The Cannery

The Cannery
Originally uploaded by champy1013

Another Haines, Alaska, winner by champy1013. Our little ship docked right here on the NC Zoo Society's last Alaska trip. (When docks are unavailable, "Zodiac" rubber boats are utilized to take the few dozen passengers ashore.)

Tidepool Twilight

Tidepool Twilight
Originally uploaded by champy1013

Looking forward to leading another NC Zoo Society trip to Alaska's Inside Passage in August. champy1013 captures Inside Passage scenery and the town of Haines, where Ann, the Society group and I stopped on our last visit. This year's trip will mainly avoid "big metropolitan areas" like Haines.

Fewer Big-Eared Bats

Grandfather Mountain reports a drop in its populations of Virginia big-eared bats.

"Only the experienced caver with technical training can attempt entry by rappelling down a narrow hole for 40 feet. Once inside, the [Mystery Hole] cave stretches for 300 feet."

Hedgehog Plays Groundhog Subbing for Hedgehog

Spike, the Kansas City Zoo hedgehog, will play the part of a groundhog on Groundhog Dog. Groundhog Day is the North American substitute for what had been "Hedgehog Day" in ancient times.

"It is believed that the early Romans observed Hedgehog Day. If its shadow was seen it was predicted that six more weeks of bad winter weather would occur, a second winter. When the tradition moved to North America, Groundhog Day was named since hedgehogs were not a native species."

Bengals Pick Steelers to Win

These Bengals are tiny tigers at Six Flags in Vallejo, CA. They pick the favored Steelers to winner tomorrow's Super Bowl against the Cardinals.

Really Big Vegan!

One can get really big, strong and healthy on a vegan diet, Peggy Kraus argues, offering the African elephant as an example.

Polar Bear Birth Video

The Sun links to BBC Two Natural World video of polar bear mother bearing two tiny cubs. Note: one does not survive the short video's duration.

pretty yellow flowers

pretty yellow flowers
Originally uploaded by msbellee

Another wonderful photo msbellee took at the NC Zoo April 14.

chimpanzee sculpture

chimpanzee sculpture
Originally uploaded by msbellee

Also from msbellee's Day at the NC Zoo series.

zebrajong stripes!

zebrajong
Originally uploaded by belgianchocolate

Recent zebra photo, Zoo Antwerp, by belgianchocolate.

Nothing Definite, but...

There are no definite plans (or timetable), but the NC Zoo is quite interested in exhibiting lemurs in the not too distant future.

Stay Tuned!

Both pair of NC Zoo wattled cranes have eggs!

BZOG Blog?

The NC Zoo has long called its Forest Edge habitat ZOG for short because it is a three-species exhibit featuring zebras, ostrich and giraffe on three-and-one-half acres. Now two bongos are set to be added in the near future. (They'll probably still call it ZOG!)

2 Long Necks in March

The new male and female giraffe are expected at the NC Zoo in early March. That will mean five here in the spring as the Zoo works to complete its new giraffe feeding station.

'Gator's Alive

IMG_4964
Originally uploaded by msbellee

This NC Zoo alligator may not have moved much during msbellee's "day at the Zoo", April 14, but I assure the doubtful, it is alive. (Don't go checkin'!)

Goldin's Golden Frogs

Division 2 2008 1st Place
Originally uploaded by russlings

Kobe Goldin, third grade, Lincolnton, NC won Division Two of the NC Zoo education department's Endangered Species Poster Contest with his Panamanian Golden Frog message.

"ethereal carousel rides"

ethereal carousel rides
Originally uploaded by msbellee

A unique perspective on the NC Zoo carousel by msbellee, who sees things differently here.

Getting Close

After a successful collaring of an African elephant in Cameroon January 8, NC Zoo vet Dr. Mike Loomis and his team may have been closest to another collaring on January 24. But it was not to be.

"...we were able to get glimpses of a herd of 12 elephants eating at the edge of a clearing across a ravine from us at a distance of about 400 meters. As we approached the elephants, the wind shifted and was blowing from our backs towards the elephants. They smelled us and started running. They crashed through the forest for a few minutes, then stopped. We started approaching them again. Most of the vegetation in this area is very dense. We could not get close enough to the elephants to dart them without them hearing us. They ran through the forest again.

"As we were starting to follow the tracks again, we almost ran into a herd of three elephants which were hidden in the vegetation. They also ran off through the forest when they heard us." (Mike and his team had followed elephants down to a region of too-heavy vegetation.)

From January 26: "We were very disappointed that we did not collar an elephant in this region. We did, however, gain enough information from this trip to help us plan an attempt to collar an elephant here next year. Our base camp was too high. Next year, we will camp below the Elephant Opening so we can more easily work both uphill and downhill from camp. We will also schedule enough time so we can move camp if necessary to find elephants."

"A Bit"?!

"Some of the slats in the bridge are a bit far apart, making the crossing a bit exciting." NC Zoo lead veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis is talking about Mana Suspension Bridge in Korup National Park, Cameroon, in his January 15 Mount Cameroon 2009 field diary.

A diary photo, from underneath, looking way up at the rickety bridge has convinced me not to follow Dr. Mike across that particular bridge. (There is a photo at the link of Mike part way across.)

He notes that in the rainy season "the river rises to within a few feet of the bridge" making the crossing "frightening". It looks plenty frightening to me when the fall (rather than the flood) would kill me if I slipped through or off.

Dr. Mike has successfully collared one African elephant on this trip to Cameroon.

Polar Bears on the Thames

An "iceberg" and "Polar bears" float by Big Ben and the Tower Bridge.

"Broadcaster and eminent wildlife conservationist, Sir David Attenborough says: “The melting of the polar bears’ sea ice habitat is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time. I commend Eden [ a new UK natural history channel] for highlighting the issue; we need to do what we can to protect the world’s largest land carnivores from extinction.”

Sleek

NCzoo_20080921_0285
Originally uploaded by Mali42

Mali42's NC Zoo otter (more specifically, North American river otter, northern river otter or common otter, depending on your preference).

Elephant & Rhino Relativity

San Diego Zoo's $45M Elephant Odyssey exhibit will soon grow its elephant exhibit area to three acres.

National Zoo’s $50M Elephant Trails will give eight pachyderms “the majority of four acres”.

Denver Zoo’s $50M Asian tropics will allow elephants to share a two-acre yard with other animals.

Oregon Zoo (Portland) has started “a $20 million elephant house using part of six acres”.

Los Angeles Zoo “has halted the $42 million Pachyderm Forest. The plan is to build a 3.6-acre yard” for elephants.

The NC Zoo has already opened the “bargain” $8 million Watani Grasslands. This pachyderm project saw elephants move from a 3.5-acre habitat and separate barn and exercise yards shared with our rhinos to seven acres of exhibit and the larger herd’s own, state-of-the-art night quarters, with much outdoor exercise space off-exhibit. The rhinos (also pachyderms, by the way) moved to a 30-acre “African Plains” with various antelope and Plains birds. (All of this, a move from three each of African elephants and southern white rhinos to seven each and many fun and educational visitor amenities along the pathways at Watani Grassland for our “little project's little budget”.)

Cool Jobs Much Desired

This article on a "cool job", zookeeper at the Oklahoma City Zoo, reminds me of the dozens of qualified candidates who apply for each entry-level keeper opening at the NC Zoo.

Many young people strive for this job. Many tell me of knowing they have wanted such a career since they were quite young.

""Growing up in Wisconsin, I was always bringing home snapping turtles and garter snakes, which freaked out my parents,” says one keeper in this linked article.

Somebody sees you!

Somebody see's you!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

"When I got to the zoo yesterday, I heard splashing and knew Willy was in the water! I rushed down to his underwater exhibit to grab a few shots. Willy splashed around (mainly in the sun's reflection) for about 5 minutes. He played a quick game of "Peek-a-boo" with me before climbing out! It is always a treat when you see him in the water, no matter how long!

"Uploaded by ucumari on 24 Jan 09, 9.48AM EST. "

Long Ellie View

Elephants
Originally uploaded by Jason Phillips Design

Another Jason Phillips Design/NC Zoo photo makes it seem the species is capable of joining the photographer or, in this case, heading to the top of yonder mountain.

The Long View

Giraffe
Originally uploaded by Jason Phillips Design

Jason Phillips Design steps back to take this photo of one of the NC Zoo giraffes. Shows how many of the African and North American species have great open spaces in their naturalistic habitats.

Mother & Daughter

North Carolina Zoo - Baby African Elephant
Originally uploaded by uptonia

NC Zoo photo by uptonia.

Free Bird?

Maybe one day the bald eagle aided by folks at the Ellen Trout Zoo, Lufkin, TX will be released.

"Mike, named after zoo veterinarian Michael Nance, found his way into the Nance's loving hands New Year's Eve after a local hunter discovered the bird in Angelina Forest. The man who found the bird contacted Texas Parks and Wildlife immediately, even though he had to go through a lot of legal issues in reporting his discovery.

""This gentleman cared enough for this bird to report it," Nance said."

Following treatment, Mike has moved on the Last Chance Forever, a San Antonio wildlife rehab center for birds of prey.

""He has pizzaz," Nance said. "He was a cool bird. Still is. Nothing would be greater than to watch him fly over East Texas again.""

Save the Mascot & the Planet

ESPN's magazine offers "endangered mascots" and links to how to help the real species behind them, including the Bowdoin (College) Polar Bears.

American Bison

American Bison
Originally uploaded by bengalsfan1973

"This guy was making good use of the rock behind him...guess he had an itch...Taken at the NC Zoo in Asheboro." [bengalsfan1973, June 1, 2008.]

Tusk, singular

Tusk, singular
Originally uploaded by caseylowry

Like this simple photo and title from caseylowry's North Carolina Zoo pool.

Circling the rock!

Circling the rock!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

"Could this be a secret bison ritual that humans know nothing about???," wonders ucumari, who took and titled this unique "capture" of NC Zoo bison.

Briefly from the Views

More briefly from the recent NC Zoo Volunteer Views: "North Woods/Prairie - Black bear cubs are doing great and now weigh 122 lbs. We now have nine bison and the two pregnant bison are on exhibit with one due in March and the other in May."

Leave "Well Enough" Alone?

From NC Zoo's Volunteer Views, compiled by Toy Jarrett (the author is recognized below):

"Recently I was watching a movie on TV and saw a man fishing in a stream while wearing what I think is called hip waders. It brought to mind a rescue attempt that took place several years ago. The details may be a little fuzzy in my mind, but I think you will find the story amusing.

"I came in to the WRC [Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center] for an afternoon shift on a cold, dreary and rainy day to find two Volunteers and a vet tech struggling on the floor trying to get hip waders on one of the Volunteers. We all laughed as the struggles with the awkward piece of equipment continued.

"Why? The Volunteers were preparing to go out on the rescue of an injured Canada goose that could not fly but could swim. The pond where the goose was located was small so they were hopeful they would be able to run it down. The tech suggested they use the waders to keep themselves dry.

"After they loaded the cages, nets, hip waders etc. into the car, they set off on their rescue. It was a busy afternoon, but when I thought about it, I wondered how the rescue was going. After awhile, I knew the answer to my question was that the rescue was not going very well. It was taking too much time. It was still raining hard and getting darker outside.

"This was in the good old days when there were still some of us who did not carry cell phones. This meant that I could not contact them. Eventually, they returned, wet, muddy and exhausted. They lugged in their equipment and I was very aware that they did not have a Canada goose with them.

"They found the goose easily. There were only a couple of geese there and it was easy to see the one with an injured wing. However, when one of the Volunteers put on the waders, they found that they were more difficult to use than they had expected. The “pond” was very muddy and as they sloshed through the pond, they discovered that the waders would stick in the mud. They gave up trying to use the waders after one of them got stuck, and then fell.

"The goose let the Volunteers get just so close and then would move out of reach by a combination of swimming, waddling and flying (very short and low flights). The Volunteers ran around the pond and through the pond, getting just close enough to keep them trying.

"Tired, discouraged and wet, they sat in the rain on the bank of the pond, resting and deciding what to do next. After a few minutes, an elderly gentleman came out of a nearby house with an umbrella. He came over to them and asked what they were doing. They explained their dilemma. He looked at them for a few minutes and then said gently, “I really don’t think he needs rescuing. He has been here several years and seems to get along just fine. We all keep an eye on him and make sure he has enough to eat. Somewhat stunned, the Volunteers laughed and began to pack up their equipment.

"We all had a laugh. We cleaned up the equipment; they changed back into their street clothes and left for home. Even though there was no rescue needed this time, we all felt that it was important to try to help an injured animal."

Article by Wildlife Rehabilitator, Carol Kaczmarek

The Rhino, the Antelope...

The Rhino and Impala
Originally uploaded by bucko73us

...and the Canada Geese?

Only at the NC Zoo...and bucko73us captured it.

How Can You Resist?

Zebras
Originally uploaded by k8izgr8

"How can you resist taking pictures of zebras? They're like nature's modern art canvasses," says k8izgr8 of this NC Zoo photo. I can't resist adding k8izgr8's zebra creation to my many postings of zebra pix.

Wilhelm

Wilhelm the polar bear
Originally uploaded by bdaryle

Another strong NC Zoo portrait by bdaryle.

Pronkin'

A series of interesting photos of Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, WA) zebras and antelope with all four feet off the ground. It's called pronking (or pronging or stotting, I'm told).

"Money into Magic"

Dr. Lee Simmons will soon end a very long career running the Omaha Zoo. He oversaw it as it became one of the very best in the land. Now he will keep the money flowing to "his zoo".

""Per capita, pound for pound, or any way you measure it, Omaha's got more zoo than just about any community I can think of anywhere in the world," said Jim Maddy, president of the national Association of Zoos & Aquariums in Silver Spring, Md.

""But there's another side to what Doc's done," Maddy said. "He created an institution where good science thrived. The scientific advances in captive breeding that have come out of Omaha in the span of about 40 years have made a significant difference. We've been able to take this science back to the wild.""

"Simmons built a reputation for finishing projects on time and within budget - and visitors voted with their feet. Attendance and memberships are among the nation's best.

"Since donors seldom give you their last dollar, when you deliver, you get to go back and say, 'How did you like that?'" said Maddy, of the national zoo group."

"A few years ago, Walter Scott Jr. of Omaha, chairman of the zoo board and a longtime donor, teased Simmons about his "infamous" wish list during a tribute dinner marking the 40th anniversary of Simmons' arrival in Omaha.

""You might think the list is getting shorter," Scott said. "You'd be wrong. I'm always happy to write a check to anyone who can turn our money into magic.""

Nice grin

Nice grin
Originally uploaded by bdaryle

Nice photo. Nice title. Both by bdaryle. NC Zoo 'gators. Uploaded 1-17-09.

Another Point of View

My posts on NC Zoo chief veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis and his work with African elephants emphasizes the North Carolina angle. This release emphasizes the WWF partnership. The government of Cameroon probably sees it one more way.

Which ever way you look at it, another elephant was recently collared and much will be learned.

Zooperbowl

Its an annual event at Nashville Zoo. All guests are offered half-price admission on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 1, 2009).

I like the name. (I prefer Koalapalooza.)

Back to Mt. Cameroon

Korup National Park didn't pan out well for NC Zoo lead vet Dr. Mike Loomis as he and his team tried to collar another Cameroonian elephant. The team found no elephants and Dr. Mike fell ill and was troubled by foot blisters.

Now its back to Mt. Cameroon, near where they collared an elephant earlier on this expedition.

Hey! Its not frozen!!!

Hey! Its not frozen!!!
Originally uploaded by beachbum1616

"This female bluebird was excited to find fresh water in our heated bird bath."

Photo extrodinaire, title and quote uploaded by beachbum1616 on 18 Jan 09.

Koalapalooza

Love the name of this San Diego Zoo event!

Got to admire the S.D. Zoo keeper for keeping herself, her koala and the reporter as much on message as possible!

(Are we surprised that this 60-year old poster gets the musical reference?)

Lesley Stahl's Best Days

The zoo and exotic animals come to mind when the "60 Minutes" TV journalist remembers her two best days.

There are four photos of her day at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. "We were feeding giraffes!" [wowOwow - The Women on the Web] Three of the photos are of Lesley and giraffes. (The NC Zoo will offer a giraffe feeding option soon thanks to a wonderful couple who regularly give generously through the NC Zoo Society.)

Her other best day featured a special moment with mountain gorillas in Rwanda (just as Terry Shiels seems to have just had a best day involving Cross River gorillas).

"Forever Changed"

Selections from an exciting report of a first video sighting of the very rare Cross River Gorilla to the NC Zoo Society's "Field Trip Earth" by professional videographer Terry Shiels, who is accompanying NC Zoo Curator for Conservation & Research Dr. Rich Bergl, an expert on this unique species:

"But they have nothing to fear from this small group of conservationists. We only hope to learn more about these creatures in order to improve their chances of survival. Dr Bergl's genetic research has used DNA from fecal matter to show how hardy these remaining Gorillas can be. It was feared that the small islands of forests that these groups occupy would prohibit interbreeding of geographically separated troupes, but DNA evidence shows that interbreeding across relatively long distances is common. This assures the genetic diversity necessary for a healthy population."

"We will resume our search here in the morning."

"We are fortunate. They have not traveled far. Our guides have found evidence that they have been feeding very close by.

"We proceed quietly with our eyes, our ears and even our noses at a heightened state of alert. Suddenly the silence is broken by a thunderous Gorilla vocalization. We freeze. The sound of rapid chest thumping is followed by another series of loud Gorilla sounds. My camera is on my shoulder as our guide points. The Silverback is there.

"I start shooting and capture a few seconds of the big male through the trees. Then he vanishes as quickly as he appeared. We are silent and still. Then the massive Silverback is charging us with frightening yells. He is trying to scare us and it is working well. I am so petrified that I miss the opportunity to record another image but I do record his screams which are strong evidence that the big guy was less than half a football field away. A moment later and he is gone. Our guides assure us we won't see this family of Gorillas again today. But they have influenced my life forever."

"I turn the camera back on to record interviews from our group to document our encounter. Dr Bergl's testimony is that in a decade of Gorilla research this is the one and only time he has been in the presence of these creatures that he has faithfully studied. I am grateful to be the first broadcast professional to capture even a few frames of a Cross River Gorilla on video. Tomorrow we head down the mountain and begin the long journey home. We will return to North Carolina forever changed by what we have experienced in Africa, so many miles from home.
Report submitted by Terry Shiels for Field Trip Earth."

Another Wild Visitor

cardinal 001
Originally uploaded by russlings

We get regular bird visitors at our office windows at the NC Zoo Society. Here a cardinal is caught by Cheryl Turner of the Society staff. It appears to be communing with Cheryl's wooden flamingo through her window looking out to a back deck.

New Eyes

The late Barbara Hobson, who ran the Leopard Spot and Wolf Bay Trader gift shops so ably for the NC Zoo Society for many years, used to say "Thank goodness for 'new eyes'". She valued what others saw that she was missing for being too close to the matter at hand.

Here is a review of the NC Zoo from the blog "the olive tree" by Lycaon. Tip of the hat to good Zoo Friend coturnix (Bora Zivkovic) who tells me that she and her husband "are real pros" who go to many zoos on their travels, posting photos and reviews. "The rating she gave our Zoo are, I think, the highest they ever gave...", Bora adds.

Real Deal for Willy?

More man-made snow was made for "Willy" the NC Zoo polar bear Saturday night into Sunday, senior keeper Jeff Own reported.

The weather report indicates that Wilhelm may see the real thing fall this evening into tomorrow.

Porcupine Laid Off

The economy is affecting zoos. Here a New York "zoo director" lays off one "employee" (perhaps two):



Here's a Time/CNN article about zoo budget cuts. (The NC Zoo gets its mention.)

Squatter Otter

Dublin Zoo wants it gone.

"Otters feed on fish, frogs and small mammals but will sometimes kill waterbirds..."

Great Day for a Polar Bear

NC Zoo's polar bear and some other North American species liked yesterday's temperatures, but the giraffes stayed inside. WFMY and Rod Hackney explain.

Drama Queens

Drama queen's
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Ucumari takes a vacation from her regular, excellent zoo photography. (Nice title too.)

We don't mind at all.

NC Funding Update

With the economic crisis and the state of North Carolina and Governor Perdue facing a need for budget cuts, where do the NC Zoo and Society stand in regard to capital funding commitments made last session.

The biggest one, $2.7 million to match the Society's $1.8 million for more polar bears in a bigger exhibit and better night quarters, is still in good shape. It is part of a planned bond package that now is seen needed to help stimulate the State economy.

And another $2.7 million that the State could not afford for a child-in-nature zoo might now have a chance at federal stimulus investment.

Only the $600,000 commitment to match $400,000 from the Society to plan African additions totaling a future investment of $20 million or more has been lost for now to the global fiscal mess.

Waste-Based Ellie Paper

Waste-based paper. I've posted on this before...paper made from elephant "pooh", but I like the "waste-based" phrase and I really like that this paper maker is selling farmers on harvesting an elephant waste crop rather than killing the pachyderms to protect millet or what have you.

Mosquito Love Duet

Heard this story of mosquito mating recently on NPR based on a study in the journal "Science". Listen to the male modulate the pitch of his beating wings to harmonize with hers in this 4-minute audio "article". Fascinating!

There is also a 20-second video of this at the link, slowed 133-fold.

Note: there is a tie-in in this story to "that romantic chestnut 'Feelings'", Morris Albert's one-hit wonder later deemed a plagiarism.

"Polar Bears at a Glance"

"• Polar bears are the world’s largest land carnivores.

"• The bears are usually classified with marine mammals because they depend on the sea for food and can swim for miles. They use their front paws as oars and their rear paws as rudders.

"• The soles of the polar bears’ feet feature small bumps and depressions that act as suction cups and prevent the bears from slipping on the ice.

"• Fur and fat insulate the bears so well that they can scarcely be detected with infrared photography.

"• The bears have a sense of smell so keen that they can detect a seal nearly a half-mile away.

"• Polar bears can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour over short distances. They average about six miles per hour on longer jaunts.

• Unlike other bears that slow down their metabolism only when food becomes unavailable in the fall, polar bears experience a decrease in metabolism whenever food is lacking for a week to 10 days."

There's a lot more here.

Kendall the Chimp - Chapter 1

A chimpanzee with very special needs was gradually added to the NC Zoo troop over recent months. Keeper Becky Kloepfer began telling his story on Field Trip Earth yesterday.

"From the very beginning, it was obvious to his keepers that Kendall had a long road ahead of him if he was to learn to live around other chimpanzees. Kendall had a very gentle nature, was very focused on people, and appeared to be easily stressed."

This is Willy weather!

This is Willy weather!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

It was about 10 degrees at the NC Zoo today. Ucumari's photo and title.

Sonora Desert

Sonora Desert
Originally uploaded by ucumari

NC Zoo photo by ucumari. While this exhibit includes many animal species, it is the horticulture that really makes it sing, as her photo of a small part of it shows.

Whales Guaranteed

As I drove home yesterday my mind wandered to my planned fifth trip to Alaska’s “Inside Passage”, August 8-16. What would I most want to experience again?

Although many experiences came to mind (involving two grizzly bears, a pack of gray wolves, dozens of American bald eagles, thousands of cliff-dwelling sea birds, glaciers, fantastic landscapes and the aurora borealis), the humpback whales were the easy choice.

As I hosted the NC Zoo Society’s “Inside Passage” cruises in the past I watched from the deck of our smallish cruise ship as feeding humpbacks all around “danced” to ballet music in my head – diving, with that massive tail following and disappearing in slow motion; breaching; fin slapping; lunge feeding; etc.

The brochure for the upcoming Society cruise, on the 84-passenger “Spirit of Discovery”, includes a “Whale Guarantee”. “If a whale is not sighted on your voyage, we will refund $250 of your cruise price…But…it’s never happened.”

This trip is different than prior one’s I’ve hosted. It features more nature and less in-town tourism, although there is ample time to experience Juneau’s downtown waterfront and Sitka, with its wonderful blend of native Alaskan and Russian influences.

A day cruising Glacier Bay National Park will show us how massive glaciers, receding over recent decades, have carved out channels, cliffs and fiords. Sea lions, seals, sea birds and ice bergs abound.

I’m ready.

Leave Pride at Hospital Door

This woman seems to have been insulted, and her husband angered, when she was told she was too big for the hospital MRI and she was directed to consider the Kansas City Zoo for the procedure.

The NC Zoo's well-equipped Frederic Moir Hanes, M.D. Veterinary Medical Center too has some equipment which can handle a "larger specimen"...and it has helped the local hospital.

If you are not well and want to get better, it is best to put pride aside. [I too had to wear one of those "backless gowns" into my little surgery (rotator cuff) in mid-December. It wasn't even "my color"!]

zeester

zeester
Originally uploaded by belgianchocolate

Belgianchocolate offers another strong photo from Zoo Antwerp. "Zeester" is "starfish" (singular) to some of us. "Starfish" (plural) is "zeesterren".

[Note the baby "olifant" at the "Zoo Antwerp" link.]

Solitary Doesn't Equal Lonely

Why did the News & Observer headline writer decide NC Zoo's polar bear Wilhelm is "lonely"?

Social animals and extroverted humans may feel lonely. Solitary animals and introverted humans usually don't. (I rarely have.)

Adult polar bears live solitary lives (see second paragraph under "Behavior", Wikipedia). It is their nature. More so for the male of the species.

The NC Zoo was happy to offer its exhibit to three of the polar bears rescued from a bad circus making its way around the Caribbean some years ago. One did not survive the trip here, so we offered a home to two. The less dominant bear showed some signs of stress, but he was much better off here than he had been in that circus. (US Fish & Wildlife and PETA had agreed on that by sending him here after his rescue.)

When that bear died rather recently Wilhelm showed no signs of "loneliness". It is not his nature. (It might be the headline writer's.)

Anyway...the article is correct. We do plan to bring more polar bears into more space, better night quarters and great expectations of breeding success. (So much for that nice solitude, Willy!)

Long Ride on a Short Road

It took a long time to go a short distance in Cameroon for NC Zoo lead veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis as his team prepares to try to collar another elephant.

It is hard to describe some of these roads which can regularly require one to drive down into a muddy pothole and maneuver at length to come back out on the other side.

With last week's success, three "Elephants of Cameroon" are currently being studied and followed. (Don't miss the maps and photos on page two at the "three "Elephants..." link.)

Guy in a Skirt

NC Zoo curator of mammals Guy Lichty is featured in the January edition of "Skirt", the Greensboro, NC giveaway publication that is "all about women", and, yes, he is wearing a skirt.

simon's town penguin

simon's town penguin
Originally uploaded by Captain Flexible

Yes, there are penguins in Africa. South Africa. Captain Flexible tells us where he found this one.

You can call it an African penguin. You can call it a black-footed penguin. You can even call it a jackass penguin.

storms river, tsitsikamma

storms river, tsitsikamma
Originally uploaded by Captain Flexible

Captain Flexible and his camera are in South Africa. Lucky us!

Sardine Sandwich, Rice & Beans

What do Dr. Mike Loomis and his team eat when they are tracking African elephants in Cameroon? On this journal entry day it was bread, cheese and coffee for breakfast and sardine sandwiches at lunch for the NC Zoo veterinarian.

There is also a photo of dinner. I can't tell what that yellow stuff is or what is floating in that other bowl of something.

Some other days started with rice and beans.

The Zoo's PR veteran Rod Hackney went with Dr. Mike on a trip some years back. He says he can't imagine he will ever eat another sardine.

Elephant Collaring Details & Pix

Photos and detailed journal entries of Dr. Mike Loomis' recent collaring of an elephant in Cameroon are now up on Field Trip Earth.

"She trumpeted and pulled the dart out with her trunk. The elephants were confused about our location. Instead of running off, the elephants made short charges in several directions." [January 8, page 3]

Condor Was a Wreck

Now he's sired over 20 rare chicks thanks to the LA and San Diego Zoos and a helpful female.

"Today, Topa is one of 81 California condors in the state and 322 on the planet. Some of his offspring soar over the Grand Canyon, Ventura County and Baja California."

Speaking of Red Pandas

A red panda born in July is finally able to be seen at Zoo Boise.

"Attitude" Reasonable

If I am a giant panda and large intruders keep coming into my territory, it seems reasonable to me that I use my resources to reject them. The Reuters headline says the panda has an "attitude". Is it an "attitude" to react just as you "should"?

With this third instance of someone injured after entering the exhibit, one would hope that a way would finally be found to keep "intruders" out, although it does seem that each went out of his or her way to "intrude".

A little education might also help those who think of the giant panda as "cute and cuddly. It may look "cute" to us, but it is not "cuddly" when dealing with humans.

Once thought more closely related to raccoons than to bears, the current thinking is that we really do have a "panda bear" in the giant panda. Different story with the lesser panda (also known as the red panda).

Grizzlies Make "The Mail" Too

Daily Mail - UK (NC Zoo, grizzlies)
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Ucumari has also made the NC Zoo grizzlies famous in the UK!

You Saw It First Here

Daily Mail - UK (NC Zoo, Seals)
Originally uploaded by ucumari

I scooped the Daily Mail (UK) by several months on this NC Zoo photo by ucumari. The UK papers have really taken notice of her zoo photos recently.

Let Zoos Evolve

Came across this individual's thoughts on zoos on line:

"Zoos are extremely important aspects of our urban environment. Experiencing live animals triggers something in us that bypasses our 'civilized' selves and nourishes our deepest existential core. Developing children need to experience animals, smell their smells, analyze their ways of moving and interacting. Adults need to be reminded of their essential animal selves as they wend their way through the marketplace and the illusory world of money, laws, and labels. And what of the animals' welfare? As we willfully destroy their natural habitats, I think it is our obligation to provide our animal cousins with quality homes that meet their individual needs. Zoos can do this. Of course it's a gesture, but an important one. Finally, I find it all too wonderfully human to get worked up over the living conditions of a single, well-cared-for elephant in the face of the systematic slaughter of millions of equally intelligent animals (pigs for instance) for food. Banishing Billy to a dusty ranch won't solve his problems and canceling the new elephant enclosure won't help us. Let zoos evolve.

"Posted by: Paul Gachot | January 07, 2009 at 10:28 AM" [L.A. Times]

He was reacting to a controversy over whether Billy, the L.A. Zoo Asian elephant, belongs in an improved exhibit there or somewhere else (an "elephant sanctuary" perhaps).

Are Coyotes Afraid of Burros?

In Wednesday's NC Zoo senior staff discussion about periodic predation of Zoo birds it was pointed out that a growing local population of wild coyotes was a concern. A non-animal-division staffer, with a strong agrarian background, suggested that a nearby burro or burros is claimed by some to be effective at keeping coyotes away from local, baby goats.

The next morning, in the NC Zoo Society meeting, a staffer with a strong equine background reported that she knew of a case in which burros proved ineffective at keeping coyotes separated from baby livestock.

Scorpion Inventory

The London Zoo does its annual animal count...carefully!

612 cockroaches? At least they didn't have to count millipede legs!

"Piranhas, for example, are very difficult to count, not just because of their strong jaws and impressive teeth, but because of their speed in the water."

Zoo Saves Millions of Gallons of H2O

From a recent NC Zoo media release: "The North Carolina Zoo’s Horticulture Division this week was named first-place winner for Group Projects in the 2008 Sustainability Awards presented by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

"The Zoo Horticulture Staff was recognized for their work on water saving projects which have resulted in the zoo saving more than 3.3 million gallons of water and reducing costs by $27,852 over the past year."

"A total of 24 individuals or projects were nominated for the 2008 awards."

"Among the projects implemented by the Horticulture staff to reduce water consumption is a new $69,000 automated irrigation control system which measures rainfall, wind and other conditions to determine the amount of irrigation needed. The system allows for irrigation to be controlled remotely and has reduced water use in some animal exhibits by more than 56 percent as well as saving labor and fuel costs. In addition, a drip irrigation system utilized in the park’s “kidZone” and Alligator exhibits has cut water use by 98 and 83 percent respectively."

Bi-Species Friendship

Since this was on CBS, many have seen this already, I'm sure. I had not. Much impressed. (Got a little choked up at the end.) Tip of the hat to good NC Zoo Society friend Vinny Colucci.)


Watch CBS Videos Online

Bravo! Dr. Mike & Team

NC Zoo Society's Mark MacAllister, of Field Trip Earth, reported today: "I talked to [Dr.] Mike [Loomis, NC Zoo lead veterinarian] just a few minutes ago...he successfully collared a large female on Mount Cameroon today, about 0700 our time...collaring went well with no complications...the group includes the collared female, her female calf, her female "granddaughter," a male calf and one additional female calf.

"Animals and people are all healthy."

Bison Females Learning

Those young, pregnant female bison which recently came to the NC Zoo did not know their place in the herd. The herd knew that when the bull and "matriarch" are ready to go somewhere they take their time and then lead the way. The newcomers tried just going on their own, ahead of the dominant ones.

The bull was rough with them and there was some concern for the unborn calves. Keeper staff is dealing with all of this and it is believed that no permanent harm has been done.

Hanna Supports L.A. Zoo

Jack Hanna has come out in support of the L.A. Zoo and its planned 3 1/2 acre, $40M elephant exhibit. The city has put it on hold.

Rhinos Will Return in February

The seven NC Zoo southern white rhinos will be off exhibit now for about one month. "Termite mounds" are being added to their 30-acre, Watani Grasslands exhibit. These are feeders for the antelope that share the space, and food, with the rhinos.

The rhinos appear not to be sharing enough.

You may see some rhinos on a January visit...in the smaller "boma" portion of their habitat.

NOT happy it's Monday!

NOT happy it's Monday!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

Monday, January 5, NC Zoo Sonoran Desert ocelot. Photo and title by ucumari.

Young Donors Give Again

Leo Tamburro, 8 years old, and Isabelle Tamburro, 11, have sent gifts to the NC Zoo Society and Zoo animals again. Both are multi-year donors. Each gave almost $100 saved from her or his allowance at year end.

Leo wanted NC Zoo Polar bear keepers to know he wanted to help at their Rocky Coast exhibit. Isabelle told the "serval keepers" that she wanted to buy "food, toys, etc." for their charges.

Frozentoesen Toledo Zoo

Celebration reminds all that the Toledo Zoo is indeed open in January and February.

Frozentoesen features vulture enrichment and, of course, ice sculptures.

Scotland Neck Connection

When one joins the NC Zoo Society one gets free or reduced admission to 150 other zoos and aquariums in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), in addition to admission to the NC Zoo.

The other 150 AZA organizations offer a similar benefit. But only the NC Zoo and Society offer free admission to the new Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, home to the largest collection of captive waterfowl in North America, in Scotland Neck, NC.

How did this come to pass?

Many years ago the NC Zoo Director, David M. Jones, asked me to join him and then NC Zoo bird curator (now general curator of the entire animal collection) Ken Reininger for a visit to Scotland Neck. They explained on the way that there was a breeding center in place there which on one hand provided a needed business service to AZA institutions and, on the other hand, was extremely successful at conserving a wide variety of rare ducks, geese and swans. Mike Lubbock, the owner/operator, I learned, had over 15 world first breedings of these species to his credit...a monumental accomplishment.

This effort at cross purposes, of what was then Sylvan Heights Waterfowl II, for breeding, conservation and sales only (there was no waterfowl park until very recently), was not succeeding financially, David and Ken explained. The AZA was asking the NC Zoo leaders to help keep Sylvan Heights viable, to continue the breeding center for a source of waterfowl to AZA collections, to continue its good works and to help assure that Mike Lubbock's good knowledge and techniques were passed on to future generations.

David and Ken asked the Society to help Sylvan Heights with fund raising and membership building, as the Bronx Zoo had done before us, and with helping them see that Mike's knowledge and accomplishments continued.

With many other Zoo and Society priorities, the Sylvan Heights partnership with us grew very slowly. There were talks of much bigger things...even of bringing Sylvan Heights from Scotland Neck to Asheboro (home to the NC Zoo). But it became clear that Sylvan Heights would need to become more self-sufficient.

It became clear to the Society that Sylvan Heights had some very dedicated supporters across the country, people capable of doing much for waterfowl, but not as interested in other Zoo priorities.

To make a long story shorter, Mike's son Brett has now graduated college and decided to work at Sylvan Heights, helping to carry on his father's tradition. Dad, Mom (Ali) and son are active in Sylvan Heights and have been regionally and nationally recognized for their contributions to waterfowl and the Eastern NC economy.

The Society helped Sylvan Heights raise funds to build the Waterfowl Park right there in Scotland Neck (when it was clear that it was not a capital budget priority for the State Zoo and Asheboro site), a source of income and education about Sylvan Heights breeding and waterfowl in general. The Society also helped Sylvan Heights become so self-sufficient that it is now its own IRS-recognized non-profit organization with its own board of directors.

The Society remains proud of its ongoing partnership with Sylvan Heights...still helping with membership, retail, fund raising, marketing, public relations and more.

It is a very nice destination for a visit of a couple of hours. School groups visit regularly. It serves rare and endangered ducks, geese and swans now and will well into the future.

Snow Willy!

Snow Willy!
Originally uploaded by ucumari

ucumari captured Willy in his man-made snow too (without the blue tint).

Kitten

Kitten
Originally uploaded by mngl

by mngl

Why Do We Humans...?

...so enjoy putting boxing gloves, hats, scarves, sweaters, vests, etc. on wild and domestic animals or representations thereof?

Aren't they often cute enough without our help?

More Polar Bears Starving

New research offers troubling news about polar bears and sea ice.

The study goes back over 20 recent years. Bears who were fasting when they should have been feasting increased THREE-FOLD (despite the title put on the article at the link above). ["In 1985 and 1986 the proportion of bears fasting was 9.6 and 10.5 per cent respectively. By 2005 and 2006 this had risen to 21.4 and 29.3 per cent (Polar Biology, DOI: 10.1007/s00300-008-0530-0)." New Scientist.]

Why is this happening? "Loss of sea ice, on which the bears hunt for seals, and possibly a loss of seals, which build dens for their young on the ice.

"The bears’ problems are far from over. Arctic sea ice has been melting for decades, but scientists say that melting has been accelerating over the past few years."

"There was slightly more ice (4.6 million sq. km) left at the end of fall 2008. But that’s just slightly more than all of 2007 (4.3 million sq. km), the second lowest coverage on record."

Polar Snow 1/1/09

Polar Snow 1/1/09
Originally uploaded by russlings

The NC Zoo made snow for Wilhelm on New Year's Day with a snow machine donated through the Zoo Society. (NC Zoo photo by Jeff Owen)

Penguin/Polar Bear Catapult Game

Daily Google searches for "polar bear" provide some of the material for this blog.

I also find myself sorting through many articles - following the successes and failures of sporting teams called the "Polar Bears" ("Bears Can't Overcome Big Reds"), viewing photos of open-mouthed, cold-water-shocked people participating in "Polar Bear Plunges" into icy waters to raise money or attention and keeping up with products created around a polar bear theme, like this "Crazy Penguin Catapult" game which features digital penguins bowling over digital polar bears.

Would we need to change these team mascots, plunges and products if the polar bear becomes extinct?

Kazlowski Sees No Polar Bear Debate

Just look at the title of his book ("The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World") and you know there is no polar bear/global warming debate to Steven Kozlowski.

A decade of dedication is his investment in that belief. "Any competent wildlife photographer knows all about waiting. Far fewer have waited in bitter subzero cold for weeks on end, hoping for the wind and the sun and other conditions to be right for a glimpse at the planet's largest land predator."

2 Sides: Polar Bear & Sea Ice

Two sides of the polar bear/sea ice debate are offered by WashingtonPost.com.

Interior Secretary Dirk "Kempthorne said it is impossible to prove that greenhouse gas emissions from sources such as coal-fired power plants in the continental United States threaten the polar bear's survival."

"David Moulton, who directs climate policy and conservation funding for the Wilderness Society,..." said: "The bear is threatened because its habitat is melting as a result of global warming. The secretary apparently has studied why he CAN'T help fight global warming on behalf of the polar bear, but he hasn't any suggestions about how he CAN... His 'Polar Bear action plan to help protect the bear is a furry flight of fancy. He threw the bear a lifeline that was too short, and is now patting himself on the back for trying."

"The fact sheet [offering 26 "Bush Administration Accomplishments at the Department of the Interior"] states: "After months of careful study and the development of new, cutting edge scientific techniques to properly identify, track and predict the effect of declining sea ice on polar bear populations worldwide, the Department proposed and then listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Department further developed a Polar Bear action plan to help protect the bear.""

A Year in the Life...

...of a few trees.

They took 2008 better than I.

Happier '09, russlings.