Hutch Zoo's Back!

Hutchinson (KS) Zoo was closed for 14 weeks by flooding. It is back tomorrow!

EDGE Takes Unique Approach

Conservation organizations and zoos have emphasized "charismatic megavertebrates" as they work to protect species (and educate about loss of their habitats): giant pandas, chimpanzees, elephants, etc.

EDGE is working for echidna, the golden-rumped elephant shrew, the long-eared jerboa and the bumblebee bat, among others.

Of course, the NC Zoo and Society are also working for all the amphibia, including the hellbender (snot otter).

Rewilding

Had read of the idea of "rewilding" North America a good while back and had dismissed it as far fetched.

This lengthy treatment of the topic by Scott LeFee, San Diego Union-Tribune, however, makes this provocative claim:

"When South Africa's Kruger National Park was created in 1903, it contained just nine lions, eight buffalo, a few cheetahs and no elephants – the survivors of decades of over-hunting.

"Today, Kruger is a famous haven of biological diversity, containing 2,300 lions, 28,000 buffalo, 250 cheetahs and 7,300 elephants. More than 700,000 ecotourists visit annually, bring in tens of millions of dollars in revenue."

More than 700,000 visitors is what the North Carolina Zoo is seeing annually too. Is Kruger, therefore, a really big (19,000 square-mile) zoo, which has brought in and bred most of its "collection"?

Jaguarundi

Jaguarundi
Originally uploaded by alumroot

"A small jungle cat from Central America. They have short legs and remind me of martins more than cats. This individual was rescued from the illegal trade."

From alumroot and his left-facing animals, Flickr set.

One Long Trunk

A Chester Zoo ad campaign wraps and tops lampposts to create unique elephant and giraffe images.

Zoo Doo Waiting List

Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA. picks names at random from the many that want to partake of its "semi-annual offering of Zoo Doo or "pungent piles of poop" as they describe it, for home gardening."

eno river

eno river
Originally uploaded by Captain Flexible

Captain Flexible has been out in his kayak in central North Carolina and putting his Nikon D50 to very good use.

Active NC Gorillas

28 seconds of North Carolina Zoo gorilla activity captured for YouTube. Believe I spot five separate lowland gorillas in this short segment.

Harris' Hawk Ruffled?

Mark Davis had fun with Atlanta Journal-Constitution story about the Harris' hawk that flew the Zoo Atlanta coop.

"Perhaps his feathers got ruffled when he saw that so few people were in the audience. Or did he decide to hawk his talents elsewhere?"

A Zoo Atlanta spokesperson is quoted: "Alamo...might have 'trust issues'."

This reminded me of the performing Harris' hawk that visited the North Carolina Zoo for a couple months of "On the Wing" educational programming. I learned then of the Harris' hawks' unique social behavior, "stacking". (One Harris' hawk stands on the shoulder of another; sometimes more than two high!) "...the more dominant bird is actually the one on the bottom of the stack. The social dynamics are that when a low-status bird is approached by a higher status bird, the low-status bird will abandon a perch. However, a higher status bird will retain its perch, and end up with one or two lower status birds atop it". -Wikipedia-)

Bobcats Strut

At NC Zoo. Dad narrates. (YouTube)

When life gives you lemons..

When life gives you lemons..
Originally uploaded by ucumari

...eat like crazy before someone asks for lemonade!

Title, quote and August 27 NC Zoo photo by ucumari.

Diet Time at Seoul Zoo

After recently hiring an animal nutritionist, Seoul Zoo puts animals on diet. Less total food. Less processed food. More natural food.

"The Price Is Right?"

Bob Barker will donate $750K to move Maggie, the African elephant, from Alaska to California. Alaska Zoo is still considering another option.

Yellow splendor

Yellow splendor
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Taken and titled today. NC Zoo photo by ucumari.

Samantha Heading South

Protesters want Edmonton Zoo's elephants to head to warmer climes.

"Because Valley Zoo is so far north, [protester] Reece said the elephants spend most their lives indoors in a barn. She said the cement floors in their enclosures damage their legs."

Samantha, the Edmonton Zoo's African elephant is headed to North Carolina Zoo for a breeding program and its spacious, new elephant facility, with heated floors and automatic, pachyderm showers. "It's one of the best in North America. I'm really quite pleased that Samantha is going to that facility."(Bob Weber, Canadian Press)

"Ho-Hum", Another Panda"

San Diego Zoo's fourth healthy panda cub gets ho-hum reception, according to Jeanette Steele, San Diego Union-Tribune.

Xanax for Elephant

Elephant prescribed Xanax and ibuprofen in 2005 has died at Abilene Zoo.

Bald Eagle Green Heron

Not a species.

Made my first Guilford County Little Green Heron sighting on today's jog. Started on the Bald Eagle Trail at the Hamburg Mill trail head. (Take 220 North from Greensboro. When Lake Brandt is on your right, take the next left onto Hamburg Mill. Do not take the left into Lake Higgins Park and Marina. Take the very next left to park at the trail head.)

I always enjoyed Randolph County sightings of the Little Green Heron. Glad to see my old friend in Greensboro today.

London's "Gorilla Kingdom"

A new exhibit helps the London Zoo reach its best attendance in 15 years.

"...we put popcorn over the island, so that the gorillas can forage for it, and replicate their behavior in the wild.'"

Is This a Good Idea?

A safari on the back of an African elephant.

I won't be doing it. I've heard enough about how trusted and loved elephants can have mood swings and turn on and kill "keepers". And I know that male elephants will go through mood swings, some quite severe. (And they are wild animals, you know.)

Rare, "Natural" Panda Birth

Most zoo pandas are born as the result of artificial insemination. Not so at Vienna's zoo.

Note: the link above also takes you to a photo of the panda mom holding the fragile, tiny cub in her mouth.

Baby Talk & Monkey Moms

Rhesus monkey moms and homo sapiens moms both engage in baby talk for similar reasons, researchers believe.

""The calls appear to be used to elicit infants' attention and encourage their behavior."

Ms. Bandit

Ms. Bandit
Originally uploaded by ucumari

National Zoo Andean bear photo by ucumari.

Bandit!

Cool treat on a hot day!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

"She was eyeing the thief taking her grapes!
(see previous photo!)"

Another National Zoo photo and quote by ucumari.

Thief!

Thief!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

"He stole one of Bandits grapes!"

National Zoo photo, title and quote by ucumari.

Oliver's Third Escape

Oliver's most recent escape is his third.

Anthony Attacked by Elephant

Lawrence Anthony, part of the team that included the NC Zoo and Zoo Society, in rescue efforts on behalf of the Baghdad Zoo and its animals, describes a recent attack by elephant.

'Gator Reggie Also Escapes Again

The Los Angeles Zoo escape 'gator, Reggie, does it again.

Oliver Escapes Again

Oliver, the capuchin monkey, has again escaped his Mississippi zoo.

Opportunity for NC Zoo Director

When David M. Jones, director of the North Carolina Zoo, attends the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) meeting in Budapest shortly, he has an opportunity to see the rare Persian leopard triplets that have recently gone on exhibit at Budapest Zoo.

Say "Hey!" to "sisters Bella and Bara and brother Bahar", David.

Why All the Color?

National Geographic says the red-eyed tree frog has all those colors to escape predators.

So does my Autumn 2007 issue of "Nature Conservancy" magazine.

They just have different reasons for it working with predators.

"If the green camouflage fails and a predator spots a sleeping frog, it swoops in for what it thinks will be a tasty meal. But the awakened frog’s eyes pop open, revealing their startling bright red color! Also, when the frog rushes to get away, it untucks its brightly colored legs." ("National Geographic")

"The frog's flash colors - its yellow-striped blue flanks, red eyes, and orange feet and underbelly - can confuse a predator by leaving a visual imprint even after the frog has moved out of sight." ("Nature Conservancy")

Biologists, like other scientists, often disagree. Perhaps a little of both is true. ("Natural Compromiser", me).

More on "April"

From a very recent NC Zoo media release:

"A 30-year-old female giraffe was euthanized Thursday morning at the North Carolina Zoo after undergoing years of treatment for a number of age-related illnesses.

"“April” was one of three giraffes at the zoo and had been in Asheboro since she was one year old. According to Zoo Chief Veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis, April had been suffering from osteoarthritis for many years. In recent weeks she had also shown signs of lameness and had lost weight, Loomis said.

"Keepers found the giraffe down in a paddock outside the giraffe holding barn when they arrived for work around 7 a.m. Thursday. Despite the best efforts of both keepers and veterinarians, they were unable to get April to regain a standing position. It was decided that she would not recover and that euthanasia was the most humane option.

"In the wild, giraffes normally live around 20 years. Meanwhile, April’s stall mates, Azog, a 13 year-old male, and Julie, a female, also 30 years of age, remain on exhibit in the zoo’s 3.5-acre Forest Edge habitat. Julie is also among the nation’s oldest giraffes. There are no immediate plans to replace the lost giraffe.

"A necropsy, or animal autopsy, was performed Thursday to determine if problems other than arthritic damage may have contributed to April’s death. But, according to Dr. Loomis, none were found."

NC Zoo Loses April

From a very recent NC Zoo-wide e-mail:

"As most of you have already heard, we lost one of our female giraffe this morning. For the past 29 years April has called the North Carolina Zoo home. At 30 years old she was the sixth oldest giraffe in AZA zoos.

"April's health and well-being have been a high priority and much discussed topic at the ZOG [zebra, ostrich, giraffe] barn over the past year or so. We recently implemented some medical treatments that gave her new spring in her step and relief from the joint pain she was likely suffering. This was the best we'd seen her in quite awhile so it was especially difficult to see her down on the ground this morning."

Jennifer Ireland
Animal Management Supervisor
North Carolina Zoological Park

[Jennifer went on to thank many who aided April and her today, including Jim Small (and other elephant and rhino keepers) who had experience in bringing aid to a massive mammal, down and in physical distress. Jim is a 30-year NC Zoo keeper.]

Seattle Votes for Zoo, Parks

Seattle-area residents have voted overwhelmingly to increase their own property taxes a bit (just a few dollars per home equals over $200M in the large WA. county) to improve Seattle's zoo and parks.

""We're lucky we're in a community that really values parks and trails and values its Woodland Park Zoo investment..."

Surprise!

The Virginia Zoo has a surprise "set" of African lion cubs, this report would indicate.

It appears the female was not known to be expecting. The birth was "on exhibit". (Don't know if anyone witnessed the "blessed event".)

Next order of business is to determine how many cubs and which sex(es).

What Do Honey Badgers Eat?

The fierce honey badgers will eat vulture chicks, jackals, pole cats, pythons, cobras, scorpions and much more than insect larvae.

Researchers who have learned this are trying to help save honey badgers from beekeepers who think all the badgers do is eat them out of business and help the beekeepers avoid the very real damage the honey badger does, even if it doesn't actually eat any honey. (..."it was not honey, but "bee grub" - the mix of pupae and larvae and eggs - that send them into hives.")

Giants on Exhibit

Giant hummingbirds that is.

Two went on exhibit Monday at the NC Zoo Sonora Desert and one Monday at the tropical aviary.

Macaws in flight

Macaws in flight
Originally uploaded by alumroot

"This is a bonded pair of scarlet macaws that are nesting near the Cana Blanca Beach and Rainforest Lodge on the Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica."

From alumroot's "Left-facing animals" flickr set .

Vegetable Ivory

And then there is "vegetable ivory" from the Tagua nut. (Spare the "yak and camel"!)

Let Us Rejoice!

"Very rarely one rejoices the vanishing of a 3000 year old art," this Maharaja Features article about a resurgence in trade in ivory in India begins.

"The only way to wean away the public and the artisans from this illegal trade is to ensure that bones of animals like yak and camel be used for making utility articles as well as decorative ones, so far made in ivory. After the ban on the sale of ivory, bone inlay work and carved handles and jewelery had received an impetus as a cheaper alternative to scarce ivory. The difference is noticeable only to an expert eye."

Zoo Tycoon Too

This from a review of the pc game "Zoo Tycoon 2" (gamespot.com):

"The sequel to Microsoft's surprisingly successful Zoo Tycoon makes some real improvements to the [life sim] formula established [by] its predecessor, but it's still probably best suited for parents looking to play games with their young children. Zoo Tycoon 2, like the original game, lets you build a zoo full of different animal exhibits and challenges you to make sure everyone in it stays happy.

"If you keep your animals happy, they'll remain healthy and entertain your guests. If you pay your staff fairly, they'll remain happy and do an acceptable job of keeping the park clean and the animals cared for. And if you keep your guests happy, they'll be more likely to make donations and purchase refreshments or souvenirs.

"Succeed at everything, and you'll make you enough money to stay in business, research upgrades (like additional shelters and animal toys for your exhibits), and expand your park."

Sounds a lot like the real thing.

Coneflowers

Coneflowers
Originally uploaded by beachbum1616

Also beachbum1616.

California Poppy

California Poppy
Originally uploaded by beachbum1616

Uploaded yesterday by beachbum1616.

White's treefrog

White's treefrog
Originally uploaded by alumroot

"Litoria caerulea - taken at the Australian Museum in Sydney. This is one of the flabbiest I have ever seen," says alumroot of this August '05 photo from his "right facing animals" set.

"When Nature Calls"

Houston Zoo restroom "art" is really more about fun graphics (on both sides of toilet stall doors).

NC Zoo has quite a collection of public art in place. And some real restroom art (on the walls) is in the master plan. (No sponsor has been forthcoming so far, however. Interested, Charmin?)

Bald Brass Eagle Jog

Found some new Guilford County, NC trails!

Started at the end of the loop that connects to the three-mile Bald Eagle Trail. That loop begins near the intersection of Brass Eagle and Long Valley roads (both dirt roads).

From downtown Greensboro, take Bryan Blvd. toward the airport. Take the Fleming Street exit and turn right. After two miles, look for Brass Eagle Road on the right. You will quickly pass the trail head for the short walking trail called Beech Bluff Trail.

Very soon, thereafter, turn right on Long Valley Road and park. There is a loop trail to the actual Bald Eagle Trail which follows Lake Higgins back to Lake Brandt.

In my hour out-and-back jog, I crossed a couple roads near their bridges over Lake Higgins and went by new construction. (Something related to FedEx?)

Mostly I was away from houses and people. The Greensboro Fat Tire Society keeps Bald Eagle Trail in good shape for trail bikes. I just saw two fellows together on their bikes and one other jogger.

NOTE: Cyclists are asked to yield to hikers, but this old, slow joggers finds that it really works better to give way to the more serious cyclists, who have to remain very attentive to the trails' roots and turns, and who very much appreciate your stepping briefly off trail to let them keep up some momentum.

Little Pests!

Philadelphia Zoo Amur tiger cubs pester Mom on what looks to be a hot day on exhibit in this YouTube segment of a bit over a minute. (Mom defends herself without doing any damage.)

awaiting their turn

awaiting their turn
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Ucumari was at Brookside Gardens, Maryland. Took and titled this.

The Zoo Rocks!

You can sign up now for NC Zoo Society geology programs on October 6. Morning sessions for adults and kids. Afternoon geology hike at Ridges Mountain, near the NC Zoo (some of the Mountain's rocks are bigger than Volkswagens).

Amur Tiger Cubs in Action

The Philly Zoo's new Amur tiger cubs are now on exhibit. Here is a brief, YouTube look at them.

I should get to see them in person very soon, as the annual Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference is there in September.

Night Falls on African Plains

Last evening I attended a dinner on the Shani Loop at the NC Zoo. This is the very new walkway that juts out into the "African Plains" and African Elephant exhibit (Watani Grasslands) at the Zoo.

As a few dozen donors and sponsors enjoyed dinner and the occasional breeze, Southern white rhinos, ostrich and antelope came very close. The huge rhinos, in groups of six and three, came especially near.

Occasionally, conversation was halted when one of the rhinos offered some loud (semi-rude) vocalizations of her or his own.

The whole experience, gave a feel for what the exhibit will be like when the nine rhinos and 40 antelope are joined, one day soon, by seven or more elephants and 60 or so added antelope of multiple species.

It was a special treat to see the light colored rhinos, as darkness descended rapidly, still grazing and interacting as we headed off to buses and cars and homes and beds.

Dove Service

The hawk swooped to the tennis ball just served at the courts at Lake Daniel Park, Greensboro, as I jogged by. The two players were as amused as I. The hawk (perhaps it was a red-tail I saw outlined by the setting sun) was not.

Dung Analysis Made Easier

Researchers in South Africa can use new technology to analyze elephant and rhino dung on site to advance their work.

"Previously, researchers had to use a complicated technique with specialized equipment, and dung samples had to be exported to the US for analysis. Now researchers can use a field kit that analyzes hormones in fresh dung in the field.

"SANParks [South African National Parks] said dung samples were a powerful tool because they provided information on sex, DNA, reproductive status, stress levels, diet and health."

Counting Cubs

NC Zoo lion keeper Tim Lester tells "Discover the Triad, 2007-2008" about watching the Zoo's lion triplets being born.

"We were watching it via closed-circuit monitor," he told the "News & Record" (Greensboro) publication. It was October 23, 2006.

"I came that morning and looked at the screen and was like, 'Oh, there [are] two cubs there.'

He watched awhile "and I stepped away for five minutes. I came back and went 'There [are] three cubs there.'

"It was really, really cool. We didn't go back there. We left her alone. We let her do her thing. She's an awesome, proven mother.

"This is her second litter. She knows what to do, and we never had to intervene."

Two Buck Luck

You are in luck if you are planning (or yet can plan) a visit to the North Carolina Zoo tomorrow.

All admissions are two dollars.

And word has it that this may be the last time you can get in at such a deep discount.

Rhino-Horn Transmitter

NC Zoo vet Dr. Mike Loomis puts transmitters in collars on elephants in Cameroon to study ways to help them.

These folks put transmitters in the horns of rhinos. (YouTube)

Double trouble!

Double trouble!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Whatta capture! NC Zoo bobcats in same place at same time for ucumari.

Poison Dart Frog of the blue variety

Poison Dart Frog of the blue variety
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Ucumari also captures one of the NC Zoo newcomers.

Amur Leopard

Amur Leopard
Originally uploaded by Durotriges

"Critically Endangered, a census in Feb 2000 found only between 22-27 Amur or Far Eastern Leopards left in the wild. Found in southern Russia and northern China these animals are superbly adapted for the harsh winters of these parts of the world. They have long fur and a layer of fat on their flanks and belly for insulation. They are excellent climbers and swimmers.

"The main threat to the region is the exploration and exploitation of oil and natural gases. Increased Middle East instability.. and the high demand for fossil fuels...puts this wonderful animal's habitat under increasing pressure.

"Part of Marwell Zoo. Visit www.marwell.org.uk "

Photo, title and quote - Durotriges.

confluence

Zebra Squared
Originally uploaded by tammyjq41

By tammyjq41.

cheek to cheek ...

cheek to cheek ...
Originally uploaded by *Meredith

by *Meredith.

...by a nose

Zebra
Originally uploaded by Lyndon Firman

By Lyndon Firman.

perspective

head& eye
Originally uploaded by alsaif

By alsaif.

fit

life is a trophy
Originally uploaded by clinton grobler

By clinton grobler.

Maggie May Go to 1 of 5 Spots

The lone Alaska Zoo elephant seems destined for another location, but a West Coast and an East Coast location are still considering, and then there are three back up possibilities.

"“If everything fell into line and worked out perfectly, the best-case scenario is she would go this fall.”"

blue poison dart frog

blue poison dart frog
Originally uploaded by russlings

NC Zoo staffer John Ireland just sent this photo he uploaded today of one of the new exhibit animals here.

One of these guys is also on the cover of this month's issue of "Connect", the magazine of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Weekend Snow Forecast for NC Zoo

"Forecasters are calling for a snow storm at the North American bridge" at the NC Zoo all day Saturday and Sunday, "with the help of non-toxic evaporative snow machines", according to a Zoo media release.

ZooCool, this weekend, will also feature the delivery of ice treats to NC Zoo animals, with related "Keeper Talks" on this schedule, Sat. and Sun.:

Black Bear 10 a.m.
Cougars 10:30
Polar Bears 11 a.m.
Bobcats 11 a.m.
Red River Hogs 1 p.m.
Gorillas 1:15
Baboons 1:30
Grizzly Bears 2 p.m.
Sonora Desert 2 p.m.
Meerkats 2:15
Chimpanzees 9 a.m. ice treats/
2:30 p.m. Meet the Keeper

Entertainment will be offered by Flumpa (TM) and Friends Live! at Junction Plaza at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Flumpa is a blue eyed, red footed adventurous tree frog and Wendy Whitten is a Friend and "The Singing Scientist"/ author/ songwriter/storyteller.

Radio Disney will offer kids activities Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meerkats

"Just for fun !"

Just for fun !
Originally uploaded by Coyotos

"Seen in a lodge in SA... No Photoshop!"

"Cebras"

Cebras

Originally uploaded by elosoenpersona

"en Okaukejo, P.N. Etosha (Namibia)"

Button Up for Conservation...

...and help the NC Zoo make a big, positive impact on the amphibian crisis.

Report is kids like these buttons.

Really Bad News

"Chinese river dolphin declared extinct."

"It is the first official extinction of a large vertebrate for more than 50 years. Experts say human activity killed off the white long-beaked dolphin, which grew to eight feet weighed up to 500 pounds.

"The animal is the first cetacean, the group of mammals that includes dolphins, whales and porpoises, to vanish from Earth as a direct result of human influence." (The Irish Times)

Wild Video!

See a pride of lions pull an African buffalo calf away from the herd into the water where a croc starts a tug of war over it with the lions. See the herd return and fling a lion through the air and take the youngster back. It walks off and word is it survived!

It is on Yahoo at the moment...a CNN segment about the YouTube offering. If it leaves Yahoo (currently one of four offerings below the main story of the moment and headed, incorrectly, "Watch buffalo vs. lions vs. alligator battle" - it's a croc), try searching YouTube for the 1:51 minute "Battle at Krueger", BUT know that it was pulled down for a copyright dispute moments ago.

CNN calls it "Safari Smackdown". Tourists captured the video. (Note: It took a full minute to download on my machine.)

I Feel Pretty

NESSIE
Originally uploaded by risquillo

"The Loch Ness monster lives....... in Irapuato, México," says risquillo, who titled this "NESSIE", 30 May, '07.

Spear Fishing

Spear Fishing
Originally uploaded by copeg

Copeg captured this some time back and titled it in late December.

"Caught this Great Egret fishing at Palo Alto Baylands this morning."

Pit Stop

Pit Stop
Originally uploaded by Jill's Junk

Jill's Junk is really Jill's treat. (She titled it too.)

Oliver Safely Returned

The capuchin monkey which galloped out of the Tupelo (Miss.) Zoo is spotted and returned a week later.

"Mike Fair said he saw "the little bitty ol' monkey" as he was driving to work with his son and a friend Monday morning."

It's Official!

Stan has been successfully introduced to the African Plains at the NC Zoo and the other eight rhinos, which have all been introduced to the Plains exhibit and each other these past few months.

You can often expect to find nine rhinos, including the adult male (Stan), on the 30-acre-plus exhibit from here forward, it was reported today in a meeting of senior staff members.

Cerebral Zoo Ad

A rather cerebral, delicate TV ad for the Buenos Aires Zoo.

Detroit Zoo Tax Supported

A significant percentage of Detroit taxpayers would support paying slightly higher taxes to bring another $10M annually to their Zoo despite recent controversy.

Work Week: Polar & Penguin

This YouTube offering is meant to show a penguin on the way home from work on Friday and a Polar bear on the way to work on Monday.

Very different attitudes here.

Invitations: What's Selling?

In Kenya, here's the answer. August 7 article. (Its already tomorrow in Kenya.) Another coincidence!

"Cards made of locally recycled paper, hyacinth and elephant dung paper are what is selling."

More Dung Coincidenza

Following my recent rash of elephant dung blog postings, my assistant, Lisa, who was unaware of those postings, showed me her recent purchase - a discontinued item (I believe) from our NC Zoo Society gift shops - a "Doo Darling - Plant Stake Made with Poop" (TM).

"Pachyderm Poop. Rhinoceros flop. Call it what you will - gardeners call it the best organic fertilizer ever. And that's no bull."

It is made with "heat treated manure, so it's safe, and there's no smell."

$2 Day, But Better Yet...

The North Carolina Zoo will offer one day of (just two days of) special $2 admission rates for all visitors tomorrow, Tuesday, August 7.

But NC Zoo Society members, and all those who can afford about the price of movie admission, might better wait for the weekend, for ZooCool!

From a very recent NC Zoo media advisory:

"Visitors can get a first-hand look at how the staff at the North Carolina Zoo keeps animals cool when the park hosts “ZooCool” Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 12, beginning at 10:30 a.m. each day.

"Zoo-goers can watch zoo keepers give ice treats to animals on the following schedule each day: black bear, 10 a.m.; cougar, 10:30 a.m.; polar bear & bobcat, 11 a.m.; red river hogs, 1 p.m.; gorillas, 1:15 p.m.; baboons, 1:30; grizzly bear & Sonora Desert animals, 2 p.m.; and meerkats, 2:15.

"There will be ice treats for the chimpanzees at 9 a.m. and a chance for visitors to meet and talk to chimp keepers at 2:30 p.m. at the chimp overlook. During zoo-keeper talks, visitors will be able to learn more about how the animals beat the summer heat.

"Forecasters are calling for a snow storm at the North American bridge (with the help of non-toxic, evaporative snow machines), where there will be continuous snow fall throughout both days to delight children of all ages.

"Sodexho, the zoo’s food-service provider, will be handing out bite-size samples of Dippin’ Dots to visitors at the North America Plaza, the Africa Plaza and the Prairie Outpost between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day.

"Radio Disney AM 1320 will be in the North American Plaza with “cool” activities for kids on Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Flumpa® and Friends LIVE! will provide entertainment at Junction Plaza each day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Flumpa and Friends LIVE! is the nationally acclaimed, multi award-winning family entertainment duo starring Flumpa (the blue eyed, red-footed, adventurous tree frog) and Wendy Whitten, “The Singing Scientist” (nationally acclaimed author, songwriter, singer and storyteller). This energy-packed show is guaranteed to get kids moving and having fun while learning about science."

Messed Up Priorities

Over $125,000 paid for the elephant gun that killed over 1000.

OSHA Cites Denver Zoo

OSHA has cited the Denver Zoo for unsafe working conditions relating to the death this year of one of its keepers.

Denver Zoo's lengthy study of the incident had reported that the keeper's errors resulted in her mauling death by jaguar.

Another Panda...Already

San Diego Zoo giant panda Bai Yun has already given birth (for the fourth time). (Link)

Dung Coincidenza!

After my elephant dung posts of last evening, about elephant dung art, elephant dung paper and elephant dung paper processing, a simple Google search for "elephant" news turned this up first - an article about another artist who creates her art on elephant dung paper, with some words about why some African communities are in the business of producing the paper!

"It’s nice to know you’re working with paper that has been through an elephant – I feel quite privileged. They are really mighty animals."

Dung Artist Scoops Up Prize

Upon further research into the elephant dung theme of my recent posts, I find that the UK's important Turner Prize for Art in 1998 went to the British artist of Nigerian origin who paints with elephant dung.

"Shortlisted for the inventiveness, exuberance, humour and technical richness of his painting, it is Ofili's dynamic use of colour and the originality, energy and complexity of his work, with its multilayered references to contemporary urban culture and awareness of the history of art which won him the jury's acclaim and the prize [$35,000]."

The two works shown within the linked article are quite impressive.

Elephant Dung Jewelry

"Hand-crafted, hygienically-treated fibrous unique novelties." Earrings and broaches.

"Save the planet!"

Flattened Dung

This article about unique African safaris includes a section about the kid-friendly safari during which "arts and crafts" time includes the making of elephant-dung paper.

Because the elephant's system does such a poor job of breaking down its food, the "end" product would be full of fiber and great for paper-making or to offer meals for dung beetles and other unfinicky eaters.

Others make a "business" out of elephant-dung paper processing.

Long Distance Dung

Scientists are trying to determine how many elephants are left in a forested area of Cambodia. (Link)

But the huge Asian elephants can "disappear" into the forest and go undetected just yards away from people looking for them. "The ones that are left are probably the sneakiest."

About 600 dung samples will be sent from Cambodia to Australia to be tested for DNA, which will tell how many separate elephants contributed to the collection.

Bumblebee or Yellow-Banded

Bumblebee frog
Originally uploaded by ucumari

"You can call me a Bumblebee Poison Dart Frog...or you can call me a Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog...but you can't say ucumari didn't take my photo at the North Carolina Zoo, July 30."

"Actually, it appears you can call me Bumblebee (or Yellow-banded) Poison Dart, Poison Arrow, Poison, Dart or Arrow frog - any of 10 combinations."

US Legislators Also Support Pachyderms

The NC Zoo is in the company of the US House and Senate, as the latter two appear poised to provide five more years of aid to African and Asian elephants, and rhinos, as well as tigers (which are not pachyderms...not thick-skinned).

Conservation of African elephants and southern white rhinos is at the core of Project:Pachyderms, the NC Zoo Society's recently successful campaign to help the Zoo increase its elephant and rhino herds to social, breeding groups. (Zoo and Society also support the work of chief NC Zoo veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis on behalf of elephants in Cameroon.)

"African elephants, especially in West, Central and East Africa, are under intense pressure from poachers of ivory for sale on the international black market. The trade in illegal wildlife products is close behind the trade in illegal drugs and illegal weapons." (The EarthTimes article goes on to report that farmers in Africa are now often growing chili peppers to keep elephants out of their other crops; Dr. Loomis' work has made good use of Cameroonian elephants' "fear" of chili pepper to keep negative elephant/human interactions down.)

Armed with a PDA and a Spear

Scientists are putting CyberTrackers(TM) in the hands of Bushmen and others. GPS software allows people who can not read to still give accurate accountings for animal and plant species and their locations.

"For example, the screen may show an icon of a bird, reptile, hoof or paw print, plant or four-legged animal. If a Bushman sees a rhino, he would first click the hoof print icon. A new screen of icons would list a variety of possible animals the hoof could belong to.

"Clicking on the rhino icon would take the Bushman to a screen of icons for possible rhino activities, such as eating, running, or drinking water. Another screen would allow him to enter the number of rhinos he saw."

The odd PDA and spear juxtaposition reminds me of the e-mail I received from an African friend reporting that her tourist bandas now had "sit-down" toilets. (An E-mail message from someone celebrating a move up to a sit-down toilet seems almost as odd to me as the PDA and the spear.)

Oliver Escapes

Oliver, a white-faced capuchin monkey has escaped the Tupelo (Miss.) Buffalo Park and Zoo after a race with staff.

He might respond to his name. He might come to a banana or marshmallow. He might bite. And "he can outrun a horse".

Bai Yun Pregnant Again

San Diego Zoo panda Bai Yun is expecting her third.

"The first time was Aug. 21, 1999, when a female cub, Hua Mei, was born at the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Research Station. Hua Mei was the first surviving giant panda to have been born in the United States."

Another Fun Zoo Ad

Again from the San Diego Zoo folks, a YouTube offering of a TV ad is for their Wild Animal Park.

NC Zoo Tops Triad

From an e-mail recently sent by NC Zoo marketing officer Chris Bulla:

"Survey: NC Zoo tops in Triad in tourist destinations

"The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - Wednesday, August 1, 2007

"The animals are [looked upon] kindly at the zoo, according to our online survey: 43 percent of responders say the N.C. Zoo is their favorite Triad tourism destination.

"Old Salem and Hanging Rock State Park tied for second place with 14 percent, followed by the write-in category with 9 percent.

"Comments posted anonymously included some of those write-ins, such as Replacements Ltd., Greensboro's Natural Science Center, downtown Mount Airy, First Horizon Park and the Yadkin Valley wineries.

"Other comments offered the zoo high praise[,including]:

"The NC Zoo is one of the best in the world! The animals, the plants, the natural walkways all make for a great day out. My kids love the playground and carousel. My husband loves the ice cream. I love my family being outside for a whole day!"

Success!!

No "?" about it. NC Gov. Easley has signed off on the budget and $3.456M for the NC Zoo!