EAZA News 57-12 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
EAZA News 57-12 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
EAZA News 57-12 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
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<strong>EAZA</strong>NEWS<br />
quarterly publication <strong>of</strong> the european association <strong>of</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria<br />
january february march 2007<br />
05<br />
Exhibit evaluation<br />
<strong>and</strong> visitor studies<br />
10<br />
IZE Conference 2006<br />
<strong>12</strong><br />
A st<strong>and</strong>ard format<br />
for RCPs<br />
14<br />
Re-using water<br />
26<br />
Animal conservation<br />
genetics<br />
31<br />
Conservation<br />
workshop for green<br />
toads<br />
28 Conserving the threatened elkhorn coral<br />
<strong>57</strong><br />
2 0 0 7<br />
22 Insects <strong>and</strong> butterflies at Artis Royal Zoo
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
02<br />
w h o i s w h o i n e a z a<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Committee<br />
chair Leobert de Boer, Apenheul Primate Park vice-chair Simon Tonge, Paignton Zoo<br />
secretary Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Lisbon Zoo treasurer Ryszard Topola, Lodz Zoo<br />
chair eep committee Bengt Holst, Copenhagen Zoo chair membership & ethics committee<br />
Lars Lunding Andersen, Copenhagen Zoo chair aquarium committee Jürgen Lange, Berlin Zoo<br />
chair legislation committee Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Director<br />
Harry Schram, <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office, Amsterdam<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> St<strong>and</strong>ing Committees Chairs<br />
eep committee Bengt Holst, Copenhagen Zoo<br />
membership & ethics committee Lars Lunding Andersen, Copenhagen Zoo<br />
aquarium committee Jürgen Lange, Berlin Zoo<br />
legislation committee Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Specialist Committees Chairs<br />
veterinary committee Jacques Ka<strong>and</strong>orp, Safaripark Beekse Bergen<br />
research committee Gordon McGregor Reid, Chester Zoo<br />
conservation committee Pierre Gay, Zoo de Doué<br />
education & exhibit design committee Henk Hiddingh, Emmen Zoo<br />
committee on technical assistance & animal welfare Dominique Tropeano, Colchester Zoo<br />
committee on pr & marketing Jörg Adler, Münster Zoo<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Council Members 2006 - 2009<br />
austria Andreas Kaufmann, Natur- und Tierpark Herberstein belgium Rol<strong>and</strong> Van Bocxstaele,<br />
Antwerp Zoo croatia Mladen Anic, Zagreb Zoo czech republic Dana Holeckova, Dvur<br />
Kralove Zoo · Vladislav Jirousek, Jihlava Zoo denmark Henrik Herold, R<strong>and</strong>ers Zoo estonia<br />
Mati Kaal, Tallinn Zoo finl<strong>and</strong> Seppo Turunen, Helsinki Zoo france Françoise Delord,<br />
ZooParc de Beauval · Pierre Gay, Zoo de Doué · Thierry Jardin, CERZA Lisieux · Michel Hignette,<br />
Aquarium de la Porte Dorée germany Bernhard Blaszkiewitz, Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde ·<br />
Dieter Jauch, Wilhelma (Stuttgart) · Achim Johann, NaturZoo Rheine · Thomas Kauffels, Georg<br />
von Opel Zoo (Kronberg) · Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo greece Andreas Sioulas, Rhodes<br />
Aquarium hungary Ilma Bogsch, Budapest Zoo irel<strong>and</strong> Neil Stronach, Fota Wildlife Park<br />
italy Gloria Svampa Garibaldi, Punta Verde Zoo (Lignano) latvia Rol<strong>and</strong>s Greizins, Riga Zoo<br />
lithuania Vaclovas Dumcius, Kaunas Zoo netherl<strong>and</strong>s Leobert de Boer, Apenheul Primate<br />
Park · Wim Verberkmoes, GaiaPark Kerkrade Zoo norway Arne Magne Robstad, Kristians<strong>and</strong><br />
Zoo pol<strong>and</strong> Ryszard Topola, Lodz Zoo portugal Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Lisbon Zoo russia<br />
Vladimir V. Spitsin, Moscow Zoo slovakia Miloslava Savelová, Bratislava Zoo slovenia<br />
Zdenka Barbara Ban Fischinger, Ljubljana Zoo spain José Ignacio Cobo, Zoo Aquarium Madrid ·<br />
Agustin Lopez Goya, Faunia (Madrid) sweden Hans-Ove Larsson, Skansen Foundation ·<br />
Bo Kjellson, Boras Djurpark switzerl<strong>and</strong> Christian Stauffer, Wildpark Langenberg (Langnau)<br />
turkey vacancy ukraine vacancy united kingdom Bryan Carroll, Bristol Zoo · Mark<br />
Pilgrim, Chester Zoo · Simon Tonge, Paignton Zoo · Ken J. Sims, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens ·<br />
Dominique A. Tropeano, Colchester Zoo<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ing Committee Chairs co-opted in Council<br />
Lars Lunding Andersen, Copenhagen Zoo · Bengt Holst, Copenhagen Zoo · Jürgen Lange, Berlin Zoo<br />
Specialist Committee Chairs as observers in Council<br />
Jörg Adler, Münster Zoo · Gordon McGregor Reid, Chester Zoo · Jacques Ka<strong>and</strong>orp, Safaripark<br />
Beekse Bergen · Henk Hiddingh, Emmen Zoo<br />
member <strong>of</strong><br />
colophon<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> is the quarterly magazine <strong>of</strong> the <strong>European</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquaria</strong> (<strong>EAZA</strong>)<br />
Editorial Board Chair <strong>EAZA</strong> Bert de Boer Executive Director Harry Schram<br />
Chair Membership & Ethics Committee Lars Lunding Andersen Managing Editor Jeannette van Benthem<br />
(jeannette.van.benthem@eaza.net) Editorial Staff Corinne Bos, Koen Brouwer, Bart Hiddinga, Catherine King, Danny de Man<br />
Design Jantijn Ontwerp bno, Made, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Printing Drukkerij Van den Dool, Sliedrecht, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
ISSN 1<strong>57</strong>4-2997. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those <strong>of</strong> the <strong>European</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquaria</strong>.<br />
Deadline <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> 58: 1 March 2007<br />
Printed on TREE-FREE paper bleached without chlorine <strong>and</strong> free from acid<br />
eaza executive <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
FROM THE EDITORS<br />
Looking back at 2006, this year was filled with important<br />
developments for <strong>EAZA</strong>; the new <strong>EAZA</strong> St<strong>and</strong>ards<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> Constitution were approved, <strong>12</strong> new institutions<br />
joined <strong>EAZA</strong>, a new membership category was<br />
implemented (corporate membership) <strong>and</strong> a new <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
executive director was appointed. Several publications<br />
were completed <strong>and</strong> distributed amongst the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
membership, including the <strong>EAZA</strong> Yearbook 2004, the<br />
Proceedings <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Annual Conference 2005 <strong>and</strong><br />
the brochure ‘Ten simple things that will improve our<br />
EEPs considerably’.<br />
Sustainability was one <strong>of</strong> the central themes <strong>of</strong><br />
last year’s Annual Conference, <strong>and</strong> the after-conference<br />
issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> (issue 56) entirely focused on this<br />
important topic. As this topic was well received, the<br />
subject ‘sustainability’ will continue to be featured,<br />
starting with two interesting articles in this issue.<br />
Besides the articles in this issue that cover the topics<br />
normally found in <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong>, one article describes the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> a new Regional Collection Plan (RCP)<br />
according to the st<strong>and</strong>ard format as developed by the<br />
EEP Committee. Furthermore, the back cover <strong>of</strong> this issue<br />
once more summarizes what ZIMS can do for you, as<br />
getting ready for ZIMS is extremely important for all<br />
<strong>of</strong> us in <strong>EAZA</strong>.<br />
Last but not least, we would like to thank those<br />
who enthusiastically contributed to <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> in<br />
2006! Special thanks goes to Jenny van Leeuwen for<br />
her dedicated work as former managing editor <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong>. After working on exactly twenty issues<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong>, Jenny van Leeuwen has resigned from<br />
her editing job to take up a position at the Dutch Zoo<br />
Federation. We would also like to thank the authors<br />
that sent in all interesting articles that have kept the<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> membership up-to-date about what is happening<br />
within the <strong>EAZA</strong> community. We look forward to<br />
receive as much interesting articles in 2007, so if you<br />
have never contributed to <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong>, make this year<br />
the year to do so!<br />
c/o Amsterdam Zoo, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Website: www.eaza.net e-mail: info@eaza.net<br />
Membership Services & Accreditation tel: +31 20 520 07 53 fax: +31 20 520 07 54 e-mail: corinne.bos@eaza.net<br />
Collection Coordination & Conservation tel: +31 20 520 07 50 fax: +31 20 520 07 52 e-mail: bart.hiddinga@eaza.net
<strong>12</strong><br />
photo bristol zoo<br />
26 30<br />
photo john o’brien photo järvzoo (järvsö)<br />
c<br />
Colophon · Who is who<br />
Re-using water at Burgers’ Ocean<br />
Deep green design for zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria<br />
The second SECORE workshop; conserving the threatened elkhorn coral<br />
22<br />
cover Argema mittrei<br />
photo ronald van weeren/<br />
artis royal zoo (amsterdam)<br />
cover Acropora palmate<br />
photo eric borneman<br />
contents<br />
02 from the editors<br />
03 contents<br />
Executive Committee meets in Jersey · Welcome to Warsaw · Cooperation with EZNC terminated · <strong>EAZA</strong> Zoo Educators · 04 from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Supporting Tirana Zoo · Exhibit evaluation <strong>and</strong> visitor studies · Breeding Programme Management Course · Rectification 05 from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Remember to register! · Do you need other images? · Painting <strong>and</strong> drawing for Madagascar 06 eaza madagascar campaign<br />
Trip to Madagascar in 2007 07 eaza madagascar campaign<br />
Why is Madagascar so special? · Madagascar competition for school children 08 eaza madagsacar campaign<br />
Chris Peters 09 interview<br />
The IZE Conference 2006; a huge success! · Just another educator 10 education<br />
Wanted: New holders for the Somali wild ass EEP 11 collection planning<br />
A new Regional Collection Plan for Callitrichids <strong>12</strong> collection planning<br />
13 collection planning<br />
14 sustainability<br />
15 sustainability<br />
16 sustainability<br />
17 sustainability<br />
Wuppertal · Broxbourne 18 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Bristol · R<strong>and</strong>ers 19 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Berlin · Arnhem 20 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Lemurs flourish in their easy access enclosure 21 new enclosures<br />
The insect house <strong>and</strong> butterfly pavilion at Artis Royal Zoo 22 new enclosures<br />
23 new enclosures<br />
A tropical paradise for the giants <strong>of</strong> the tortoise world, the Aldabra tortoises 24 new enclosures<br />
Protocol signed to recover the Iberian golden eagle 25 conservation<br />
Animal conservation genetics 26 research<br />
27 research<br />
28 conservation<br />
29 conservation<br />
SAZA focuses on its own backyard 30 conservation<br />
CBSG Europe conducts conservation workshop for green toads · Programme updates 31 conservation<br />
Update on the development <strong>of</strong> ZIMS · Studbook data cleaning project 33 eadisc | isis<br />
ZIMS; what will it do for you? 36 zims<br />
28<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
32 books | dir. updates |publications<br />
03
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
04<br />
from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Executive Committee meets in Jersey<br />
The <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Committee met in the inspiring quarters <strong>of</strong><br />
the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey on 13 January<br />
2007. The committee looked into the idea <strong>of</strong> organising a<br />
programme <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional training <strong>and</strong> development courses for<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> zoo <strong>and</strong> aquarium staff. The long-established International<br />
Training Centre at Durrell provides a good example <strong>and</strong> a<br />
possible location for such a training programme. Furthermore,<br />
it was decided to start a ‘future search’ exercise to look at<br />
the future <strong>of</strong> the organisation <strong>and</strong> the tasks to be fulfilled by<br />
the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office. Participants <strong>of</strong> the Spring Council<br />
meeting in Kristians<strong>and</strong> (Norway) in May 2007 will hear a lot<br />
more about this.<br />
Cooperation with EZNC terminated<br />
For a number <strong>of</strong> years <strong>EAZA</strong> has cooperated with the <strong>European</strong> Zoo<br />
Nutrition Centre (EZNC). During these years the EZNC worked together<br />
with the <strong>EAZA</strong> Nutrition Group on gathering <strong>and</strong> sharing knowledge<br />
on zoo animal nutrition. Also, the EZNC was provided with <strong>of</strong>fice space<br />
<strong>and</strong> logistic support by the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office in Amsterdam, free<br />
<strong>of</strong> charge. However, cooperation between <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>and</strong> the EZNC has now<br />
been terminated, <strong>and</strong> no relationships exist. Any questions regarding<br />
zoo animal nutrition can be directed to the <strong>EAZA</strong> Nutrition Group.<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Zoo Educators (EZE)<br />
<strong>European</strong> Zoo Educators (EZE) has been the <strong>European</strong> regional branch<br />
<strong>of</strong> International Zoo Educators (IZE) for many years. In the <strong>European</strong><br />
zoo educator community EZE is well known thanks to its biennial<br />
conferences <strong>and</strong> the ERNIZE list serve. Additionally, EZE has worked<br />
closely with the <strong>EAZA</strong> Education <strong>and</strong> Exhibit Design Committee, <strong>and</strong><br />
in fact, the <strong>European</strong> board members <strong>of</strong> IZE were members <strong>of</strong> this<br />
committee. Because <strong>of</strong> this close relationship, IZE <strong>and</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> decided<br />
to put the <strong>European</strong> zoo educators under the regional umbrella <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>EAZA</strong>. Henceforth EZE st<strong>and</strong>s for <strong>EAZA</strong> Zoo Educators.<br />
This does not imply that zoo, aquaria <strong>and</strong> nature reserve educators<br />
employed by <strong>EAZA</strong> member institutions automatically are IZE members,<br />
nor that <strong>European</strong>s that are not <strong>EAZA</strong> members can not become IZE<br />
members.<br />
The next EZE Conference will kindly be hosted by Budapest Zoo,<br />
Hungary from 28 to 31 March 2007. A challenging programme covering<br />
four days has been prepared, starting with the registration <strong>and</strong> an<br />
ice breaker. This will be followed by three days <strong>of</strong> presentations <strong>and</strong><br />
workshops; the first day will focus on sustainability <strong>and</strong> the second<br />
day will highlight the Amphibian Crisis <strong>and</strong> ‘2008; the year <strong>of</strong> the<br />
frogs’. The last day will be reserved to communicate problems <strong>and</strong><br />
successes <strong>of</strong> the eastern <strong>European</strong> zoos.<br />
For more information, please visit www.zoobudapest.com/eze2007<br />
Supporting Tirana Zoo<br />
Tirana Zoo was once a favourite day out for Tirana's citizens <strong>and</strong> many<br />
other Albanians. However, due to many years <strong>of</strong> neglect, the zoo is<br />
now in a truly deplorable state. Through the Technical Assistance<br />
<strong>and</strong> Animal Welfare (TA&AW) Committee, <strong>EAZA</strong> has actively been<br />
supporting Albania's only <strong>of</strong>ficial zoo since 2004. After several meetings<br />
<strong>and</strong> recommendations by the Committee to increase the animal welfare,<br />
it is now time to take things a step further.<br />
Albania is one <strong>of</strong> Europe's poorest countries, but things are improving.<br />
The City <strong>of</strong> Tirana is very much willing to redevelop the Tirana Zoo <strong>and</strong><br />
the surrounding park as this is one <strong>of</strong> the few remaining green spaces<br />
in the city. From 6 to 8 December 2006 a workshop was organised to<br />
discuss a new future for the zoo. Dominique Tropeano, chair <strong>of</strong> the<br />
TA&AW Committee, led the workshop that was attended by over twenty<br />
people representing various city departments, the zoo staff <strong>and</strong> various<br />
NGOs. Together, the participants created a short-term action plan<br />
including the most urgent actions needed to improve animal welfare<br />
<strong>and</strong> visitor safety. This action plan was sent to the Tirana City Council<br />
for approval <strong>and</strong> to obtain the necessary funds. This year a more detailed<br />
master plan for the total reconstruction <strong>of</strong> the zoo will be developed,<br />
based on the first ideas created during the workshop. With the support<br />
<strong>of</strong> the City Council, this workshop will hopefully be the first step<br />
towards a better future for Tirana Zoo. Further visits by the TA&AW<br />
Committee are planned for this year.<br />
Welcome to Warsaw<br />
The 24th <strong>EAZA</strong> Annual Conference will be hosted<br />
by Warsaw Zoo, Pol<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> will take place<br />
from 11 to 15 September 2007. Preparations are<br />
currently underway <strong>and</strong> all <strong>EAZA</strong> members<br />
should have received conference registration<br />
information. As always, information is also available<br />
on the ‘Conference’ section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
photo eaza executive <strong>of</strong>fice
Exhibit evaluation <strong>and</strong> visitor studies; a new focus for <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
We all know how to evaluate the success <strong>of</strong> our breeding programmes or <strong>of</strong><br />
our marketing efforts; we can easily analyse what is happening to our animal<br />
collections or populations <strong>and</strong> we can count visitors <strong>and</strong> the amount <strong>of</strong> money<br />
they spend within the gates <strong>of</strong> our institutions. Evaluating the message we<br />
are communicating to our visitors is not that easy, but it is an important <strong>and</strong><br />
necessary tool if we want to make sure we are communicating the right<br />
message to the right audience. What do our visitors learn from their visit?<br />
Do they read the labels? How do they experience our messages about<br />
conservation <strong>and</strong> sustainability? Do we help them to change their behaviour?<br />
<strong>European</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria have a lot to learn in this field, especially when<br />
you compare with our North American colleagues or with what has been<br />
going on in the museum <strong>and</strong> science centre world, also in Europe.<br />
Breeding Programme Management Course<br />
In the first week <strong>of</strong> December 2006 another <strong>EAZA</strong> Breeding Programme<br />
Management Course was held at the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office. Twelve<br />
participants from different parts <strong>of</strong> Europe completed the course. Two groups<br />
were trained in a wide range <strong>of</strong> aspects that are relevant when managing<br />
an EEP or ESB, such as population genetics, demographics, working with<br />
SPARKS <strong>and</strong> PM2000, as well as politics <strong>and</strong> policies. The external docents<br />
Kristin Leus (<strong>EAZA</strong> Population Management Advisory Group) <strong>and</strong> Tanya<br />
Langenhorst (Marwell Zoological Park, Winchester) together with <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Executive Office staff members taught the different topics during this week.<br />
Rectification<br />
from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> will help its members in communicating more effectively with their<br />
audience. Visitor studies <strong>and</strong> evaluation will be a new focus <strong>of</strong> our activities.<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> recently became an institutional member <strong>of</strong> the Visitor Studies <strong>Association</strong>,<br />
through which we can all benefit from the experience <strong>of</strong> hundreds <strong>of</strong><br />
audience researchers in museums, zoos, science centres <strong>and</strong> natural habitats.<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> is also planning an exhibit evaluation activity or workshop during this<br />
year’s annual conference in Warsaw. <strong>EAZA</strong> is confident that when it comes to<br />
evaluating <strong>and</strong> improving our message, things are already beginning to move<br />
within the <strong>European</strong> zoo <strong>and</strong> aquarium community. On 24 <strong>and</strong> 25 May 2007,<br />
the Zoological Society <strong>of</strong> London is organising an interesting symposium,<br />
‘Zoo experiences <strong>and</strong> the human dimensions <strong>of</strong> saving wildlife’. Please refer<br />
to the <strong>EAZA</strong> website ‘calendar’ for more information about this symposium.<br />
photo rob doolaard (izp)/rotterdam zoo<br />
photo eaza executive <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
In <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> 56, the ‘Sustainability special’, in the article ‘The World-Garden in Münster Zoo, an unusual journey around the globe’ the<br />
name <strong>of</strong> NGO ‘Eine Welt Netz NRW e.V.’ was incorrectly translated into ‘One World Television Network’ (see <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> 56/2006, p.32-33).<br />
The correct English name should be ‘One World Network NRW’.<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
05
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
06<br />
photo nick garbutt<br />
eaza madagascar campaign<br />
Remember to register!<br />
Painting <strong>and</strong> drawing for Madagascar<br />
Roger Graf, Zürich Zoo, Switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
With the Madagascar Campaign launch in Madrid still in mind (October 2006), several<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> members have already started organising their campaign activities. Examples<br />
<strong>of</strong> these activities can be found on the following pages, as well as on the ‘Campaign’<br />
section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website. Please also forward your institution’s stories <strong>and</strong> pictures<br />
on the campaign to the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office (martijn.los@eaza.net).<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> would like to thank the 70 <strong>EAZA</strong> member institutions that have already registered for campaign participation. Please<br />
remember to register for the campaign as soon as possible if your institution is also planning to participate. Registration<br />
details can be found in the Madagascar Campaign Info Pack. A registration form can also be downloaded from the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
website member area. Please join the campaign <strong>and</strong> help conserve Madagascar; ‘Arovako i Madagasikara’!<br />
photo samuel furrer/zürich zoo<br />
Do you need other images?<br />
Hopefully you are enjoying <strong>and</strong> making full use <strong>of</strong><br />
the images provided on the CD-ROM accompanying<br />
the Campaign Info Pack. However, the campaign core<br />
group supports any wishes for a specific image or<br />
group <strong>of</strong> images that has not been supplied already.<br />
For example, the core group is currently sourcing<br />
reef images <strong>of</strong> Madagascar as requested by aquarium<br />
colleagues. If you need a particular image to create<br />
exciting graphics for the campaign in your institution,<br />
please contact Roger Graf (roger.graf@zoo.ch) or<br />
Lesley Dickie (lesley.dickie@zsl.org) <strong>and</strong> they will<br />
try to find them for you!<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Madagascar Campaign 2006/7, your institution can participate in a painting <strong>and</strong> drawing activity. Ask school children <strong>and</strong><br />
other groups <strong>of</strong> visitors to paint or draw Malagasy animals <strong>and</strong> plants. If present, Malagasy animals or plants within your institution can serve as<br />
models. By participating in this activity, you are <strong>of</strong>fering your visitors an enjoyable event <strong>and</strong> at the same time hopefully contribute to making the<br />
Malagasy people proud <strong>of</strong> their nature <strong>and</strong> motivate them to protect their environment.<br />
All paintings <strong>and</strong> drawings collected will be distributed to school children in Madagascar with the help <strong>of</strong> 49 Malagasy radio stations. These radio<br />
stations will report on the <strong>EAZA</strong> Madagascar Campaign <strong>and</strong> invite local people to draw pictures in return. A Swiss company has donated 2,400<br />
boxes <strong>of</strong> crayons for them to use. Their drawings will be brought to the radio stations until September 2007, from where they will be sent to<br />
Europe <strong>and</strong> subsequently distributed to the participating institutions to exhibit them.<br />
The paintings <strong>and</strong> drawings should be made on paper <strong>and</strong> should not be bigger than A3. The finished artworks should be bundled together for<br />
sending <strong>and</strong> labelled with the address <strong>of</strong> the school or group sending them <strong>and</strong> the age <strong>of</strong> the participants. Special format postcards to add to the<br />
bundles <strong>of</strong> drawings have been prepared, with text in English, German, Dutch, French, Spanish <strong>and</strong> Italian. These can be printed from the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Education DVD which was distributed to the <strong>EAZA</strong> membership in November 2006.
Trip to Madagascar in 2007<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> you have indicated to be interested in visiting the isl<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Madagascar, to view the amazing wildlife <strong>and</strong> wild places <strong>of</strong> the<br />
isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> to meet its people. The campaign core group <strong>and</strong> several<br />
colleagues are looking into the possibility <strong>of</strong> organising a trip to<br />
Madagascar, tentatively for October 2007. While visiting some <strong>of</strong><br />
the better known locations on the isl<strong>and</strong>, it is hoped to visit at<br />
least some <strong>of</strong> the recipient projects, so one can see how money<br />
raised by <strong>EAZA</strong> member institutions is being used. It is anticipated<br />
that the costs for such a trip will be between €4,500 <strong>and</strong> €5,000 per<br />
person. A ‘conservation surcharge’ going directly to the campaign<br />
will constitute 10 to 15% <strong>of</strong> the sum. Provisional figures <strong>and</strong> other<br />
details will be provided in due time. However, before developing<br />
these plans any further, <strong>EAZA</strong> needs to know how many people<br />
would be interested in taking a two-week trip to Madagascar.<br />
Please contact Lesley Dickie (lesley.dickie@zsl.org) as soon as<br />
possible if you are interested.<br />
Along mainroad Moramanga <strong>and</strong> Tamatave photo samuel furrer/zürich zoo<br />
Paintings <strong>and</strong> drawings can be sent via courier or airmail to the radio<br />
stations until September 2007. As the Malagasy postal system is<br />
not very reliable, two secure distribution channels have been selected<br />
to receive the drawings (addresses below). These headquarters will<br />
distribute the paintings <strong>and</strong> drawings to the other regional radio studios.<br />
National/governmental radio stations<br />
Radio MBS<br />
Monsieur Mahery H. Andrianasolo<br />
39, rue Joël Rakotomalala<br />
101 Antananarivo<br />
Madagascar<br />
For further questions <strong>and</strong> help, please contact Roger Graf<br />
(roger.graf@zoo.ch).<br />
eaza madagascar campaign<br />
Private radio stations<br />
ESSVA<br />
Monsieur Jo Monney<br />
Mioramaso<strong>and</strong>ro<br />
B.P. 371<br />
110 Antsirabe<br />
Madagascar<br />
This could be the holiday <strong>of</strong> a lifetime….<strong>and</strong>, if you<br />
are very lucky, your institution will send you!<br />
Responsible ecotourism will be an increasing foreign income<br />
generator for Madagascar, <strong>and</strong> will help bolster the protection <strong>of</strong><br />
the new conservation areas. <strong>EAZA</strong> therefore would like its members<br />
to think about how they can arrange trips to Madagascar for their<br />
zoo visitors in 2008, potentially using their own experience in 2007.<br />
Trips could be arranged through local tour operators in the zoo’s<br />
home country <strong>and</strong> they could levy the conservation surcharge to<br />
further raise funds for the Madagascar Campaign longitudinally.<br />
By giving a talk in your zoo in late 2007 using the, no doubt,<br />
amazing images taken on the 2007 trip to Madagascar, interest<br />
in such a trip can easily be generated. Zoo visitors would thus be<br />
able to see where their conservation funds are being spent <strong>and</strong><br />
their commitment to conservation may be increased.<br />
Lowl<strong>and</strong> rainforest at Masoala National Park photo roger graf/zürich zoo<br />
photo zürich zoo<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
07
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
08<br />
eaza madagascar campaign<br />
Why is Madagascar so special?<br />
Lesley Dickie, Zoological Society <strong>of</strong> London, United Kingdom<br />
During the campaign year you will <strong>of</strong>ten be reminded (in case you<br />
still need any further reminding…) <strong>of</strong> how special Madagascar is. One<br />
way is through articles written by different members <strong>of</strong> the campaign<br />
core group, in this issue starting with the carnivores <strong>of</strong> Madagascar.<br />
Despite being so close to the African l<strong>and</strong> mass, Madagascar has no<br />
dogs or cats, <strong>and</strong> no predators as large or highly visible as hunting<br />
dogs <strong>and</strong> lions. Yet the carnivores <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong> are a fascinating group<br />
<strong>and</strong> just as charismatic in their own way. They have been overlooked<br />
in the past because there is a paltry eight species; a very low number<br />
for an isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> this size. They are also relatively small in body size,<br />
mostly nocturnal, some solitary <strong>and</strong> when living in groups, the<br />
photo hermann will/chemnitz zoo<br />
Madagascar competition for school children<br />
Stanislav Derlich, Ostrava Zoo, Czech Republic<br />
groups are small. However, they share in common with the majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> the other inhabitants <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong>, high levels <strong>of</strong> evolutionary<br />
distinctiveness. After many years <strong>of</strong> fervent scientific discussion, the<br />
carnivores <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong> have been taxonomically assigned to their own<br />
family, the Eupleridae. This is further subdivided into two subfamilies;<br />
the Euplerinae consisting <strong>of</strong> the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the falanouc<br />
(Eupleres goudotti) <strong>and</strong> the Malagasy civet (Fossa fossana), <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Galidiinae consisting <strong>of</strong> the ring-tailed mongoose (Galidia elegans),<br />
the broad-striped mongoose (Galidictis fasciata), the Gr<strong>and</strong>idier’s<br />
mongoose (Galidictis gr<strong>and</strong>idieri ), the narrow-striped mongoose<br />
(Mungotictis decemlineata) <strong>and</strong> the little-known brown-tailed<br />
mongoose (Salanoia concolor). Six <strong>of</strong> the eight species are thought<br />
to be monotypic.<br />
The fossa, falanouc, narrow-striped mongoose <strong>and</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong>idier’s<br />
mongoose are all classed as Endangered in the 2006 IUCN Red List,<br />
while the Malagasy civet, ring-tailed mongoose, broad-striped<br />
mongoose <strong>and</strong> brown-tailed mongoose are all classed as Vulnerable.<br />
This entire family <strong>of</strong> carnivores is threatened with extinction, yet<br />
it receives little conservation attention. We hope that the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Madagascar Campaign 2006/7 will help change this parlous state<br />
<strong>of</strong> affairs. There is an EEP for the fossa, the largest <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong>’s<br />
carnivores <strong>and</strong> a fascinating species. New holders are always needed,<br />
so please consider keeping this species. The narrow-striped mongoose<br />
<strong>and</strong> ring-tailed mongoose are also held in captivity, though in much<br />
lower numbers. Think about how you can use your current exhibits<br />
<strong>of</strong> non-threatened small carnivores to talk about this group… <strong>and</strong><br />
hopefully raise funds for the campaign.<br />
Winners <strong>of</strong> the competition photo ostrava zoo<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Madagascar Campaign activities at Ostrava Zoo started<br />
already in early November 2006 with the competition ‘Mammals<br />
<strong>and</strong> birds <strong>of</strong> Madagascar’. The competition included questions on<br />
Madagascar fauna <strong>and</strong> conservation issues. In total, 2213 schoolchildren (10-15 years old) from almost hundred schools in the Moravian-<br />
Silesian region took part in the first round, <strong>and</strong> the winners participated in a final that was held on 2 December 2006.<br />
We hope that this competition has increased the awareness on the unique wildlife <strong>of</strong> Madagascar amongst the younger generation in our<br />
region. The release <strong>of</strong> a pair <strong>of</strong> endangered crowned lemurs (Eulemur coronatus) in its new enclosure was a perfect opportunity to promote<br />
the campaign again. Not only journalists, but also sponsors <strong>and</strong> schoolchildren were invited to this event on 4 December 2006.<br />
A special travelling exhibition was also prepared, with many photos <strong>and</strong> information about Madagascar <strong>and</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Madagascar Campaign.<br />
The exhibition will be presented to as many inhabitants <strong>of</strong> our region as possible (e.g. in libraries <strong>and</strong> town halls). The latest campaign<br />
event took place during Christmas as part <strong>of</strong> the ‘Painting <strong>and</strong> drawing for Madagascar’ activity. All children younger than 15 years were<br />
allowed to enter the zoo free <strong>of</strong> charge if they had drawn an image <strong>of</strong> a lemur species kept in the zoo. All the drawings collected will be<br />
sent to the children in Madagascar via our partner Malagasy radio station.<br />
Our efforts will continue in 2007. We will try to collect more drawings, particularly in cooperation with the local media. Furthermore, we<br />
are preparing a special Madagascar Day in April <strong>and</strong> many other activities!
Chris Peters<br />
Position Zoo educator at Rotterdam Zoo <strong>and</strong> past IZE president<br />
Favourite animal Elephant<br />
Favourite sustainable(!) exhibit The Oceanium at Rotterdam Zoo<br />
with its solar ro<strong>of</strong>, which probably is the biggest solar ro<strong>of</strong> in a<br />
<strong>European</strong> zoo<br />
Hobbies Working for IZE <strong>and</strong> hiking with family<br />
Please describe your career path.<br />
In 1976 I wrote a letter to the director <strong>of</strong> Rotterdam<br />
Zoo, the well-known Dick van Dam, informing him<br />
I desperately wanted to work for the zoo. Fortunately,<br />
he was not at all discouraged by the fact that I am<br />
disabled. In fact, he told me that he wanted me to work<br />
for the zoo no matter what problems had to be solved to<br />
realise that. I started setting up an animal information<br />
system for the zoo keepers. In 1983 Bert de Boer,<br />
current <strong>EAZA</strong> chair, started to organise a modern<br />
education department, after which I became a zoo<br />
educator, with my main task being to produce education<br />
panels. Later I became involved with educational<br />
aspects <strong>of</strong> developing new enclosures. Rotterdam Zoo<br />
really st<strong>and</strong>s out in integrating education; our educators<br />
are involved in zoo design, collection planning <strong>and</strong> even<br />
in the zoo management.<br />
What is the most memorable or fascinating event in your<br />
career so far?<br />
Probably my involvement with the International Zoo<br />
Educators (IZE). In 1992 the former head <strong>of</strong> education<br />
wanted me to go to the IZE Conference in Sydney.<br />
At first, I thought he was joking, as because <strong>of</strong> my<br />
h<strong>and</strong>icap I had never travelled that far abroad.<br />
Nevertheless, I ended up in Australia <strong>and</strong> became<br />
fascinated by the inspiring cooperation <strong>of</strong> the IZE. As<br />
I really missed the contribution <strong>of</strong> zoo educators from<br />
developing countries, a few years later I started to assist<br />
the IZE in getting these colleagues on board. Thanks<br />
to funds <strong>of</strong> the Dutch Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs we<br />
managed to finance the attendance <strong>of</strong> one African <strong>and</strong><br />
two South American educators to the IZE Conference in<br />
Copenhagen, 1996.<br />
Besides being a dedicated zoo educator, what other activities<br />
do you have within the zoo world?<br />
I have to mention IZE again. After the IZE Conference<br />
in 1996, I became the regional representative <strong>of</strong> Europe,<br />
Africa <strong>and</strong> the Middle East. One <strong>of</strong> my first actions was<br />
to split up this enormous region; I assisted the African<br />
participant <strong>of</strong> Copenhagen Zoo, Peter Micheni, in setting<br />
up the AZOREN (African Zoo <strong>and</strong> Reserve Educators<br />
Network). In 2000 I became the ‘president elect’ <strong>of</strong> IZE,<br />
to become president in 2003 <strong>and</strong> 2004. Last year was my<br />
final year in the assisting function as past president.<br />
What are the main challenges for the IZE president?<br />
During my presidency, my main goal was to pr<strong>of</strong>essionalize<br />
the structure <strong>of</strong> IZE; it now has a permanent <strong>of</strong>fice in<br />
Bern, Switzerl<strong>and</strong>, which makes the organisation more<br />
stable. Other challenges are to achieve a good cooperation<br />
with WAZA <strong>and</strong> regional zoo organisations like <strong>EAZA</strong>.<br />
Currently, we are the <strong>of</strong>ficial education organisation under<br />
the umbrella <strong>of</strong> WAZA. Furthermore, I would like to see<br />
more educational input in the Conservation Breeding<br />
Specialist Group (CBSG).<br />
You helped organise the 18 th IZE Conference in 2006. What<br />
did you see achieved through the conference, focussing on<br />
the United Nations’ Decade <strong>of</strong> Education for Sustainable<br />
Development?<br />
During an ‘open space activity’ we gathered a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
concrete suggestions for sustainable education.<br />
Nevertheless, the most important message that popped<br />
up was that we should invest more in evaluating our<br />
education. The sustainable message is important,<br />
but do we succeed in getting it into the minds <strong>of</strong> our<br />
visitors? IZE will focus on better evaluation tools to<br />
make our sustainable message more successful. •<br />
interview<br />
“ We are not only spreading the message,<br />
we are the message. By acting green<br />
<strong>and</strong> telling about it, hopefully we will<br />
be able to create awareness <strong>and</strong> change<br />
the lifestyle <strong>of</strong> our visitors”.<br />
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education<br />
Meeting colleagues from all over the world<br />
Approximately <strong>12</strong>0 participants from over thirty countries representing<br />
all continents came together during the conference, which comprised<br />
46 speeches, four keynote speeches, eight workshops <strong>and</strong> a two-day<br />
‘open space activity’. A very special group <strong>of</strong> participants was the IZE<br />
gr<strong>and</strong> award winners. Thanks to donations made by many zoos, zoo<br />
organisations <strong>and</strong> IZE itself, 13 educators from developing countries were<br />
able to join the conference <strong>and</strong> had the unique opportunity to become<br />
part <strong>of</strong> a worldwide network <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional colleagues.<br />
Global sustainability<br />
The IZE board had already decided three years ago to use the United<br />
Nations’ Decade <strong>of</strong> Education for Sustainable Development as the main<br />
theme for the IZE Conference 2006. During the conference, Bert de Boer,<br />
chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong>, gave an excellent keynote speech; ‘The greatest challenge<br />
for zoos; effectively raising awareness on the urgent necessity to achieve<br />
global sustainability’. With this warning message he tried to challenge<br />
educators worldwide to better focus their efforts to realise a sustainable<br />
way <strong>of</strong> life between humans <strong>and</strong> nature. Outst<strong>and</strong>ing presentations from<br />
western conservation educators <strong>and</strong> conservation educators from developing<br />
countries showed the engagement in sustainable development<br />
practices, innovative programming <strong>and</strong> evaluation strategies.<br />
just another educator<br />
Stephanie Heinzelmann<br />
Goldau Zoo, Switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
What is your personal goal as an educator?<br />
Though I have many different goals, my biggest goal is to give our zoo<br />
visitors a positive attitude towards nature. I would like them to have<br />
encouraging experiences, like for example direct encounters with our animals.<br />
What is the most difficult aspect <strong>of</strong> your work?<br />
To get done all the work I want to do! There are so many things I want to<br />
show or <strong>of</strong>fer to the visitors <strong>and</strong> so many things they wish to have. This is<br />
the most challenging aspect <strong>of</strong> our work, <strong>and</strong> you will never get bored.<br />
photo rob doolaard/izp<br />
The IZE Conference 2006; a huge success!<br />
Chris Peters, Past IZE president, Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Every two years, leading educators from zoos, aquaria <strong>and</strong> nature reserves worldwide, gather for the biennial<br />
conference <strong>of</strong> the International Zoo Educators (IZE). The 18 th IZE Conference took place from 9 to 14 October<br />
2006, <strong>and</strong> was kindly hosted by the National Zoological Gardens <strong>of</strong> South Africa. The South Africans were<br />
proud to have the IZE Conference on African soil for the first time!<br />
10<br />
photo w.g. peters-van vuren<br />
Open space activity<br />
A highlight <strong>of</strong> the conference was the dynamic ‘open space activity’. This<br />
was a new programme element, in which everybody could put forward<br />
one or more ideas on what activities would be important for IZE. It<br />
resulted in a list <strong>of</strong> 24 priority activities. The three top priorities for the<br />
coming years include evaluation, capacity building <strong>of</strong> environmental<br />
educators for sustainable development issues, <strong>and</strong> research on regional<br />
needs to provide appropriate services (e.g. workshops, sharing expertise).<br />
Thanks to the well-balanced <strong>and</strong> high-quality open space session, workshops,<br />
verbal <strong>and</strong> poster presentations, social activities <strong>and</strong> particularly<br />
to the perfect conference organisation team <strong>of</strong> the National Zoological<br />
Gardens <strong>of</strong> South Africa, the 18th IZE Conference was a great success.<br />
At the end <strong>of</strong> the conference Adelaide Zoo, Australia, gave a very promising<br />
preview <strong>of</strong> their capacity as the host <strong>of</strong> the IZE Conference in 2008. •<br />
What do you consider your biggest success?<br />
I think my biggest achievement is to find good staff <strong>and</strong> keep them enthusiastic<br />
about education. Currently, we have one full-time <strong>and</strong> three parttime<br />
educators <strong>and</strong> about 15 part-time staff members that provide guided<br />
tours, feeding talks, workshops <strong>and</strong> so on. Even though they only work<br />
part-time, they have a lot to do <strong>and</strong> the work is not always easy. As long as<br />
they love their job, they can inspire the visitors with their own enthusiasm.<br />
However, part <strong>of</strong> the team changes every year. I consider my job well done<br />
when the biggest part <strong>of</strong> my staff stays for more than one year <strong>and</strong> is keen<br />
to educate in all different ways. Of course it is not only my success, it is<br />
the success <strong>of</strong> our team!
The Somali wild ass lives in s<strong>and</strong>y <strong>and</strong> stony arid deserts. The asses<br />
form loose groups or herds <strong>of</strong> variable sizes. Territorial males defend<br />
mating territories that contain the resources that females require<br />
(i.e. water, food), while other bachelor males live in stallion groups.<br />
By keeping Somali wild asses, your zoo will make a vital contribution<br />
to the conservation <strong>of</strong> this beautiful equid species. The Somali wild<br />
ass also is <strong>of</strong> great educational value for zoo visitors <strong>and</strong> can illustrate<br />
fascinating biological themes:<br />
– this attractive equid species lives in loose family troops;<br />
– stallion groups are ideal for watching play fights <strong>and</strong> other playful<br />
behaviours;<br />
– this species is a typical inhabitant <strong>of</strong> deserts <strong>and</strong> perfectly adapted<br />
to this arid habitat;<br />
– being the ancestor <strong>of</strong> the donkey, the Somali wild ass is well suited<br />
to familiarise visitors with the domestication <strong>of</strong> animals;<br />
– the Somali wild ass is an ideal species for raising the visitors’<br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> the need for nature conservation. It also provides an<br />
insight into the role zoos <strong>and</strong> cooperative breeding programmes play<br />
in the protection <strong>of</strong> species. This is underpinned by several in situ<br />
research <strong>and</strong> conservation projects in need <strong>of</strong> support <strong>and</strong> carried<br />
out by the IUCN Equid Specialist Group.<br />
If you are interested in keeping the severely threatened Somali wild ass,<br />
please contact Beatrice Steck (steck@zoobasel.ch). •<br />
collection planning<br />
Wanted: New holders for the<br />
Somali wild ass EEP<br />
Beatrice Steck, Basel Zoo, Switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
The Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somalicus), the rarest equid species, is one <strong>of</strong> the most endangered<br />
mammals on earth. No more than a few hundred asses are left in Eritrea, Ethiopia, <strong>and</strong> maybe some in<br />
Somalia. The entire global captive population on 1 January 2006 included <strong>12</strong>9 animals. This number is<br />
far too low to establish a viable captive population. Consequently, we urgently need new holders for<br />
the captive breeding programmes in Europe (EEP, 101 asses) <strong>and</strong> in the United States <strong>of</strong> America (PMP,<br />
17 asses) in order to find good accommodation for the <strong>of</strong>fspring <strong>and</strong> to provide a sound basis for the<br />
EEP <strong>and</strong> especially the PMP.<br />
photos thomas jermann/basel zoo<br />
To exp<strong>and</strong> or not to exp<strong>and</strong>, that’s the question!<br />
Are you updating your institutional collection plan or seeking to add more EEP or ESB species to your collection? Many programmes<br />
are in need <strong>of</strong> additional participating institutions. There are also several EEP <strong>and</strong> ESB programmes that specifically wish not to exp<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Please refer to the member area <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website (TAG section) for an up to date overview <strong>of</strong> these wishes per breeding programme.<br />
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collection planning<br />
A new Regional Collection Plan<br />
for the Callitrichids<br />
Bryan Carroll, chair <strong>EAZA</strong> Callitrichid TAG, Bristol Zoo Gardens, United Kingdom, Eric Bairrão Ruivo, vice-chair<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Callitrichid TAG, Lisbon Zoo, Portugal <strong>and</strong> Aude Desmoulins, member <strong>EAZA</strong> Callitrichid TAG, ZooParc de<br />
Beauval, St Aignan, France<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> currently has 41 Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs). Each TAG coordinates management <strong>of</strong> the taxa <strong>of</strong><br />
species it covers. One <strong>of</strong> the most important tasks <strong>of</strong> a TAG is the development <strong>of</strong> a Regional Collection<br />
Plan (RCP) for its taxa. The EEP Committee finalised a st<strong>and</strong>ard format for RCPs at its meeting in March<br />
2006. All TAGs are requested to adapt their RCPs to this st<strong>and</strong>ard format before the end <strong>of</strong> 2007.<br />
Why are RCPs needed?<br />
Zoological institutions have to meet clear aims,<br />
usually defined by laws, which in the EU include<br />
conservation, education, research <strong>and</strong> recreation.<br />
Thus, healthy populations are needed in<br />
captivity <strong>and</strong> enough space has to be provided.<br />
Consequently, careful species selections have<br />
to be made <strong>and</strong> priorities have to be defined.<br />
An RCP should include all the species that are<br />
covered by the TAG, whether they are managed<br />
through a programme or not.<br />
figure 1 Decision tree<br />
It should recommend which species <strong>EAZA</strong> member<br />
institutions should be keeping, how they should<br />
be managed (e.g. through an EEP), if there is<br />
specific research that needs to be carried out to<br />
learn more about the species <strong>and</strong> so on. The RCP<br />
should also identify the species which should<br />
(preferably) not be kept in <strong>EAZA</strong> collections.<br />
A st<strong>and</strong>ard format<br />
The st<strong>and</strong>ard format launched by the EEP<br />
Committee <strong>of</strong> course starts with the description<br />
<strong>of</strong> what the RCP covers <strong>and</strong> its necessary contents.<br />
The first part is called ‘Background information’<br />
<strong>and</strong> allows each TAG to introduce its<br />
missions <strong>and</strong> philosophy, as well as the species<br />
concerned <strong>and</strong> the procedures that have been<br />
followed in compiling the RCP. The second<br />
part is the most important <strong>and</strong>, for most TAGs,<br />
the biggest one; the ‘Species assessment’. This<br />
section contains details on the information<br />
used to decide the level <strong>of</strong> management for a<br />
species. To encourage as many zoological
institutions as possible to read <strong>and</strong> use the RCP,<br />
the third part consists <strong>of</strong> a table summarising<br />
all information listed in the ‘Species assessment’<br />
part. The final part is called ‘Additional information’<br />
<strong>and</strong> is an optional section where TAGs<br />
can inform zoological institutions on contact<br />
details for the programmes, introduce their<br />
specific policies <strong>and</strong> guidelines <strong>and</strong> provide<br />
bibliographic references.<br />
The RCP <strong>of</strong> the Callitrichid TAG<br />
Our TAG covers marmosets, tamarins <strong>and</strong><br />
the Goeldi’s monkey (Callimico goeldii ),<br />
consisting <strong>of</strong> just over sixty taxa. A first RCP for<br />
Callitrichidae was developed in 2002, following<br />
the division <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Primate TAG into five<br />
smaller TAGs. This RCP was based on the RCP<br />
<strong>of</strong> the former <strong>EAZA</strong> Primate TAG. In order to<br />
develop a new RCP, the <strong>EAZA</strong> TAG Core Group<br />
formed a working group <strong>and</strong> divided tasks<br />
amongst its members. It was decided that<br />
an assessment <strong>of</strong> all the taxa covered by the<br />
TAG had to be included in the RCP. In order<br />
to spread the workload, two working groups<br />
were formed; one assessing the genus Saguinus<br />
(33 taxa), the other assessing the marmoset<br />
genera Callithrix, Callibella, Cebuella <strong>and</strong><br />
Mico, the lion tamarins, (Leontopithecus) <strong>and</strong><br />
the Goeldi’s monkey (28 taxa).<br />
Our philosophy <strong>and</strong> choice <strong>of</strong><br />
taxonomy<br />
The collection planning philosophy argues that<br />
all species under the TAG remit will be actively<br />
managed or monitored. The level <strong>of</strong> management<br />
will be determined based on the level<br />
<strong>of</strong> threat in the wild <strong>and</strong> the educational <strong>and</strong><br />
research values. IUCN recommendations will<br />
be followed to decide on the importance <strong>of</strong> a<br />
new species. Hybrids will be phased out.<br />
There are a number <strong>of</strong> taxonomic schemes<br />
covering primates <strong>and</strong> other mammals, <strong>and</strong><br />
the Callitrichidae has its share <strong>of</strong> controversy<br />
<strong>and</strong> debate. This debate is mainly at the<br />
higher taxonomic levels, including whether<br />
Callitrichidae itself is a valid family. We decided<br />
to use the taxonomy developed by Ryl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
et al. (2000) that resulted from a primate<br />
specialist group workshop held in Florida. This<br />
taxonomic scheme is under constant review<br />
<strong>and</strong> some modifications have taken place since<br />
2000; one notable change being the addition <strong>of</strong><br />
the genus Callibella, following its description<br />
in 2002. Anthony Ryl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> Conservation<br />
International is advisor to the TAG.<br />
Developing a decision tree<br />
Following long discussions between the<br />
TAG members on the definition <strong>of</strong> the TAG<br />
philosophy, we defined the criteria involved in<br />
the decision’s process to create programmes<br />
<strong>and</strong> classified them. The criterion seen as the<br />
most important is the status <strong>of</strong> species in the<br />
wild. The IUCN Red List is being used as basis<br />
for this criterion. Two levels are considered;<br />
species classified as Vulnerable <strong>and</strong> higher<br />
levels registered under Threatened. The species<br />
classified under Near Threatened or Least<br />
Concern are considered as Non-threatened.<br />
Secondly, we looked at the status <strong>of</strong> captive<br />
populations; is the species represented in<br />
captivity, are the populations viable, would<br />
some imports be needed or useful? From<br />
this point, criteria as educational value,<br />
recreational value, research value, quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> captive populations, space availability <strong>and</strong><br />
in situ programmes were added.<br />
Thus, the selected level <strong>of</strong> management does<br />
not depend only on the category <strong>of</strong> threat;<br />
a non-threatened species already in <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
institutions can receive a high level <strong>of</strong><br />
management, whereas a threatened species<br />
not present in <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions can obtain a<br />
‘Do Not Obtain’ category.<br />
This process is represented in our decision tree<br />
(see Figure 1). Each branch leads to a different<br />
question including all the criteria <strong>and</strong> subjects<br />
taken into account during the discussions. In<br />
the end, six different answers can be obtained;<br />
EEP, ESB, Monitoring by the TAG, Monitoring<br />
by a person, Do not obtain or Replace.<br />
Species forms <strong>and</strong> summary table<br />
To address the third part <strong>of</strong> the st<strong>and</strong>ard format,<br />
we developed a st<strong>and</strong>ard form to complete,<br />
with all the information needed by zoological<br />
institutions to underst<strong>and</strong> the choice <strong>of</strong> the<br />
management category; primary role <strong>of</strong> the<br />
programme, conservation, captive status,<br />
husb<strong>and</strong>ry issues, population goals, research<br />
needs, other comments <strong>and</strong> conclusion. We<br />
also tried to include a photograph <strong>of</strong> each<br />
collection planning<br />
Leontopithecus chrysopygus photo bristol zoo<br />
species in the TAG on each species form. The<br />
summary table summarizes the information<br />
on the species forms. In the final part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
RCP we included the <strong>EAZA</strong> TAG Core Group<br />
members <strong>and</strong> their contact details, including<br />
all the species coordinators, the TAG structure<br />
<strong>and</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> policies <strong>and</strong> guidelines.<br />
Not a small task<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> an RCP is no small task,<br />
<strong>and</strong> each TAG will tailor the st<strong>and</strong>ard format to<br />
an extent, to meet the needs <strong>of</strong> that particular<br />
group <strong>of</strong> animals. The RCP <strong>of</strong> the Callitrichid<br />
TAG will never be a fixed document <strong>and</strong> will<br />
change depending on a number <strong>of</strong> factors,<br />
particularly changes <strong>of</strong> status <strong>of</strong> species in<br />
the wild. We will formally review the RCP on<br />
a three-year basis, which will give us time to<br />
recover after the effort <strong>of</strong> writing it. Most <strong>of</strong><br />
all, we hope that it will be a really useful <strong>and</strong><br />
informative tool for collection managers <strong>and</strong><br />
directors for the development <strong>of</strong> institutional<br />
collection plans. •<br />
Callithrix ge<strong>of</strong>froyi photo bristol zoo<br />
This article has been abridged <strong>and</strong> the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version <strong>of</strong> the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
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eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
14<br />
sustainability<br />
Re-using water<br />
at Burgers’ Ocean<br />
Max Janse, Burgers’ Zoo, Arnhem, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the largest challenges in displaying aquatic organisms in aquaria is to control the third<br />
dimension; water. When managing an aquarium, water expenditure can be very high. Burgers’ Ocean,<br />
an Indo-Pacific seawater aquarium at Burgers’ Zoo, has a total volume <strong>of</strong> eight million litres. Being<br />
an inl<strong>and</strong> aquarium, there are logistical limitations to using seawater, thus artificial seawater is<br />
used instead. Through different techniques, Burgers’ Zoo tries to use its water in a sustainable way.<br />
Re-using fresh water<br />
High-rate s<strong>and</strong> filters are used as mechanical water filters in most<br />
aquarium systems. These s<strong>and</strong> filters are cleaned by backwashing them<br />
on a regular basis (one to four times a week). At Burgers’ Ocean, freshwater<br />
is used to backwash these filters, which prevents the loss <strong>of</strong> large<br />
quantities <strong>of</strong> sea water. Within the zoo, three types <strong>of</strong> fresh water are<br />
used; rainwater, well water <strong>and</strong> drinking water.<br />
Rainwater is mostly used to fill ponds <strong>and</strong> to create artificial rain showers<br />
in the large tropical rainforest enclosure Burgers’ Bush. Well water is<br />
pumped into large buffers <strong>and</strong> can be used as ‘grey’ water in, for example,<br />
the aquarium. It is pushed through a large reversed osmosis installation<br />
to remove all nutrients <strong>and</strong> elements, like silicate <strong>and</strong> calcium, to ensure<br />
these will not cause problems within the sensitive aquarium systems.<br />
The end result is clear water. A disadvantage <strong>of</strong> a reversed osmosis installation<br />
is the production <strong>of</strong> large quantities <strong>of</strong> ‘brine’ water, containing the<br />
removed nutrients <strong>and</strong> elements. However, this brine water can also be<br />
re-used in the grey water circuit in other parts <strong>of</strong> the zoo, like for filling<br />
up ponds, as drinking water for the animals or to clean cages.<br />
Artificial seawater<br />
The clean water from the reversed osmosis treatment is used to top<br />
up the aquarium, which is necessary due to evaporation, <strong>and</strong> to make<br />
artificial seawater with special aquarium salt (Reefmix by Tropic Marin®).<br />
Within Burgers’ Ocean, <strong>12</strong> different aquarium systems with different<br />
water qualities are used. A large coral reef tank contains the best quality<br />
water, <strong>and</strong> water from this tank is used to refresh water in, for example,<br />
the shark tank. This type <strong>of</strong> cascading is used with the many different<br />
aquarium systems <strong>and</strong> is a successful way to re-use water.<br />
Preventing nitrate increase<br />
Aquatic organisms produce many nutrients such as ammonia, that need<br />
to be removed from the water. Ammonia can be removed by biological<br />
filters. Within these filters, nitrifying bacteria are commonly used to<br />
change the toxic ammonia into another toxic component, nitrite,<br />
followed by the formation <strong>of</strong> the less toxic nitrate. The toxicity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Filterunits photo burgers’ zoo<br />
nutrients depends on the species kept in the aquarium. The toxic<br />
nutrients may not kill an animal, but can cause a chemical stress that<br />
could affect its immune system or reproductive cycle.<br />
Normally, nitrate levels are controlled by changing 10 to 30% <strong>of</strong> the<br />
water volume per month. However, at an inl<strong>and</strong> aquarium like Burgers’<br />
Ocean, large quantities <strong>of</strong> fresh seawater are not available, so only 3 to<br />
5% <strong>of</strong> the total aquarium volume is changed per year. Nitrification is<br />
reduced via mechanical filtration (e.g. high-rate s<strong>and</strong> filters) <strong>and</strong> via the<br />
usage <strong>of</strong> protein skimming.<br />
Different filter techniques<br />
Two different filter techniques are being used at Burgers’ Ocean to learn<br />
more about their advantages <strong>and</strong> disadvantages. Both filter types use<br />
denitrifying bacteria that consume nitrate <strong>and</strong> produce nitrogen gas.<br />
The first filter type is based on autotrophic bacteria, the second type uses<br />
heterotrophic bacteria. Besides nitrate, these bacteria need a separate<br />
energy or carbon source such as sugar, lactate, methanol or ethanol. The<br />
past three years Burgers’ Ocean used methanol filters in the shark tank<br />
(water volume <strong>of</strong> 3000 m3 ) <strong>and</strong> in the tunnel display (water volume <strong>of</strong><br />
1600 m3 ). Since methanol is toxic for both the aquatic organisms <strong>and</strong><br />
the people that work with it, it was decided to switch to the non-toxic<br />
ethanol instead. An ethanol filter consists <strong>of</strong> an 800 l tank filled with<br />
plastic bio rings. Ethanol is injected in the incoming water, which is<br />
pushed upwards through the bio rings. In the first centimetres <strong>of</strong> the<br />
filter bed all oxygen is used by bacterial activity.
The disadvantage <strong>of</strong> heterotrophic bacteria is the production <strong>of</strong> large<br />
amounts <strong>of</strong> extra-cellular biomass. The filter easily clogs if it is not<br />
cleaned on a regular basis. Secondly, part <strong>of</strong> the produced biomass may<br />
exit the filter <strong>and</strong> foul the aquarium water. Extra filtration with a protein<br />
skimmer <strong>and</strong> a mechanical filter such as a s<strong>and</strong> filter may be necessary.<br />
The positive side <strong>of</strong> this type <strong>of</strong> filter is the easy regulation <strong>of</strong> its activity<br />
via the amount <strong>of</strong> incoming ethanol. Though care must be taken when no<br />
nitrate is left <strong>and</strong> ethanol is still dosed, toxic substances like hydrogen<br />
sulphur or sulphite can be produced. The flow through the filter is very<br />
slow (around 150 l/h), making it a system which only has a long-term effect.<br />
The fish aquaria at Burgers’ Ocean are not heavily stocked, to give a<br />
realistic impression <strong>of</strong> a coral reef. Thus food for the fish added to<br />
the aquarium is limited, which in turn limits production <strong>of</strong> nitrate.<br />
The tunnel display for example, is fed with 25 kg wet weight per week.<br />
Nitrate levels have been kept constant with the denitrification filter for<br />
the last three years at 35 mg NO3--N/l, with a 3% water change per year.<br />
Denitrification with elemental sulphur<br />
During the <strong>European</strong> Union <strong>of</strong> Aquarium Curators (EUAC) Conference in<br />
1997, Michel Hignette <strong>of</strong> Aquarium de la Porte Dorée in Paris, presented<br />
a new de-nitrification technique (Hignette et al., 1997). This technique is<br />
based on drinking water filtration, in which the bacteria convert nitrate<br />
<strong>and</strong> elemental sulfur into nitrogen gas <strong>and</strong> sulfate. A disadvantage <strong>of</strong><br />
this technique is that it also produces sulfuric acid, which will deplete<br />
the buffer capacity <strong>and</strong> decrease the pH. This technique is also used at<br />
Burgers’ Ocean to deplete nitrate in fish aquaria.<br />
Sulfur-based denitrification units photo burgers’ zoo<br />
sustainability<br />
Methanol-based denitrification unit photo burgers’ zoo<br />
The effluent <strong>of</strong> the systems has a pH between 6.2 <strong>and</strong> 6.5. To prevent<br />
depletion <strong>of</strong> the pH in the aquaria, this water is first run through a<br />
calcium carbonate or a coral s<strong>and</strong> bed. This increases the pH to between<br />
7.3 <strong>and</strong> 7.6. Burgers’ Ocean uses three parallel columns <strong>of</strong> 300 l each<br />
(including 250 l sulfur) for an aquarium with a volume <strong>of</strong> 600 m3 . The<br />
volume <strong>of</strong> the serial coral s<strong>and</strong> buffers is the same as the sulfur columns.<br />
The flow through the sulfur columns is approximately 150 l/h. During<br />
the three years this filter is used, the nitrate level is kept constant at<br />
40 mg NO3--N/l, with a 4% water change per year <strong>and</strong> a feeding regime<br />
<strong>of</strong> approximately 15 kg wet weight per week.<br />
Phosphate removal<br />
When nitrate levels are controlled by the techniques described earlier, a<br />
second important nutrient like phosphate may become a problem. It is<br />
commonly known that, in low concentrations, phosphates are a problem<br />
to corals (> 0.05 mg PO4 3--P/l). While the effect on fish is unknown it<br />
may also be negative. Therefore, it was decided to look for techniques<br />
to remove phosphates as so little water change takes place. Granulates<br />
work perfectly for small systems, but are extraordinarily expensive to use<br />
in large volumes <strong>of</strong> water.<br />
Aluminium, iron or lanthanum chloride may be better alternatives. These<br />
elements will draw on the phosphates to precipitate into aluminium-,<br />
iron- or lanthanum phosphates. The first pilot experiments with the<br />
non-toxic iron chloride addition look promising. An iron phosphate <strong>and</strong><br />
iron hydroxide complex is formed, which settles down in a settlement tank.<br />
Residuals are filtered out with a high-rate s<strong>and</strong> filter. A disadvantage <strong>of</strong><br />
this is the usage <strong>of</strong> hydroxide <strong>and</strong> thus a decreasing pH. It may therefore<br />
be necessary to increase the pH with a sodium hydroxide or sodium<br />
carbonate addition.<br />
It seems that the techniques described above make it possible to re-use<br />
water in fish aquaria in nearly closed systems. Cascading techniques <strong>and</strong><br />
backwashing s<strong>and</strong> filters with freshwater help keep the seawater usage<br />
to a minimum. It may be necessary to apply other techniques at Burgers’<br />
Ocean in the future, if other problems relating to the small amount <strong>of</strong><br />
water change appear. •<br />
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eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
16<br />
sustainability<br />
Deep green design<br />
for zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria<br />
Jon Coe, ARAZPA, Jon Coe Design P/L, Victoria, Australia<br />
“Ultimately, the goal <strong>of</strong> sustainable l<strong>and</strong>scapes is the transformation<br />
<strong>of</strong> culture – the taming <strong>of</strong> technology, the emergence <strong>of</strong><br />
a new environmental ethic, a new measure <strong>of</strong> life quality, <strong>and</strong> a<br />
substantially broadened sense <strong>of</strong> community including not only<br />
humans, but all <strong>of</strong> life”. Robert Thayer, 1994<br />
Determining what is green design<br />
In the early 1970’s, Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess coined the term<br />
‘deep ecology’ to describe a deeper relationship between humanity <strong>and</strong><br />
nature; one based upon an ecocentric rather than an anthropocentric<br />
view <strong>of</strong> life (AtKisson, 1989). While seeking to bring a similar perspective<br />
to zoo exhibit design (Coe, 1987), I became concerned with what I viewed<br />
as a widespread superficial, technological, even anthropocentric approach<br />
to green design.<br />
Where is the green heart <strong>of</strong> green design? Are we focusing too narrowly<br />
on the technology, the means <strong>and</strong> methods <strong>of</strong> green design, to see the<br />
obvious connections we could make to nature? Has green design been<br />
redefined as simply an engineering problem? American architect James<br />
Wines (2000) summarised the problem in his book Green Architecture:<br />
“There is already a danger that technological obsessions are distracting<br />
designers from underst<strong>and</strong>ing their place in the larger picture <strong>of</strong> interconnectedness…a<br />
more balanced objective now is to view environmental<br />
technology as a valuable tool kit, <strong>and</strong> natural science as a primary source<br />
<strong>of</strong> inspiration.…for architects to interpret today’s environmental advocacy<br />
exclusively in terms <strong>of</strong> mechanical hardware <strong>and</strong> conservationist databases<br />
– without including the vastly more interesting sources <strong>of</strong> imagery found<br />
in nature – is to miss an extraordinary opportunity”.<br />
Creating green communities<br />
Once, I began a lecture on sustainable design by asking the audience:<br />
“You know that scum that grows on your bathroom curtain <strong>and</strong> between<br />
the tiles, that scum you spray <strong>and</strong> scrub with harsh household chemicals<br />
to remove? That scum is the first stage <strong>of</strong> plant succession. If you left<br />
that scum alone long enough, your bathroom would become a forest!”.<br />
What if, instead <strong>of</strong> fighting natural succession with arsenic <strong>and</strong> coppertreated<br />
timber <strong>and</strong> lead-treated paints we designed our habitats to<br />
encourage natural succession, even giving it a head start? What if instead<br />
<strong>of</strong> building green ro<strong>of</strong>s a few centimetres thick we designed buildings to<br />
D<br />
Living wall on display building, Woodl<strong>and</strong> Park Zoo photo l. sammons<br />
support forests on their ro<strong>of</strong>s <strong>and</strong> walls, forests which produce oxygen,<br />
fix atmospheric carbon <strong>and</strong> filter effluent, that create humane habitat<br />
for wildlife as well as zoo animals <strong>and</strong> people? Why not follow Thayer’s<br />
advice <strong>and</strong> create deep green communities in our zoological institutions<br />
for the benefit <strong>of</strong> a diversity <strong>of</strong> free-living as well as captive species?<br />
In assessing the progress <strong>of</strong> sustainable technology, respected American<br />
social researcher Stephen Kellert made the following observation: “Yet<br />
I believe much <strong>of</strong> this progress has unduly relied on a largely negative<br />
emphasis on avoiding environmental harm <strong>and</strong> injury, a stress on<br />
physical <strong>and</strong> material benefits, <strong>and</strong> changes more at the level <strong>of</strong> building<br />
systems than at the experience <strong>of</strong> individuals <strong>and</strong> groups. By contrast,<br />
I believe sustainable design has insufficiently considered how people<br />
derive a host <strong>of</strong> intellectual <strong>and</strong> emotional, as well as physical <strong>and</strong><br />
material, benefits from connections with natural process <strong>and</strong> diversity.<br />
I conclude by suggesting green development will not achieve its full<br />
promise <strong>and</strong> potential until it more positively motivates individuals,<br />
developers, <strong>and</strong> planners by capturing in the built environment the<br />
widest range <strong>of</strong> physical, emotional, <strong>and</strong> intellectual values <strong>of</strong> nature”<br />
(Kellert, 1999).
<strong>Zoos</strong> as green models with green ro<strong>of</strong>s<br />
<strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> aquaria, with their loudly pr<strong>of</strong>essed commitment to nature<br />
conservation <strong>and</strong> their high visibility, make ideal venues to develop, test<br />
<strong>and</strong> display the latest in green design. <strong>Zoos</strong> have long provided models<br />
for architecture as an armature for living systems. Nearly one hundred<br />
years ago, Carl Hagenbeck had living l<strong>and</strong>scapes on his German zoo ro<strong>of</strong>s.<br />
There are many examples <strong>of</strong> ‘buried buildings’ in zoos, such as the elephant<br />
facility at the Emmen Zoo in the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s. Examples in the United<br />
States <strong>of</strong> America include the Denver Zoo Pachyderm House (Colorado)<br />
<strong>and</strong> the big cat display <strong>and</strong> administration <strong>and</strong> education centre at the<br />
National Zoo (Washington D.C.). A more recent example is the ‘Wolf<br />
Woods’ exhibit viewing pavilion at Brookfield Zoo (Illinois).<br />
Living walls <strong>and</strong> ro<strong>of</strong>s<br />
Several American zoos such as Brookfield Zoo, Woodl<strong>and</strong> Park Zoo<br />
(Seattle), Seneca Park Zoo (Rochester) <strong>and</strong> the New York Aquarium have<br />
outdoor living walls up to 5 m high <strong>and</strong> the National Zoo (Washington<br />
D.C.) <strong>and</strong> Central Park Zoo (New York City) have indoor living walls twice<br />
this height. French designer Patrick Blanc has developed living walls up<br />
to 30 m high at the Pershing Hall Hotel in Paris, featuring 300 species<br />
<strong>of</strong> plants supported by a hydroponic irrigation <strong>and</strong> drainage system<br />
(Jones, 2002).<br />
As early as the mid 1980’s I suggested a 10 m high living wall system for<br />
recycling water from a large manatee aquarium through overhanging<br />
rainforest cliffs. The project was never realised, but, like Blanc’s proven<br />
projects, it suggests the use <strong>of</strong> living ro<strong>of</strong>s <strong>and</strong> living walls as bio-filters<br />
for treating grey water <strong>and</strong> perhaps even human <strong>and</strong> other animal effluent.<br />
Campus ecology<br />
Individual green exhibits <strong>and</strong> buildings are a good start, but we should<br />
think <strong>of</strong> what zoo planner Gary Lee (<strong>of</strong> CLR design Inc.) terms ‘campus<br />
ecology’. How can we make our zoo <strong>and</strong> aquarium campuses more selfsufficient,<br />
producing energy, capturing rainwater, recycling grey water<br />
<strong>and</strong> returning our ‘used water’ in pristine form to local streams <strong>and</strong><br />
wetl<strong>and</strong>s. Victoria’s Open Range Zoo in Australia is completing a vast<br />
hippopotamus exhibit using living reed beds as bio-filters.<br />
Habitats for free-ranging animals<br />
Australian naturalist Tim Low (2003) points out in The New Nature:<br />
“Nature is not a separate domain hiding away in the wilderness. Animals<br />
<strong>and</strong> plants live all around us <strong>and</strong> exploit us when they can”. Why not<br />
encourage this complimentary relationship? Why not design all buildings<br />
to be homes for barn owls, possums, squirrels <strong>and</strong> songbirds from the<br />
beginning? Why not have clear tube raceways for free-ranging squirrels<br />
to traverse our exhibit galleries <strong>and</strong> board rooms?<br />
Humane design<br />
While we consider the value <strong>of</strong> integrating the lives <strong>of</strong> plants, animals<br />
<strong>and</strong> people, we must also consider humane aspects <strong>of</strong> design <strong>and</strong><br />
operation. We can develop innovations far superior to regulated st<strong>and</strong>ards,<br />
not because we have to, but simply because it brings us joy to do so.<br />
D<br />
sustainability<br />
Living wall on display building, photo patrick blanc<br />
If we are to teach respect for nature (<strong>and</strong> some would argue this is the<br />
primary function <strong>of</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria), we must present nature respectfully.<br />
And ‘nature’ includes the wild places we represent in our exhibits,<br />
our building site <strong>and</strong> our plantings <strong>and</strong> animals, <strong>and</strong> also our guests, our<br />
staff <strong>and</strong> ourselves. All need to be nurtured by the “…intellectual <strong>and</strong><br />
emotional…benefits from connections to natural processes <strong>and</strong> diversity”<br />
as Kellert (1999) advises, “…by capturing in the built environment the<br />
widest range <strong>of</strong> physical, emotional <strong>and</strong> intellectual values <strong>of</strong> nature”.<br />
We need a deeper design philosophy if we are to sustain a well-balanced<br />
naturally <strong>and</strong> socially enriching system, a deep green system. •<br />
Living wall on display building, National Zoo photo l. sammons<br />
This article has been abridged <strong>and</strong> the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version <strong>of</strong> the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
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eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
18<br />
births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Wuppertal germany source<br />
ulrich schürer <strong>and</strong> alex<strong>and</strong>er sliwa<br />
Two Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii ) were<br />
born in Wuppertal Zoo in 2006. The first<br />
<strong>of</strong>fspring, male ‘Chico’, was born on 18 January<br />
to eight-year-old female ‘Susanna’. The<br />
second calf ‘Moli’ was born on 3 October to<br />
‘Tanya’ <strong>and</strong> 13-year-old male ‘Tonka’. Tanya<br />
was born in San Diego Zoo in 1980 <strong>and</strong> this<br />
is her second young, the first being Susanna.<br />
Wuppertal Zoo is the only <strong>European</strong> zoo<br />
keeping this species <strong>and</strong> consequently is<br />
participating in the North American breeding<br />
programme. Only some ninety Baird’s tapirs<br />
are kept worldwide, with an estimated population<br />
<strong>of</strong> less than 5000 animals in the wild.<br />
Another important breeding event in<br />
Wuppertal Zoo’s <strong>12</strong>5 th anniversary year occurred<br />
in the Asian golden cats (Catopuma<br />
temminckii ). On 19 June 2006 a young female<br />
was born for the first time in three years. The<br />
Paradise Wildlife Park (Broxbourne) is currently enjoying successful<br />
breedings in its primate section. Most recently a pair <strong>of</strong> silvery<br />
marmosets (Callithrix argentata) produced its fourth set <strong>of</strong> twins on<br />
21 November 2006. The breeding pair also produced twins in April 2006<br />
<strong>and</strong> two sets <strong>of</strong> twins in 2005. Among the tamarin population also housed in<br />
the Rainforest Experience, the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus)<br />
male ‘Furby’ <strong>and</strong> female ‘Ellie’ produced a single <strong>of</strong>fspring on 7 May<br />
2006. Their first <strong>of</strong>fspring were healthy male twins born on 24 April 2004.<br />
The pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor) have also been busy; male ‘Olaf’<br />
<strong>and</strong> female ‘Elvira’ produced a single male born on 10 October 2006.<br />
This newborn joins the single male born to the pair in October 2004.<br />
The red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus) are part <strong>of</strong> the ESB<br />
<strong>and</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fspring from a successful pairing <strong>of</strong> male ‘Bruce’ <strong>and</strong> female<br />
‘Kiera’ is expected. This pair produced a single <strong>of</strong>fspring on 8 July 2006<br />
which joins the twin brothers born in 2005.<br />
Friday 28 July 2006 was an important day for the team at Paradise<br />
Wildlife Park. The successful pairing <strong>of</strong> the park’s snow leopards<br />
(Uncia uncia), male ‘Aron’ born on 5 May 2003 <strong>and</strong> female ‘Kush’ born<br />
on 19 May 2003, resulted in the birth <strong>of</strong> one healthy cub. The event was<br />
witnessed by head keeper Colin Elcombe, as he checked the enclosure<br />
late that evening. Kush has taken to the dem<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> motherhood<br />
extremely well <strong>and</strong> is proving to be an excellent first-time mother.<br />
This was both Kush <strong>and</strong> Aron’s first <strong>of</strong>fspring with both cats being three<br />
years <strong>of</strong> age. Aron, (originally from Basel Zoo), has been kept separated<br />
from Kush (originally from Santago Cat Sanctuary) <strong>and</strong> their cub, in<br />
keeping with normal wild behaviour.<br />
mother ‘Feline’ was born in Wuppertal Zoo in<br />
2002 <strong>and</strong> is taking good care <strong>of</strong> her first <strong>of</strong>fspring.<br />
The eight-year-old breeding male ‘Jakarta’ was<br />
imported from Melbourne Zoo <strong>and</strong> arrived in<br />
Europe nearly two years ago in the framework <strong>of</strong><br />
an international golden cat exchange programme.<br />
photo wuppertal zoo<br />
In the bird section the breeding <strong>of</strong> a purplethroated<br />
fruit crow (Querula purpurata),<br />
which is probably a world’s first, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
rearing <strong>of</strong> two male Andean cocks <strong>of</strong> the<br />
rock (Rupicola peruviana), all in 2006, is<br />
most noteworthy.<br />
Broxbourne united kingdom source<br />
press releases<br />
Aron will be reintroduced when the cub is 15 weeks old, <strong>and</strong> it is hoped<br />
that the cats can remain as a family unit until the cub matures at<br />
around 18 months. The cub received its first cat flu vaccinations at nine<br />
weeks, <strong>and</strong> weighed in at a healthy 3.4 kg. The cub was sexed as a male<br />
during the second inoculation that took place on 2 October 2006.<br />
The wild population <strong>of</strong> snow leopards is estimated at below 2500 mature<br />
breeding individuals, with a declining trend.<br />
photo paradise wildlife park
Bristol united kingdom source<br />
press release <strong>and</strong> philip knowling<br />
Salome, a western lowl<strong>and</strong> gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Bristol<br />
Zoo Gardens successfully gave birth to a healthy baby after a course <strong>of</strong><br />
ground-breaking fertility treatment. The male baby, yet to be named, was<br />
born on 15 December 2006 by natural birth <strong>and</strong> is suckling well. Salome’s<br />
first baby was born at London Zoo in April 1988. Salome was transferred<br />
to Bristol Zoo Gardens in November 1998.<br />
The birth heralds a new advance in the underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> captive<br />
breeding for the species. It is the result <strong>of</strong> pioneering fertility treatment<br />
for gorillas developed <strong>and</strong> administered by Sharon Redrobe, head <strong>of</strong><br />
veterinary services at Bristol Zoo Gardens. For the first time ever, the<br />
condition known as diminished ovarian reserve, a condition also affecting<br />
fertility in humans, has been diagnosed <strong>and</strong> treated in gorillas using<br />
methods <strong>and</strong> medicine that still enabled natural mating.<br />
It was discovered that although thirty-year-old Salome (born at London<br />
Zoo on 16 July 1976), had been coming into oestrus <strong>and</strong> was appearing<br />
to mate successfully, she had not been ovulating. It was a key priority for<br />
the zoo that any fertility treatment ensured that mating <strong>and</strong> conception<br />
were as natural as possible <strong>and</strong> minimized human interference. Following<br />
extensive research on the various fertility treatments available, Sharon<br />
Redrobe consulted gynaecologist David Cahill, senior consultant lecturer<br />
in obstetrics <strong>and</strong> gynaecology at the University <strong>of</strong> Bristol.<br />
It was eventually decided to use clomifene, a common fertility drug used<br />
by women to kick start Salome’s ovulation.<br />
Bristol Zoo Gardens is also home to Salome’s companion ‘Romina’, famous<br />
for undergoing the first ever cataract operation performed in Europe on<br />
an adult gorilla. This enabled Romina to interact more effectively with<br />
the other gorillas <strong>and</strong> resulted in the birth <strong>of</strong> Namoki in 2005 following<br />
her successful mating with the 24-year-old silverback male Jock.<br />
photo bristol zoo<br />
R<strong>and</strong>ers denmark source<br />
r<strong>and</strong>ers zoo<br />
R<strong>and</strong>ers Zoo is the only Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian zoo currently keeping aardvarks<br />
(Orycteropus afer). This species has been kept in the African exhibit in<br />
the ‘Danish rainforest’ since 2002.<br />
On 27 August 2006 the female ‘Maxima’ gave birth. Only six days prior<br />
to this, the male ‘Plucky’ was sent to Berlin Zoo to make space for<br />
a genetically more desirable male from Colchester Zoo. Even though<br />
Plucky is a full sibling <strong>of</strong> Maxima, it had been initially decided that<br />
they, at R<strong>and</strong>ers Regnskov, should have the possibility to breed, as the<br />
<strong>European</strong> population is small <strong>and</strong> there is a need for proven breeders.<br />
Maxima did not have any experience in taking care <strong>of</strong> her <strong>of</strong>fspring as<br />
this was her first birth. The newborn aardvark was frequently left alone<br />
<strong>and</strong> was not given an opportunity to suckle. After some hours the staff<br />
decided to step in <strong>and</strong> to take action. The baby was moved to a heated<br />
box, <strong>and</strong> studbook keeper Wineke Schoo <strong>of</strong> Burgers’ Zoo was contacted,<br />
as Burgers’ Zoo has much experience in breeding aardvarks.<br />
The weight <strong>of</strong> the baby was less than <strong>12</strong>00 g, which was alarmingly low<br />
when compared to the records <strong>of</strong> birth weights at Burgers’ Zoo, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
staff started to bottle-feed the newborn baby immediately. As artificial<br />
aardvark milk is hard to get, it was decided to begin with a milk<br />
substitute intended for dogs. Later we found that Maxima could<br />
relatively easy be milked, <strong>and</strong> gradually most <strong>of</strong> the milk for the<br />
<strong>of</strong>fspring came from Maxima, supplemented with the milk substitute.<br />
births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
photo r<strong>and</strong>ers zoo<br />
During the first 14 days the staff brought the baby home at night <strong>and</strong> in<br />
the beginning it was bottle-fed every three hours. Additionally, the baby<br />
was introduced to its mother several times a day, <strong>and</strong> encouraged to<br />
suckle. After two weeks it started to suckle by itself, <strong>and</strong> at that time<br />
weighed 1540 g. The young aardvark gained weight rapidly thereafter,<br />
<strong>and</strong> on 15 January 2007, the young aardvark’s weight was 13 kg. It is doing<br />
well together with the mother <strong>and</strong> the new male from Colchester Zoo<br />
which was introduced on 17 December 2006 without complications.<br />
Even though aardvarks are normally not considered as a flagship species, the<br />
public has shown much interest in this aardvark baby. The baby was mentioned<br />
several times on both television <strong>and</strong> in newspapers, <strong>and</strong> never has<br />
R<strong>and</strong>ers Zoo received so many e-mails concerning one single animal.<br />
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births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Berlin germany source<br />
press releases <strong>and</strong> bernhard blaszkiewitz<br />
The last rhinoceros to be born during the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Save the Rhino Campaign year was welcomed<br />
in Berlin Zoo just before Christmas 2006.<br />
A black rhino (Diceros bicornis) was born<br />
on 20 December after an almost 15 months<br />
pregnancy. Eleven-year-old female ‘Kumi’ is a<br />
first-time mother <strong>and</strong> is taking good care <strong>of</strong><br />
her female <strong>of</strong>fspring ‘Zawadi’. The 15-year-old<br />
male ‘Jasper’ sired the <strong>of</strong>fspring. Berlin Zoo<br />
has been very successful in breeding black<br />
rhinos over the years, with 14 animals born<br />
since 1981.<br />
The hatching <strong>of</strong> a James flamingo<br />
(Phoenicopterus jamesi) was one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
exciting avian births at Berlin Zoo in 2006.<br />
This species bred for the first time in captivity<br />
Arnhem the netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
A successful exchange <strong>of</strong> epaulette sharks<br />
(Hemiscyllium ocellatum) resulted in a second<br />
captive generation. This is a very attractive<br />
shark species with a maximum size <strong>of</strong> 1 m, but<br />
is not commonly held in captivity. Besides two<br />
very large shoulder spots that resemble the eyes<br />
<strong>of</strong> a large animal it has a peculiar behaviour.<br />
When the shark wants to move to another<br />
place it does not swim but walks with its pelvic<br />
<strong>and</strong> pectoral fins, as if it is an amphibian. Two<br />
female epaulette sharks were born at Burgers’<br />
Zoo in 2000. In 2006 one <strong>of</strong> the captive born<br />
females was exchanged with a wild born male<br />
from Berlin Zoo to form a pair at Berlin Zoo<br />
with another male <strong>and</strong> a pair at Burgers’ Zoo.<br />
At Burgers’ Zoo the animals were placed in a<br />
5000 l aquarium behind the scenes. Sharks use<br />
different reproductive modes. Depending on<br />
the species, they are viviparous (give birth to<br />
life young), ovoviviparous (lay eggs in the<br />
mother <strong>and</strong> then give birth to life young) or<br />
oviparous (lay eggs). The epaulette shark is<br />
oviparous.<br />
After three months the first egg was laid, <strong>and</strong><br />
every eight to 14 days two eggs were produced.<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> thirty were laid, <strong>of</strong> which 80% were<br />
fertile. After 119 days the first young hatched,<br />
which was 15 cm in size.<br />
in Berlin in 1989, with a second chick hatching<br />
in 2001, some <strong>12</strong> years later. The small colony<br />
<strong>of</strong> seven birds, kept together with six Andean<br />
flamingos (Phoenicoparrus <strong>and</strong>inus) has<br />
The young do not eat for the first few days<br />
while absorbing the internal yolk, <strong>and</strong> this<br />
shark took seven days before eating its first<br />
meal <strong>of</strong> Mysis, a small shrimp species. In the<br />
mean time more eggs hatched, but they all<br />
hatched too early. The young sharks still had a<br />
0.5 to 2 cm large external yolk sac attached.<br />
Different techniques were applied to try to keep<br />
the sharks alive, but all were in vain until now.<br />
continued to produce eggs but a third chick did<br />
not hatch until 3 July 2006. The chick unfortunately<br />
had to be euthanised in November 2006<br />
due to problems with its legs.<br />
photo berlin zoo<br />
source<br />
max janse<br />
While it is common to exchange mammals or<br />
birds between zoos, these exchanges are rare<br />
for fish. This bilateral exchange was a great<br />
success. Hopefully more <strong>of</strong> these initiatives<br />
will follow to broaden the genetic scope <strong>of</strong><br />
captive shark populations <strong>and</strong> increase the<br />
success in captive breeding <strong>of</strong> sharks or other<br />
fish.<br />
photo burgers’ zoo
Lemurs<br />
flourish in<br />
their easy<br />
access<br />
enclosure<br />
Accessibility to paradise!<br />
At Paradise Wildlife Park (Broxbourne) we are always striving to improve<br />
our service <strong>and</strong> to make the park’s access <strong>and</strong> attractions as easy <strong>and</strong><br />
straight forward as possible. We aim to provide accessibility to all our<br />
users, which involves attending to <strong>and</strong> responding to the needs <strong>of</strong> both<br />
able-bodied <strong>and</strong> disabled visitors equally. We support the theory that<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> life is related to the freedom <strong>of</strong> people to make their own<br />
choices. For a significant number <strong>of</strong> disabled people having the freedom<br />
to decide how they access the natural world, how they travel <strong>and</strong> how<br />
they visit attractions, all help to vastly improve their quality <strong>of</strong> life. To<br />
complement this idea we have plenty <strong>of</strong> commended disabled features<br />
around the park; adapted easy access toilets, equipment available for use<br />
on site (e.g. wheelchairs), an adapted minibus service, playground rides,<br />
level-viewing for enclosures <strong>and</strong> exhibits <strong>and</strong> wheelchair access to our<br />
meerkat (Suricata suricatta) <strong>and</strong> ring-tailed lemur enclosures.<br />
An ‘open’ enclosure<br />
The forward thinking design <strong>of</strong> the new lemur enclosure involved the<br />
use <strong>of</strong> large glass viewing panels <strong>and</strong> natural wood with some meshing,<br />
allowing the enclosure to become almost invisible when the outside<br />
borders were planted. This design allows maximum light to flow through<br />
the enclosure <strong>and</strong> enables the lemurs to fully integrate with the world<br />
outside. The openness <strong>of</strong> the enclosure also allows the lemurs to do what<br />
comes naturally! Well known for their love to sun, our lemurs are able to<br />
bask on their raised platform whilst grooming each other <strong>and</strong> relaxing as<br />
a family group. The size <strong>of</strong> the enclosure will easily accommodate the<br />
naturally confrontational behaviour <strong>of</strong> the males <strong>and</strong> provides enough<br />
space for the group to develop.<br />
Visitors benefit from waist-height wooden rails to rest on while they<br />
interact with the lemurs. Both wheelchair users <strong>and</strong> children are able<br />
to get an excellent view at their own level, without having to manoeuvre<br />
As natural sun-worshippers <strong>and</strong><br />
foragers, the ring-tailed lemurs<br />
(Lemur catta) can feel right at home<br />
in their new enclosure at Paradise<br />
Wildlife Park. This enclosure has<br />
been br<strong>and</strong>ed ‘the best thing we’ve<br />
ever done’ by staff member Barry<br />
Howard. A gr<strong>and</strong> statement indeed,<br />
you may think, but when pressed to<br />
explain himself, he pointed out the<br />
merits <strong>of</strong> an enclosure that is not<br />
only as near to the lemur’s natural<br />
habitat as is possible, but that is<br />
also accessible for all <strong>of</strong> our visitors<br />
regardless <strong>of</strong> any disability.<br />
new enclosures<br />
photos paradise wildlife park<br />
Karen Hanford, Gary Watts <strong>and</strong> Sally Smith, Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne, United Kingdom<br />
into uncomfortable positions or to be held up by exhausted parents. !<br />
Safety for the animals <strong>and</strong> visitors alike is ensured by the use <strong>of</strong> st<strong>and</strong><strong>of</strong>f<br />
barriers alongside the meshed walls which are heavily planted to<br />
add interest, s<strong>of</strong>ten <strong>and</strong> camouflage the enclosure.<br />
Enrichment<br />
Just like their native Madagascar, the lemur area is richly planted. New<br />
tree branches are regularly added to enable the climbing frame to organically<br />
change shape <strong>and</strong> provide interest without covering the floor space<br />
entirely, as lemurs typically prefer to walk along the ground. The keepers<br />
can throw fruit on top <strong>of</strong> the mesh ceiling, <strong>and</strong> the lemurs then have to<br />
work out how to access it. Other food is hidden in the ever-changing<br />
scenery, which the lemurs have to explore to find it. With mesh <strong>and</strong><br />
recycled glass outer walls allowing maximum light to enter <strong>and</strong> plenty<br />
<strong>of</strong> space to play <strong>and</strong> explore, this enclosure is a wonderful environment.<br />
The lemurs are further encouraged to behave as they would in the wild<br />
through natural wood platforms <strong>and</strong> ropes to exercise on. They are kept<br />
busy by instinctively marking their territory through addition <strong>of</strong> scents,<br />
either synthetic fragrances or logs from other lemur enclosures. The<br />
lemurs are getting on very well in their new home, <strong>and</strong> a new birth<br />
indicates that they are relaxed, content <strong>and</strong> stress-free. •<br />
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new enclosures<br />
The insect<br />
house <strong>and</strong><br />
butterfly<br />
pavilion at<br />
Artis Royal Zoo<br />
Eugène Bruins <strong>and</strong> Ko Veltman, Artis Royal Zoo, Amsterdam, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
The insect house<br />
The former feed distribution centre <strong>of</strong> the zoo was entirely renovated <strong>and</strong><br />
converted into the new insect house. H<strong>and</strong>icapped visitors were consulted<br />
during the design phase, which resulted in a building that is easily accessible<br />
for wheelchairs, <strong>and</strong> has easily readable information <strong>and</strong> hearing<br />
devices. Special guided tours for blind or deaf people are provided on<br />
request <strong>and</strong> insect models for (partially) blind visitors are available, so<br />
they can ‘see’ an insect by touching it.<br />
The visitor area <strong>of</strong> the insect house is approximately 250 m2 . Visitors can<br />
also view the keeper areas, since the doors to the keeper areas have large<br />
windows. The insect house displays about 55 invertebrate species in fifty<br />
insectariums. Not surprisingly, the insect house also displays invertebrate<br />
species that are not part <strong>of</strong> the insect kingdom, e.g. spiders, centipedes <strong>and</strong><br />
snails. Three <strong>of</strong>f-exhibit climate-controlled breeding rooms are located on<br />
the second floor <strong>of</strong> the insect house to ensure that enough insects can be<br />
displayed at all times. Only guided tours are allowed in the breeding rooms.<br />
Thematic presentations<br />
A fast-moving slide show in the insect house presents information on<br />
invertebrate life, to arouse the visitors curiosity <strong>and</strong> invite them into the<br />
invertebrate world. The residents <strong>of</strong> the Insect House are being displayed<br />
according to themes. The theme ‘successful survival’ uses skeletons <strong>of</strong><br />
each vertebrate class to explain the difference between vertebrates <strong>and</strong><br />
invertebrates (surprisingly few people know this). By sticking their head<br />
in three human-sized models, visitors can see themselves with a human<br />
skeleton, an insect body <strong>and</strong> a knight’s armour. This illustrates the fact<br />
that humans need bones to be able to st<strong>and</strong> up, that insects protect<br />
themselves by an external skeleton <strong>and</strong> that humans used the external<br />
skeleton idea to protect themselves in combat.<br />
HRH Princess Margriet photo ronald van weeren/artis royal zoo<br />
Insects generally do not receive the same attention as vertebrates in zoos. However, insects<br />
have been accorded the attention they deserve in Artis Royal Zoo (Amsterdam) for more than a<br />
century. The new insect house opened in July 2005, which is in fact the third insect house since<br />
1898, the year in which Artis began to display insects. A butterfly pavilion was added in 2006.<br />
Other themes include eating <strong>and</strong> being eaten, reproduction, endangered<br />
invertebrates <strong>and</strong> the relationship between man <strong>and</strong> insect. One can also<br />
peek into Dutch invertebrate life; red wood ants, ant lions <strong>and</strong> bumblebees<br />
live together in a mixed-species enclosure. The ants live on an isl<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> walk through a 6 m transparent tube to their foraging area. Ants that<br />
escape are eaten by the ant lions that live in the surrounding s<strong>and</strong>y parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the enclosure. The bumblebees fly around while feeding on flowers<br />
in the enclosure. ‘In-nest’ activities <strong>of</strong> both ants <strong>and</strong> bumblebees are<br />
presented via a video screen next to the enclosure.<br />
In addition to the thematic presentations, ‘Expedition Prikkebeen’ (named<br />
after a classic Dutch children’s story) includes several educational games<br />
<strong>and</strong> tasks. Most popular is an interactive game in which visitors can<br />
construct their own insect by selecting a type <strong>of</strong> body, head, legs <strong>and</strong><br />
wings. This game teaches visitors that insects have six legs <strong>and</strong> a special<br />
body shape.<br />
photo eugène bruins/artis royal zoo
Termites nest<br />
photo eugène bruins/artis royal zoo<br />
A 1.5 - year-old nest <strong>of</strong> the African termite (Macrotermes bellicosus) was<br />
added to the insect house in July 2006. The nest, which was kindly donated<br />
by Basel Zoo, then weighed 240 kg <strong>and</strong> measured 90 cm in height. The<br />
nest, grown in two plastic crates placed on a board, was transported by<br />
the transport firm Ekipa. A temperature just below 26°C kept the termites<br />
inside their nest, so no further protection was needed.<br />
The nest is now housed in an 4.5 x 2.1 m enclosure. The height right<br />
above the nest is 3.1 m. The nest was placed on a 380 x 160 cm bed <strong>of</strong><br />
loam <strong>and</strong> clay, with a depth <strong>of</strong> 45 cm. Water flows around this area, to<br />
protect the termites from escaping (the insect house mainly consists <strong>of</strong><br />
wood…). A 50 mm diameter PVC pipe goes from the nest through the<br />
concrete floor <strong>of</strong> the enclosure to groundwater level. With this constant<br />
access to the groundwater, the termites can regulate the moisture level<br />
within the nest themselves. The temperature is kept at 27°C.<br />
The termites are fed several times a week with hay, straw, wood or elephant<br />
dung (a favourite!) <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>ten the termites can be spotted eating. About<br />
once every week, thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> termites suddenly start exp<strong>and</strong>ing the<br />
nest, producing a new bump 35 cm in diameter, about 3 cm thick, within<br />
approximately two hours. The educational presentation now consists <strong>of</strong><br />
an information panel <strong>and</strong> a video screen. We plan to construct a camera<br />
above the feeding site for live footage. Visitors are much attracted by this<br />
new, interesting enclosure.<br />
Butterfly pavilion<br />
The insect collection in Artis Royal Zoo grew even more after the inauguration<br />
<strong>of</strong> the butterfly pavilion on 4 October 2006, by Her Royal Highness<br />
Princess Margriet. A team <strong>of</strong> butterfly specialists, architects, l<strong>and</strong>scape<br />
artists, botanists <strong>and</strong> educators worked together to turn a unique concept<br />
into reality in the pavilion’s design <strong>and</strong> construction. The aim was not<br />
to reproduce an entirely natural environment, but to create a spatial<br />
experience in a 1000 m2 large greenhouse. Butterflies flutter through the<br />
air <strong>and</strong> alight on flowers in colourful patches as visitors w<strong>and</strong>er around<br />
freely. The pavilion is an isl<strong>and</strong> in the zoo <strong>and</strong> the pavilion itself also has a<br />
pattern <strong>of</strong> green <strong>and</strong> colourful isl<strong>and</strong>s. This pattern reflects the atmosphere<br />
<strong>of</strong> the historical zoo with its curved paths <strong>and</strong> surprises around every corner.<br />
new enclosures<br />
The pavilion is kept at a constant 27°C <strong>and</strong> a large waterfall ensures a<br />
high relative humidity. A specially designed ro<strong>of</strong>, consisting <strong>of</strong> three layers<br />
<strong>of</strong> plastic between which air is blown, provides the greenhouse with much<br />
natural sunlight. No additional lighting is used to increase butterfly activity,<br />
as no butterfly house could really assure us that this method would help.<br />
Seven main species<br />
Visitors in the butterfly pavilion can enjoy a wealth <strong>of</strong> tropical butterfly<br />
species, <strong>of</strong> which seven are selected to be the main species; the postman<br />
butterfly (Heliconius melpomene), the glasswing (Greta oto), the morpho<br />
butterfly (Morpho sp.), the owl butterfly (Caligo sp.), the atlas moth<br />
(Attacus atlas), the Thoas swallowtail (Papilio thoas) <strong>and</strong> the paper butterfly<br />
(Idea leuconoe). Breeding is done mostly for educational purposes<br />
<strong>and</strong> mainly with postman butterflies, since their pupae are difficult to<br />
transport. Visitors can see the caterpillars grow in a separate breeding area<br />
<strong>of</strong> 50 m2 next to the butterfly house, <strong>and</strong> how once a week newly arrived<br />
pupae are put on a needle before being placed in the pupae cabinet.<br />
photo eugène bruins/artis royal zoo<br />
More than butterflies<br />
One will not only find butterflies in the butterfly pavilion, but other<br />
species as well. Leafcutter ants have to walk 7 m from their nest through<br />
a transparent tube to reach their feeding terrarium. Some visitors are<br />
pleasantly surprised when they spot a Guyana grasshopper (Tropidacris<br />
collaris) or a fruit beetle (Pachnoda marginata) between the plants.<br />
By releasing only males, it is guaranteed that no plague <strong>of</strong> these species<br />
develops. Several bird species are planned to be released for biological<br />
control. Hummingbirds are deployed to combat spiders, as they construct<br />
their nests from spider web gossamer. Quails will forage on the floor <strong>of</strong><br />
the pavilion, functioning as a ‘natural’ enemy to the ‘local’ ants. The<br />
excreta <strong>of</strong> these <strong>and</strong> other bird species are vital to the glasswing butterfly,<br />
which needs the minerals in these faeces as food. •<br />
With the insect house, Artis Royal Zoo has created a new benchmark<br />
for invertebrate exhibitions in the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Europe. The butterfly<br />
pavilion further reinforced this reputation. Both exhibitions attract many<br />
visitors.<br />
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A tropical paradise for the<br />
giants <strong>of</strong> the Tortoise World,<br />
the Aldabra tortoises<br />
Bjarne Klausen, Odense Zoo, Denmark<br />
photos odense zoo<br />
Why do Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) readily breed on the Seychelles isl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> not<br />
in zoos? Only a few zoos have successfully bred this species; in general Aldabra tortoises in zoos<br />
are animals on exhibit, with no real chance <strong>of</strong> breeding. With this in mind, Odense Zoo started<br />
planning a new ‘Aldabra Tortoise Paradise’ in 2005. The primary focuses in the preparation phase<br />
<strong>of</strong> this new building were to provide the tortoises with optimal breeding conditions, to have our<br />
visitors feel <strong>and</strong> experience the climatic conditions <strong>of</strong> the Aldabra atol <strong>and</strong> for them to obtain<br />
in-depth knowledge <strong>of</strong> this fascinating tortoise. Her Excellency, Countess <strong>of</strong> Frederiksborg,<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficially opened the exhibit to the public on 13 June 2006.<br />
Two distinct seasons<br />
We tried to mimic the extreme conditions found in the natural habitat <strong>of</strong><br />
the Aldabra tortoises as much as possible. The exhibit provides much<br />
space to allow these naturally curious <strong>and</strong> active tortoises to move around.<br />
The exhibit also provides the tortoises with many opportunities to hide<br />
from each other <strong>and</strong> from the visitors. The females in particular need to be<br />
able to find refuge from the males’ constant libido.<br />
The exhibit is a 400 m2 indoor enclosure. The visitors follow a wooden<br />
walkway inside with information <strong>and</strong> interactive spots about the Aldabra<br />
tortoise along the way. The exhibit contains a small pool, heating<br />
features (from below <strong>and</strong> from above), ultraviolet-panels, places to dig<br />
<strong>and</strong> places to hide. The two distinct seasons on Aldabra can be imitated<br />
by using a temperature control system that can bring the temperature<br />
up to 28 to 30°C <strong>and</strong> a rain system that can turn the exhibit into a very<br />
wet place.<br />
Harsh conditions<br />
The summer in Denmark is planned to correspond with the rainy season<br />
on Aldabra. During the summer season the tortoises will have the<br />
opportunity to go outside onto a grassy isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> approximately 450 m2 .<br />
During the dry season on Aldabra (winter in Denmark) we will keep the<br />
tortoises inside <strong>and</strong> also restrict feeding to simulate the harsh conditions<br />
on Aldabra.<br />
Breeding<br />
At the moment Odense Zoo has two female adult tortoises. Unfortunately<br />
we lost our big male two weeks prior to the opening <strong>of</strong> the new exhibit.<br />
We have spotted egg follicles in both females through ultrasound scanning.<br />
We also keep four much younger tortoises, which will not be reproductively<br />
mature before 2020. •
Projecto Aquila<br />
The protocol to recover the Iberian golden eagle is part <strong>of</strong> a vast<br />
integrated conservation programme called ‘Projecto Aquila’, which<br />
includes in situ intervention as a primary tool. Several partners are<br />
working to correct factors contributing to the decline <strong>of</strong> the Iberian<br />
golden eagle population (e.g. prey availability, human pressure <strong>and</strong><br />
poisoned baits). The programme has an estimated duration <strong>of</strong> ten years.<br />
Captive breeding<br />
Park&Zoo Santo Inácio has agreed to breed the species in captivity <strong>and</strong><br />
to support the recovery <strong>of</strong> the Iberian golden eagle population with<br />
financial, technical <strong>and</strong> human resources. The zoo will house eagles that<br />
were confiscated by Portuguese authorities, obtained as unrecoverable birds<br />
from the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Network, or donated<br />
by <strong>EAZA</strong> member institutions. The zoo will also assist in translocation <strong>of</strong><br />
individuals from other parts <strong>of</strong> the country to the target area.<br />
Translocation<br />
Translocation will include three phases; the collection <strong>of</strong> chicks, rearing<br />
<strong>and</strong> the release into the target area in Peneda-Gerês National Park.<br />
Chicks will only be collected until the eighth day <strong>and</strong> from nests with<br />
more than one chick, as the second chick is at risk <strong>of</strong> ‘cainism’ (siblicide)<br />
conservation<br />
Protocol signed to recover<br />
the Iberian golden eagle population<br />
in northern Portugal<br />
Helder Fern<strong>and</strong>es, Park&Zoo Santo Inácio, Avintes, Portugal<br />
As currently only one female Iberian golden eagle<br />
(Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri) remains in Peneda-Gerês<br />
National Park, the Portuguese Ministry <strong>of</strong> Environment<br />
(represented by the Institut0 Conservação da<br />
Natureza (Institute for Nature Conservation - ICN)<br />
<strong>and</strong> Park&Zoo Santo Inácio (Avintes) signed a<br />
protocol in May 2006, with the aim <strong>of</strong> recovering the<br />
population <strong>of</strong> Iberian golden eagles in the park.<br />
photos park&zoo santo inácio<br />
if both remain in the nest. The chicks will be reared at the zoo until they<br />
are capable <strong>of</strong> thermo-regulation. During this phase, disease screening<br />
<strong>and</strong> preventative medicine protocols will be performed. Finally, the<br />
young eagles will undergo a s<strong>of</strong>t release by ‘hacking’, in artificial nests<br />
in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Before the birds are released they<br />
are ringed by the ICN <strong>and</strong> after release they are monitored via a GPS<br />
tracking system. •<br />
Lurdes Carvalho/ICN (left) <strong>and</strong> Roberto Guedes (Director Park&Zoo Santo Inácio)<br />
This is the first <strong>of</strong>ficial conservation-related protocol ever signed between the<br />
Portuguese government <strong>and</strong> a zoo in Portugal, which clearly demonstrates the<br />
national recognition <strong>of</strong> zoos as valid partners in conservation <strong>of</strong> wildlife <strong>and</strong><br />
biodiversity.<br />
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research<br />
Animal conservation genetics<br />
An overview with relevance to<br />
captive breeding programmes<br />
John O’Brien, Dublin Zoo <strong>and</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Zoology, University College Dublin, Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
Dublin Zoo has collaborated with two universities (Trinity College Dublin <strong>and</strong> University College Dublin) in recent<br />
years in developing a mutually beneficial research programme. These partnerships have allowed the zoo to fulfil its<br />
research obligations under the World Zoo <strong>and</strong> Aquarium Conservation Strategy, <strong>and</strong> additionally to contribute to<br />
effecting improvements in animal welfare <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong>ry. In collaboration with University College Dublin, Dublin<br />
Zoo recently undertook its first genetic study <strong>of</strong> an endangered species, the Rodrigues fruit bat (Pteropus rodricensis).<br />
Because genetic studies are highly technical <strong>and</strong> expensive, they are <strong>of</strong>ten considered beyond the scope <strong>of</strong> many zoos.<br />
Inter-institutional collaborations can facilitate such projects. Some aspects relevant to genetic studies <strong>of</strong> captive<br />
animals are summarized below.<br />
<strong>Zoos</strong> act as valuable reservoirs <strong>of</strong> genetic material. Given increasing i<br />
pressures on wild populations <strong>and</strong> the need to manage them more<br />
proactively, much in the same way as captive populations, the application<br />
<strong>of</strong> conservation genetic methodologies to ex situ populations can generate<br />
considerable benefits to animal conservation in general. Conservation<br />
genetics can operate at three levels; population level, species level <strong>and</strong><br />
individual level. All are relevant to captive breeding programmes.<br />
Species level studies<br />
The identification <strong>of</strong> taxonomic units is one <strong>of</strong> the most fundamental<br />
applications <strong>of</strong> conservation genetics. In some cases, morphological<br />
taxonomies are insufficient to quantify genetic diversity due to cryptic<br />
speciation. For example, genetic studies have supported suggestions that<br />
the two isl<strong>and</strong> populations <strong>of</strong> orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus) on Borneo<br />
<strong>and</strong> Sumatra are separate sub-species <strong>and</strong> differ to such an extent that<br />
it has prompted zoos to manage them separately (Warren et al., 2001).<br />
Canis simiensis photo martin harvey<br />
Hybridisation events<br />
Genetic analyses can also reveal hybridisation events, which have<br />
important implications for conservation planning. For example, plans<br />
for an intensive breeding programme for the Ethiopian wolf (Canis<br />
simiensis) have been hampered by difficulties in finding purebred<br />
animals due to introgression <strong>of</strong> domestic dog (Canis familiaris) DNA<br />
(Gottelli et al., 1994).<br />
Phylogeography<br />
Studying the genetic relationship between species <strong>and</strong> their geographic<br />
distribution (phylogeography) enables placement <strong>of</strong> the speciation processes<br />
in an evolutionary context. This is relevant to contemporary levels<br />
<strong>of</strong> genetic variability (Avise, 2000). <strong>Zoos</strong> are sometimes able to contribute<br />
to phylogeographic studies, since captive specimens are <strong>of</strong>ten sourced<br />
from throughout the range <strong>of</strong> a species (e.g. jaguars Panthera onca,<br />
Eizirik et al., 2001)<br />
Population level studies<br />
The comparison <strong>of</strong> genetic variability between populations is important<br />
for both in situ <strong>and</strong> ex situ conservation. The impact <strong>of</strong> founder effects,<br />
genetic drift, gene flow <strong>and</strong> bottlenecks on variability are important<br />
questions for the effective management <strong>of</strong> captive populations, with<br />
significant implications for inbreeding <strong>and</strong> outbreeding.<br />
If a founder population becomes reproductively isolated, r<strong>and</strong>om genetic<br />
drift will lead to divergence, <strong>of</strong> which the extent will be determined by<br />
gene flow (i.e. mating). If regular gene flow occurs between populations,<br />
the populations will tend to follow the same evolutionary trajectory.
Thus, it is important that zoos continue to exchange individual animals,<br />
since failure to do so will ensure that each group or programme will<br />
diverge not only from each other, but also from the wild population.<br />
Bottleneck events<br />
Species with short generation times, high reproductive output <strong>and</strong> equal<br />
mating opportunities tend to retain most <strong>of</strong> their genetic variability<br />
following a population bottleneck, provided that such events are<br />
infrequent (e.g. <strong>European</strong> rabbits in Australia, Zenger et al., 2003).<br />
In contrast, species with long generation times, low reproductive output<br />
<strong>and</strong> a skew in mating opportunities tend to suffer from eroded genetic<br />
variability (Luikart et al., 1998), particularly following repeated bottleneck<br />
events (e.g. North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis, Schaeff<br />
et al., 1997).<br />
In instances where a bottlenecked population remains small, the risk <strong>of</strong><br />
inbreeding increases (e.g. captive wolves Canis lupus, Laikre <strong>and</strong> Ryman,<br />
1991). This tends to reduce heterozygosity (the proportion <strong>of</strong> individuals<br />
in a population possessing two variations <strong>of</strong> a gene at a given gene<br />
fragment) <strong>and</strong> increases the likelihood <strong>of</strong> the expression <strong>of</strong> recessive<br />
lethal genes. Evidence is accruing for the negative impact <strong>of</strong> inbreeding<br />
on ‘fitness’ in terms <strong>of</strong> reproductive success <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>fspring survival<br />
(Crnokrak <strong>and</strong> R<strong>of</strong>f, 1999), particularly in zoo populations (Ralls et al.,<br />
1979, Kalinowski <strong>and</strong> Miller, 1999 <strong>and</strong> Miller <strong>and</strong> Hedrick, 2005).<br />
Two populations may suffer lower overall ‘fitness’ if they interbreed,<br />
as this tends to disrupt linked gene complexes that may be important<br />
evolutionary adaptations to the local environment (Zschokke <strong>and</strong> Baur,<br />
2002). Marshall <strong>and</strong> Spalton (2000) described simultaneous inbreeding<br />
<strong>and</strong> outbreeding in reintroduced Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) populations.<br />
Encouraging breeding between different populations without<br />
considering their origins can be counter-productive.<br />
Individual level studies<br />
In some cases genetic parentage analysis can assist in verifying pedigrees<br />
(e.g. Asian elephants Elephas maximus, V<strong>and</strong>ebona et al., 2005), allowing<br />
studbook managers to make confident decisions regarding breeding <strong>and</strong><br />
transfer <strong>of</strong> individuals between zoos. This ensures that genetic diversity is<br />
retained <strong>and</strong> inbreeding is limited.<br />
The assignment <strong>of</strong> individual animals to their source population based<br />
on their genetic pr<strong>of</strong>ile is proving to be a valuable technique in the fight<br />
against poaching <strong>and</strong> the illegal movement <strong>of</strong> animals by ensuring that<br />
animals are sourced from approved populations (Manel et al., 2002).<br />
Genetic methodologies have also been successfully used in sex determination<br />
<strong>of</strong> juveniles <strong>and</strong> monomorphic species, such as many birds<br />
(Griffiths et al., 1998) <strong>and</strong> reptiles (Mohanty, 1992), which is <strong>of</strong> significant<br />
benefit to the management <strong>of</strong> studbooks.<br />
research<br />
Genetic incompatibility versus mate choice<br />
The role that genetic incompatibility plays in mate choice <strong>and</strong> the reproductive<br />
success <strong>of</strong> animals remains largely unknown, but evidence is<br />
accumulating that it is an important factor (Tregenza <strong>and</strong> Wedell, 2000).<br />
Thus, potentially, the lack <strong>of</strong> reproductive success <strong>of</strong> some animal pairs<br />
or groups may be explained by the absence <strong>of</strong> natural mate choice<br />
mechanisms in the captive environment. Further investigation <strong>of</strong> genes<br />
implicated in mate choice could prove fruitful for studbook management<br />
<strong>and</strong> techniques for artificial reproduction.<br />
Potential pitfalls<br />
There is no consensus as to what degree <strong>of</strong> genetic differentiation<br />
constitutes separate species (Ferguson, 2002), <strong>and</strong> indeed no such<br />
consensus is ever likely to be reached. Instead, genetic analysis must<br />
be used in conjunction with other evidence such as morphological<br />
or behavioural differences to confirm species or sub-species status.<br />
Evidence <strong>of</strong> genetic invariability or genetic divergence must be treated<br />
with caution. Since gene fragments may evolve differently <strong>and</strong> the choice<br />
<strong>of</strong> genes for analysis is largely subjective, the fragments selected may<br />
not be truly representative <strong>of</strong> the genome-wide genetic variability <strong>of</strong> an<br />
individual or population. This problem can be overcome somewhat by<br />
comparing results to other more distantly related species.<br />
Systematic tissue sampling<br />
A potentially significant drawback to the use <strong>of</strong> parentage analysis in<br />
pedigree confirmation for captive breeding programmes is the absence<br />
<strong>of</strong> parental genotypes in the sample set. To overcome this, zoos should<br />
consider systematically taking post-mortem tissue samples from<br />
individuals <strong>of</strong> species in current or planned captive breeding programmes.<br />
Given the limited space requirements <strong>and</strong> low cost <strong>of</strong> sampling,<br />
this process should not confer any additional financial burden (see<br />
www.protocol-online.org for sampling <strong>and</strong> storage techniques).<br />
Conclusion<br />
Despite continuing cost reductions, genetic analysis remains an expensive<br />
technique. Furthermore, the technical <strong>and</strong> laboratory requirements are<br />
restrictive, although many aspects can now be outsourced to private<br />
firms. As increasing numbers <strong>of</strong> genetic studies are being carried out on<br />
endangered species in the wild, the benefits <strong>of</strong> comparative studies with<br />
captive populations should be apparent. Such studies are prudent, given<br />
growing limitations on the size <strong>of</strong> captive breeding populations <strong>and</strong> the<br />
increasing need to <strong>of</strong>fset any negative genetic effects <strong>of</strong> small population<br />
size through intensive management in zoos. •<br />
Given that zoo-based research centres are beyond the financial means <strong>of</strong> most zoos, the greatest benefits will be achieved if zoos form collaborative<br />
projects with local universities that can provide the technical <strong>and</strong> academic expertise necessary <strong>and</strong> additionally, share the financial burden.<br />
This article has been abridged <strong>and</strong> the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version <strong>of</strong> the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
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conservation<br />
The second SECORE<br />
workshop; conserving the<br />
threatened elkhorn coral<br />
Dirk Petersen <strong>and</strong> Michaël Laterveer, Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s, Eric Borneman, University <strong>of</strong> Houston, United States<br />
<strong>of</strong> America, Mike Brittsan, Columbus Zoo <strong>and</strong> Aquarium, United States <strong>of</strong> America, Mary Hagedorn, Smithsonian Institution,<br />
United States <strong>of</strong> America<br />
Coral reefs are declining rapidly throughout the world, mainly due to human influences. Habitat preservation<br />
is the best way to conserve ecosystems, but global patterns threatening coral reefs show no signs <strong>of</strong> abating<br />
<strong>and</strong> allowing coral reefs to recover. Fortunately, ex situ conservation techniques, such as maintaining captive<br />
stock collections <strong>and</strong> establishing genetic banks using frozen samples, hold promise for rapid <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ound<br />
improvements in preserving species.<br />
Sexual reproduction techniques<br />
The SExual COral REproduction (SECORE) Project (www.secore.org)<br />
involves a network <strong>of</strong> public aquaria <strong>and</strong> research institutions aimed<br />
at applying sexual reproduction techniques to enhance sustainability<br />
among in situ <strong>and</strong> ex situ coral populations (Petersen et al., 2006).<br />
It was possible to supply more than 35 institutional members with<br />
coral recruits using methods developed by Dirk Petersen in the marine<br />
laboratory <strong>of</strong> Rotterdam Zoo in 2001.<br />
In order to disseminate these techniques, Rotterdam Zoo organised the<br />
first SECORE workshop in June 2005. A limited number <strong>of</strong> institutions was<br />
trained in breeding techniques <strong>and</strong> gained basic knowledge in coral reproduction<br />
biology. Following the workshop, the majority <strong>of</strong> these institutions<br />
successfully started breeding their own coral stock. The second SECORE<br />
workshop was held in Puerto Rico, United States <strong>of</strong> America (USA), from<br />
10 to 17 August 2006. Researchers <strong>and</strong> coral specialists from 13 public<br />
aquaria in Europe <strong>and</strong> the USA participated. This was the greatest effort<br />
ever undertaken to establish an ex situ population <strong>of</strong> the threatened<br />
elkhorn coral (Acropora palmate).<br />
Acropora palmate photo eric borneman<br />
Status <strong>of</strong> the elkhorn coral<br />
Due to its massive, wave-resistant structure, the elkhorn coral is a<br />
critically important reef-building coral in the Caribbean. Unfortunately,<br />
field populations <strong>of</strong> elkhorn corals have declined over 90% in the last few<br />
years. Although many populations have been observed to actively spawn<br />
throughout the Caribbean, recruitment <strong>of</strong> newly-settled larvae has been<br />
limited. Leading coral specialists are trying to supplement populations<br />
with new recruits.<br />
Coral reproduction<br />
Brooding corals release competent planula larvae following internal<br />
fertilisation. The larvae can be collected from captive corals <strong>and</strong> settled<br />
on appropriate substrates, where they will metamorphose into coral<br />
polyps. However, it is currently impossible to initiate captive reproduction<br />
in broadcast spawning corals, which usually release their gametes for<br />
external fertilisation in annual mass spawning events. Nevertheless,<br />
field-collected gametes <strong>of</strong> only a few colonies are sufficient to produce<br />
thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> larvae for controlled settlement experiments in a protected<br />
aquarium environment.<br />
Collecting gametes in the Caribbean<br />
The west coast <strong>of</strong> Puerto Rico has some <strong>of</strong> the largest remaining elkhorn<br />
st<strong>and</strong>s left in the Caribbean. During spawning, these table-shaped corals<br />
release massive numbers <strong>of</strong> egg/sperm bundles into the surrounding<br />
water. During coral spawning nights at the coastal area <strong>of</strong> Rincon <strong>and</strong><br />
the <strong>of</strong>fshore site <strong>of</strong> Bajo Gallardo, SECORE participants dove to capture<br />
gametes.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> the egg/sperm bundles captured were placed in a 60 l cooler <strong>and</strong><br />
mixed to break up the bundles. After two hours, the fertilised eggs were<br />
rinsed with seawater several times. The fertilisation rate was monitored<br />
in 1 ml samples <strong>of</strong> each fertilisation event. In spawning trials where the<br />
sperm concentration was at least 106 ml-1 or higher, fertilisation rates<br />
between 60 <strong>and</strong> 90% were achieved.
photo brenna hern<strong>and</strong>ez/shedd aquarium<br />
Development was monitored on a phase contrast microscope, <strong>and</strong> samples<br />
were fixed in 4% para-formaldehyde throughout the first five days <strong>of</strong><br />
development.<br />
Rearing embryos<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ard rearing procedures used for the elkhorn coral involved stirring<br />
the floating suspension, cleaning the coral larvae with a 40 µm mesh net<br />
to remove debris <strong>and</strong> bacteria, <strong>and</strong> monitoring the survival <strong>of</strong> the coral in<br />
each tank with repeated 1 ml samples. In addition, the workshop participants<br />
applied innovative detection techniques to identify coral larvae<br />
<strong>and</strong> primary polyps, using yellow filter glasses <strong>and</strong> blue LED flashlights<br />
(www.nightsea.com) to detect the natural fluorescence in the larvae.<br />
The collected larvae were successfully transported in 0.5 to 2.0 l plastic<br />
bottles, using the protocol <strong>of</strong> Petersen et al. (2005a), <strong>and</strong> settled on<br />
specially designed substrate tiles.<br />
Cryo-preservation <strong>of</strong> coral propagules<br />
Mary Hagedorn, a cryo-preservation specialist at the Smithsonian Institution,<br />
conducted basic physiological research to develop cryo-preservation techniques<br />
to conserve larvae <strong>and</strong> sperm <strong>of</strong> the Elkhorn coral. Cryo-preservation<br />
can be used to establish a genetic bank for corals (Hagedorn et al., 2006 a<br />
<strong>and</strong> b). Genetic material can remain frozen but alive for hundreds <strong>of</strong> years<br />
in liquid nitrogen, allowing the time necessary to mitigate <strong>and</strong> restore<br />
habitats prior to restocking efforts. Also, large samples <strong>of</strong> a gene pool can<br />
be maintained, preventing species extinction. Furthermore, the banks can<br />
Bringing freshly collected elkhorn coral gametes to shore photo brenna hern<strong>and</strong>ez/shedd aquarium<br />
conservation<br />
Approximately 500,000 larvae transported in plastic bottles photo brenna hern<strong>and</strong>ez/shedd aquarium<br />
be used actively to increase genetic diversity within an ecosystem through<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> thawed samples to ‘seed’ shrinking populations. Because the<br />
threats to our reefs are global, genetic banks can maintain enormous<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> gametes to maintain the full genetic diversity <strong>of</strong> a species that<br />
habitat restoration <strong>and</strong> captive propagation can not currently address.<br />
Initial studies <strong>of</strong> Mary Hagedorn suggested the cryo-protectant propylene<br />
glycol may prove useful to successfully cryo-preserve sperm <strong>and</strong> not<br />
inhibit fertilisation <strong>of</strong> eggs with this frozen sperm. Elkhorn coral larvae<br />
<strong>and</strong> sperm can be damaged by chilling temperatures to around 0°C <strong>and</strong><br />
thus an ultra-rapid freezing technique will have to be used to cryo-preserve<br />
the larvae. An elkhorn coral spermatoza has an extremely long tail (>150 µm)<br />
<strong>and</strong> is a vigorous swimmer (which may help fertilisation <strong>of</strong> eggs in the<br />
high surf areas). Early day one blastula stage larvae were more sensitive<br />
to hypo- <strong>and</strong> hyper-osmotic events, <strong>and</strong> permeable to cryo-protectants.<br />
First results<br />
During the workshop more than 900,000 larvae were successfully reared,<br />
<strong>of</strong> which approximately 500,000 were taken back to the participating<br />
institutions for further research. The remaining larvae were donated to<br />
support conservation research. Larvae were transported to the institutions<br />
in the USA, attaining maximum post-transport survival rates <strong>of</strong> 90 to<br />
100%. Settlement experiments were immediately started. The majority <strong>of</strong><br />
the larvae settled within the first two days. Settlement varied between<br />
institutions with rates <strong>of</strong> 10 to 30%. The <strong>European</strong> participants will receive<br />
primary polyps from their American colleagues as soon as CITES permits<br />
are issued.<br />
Advance in establishing populations<br />
The participating institutions will use the coral recruits to establish a<br />
living stock collection <strong>of</strong> the elkhorn coral in their facilities. Only very few<br />
facilities, including those <strong>of</strong> Eric Borneman <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong> Houston,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Rotterdam Zoo have experience in keeping fragments <strong>and</strong> semi-adult<br />
specimens. During the workshop, a major advancement towards the<br />
establishment <strong>of</strong> ex situ populations <strong>of</strong> the elkhorn coral was made.<br />
Participants learned essential h<strong>and</strong>s-on techniques, including collecting<br />
gametes during the spawning events, ex situ fertilisation, rearing <strong>of</strong><br />
embryos <strong>and</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> larval cultures <strong>and</strong> settlement <strong>and</strong> transport<br />
<strong>of</strong> larvae. A <strong>12</strong>-month post-workshop monitoring period will provide<br />
important information on husb<strong>and</strong>ry conditions. •<br />
This article has been abridged <strong>and</strong> the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version <strong>of</strong> the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
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eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
30<br />
conservation<br />
SAZA focuses on its own backyard<br />
Helena Olsson, Eskilstuna Zoo, Sweden<br />
Imagine that you are on a trip in the middle <strong>of</strong> Sweden during winter. The snow is falling, <strong>and</strong> through the<br />
falling snow you see a couple <strong>of</strong> large stones in front <strong>of</strong> you, all covered in white. Suddenly, one <strong>of</strong> them<br />
starts to move, <strong>and</strong> then one after another the ‘stones’ reveal themselves. Thanks to the Swedish <strong>Association</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Zoological Parks <strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquaria</strong> (SAZA), people can still experience musk-oxen in Sweden.<br />
Nature conservation<br />
SAZA currently runs <strong>12</strong> conservation projects for <strong>12</strong> different species.<br />
Criteria for species selection are that the species must be Nordic, it must<br />
be rare or threatened in Swedish or Nordic nature <strong>and</strong> it must be a target<br />
for research <strong>and</strong>/or other in situ work. It is also important that the<br />
species is found in SAZA member institutions.<br />
Vulnerable musk-ox population<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the <strong>12</strong> conservation projects focuses on the musk-ox (Ovibos<br />
moschatus). Together with the Swedish Environmental Protection<br />
Agency (EPA), several zoos in Sweden are working to conserve this arctic<br />
species, which now naturally lives on the arctic tundra <strong>of</strong> Greenl<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Canada <strong>and</strong> Norway. Fossil records in Sweden show that the musk-ox<br />
was already part <strong>of</strong> our fauna about 40,000 years ago. Musk-oxen<br />
immigrated from Norway to Sweden in 1971 <strong>and</strong> a population has lived<br />
in the middle <strong>of</strong> Sweden since then. This population is very vulnerable<br />
though. In 2001 only seven musk-oxen were left <strong>and</strong> after one calve was<br />
born in the succeeding year, today the herd still consists <strong>of</strong> eight animals.<br />
Musk-ox project<br />
The Swedish EPA came up with a proposal to save the musk-ox in<br />
Sweden, both on a short-term <strong>and</strong> long-term basis.<br />
The short-term goal is to improve the genetic status <strong>of</strong> the current<br />
herd <strong>and</strong> its possibility to survive in the region. One cow was mated<br />
with a bull at Järvzoo (Järvsö), after which she was reintroduced to the<br />
herd <strong>and</strong> successfully gave birth to a calf. More short-term actions will<br />
take place, including the introduction <strong>of</strong> musk-oxen from other countries<br />
to the original herd. The long-term goal is to conserve two herds <strong>of</strong> muskoxen<br />
within the region <strong>of</strong> Harjedalen.<br />
Communication <strong>and</strong> education<br />
Thanks to the attention the musk-ox project received, it has become quite<br />
a success. The project provides SAZA with the opportunity to teach people<br />
through exhibits <strong>and</strong> lectures about ecological patterns <strong>and</strong> the importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> a holistic way <strong>of</strong> thinking. The Swedish EPA <strong>and</strong> SAZA have had<br />
several informative meetings <strong>and</strong> the project board includes Lapl<strong>and</strong>ers,<br />
l<strong>and</strong>owners <strong>and</strong> representatives from the musk-ox reintroduction group.<br />
Interested people can also sign up to receive updates on the musk-ox<br />
project or even participate in musk-ox safaris, which has also opened up<br />
a way for SAZA to initiate more reintroduction projects. The association<br />
has seen the positive effects <strong>of</strong> working together with locals. This is<br />
very important since several discussions with the public are taking place,<br />
mostly concerning large predators such as wolves, lynxes, bears <strong>and</strong><br />
wolverines. •<br />
photo järvzoo<br />
The Swedish <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> Zoological Parks <strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquaria</strong> has shown that its focus on conservation works, <strong>and</strong> that it succeeds thanks to the public.<br />
A public that, through education, has started realising the importance <strong>of</strong> biological diversity <strong>and</strong> conservation.
Bengt Holst, CBSG Europe, Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark<br />
Workshops for <strong>European</strong> species<br />
So far, CBSG Europe has primarily been involved in conservation workshops<br />
for exotic species such as the Malay tapir (Tapirus indicus), the<br />
Formosan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) <strong>and</strong> the four<br />
species <strong>of</strong> lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.). The workshops were<br />
all urgently needed <strong>and</strong> resulted in conservation action plans that set<br />
priorities for the future conservation activities in the involved regions.<br />
However, it is now time to focus on <strong>European</strong> species as well. Several<br />
workshops are in preparation, but the first one to be conducted will be<br />
a PHVA (Population <strong>and</strong> Habitat Viability Assessment) workshop for<br />
the green toad (Bufo viridis) in Sweden. The workshop is scheduled for<br />
11 to 14 June 2007 <strong>and</strong> will be hosted by Nordens Ark, Hunnebostr<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Sweden, one <strong>of</strong> the institutions that have been heavily involved in<br />
captive breeding <strong>and</strong> reintroduction <strong>of</strong> this species for years.<br />
Towards a self-sustaining population <strong>of</strong> green toads<br />
The green toad was previously widely distributed in the southern-most<br />
part <strong>of</strong> Sweden, with over fifty known localities primarily in coastal<br />
areas. During the past fifty years the population has declined drastically;<br />
now numbering less than 400 adult specimens in three local populations.<br />
The reasons for this decline are not fully understood, but decreasing<br />
water quality <strong>and</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> breeding pools are most probably part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
explanation. In order to help the population increase again, reintroductions<br />
have been conducted at selected localities. However, in order for such<br />
activities to be efficient they need to become part <strong>of</strong> a more comprehensive<br />
plan, looking far into the future <strong>and</strong> taking all relevant threats <strong>and</strong><br />
opportunities into consideration.<br />
conservation<br />
CBSG Europe conducts conservation<br />
workshop for green toads<br />
A number <strong>of</strong> exciting working groups was formed at the annual meeting <strong>of</strong> CBSG in Halle, Germany, from<br />
24 to 27 August 2006. The reports <strong>of</strong> these working groups will be published in the next issue <strong>of</strong> the CBSG<br />
<strong>News</strong>letter. One <strong>of</strong> the working groups focussed on the development <strong>of</strong> a future action plan for CBSG Europe.<br />
As there was so much interest in this topic, the group needed to be divided into three subgroups, focussing<br />
on finances, future workshops <strong>and</strong> how to involve the CBSG membership in the daily work.<br />
CHANGES TO<br />
EXISTING TAGs<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Pelecaniformes tag<br />
Bjarne Klausen (vice-chair),<br />
Odense<br />
22 November 2006<br />
CHANGES TO<br />
EXISTING EEPs<br />
Pallas’ cat eep<br />
(Otocolobus manul )<br />
David Barclay, Edinburgh<br />
14 November 2006<br />
Moreover, it is important to include all major stakeholders in the necessary<br />
discussions <strong>and</strong> decisions regarding the plan, which must provide<br />
priorities in what needs to be done to secure a self-sustaining population<br />
<strong>of</strong> green toads in the future.<br />
Population <strong>and</strong> Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA)<br />
The PHVA process is a very helpful <strong>and</strong> efficient tool for such a process.<br />
CBSG Europe will provide the necessary staff to conduct the workshop<br />
<strong>and</strong> Nordens Ark will provide the framework, including accommodation,<br />
meals <strong>and</strong> a suitable social atmosphere. The CBSG Europe staff will<br />
consist <strong>of</strong> two facilitators <strong>and</strong> two modellers. The modellers will make<br />
computer simulations for the population using a set <strong>of</strong> biological data<br />
(known or estimated). Such simulations help identify the most important<br />
threats <strong>and</strong> thus also the most important conservation actions to be<br />
taken. The facilitators take the participants through the necessary ‘brain<br />
exercises’ to get all relevant input on the table <strong>and</strong> after that to prioritise<br />
<strong>and</strong> organise the information into the final conservation action plan.<br />
CBSG Europe expects to have a workshop with forty to fifty participants,<br />
selected among specialists, decision makers <strong>and</strong> other stakeholders<br />
who will be influenced by the decisions made at the workshop. A special<br />
briefing book with relevant information about the status <strong>and</strong> threats,<br />
existing plans <strong>and</strong> local conditions will be produced by the CBSG Europe<br />
staff <strong>and</strong> will be distributed to all participants prior to the workshop.<br />
After the workshop the final PHVA report will be produced <strong>and</strong> distributed<br />
to all participants as well as to relevant local authorities for implementation.<br />
In addition it will be made available for download on the CBSG<br />
Europe website; www.cbsgeurope.eu •<br />
NEW ESBs<br />
Kowari esb<br />
(previously Kowari eep)<br />
( Dasycercus byrnei )<br />
Ewa Tresowska, Poznan<br />
10 November 2006<br />
CHANGES TO<br />
EXISTING ESBs<br />
Kea esb<br />
(Nestor notabilis)<br />
Kate Atwell, Bristol<br />
28 November 2006<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
programme<br />
updates<br />
As approved by the EEP Committee<br />
31
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
directory updates<br />
publications<br />
32<br />
books<br />
personalia<br />
————————————————————<br />
Dipl. Biol. Achim Winkler is the new director<br />
<strong>of</strong> Duisburg Zoo, Germany, as per 1 Januari<br />
2007. He replaces Dipl. Biol. Reinhard Frese.<br />
————————————————————<br />
Mr. Fedir Romash is the new director <strong>of</strong><br />
Kyiv Zoo, Ukraine, as per <strong>12</strong> October 2006.<br />
He replaces Mr. Yevgen Kyrylyuk.<br />
————————————————————<br />
terminated membership<br />
————————————————————<br />
Baguley Brow Farm, United Kingdom<br />
(former associate member)<br />
————————————————————<br />
Omega Parque, Portugal<br />
(former full member)<br />
————————————————————<br />
photo maarten van der voorde/apenheul primate park (apeldoorn)<br />
In <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>News</strong> announcements are published <strong>of</strong> books that have relevance to zoo staff <strong>and</strong> other people with a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
interest in zoos. On the <strong>EAZA</strong> website more information can be found on these books as well as on the publishers.<br />
david m. lavigne (ed.; 2006)<br />
Gaining ground; in pursuit <strong>of</strong> ecological sustainability<br />
This book is written by a variety <strong>of</strong> conservationists <strong>and</strong> amongst others covers the fields <strong>of</strong> conservation biology, wildlife biology, ethics,<br />
economics <strong>and</strong> social sciences. The contents can be <strong>of</strong> interest to all people concerned about the current state <strong>of</strong> the planet <strong>and</strong> human attempts<br />
to achieve ecological sustainability. The book confirms that there are serious difficulties to confront, but that there is sufficient underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong><br />
the factors involved to solve many <strong>of</strong> them.<br />
Pages: 425. ISBN: 0-9698171-7-7 (pb). Price: UK£30.00. To be ordered from: IFAW (www.ifaw.org).<br />
susie green (2006)<br />
Tiger<br />
‘Tiger’ describes the role <strong>of</strong> this fascinating animal in human history, mythology, art <strong>and</strong> literature. This book shows how the decline <strong>of</strong> the<br />
tiger’s natural habitat <strong>and</strong> relentless pressure from poachers <strong>and</strong> farmers have turned a naturally retiring, solitary animal into an aggressive predator.<br />
The book is nicely illustrated <strong>and</strong> written in a lively approachable style.<br />
Pages: 192. ISBN: 1-86189-276-4 (pb). Price: UK£<strong>12</strong>.95.<br />
To be ordered from: Reaktion Books (www.reaktionbooks.com.uk).<br />
michael lannoo (eds.; 2005)<br />
Amphibian declines; the conservation status <strong>of</strong> United States species<br />
‘Amphibian declines’ documents in detail a major environmental crisis; rapidly declining amphibian populations <strong>and</strong> the disturbing developmental<br />
problems that are increasingly prevalent among many amphibian species. The book reinforces the suspicion <strong>of</strong> scientists that amphibians are a<br />
lens through which the state <strong>of</strong> the environment can be viewed more clearly. And, that this view is alarming <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> serious concern for all life,<br />
including that <strong>of</strong> our own species.<br />
Pages: 1,115. ISBN: 0-520-23592-2 (hb). Price: US$95.00. To be ordered from: California University Press (www.ucpress.edu).<br />
chris rose (eds.; 2005)<br />
How to win campaigns; 100 steps to success<br />
This book is a comprehensive <strong>and</strong> systematic exploration <strong>of</strong> what works in campaigning, <strong>and</strong> a practical how-to guide for using principles <strong>and</strong> strategy<br />
in campaigning as a new form <strong>of</strong> public politics. The book describes how to start a campaign, motivating people, research <strong>and</strong> development, planning,<br />
organising communication, constructing campaign propositions, how to keep a campaign going, how to use media <strong>and</strong> what to do <strong>and</strong> what not to<br />
do.<br />
Pages: 160. ISBN: 1-85383-962-0 (pb). Price: UK£16.99. To be ordered from: Earthscan (www.earthscan.co.uk).<br />
i n m e m o r i a m<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> was sad to learn <strong>of</strong> the death <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
Zdenek Veselovsky, who passed away on<br />
24 November 2006 at the age <strong>of</strong> 78. Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
Zdenek Veselovsky was the director <strong>of</strong> Prague<br />
Zoo from 1959 to 1988. Under his management,<br />
Prague Zoo began focussing on breeding<br />
endangered species, <strong>and</strong> he organised the first<br />
international symposium for the conservation <strong>of</strong><br />
the Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii ).<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Zdenek Veselovsky was a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the International Union <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong><br />
Zoological Gardens <strong>and</strong> promoted general<br />
zoological <strong>and</strong> conservation education through<br />
TV <strong>and</strong> radio broadcasts. He enthusiastically<br />
supported scientific work in zoological institutions,<br />
<strong>and</strong> published numerous scientific papers<br />
<strong>and</strong> books himself. He was especially active in<br />
the field <strong>of</strong> ethology, <strong>and</strong> was the first ethology<br />
teacher at the Charles University in Prague.<br />
Recently the Gorilla EEP husb<strong>and</strong>ry guidelines have been published. A further four husb<strong>and</strong>ry<br />
guidelines <strong>and</strong> some 15 <strong>European</strong> studbooks have been received by the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office in the<br />
period October-December 2006. We are very grateful to all who have contributed to these valuable<br />
publications. For more information on the husb<strong>and</strong>ry guidelines a well as a full list <strong>of</strong> received<br />
publications <strong>of</strong> interest, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
Please continue to send us your printed publications, so we can incorporate these in the online publications list.
Update on the development <strong>of</strong> ZIMS<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> ZIMS continues to make steady progress. Over the past few months, we have seen<br />
a series <strong>of</strong> ‘builds’, each more complete than the last. We believe that you will be amazed at how much<br />
this s<strong>of</strong>tware will be able to do for you!<br />
Locating the bugs<br />
A Quality Assurance (QA) team <strong>of</strong> key Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)<br />
from around the world <strong>and</strong> ISIS technical staff have been working<br />
through each build <strong>of</strong> the s<strong>of</strong>tware, trying to make it fail, to locate the<br />
bugs. Between all <strong>of</strong> us, we have been finding a lot <strong>of</strong> bugs. That is<br />
actually good news, because the more bugs we find <strong>and</strong> correct now,<br />
the more stable <strong>and</strong> complete the s<strong>of</strong>tware will be when it goes into<br />
the next stage <strong>of</strong> testing.<br />
Clinical medicine sections<br />
The s<strong>of</strong>tware vendor CGI delivered a fresh build containing clinical<br />
medicine pages during late November 2006. Several zoo wildlife<br />
veterinarians reviewed these clinical medicine sections <strong>of</strong> ZIMS in<br />
Toronto during a three-day meeting in December 2006. Selected SMEs<br />
have access to the most recent ZIMS builds through the internet.<br />
As the s<strong>of</strong>tware becomes more complete, more specialist SMEs will be<br />
joining this team so that bugs across the system are identified quickly,<br />
allowing speedy resolution.<br />
eadisc|isis<br />
Fr<strong>and</strong>s Carlsen, vice-chair EADISC, Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark <strong>and</strong> Duncan Bolton, vice-chair EADISC, Bristol Zoo Gardens, United Kingdom<br />
User Acceptance Testing<br />
Wider User Acceptance Testing (UAT) will begin early May 2007. This<br />
will involve several institutions called ‘alpha adopters’; Bristol Zoo<br />
Gardens, Copenhagen Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo (Wichita), Seattle<br />
Aquarium (Washington), National Zoo (Washington D.C.), South<br />
Carolina Aquarium (Charleston) <strong>and</strong> the Zoological Society <strong>of</strong> San<br />
Diego (California). The UAT will last <strong>12</strong> to twenty weeks, after which<br />
ZIMS’ wider deployment to beta early adopters <strong>and</strong> fast adopters will<br />
begin. The schedule for beta early adopters will be towards the end <strong>of</strong><br />
the UAT cycle.<br />
It is a long <strong>and</strong> arduous process to build a state <strong>of</strong> the art, global webbased<br />
zoological information system as superbly functional as ZIMS.<br />
When completed, ZIMS will <strong>of</strong>fer a quantum leap in information <strong>and</strong><br />
communication between zoological institutions <strong>and</strong> zoo pr<strong>of</strong>essionals. •<br />
As always, we wish to thank the hundreds <strong>of</strong> dedicated people <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ISIS community who have volunteered many thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> hours to help<br />
imagine, design <strong>and</strong> test ZIMS!<br />
Studbook data cleaning project<br />
S<strong>and</strong>er Cozijn, ISIS <strong>European</strong> Liaison <strong>and</strong> Bart Hiddinga, <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office<br />
As ZIMS becomes more complete with every passing week, people are working hard on improving their<br />
data quality. One <strong>of</strong> the major challenges institutions face is making sure all data are as complete <strong>and</strong><br />
linked as well as possible, before transferring the data into the ZIMS database. In order to achieve this<br />
goal, <strong>EAZA</strong> has trained various students in the use <strong>of</strong> the studbook reconciliation tools.<br />
The project started in July 2006 with students Daan Versleijen <strong>and</strong><br />
Tineke Henselmans <strong>of</strong> the Van Hall Institute, Leeuwarden, in the<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s. Their work was continued by two other students;<br />
Dennis Appels <strong>and</strong> Monique Pijnaker. The students were situated at<br />
Rotterdam Zoo, Chester Zoo <strong>and</strong> Frankfurt Zoo. Students help studbook<br />
keepers reconcile their data, to get rid <strong>of</strong> as many errors as possible.<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> 29 studbooks has already been completely reconciled. So far,<br />
the combined efforts <strong>of</strong> the students have resolved over 1800 discrepancies.<br />
Since the beginning <strong>of</strong> the project the overall reconciliation percentage<br />
<strong>of</strong> all <strong>EAZA</strong> studbooks has risen 4%. This is a considerate increase<br />
For an overview <strong>of</strong> reconciled studbooks, please refer to the <strong>EAZA</strong> website ‘Magazine’ section.<br />
considering that <strong>EAZA</strong> has a total <strong>of</strong> 243 studbooks in the ISIS database.<br />
The influence <strong>of</strong> the reconciliation is however limited; during the<br />
reconciliation process only changes to the studbook can be made. But,<br />
to solve a lot <strong>of</strong> errors, changes in institutional data are required, so<br />
without the cooperation <strong>of</strong> all institutions, quality <strong>of</strong> the studbooks<br />
will not increase.<br />
Getting ready for ZIMS is extremely important for all <strong>of</strong> us in <strong>EAZA</strong>,<br />
<strong>and</strong> with the help <strong>of</strong> students <strong>and</strong> the cooperation <strong>of</strong> all institutions<br />
<strong>and</strong> studbook keepers, we are certain that our goal can be achieved! •<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007<br />
33
Mazuri <br />
Zoo Foods closer to reality<br />
The source <strong>of</strong> balanced quality diets <strong>and</strong> supplements<br />
P.O. Box 705, Witham, Essex, CM8 3AD, Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Tel: +44 (0) 1376 51<strong>12</strong>60 Fax: +44 (0) 1376 51<strong>12</strong>47<br />
France: Tel: +33 (0) 1 30 10 94 94 Fax: +33 (0) 30 10 94 99<br />
Web-site: www.mazurifoods.com<br />
Agents: We have a number <strong>of</strong> agents throughout Europe – for details contact the Witham <strong>of</strong>fice.
zims; what will it do for you?<br />
ISIS is working with over 500 experts worldwide to build a global web-enabled database system; ZIMS.<br />
ZIMS will replace the current ISIS s<strong>of</strong>tware applications. As ZIMS is important to all <strong>of</strong> us within <strong>EAZA</strong>,<br />
the most important things ZIMS will do for you are once again listed below:<br />
executive directors<br />
– ZIMS will allow you to quickly check on the animal management side <strong>of</strong> your institution by giving you an executive summary <strong>of</strong> recent animal activities;<br />
– ZIMS will <strong>of</strong>fer time-saving <strong>and</strong> streamlining benefits to all your staff, including the vets, curators, registrars, keepers <strong>and</strong> aquarium staff.<br />
curators<br />
– With ZIMS, you have a pooled knowledgebase <strong>of</strong> information about all the animals in your collection (e.g. who is the studbook keeper for a certain species<br />
<strong>and</strong> are there husb<strong>and</strong>ry guidelines for a certain species);<br />
– In ZIMS you can set reminders to carry out certain operations (e.g. when to move animals);<br />
– When an animal has died, you can use ZIMS to find out if the animal is a studbook species or an animal on loan <strong>and</strong> whom to notify about the death.<br />
You can also find out if there are any research requests for animal body parts, either within the zoo or from an outside researcher.<br />
aquarium staff<br />
– When your vet recorded in ZIMS that e.g. tetras cleared quarantine, the system can automatically notify you that they are ready to be put on exhibit;<br />
– When a water quality technician enters the results <strong>of</strong> testing on an enclosure <strong>and</strong> the pH parameter is out <strong>of</strong> the acceptable range you entered, ZIMS can<br />
immediately send an e-mail message to you, the water quality technician <strong>and</strong> curator <strong>and</strong> action can be taken immediately.<br />
keepers<br />
– ZIMS will help you stay on top <strong>of</strong> things, even when you are called away. With ZIMS, you can always rest assured that your animals are in good care <strong>and</strong><br />
that you will not return to any big surprises;<br />
– With ZIMS you can check notes from the veterinarian about a certain animal that was examined.<br />
registrars<br />
– You can use ZIMS to find a species coordinator, to check the availability <strong>of</strong> a certain species at other facilities <strong>and</strong> to select the top options for mating based on<br />
genetic <strong>and</strong> availability information;<br />
– ZIMS easily identifies information relevant for permitting;<br />
– With ZIMS you can get an alert the day an animal is shipped to you or a reminder when it is important to remove <strong>of</strong>fspring from the parents’ cage during the<br />
troubling teenage years.<br />
studbook keepers<br />
– As staff at over 600 ISIS member institutions enter information about your species into ZIMS, the system will automatically send appropriate updates to<br />
your studbook;<br />
– In case data in ZIMS conflicts with your data, ZIMS will aid you in contacting <strong>and</strong> working with the submitting institution to resolve any data issues;<br />
– ZIMS will notify you <strong>of</strong> major events (e.g. births, transfers, deaths) <strong>and</strong> you will have access to other data, such as transponders <strong>and</strong> notes.<br />
veterinary staff<br />
– When an animal is sick, you can start a search in ZIMS for information on similar cases worldwide, including the lifetime medical history <strong>of</strong> an animal,<br />
treatments <strong>and</strong> results;<br />
– Through analyzing the data provided by ZIMS, you are able to determine what is ailing your animal patient <strong>and</strong> perform the appropriate course <strong>of</strong> treatment.<br />
educators<br />
– With ZIMS you can easily share educational programme ideas among almost 700 institutions worldwide;<br />
– With ZIMS you have immediate access to (conservation) information on more than 10,000 species.<br />
marketing staff<br />
– With ZIMS you can easily network <strong>and</strong> share ideas <strong>and</strong> news worldwide;<br />
– With ZIMS you can create interactive services for your guests;<br />
– With ZIMS you can gather current information on 10,000 species in zoos, aquaria <strong>and</strong> other conservation-focused organisations.<br />
For more information, please refer to the ZIMS website www.zims.org<br />
eaza news <strong>57</strong><br />
2007