo T-Shirts

Logo Decals

AKF Anniversary T-Shirts
Keeper Accomodations List (KAL)
Animal Data Transfer Forms (ADT)
Conferences
Proposal s

There will be a limit of 40 minutes discussion per topic.

279

CONFERENCE UPDATE

Weather

Weather in the Pacific Northwest is often unpredictable. Early fall is
often cool, sunny days (50'-60's). We will be outside for several days
and evenings during the Conference, so a light, warm jacket and possibly
a raincoat and hat would be good items to bring. You might also find a
small daypack handy.

Hotel

It isn't too late to register to stay at the hotel. The accomodations
are excellent and we feel you'll find the Conference much more enjoyable
if you join the other delegates at this central location.

Although the hotel does require evening attire in the top floor restau-
rant and entertainment lounge, it is casually elegant. Jeans are quite
acceptable for all other areas of the hotel. Also, if you do wish to be
matched with a roommate, be sure and make that clear when calling in
your registration.

OUT OF STATE 800 426-1172

IN STATE 800 851-8010

LOCAL....... 206 583-0300

Transportation

Members arriving at Sea-Tac Airport are reminded to either take the
Airporter bus directly to the Madison or to call or write ahead and
let the Committee know when you will arrive so that you can be picked
up at the airport. Members are discouraged from taking a taxi to the
hotel as the fare is around $25.00.

Auction

Don't forget to bring your auction item. The greater variety of items
to bid on, the more fun for everyone involved. And keep in mind... this
is where we show our support for National AAZK by generating money for
the treasury. (Most other monies just cover the actual cost of putting
on the Conference).

A successful auction means a healthy treasury, with benefits for all
members.

Day Fees

Sunday $10.00

Monday. .... .$10.00

Tuesday $ 5.00

Wednesday, . .$15.00

Thursday $15.00

Thurs. eve.. $25. 00

includes ice-breaker

includes evening tour of Seattle Aquarium
includes lunch, dinner & buses to & from WPZ
includes buses all day, lunch & dinner
includes lunch at Hotel; does not cover evening
covers banquet & evening at Space Needle

DON'T FORGET THAT ATTENDING AN AAZK CONFERENCE IS TAX DEDUCTABLE!!!!
SO SAVE THOSE RECEIPTS

280

HOI E L • SEAT! LE
515 Madison

Seattle, WA 98111 (206) 583-0300 Local

Each of the Madison's 575 guest rooms has its own seating area with sofa
and chairs, from which you can enjoy a sweeping view of Puget Sound and
the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

Special room rates for the conference delegates are: $55.00 single

$60.00 double

Use the toll free number (800 number) to make your reservations, and
identify yourself as being with the American Association of Zookeepers.

If you wish to be matched with a roommate, let the hotel know when you
call, and they will attempt to do so.

Transportation from Sea-Tac Airport to the Madison is easy! Just take
the Airporter bus directly from the airport to the hotel. The Madison
is the first stop! It leaves every half hour from United Airlines Bag-
gage Terminal, and the ride takes 20 minutes--Cost $4.75.

800-426-1172 Out of State

800-851-8010 In State

Tentative Schedule

SUNDAY

Board Meeting
Registration
Ice Breaker

MONDAY

Opening presentations
Morning paper session
Lunch on your own
Evening tour of Seattle
Aquarium

TUESDAY

Bus to Woodland Park Zoo
Morning- tours

Lunch provided by WPZ docents
Afternoon-workshops, tours
Dinner provided by Seattle
Zoological Society

WEDNESDAY

Bus to Pt. Defiance Zoo, Tacoma
Morning-tours

Lunch provided by Pt. Defiance
Early afternoon — demonstrations
Bus to Northwest Trek, Eatonville
Tram tours, walking tours
Dinner provided by Northwest Trek

THURSDAY

Morning paper session
Lunch provided at hotel-awards given
Af ter noon- AAZK general membership
meeting

Banquet at Seattle's famous
Space Needle

281

SCHEDULE FOR TOURS. WORKSHOPS & DISCUSSIONS

Woodland Park Zoo

October 2n(

During the morning: Brief introduction and orientation to WPZ

Self-guided tour of zoo through lunchtime. Docent-
tours until lunch.

Demonstration of giraffe squeeze cage.
Demonstration of mountain goat chute/ restraint sys'
Workshop on plants in small tropical exhibits.
Lunch: 11:30 to 1 :00

In the Afternoon: Specialized discussions about: 1) Night Keeping am
zoo security; 2) The gorilla collection of WPZ; 3)
Small felines in captivity - Results of a national
questionnaire; 4) Animals in education - Running
your own business.

Main afternoon workshops: 1) AAZK Education Commit
projects; 2)Research in zoos.

Volleyball,

[Some of the above workshops will run concurrently
Dinner: Sponsored by Seattle Zoological Society.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma

October 3rdi,

During the morning: 45 minute bus ride to zoo. Brief orientation on bf.
Tours of zoo most of the morning.

Lunch: 11:30 |

In the afternoon: Handling demonstrations and feeding programs for: i
elephants, llamas, raptors. Beluga whales, dolphin
and seals. [These will also be given in the late '
morning.]

Northwest Trek (North American Wildlife), Eatonville October 3rd,

Powered tram tours of part of the nearly 600 acres*
of exhibits. Tour and video tape presentations on ^
large mammal handling systems. Walking tours of
smaller exhibits. '

Dinner: 6:00 i

...[See August AKF, pg. 244, for a list of schedules papers.] '

[jJatch ion. ConieAe.nc.^ Committdd mmbeA^ Pebb-ce Ste.c.h2A. and Pkil Pmnoak ov
ABC 6 Q^anty mon.nA.ng pn.ogn.am "Good Uon.nA.ng AmoAlca" , Monday, OcXobnA ■
wdXh "hMo-6" in.om tko. SJatconal AAZK ConioAmce. In SmttlC.

282

Research

i RESULTS OF A POST-RELEASE TELEMETRY STUDY

INVOLVING BARN OWL [Ti^to alba p/mUncola)

, IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

' 1983

Joan M. Vanl2,ts

Sdnlon. Kz^poA-IBAjid P/Log/Lom Supe/Lvl60A
BAookiileld Zoo '-6 Chhdn.m'-6 Zoo
Chicago Zoological SocloXy

The {following papen. n.cponl^ the oi a 6tady conducted by the

lUhoA. In coopenjotlon wTlh the VuPage County Ton.ei>t ?n.u>2Ave VTjitAlcl,
TlloiA)bn.ook {^JTldltie Haven, and Vn.. Vanlet Luckolg PhV. )

[he purpose of this release was primarily to observe the behavior of two
Udio-tagged juvenile barn owls [Tyto alba pH-Ollncola) before and after
Release. During the pre-release training, hacking and post-release periods
■he methods being used were evaluated for future reference.

here are a number of theories as to why the barn owl population has de-
jlined in the midwest (Peterson 1979, Steeg 1981, Colvin 1981). Many of
hese theories have been debated but one fact still remains true, there
xe definite underlying problems, such as secondary rodenticide poisoning,
!hat need to be considered and studied so that the problems affecting the
opulation can be corrected.

(.ack of nesting sites and suitable hunting territories are thought to be
wo of the major factors contributing to the decline of barn owls. (Colvin,
i981). Illinois has enough rural and protected areas available to support
t least small isolated populations of barn owls where now none are pre-
!;ent. An extensive nest box program was developed in Illinois to provide
^uitable places for owls to raise their young, but this has not improved
I he situation in that state. The lack of suitable hunting territory is
(ot a valid reason for a decline in the barn owl population because other
'wl and raptor species are unaffected by prey availability. Recently, a
ellet study done on long-eared owls ( A^lo otlL6 ) in northern Illinois
[very close to the release site) showed that these birds, which are simi-
jar to the barn owl in prey habits, are fairing well on the prey avail-
ible in the area. (Darmofal, 1983). Illinois has never had a large barn
wl population in comparison to the great-horned owl (Bubo vTAglnlanu^ )

[nd others, but small numbers should not make this valuable species any
jess important when considering the possibility of a re-introduction effort
'n their behalf.

’here is some question about linking a decline in the barn owl population
dth the barn owl’s tendency to migrate southward or with the increasing-
y severe winters. Banding reports and analysis (Stewart, 1959 and 1980)
lave shown that northern range species very seldom show a southern migra-
ion. The barn owl is not tr'uly a migratory species; however, there is
some northward movement in spring and southward movement in autumn. Adult
•arn owls are very site loyal and seldom leave the nest area. If they
jlo, there is a high chance of spring returns to preferred nesting sites,
j’herefore, the decline of the barn owls in Illinois is most likely not due
'o a natural trend of the birds to move southward. Surrounding midwestern
>tates are having success re-establishing dwindling populations of owls,

[ind the birds are remaining in suitable habitat. (Colvin 1981, Denne 1979,
’eterson, 1980).

283

RESULTS OF A POST-RELEASE TELEMETRY STUDY INVOLVING BARN OWLS IN

NORTHERN ILLINOIS, 1983, ConUna^ ~~~

Periods of extreme cold and snow cover adversely affect barn owl population
throughout the U.S. The barn owl has low fat reserves and can survive only
4 to 7 days without food. Heavy rains following spring hatchings can also
affect the population of juvenile birds, especially in areas where the adulj;
choose nesting sites that are not sheltered. Severe population declines i
occur following winters with large amounts of snowfall, but populations us-1
ually recover within the next breeding season. (Bunn, 1982). The decline
in Illinois birds has never recovered and is not just a trend resulting fro!
bad weather. j

The final, but least understood theory on population decline is related to I
the effects of pesticides and rodenticides on the barn owl. Because the
barn owl preys mainly on mammalian species, it is generally accepted that |
they are not affected by pesticides which readily accumulate in avian prey.
However, the effects of rodenticides in the secondary poisoning of the barnj
owl (1953-1963) was listed as the number one factor contributing to the de-
cline of the barn owl in Europe. (Bunn, 1982). The use of these compounds
has increased over the past decade here in the U.S., especially in the mid-
western states. A study done on the effects of six anti-coagulant rodenti-
cides on the barn owl showed these compounds in moderate levels cause major
hemmorhages of subcutaneous tissues and the ultimate death of the bird.
(Mendengall and Pank, 1980) . Some studies have concluded that the use of
primary generation rodenticides do not contribute to the decline in natural
populations studied. (Kaukeinen 1982, Clark 1978). However, second genera-
tion anticoagulants (considered more lethal), brodifacom in particular, are
still under investigation. Small levels of rodenticides may be causing the
barn owl problems such as weak egg shells, infertility, and lowered hunting
ability. The neurological effects of the toxins could also make the birds
more likely to have collisions with cars and electrical wires. The barn
owl could be exposed to these low levels of rodenticides by ingesting ro-
dents that are carrying toxic residues in their tissues from sub-lethal t

dosages of the poison. It has been found that there is a larger range of
rodenticide sensitivity among animals. (McKelvie and Anderson, 1981). It }
is therefore possible that the barn owl, because it is a species with loweri i
fat reserves, is more susceptible to low levels of rodenticides. This woul;
then explain the strong populations of other raptors that share the same
prey as the barn owl as compared to their dwindling populations.

Whatever the cause of the decline, measures should be taken to insure the
survival of this rare raptor in the midwest. The following study provided i
an opportunity to develop a number of options for improving re-introduction-
efforts. These options are discussed at the end of the paper. 1

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 1.1 young were hatched on 18 and 19 July 1982 by a pair of captive barn,
owls at Brookfield Zoo's Children's Zoo. The owlets were raised by the i
parents without human interference. Cage cleaning and feeding was done wit;
minimal disturbance. Generally, the diet consisted of killed domestic mice-
(MLt6 mLL6CuXiU> ) , leghorn chicks and ZuPreem Bird of Prey diet. As the owl-
ets developed, live food was introduced so that the parents could demon-
strate "hunting" techniques.

The owlets were removed from the parents' cage at three months of age, 22
October 1982. The birds were then color banded, weighed, measured and ex-
amined for physical abnormalities. Both birds were in excellent condition
and were determined to be male and female due to differences in coloring,
wingspan, and body weight.

284

I RESULTS OF A POST-RELEASE TELEMETRY STUDY INVOLVING BARN OWLS IN

I NORTHERN ILLINOIS, 1983, CoyiX^nu^d

Release of the birds was anticipated after a period of live food training,
but the release was delayed until the proper permits could be obtained from
the Illinois Endangered Species Board. The optimal time to release owlets
is considered to be 8-10 weeks. (Bunn 1982, Hancock 1981). Under normal
conditions young fledgling owls begin a progressive dispersal from the nest
site at 66 days of age, reaching peak dispersal at eight months of age.
(Stewart, 1952).

The birds were released into a small barn loft (60ft. long X 20ft. wide)
ijith a floor covered by dried leaves and straw and a few logs placed on
the floor. The owlets were fed a diet of dead and live animals according
to methods outlined by McKeever (1979). They were offered cottontail rabbit
' {SylVAJicigiJU> ^toAA-daniU } white-footed mouse {?2Aomy6CiU l^ucoptU ) , domestic
rah [RcuttiU, nOA-ve.g^CLL6 ) and meadow vole ( MccA0tiL6 pznyL6 in addition
to laboratory mice and chicks in order to introduce some of the wild prey
they would be encountering after the release.

The owlets were observed frequently and weighed every week to assure that
they were hunting and maintaining their weights. They were maintained in
the loft until transferred to the release site.

The birds were removed from the loft on 1 March 1982, banded with USF&W
lock-on leg bands, weighed and measured. The 1.1 birds weighed 561 and
669 grams respectively. The color bands were removed and telemetry trans-
:‘niitter backpacks were attached. The birds’ reaction to the backpacks and
■:the operation of the transmitter was observed for 8 days prior to transfer-
iring the birds to the release site. During this observation period, the
backpacks did not seem to bother or hinder the birds in any way. They ate
normally, passed pellets, and spent a great deal of time exploring the
I bam loft. The transmitters produced strong regular signals.

»'Ihe transmitter harness (Fig. 1 and 2) consisted of teflon coated antenna
wire fastened around the birds in a backpack fashion with the transmitter
[in the middle of the bird's back. The teflon coated wire prevented the
[Ibird from chewing through the harness and eliminated hard edges that would
cut the bird. The wire was tied in square knots and sealed in heat shrink
Tubing so that the knots would not untie. The transmitter and battery were
[sealed in dental acrylic. The acrylic package had two small holes for the
lantenna wire. The antenna was trimmed to a length slightly longer that
jthe retrices. The backpack system was used instead of the traditional tail
mount because of the small size of the retrices. 1

:jThe release site was a large abandoned barn adjacent to Pratt-Wayne Forest
Preserve in northwest DuPage County, IL. This area consists mostly of tall
ijmeadow grass fields, marsh and wet prairie and a small lake and streams.
iThe area was selected because of the variety of habitats and the abandoned
harn. There were a number of barn owl nest boxes in the area, and the prey
population was considered adequate. The prey in the area included: meadow

rTelemetry equipment: AVM Instrument Co., Dublin, CA, Portable Telemetry
receiver, hand-held Yangi antenna and car mount whip antenna. AMI trans-
mitter: Frequency - 150.000-150. 714MHz, Pulse rate - 8'Obpm. Mercury bat-
|tery - Life span - 4 months. Total weight - 5 grams.

285

RESULTS OF A POSTvRELEASE TELEMETRY STUDY INVOLVING BARN OWLS IN

NORTHERN ILITMTsTID^ Con^nu^ ~ ~

Square knot

286

ESULTS OF A POST-RELEASE TELEMETRY STUDY INVOLVING BARN OWLS IN

lORTHERN ILLINOIS, 1983, Coyitlna2.d

M^cAotiU pOJin^ytvcivUxiu^] i white-footed mouse ( PQAomy-&ciLi> tO-U-COpu^ ) , mask-
id shrew ( SoH-tx CA^neAuXT, short-tailed shrew ( BtoAina. bn.2vZ(lcuxdcL] \ house
lOuse (Ma6 mu6 ctiZu^ ) , and muskrat {Ondcutytci ZyCboXhtCLib ) . Sightings of num-
trous raptors in the area indicated that the prey population was viable,
he raptors sighted included: red-tailed hawk {BuLtO-O jamCLlce,/i&^} , rough-
; egged hawk iBiit£,0 tagopix^ ) , marsh hawk [CaJicu^ Q^yanohi] ^ kestlrel {Val.c.0
ipOAveAAJLU) ) , and the great-horned owl (Bubo vlAgA^yiLanu^] . The small town
.f Wayne is 3.2 km. south of the release site but most of the surrounding
’.rea consisted of open farmland, pastures and horse barns.

he barn from which they were released was secured earlier by placing bur-
ap over windows and openings, a burlap flap was attached over the door-
ray to prevent the owls from escaping when anyone entered to feed. The
)arn was well ventilated and had more than adequate perching space, as
veil as two nesting boxes on either end.

he owlets were then released in the barn for a nine day "acclimation"
)eriod in the hopes that they would utilize the barn after the release,
hey contined to receibe a daily supply of dead food on feeding platforms
ind the barn was "seeded" to encourage wild mice to enter the barn and
rrovide the owls with a chance at hunting. The owls utilized the entire
)arn, including the nest boxes. Pellets were collected during the nine
lays for later analysis.

before release a small perch was placed at the entrance to the barn. An
)pening to the barn was made on 22 April 1983. After release the birds
;ere checked during the day to determine roosting sites and were followed
It night for 6 to 7 hours to determine hunting activities and patterns.

RESULTS

Che birds were followed from the time of release until they could no longer
)e located on 26 April 1983. A Department of Conservation helicopter was
hen commissioned to help locate the birds, using a direction three-element
iCagi antenna on 17 May 1983. This attempt was unsuccessful even though an
iirea of approximately 706 sq/km around the release site was searched. Con-
lentrated search efforts were made on the area up to 25km southwest of
he site because the birds seemed to have been moving in that direction
throughout the ground tracking period. The owls did not return to the
release site at any time during the tracking but did utilize a field adjac-
ent to the barn for what appeared to be hunting activities.

)AILY ACTIVITY

rhe owls left the roost site a few hours before sunset each evening (1715)
at an average time of 1950 hours.

BOOSTING SITES

rhe birds utilized tree lines, hedgerows and large conifers as roost sites.
However, four of the six roost sites observed were in residential areas,
sometimes even in residential backyards. The two owls overlapped in roost
site area utilization. The birds seemed to be attracted to roost sites
with a light source nearby, such as house lights and streetlights. The
ibirds averaged 2.9 km away from the release site.

RESULTS OF A POST-RELEASE TELEMETRY STUDY INVOLVING BARN OWLS IN

NORTHERN ILLINOIS, 1983, Co^vUnu^d

MOVEMENTS

Both owls returned to the barn area to hunt at night but did not enter
the barn or utilize it as a roost site even though food was provided in-
side the bam. Generally, the birds stayed in the area from four to six
days before leaving the area and moved in a southwesterly direction. Aft ,
14 days without contact, an aerial search was conducted, but the birds co d
not be located within a 20 km radius of the release site.

HELICOPTER AERIAL SEARCH

A 705.6 sq/km radius was covered. Efforts were concentrated in the area
directly SW of the release site and a distance of 24.5 km was covered in
that direction and 19.5 km in a SE direction.

DISCUSSION

The most pressing question posed by this study was why the birds left the
study area so quickly. There are several theories concerning this ques-
tion. Normally, the optimal time to release barn owl fledglings is at 3
months of age. The bam owls were released at 9 months of age due to the
delay in obtaining permits. According to Stewart (1952), fledgling owls
usually begin to roost away from the parents at two months of age and beg;
a progressive dispersal at 3 months of age. The peak dispersal is reachec,
by 8 months of age and usually averages 10-11 km away from the nest site.
Due to the age of the owls they may have been simply dispersing from what
they considered their "nesting area". If the birds were released at a
younger age they may have remained close to the release site for a longer
period of time. There are other possible reasons why the birds left the
area, such as pressure from resident raptors (great-horned owls in par-
ticular) or predation by other raptors, but these are not the likely cause

An obvious improvement for this type of study would be constant monitor-
ing of the birds from the ground and routine aerial searches. Other im-
provements are related to the hacking of the birds. On site propagation
and release of bam owls may be a valuable alternative to hacking birds
from a release site because the owls do not seem to be site loyal unless
dispersing from a nest site as youngsters. The parent owls could be main-
tained in release "barn" while they raise the youngsters and then the your
owls could be allowed to leave the barn when they are at an appropriate
age, along with the parent owls. This type of release would allow more
observation and increase the ability of the researchers to insure the
survival of the owlets after the release. Thie type of program is also
less time consuming than hand-raising the release candidates and then
hacking them from a release site. Other types of release and captive
breeding schemes have been suggested (Binn, 1982) that combine a number oi
possible alternatives to the traditional methods of re-introduction. Thes
different schemes should be tested so that the most efficient method of
re-introducing this species can be determined. In conclusion, the dwindl-
ing numbers of barn owls in our midwestern states may be a sign indicating
future problems with other raptor species. If we continue to ignore the
urgent need for measures to insure the survival of this species, in an
area where it was once abundant, what will happen when we begin to see a
dying off of other raptors?

288

LITERATURE CITED

, unn, D.S., A.B. Warburton and R.D. Wilson

1982. The Barn Owl

Buteo Books. Vermillion, South Dakota

‘ lark, D.D.

1978. Control of Ground Squirrels in California Using Anti-

coagulant Treated Bait.

Proceedings of the 8th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sacramento,
California, pp. 98-111
olvin, Bruce A.

j 1981. Nest Transfer of Young Barn Owls

Ohio Journal of Science. (3) pp. 132
.raighead, John H.

I 1970. Predation by Hawks and Owls

Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit
USF&W Service
armofoal, Leslie M.

1983. Pellet Analysis of the Long-eared Owl (A2>L0 0-ta6 ) in
Northern Illinois.

amilton, K.R. , Neill, Robert L.

' 1981. Food Habits and Bioenergetics of a Pair of Barn Owls

and Owlets .

The American Midland Naturalist. Vol. 106 No. 1. pp. 1-7
ancock, Besty., Ducey, Jim., Lock, Ross A.

1981. Captive Breeding of Barn Owls in Nebraska
Nebraska Bird Review, pp. 49. (2) pp . 31-33
[awbecker, A.C.

[' 1945. Food Habits of the Barn Owl

Condor. Vol. 47. pp. 161-166
, aukeinen. Dale E.

f 1982. A Review of Secondary Poisoning Hazard to Wildlife from

I the Use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides .

Pest Management 1 )11) :10, 12-12; 1 (12) : 16, 17-19
/aestrelli, J.R.

' 1972. Propagation of Barn Owls in Captivity

I; Auk. 90 (2) pp. 426-428

cKeever, Katherine

1 1979. Care and Rehabilitation of Injured Owls

W.F. Rannie. Lincoln Ontario, Canada
cKelvie, D.H. and Anderson, A.C.

[ 1963. Neonatal Deaths in Relation to the Total Number

? Production in Experimental Beagles to the Weaning Age

Laboratory Animal Care. 13:725
iendenhall, V.M. , Pank, L.F.

I 1980. Secondary Poisoning of Owls by Anticoagulant Rodenticide

I Wildlife Society Bulletin 8 - #4

leterson, LeRoy

I 1980. Status of Bam Owls in Wisconsin

l|. Department of Natural Resources. Madison, Wisconsin

, Report //7

hillips, R.S.

I 1951. Food of the Bam Owl in Hancock County, Ohio

I Auk. 68 (2) pp. 239-241

iyan, Richard A.

' 1979. Barn owls for Pest Control

New Jersey Audubon. May- June pp . 75-76
mith, Dwight., Gilbert, Ray.

I 1981. Backpack Radio Transmitter Attachment Success in

Screech owls

[ N.A. Bird Bander. Vol 6. No. 4, pp. 142-143

i “

289

Legislative News !

CompiZnd by K<ivam Comay i
IZQAJitcUAVz Coon^dlnaton. f,

AMERICAN ALLIGATOR PROPOSED FOR RECLASSIFICATION IN FLORIDA

. 1'

On 20 June 1984, the USFWS published a proposed rule in the VddoAaJi
tOA to reclassify the legal status of the American alligator {ktHigatoK
int2>2>^2>-Cpp-tg-t^5-t2> ) in Florida to threatened due to similarity of appear- j
ance under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. The proposal is 'I
based on evidence that the species is not biologically threatened. Re- -
classification of Florida alligators would reduce restrictions on the
State for future management and research while still protecting look- ”1
alike species and other populations of American alligators. Certain pop-'
ulations in other southeastern states have already been reclassified to
this same status. *

— AAZPA

AagiLbt 19B4 "

FINAL RULE ON SNAIL DARTER RECLASSIFICATION

The USFWS published its final rule reclassifying the snail darter ( V^XCAM
tavUiCLi) from endangered to threatened in the VddQAjOiZ R2,QAj>t2A. on 5 July
1984. Recent field surveys have located additional small populations of
snail darters in six tributaries of the Tennessee River and in the main
stream of the river near the mouth of these tributaries. Threatened clas-
sification is thought to more accurately reflect the true biological
status of this species. Because of habitat vulnerability, however, the
Service does not believe that a complete delisting of the snail darter is
warranted and it will continue to receive protection as a Threatened specJl

— EndangeAe.d 5pecx.e^ Tdchyilcat
BuJtteJxn, Vot. IK, Wo. 3

EXTINCTION OF RARE BUTTERFLY MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ERROR

Earlier this spring, when a swatch of dry scrub on a steep hillside was
plowed under. Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. , got rid of far more than a fire
hazard. Federal officials now fear that for the first time ever, one I
of the 286 creatures protected by the federal Endangered Species Act has !
become extinct: a rare butterfly that lived only amid patches of loco-
weed on the staggered terraces of the Palos Verdes Peninsula south of Los
Angeles.

The embarassing demise of the Palos Verdes blue butterfly, a tiny powder- |
blue creature whose liking for foggy canyons and terraces kept it undis-
covered by scientists until 1977, came after a series of missed opportunitj
ies to preserve its dwindling breeding grounds. The apparent first loss of;
an endangered species already has triggered a round of finger-pointing
among environmentalists. Rancho Palos Verdes officials and the federal ;
Fish and Wildlife Service, which has the legal duty to protect the insect.!

The city says that it tried to save the butterfly, which has distinctive |
dark camouflage markings on the undersides of its wings, but was never
properly instructed on how to go about it. Environmentalists say that
the Wildlife Service stood by while a three-year building boom decimated
the indispensable locoweed patches, and then lagged in investigating who

290

IgISLATIVE news, CoyiJU,natd

is responsible for the destruction. Fish and Wildlife officials deny
tting on anything, and say that they still may file criminal charges if

ong doing

is found.

d a California entomologist who spent five years and a chunk of federal
joey charting the butterfly’s decline says that it sometimes seemed as
I nobody cared much whether the creature lived.

She Fish and Wildlife people did not always keep the city advised of the
atus of the colonies," said Richard A. Arnold, the University of Calif-
linia, Berkley, scientist who had a federal contract to work on the diur-
il insect's preservation, "And the city had some bad advice and maybe no
[I'.mpathy for the butterfly as well."

pderal officials hold out the hope that more of the Palos Verdes blues,
jsich have been confined to the peninsula because they depend for food
^'d egg-laying sites on a strain of locoweed found there, will turn up
sain—perhaps after next year’s spring mating season. But Arnold is
jss optomistic. An intense search has turned up no eggs, caterpillars
I butterflies in any of the remaining areas where the insect should be
fund, he said. "The likelihood is very high that it’s extinct, he said,
'here’s always a chance that it will pop up again. But in this case,
lie habitat destruction was so complete and so quick that I think that's
Try unlikely."

---L.A. TAMU-WcL&hyLngton Vo&t SeAuXce
Ju-Vit 19S4

k.RECTJ ONS/ AW JT JONS: The following corrections and/or additions should
E/ noted in the two-part series on "Elephants in Japan" which appeared in
I June and July issues of AKF.

TE issuer

jp, 180 “ Asahikawa-Ashiyama Zoo should be Asakikawa-Asahiyama
I - Tatsu Zoological & Botanical Gardens should be Yatsu..,,

“ Tobu Zoological Park is a private institution and therefore
I should not be noted with an asterik (*)

p. 182 ” Omutu Zoo should be Omata Zoo

- Africa Safari should be African Safari

I “ Phoenix Natural Zoo, Miyazki should be Miyazaki

- Okinawa-Kodomomokuni should be Okinawa-Kodomonokuni

j This institution is a public one and therefore should be

noted in Table 1 with an asterik (*)
jp. 183 - Kakima Circus should be Kakinuma Circus

I “ in section (a) Nanki Shirahama Adventure World has 0.2 Thai

ij elephants NOT 2.0 as listed

1y issues

'p. 216 ~ Add the following to the bottom of the table II on that page:

! Nagoya-Higashiyama Zoo A-ko Asian F 21

Martha African F 20

^|p. 212 - Additional information from the author notes that there are
I 34 (4.30) elephants which have been with current owners for

more than 20 years at the time of the survey,

; p. 213

Additional information from the author notes that there were
four places which maintained elephants in the past but no
longer are doing so. These four are: Kochi Zoo, Matsushima
Zoo, Higuchi Zoo of Atami-city and the Saki Zoo, Osaka.

291

Chapter

TOLDEO ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

Chapter Secretary Joanne Terry
reports that Michelle Grigore
has been appointed Historian.

The Chapter has established the
following goals for this year:

1. Achieve 100% Keeper membership

2. Attain a more active group with
greater participation.

3. Promote relations between AAZK
and administrative staff.

4. Organize community service
projects.

5. Contribute articles to AKF

6. Standardize Board meetings.

7. Restructure parts of the by-laws
through the constitution committee.

Our activities during the past
year include;

1. Working with Boy Scout/Explorer
Post .

2. Haunted House Project

3. Volleyball game and ski trip

4. Speakers on wildlife rehabilita-
tion, bird migrations, Ohio
game laws. Beaded lizards, and
South American wildlife.

5. Tour of Medical College of Ohio
Research Facilities

6. Christmas Bake Sale

— Joanm ToAAy
Se,cA2J:a/Ly

METRO TORONTO ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

It is with deep regret that we have
to report the passing of Gary Belz,
a long-time member of our local
chapter and an enthusiastic devotee
of gorillas. Gary was an active
member, turning out for almost every
meeting and he will be greatly mis-
sed. In his memory, we have made a
donation to the Digit Fund.

— Ma/Myn Coin

Ht \/lc.n-?n.Qj>ldnyvt

COLUMBUS ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

The Columbus Zoo is proud to
announce the reinstatement of the
AAZK Chapter in Columbus, OH. The
new officers are;

President. . . .Andy Lodge
1st Vice Pres.... Ted Spellmire |
2nd Vice Pres.... John Becker j

Secretary .... Stacy Katz j.

Treasurer ... .Brad Booth |

The Columbus Zoo AAZK Chapter has 1:
many fun & exciting projects in tl!
making. For example, A Keepers '
Octoberf est/campout ; Olympics with
the Keepers and a Keeper exchange ;
program. We are very proud that I
our fine organization has once
again come together and united 1
with AAZK. I

— Stacy Katz f

SccActoAy i

News

VlcoAc -6 end ChapteA New^ to Lee
Payne, ChapteA A^^oaas Cooadtnatoa,
at the VetAott Zoo. Atso 6end a
copy to the AKF ecUtoAlal o^^tces,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

HINK Safety!

RADIATION SAFETY

VoJofia. Schmo/unan
\/ 2J:QAA,n(Viy Ivutoxn
(JJoodZand Pa/ik loo
SmiXZz, m

(kd ioltoMlnq AJi an a/uticZd pn.o\)lddd by JucUe. Stdmb^Ag on fiRdlatlon
xioZy. It u)a6 p/LdSdntdd at a montkly tA.atntng 6^^ton at the, ifJoodtand
Pik Zoo 06 an atd to kddpoA^ tnvotvdd tn thd manimt fioJitAjolnt oi avumaJU
on, x-hjay. The, Woodland Va/ik Zoo has an ongoing -6a^ety poiogxiam, cUi do e^
x6ch Ga/iddfU. I mold be. lnteAe.6te.d In knowing wkeXkeA any otkeA zoo6
■xve, 6lmltaA 6et-up6, I am oJUo ^tlll looking ion, volante,eJU to handle,

'he, AAZK Safety Buttons and BumpeA StlakeAi,, Thl6 would be, a yilce. ckapteA
\\oje.cZ, 0^ It lj> AeZatlvely Inexpensive, and easy to put togeZken.. Please
\end all contAlbutlons to this column - anZlcles, pamphlets, cantoons -
jjO: Jill GAade, Station Managen., InteAnatlonal Bln,d House, 956 W. Hu/ion
it., Chicago, IL 60622,]

here are just a few simple concepts which need to be understood in order

0 know how to protect yourself from X-ray exposure. Perhaps the most
Ifficult of these is convincing people that there is a danger. X-rays
on’t hurt when they enter the body but they certainly damage . Most
eople are aware of the birth defects which can occur when a woman is
xposed to X-rays in the early stages of pregnancy. The damage to gonads
Iso seems to be fairly common knowledge, but few realize that blood f or-
ation and the immune system can also be impaired by X-ray exposure. An
increased incidence of cancer is also seen in people exposed to radiation
iepeatedly. Examples of this include:

1 1. Survivors of nuclear explosions in Japan have an increased inci-
' dence of leukemia, bone cancer, colon cancer, and cancer of the

cervix .

2. People treated with X-rays for irregular bone formation in the
i spine (ankylosing spondylitis) are prone to leukemia.

3. Children treated with X-rays for ring worm in the scalp are prone

to cancers in the head and neck areas as adults.

i 4. Radiologists and radiology technicians have a greater chance of
I having children with birth defects and of developing cancer.

jany of these problems were unknown until recently because the results of
|ow level repeated exposure to radiation takes 10-20 years to develop,
jhis disconnection of cause and effect by so long a time interval makes
"t easy to think that the radiation is having no effect. In fact, it
'ook careful retrospective studies to discover this serious danger, but
hw that this information is known, we should take advantage of it.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

|i-rays are formed in the head of the X-ray machine and are allowed to
scape through a collimator which directs the X-rays toward the target
„nd minimizes escape of radiation in other directions. Collimators are
imply moveable lead shields which are opened and closed to change the
lidth and length of the area to be exposed. The X-rays which are allow-
jd to escape in this fashion are referred to as the primary beam. A
jegular white light is also located in the X-ray machine head and shines
in the same area that will be exposed by the X-rays. By watching the white
ight you can tell where the actual X-rays will be going. This is impor-

293

RADIATION SAFETY, CoyvUnixtd

tant to the technician so the correct portion of the animal can be ex-
posed but it is also important to the animal holder so exposure to this
primary beam can be avoided.

The X-rays in the primary beam are very high energy radiation so most wil
pass through your body and come out the other side without damaging any
thing. However, because there is so much total radiation, the amount
damaging your body cells is significant. On the other hand, scattered
radiation (which comes from bouncing off of the patient, film cassette an
floor or table) is too low energy to pass through your body. This means
that most of it remains within your body to damage things. Therefore,
although the amount of scattered radiation is low, nearly all of it is
interacting with cells, so again the amount damaging body cells is signif
cant .

SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS

1. Anyone within 30 feet of the machine should be wearing an apron and
gloves. This means that you shouldn’t be in the same room with the
X-ray machine unless you are protected. If you are not needed in the
room at the time the X-ray is taken, LEAVE.

2. When possible, animals should be anesthetized and/or taped to the
cassette so hands can be kept out of the primary beam.

3. Hands, even when protected with lead gloves, should not be in the

primary beam as the lead is strictly to eliminate low energy scatter.
One thickness of lead which is thin enough to be worn will not always ’
stop all of the primary beam. i

4. Gloves should be worn, not laid over hands, because much of the scatter'
from which you are trying to protect yourself is bouncing from the i
cassette/floor/ animal .

5. Gowns should be hung, not folded or dropped in a heap on the floor be- ■
cause folding will cause cracks through which radiation can leak.

294

LAST CHANCE! 11-YOUR

ORDER MUST BE RECEIVED NO
LATER THAN OCTOBER 4th. ...the
last day of the Conference....

WEAR YO

Join the celebration

UR PRIDE

your anniversary

Animal Keepers

T-shirt, your money will

Forum invites you to

directly benefit the

celebrate its ten year

AAZK Conference

anniversary. To

and AKF.

commemorate ten

Order yours today

years of publication.

These shirts are made

\A/e are proud to offer

of quality TDO%

you a limited addition

heavyweight cotton

anniversary T-shirt.

and are only

Show your

available through the

dedication

1984 AAZK

We know you are

Conference. This

deeply committed to

limited edition T-shirt is

your work and

available to you for

professional animal

$7.50 and includes

care. Why not tell the

postage and

world how you feel?

handling. Please allow

You can wear your

3-4 weeks for delivery

pride when you buy

of your T-shirt.

Send this form to:

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Attn: Judie Steenberg

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Color:

□ Powder blue □ Beige

Size:

□ Small □ Medium □ Large □ Extra Large

Enclosed is a check for $ payable to the Puget Sound AAZK

Chapter Conference Account.

295

JyUitltuutloyU) Milking to advoAXA^z mptoym<iyvt oppontavuXliiA a/id (uke.d to
^md poAXlndnt data by the. 15tk o^ daoh month to: OppoAtantty Knocfu/AKh ,
635 Gago, BZvd. , Tope.ka, KS 66606, TheAH t6 no choAge. ^oA ^aoh lJj>tingi> ,
Vlo-OAd tncZadd clo^tng dateA ^OA po^tttons avalZabZe.

ZOOLOGICAL CURATOR iRe.pttteA>} .responsible for acquisition and mainten-
ance of reptile collection. Requires degree and considerable experience |j
in field. Salary range $26,400 - $29,100. For application, contact f;
Detroit Personnel Department, 314 City County Building, Detroit, MI 48226
Application deadline; 30 days from date of publication. We are a merit i;
system and equal opportunity employer. jl

CURATOR /BIRDS. . .requires advanced degree with supervisory, managerial anc|
captive management experience. Will be responsible for large bird collecj
tion. Salary negotiable. Send c.v. by 15 October to: Sandy Friedman, |
Search Committee Chairman, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, IL |
60513.

ZOO DESIGN SPECIALIST. . .requires BA in art-related field
plus experience and working knowledge of contemporary
materials and techniques. Will design, engineer, super-
vise and construct zoo and museum exhibits. Salary
$16,740 - $24,852. Contact Tom Evanhoff, Exhibits Curator,

Tulsa Zoo, 5701 E. 36th St. N. , Tulsa, OK 74115.

BIRD NURSERY SUPERi/ 1 SOR. . .requires data recording /communica-
tion skills. Responsible for supervision of employees and
care of psittacine nursery. Experience preferred. Will
work directly for Director and Staff Veterinarian. Salary
$1,400 per month. Contact Dale Thompson, Director, Avicul-
ture Institute, 16425 Placerita Canyon Rd., Newhall, CA
91321 (805) 252-4871.

STUDENT INTERNSHIP. . .available at the Animal Rehabilitation £
Center within the Conservancy Nature Center in Naples, FL. «

Involves wildlife as well as educational programs and special I
projects. Interested applicants must be available for up to __
five months. Housing and $55/week stipend provided. Intern- y
ships available year round. To apply send resume, statement
of goals and three references to : Julie Wasserman, Supervisor,

Animal Rehabilitation Center, Conservancy Nature Center, 1450 Merrihue
Drive, Naples, FL 33942. Phone : (813) 262-2273.

n l|

o 1

C i;

•

MOVING?????

Please send change of address as
soon as possible to:

Dotty CloAk, AdmtnUitAatlvQ, SdcAotoAy
AmeAtcan A66octatton oi Zoo KeepeAA, Inc.
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606

AAZK MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

ame

Check heAc AcnewaZ [ ]

ddress

$20.00 Professional
fM-Zunc Keeper

$25.00 International
All. mmbcu oatiXefe the
U.S, and Canada

$10.00 Associate
IndivldaoJU not connected
Mttk an animal cane i^aclttt^

$15.00 Affiliate

OtkcA Jbtail and volunteefu

I $50.00 Contributing

i O^gantzattoni) and JndtvtdualJ)

! U.S. CURRENCY ONLY PLEASE

lAecton.y Jn^oAmatton

\dd iJJonk Anea Special JntoACAt^

ail this application and check or money order, payable to American
ssociation of Zoo Keepers, to: AAZK National Headquarters, Topeka Zoo,
i35 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

embership includes a subscription to the Animal KeepcU ' Foaam. The
lembership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums
n the U.S. and Canada

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS

nlmal Keeper ' FoA-Um publishes original papers and news items of inter-
!St to the Animal Keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit
rticles.

rticles should be typed or hand-printed. All illustrations, graphs and
ables should be clearly marked, in final form, and should fit in a page
jize of no more than 6" x 10" (15 cm x 25h cm.). Literature used should
je cited in the text and in final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include
cientific names.

rticles sent to AnlmaZ Keepea6' Fonum will be reviewed for publication.

'o commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pub-
ish articles as soon as possible. Those longer than three pages may be
eparated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editorial
taff. The editors reserve the right to edit material without consulta-
ion unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials
ubmitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-
iddressed envelope.

ielephoned contributions on late-breaking news or last minute insertions
jre accepted. However, phone-in contributions of long articles will
jot be accepted. The phone number is (913) 272-5821.

I DEADLINE FOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

I AAtlcleii painted do not nece^^aaily ae^lect the

0 pinto n6 o{f the Animal Keeper ’ Foaum editoaial
2>ta{){^ oa oi the American f^i,ocA.atX.on oi loo Keepeai>.

;ems in the publication may be reprinted. Credit to this publication
! requested. Order reprints from the Editor.

s:; -sks

tls»s i:5S5

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iS! (Ty

(Tl Q rsi

1-3 Q c:>

C tr^ O

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hH }-i

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^dicated to Professional Animal Care

OCTOBER 1984

Executive Editor: Alice Miser
Managing Editor: Susan Chan
Associate Editor: Bernie Feldman

OCTOBER 1984
VOLUME ELEVEN
NUMBER TEN

Ayujncil. Ke.2.pCA^' VoAim (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the
American Association of Zoo Keepers, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.
Five dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publishing
costs of AyUmat Ke.2,peJU>' VoKum, Second Class postage paid at Topeka, KS.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS, INC.
NATIONAL HEAVQUARTERS, 635 GAGE BLi/V., TOPEKA, KS 666-06
Dolly Clcoik, AdmlvbUlAativQ. SdcAdla/iy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Conway, NZP/Conservation & Research Center PXiz^lduvit

Front Royal, VA 22630

Jean Hromadka, San Diego Wild Animal Park l/^CC PH.QJ>ld<l.VVt

Escondido, CA 92025

Pat Sammarco, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Mike Carpenter, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85010
Verona Barr, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL 61701

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Coordinator for Chapter Affairs
GoAold Pay no., VodyioiX Zoo

Continuing Keeper Education

Jadle. StumboAQ, Woodland Pcuik

Historical Committee
La/iAy Samma/Lco, Lincoln PoAk
Professional Standards Committee
Jan NcCoy, Mcuklnglon PoAk

International Affairs Coordinator
Connie Cloak, Nashville, TN

Research/Grants Committee
pAank Kohn, National Zoological PoAk
Awards Committee
Nike CAockoA, VlckcnjiOn PoAk Zoo
Legislative Action Committee

Zoo Kevin Comay, NZP/CRC, PAonl Royal
PROJECT HEADS

Staff Exchange
ElandAa Aim, OJoodland PoAk
Animal Data Transfer Forms
BeAnle Feldman, Topeka Zoo

Progra^m Library

Anne M. Payne, DqXaoaX Zoo

Infant Development

Steve TayloA, LouuJiVltte

Keeper Accomodations List

OZlveA Clayey, NetAo ToAonto

Keeper

NoAy Slaybaugk, San Antonio S Vav'

Library Resource/Book Review

Ellen Leach, Woodland PoAk
Biological Values Booklet/Gestation

NoAy Nllac, San FAancl6co Zoo
Diet Notebook

South FloAlda ChapteA, Nlaml
Membership Directory
Pat SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk
Exhibit Design

Diane Fon^ytk, AkAon Zoological PoAk
Data Survey

!. 0AndoAl{^, Sea WoAld ShoAk Institute

REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Nike CoApenteA, Phoenix Zoo, AZ, DlAectoA

Linda RoHa
\/acancy
Gene P^e^eA
Angela Keppel
Lee Payne
Lynne {/ltleA6
LoAAy SammoAco
Diane Knag,
Alan ShoAple^
i/acancy
Candy Kao it

W.P. Stone NemoAlal Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
National Zoo
DetAolt Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo
Lincoln PoAk Zoo
RlvQAbanks Zoo
Atlanta Zoo

Rio GAande Zoo

LauAence Gledhlll Moodland PoAk Zoo

Joanie Stinson Phoenix Zoo

i/acancy

NE,{/T,NH,NA,RI,CT

PA,NJ,ND,DE

i/A,(jU.{/A,D.C.

IN,0H,KV
m,IL,N0,NN,IA
TN,NC,SC
FL,AL,GA
AR, NS, LA

TX,NN,C0,0K,KS,NE,

■SD,ND

i\lA,OR,ID,NT,m,AK

CA,Ni/,AZ,UT,HI

Canada

Tkl6 month’ ^ coveA ojvt by AAZK A^^ocLlate, mmboA VoJil-i Me^^tngeA who
WCL6 ionm<inZy at the. Se.dgwtck County Zoo tn WtchUta, KS and auKAdvitty
JbOJwtng tn the. ?e.ac.e. Con.p^ tn K^ntaa, Thank, Vet^tl

Scoops

and

Scuttlebutt

QUESTIONS NEEDED FOR 'FEED BAG' COLUMN

Do you have a question about the present diet being fed the animals on
your routine or perhaps a question concerning dietary changes and its
I effect on an animal? AKF needs your help in getting the ’’Feed Bag" column
active again. Dr. Sergio Oyarzun, Nutritionist at the Metro Toronto Zoo
is willing to answer your questions in this column. Please send ques-
tions, including pertinent data, to Dr. Oyarzun c/o Metro Toronto Zoo,

' Box 280, West Hill, Ontario, Canada MIE 4R5.

DIET NOTEBOOK

Please become involved.

BIRD COLLECTION CENTER;

Ketit WeJ>tbA.ook
Little. Rock ChapteA AAZK
Jonc6boA.o VAtvc
Little Rock, AR 72204

MAMMAL COLLECTION CENTER:

TeAAtc ConAeJi
Sedgwtek County Zoo
5555 Zoo Blvd.
Wtehtta, KS 67212

REPTILE COLLECTION CENTER;

Bntnt SpcnceA

Htnnc6ota Zoological GoAden
Apple Valley, MW 55124

ALL OTHERS:

South VloAtda ChapteA AAZK
do Vebbte BuAch
17S60 5W 112 CouAt
liiamt, FL 33157

297

1985 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS AWARDS

Tkd ^oiZooolng oujoacU weAe pn.ej>2,nt2.d cut the, AAIK Nattoncut Con^eAe.nce held
tn Sexvttle,, WA ovi S^ptembeA 30 - OctobeA 4, 1984, The, Exc,eIZe.nc.e, tn loo
Ke.e.ptn.g, f^eAdtontoiu Ac,hA,e,veme,nt and CeAttltcate, ^OA HeAtt tn Zoo Ke.e,peA
Edacxutlon AwoacU, oAe ^eZe,cte,d by the. AAIK AwoAd^ Commtttee., Mcfee CAoefeeA
0^ the. VtckeAAon PoAk Zoo tn Sp/itng^tetd, MO ti Chatman oi tht& c,ommitte,e,.
The, Exc.eZte,nc,e, tn JouAnaLUm ALOoAdU cuie, 6eJie.cjte.d by the, Antmat Ke,e.peA^'
PoAum zcUXontat ^ta{^£,

1984 EXCELLENCE IN ZOO KEEPING AWARD WINNERS
Ste.ve.n M. Wtng, Mttwauke,e, County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI
PatAtcta E. SammoAco, Lincoln PoAk Zoologtcal GaAde,yui,, Chtcago, JL
AlbeAt WoAneA, Phtladelphta Zoologtcal GoAdM, Phtladelphta, PA
Eugene Matintak, Nattonal Zoologtcal PoAk, Washington, V,C,

Antta CAomm, Sedgwick County Zoo, Wtchtta, KS

AAIK MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

In recognition of outstanding contribution in the field
of wildlife conservation and animal husbandry

Janet McCoy, Washington PoAk Zoo, Portland, OR

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FOR ZOOKEEPER EDUCATION

Woodland PoAk Zoological Gardens
Seattle, WA

AAZK OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD

In appreciation for hosting the 1984 AAZK National Conference

Woodland PoAk Zoological GoAdens
Seattle, WA

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

GoAy K. CloAk, VlAectoA
Topeka Zoologtcal PoAk, Topeka, KS

1984 AKF EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS

Outstanding Mammal Article: "Elephants in Japan
Mid-1982 to Early 1984"

Vosht. Vonetant, Zoo/VEL, Zoo Design and Education Lab, Kobe, Japan

298

AAZK AWARDS, CoYVtinatd

Outstanding Herpetology Article: "The Care and Reproduction
of the Giant Day Gecko at the Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo"

Brenda Bn,ock(it(u.n, kttanto., GA

Outstanding Avian Article: "Artificial Incubation of Bird Eggs"

Km KeyitUngeA^ BuAneX. Pa/ik loo, SymciUt, NV

Outstanding Narrative Article: "A Unique Zoo in Chiapas, Mexico"

Va, John P. EhAmbeAg, BaZtanoAe., MV

Outstanding Exhibit Design Article: "From Giraffes to Tree Kangaroos"

JadLLe, Ste.mbeAg, Woodland PoAk Zoological GaAdcn6

Outstanding Series: "Keepers and Computers"

JameJi Alb2At, UvUveA^lXy oi Tcxa^ out koJitin

Outstanding Uncategorized Article: "Beneficial Aspects of
Photographic Documentation of Captive Wildlife by Animal Keepers"

MMon H, TleAncy Ja, , Motional Zoological PoAk, Washington, V,C,

Outstanding Cover Art Award: Jan. 1984 Issue of Animal Keepers' Forum
Vonna Mason Smith, BlAmlngham, AL

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS

Mammal Articles

"Readapting a Tropical Species to the Tropics" by Sally Lieb

Dreher Park Zoo

I West Palm Beach, FL

i "Maternal Behavior and Infant Development of the Lowland Gorilla at
Metro Toronto Zoo" by Marilyn Cole and Linda Ervine
Metro Toronto Zoo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cover Art

September 1983 Issue of AKF - Artist: Mike Turri, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, TN
November 1983 Issue of AKF - Artist: Cathy Taibbi, Atlanta Zoo, Atlanta, GA

299

Births^ Hatchings

KANSAS CITY ZOO Pee (Uo^e,

B&H for June and July 1984 include: Mammals - 0.0.1 Meerkat (DNS), 5.2
Eland, 2.2 Himalayan tahr, 3.1 California sea lion (0.1 DNS), 8.8 African
pigmy goat, 0.0.1 Caracal (1 DNS), 1.0 Yak; Birds - 1.1.4 Brazilian teal
(1 DNS), 0.0.1 Emu, 0.0.3 Hooded merganser (3 DNS), 0.0.5 Grey-necked wood
rail (2 DNS), 0.0.2 Shama Thrush (DNS), 1.0.2 Mandarin duck (1 DNS), 0.0.1
Palawan peacock pheasant, 0.0.1 Rosybill pochards (DNS), 0.1 Canvasback,
0.0.1 Speckled pigeon, 0.0.9 Red-billed whistling duck (1 DNS), 0.0.2
Ruddy duck and 0.0.1 Double yellow-headed Amazon parrot.

PITTSBURGH AVIARY CllU Robbing

Hatchings for April through July 1984 include; Birds - 0.0.1 Elegant Crest-
ed tinamou (DNS), 0.0.5 Green-backed heron (5 DNS), 0.0.5 Ringed teal (5
DNS), 0.1 Gray junglefowl, 0.0.1 Lady Amherst’s pheasant, 0.0.1 Palawan
peacock pheasant (DNS), 0.0.2 Malay great argus pheasant, 0.0.8 Moorhen
(3 DNS), 0.0.2 Sun Bittern (2 DNS), 0.0.2 Killdeer, 0.0.2 Red Lory, 0.0.4
Plum-headed parakeet, 0.0.4 Greater roadrunner (4 DNS), 0.0.2 Burrowing
owl (2 DNS), 0.0.1 Speckled mousebird (DNS), 0.0.1 Kookaburra, 2.3.2
African gray hornbill, 0.0.3 Black-collared barbet (2 DNS), 4.6 Levaillant’
barbet (0.1 fledged April, hatched March), 0.0.2 Pale-mandibled aracari
(possible first captive breeding), 0.0.2 Magpie robin (1 DNS), 0.0.2 Blue-
necked tanager (2 DNS), 0.0.2 Troupial (possible first captive breeding
1 DNS), 0.0.2 Red-winged pytilia (2 DNS), 0.0.9 Blue-capped cordon-bleu
(7 DNS), 0.0.4 Gouldian finch, 0.0.3 Phillipine glossy starling (2 DNS),
0.0.2 Purple glossy starling, 0.0.4 Blue-eared glossy starling X Purple
glossy starling (4 DNS), 0.0.7 Ruppell's long-tailed starling (4 DNS),

0.0.4 Chestnut-bellied starling (possible first captive breeding, 3 DNS),
0.0.9 Rothchild's mynah (3 DNS), 0.0.1 Hill mynah (1 DNS); Reptiles - 0.0.8
River cooter {Chiy6my-i> concycnna aoncUnna) .

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL PARK KaXky Spe,ckman

B&H for April through July 1984 include: Mammals - 0.1 Margay, 0.1 Black
howler monkey, 0.0.1 Squirrel monkey; Birds - 0.0.3 African grey, 0.0.3
Medium sulphur-crested cockatoo, 0.0.6 Rothchild’s mynah (4 DNS), 0.0.7
Fischer’s lovebird, 0.0.1 Rhea, 0.0.3 Budgerigars, 0.0.3 Cherry-headed
conure; Reptiles - 0.0.16 Eastern garter snake and 0.0.7 Common snapping
turtle.

BLACK HILLS REPTILE GARDEN BM TexeX

The first half of 1984 produced the following B&H: 1.2 Pygmy goat, 0.0.2
Albino black-tailed prairie dog, 1.2 Sicilian donkey, 0.1 Miniature horse,
0.0.10 Zebra finch, 0.0.? Giant cockroach; 0.0.12 Red rat snake, 0.0.31
Banded water snake, 0.0.6 Columbian rainbow boa (DNS), 0.0.12 Prairie
rattlesnake.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO Steven M. t^tng

B&H for August 1984 include: 0.0.1 Red rattlesnake, 0.0.3 Etaphe ob^oteta
X guttata i 0.0.7 Snapping turtle, 0.0.4 Common turkey, 0.0.2 Indian

fruit bat, 2.2 Tree shrew, 0.1 Black and white colobus, 2.1 Acouchi, 0.0.1
American elk and 1.0 Greater kudu.

300

BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS, ConUnui^d

SAN ANTONIO ZOO V2.bomh Reed

August 1984 B&H include; Mammals - 0.0.3 African hedgehog (2 DNS), 0.0.3
Kusimanse (2 DNS), 0.1 Chapman's zebra (DNS)^ 0.0.1 Nile hippo, 1.0 Cape
buffalo, 1.3 Greater kudu (0.1 DNS), 0.1 Common waterbuck (DNS), 1.1 Beisa
oryx, 0.1 Blackbuck, 3.4 Dama gazelle (1.0 DNS), 1.0 Thomson's gazelle, 0.1
Springbok; Birds - 0.0.2 Scarlet ibis, 0.0.2 American flamingo, 0.0.4
Moluccan rad j ah shelduck, 0.0.1 Palawan peacock pheasant, 0.0.2 Goeldie's
lorikeet (1st time in collection), 0.0.1 Galah, 0.0.3 Lilac-breasted roller,
0.0.1 Pygmy kingfisher (DNS), 0.0.3 Dhyal thrush, 0.0.1 Yellow-headed rock-
fowl (DNS); Reptiles - 0.0.6 Amazon tree boa, 0.0.6 Dumeril's ground boa,
0.0.5 Albino corn snake, 0.0.2 Honduran milk snake, 0,0.6 Palestine viper;
Aquarium - Peppermint shrimp. Sulphur-headed cichlid. Golden zebra cichlid,
Kribensis, Brichardi cichlid and Tomatoe clownfish.

TAMPA-BUSCH GARDENS Suusan Racklo^y

August 1984 B&H include; Mammals - 3.0 Sable antelope, 2.3 Greater kudu,

2.4 Grant's gazelle, 0.1 Soemmering's gazelle, 1.0 Nyala, 2.0 Kafue (Red)
lechwe, 1.0 Gerenuk, 0.1 Scimitar-horned oryx; Birds - 2 Hahn's macaw, 10
Scarlet ibis, 2 Gray cockatiel, 4 Goldie's lorikeet, 8 Indian peafowl
(Blue phase), 3 Fischer's lovebird, 1 Green-cheeked conure, 4 Sun conure,

6 Eyton's tree duck, 3 Severe macaw, 4 Ringed teal, 1 Comb duck, 2 Blue
and gold macaw, 2 Black-masked lovebird, 3 Golden-capped conure, 2 Black-
capped lory, 1 Chattering lory.

DALLAS ZOO Taml Jone^s

B&H for August 1984 include; Mammals - 0.1 East African bongo, 0.0.1
Celebes crested macaque, 1.0 Reticulated giraffe, 0.0.1 Hamadryas baboon;
Birds - 0.0.4 Spur-winged lapwing, 0.0.2 Red-vented bulbul, 0.0.1 Pekin
robin; Reptiles - 0.0.5 Grey-banded kingsnake { Lamp/LOp^ZtiJi atteAna] ,

0.0.4 Cone-headed lizard ( Lae/nancXLL6 4 eAACUtlU ) , 5.3 Sinaloan kingsnake
iLampA.opeZtl6 tnZangulum ^-Inaload) , 0.0.14 Pueblan kingsnake ( Lcmpn.op2lXZb
Puangulum CLompbdttl) .

SAN DIEGO ZOO AND SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK Jody CoiMmy

July B&H include; Mammals - 1.0 Prezwalski's wild horse, 2.2 Barasingha
deer, 1.1 Formosan sika deer, 2.0 Addra gazelle, 1.1 Arabian oryx, 0.1
Great Indian rhinoceros, 1.0 Red ruffed lemur, 1.0 White faced saki, 0.1
Diana guenon, 0.1 Sumatran orangutan, 0.2 Mhorr gazelle, 0.0.1 Queensland
koala; Birds - 0.0.1 Andean condor, 0.0.2 Palawan peacock pheasant, 0.0.1
Temminck's tragopan, 0.0.1 Pesquet's parrot, 0.0.2 Dumont's mynah and 0.0.2
Red-breasted goose.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOOLOGICAL PARK SUvo. ConnoJU

May through July 1984 B&H include; Mammals - 0.0.1 Syke's guenon, 0.0.1
Mayotte Island brown lemur, 0.1.5 Alpine ibex, 1.0 Lowland gorilla (DNS),
1.4 Rocky Mountain goat, 2.0 Snow leopard, 1.0 Sumatran orangutan, 0.0.4
Addax, 0.0.1 Musk ox, 0.0.4 Himalayan tahr, 0.0.1 Patas monkey; Birds -
0.0.3 Blacksmith plover, 0.0.2 Superb starling, 0.0.4 Indian blue peafowl;
Reptiles - 8.6 Burmese python, 1.1.5 Great Basin gopher snake and 2.3
Central Plains milk snake.

301

Coining Events

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF

ZOO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

October 12-14, 1984 Louisville, KY

FIFTH ANNUAL ELEPHANT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 1984 New Orleans, LA

For further information, contact i Carol Sullivan, Audubon Park and Zoo-
logical Garden, P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178, (504) 861-2537.
See CALL FOR PAPERS on page 270 of September issue of AKF.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL DR. SCHOLL CONFERENCE ON

THE NUTRITION OF CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS

December 7-8, 1984 Chicago, IL

Held at the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens. For further information,
contact I Thomas Meehan, DVM, Staff Veterinarian, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200
N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

1985 SCHOOL FOR PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

FOR ZOO AND AQUARIUM PERSONNEL

February 3-7, 1985 Wheeling, WV

Held at Wilson Lodge, Oglebay Park. For further information, contact i
Kelly Krump, North Carolina State University, Division of Continuing
Education, P.O. Box 5125, Raleigh, NC 27650 (919) 737-2261.

1985 AAZPA CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE

March 3-5, 1985 Oklahoma City, OK

1985 AAZPA WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

March 17-19, 1985 Anchorage, AK

1985 AAZPA SOUTHERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

March 31-April 2, 1985 Birmingham, AL

1985 AAZPA GREAT LAKES REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 14-16, 1985 Cleveland, OH

1985 AAZPA NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 28-30, 1985 Boston, MA

302

SreCTRUM

Quality exotic animal diets
Fixed formulation
Nutritionally balanced
Economical

Frozen feline diets
Frozen bird of prey diets
Frozen canine diet

Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts,
livers, rib, shank, and knuckle bones

Feline canned Omnivore dry

' Primate canned Primate dry

Marmoset canned

Banana flavored primate, 1 5% protein
Banana flavored primate Pro-Plus, 25%
SPECTRUM protein

Omnivore dry
Polar Bear dry
Ratite dry

Hoofstock supplement, with Selenium

When you need a complete line of high-quality dry,
canned, and frozen animal diets for your feeding program,
call Animal Spectrum today.

NE CALL DOES IT ALL 1 m

In Nebraska, call collect 402/488-6492.

Animal SPECTRUM Inc.

Box 6307 Lincoln, NE 68506-0307

HOUSING

(Dimensions, Contents, and Other Considerations)

SuLSan M. Bcuina/Ld, S^yUo^ Keeper
Vcpt, oi HeAp^tology
Atlanta lootogi-caZ Vank, AkJUiYitci^ GA

In Part IV of this series, cage design and construction were discussed.

In addition to those factors, the novice will want the keeper to offer
more specific concepts in cage design such as suggested dimensions. While
reptiles require relatively less living space than mammals and birds, ade-
quate space must be provided for their basic physiological needs such as
regulation of body temperature, territorial requirements, exercise, etc.
Table I lists cage sizes that have proven appropriate for housing reptiles.

There is no single substrate that is totally acceptable. Some cage litters
do not have good absorbent qualities, while others are so absorbent that
dehydration has caused severe shedding problems. Furthermore, problems can
be incurred by the animal ingesting the litter, causing gastrointestinal
impaction. Some litters cause hygienic problems since they are excellent
media for pathogens. The use of newspapers or towels will eliminate most
health problems caused by substrates since they are the most hygienic.
Furthermore, paper is the most suitable for arboreal and terrestrial rep-
tiles. However, the reptile owner should not rule out the use of gravel
for arboreal and terrestrial reptiles since this substrate can be disin-
fected, washed, dried and reused. Peat and sphagnum mosses are suitable
substrate for fossorial animals since they allow these animals to burrow
with ease. The depth of this litter should be about 1/4 of the fossorial
animal’s length. Reptile owners using mosses as a litter for fossorial
animals should be reminded to stir the litter regularly to allow drying of
moisture that may drain to the cage floor. Mulch and gravel substrates
should be replaced with fresh material about every 3 months to prevent un-
pleasant odors and the proliferation of pathogens.

Ground corn cob (Sanicel) , while frequently used as a substrate, can cause
intestinal impaction, if ingested by small snakes and large lizards. When
trapped in the mouth, Sanicel may also irritate the oral mucosa and cause
mouth rot (Ulcerative Stomatitis) . Pure sand as a substrate is generally
hazardous to the reptile's health; it can cause intestinal impaction, and
eye and scale irritation and infection. The zoo keeper should emphasize to
the inquiring reptile enthusiast that materials such as kitty-litter must
NEVER be used because it is extremely dehydrating. Other materials that
should be avoided as a substrate are wood chips and other aromatic material
These items can cause chemical pneumonia and death. It is generally wise
to avoid the use of natural vegetation and soil since these may expose the
captive reptile to parasites or toxins. If soil is to be used as a sub-
strate, it should be heat-sterilized first. While this procedure may not
eliminate the possibility of exposing the reptile to toxins, it will des-
troy parasites.

Water as a substrate for aquatic and semi-aquatic animals should be kept
at a depth of about 1/4 of the animal's length. Marine or pelagic rep-
tiles require sea water; Instant Ocean (Aquarium Systems) should be sug-
gested to the inquiring public because it is convenient to use and rela-
tively inexpensive. Also remind the inquirer that pH is an important con-
sideration in the prevention of shell-rot. The recommended pH for all
aquariums is 6.8 to 7.0 (Merhtens, J., Know Your Turtles ; Pet Library, Ltd.
New York, NY) .

304

REPTILE CARE: RELATING TO THE INQUIRING NOVICE - PART 5, CowUnuo^d

The zoo keeper should not overlook suggesting to the reptile novice that
his animal will most probably need a hiding area. A variety of items suet
as cardboard boxes, flower pots, and crumpled newspaper are appropriate as
hiding areas for terrestrial reptiles. Cork bark, or other appropriate
objects that float, provide seclusion for semi-aquatic animals.

If the animal in question is an arboreal reptile, multiple basking areas
must be provided by the use of non-resinous tree limbs. Limbs should be
strong enough to support the animal's weight, and properly secured to pre-
vent injuries or cage damage. Semi-aquatic species can be provided with
basking areas with the use of cork bark, rocks, or a tilted aquarium or
stock tank.

The keeper must also keep in mind that lizards and snakes must have some-
thing to shed against. Rocks for ground-dwelling snakes and lizards, and
tree limbs for basking arboreal or scansorial animals provide shedding aid

The reptile owner must avoid overcrowding animals. Housing two or more an
mals in the same cage may lead to competition for food. Timid animals oft'
starve, and cage mates often devour each other while attempting to eat the
same food item. Two or more feeding areas for several land chelonians hou;
in a single enclosure may insure that all will receive food. Young animali
should be isolated from adults to prevent injuries, cannibalism, or compet;
tion.

TABLE I - Suggested Housing Dimensions for Reptiles

Reptile

Relative Dimensions

Chelonians

Length : 5X animal's length

Width : 3X animal's length

Height: Enough to be escape-proof, or use
a cover

Crocodil ians

Length: 5X animal's length

Width: 2X animal's length

Height: Enough to be escape-proof, or use
a cover

Lizards

Length: 3X animal's length

Width: 2X animal's length

Height: Arboreal and semi-aquatic: 2X animal's
length

Terrestrial: minimum 1 ft.; maximum

6-8 ft.; use judgement

Fossorial: 1-2X animal's length

Snakes

Length: 3/4 animal's length

Width: 1/3 animal's length

Height: Arboreal or scansorial: 3/4 animal's
length

All others: 1/2/ animal's length;
minimum 1 ft.; maximum 8 ft.; use
judgement

305

{EdUXoA,'^ Note,: The ^ottoivTng pom Tji i.n K-OJ^povUiZ to the two optvitoYU> ex-
pn.e^^ed by Vteton. S. Mon/ioe tn the August "l/tewpotnt" and Kcuien SaZe^men-
Ba^may tn the SeptmboA "Utmpotnt" . The pom wa6 written and ^ubnuXted
by kShienne \hWien., a keeper at the RogeA [fJtlZtam^ Vcuik loo tn PAovtdenee,
R.I.)

Let us respect each other's individual education.

It gives us all a particular qualification.

From textbooks and classrooms we get people with knowledge
Of Chemistry, Biology, and such, learned in college.

But years spent in labor can give the ability
To interprete an animal's fright or tranquility.

All zoos need a mixture from both of these schools
For to be a good keeper there's no strict set of rules.

We must learn from each other and never stop caring.
Because a zoo is its best when its keepers are sharing.

"KUNIK" TO HELP SCIENCE

The Metro Toronto Zoo in cooperation with the Canadian Wildlife Service,
has launched an experiment to help understand more of the natural history
of the Polar bear.

At the center of this understanding is "Kunik", a 270 kilogram male bear
at the zoo. This former resident of the Northwest Territories has been
outfitted with a prototype of a radio transmitter ear tag. This small
device has been attached to his right ear by zoo veterinarians in an
effort to determine the life span of this new transmitter.

The transmitter will eventually be used by the Canadian Wildlife Service
to track bears in the Hudson Bay area to determine their population and
to learn more about these large northern carnivores.

At the Polar bear exhibit, a radio receiver and speaker have been added
so that the public can hear the device.

— MetAo Toronto Zoo New6 Release

306

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS FOR SALE

Atlanta Zoo Keeper, Cathy Taibbi, is offering signed and numbered litho-
graphs from her original pen and ink drawings. Five designs are available

in editions of 200 each. Prints are shipped flat, unmatted and unframed.

Please add $1.50 per order for postage and handling. 10% of proceeds are
being donated to the Atlanta Zoo Chapter of AAZK.

Prices for prints shown here are:

*Spotted hyena with pups

Size: Hi X 17i, Price: $15

*East African crowned crane with chick
Size: Hi X 17i, Price $15

*Lion-tailed macaque with infant
Size: Hi X 17i, Price $15

*Agamid lizard with hatchling

Size: 8 3/4 X 11 1/2, Price $10

*Galapagos seal ion with pup L

Size 8 3/4 X 11 1/2, Price $10

*Set of 5: $60

Prints may be ordered by writing Cathy at the ATLANTA ZOOLOGICAL PARK,
Dept, of Herpetology, 800 Cherokee Ave., SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, or by
telephoning (404) 658-7994 between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Saturday through
Wednesday.

Chapter

SAN ANTONIO ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

The San Antonio Zoo was fortunate
to have ’’Puuya'', a koala from San
Diego Zoo on loan for the month of
June. At a beer and tamale party
for employees that the zoo spon-
sored for the arrival of the koala,
the Chapter bought several differ-
ent "koala items" at cost from the
zoo's gift shop and gave them away
in a special drawing for keeper's
only.

At our June meeting, Jane Jacobson,
the keeper who accompanied the
koala gave an excellent talk about
her work with the koala colony at
the San Diego Zoo.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

We are pleased to announce that our
first year as an AAZK Chapter has
been a great success! During our
first year we have had the follow-
ing fund-raising activities:

1. A Holiday "Turkey Raffle" with
prizes kindly donated by local
business people.

2. Our own specially designed zoo
poster sold through the zoo gift
shop .

3. Sale of handmade sheep made with
fleece shorn from our own farm-
yard sheep .

With some of the profits from our
fund-raising activities, we were a
able to purchase a brooder and 25
Rhode Island Red hens. After the
chicks left the brooder they went
into our farmyard exhibit and the
brooder continues to be used in our
nursery.

Our Chapter, along with the Docent
Council, sponsored a "Wool Fair" at
the zoo. This fair included spin-
ning, weaving and carding demonstra-
tions as well as the main event, the
public shearing of our farmyard sheep.
We also took part in an "Animal
Awareness" display coordinated by our
zoo's education department at a local
mall. Our exhibit was that of a work-
ing zookeeper and his tools.

Our Chapter meetings have involved
a combination of guest speakers and j
field trips to nearby animal care ;
facilities. We recently held elec- ^
tions for the fiscal year September (
1984-September 1985. The new offic-
ers are:

President Liz MacLaughlin

Vice Pres Sarah Ballou

Secretary Adrienne Miller

Treasurer Rhonda Menard

Board Member at Large...

Russell Menard

We are looking forward to our
second year with great expectations..
We hope to improve our fund raising
techniques as well as get more in-
volved with the local community
through public relations activit-
ies .

Our Chapter logo is of a female
Golden Eagle and her three chicks,
commemorating our zoo's successful
parental rearing of three eaglets
from one breeding pair in 1982.

Our logo is "Alis Volat Propriis"
which in English means "He Flies
By His Own Wings".

— Ad/bimne, UdZteA
StcAoXoAy

AUDUBON PARK ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

Yes, the AAZK Chapter at the New
Orleans Audubon Zoological Garden
is alive and well after a period
of dormancy. Our meetings are
held the first Tuesday of every
month at 5:30 p.m. Our new of-
ficers were selected in May and
they are:

President Teresa Barnett

Vice Pres/Sec. .. .Sue Harries
Treasurer Dee Nelson

And yes, we have been busy. We
recently contributed $500.00
towards the Species Survival Plan
Program and we would like to
challenge other zoos to contribute
something as well. We are also
sponsoring an Advanced First Aid

308

CHAPTER NEWS, Cowtinue^d

AUDUBON PARK CHAPTER (con't)

Course. This course is held twice
a week with each session lasting
about two hours. Any zoo employee
is allowed to register for the course
at no cost to them. It is paid for
by the AAZK Chapter and the Audubon
Zoo. As a First Responder in this
course, you learn CRP, splinting
and treatment for injuries exter-
nal and internal, shock, child-
birth and other medical emergencies.
It is a great course and we would
recommend any zoo to consider their
employees participation. For more
information write :

David Lawrence

EMS Instruction Coordinator

4137 Laurel St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

Our Chapter also assists zookeepers
financially who wish to attend con-
ferences and other animal-related
educational programs. Our maximum
limit is $200.00 per individual per
conference.

Most of the money raised for our
Chapter comes from the coins col-
lected weekly from the moats in
the zoo and we also collect and re-
cycle aluminum cans.

— TeAe2.cc C. BcuinoXt
?A.ii6lde,wt

TOPEKA ZOO AAZK CHAPTER

The members of the Topeka Zoo AAZK
Chapter recently participated in
the Friends of the Zoo's annual
fund-raising event "Animal Fair"
which is held on the Sunday prior
to Labor Day. At their booth,
the Chapter sold jewlery made from
molted feathers, feather quill pens,
"Elephant Tea" (bolus complete with
instructions for making solution
for fertilizing house plants) and
other animal artifact items. A
popular seller were the limited
edition Elephant Foorprints made
by the Zoo's 23-year-old female
Asian "Sunda".

The Topeka Zoo Chapter is consider-
ing hosting a Great Apes Workshop

309

during 1985. It is hoped this event
would be similar to the Tropical
Habitats Exhibit Workshop, the
Chapter held in May of 1982. The
Chapter would be interested in
knowing from those who might want
to attend the following: (1) What
time of year would you prefer; (2)
What part of the week would you
prefer; (3) How many days you feel
would be adequate for a workshop of
this type; and (4) If you would be
interested in presenting a paper.
All interested persons are asked
to write to Alice Miser, c/o Topeka
Zoo, 635 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS
66606.

— BoAvile, feXdman

News

6md CkapteA to lee
Paynt, ChaptoA CooKdlnaton.,

at the, VoXA-oit: loo. kJU>o ^md a.
copy to the AKV cdUtoAXat oiltcQJ>,
635 Gage Blvd. , Topeka, KS 66606.

Vonty-day-otd RockhoppeA. P^ngcUn cfUck and poAnyvt. Photo by GoAy Utc.hae£.

BREEDING THE ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN

{Eadgpt^A cAe^taMu)

AT THE ST. LOUIS ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Gcoig A. Ko^npoA

St, LoLila loologtaat PoAk
St. Loluu^ mo

: Penguins in zoos are very popular avian exhibits. Many zoos display pen-
!| guinss but only a few have been successful in their husbandry and repro-

i duct ion.

! The Rockhopper penguin, Eudgpt^t CAUtatut , is one of the penguin species
I exhibited at the St. Louis Zoo. The exhibit consists of nine adult birds,
il all of which were wild-caught. Two of the group were captured in rte

ii Falkland Islands in May, 1981, A five-year-old male (also from the Falk-

: lands, and the only sexed specimen) was received as a loan from the Bal ti-
ll more Zoo in June, 1977. An additional six birds, collected from an island
off the coast of South Africa, were received in February, 1981. In October
of 1983, four rockhoppers formed two nesting pairs. Four eggs were laid;
three eggs hatched; and two chicks were reared.

I The rockhopper penguin exhibit is located in the Zoo's Aquatic House and
i is a fiber glass representation of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic island
habitats. The smooth surface is terraced by a series of steps formed in
I the face of a slope which inclines from the pool to the rear of the exhibit.
!■ The pool is sufficiently large for the birds to exercise and benefits from
, an efficient water-handling system. The surface of the pool is approxi-
mately 72 square feet (6.7 meters), its depth is 4 feet (1.2 meters), and
1 its caplclty is 1,000 gallons (378.7 decaliters). The water-handling opera-
. tion is a freshwater system which makes use of a skimmer and a high pressure
sand filter. It is designed to both filter and cool. Gross contamination
which settles to the pool floor and evade the filter are removed through
periodic drainings of the pool. City tap-water is added constantly. This
i reduces chemical contamination caused by materials which accumulate be-
1 tween cleanings, and also acts as a skimmer by overflowing surface water
[’into a sewer drain. Water is recirculated, at a rate of 32 gallons (121
liters) per minute, through a sand filter which removes some sediment and
■most small debris. The pool water is cooled to 44®F (6®C) .

iThe Rockhopper enclosure has its own air-handling system. It consists of
an air-moving unit that forces air through a screen, which nets large
particles; through a charcoal filter, which traps small particles and
I gases; and finally through a cooling coil, which cools the air to 48®F
I (9®C) . Since the air Is recirculated through a closed system, there is
i no difference in the atmospheric pressures of the interior and the exter-
i ior areas of the exhibit.

p Fluorescent lights illuminate the display. The photoperiod is regulated
to match that of the austral seasons, according to the following schedule;

March

4;00

a.m. ~ 8:00

p.m.

hours

light

March