EAZA NEWS 54 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
EAZA NEWS 54 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
EAZA NEWS 54 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
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<strong>EAZA</strong><strong>NEWS</strong><br />
quarterly publication <strong>of</strong> the european association <strong>of</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria<br />
april may june 2006<br />
5<br />
In situ conservation<br />
data collection<br />
7<br />
Creative Rhino<br />
Campaigning<br />
11<br />
A zoo without signs<br />
12<br />
White-footed<br />
tamarin conservation<br />
programme<br />
23<br />
Ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the world<br />
26<br />
On RCPs <strong>and</strong><br />
population sizes<br />
14 Restoring a population <strong>of</strong> peregrine falcons<br />
<strong>54</strong><br />
2 0 0 6<br />
21 A new facility for Orinoco river dolphins
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
02<br />
who is who in eaza<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Committee<br />
chairman Leobert de Boer, Apenheul Primate Park vice-chairman Simon Tonge, Paignton<br />
Zoo 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 advisor Gunther Nogge, Cologne Zoo<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Director<br />
Koen Brouwer, <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 2004 - 2006<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 Vladislav Jirousek, Jihlava<br />
Zoo denmark Henrik Herold, R<strong>and</strong>ers Zoo estonia Mati Kaal, Tallinn Zoo finl<strong>and</strong> Seppo<br />
Turunen, Helsinki Zoo france Jean-Jacques Boisard, Réserve Africaine de Sigean · Françoise<br />
Delord, Parc Zoologique de Beauval · Michel Hignette, Aquarium du MAAO, Paris germany<br />
Bernhard Blaszkiewitz, Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde · Wolfgang W. Gettmann, Aquazoo<br />
Düsseldorf · Gunther Nogge, Cologne Zoo · Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo greece Andreas<br />
Sioulas, Rhodes Aquarium hungary Ilma Bogsch, Budapest Zoo irel<strong>and</strong> Leo Oosterweghel,<br />
Dublin Zoo italy Gloria Svampa Garibaldi, Punta Verde Zoo 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 · Henk Hiddingh, Emmen Zoo norway Arne Magne Robstad, Kristians<strong>and</strong> Zoo pol<strong>and</strong><br />
Ryszard Topola, Lodz Zoo portugal Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Lisbon Zoo russia Vladimir V. Spitsin,<br />
Moscow Zoo slovakia Miloslava Savelová, Bratislava Zoo slovenia Zdenka Barbara Ban<br />
Fischinger, Ljubljana Zoo spain José Ignacio Cobo, Zoo Aquarium Madrid sweden Hans-Ove<br />
Larsson, Skansen Foundation switzerl<strong>and</strong> Felix Weber, Goldau Zoo turkey vacancy<br />
ukraine Yevgen Kyrylyuk, Kyiv Zoo united kingdom Jo Gipps, Bristol Zoo · Ken J. Sims,<br />
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens · Simon Tonge, Paignton Zoo · Dominique A. Tropeano, Colchester<br />
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 · Pierre Gay, Zoo de Doué · Gordon McGregor Reid, Chester Zoo ·<br />
Jacques Ka<strong>and</strong>orp, Safaripark Beekse Bergen<br />
member <strong>of</strong><br />
colophon<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> News 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 Chairman <strong>EAZA</strong> Bert de Boer Executive Director Koen Brouwer Chairman Membership & Ethics<br />
Committee Lars Lunding Andersen Managing Editor Jenny van Leeuwen (jenny.van.leeuwen@nvdzoos.nl) Editorial Staff<br />
Corinne Bos, Koen Brouwer, Bart Hiddinga, Catherine King Education section Robert van Herk, Helena Olsson Campaign section<br />
Martijn Los 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 1574-2997. 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> News 55: 17 May 2006<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 />
The founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> in 1988 increased cooperation<br />
between <strong>European</strong> zoos. <strong>EAZA</strong> is also constantly seeking<br />
ways to improve this level <strong>of</strong> cooperation. Today the<br />
level <strong>of</strong> inter-institutional cooperation accomplished<br />
by <strong>EAZA</strong> member institutions is quite remarkable <strong>and</strong><br />
very special. Animals are mostly donated or exchanged<br />
instead <strong>of</strong> sold, <strong>and</strong> successful experiences <strong>and</strong> knowledge<br />
are shared. In no other field are companies so<br />
open <strong>and</strong> willing to help each other. In no other branch<br />
is the competitor treated as such a good friend. This<br />
approach should be applauded, cherished <strong>and</strong> when<br />
possible exp<strong>and</strong>ed.<br />
In this issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News, again, many articles directly<br />
or indirectly demonstrate this cooperative <strong>and</strong> open-minded<br />
attitude <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions in sharing information<br />
<strong>and</strong> experiences, exchanging animals, cooperating for<br />
conservation etc. We truly can be proud to be part <strong>of</strong><br />
such a cooperative <strong>and</strong> generous ‘<strong>EAZA</strong> zoo family’!<br />
Besides promoting <strong>and</strong> stimulating inter-institutional<br />
cooperation, <strong>EAZA</strong> also seeks to increase cooperation<br />
with other regions <strong>and</strong> with zoo related associations <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>European</strong> authorities. Such cooperation is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
basic elements needed to conserve nature worldwide.<br />
In this issue <strong>and</strong> in the next issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News we<br />
highlight a recently established partnership with the<br />
important regional zoo <strong>and</strong> aquarium association in<br />
Latin America, ALPZA. This partnership is a clear example<br />
<strong>of</strong> increased cooperation between two regions <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
building partnerships that benefit nature conservation.<br />
Please remember that <strong>EAZA</strong> News 56 will<br />
be dedicated to ‘Sustainability’ <strong>and</strong> that<br />
your contributions to this issue can already<br />
be sent to jenny.van.leeuwen@nvdzoos.nl<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 <strong>54</strong> e-mail: corinne.bos@nvdzoos.nl<br />
Collection Coordination & Conservation tel: +31 20 520 07 50 fax: +31 20 520 07 52 e-mail: bart.hiddinga@nvdzoos.nl
04<br />
11 12<br />
photo rob doolaard (izp)/rotterdam zoo photo dolfinarium photo eric bairrão ruivo<br />
21<br />
photo peter rasbach<br />
c<br />
Conservation Forum 32 publications<br />
36 eaza awards<br />
photo tom svensson/nordens ark<br />
contents<br />
Colophon · Who is Who<br />
01<br />
02 from the editors<br />
03 contents<br />
ISIS <strong>European</strong> liaison · Avian Influenza · Viva España · EEP Committee · First Madagascar Campaign meeting 04 from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Distribution <strong>of</strong> Shellshock funds · Update on the <strong>EAZA</strong> in situ conservation database project 05 from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
06 from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Offer to use Austrian campaign posters · Bushmen Art · First fundraising results! 07 eaza rhino campaign<br />
Rhino mufti day at Kings House School · Rhino calendar great success 08 eaza rhino campaign<br />
Bronze braille <strong>and</strong> ice rhino sculptures at Budapest Zoo · Generous donation to celebrate 50th anniversary <strong>of</strong> Opel Zoo 09 eaza rhino campaign<br />
Rhino campaign marketing without rhinos · Rhino campaign stamp as collectors item 10 eaza rhino campaign<br />
A zoo without signs · Just another educator 11 education<br />
The white-footed tamarin conservation programme in Colombia 12 conservation<br />
13 conservation<br />
Restoring the population <strong>of</strong> peregrine falcons in Sweden through captive breeding 14 conservation<br />
15 conservation<br />
Eric Bairrão Ruivo 16 interview<br />
Zürich · Krefeld 17 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Usti nad Labem · Wuppertal · Dresden · Berlin 18 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Rhenen 19 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Puerto de la Cruz 20 births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Rio Negro at Duisburg Zoo 21 new enclosures<br />
New elephant house in the Ostrava Zoo 22 new enclosures<br />
Ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the world 23 new enclosures<br />
Sharing information through a Digital Zoo Resource Centre 24 research<br />
25 research<br />
On Regional Collection Plans <strong>and</strong> population sizes 26 collection planning<br />
To exp<strong>and</strong> or not to exp<strong>and</strong>, that’s the question! 27 collection planning<br />
28 collection planning<br />
Breeding programme management 29 collection planning<br />
Programme Updates · ZIMS construction walkthrough 30 collection planning | isis<br />
31 books |directory updates<br />
14<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
03
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
04<br />
from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
ISIS <strong>European</strong> liaison<br />
S<strong>and</strong>er Cozijn began as full-time ISIS <strong>European</strong> liaison on 1 March<br />
2006, following an application procedure in which a fair number <strong>of</strong><br />
c<strong>and</strong>idates rallied for the position. The ISIS <strong>European</strong> liaison’s<br />
primary task will be to provide technical support to ISIS members<br />
in Europe. Promoting ISIS membership <strong>and</strong> supporting the<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> ZIMS in Europe are also obviously high on the<br />
agenda. Although formally an ISIS staff member, S<strong>and</strong>er will be<br />
based at the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office in Amsterdam. We are confident<br />
that with filling this position, the service provided to <strong>European</strong> ISIS<br />
members will get a significant boost <strong>and</strong> this in turn will help <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
members to make better use <strong>of</strong> the benefits <strong>of</strong> ISIS membership.<br />
Avian Influenza<br />
In view <strong>of</strong> the presence <strong>of</strong> Avian Influenza (AI; H5N1) in Europe, many<br />
zoos have taken measures to protect their birds from infection. <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
strongly encourages its bird-keeping members to consider applying for<br />
permission from their national government to be able to vaccinate<br />
their zoo birds at risk, especially in those countries where an outbreak<br />
<strong>of</strong> AI has occurred or might be expected in the near future.<br />
As far as <strong>EAZA</strong> has been informed, vaccination <strong>of</strong> zoo birds has taken<br />
place in the following countries as <strong>of</strong> 20 March 2006: the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
(4,500 birds in 14 <strong>EAZA</strong> member zoos!), Switzerl<strong>and</strong>, Portugal,<br />
Belgium, France, Spain <strong>and</strong> Sweden. Preparations to vaccinate are<br />
on-going in Austria, Denmark, Hungary <strong>and</strong> the United Kingdom.<br />
First Madagascar Campaign meeting<br />
photo rob doolaard (izp)/rotterdam zoo<br />
The <strong>EAZA</strong> Madagascar Campaign Working Group conducted<br />
its first productive meeting in snowy Zürich on 17 <strong>and</strong><br />
18 January 2006. Aims <strong>of</strong> the upcoming 2006/7 campaign<br />
include alerting <strong>EAZA</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria to the Malagasy<br />
flora <strong>and</strong> fauna, as well as encouraging <strong>EAZA</strong> members to<br />
develop long-term, twinning relationships with national<br />
parks in Madagascar. Public directed aims include, amongst<br />
others, raising awareness, the promotion <strong>of</strong> responsible<br />
Viva España<br />
Koen Brouwer – our executive director<br />
– will be leaving <strong>EAZA</strong> in July 2006 <strong>and</strong><br />
will begin as the general director <strong>of</strong><br />
Bioparc Valencia, a zoo currently under<br />
construction in Spain. He will start his<br />
new job on 1 October 2006 <strong>and</strong> will be<br />
working with his new team in preparing<br />
the zoo for the <strong>of</strong>ficial opening in the<br />
second half <strong>of</strong> 2007.<br />
Koen Brouwer has served <strong>EAZA</strong> as executive director since 1995. As<br />
much as he looks forward to this wonderful, new challenge, he will<br />
also very much miss working in his current <strong>and</strong> very exciting <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
job, with his staff <strong>and</strong> many international colleagues <strong>and</strong> friends in<br />
Europe <strong>and</strong> the rest <strong>of</strong> the world.<br />
In order to avoid the risk <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> director position being vacant,<br />
the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Committee drafted a pr<strong>of</strong>ile for the successor<br />
director <strong>and</strong> circulated an advertisement in January 2006.<br />
The Executive Committee has now invited several applicants<br />
for interviews, <strong>and</strong> it is hoped that a suitable c<strong>and</strong>idate can be<br />
selected before the <strong>EAZA</strong> Spring Council meeting on 23 April 2006.<br />
EEP Committee<br />
The <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office hosted the annual mid-year EEP<br />
Committee meeting on 10 March 2006. The Committee had to deal<br />
with a very large agenda, with a number <strong>of</strong> topics that required<br />
substantial discussion. Non-<strong>EAZA</strong> EEP participation was once<br />
again discussed, as this continues to be a difficult topic with many<br />
different angles <strong>and</strong> points <strong>of</strong> view. Other topics included the further<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> response to the World Zoo <strong>and</strong> Aquarium<br />
Conservation Strategy (WZACS), the global amphibian extinction<br />
crisis <strong>and</strong> what <strong>EAZA</strong> <strong>and</strong> its members can do to combat this global<br />
conservation catastrophe, <strong>and</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> a strategy to better<br />
promote the ‘EEP spirit’ within the wider <strong>EAZA</strong> community. It was<br />
a productive meeting, resulting in numerous actions that you will<br />
certainly hear about over the coming months.<br />
ecotourism to Madagascar <strong>and</strong> fundraising for projects.<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> members, conservation organisations <strong>and</strong> other<br />
relevant parties have recieved an invitation to submit<br />
proposals for projects to be supported in the framework <strong>of</strong><br />
the campaign. Members <strong>of</strong> the core group include Lesley<br />
Dickie (ZSL), Alex Rübel, Martin Bauert, Robert Zingg <strong>and</strong><br />
Roger Graf (all <strong>of</strong> Zürich Zoo), Quentin Bloxam (Jersey)<br />
<strong>and</strong> Corinne Bos <strong>and</strong> Martijn Los (<strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office).<br />
Applications for funds in support <strong>of</strong> conservation projects for Malagasy flora <strong>and</strong> fauna can be submitted until 15 May 2006.<br />
For details please refer to the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
photo samuel furrer/zürich zoo
© Creature Comforts - Aardman Animations<br />
Distribution <strong>of</strong> Shellshock funds<br />
Half a year after the <strong>of</strong>ficial closure <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Shellshock Campaign, the vast majority <strong>of</strong> participants<br />
have transferred their collected funds to the campaign<br />
account.<br />
This initiated the next phase <strong>of</strong> the campaign in which<br />
money is distributed to selected turtle <strong>and</strong> tortoise<br />
conservation projects. It was decided at the Shellshock<br />
Planning Group meeting in Bath, during the <strong>EAZA</strong> Annual<br />
Conference 2005, to allocate further funds to the five following projects:<br />
– Leatherback Ocean W<strong>and</strong>erer (LOW), Gabon;<br />
– Chitwan Turtle Conservation Project, Nepal;<br />
– Angkor Centre for the Conservation <strong>of</strong> Biodiversity (ACCB), Cambodia;<br />
– Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, India > Hatching <strong>and</strong> head-start<br />
programmes for endangered chelonians in India;<br />
– Conservation International, USA > Turtle <strong>and</strong> tortoise capacity building<br />
in Vietnam, Cambodia <strong>and</strong> Myanmar.<br />
These five projects have now received a total funding <strong>of</strong> approximately<br />
€60,000 from Shellshock. Some projects may receive further support in the<br />
future, others have already received the full support needed for the project.<br />
Besides these projects, another project already received funds early in 2005:<br />
a donation <strong>of</strong> €9,000 was provided to the Turtle Conservation Project in<br />
Update on the <strong>EAZA</strong> in situ conservation database project<br />
The conservation database project began in 2001, with the aim <strong>of</strong> providing reports <strong>and</strong> analyses regarding conservation projects supported by the<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> zoo community, thus enabling members to network with each other <strong>and</strong> to encourage them to become more involved in conservation.<br />
Two data collection rounds<br />
The first version <strong>of</strong> the data collection CD-ROM was launched at the<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Annual Conference in Prague, September 2001. During the first<br />
round <strong>of</strong> data collection in 2002/2003, 85 members provided data to the<br />
project. This is approximately 34% <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> membership. Only 33<br />
institutions provided data electronically via the data collection CD-ROM,<br />
while 52 members provided data by st<strong>and</strong>ard questionnaires.<br />
The database went into a review <strong>and</strong> updating phase after the first round<br />
<strong>of</strong> data collection as it did not provide the reports <strong>and</strong> analyses expected.<br />
However the project was halted until it changed h<strong>and</strong>s in May 2003<br />
because <strong>of</strong> unforeseen problems with the s<strong>of</strong>tware. The second version<br />
<strong>of</strong> the data collection CD-ROM was launched at the <strong>EAZA</strong> Annual<br />
Conference in Bath, September 2005 to improve existing data quality as<br />
well as to collect new information.<br />
The deadline for the second data collection round has passed, <strong>and</strong> a new<br />
stage <strong>of</strong> review <strong>and</strong> updating is being conducted before analyses <strong>and</strong> reports<br />
will be made available for members. These will be sent to all participating<br />
institutions <strong>and</strong> will be made available through the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
Where are we now?<br />
So far 49 <strong>EAZA</strong> members have provided data electronically in the second<br />
from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Kosgoda, Sri Lanka to support the victims <strong>of</strong> the 2004 tsunami in southeast<br />
Asia <strong>and</strong> their turtle conservation activities.<br />
The above means that in total about €69,000 has been distributed to the<br />
projects so far. The total Shellshock Campaign fundraising amount will most<br />
likely exceed €300,000 (the exact results will be published in <strong>EAZA</strong> News 55)<br />
so much more money is available to support in situ conservation projects.<br />
The Shellshock Planning Group is now identifying suitable projects to<br />
distribute the money to as soon as possible. More detailed updates on the<br />
distribution <strong>of</strong> funds <strong>and</strong> reports from the supported projects will follow<br />
in future issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News <strong>and</strong> will be placed on the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
photo guy-philippe sounguet<br />
round <strong>of</strong> data collection initiated in 2005. This is approximately 20% <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>EAZA</strong> membership. Of the 49 institutions, 17 institutions (34%) are<br />
new participants to the project, meaning that this is the first time they<br />
have submitted data.<br />
In total 102 institutions (approximately 35% <strong>of</strong> the total membership) have<br />
provided data to the project. Figure 1 (see page 6), showing the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> institutions that submitted data during 2002/2003 <strong>and</strong> 2005, illustrates<br />
the low number <strong>of</strong> participants compared to total number <strong>of</strong> members<br />
in each country. Unfortunately, a reduction in participants in the second<br />
data collection round compared to the first round is also evident.<br />
Figure 2 illustrates the percentages <strong>of</strong> participating members in each<br />
country during each data collection round. Only 11 <strong>of</strong> the 23 participating<br />
countries from 2002/2003 submitted data in 2005. See Figure 3 on page 6<br />
for a list <strong>of</strong> participating members in the data collection round in 2005.<br />
There are currently 448 conservation projects within the database <strong>and</strong> the<br />
project pr<strong>of</strong>iles for each project will be made available as a searching tool<br />
on the <strong>EAZA</strong> website within the near future. The next stage is to make<br />
the database available online in time for the next data collection round at<br />
the end <strong>of</strong> 2006. Making the database available online will significantly<br />
improve the project as there will no longer be a time-delay in receiving<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
05
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> members<br />
06<br />
55<br />
50<br />
45<br />
40<br />
35<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
100%<br />
90%<br />
80%<br />
70%<br />
60%<br />
50%<br />
40%<br />
30%<br />
20%<br />
10%<br />
0%<br />
from the eaza <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Figure 1: The total number <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions in each country <strong>and</strong> the number <strong>of</strong> institutions that submitted data during 2002/2003 <strong>and</strong> 2005.<br />
Austria<br />
Total no. <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> members Participated in 2002/2003 Participated in 2005<br />
Figure 2: The percentages <strong>of</strong> member institutions for each country that submitted data during 2002/<br />
2003 <strong>and</strong> in 2005.<br />
% submitted during 2002/2003 % submitted during 2005<br />
Austria<br />
Belgium<br />
Belgium<br />
Croatia<br />
Croatia<br />
Czech Republic<br />
Denmark<br />
Estonia<br />
Finl<strong>and</strong><br />
France<br />
Germany<br />
Greece<br />
Czech Republic<br />
Denmark<br />
Estonia<br />
Finl<strong>and</strong><br />
France<br />
Germany<br />
Greece<br />
Hungary<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
Israel<br />
Italy<br />
Kazakstan<br />
Kuwait<br />
Latvia<br />
Lithunia<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Norway<br />
Pol<strong>and</strong><br />
Portugal<br />
Romania<br />
Russian Federation<br />
Slovakia<br />
Slovenia<br />
Spain<br />
Sweden<br />
Switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
Turkey<br />
Ukraine<br />
United Arab Emirates<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Yugoslavia<br />
information, day-to-day updating <strong>of</strong> the database will be easier, <strong>and</strong> no local installation is<br />
needed, which will minimise technical difficulties experienced previously among members.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the benefits <strong>of</strong> collecting data electronically is that it provides more possibilities for<br />
generating reports <strong>and</strong> analyses. However, to be able to do this the quality <strong>and</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong><br />
data has to be <strong>of</strong> a high st<strong>and</strong>ard, otherwise the results will be skewed <strong>and</strong> unreliable.<br />
Increase data quantity <strong>and</strong> quality<br />
There has been an increase in institutions that have provided their data electronically but<br />
there has also been a reduction in the number <strong>of</strong> members participating in the project.<br />
Although 102 members have responded in total over the two data collection rounds, not<br />
enough participants have edited their existing data. Only 29 <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions provided data<br />
during both data collection rounds. The information from the 58 institutions that provided<br />
information during data collection in 2002/2003 but not in 2005, is unfortunately making the<br />
data somewhat less reliable for analyses. Therefore all project data from the 58 institutions<br />
are being checked so that they can be used in analyses together with the new <strong>and</strong> edited data.<br />
The low response to the project in 2005 may be because members have not seen any outputs<br />
from the project. We would therefore like to stress that the database is still a developing<br />
tool, but without data we can not test the database properly. To increase data quality it is<br />
important that all members who are participating edit their existing data, <strong>and</strong> to increase data<br />
quantity it is important that all members who have not yet participated supply their data.<br />
Please contact Katrine Garn (kg@zoo.dk) or William van Lint (william.van.lint@eaza.net) for<br />
more information.<br />
Hungary<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
Israel<br />
Italy<br />
Kazakstan<br />
Kuwait<br />
Latvia<br />
Lithunia<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Norway<br />
Pol<strong>and</strong><br />
Portugal<br />
Romania<br />
Russian Federation<br />
Slovakia<br />
Slovenia<br />
Spain<br />
Figure 3: List <strong>of</strong> participating <strong>EAZA</strong> members in the latest<br />
data collection round in 2005.<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> shortname (Country)<br />
ALFRISTON (UK)<br />
AMERSFOORT (NL)<br />
ANTWERPEN (BE)<br />
AUGSBURG (DE)<br />
AUNEAU (FR)<br />
BANDHOLM (DK)<br />
BASEL (CH)<br />
BOCHUM (DE)<br />
BRISTOL (UK)<br />
CHAMPREPUS (FR)<br />
CHESTER (UK)<br />
CHOMUTOV (CZ)<br />
COLCHESTER (UK)<br />
KOBENHAVN-ZOO (DK)<br />
DECIN (CZ)<br />
EMMEN (NL)<br />
EPE (NL)<br />
ERFURT (DE)<br />
FED-BIAZA (UK)<br />
FED-NVD (NL)<br />
FUENGIROLA (ES)<br />
GORLITZ (DE)<br />
HANNOVER (DE)<br />
HILVARENBEEK (NL)<br />
Sweden<br />
INNSBRUCK (AT)<br />
KERKRADE (NL)<br />
KOLN (DE)<br />
KRENGLBACH (AT)<br />
LA-FLECHE (FR)<br />
LANDAU (DE)<br />
LEEUWARDEN (NL)<br />
LES-MATHES (FR)<br />
LILLE (FR)<br />
LISBOA-ZOO (PT)<br />
MECHELEN (BE)<br />
MULHOUSE (FR)<br />
MUNSTER (DE)<br />
OSNABRUCK (DE)<br />
OSTRAVA (CZ)<br />
OVERLOON (NL)<br />
PAIGNTON (UK)<br />
RHEINE (DE)<br />
RHENEN (NL)<br />
RIGA (LV)<br />
ROMAGNE (FR)<br />
SALZBURG-ZOO (AT)<br />
SANTILLANA (ES)<br />
WIEN-VIV (AT)<br />
ZURICH (CH)<br />
We hereby thank all institutions that provided us with their data in<br />
2005 <strong>and</strong> would like to call for the urgent attention <strong>of</strong> those who have<br />
not yet done so.<br />
Switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
Turkey<br />
Ukraine<br />
United Arab Emirates<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Yugoslavia
eaza rhino campaign<br />
On 10 April 2006, 101 <strong>EAZA</strong> members are <strong>of</strong>ficially registered for participation in the Save the Rhinos Campaign. This<br />
is still considerably less than the campaign target <strong>of</strong> 150 participants, <strong>and</strong> we would therefore like to urge interested<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> members to register as soon as possible. By making your campaign participation <strong>of</strong>ficial, it will be easier for<br />
you to remain up to date on campaign activities through the special campaign newsletter <strong>and</strong> the support <strong>of</strong> your<br />
regional representative.<br />
Most participants start their campaign activities in spring, so quite some <strong>EAZA</strong> members are currently in<br />
the last phase <strong>of</strong> their campaign preparation. For those <strong>of</strong> you that still need inspiration on campaign<br />
activities, the below articles will surely inspire you. As you will read, members are getting more <strong>and</strong> more<br />
creative <strong>and</strong> activities range from selling special rhino stamps, calendars <strong>and</strong> cartoons, to preparing<br />
rhino ice sculptures <strong>and</strong> exhibiting a rhino skeleton, to involving artists, schoolchildren <strong>and</strong> blind<br />
people in the campaign.<br />
Most certainly Opel Zoo Kronberg has shown its commitment to the campaign: they recently<br />
announced a donation <strong>of</strong> €50,000 for the campaign in celebration <strong>of</strong> their 50th anniversary in 2006!<br />
Offer to use Austrian campaign posters<br />
As in the previous <strong>EAZA</strong> Conservation Campaigns, Vienna Zoo has prepared a special campaign exhibition for<br />
Austrian <strong>EAZA</strong> members. Six Save the Rhinos posters were made in both English <strong>and</strong> German. Vienna Zoo<br />
kindly <strong>of</strong>fers the use <strong>of</strong> the exhibition to all other Save the Rhinos participants.<br />
For more information or if you are interested to use the exhibition, please contact Gaby Schwammer<br />
(g.schwammer@zoovienna.at).<br />
Bushmen Art<br />
The wooden rhinos sold during the Save the Rhinos Campaign are made by bushmen from the Ombili Foundation in<br />
Namibia. Bushmen have lived in southern Africa for thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> years. Being nomadic, they lived close to nature,<br />
never depleting the natural resources. Nowadays, bushmen are facing tremendous difficulties in modern society.<br />
Each h<strong>and</strong>-made wooden rhino is a unique piece <strong>of</strong> art made from Tambuti, an indigenous plant grown on farms.<br />
The bushmen receive US$1 (€0,90) for each rhino.<br />
The bushmen were informed about the purpose <strong>of</strong> the Save the Rhinos Campaign when contacted about purchasing items from them for the<br />
campaign. They are very proud to contribute to rhino conservation themselves, to help save a species they highly respect <strong>and</strong> with which they<br />
have always lived. For more information <strong>and</strong> orders, please contact Friederike von Houwald (vonhouwald@zoobasel.ch).<br />
First fundraising results! The Save the Rhinos Campaign is <strong>of</strong>f to a flying start thanks to<br />
several <strong>EAZA</strong> members that have already been able to transfer money to the Save the Rhinos account.<br />
Save the Rhinos Fundraising Certificates<br />
Georg von Opel Zoo (Kronberg)<br />
Blackpool Zoo<br />
Amneville Zoo<br />
Colchester Zoo<br />
Marwell Zoo<br />
Vienna Zoo<br />
Amersfoort Zoo<br />
CERZA (Lisieux)<br />
Lille Zoo<br />
€35,000.-*<br />
€2,250.-<br />
€2,000.-<br />
€2,000.-<br />
€2,000.-<br />
€1,800.-<br />
€1,799.38<br />
€1,000.-<br />
€760.-<br />
* excluding annual donations <strong>of</strong> €5,000.- for the next three years<br />
Platinum certificate<br />
Bronze certificate<br />
Bronze certificate<br />
Bronze certificate<br />
Bronze certificate<br />
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Rhino mufti day at Kings House School<br />
source Gill Blackgrove<br />
Kings House School in Richmond-upon-Thames, United Kingdom, selected Save the Rhinos as subject for their half term ‘mufti day’,<br />
a traditional fundraising event. At the mufti day school children are permitted to wear casual clothes rather than uniforms. The school<br />
assembly that day included a power point presentation by the head <strong>of</strong> science on the Save the Rhinos Campaign. Furthermore, a total<br />
<strong>of</strong> 190 Save the Rhinos t-shirts were sold, not only for school children but even for parents <strong>and</strong> younger siblings. For each t-shirt UK£2<br />
(€3.10) was added onto the price to raise money for Save the Rhinos. Those who did not buy a t-shirt made a voluntary donation to the<br />
campaign. A total <strong>of</strong> UK£600 (€930) was raised through the mufti day at Kings House School. This amount is excluding the 10% <strong>of</strong> sales<br />
proceeds from the t-shirts donated to the campaign by commercial company Something Different.<br />
Rhino calendar great success<br />
source Francesca Colautti <strong>and</strong> Katia Dell’Aira<br />
At Parco Natura Viva (Bussolengo) two departments, marketing <strong>and</strong> education, are working<br />
together to make a success <strong>of</strong> the Save the Rhinos Campaign. Preparations already started at<br />
Christmas time <strong>and</strong> several activities have been planned for 2006, aiming to reach different<br />
audiences: authorities, visitors <strong>and</strong> media. But the development <strong>of</strong> an activity plan is still in<br />
progress, as new ideas keep coming up!<br />
A first result <strong>of</strong> the activities was the creation <strong>of</strong> a 2006 rhino calendar with campaign images,<br />
in situ rhino information <strong>and</strong> the results <strong>of</strong> conservation efforts. Authorities, journalists <strong>and</strong> the<br />
‘friends <strong>of</strong> the park’ received the calendar together with the 2006 Christmas greetings. The 2007<br />
version <strong>of</strong> the calendar will be sold in the zoo shop as well. People really seem to appreciate it!<br />
Also the front page <strong>of</strong> the zoo's leaflet is dedicated to the campaign; more than 600,000 copies<br />
will be distributed, not only to visitors but also to hotels, campsites <strong>and</strong> tourist information<br />
<strong>of</strong>fices in the area. To continue with the campaign pr, a press release was sent in the beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> February 2006. The message was well received <strong>and</strong> picked up by several journalists. RAI 1, the<br />
first Italian national TV channel, visited the zoo in March 2006 to film for a special programme<br />
dedicated to Save the Rhinos. A press conference to announce this was planned on 22 March <strong>and</strong><br />
the campaign certainly was an important topic.<br />
Visitors will be involved in the campaign in many ways. For example through special gadgets<br />
that may be given to visitors that donate to the campaign <strong>and</strong> through activities such as<br />
recycling workshops during which children create a rhino with recycled materials.<br />
Parco Natura Viva feels that Save the Rhinos will touch the heart <strong>of</strong> the people <strong>and</strong> hopefully<br />
contribute to the conservation <strong>and</strong> survival <strong>of</strong> this ‘great’ animal!<br />
photos parco natura viva<br />
photos kings house school
Bronze braille <strong>and</strong> ice rhino sculptures at Budapest Zoo<br />
source Márta Szabon<br />
The Hungarian Save the Rhinos Campaign was <strong>of</strong>ficially launched for the public <strong>and</strong> press<br />
at a press conference on 14 December 2005. Ilma Bogsch, general director <strong>of</strong> Budapest<br />
Zoo, presented the subject, goals <strong>and</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> the fifth <strong>EAZA</strong> Conservation Campaign.<br />
A special rhino ice sculpture was prepared for this event, <strong>and</strong> thanks to the cold weather<br />
the visitors could admire it for another week.<br />
An information point, where visitors can read all about rhinos <strong>and</strong> the campaign, was<br />
created near the main entrance <strong>of</strong> the zoo. Two special Save the Rhinos education panels<br />
(2 x 0.5 m), also functioning as fundraising collection boxes, were placed next to the<br />
entrance. The first supporter to donate money into the collection box was a Hungarian<br />
celebrity: the famous Dixiel<strong>and</strong> musician Sándor Benkó. The information point is<br />
completed with a bronze rhino sculpture, shaped after the rhino ‘Lulu’, one <strong>of</strong> the two<br />
white rhinos kept at Budapest Zoo. This sculpture has information about rhinos in braille,<br />
to inform blind <strong>and</strong> visually disabled visitors.<br />
The Save the Rhinos Campaign in Budapest Zoo will be continued with a rhino art<br />
competition for children as well as adults. Besides this, many other events <strong>and</strong> activities<br />
are planned, e.g. the organisation <strong>of</strong> rhino days with special education programmes, sales<br />
<strong>of</strong> the campaign merch<strong>and</strong>ise <strong>and</strong> a special fundraising event, for example a charity night<br />
concert at the zoo.<br />
photo amersfoort zoo<br />
Generous donation to celebrate 50th anniversary <strong>of</strong> Opel Zoo<br />
source Thomas Kauffels<br />
eaza rhino campaign<br />
photos budapest zoo<br />
The Georg von Opel Zoo Freigehege fur Tierforschung e.V. (Kronberg) is celebrating its 50th anniversary<br />
in 2006. To celebrate this occasion, the zoo’s president Gregor von Opel <strong>and</strong> zoo director Thomas<br />
Kauffels announced that the zoo is making a donation <strong>of</strong> €50,000 to the <strong>EAZA</strong> Save the Rhinos<br />
Campaign. Although the Opel Zoo does not have rhinos in its collection, this certainly shows a great<br />
commitment to the conservation <strong>of</strong> rhinos. The <strong>EAZA</strong> Save the Rhinos Campaign provided an excellent<br />
opportunity for Opel Zoo to connect with a rhino conservation field project.<br />
After reviewing the 13 selected Save the Rhinos projects, it was decided by Opel Zoo to support<br />
‘project E: Rhino translocation equipment for Etosha National Park in Namibia’. The donation <strong>of</strong> €50,000 is<br />
more than enough to support the initially proposed project for black rhinos. Opel Zoo decided to ‘adopt’ the entire<br />
project <strong>and</strong> will donate the total required amount <strong>of</strong> €35,000 in 2006. This money will be used to modify a truck <strong>and</strong> transform it into a special<br />
customised rhino recovery vehicle. The continuation <strong>of</strong> the project in Namibia will be supported with annual donations <strong>of</strong> €5,000 in 2007, 2008<br />
<strong>and</strong> 2009.<br />
The rhino translocation equipment will be used to load <strong>and</strong> translocate rhinos. As Etosha National Park has one <strong>of</strong> the largest populations <strong>of</strong><br />
black rhinos, the truck may also be used for future planned translocation projects <strong>of</strong> black rhinos. With the donation from Opel Zoo the truck<br />
can be modified to be ready for the upcoming capture season that starts in spring. After the modification, the truck will be fully equipped for<br />
rhino translocations, <strong>and</strong> fitted with a lifting crane <strong>and</strong> two rhino transport crates. As an appreciation <strong>of</strong> the generous donation from Opel Zoo,<br />
the truck will be decorated with several special stickers depicting the Opel Zoo <strong>and</strong> Save the Rhinos logos.<br />
To further celebrate the 50th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the zoo, a week <strong>of</strong> festivities is scheduled for 16 to 24 September 2006. One <strong>of</strong> the highlights <strong>of</strong> this<br />
week will be the <strong>of</strong>ficial opening <strong>of</strong> a new African savannah exhibit at the zoo.<br />
photo sri<br />
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Rhino campaign marketing without rhinos<br />
source Zoo L<strong>and</strong>au<br />
Zoo L<strong>and</strong>au had very positive experiences focussing its zoo events on the <strong>EAZA</strong> Shellshock Campaign in 2004/2005. Reason enough to<br />
align this year’s Save the Rhinos Campaign with the zoo’s events programme for 2006. However, Save the Rhinos’ main focus on rhinos<br />
created a much greater challenge because Zoo L<strong>and</strong>au does not exhibit rhinos. Nevertheless, thanks to the creative spirit <strong>of</strong> Zoo<br />
L<strong>and</strong>au’s personnel, a number <strong>of</strong> informative <strong>and</strong> fascinating events are planned for zoo visitors <strong>of</strong> any age.<br />
A skeleton <strong>of</strong> a full-grown black rhino, on loan from the ‘Staatliche Naturkundemuseum Karlsruhe’, will be shown in the anteroom <strong>of</strong><br />
the new zoo school building in 2006. In March 2006 the rhino programme started with an evening lecture on the conservation <strong>of</strong> rhinos<br />
in Ug<strong>and</strong>a by Wilhelm Möller (‘on loan’ from Augsburg Zoo). During Easter, summer <strong>and</strong> fall holidays, rhino-related workshops for kids<br />
will take place. The highlight will be the modelling <strong>of</strong> a life-sized white rhino that will be unveiled during the zoo’s summer festival on<br />
2 July <strong>and</strong> occupy its enclosure on the central zoo lawn for the rest <strong>of</strong> the year. It will serve as an ambassador for its endangered relatives<br />
in the wild <strong>and</strong> serve as reminder for their imperative conservation.<br />
Furthermore, biologist Armin Püttger-Conradt will present his impressive slide shows on the fate <strong>of</strong> the Northern white rhino. During<br />
another special workshop, children will create a radio play dealing with rhino conservation, which will be transmitted by one <strong>of</strong> the local<br />
radio stations. The Friends <strong>of</strong> Zoo L<strong>and</strong>au decided to <strong>of</strong>fer a selection <strong>of</strong> Living Colour’s rhino t-shirts at their planned information<br />
st<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> are hoping to raise a good amount <strong>of</strong> ‘surplus’ money to support one <strong>of</strong> the rhino projects.<br />
All in all there will be at least six rhino related events taking place in Zoo L<strong>and</strong>au. Together with intensive public relations work, including<br />
a link to the rhino campaign homepage from the zoo’s homepage, it is very much hoped that the campaign in Zoo L<strong>and</strong>au will make a<br />
good contribution to the objectives <strong>of</strong> this <strong>EAZA</strong> campaign!<br />
Rhino campaign stamp as collectors item<br />
source Heike Maisch<br />
photo zoopark erfurt<br />
Although the campaign in Erfurt <strong>of</strong>ficially started in April 2006, Thüringer<br />
Zoopark Erfurt was already preparing several activities long before the start<br />
<strong>of</strong> the campaign. A permanent exhibit was prepared for the rhino enclosure,<br />
with an indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor area for activities such as playing, painting <strong>and</strong><br />
doing h<strong>and</strong>icrafts. On 14 May 2006 a rhino festival day will take place.<br />
The main aim is to have children involved in the whole process <strong>of</strong> the campaign. Children <strong>of</strong> the zoo club made piggy banks (or in this<br />
case better: ‘rhino banks’). They used balloons, wallpaper paste <strong>and</strong> newspapers to create a body <strong>and</strong> colourful paper or egg boxes for<br />
the horns <strong>and</strong> feet. With enough room for the children’s imagination, many different <strong>and</strong> wonderful rhinos have been created. Local<br />
shops, kindergartens etc. will use these rhino banks to collect money.<br />
Another toy adapted for the campaign’s needs are pins that are transformed into rhino horns. During the campaign year children can<br />
try to throw rings around the horns. In Erfurt Zoo, this activity will be free <strong>of</strong> charge with sweets as prizes if a child succeeds. The same<br />
principle can be applied to traffic cones. At the zoo the cones will be h<strong>and</strong>ed over by two policemen arriving in a police car. A group <strong>of</strong><br />
children will transform these cones into horns with the press attending.<br />
Various wonderful paintings <strong>of</strong> the rhinos in Erfurt Zoo, prepared by the zoo’s artist Roy Bäthe, form another part <strong>of</strong> the campaign. One<br />
<strong>of</strong> the paintings will be sold during the festival day, the others will be printed on letter paper, envelopes etc. <strong>and</strong> sold as sets. The artist<br />
has also prepared a cartoon rhino calendar for 2007, which deals with rhino biology in a funny <strong>and</strong> playful way. The excellent drawings<br />
as well as the text will make this calendar an ideal gift for everyone.<br />
A very special campaign activity will be the release <strong>of</strong> a special issue stamp, which was initiated by the ‘Junge Briefmarkenfreunde in<br />
Erfurt’. This stamp is only valid on the day <strong>of</strong> the rhino festival (14 May 2006) <strong>and</strong> will be printed as a limited edition. This makes the<br />
stamp very valuable for collectors. The letter paper sets with this stamp on it will be sold at Erfurt Zoo. The zoo’s campaign team<br />
would be happy to send a number <strong>of</strong> the letter paper sets with the stamp to other interested campaign participants. Please contact<br />
marketing@zoopark-erfurt.de for more information.
A zoo without signs<br />
Robert van Herk, member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Education <strong>and</strong> Exhibit Design Committee, Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
The marine mammal park<br />
Dolfinarium (Harderwijk) is<br />
currently experimenting with<br />
the interesting idea <strong>of</strong> drastically<br />
reducing the number <strong>of</strong> educational<br />
signs. Signage still is the<br />
most visual part <strong>of</strong> education<br />
in zoos. Although useful,<br />
some zoos consider signs as a<br />
necessary evil; you need signs<br />
<strong>and</strong> boards to get the message<br />
across. However, these are<br />
not always as effective as one<br />
would like them to be. A heroic<br />
attempt has been made by<br />
the Dolfinarium to bring the<br />
educational message across<br />
without using signs.<br />
Multifunctional medium<br />
“We will not kick out all signage”,<br />
explains Ida Smit, education<br />
manager in the Dolfinarium,<br />
“but in the end we would like<br />
to get rid <strong>of</strong> at least 80% <strong>of</strong> the<br />
boards.” An ambitious idea but<br />
does the average Dutch visitor<br />
accept this lack <strong>of</strong> signs? “We<br />
strongly believe they do. After<br />
all we do not give up education,<br />
we just want to use fewer signs.<br />
We invented an alternative<br />
medium which should be as<br />
educational as signs, but is<br />
far more attractive <strong>and</strong> multifunctional.”<br />
Interactive spots<br />
Throughout the Dolfinarium<br />
visitors will find so called<br />
‘boeibakens’ (buoys). These boeibakens<br />
are educational spots<br />
located directly near the animal<br />
habitats. The spots include<br />
realistic life-scale interactive<br />
models <strong>of</strong> the Dolfinarium’s<br />
animals, such as dolphins, sea<br />
lions <strong>and</strong> walruses, <strong>and</strong> interactive<br />
elements which make sounds,<br />
which smell, which you can touch<br />
<strong>and</strong> which give you… stamps.<br />
just another educator<br />
John Fisher<br />
Belfast Zoo, Northern Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
What is your personal goal as an educator?<br />
I have so many goals! The main one is to develop the Education Centre. I<br />
also would like to exp<strong>and</strong> our education department with more classrooms<br />
<strong>and</strong> more staff <strong>and</strong> volunteers (currently, we have two full-time educators<br />
working at the zoo). Another thing I would like to focus on is increasing<br />
the involvement with the local community. The zoo is run by Belfast<br />
City Council, <strong>and</strong> I hope that in time the people <strong>of</strong> Belfast feel strongly<br />
committed to the zoo <strong>and</strong> realise that Belfast Zoo is truly their zoo.<br />
Stamps? “Well, the spots themselves<br />
are nice but they are really<br />
functional in combination with<br />
our animal passport. Every visitor,<br />
or at least every child, receives a<br />
passport at the entrance in which<br />
all animals are described, <strong>of</strong><br />
course in a playful way. You can<br />
get ink stamps in your passport<br />
at the boeibakens in the zoo.” Ida<br />
says: “Children love searching for<br />
these boeibakens <strong>and</strong> gathering<br />
all the ink stamps. They use the<br />
passport in a very interactive<br />
way.” The Dolfinarium tends to<br />
have all information (which you<br />
could normally read on signs) in<br />
the passports. “One <strong>of</strong> the big<br />
photo dolfinarium<br />
What is the most difficult<br />
aspect <strong>of</strong> your work?<br />
The lack <strong>of</strong> resources which includes<br />
both staff <strong>and</strong> time – there is so<br />
much to do, so many goals to achieve,<br />
but so little time to fulfil these.<br />
education<br />
advantages is that you can even<br />
send the passports to schools<br />
weeks before the kids visit<br />
the Dolfinarium.<br />
The children can<br />
learn about the<br />
animals long before<br />
their actual visit. The<br />
passports become an<br />
individual collector’s item<br />
for the children <strong>and</strong> they take<br />
them to school, friends <strong>and</strong><br />
gr<strong>and</strong>parents to show it <strong>of</strong>f!”<br />
Suitable for every zoo?<br />
This creative idea could not<br />
be implemented in every zoo<br />
or aquarium. The Dolfinarium<br />
has a relatively small number<br />
<strong>of</strong> species; a zoo with many<br />
species would most likely have<br />
a problem realising the same<br />
idea. Another issue could be<br />
v<strong>and</strong>alism. Ida comments:<br />
“The boeibakens are used very<br />
intensively. Indeed we still have<br />
some problems keeping the ink<br />
stamps in order. Because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
popularity <strong>and</strong> the sometimes<br />
rough behaviour <strong>of</strong> children we<br />
do have to do some repairing.<br />
But we are sure we can solve<br />
this problem.” •<br />
What do you consider your biggest success?<br />
The most successful education programme is the ‘Native Species<br />
Programme’. This programme allows us to focus on local endangered wildlife<br />
such as red squirrels, hedgehogs, bats, badgers, birds etc. What pleases<br />
me most is the establishment <strong>of</strong> an increasing number <strong>of</strong> partnerships <strong>and</strong><br />
projects with other local environmental organisations.<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
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eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
12<br />
conservation<br />
The white-footed<br />
tamarin conservation<br />
programme in Colombia<br />
Eric Bairrão Ruivo <strong>and</strong> Patrícia Vilarinho, Lisbon Zoo, Portugal<br />
This programme received the 2005 <strong>EAZA</strong> Award<br />
for Conservation during the <strong>EAZA</strong> Annual<br />
Conference in Bath, United Kingdom.<br />
The white-footed tamarin (Saguinus leucopus), endemic to Colombia, is threatened by illegal trade <strong>and</strong> habitat<br />
destruction, for which protection measures are scarce. All individuals in captivity are in Colombia, either in<br />
rescue centres for animals confiscated by the local authorities or in Colombian zoos. These captive animals have<br />
several general husb<strong>and</strong>ry problems <strong>and</strong> consequently a high mortality rate. The Saguinus leucopus Conservation<br />
Programme, conceived by Pierre Gay (chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong>’s Conservation Committee <strong>and</strong> deeply involved in several<br />
conservation projects in Latin America), is designed to find solutions for the above problems. The <strong>EAZA</strong> Callitrichid<br />
TAG promptly accepted Pierre Gay’s challenge <strong>of</strong> taking this programme, <strong>and</strong> Lisbon Zoo agreed to coordinate it.<br />
See Table 1 for an overview <strong>of</strong> the goals <strong>of</strong> the programme.<br />
Table 1:<br />
Goals <strong>of</strong> the Saguinus leucopus Conservation Programme<br />
- Determine the species’ wild population density <strong>and</strong> distribution, in order<br />
to establish potential <strong>and</strong> priority areas for conservation;<br />
- Determine causes <strong>of</strong> mortality <strong>and</strong> analyse information regarding the death<br />
<strong>of</strong> animals under human care;<br />
- Establish a breeding programme under human care in Colombia, building<br />
appropriate facilities for this purpose <strong>and</strong> holding workshops to improve<br />
husb<strong>and</strong>ry conditions (general husb<strong>and</strong>ry, nutrition, environmental<br />
enrichment etc);<br />
- Export animals raised under human care in the framework <strong>of</strong> the breeding<br />
programme to establish a breeding programme (EEP) in Europe;<br />
- Reintroduce animals confiscated by the Colombian authorities into their<br />
natural habitat following IUCN reintroduction guidelines <strong>and</strong> considering<br />
the biological characteristics <strong>of</strong> the species;<br />
- Follow reintroduced animals using radio transmitters;<br />
- Evaluate the illegal trade <strong>of</strong> wild species which also impacts Saguinus<br />
leucopus;<br />
- Find solutions for the illegal trade <strong>of</strong> wild species, e.g. through educational<br />
programmes that raise awareness by local people <strong>of</strong> this conservation<br />
problem, <strong>and</strong> searching for alternative sources <strong>of</strong> income which allow local<br />
populations to cease exploiting the currently used resources.<br />
Establishing contacts<br />
photos eric bairrão ruivo<br />
Eric Bairrão Ruivo, international coordinator <strong>of</strong> the programme since its<br />
beginning, has travelled twice to Colombia to follow its development.<br />
The above goals were set during the first trip in mid-2005. Bryan Carroll,<br />
Bristol Zoo; Dominic Wormell, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust<br />
(Jersey); <strong>and</strong> Eric Bairrão Ruivo travelled to Colombia in January 2006<br />
to establish new contacts with the local authorities, including the<br />
Government Environmental Office, who agreed to support the development<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Saguinus leucopus Conservation Programme. They also reinforced<br />
the relationships with the two main regional organisations in charge <strong>of</strong><br />
conservation in the area where the Saguinus leucopus occur: Cornare <strong>and</strong><br />
Corantioquia. Both organisations will cooperate in species distribution<br />
<strong>and</strong> population density assessments, in reintroducing animals in their<br />
natural habitat according to IUCN guidelines, in keeping animals<br />
available (as long as they are not eligible for reintroduction) for the<br />
establishment <strong>of</strong> a captive breeding programme, in improving conditions <strong>of</strong><br />
housing <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong>ry <strong>of</strong> animals kept in rescue centres, in participating<br />
in educational programmes <strong>and</strong> in keeping their records available for the<br />
research projects carried on in the framework <strong>of</strong> this programme.<br />
Offspring<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the most important achievements <strong>of</strong> this trip was the first workshop<br />
on captive callitrichid husb<strong>and</strong>ry in Colombia. Twenty-seven persons
participated in the workshop, held at Piscilago Zoo, including representatives<br />
<strong>of</strong> six Colombian zoos, two <strong>of</strong>ficial rescue centres, three universities<br />
<strong>and</strong> four NGO’s. The participants made a very active contribution to the<br />
ex situ breeding programme, as they were asked to build <strong>and</strong> environmentally-enrich<br />
two cages according to the directives given by the project<br />
coordinators. Two potential breeding pairs <strong>of</strong> Saguinus leucopus were<br />
placed in these two enclosures, <strong>and</strong> one pair has already produced two<br />
<strong>of</strong>fspring.<br />
Determining subspecies<br />
The programme started a research project to determine if there are two<br />
subspecies <strong>of</strong> Saguinus leucopus, as two morphological types are observed:<br />
one with a yellow nape <strong>and</strong> one with a grey nape. Micro-satellite DNA<br />
studies confirm a genetic difference between the two populations.<br />
Museum specimens will now also be tested, <strong>and</strong> once the difference is<br />
verified the two subspecies will be described <strong>and</strong> taxonomic reclassification<br />
proposed to IUCN.<br />
Studying wild populations<br />
Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Bryan Carroll <strong>and</strong> Dominic Wormell, together with a<br />
team from Fundación BioDiversa, visited the region <strong>of</strong> Mariquita, where<br />
some wild populations <strong>of</strong> Saguinus leucopus are found both inside<br />
the village <strong>and</strong> in the forest near the village. Population pressures <strong>and</strong><br />
habitat features were assessed, <strong>and</strong> it was concluded that this area is<br />
probably the most suitable for future studies <strong>of</strong> wild populations.<br />
Identification<br />
As all nine Colombian zoos decided to participate in the programme, the<br />
programme’s activity plan <strong>and</strong> budget for 2006 were revised to make it<br />
possible to construct enclosures appropriate for breeding the species in<br />
every institution involved, <strong>and</strong> still maintain all activities planned for this<br />
year. It was agreed by all parties that all captive animals should be made<br />
identifiable with microchips. The programme coordinator is collecting<br />
funds from <strong>European</strong> zoos to provide microchips <strong>and</strong> reading machines<br />
for the Colombian institutions, as lack <strong>of</strong> financial resources is a major<br />
problem they face.<br />
Fundraising<br />
Finally, Fundación BioDiversa, the local programme coordinator, was<br />
designated to locate a 500 to 5,000 ha estate that could serve as a<br />
protected reserve for Saguinus leucopus, as well as to raise funds from<br />
Colombian <strong>of</strong>ficial authorities. The international coordinator, Eric Bairrão<br />
conservation<br />
Ruivo will try to raise funds among international institutions, primarily<br />
through Conservation International.<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
We would like to acknowledge the following institutions for their<br />
cooperation in the Saguinus leucopus Conservation Programme:<br />
Apenheul (Apeldoorn), Zooparc de Beauval, Belfast Zoo, Bristol Zoo,<br />
CEPA, CERZA (Lisieux), Chester Zoo, Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo, Faunia<br />
(Madrid-parque), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey), Zoo de<br />
La Palmyre (Les Mathes), Omega Parque (Monchique), London Zoo,<br />
Mulhouse Zoo, South Lakes Wild Animal Park (Dalton in Furness), La<br />
Vallée des Singes (Romagne), Zodiac <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Colombian institutions:<br />
Fundación BioDiversa, Fundación Ecolombia, Cornare, Corantioquia,<br />
Jaime Duque Zoo, Santa Cruz Zoo, Piscilago Zoo, Medellin Zoo, CAFAM,<br />
Los Caimanes, Pereira Zoo, Barranquilla Zoo <strong>and</strong> Cali Zoo. •<br />
Supporting the programme<br />
This programme has so far been<br />
successful in meeting its goals,<br />
but more funds are necessary to<br />
reach these huge expectations.<br />
Any party interested in supporting<br />
the programme should contact the<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Callitrichid TAG chair (Bryan<br />
Carroll: bcarroll@bristolzoo.org.uk)<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or the international coordinator<br />
<strong>of</strong> the programme (Eric Bairrão<br />
Ruivo: eric@zoolisboa.pt).<br />
All captive Saguinus leucopus need<br />
to be identified with ISO transponders<br />
(as required by the Colombian<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial authorities), as a starting<br />
point for the ex situ conservation<br />
programme in Colombia. ISO transponder<br />
readers are also necessary,<br />
otherwise transponder identification<br />
will totally be <strong>of</strong> no use.<br />
Unfortunately, the Saguinus<br />
Quarantine facilities near Corantioquia<br />
leucopus Conservation Programme’s<br />
budget for this year (2006) <strong>and</strong> for<br />
next year (2007) does not enable<br />
purchase <strong>of</strong> transponders or readers.<br />
Therefore we have decided to make<br />
this appeal to all <strong>EAZA</strong> members in<br />
order to see if we can collect the<br />
items we need: 150 transponders<br />
for the first year (2006) <strong>and</strong> 150<br />
transponders <strong>and</strong> three readers for<br />
the second year (2007). If you can<br />
provide any ISO transponders<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or readers <strong>and</strong>/or money to<br />
purchase them, or are willing to<br />
contact your local supplier/manufacturer<br />
<strong>of</strong> ISO transponders <strong>and</strong><br />
readers to try to convince them in<br />
supplying a few items for this<br />
successful conservation programme,<br />
please contact Eric Bairrão Ruivo<br />
(eric@zoolisboa.pt).<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
13
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006 conservation<br />
Restoring the<br />
population<br />
<strong>of</strong> peregrine<br />
falcons in<br />
Sweden<br />
through<br />
captive<br />
breeding<br />
The peregrine falcon (Falco p. peregrinus) was a fairly common bird <strong>of</strong> prey in Sweden at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the last<br />
century, with an estimated wild population <strong>of</strong> approximately a thous<strong>and</strong> pairs. However, a decline was already<br />
observed in the 1930’s <strong>and</strong> forty years later only 10 to 15 pairs remained in the whole country. Primarily because<br />
<strong>of</strong> heavy metal <strong>and</strong> PCB ingestion, the population continued to decline, <strong>and</strong> in 1976 not a single chick hatched in<br />
southern Sweden.<br />
14<br />
Project Peregrine Falcon<br />
In order to save the species from local extinction, the Swedish authorities<br />
for nature conservation drew up plans for an ex situ breeding programme<br />
with the aim to restore a population <strong>of</strong> 25 to 30 breeding pairs in southwest<br />
Sweden. Project Peregrine Falcon was established in 1972 as an<br />
initiative <strong>of</strong> the Swedish Society for the Conservation <strong>of</strong> Nature (SNF).<br />
Eggs collected from nests in the wild were artificially hatched, <strong>and</strong><br />
gradually a captive stock <strong>of</strong> peregrine falcons was established. The first<br />
successful reproduction took place in 1979, <strong>and</strong> three years later, in 1982,<br />
the first captive-bred falcons were released in the country. Dozens <strong>of</strong><br />
volunteers have been involved through the years in observing falcons,<br />
registering nesting sites, tagging fledgings <strong>and</strong> collecting egg shells for<br />
continuing analysis.<br />
As a joint effort by SNF <strong>and</strong> the Ornithological Society <strong>of</strong> Göteborg a<br />
new breeding station, The Bird Centre, was opened at Tullare Hög, north<br />
Nordens Ark is a young zoo that opened<br />
for the public in 1989 <strong>and</strong> became a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> in 1993. The zoo has devoted itself<br />
to saving <strong>and</strong> protecting endangered animals<br />
through captive breeding, participation<br />
in ongoing reintroduction projects <strong>and</strong><br />
promoting education <strong>and</strong> research on<br />
Leif Blomqvist <strong>and</strong> Christer Larsson, Nordens Ark, Hunnebostr<strong>and</strong>, Sweden<br />
threatened wildlife. The zoo therefore focuses<br />
on endangered species in three major areas:<br />
endangered fauna from northern Europe,<br />
endangered exotic animals from colder<br />
regions <strong>and</strong> threatened old native domestic<br />
breeds. Some <strong>of</strong> the species in the collection,<br />
although not globally threatened, are<br />
<strong>of</strong> Gothenburg in 1987. Thirty-six females at this facility laid a total <strong>of</strong><br />
1,130 eggs (72% <strong>of</strong> which were fertile) between 1974-1999. Although 279<br />
falcons were released from 1982 to 1997, significant signs <strong>of</strong> recovery<br />
could not be observed until the 1990’s. During the last years <strong>of</strong> the<br />
millenium, 29 breeding pairs in southwest Sweden became established.<br />
At that time many <strong>of</strong> the breeding cages at The Bird Centre were in poor<br />
condition after the intensive use, <strong>and</strong> the decision was made in 1999 to<br />
transfer the breeding activities to Nordens Ark (Hunnebostr<strong>and</strong>) where<br />
a new facility with 11 separate outside enclosures, incubation rooms,<br />
laboratories, an <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>and</strong> a kitchen were built in 1999 to 2000. The first<br />
peregrine falcons arrived from The Bird Centre to Nordens Ark in the<br />
spring <strong>of</strong> 2000.<br />
Ex situ activities in Nordens Ark<br />
photos tom svensson/nordens ark<br />
A summary <strong>of</strong> thirty years experience<br />
Although the most acute crisis for the peregrines had vanquished in the<br />
late 1990’s, with 29 breeding pairs in southwest Sweden <strong>and</strong> a slowly<br />
however, highly vulnerable Swedish fauna<br />
<strong>and</strong> national action plans for them have<br />
therefore been implemented. The peregrine<br />
falcon is a good example <strong>of</strong> such a species,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the decision to include it in our<br />
collection plan was therefore received with<br />
enthusiasm.
Dalarna<br />
Figure 1: Due to ex situ breeding <strong>and</strong><br />
release, the peregrine falcon slowly<br />
recovered in southwest Sweden. In<br />
2000, the peregrine falcons occupied two<br />
main distribution areas (see white<br />
spots in the map): in southwest <strong>and</strong><br />
north Sweden. The aim <strong>of</strong> the ongoing<br />
project is to combine the two main<br />
areas by ex situ breeding <strong>and</strong> release,<br />
mainly in the county <strong>of</strong> Dalarna.<br />
recovering northern population, the main<br />
supporter <strong>of</strong> the project, SNF, still considered<br />
an extension <strong>of</strong> the recovery programme<br />
worthwhile. Compared to the<br />
historical situation, the peregrine falcon<br />
still had a limited distribution in Sweden<br />
with two isolated main populations:<br />
one in the north <strong>and</strong> one in the southwest.<br />
In order to exp<strong>and</strong> the distribution<br />
<strong>of</strong> the falcon to its former breeding<br />
localities, it was considered worthwhile<br />
to accelerate the species’ recovery by<br />
linking the two populations through<br />
ex situ activities, mainly in the county<br />
<strong>of</strong> Dalarna (see Figure 1). Young falcons<br />
hatched at Nordens Ark were therefore<br />
planned to be released in this sparsely<br />
inhabited part <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />
Breeding <strong>and</strong> incubation<br />
The breeding facility consists <strong>of</strong> a southern-exposed building located in<br />
the non-public part <strong>of</strong> the zoo. Breeding this species is sometimes difficult.<br />
The sexually dimorphic larger females tend to dominate the smaller<br />
males <strong>and</strong> it is therefore essential to find compatible breeding pairs.<br />
During courtship strong males <strong>of</strong>fer food to the females, while submissive<br />
males fear to feed their partners. In such cases, matings do not take place<br />
<strong>and</strong> the females, if left unobserved, may kill their partners. If a female<br />
takes the <strong>of</strong>fered food before the male can, courting is interrupted <strong>and</strong><br />
matings do not occur. A string is therefore attached to the <strong>of</strong>fered<br />
chicken <strong>and</strong> as soon as the female tries to grab it, the chicken is pulled<br />
away. Soon she learns that it is useless to try to get the chicken, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
male gets a chance to catch the prey. When the female starts begging,<br />
the male feeds her <strong>and</strong> mating usually occurs thereafter.<br />
To obtain a maximum number <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fspring, the first clutches from both<br />
wild- <strong>and</strong> captive-bred pairs are collected for artificial incubation. After<br />
removal <strong>of</strong> the eggs, females usually lay a second <strong>and</strong> even a third<br />
clutch. Some females can therefore lay as many as 15 eggs. Eggs start to<br />
hatch after 32 days <strong>of</strong> incubation, <strong>and</strong> are then transferred to a hatchingincubator.<br />
Newborn chicks are transferred within 12 hours after hatching<br />
from the incubators to a different room for drying <strong>and</strong> resting.<br />
Rearing <strong>and</strong> release <strong>of</strong> the birds<br />
H<strong>and</strong>-rearing continues until the chicks are three weeks old, the most<br />
critical time for imprinting. At that age, the young falcons are either<br />
given to foster parents in the breeding enclosures or returned to wild<br />
nests. After removal <strong>of</strong> the dummy eggs that the foster parents have<br />
been sitting on, the foster parents start feeding the introduced chicks<br />
without hesitation. This continues until the chicks are 38 days old. At<br />
that age the chicks are released into the wild through a method called<br />
‘hacking’. Four to five birds are placed in a wire-mesh cage, located on<br />
a suitable mountain cliff in the wild. Here the birds are kept with a<br />
conservation<br />
minimum <strong>of</strong> human interference for a week. Feeding takes place only<br />
through a plastic tube extending down from the top <strong>of</strong> the mountain.<br />
At six weeks <strong>of</strong> age, the falcons are fully fledged <strong>and</strong> the hacking cage is<br />
opened.<br />
The first days are dangerous for the young falcons, many <strong>of</strong> which fall<br />
victim to other birds <strong>of</strong> prey such as goshawks <strong>and</strong> eagle owls. Young<br />
falcons are still dependent on their parents for several weeks during<br />
post-fledging, <strong>and</strong> likewise, released falcons return to the hacking cage<br />
where food is still <strong>of</strong>fered daily through the tube. By using radio transmitters<br />
we have found that in the beginning, young falcons stay within a<br />
radius <strong>of</strong> 1 km from the hacking cage. They soon exp<strong>and</strong> their flights up<br />
to 10 km, but still return to their ‘home cliff’ for feeding. After a short<br />
time they learn to catch their own food <strong>and</strong> feeding is stopped.<br />
Year Hatched DNS Released<br />
2000 6.4.4 0.0.2 4.1.1<br />
2001 3.2.1 0.0.1 1.1<br />
2002 6.3.1 0.0.1 6.2<br />
2003 5.8.6 1.1 5.7.6<br />
2004 8.9.1 0.0.1 8.9.2<br />
2005 13.7.1 0.0.1 11.6<br />
total 41.33.14 1.1.635.26.9<br />
Table 1: Breeding <strong>and</strong> releasing results at the falconary in Nordens Ark<br />
during the last six years.<br />
Results<br />
During the last six years a total <strong>of</strong> 88 falcons have been artificially hatched<br />
in Nordens Ark. The chicks have had a survival rate <strong>of</strong> 89%. Of the<br />
survived chicks, 67 (34.26.7) captive-bred <strong>and</strong> 3 (1.0.2) wild-born specimen<br />
have been released, mainly in the county <strong>of</strong> Dalarna. All released birds<br />
have been individually marked with both plastic coloured leg b<strong>and</strong>s as<br />
well as with metallic leg b<strong>and</strong>s with identification numbers. A summary<br />
<strong>of</strong> the results can be seen in Table 1. At the end <strong>of</strong> 2005, 14.13 peregrine<br />
falcons were kept in the breeding facility at Nordens Ark.<br />
Conclusion<br />
The project has demonstrated the possibilities to restore a weak or fragmented<br />
population through captive breeding. The breeding programme<br />
is estimated to need four to five additional years until the two main<br />
populations have been successfully linked. The breeding activities have<br />
provided the staff at Nordens Ark with useful knowledge <strong>of</strong> h<strong>and</strong>-raising<br />
methods, skills which can also be used for other species in the future.<br />
This method can serve as a model for a number <strong>of</strong> ex situ projects too,<br />
thus gaining useful know-how for a number <strong>of</strong> other reintroduction<br />
projects which in the future will be required to save other threatened<br />
species <strong>of</strong> birds. •<br />
This article has been abridged <strong>and</strong> the references were left out <strong>of</strong> this article due to space limitations. For the original full version <strong>of</strong> the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section on the <strong>EAZA</strong> website.<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
15
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
interview<br />
Please describe your career path. My first degree was in<br />
Anthropology, in France, but I have never worked in<br />
that field. Soon after finishing that degree I started<br />
studying <strong>and</strong> working in the computer business in Paris.<br />
In 1986, I came back to Portugal <strong>and</strong> worked on many<br />
jobs, including cinema: from actor to assistant director,<br />
I did everything! I also worked as a computer consultant<br />
<strong>and</strong> computer science teacher. However, as my first <strong>and</strong><br />
main passion always was animals (I started dissecting<br />
frogs with my father when I was six years old <strong>and</strong> used<br />
the swimming pool to breed frogs <strong>and</strong> snakes), when<br />
I got the opportunity to work at Lisbon Zoo, I did not<br />
hesitate. I started as an animal keeper in 1990 <strong>and</strong>,<br />
some months later, I began to computerise the animal<br />
records (kept manually at the time) using ARKS. Then<br />
the opportunity came to start what is still today called<br />
the Animal Collections Department at Lisbon Zoo, in<br />
charge <strong>of</strong> animal collection planning, husb<strong>and</strong>ry, facility<br />
design, environmental enrichment, transports, records<br />
keeping <strong>and</strong> international contacts. This ‘international<br />
career’ stimulated me to start studying again, <strong>and</strong> I<br />
graduated with an MSc in Biology in 2002.<br />
“<br />
Through the <strong>EAZA</strong>/ALPZA partnership,<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> members have the opportunity to<br />
play a more important role in the in situ<br />
conservation in Latin America.”<br />
16<br />
What is the most memorable or fascinating event in your<br />
career so far? It’s hard to choose only one, I will mention<br />
three. The first is the first species committee meeting<br />
that I held as coordinator for the Emperor tamarin EEP.<br />
I was so nervous <strong>and</strong> anxious that I forgot to mention<br />
half <strong>of</strong> the topics in the agenda. I just wanted the meeting<br />
to end, fast! Secondly, the day when the two male okapis<br />
arrived at Lisbon Zoo in 2005, after a 13-year-long process,<br />
was a very special moment. It can only be surpassed by<br />
the day when female okapis will arrive!<br />
To conclude, the recent birth <strong>of</strong> the first two white-footed<br />
tamarins (Saguinus leucopus) in the framework <strong>of</strong> the<br />
conservation programme that I started in Colombia nine<br />
months ago (see pages 12-13) was also a great event!<br />
This proves that one can do a lot with little money, little<br />
time <strong>and</strong> little experience.<br />
Eric Bairrão Ruivo<br />
Position Animal Collections Manager at Lisbon Zoo Last book read<br />
Dan Brown’s ‘Deception Point’ Last movie seen Trilogy <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Lord <strong>of</strong> the Rings Last music CD purchased Buena Vista Social<br />
Club (first album) Favourite celebrity Actor Corto Maltese, the<br />
only one I know <strong>of</strong> that actively changed his destiny: as he felt<br />
that the lifeline on his h<strong>and</strong> was too short, he used a knife to make<br />
it longer! Hobbies Sailing, scuba diving, playing guitar, partying<br />
with friends, <strong>and</strong> supervising the construction <strong>of</strong> my new house<br />
What have been recent major changes at Lisbon Zoo <strong>and</strong><br />
what changes do you see happening in the zoo in the near<br />
future? For the last 15 years, Lisbon Zoo has been<br />
working on its master plan, <strong>and</strong> the collection plan was<br />
last revised in 2004. The major facilities are currently<br />
being improved (apes, tigers, small cats, elephants,<br />
giraffes, a new hospital etc). New conservation <strong>and</strong><br />
education strategies are being designed as well. I hope<br />
<strong>and</strong> look forward to seeing Lisbon Zoo in the ‘top 3’ <strong>of</strong><br />
the best <strong>European</strong> zoos very soon.<br />
Besides your position at Lisbon Zoo, what other activities do<br />
you have within the zoo world? Currently, I am secretary<br />
in the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Committee, member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Council, the <strong>EAZA</strong> Membership <strong>and</strong> Ethics Committee,<br />
the EEP Committee, the Conservation Committee, the<br />
Technical Assistance <strong>and</strong> Animal Welfare Committee <strong>and</strong><br />
the <strong>EAZA</strong> Awards Working Group, vice-chair <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Callitrichid TAG, coordinator <strong>of</strong> the Emperor tamarin EEP,<br />
the Spiny hill turtle ESB <strong>and</strong> the Black-faced impala ISB,<br />
<strong>and</strong> member <strong>of</strong> other TAGs <strong>and</strong> EEP species committees.<br />
I am vice-president <strong>of</strong> AIZA (Iberian <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquaria</strong>), member <strong>of</strong> several IUCN’s Specialist Groups<br />
<strong>and</strong> finally, I am the international coordinator <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Saguinus leucopus Conservation Programme in Colombia.<br />
You are closely involved in <strong>EAZA</strong>’s partnership with ALPZA. What<br />
do you think are the main challenges <strong>and</strong> benefits that the<br />
Latin American/<strong>European</strong> cooperation brings? This cooperation<br />
intends to develop ALPZA as a well-organised <strong>and</strong><br />
legitimate representative <strong>of</strong> Latin American zoos, playing an<br />
essential role in the conservation <strong>of</strong> biodiversity <strong>and</strong> natural<br />
resources in that important region <strong>of</strong> the globe, by representing<br />
their interests <strong>and</strong> conservation efforts. It’s also<br />
hoped that through this cooperation, <strong>EAZA</strong> members have<br />
the opportunity to play a more active <strong>and</strong> important role<br />
in the in situ conservation <strong>of</strong> the Latin American region,<br />
as well as invest more resources for that purpose. The<br />
historical, cultural <strong>and</strong> linguistic links between the two<br />
regions are <strong>of</strong> the utmost importance for this process.<br />
I do believe that the Saguinus leucopus Conservation<br />
Programme is a clear example <strong>of</strong> cooperation between the<br />
two regions <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> building partnerships between Europe<br />
<strong>and</strong> Latin America, which will be the central topic <strong>of</strong> the<br />
next <strong>EAZA</strong> Conservation Forum in June 2006 in Angers. •
Zürich switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
In July 2004 we received a subadult female moustached tamarin<br />
(Saguinus mystax) <strong>and</strong> a saddle-backed tamarin (Saguinus<br />
fuscicollis) confiscated by our veterinary authority. These two animals<br />
had been illegally imported, in all probability from Peru, by a private<br />
person. A ten-year-old male moustached tamarin from Belfast zoo<br />
joined the female in mid-2005, <strong>and</strong> a young was already born on<br />
6 December 2005. The father unfortunately died when the baby was<br />
just 17 days old. The young has nevertheless developed very well so far,<br />
even though the mother has not always been keen to carry it around.<br />
A giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactylus) was born on 27 January<br />
2006. It is the first birth for the two-year-old mother, also born in Zürich.<br />
Her mother, who gave birth to her third young on 22 July 2005, came<br />
from Argentina in 2001. The father <strong>of</strong> both young is wild-caught <strong>and</strong><br />
arrived in 2004. With these breeding successes a new bloodline has been<br />
added to the EEP breeding programme for this species.<br />
On 11 November 2005 a visitor found a newly hatched turtle in the<br />
Masoala rainforest exhibit. This hatchling turned out to be an<br />
East African black mud turtle (Pelusio subniger). Twenty-three<br />
specimens <strong>of</strong> this species had been released in the 11,000 m2 exhibit<br />
in 2003. Clutches had been found already earlier but were incubated<br />
artificially without success.<br />
births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
source<br />
robert zingg<br />
photos zürich zoo<br />
Ten beaded lizards (Heloderma horridum) hatched after an incubation<br />
<strong>of</strong> 163 to 185 days during November <strong>and</strong> December 2005. The two<br />
clutches were produced by two females also born in Zürich Zoo.<br />
We purchased two male blue-necked tanagers (Tangara cyanicollis)<br />
at the beginning <strong>of</strong> 2005 as we had two females, one <strong>of</strong> which arrived in<br />
2000, <strong>and</strong> one hatched in 2001 in Zürich. We put one pair in an aviary,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the other pair was released in a free-flight mixed species exhibit.<br />
The pair in the aviary soon started to breed <strong>and</strong> has reared several chicks<br />
in consecutive broods. The pair in the free-flight exhibit has now also<br />
bred successfully, as revealed by recently fledged chicks <strong>and</strong> detection <strong>of</strong><br />
the nest.<br />
Krefeld germany source<br />
krefeld zoo website<br />
A 30 kg weighing, male black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) ‘Davu’<br />
was born at Krefeld Zoo on 19 February 2006 at 01:00 h in the morning<br />
after a gestation period <strong>of</strong> 445 days. It is the first <strong>of</strong>fspring <strong>of</strong> the<br />
15-year-old mother 'Nane', herself born at Berlin Zoo.<br />
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births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Usti nad Labem czech republic source<br />
petra padalikova <strong>and</strong> vera vrabcova<br />
A female Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somalicus) was born in<br />
Usti Zoo on 30 October 2005. She is the first <strong>of</strong>fspring <strong>of</strong> the geneticallyvaluable<br />
stallion ‘Achmed’. This male was acquired from Warsaw Zoo<br />
to be paired with our young female ‘Georgina’ (born in 2001 in our zoo).<br />
Achmed is the only direct living descendant <strong>of</strong> parents brought to<br />
Nurnberg Zoo from Hai-Bar Reserve in Israel. He joined the Somali wild<br />
ass herd at Usti without problems. Usti Zoo has been keeping this rare<br />
species for 13 years, <strong>and</strong> the young mare, the 17th foal born in Usti, is<br />
a satisfying achievement for us.<br />
Great curassows (Crax rubra) have been kept in our institution since<br />
1993, when a pair was imported from Poznan Zoo. We succeeded for the<br />
first time in breeding this species in our zoo in the summer <strong>of</strong> 2005. We<br />
found two eggs in a nest two metres high. The female was not interested<br />
in her eggs, thus we put them in the incubator. After 29 days incubation<br />
at 37.8°C <strong>and</strong> 60% humidity, one young hatched. We had to help it<br />
break through the shell, but the chick was very lively after hatching, <strong>and</strong><br />
started eating immediately. Now one month <strong>of</strong> age, it can be seen that<br />
the young curassow is a female.<br />
The Usti nad Labem Zoo has kept the rare white-lipped deer (Cervus<br />
albirostris) since 2000, when two males were brought from Tierpark<br />
Berlin. Three females from Rotterdam Zoo <strong>and</strong> Tierpark Berlin joined<br />
them in the following year, but by the beginning <strong>of</strong> 2003 only 2.1 <strong>of</strong><br />
Wuppertal • Dresden • Berlin germany<br />
Two African elephants (Loxodonta africana)<br />
were born at Wuppertal Zoo in 2005. The<br />
female calf ‘Bongi’ was born to mother ‘Punda’<br />
on 3 June 2005, <strong>and</strong> the female ‘Numbi’ gave<br />
birth to the male ‘Kibo’ on 9 October 2005.<br />
Both calves were sired by bull ‘Tusker’.<br />
The elephant keepers assisted both females<br />
at birth, as there was no previous birthing<br />
experience in the group. On 31 October all<br />
four adult cows <strong>and</strong> the youngsters could be<br />
united without complications. The visitor<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> Wuppertal Zoo increased by<br />
150,000 due to the presence <strong>of</strong> the young<br />
elephants between 5 June <strong>and</strong> 31 October<br />
2005. The elephant facilities at Wuppertal<br />
Zoo are now exactly ten years old, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
African elephants in Wuppertal were imported<br />
from the Kruger National Park, South Africa<br />
in 1995 when they were only two to three<br />
years old. The Pretoria National Zoo at<br />
that time assisted with the acquisition <strong>and</strong><br />
transport <strong>of</strong> the elephants.<br />
Two more African elephant calves were born in<br />
other <strong>EAZA</strong> zoos in Germany after the successful<br />
births at Wuppertal. At the Dresden Zoo<br />
a 107 kg male calf ‘Thabo-Umasai’ was born<br />
after a gestation period <strong>of</strong> 629 days to female<br />
‘Drumbo’ at 23:20 h on 4 February 2006. The<br />
16-year-old Dresden elephant cow, the oldest<br />
photo vera vrabcova<br />
the original 2.3 remained. Last year (26 June 2005) our only breeding<br />
female gave birth to her third <strong>of</strong>fspring. As in her previous parturitions,<br />
the mother gave birth in a remote part <strong>of</strong> the enclosure, <strong>and</strong> the young<br />
stayed there for 25 days. The mother thereafter brought the calf to the<br />
communal feeding area. The young was left alone for three days<br />
<strong>and</strong> then it followed its mother. The rearing proceeded without any<br />
problems <strong>and</strong> we are pleased that all three <strong>of</strong>fspring have been females.<br />
source<br />
ulrich schürer/dresden zoo website/press release tierpark berlin<br />
<strong>of</strong> the three females at the zoo, was artificially<br />
inseminated with semen <strong>of</strong> the Colchester<br />
Zoo bull ‘Tembo’ in 2004. Tierpark Berlin<br />
also welcomed an African elephant birth on<br />
17 March 2006. The female calf weighed 97 kg<br />
at birth <strong>and</strong> is being successfully reared by her<br />
21-year-old mother ‘Sabah’.<br />
photo wuppertal zoo
irths <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Rhenen the netherl<strong>and</strong>s source<br />
gerard meijer<br />
photos ouweh<strong>and</strong>s dierenpark rhenen<br />
‘Huggies’ the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has proven to not only<br />
be a special animal but also a good, caring mother. Born in the winter<br />
<strong>of</strong> 1993/1994, she lost her own mother in early spring 1994 near<br />
Wrangle Isl<strong>and</strong>. Russian scientists found her floating on a ice-floe<br />
<strong>and</strong> rescued her. They looked for a zoo to take care <strong>of</strong> her, <strong>and</strong> through<br />
the International Bear Foundation (now Alertis) in Ouweh<strong>and</strong>s Zoo,<br />
she came to Rhenen in May 1994.<br />
The first half year she had company <strong>of</strong> a young brown bear, ‘Björna’,<br />
h<strong>and</strong>-reared in Junsele Djurpark in Sweden. Thereafter Björna went to<br />
our ‘Bear Forest’ <strong>and</strong> Huggies went to our polar bear exhibit. Huggies<br />
was readily adopted by our female ‘Karin’ (born 1969 in Rhenen) <strong>and</strong><br />
grew up into a nice polar bear lady.<br />
Much to the regret <strong>of</strong> her keepers she went to Kolmarden Zoo for<br />
breeding reasons in December 1998, as we did not consider our exhibit<br />
suitable for breeding polar bears. Huggies gave birth to her first <strong>of</strong>fspring<br />
‘Freedom’ on 6 December 2001. Swedish law changed between conception<br />
<strong>and</strong> birth <strong>of</strong> this young, <strong>and</strong> Kolmarden could not keep Huggies<br />
with her <strong>of</strong>fspring in her exhibit without extensively rebuilding it. After<br />
much discussion, it was decided to send Huggies <strong>and</strong> her young back to<br />
Rhenen, where we, in the meantime, had built a new polar bear exhibit.<br />
Huggies <strong>and</strong> Freedom arrived in Rhenen in March 2002, after a 17-hour<br />
trip. Huggies readapted very quickly to Rhenen, even recognising her<br />
former keeper at Rhenen. Karin, Huggies’ foster mother, was introduced<br />
to Huggies <strong>and</strong> Freedom in July, <strong>and</strong> was accepted within a few days.<br />
Within a few weeks Huggies even trusted Karin to now <strong>and</strong> then take<br />
care <strong>of</strong> Freedom when looking after Freedom was too much for Huggies.<br />
On 26 November 2005, within a week <strong>of</strong> retreating to her den, Huggies<br />
gave birth to three pups much to the surprise <strong>of</strong> the keepers, who could<br />
follow Huggies with an infrared camera. We counted several times during<br />
the first few days to really be sure there were three pups. Huggies took<br />
good care <strong>of</strong> her young from day one, <strong>and</strong> they thrived, growing like polar<br />
bears should. After much deliberation we decided to let the pups meet<br />
our visitors <strong>and</strong> the press on 3 March 2006, a very rainy day. That did not<br />
stop the press from being there in big numbers.<br />
Huggies <strong>and</strong> her <strong>of</strong>fspring immediately started exploring the exhibit <strong>and</strong><br />
Huggies was showing <strong>of</strong>f her young to all onlookers. She stayed outside<br />
the whole day <strong>and</strong> did not mind all the activity around her, sometimes<br />
even seeming to like the attention. Huggies <strong>and</strong> her young stayed<br />
outside all day during the very cold weekend that followed to the great<br />
enjoyment <strong>of</strong> our visitors. They came in droves: visitor numbers were<br />
eight times higher than last year at the same time.<br />
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births <strong>and</strong> hatchings<br />
Puerto de la Cruz spain source<br />
matthias reinschmidt<br />
photos loro parque, s.a.<br />
Loro Parque Fundación’s 14-year-old Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta<br />
spixii) female laid a single egg on 25 December 2005, completely<br />
outside <strong>of</strong> the normal breeding season. This was truly an unexpected<br />
Christmas present, from the world’s rarest parrot species, which<br />
has been extinct in the wild since October 2000 in its home country<br />
<strong>of</strong> Brazil, <strong>and</strong> can only be saved by means <strong>of</strong> a captive breeding programme.<br />
This egg comes from the only active breeding pair presently<br />
found in a zoological garden.<br />
From day one the female was incubating well <strong>and</strong> after one week it was<br />
possible to determine that the egg was fertile. However, for security<br />
reasons associated with such an endangered species, the egg was<br />
transferred after ten days to an incubator for further incubation. Here<br />
the chick hatched after 24 days <strong>of</strong> incubation on 17 January 2006 around<br />
20:00 h, supervised by the two biologists in charge. The little pink<br />
chick, covered with white down <strong>and</strong> called ‘Bonita’, weighed only 13.5 g.<br />
However, from the beginning its appetite was huge, <strong>and</strong> every two hours<br />
around the clock, including during the night, the little bird required a<br />
specially prepared pulp. At two weeks <strong>of</strong> age the little Spix’s Macaw<br />
chick had already quintupled its original weight to 70 g.<br />
23 March 2006<br />
Two more Iberian lynx cubs born in Doñana<br />
The chances for optimal development <strong>of</strong> this nestling are good <strong>and</strong><br />
the staff <strong>of</strong> the Loro Parque Fundación are optimistic that this Spix’s<br />
macaw will grow to be an adult which contributes to the conservation <strong>of</strong><br />
its species. Currently in the <strong>of</strong>ficial breeding programme <strong>of</strong> the Brazilian<br />
Government there are only 12 living birds worldwide: five birds in<br />
Sao Paulo Zoo, Brazil, five birds in the Loro Parque Fundación, Tenerife<br />
(including this chick) <strong>and</strong> another pair at a private centre in Brazil.<br />
Of these, the only breeding pair is kept in the Loro Parque Fundación.<br />
After the two Spix’s macaws which hatched in 2004 (see <strong>EAZA</strong> News 48/<br />
2004, p. 17 - 18), this chick represents the third success <strong>of</strong> this pair. There<br />
are approximately eighty other living Spix’s macaws in captivity, <strong>and</strong> it is<br />
hoped that these can also be incorporated into the breeding programme.<br />
The recent breeding success in Tenerife forms an excellent basis to work<br />
together with the only German private breeder who keeps this species. This<br />
breeder plans to lend to the Brazilian Government a young male, which<br />
will be kept in the breeding centre <strong>of</strong> the Loro Parque Fundación so that<br />
further pairs can be established there. With such a small population it is<br />
absolutely essential to pair unrelated birds in order to maintain maximal<br />
genetic diversity. The breeding agreement is another important step within<br />
the international breeding programme for the conservation <strong>of</strong> this parrot<br />
extinct in the wild. The aim <strong>of</strong> this project is to manage the population <strong>of</strong><br />
Spix’s macaws in captivity so as to conserve the species <strong>and</strong> reintroduce<br />
it to its original habitat, the so-called ‘Caatinga’ <strong>of</strong> northeast Brazil.<br />
'Saliega', the Iberian lynx that gave birth a year ago to the first ever births in captivity <strong>of</strong> this critically endangered species, gave birth to two<br />
more cubs on 23 March 2006. These cubs represent the second successful birth <strong>of</strong> Iberian Lynx in the El Acebuche Breeding Centre in Doñana<br />
National Park, following the birth <strong>of</strong> the first three cubs in March 2005 (see <strong>EAZA</strong> News 50/2005, p. 29 <strong>and</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News 51/2005, p. 28).<br />
The birth took place without human intervention, but cameras kept the public <strong>and</strong> experts up to date at the El Acebuche visitors centre.<br />
This, together with the possibility <strong>of</strong> another female being pregnant at the breeding centre <strong>and</strong> the fact that there are now in total 20 (7.11.2)<br />
Iberian lynx in the captive breeding programme, gives hope for the future <strong>of</strong> this highly endangered <strong>European</strong> species.
Rio Negro<br />
at Duisburg Zoo<br />
Manuel García Hartmann, Duisburg Zoo, Germany<br />
Orinoco river dolphins (Inia ge<strong>of</strong>frensis humboldtiana), the most northern<br />
<strong>of</strong> the three subspecies <strong>of</strong> the Amazon river dolphin, occur in the Orinoco<br />
river <strong>and</strong> its effluents in Venezuela <strong>and</strong> Colombia. The only specimens<br />
kept outside South America are the two male Orinoco river dolphins that<br />
arrived at Duisburg Zoo on 16 March 1975.<br />
Suitable for two species<br />
While Duisburg Zoo had long wanted to provide an improved facility for<br />
these two old dolphins, the advanced age <strong>of</strong> the dolphins (estimated 31 <strong>and</strong><br />
50 years in October 2005) had always been a major concern in planning<br />
a new facility. The life span <strong>of</strong> Inia ge<strong>of</strong>frensis in the wild is believed to<br />
be twenty to thirty years, the maximum reported longevity in captivity<br />
is 31 years <strong>and</strong> three months. However, finally a strategy <strong>of</strong> replacing<br />
the river dolphins in the future with manatees (Trichechus manatus)<br />
was chosen: the entire new facility, pool <strong>and</strong> its water life support<br />
system were designed to fit the husb<strong>and</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> both species.<br />
Black water river<br />
The new facility called ‘Rio Negro’, after the largest black water river <strong>of</strong><br />
South America, was opened to the public on 13 September 2005. The<br />
facility is a reproduction <strong>of</strong> a natural habitat in which these river dolphins<br />
occur: a river running through South American tropical rainforest. Sixty<br />
species <strong>of</strong> South American plants are present in the exhibit, which has a<br />
total surface <strong>of</strong> 890 m2 , with a basin <strong>of</strong> 305 m2 water surface <strong>and</strong> 652 m3 water volume. As in a natural river, water depth varies from steep riverbanks<br />
to 40 cm shallows to a maximum depth <strong>of</strong> more than four metres.<br />
The life support system includes mechanical filtration by skimming <strong>and</strong><br />
gravel filters, a large biological filter <strong>and</strong> UV disinfection, with a current<br />
turnover rate <strong>of</strong> less than two hours. Water <strong>and</strong> air temperature are kept<br />
at 28°C, air humidity is over 70%.<br />
Much to see<br />
A large acrylic window allows an underwater view <strong>of</strong> over 19 m for the<br />
visitors. The water surface level is at adult visitor's eye level, which<br />
allows seeing the colour difference in the dolphins under water, where<br />
new enclosures<br />
the dolphins seem grey, <strong>and</strong> on the surface, where pink colour patches<br />
are visible. These pink patches explain why the species is also called the<br />
‘pink dolphin’.<br />
Water-tight gates in the basin allow separation <strong>of</strong> the large pool system<br />
into three separate pools: one large main pool (194 m2 /489 m3 ) <strong>and</strong><br />
two side pools (70 m2 /100 m3 ; <strong>and</strong> 41 m2 /63 m3 ). This three-poolmanagement-system<br />
is very usual in the husb<strong>and</strong>ry <strong>of</strong> other cetacean<br />
species. The separation gates have a naturalistic design <strong>and</strong> are hardly<br />
visible to the visitors. The visitors mainly see one large pool designed<br />
as a river bed, its riverbanks <strong>and</strong> an isl<strong>and</strong>. Opposite to the underwater<br />
viewing, one small side exhibit <strong>and</strong> a terrarium display red-h<strong>and</strong>ed<br />
tamarins (Saguinus midas), channel-billed toucans (Ramphastos<br />
vitellinus) <strong>and</strong> some other bird species, as well as ornate horned frogs<br />
(Ceratophrys ornata) <strong>and</strong> golden silk spiders (Nephila claviceps).<br />
Risky transfer<br />
photos peter rasbach<br />
A new facility for old Orinoco river dolphins<br />
Duisburg Zoo has been pursuing the transfer <strong>of</strong> its two Orinoco river dolphins to a new, state-<strong>of</strong>the-art<br />
exhibit since 1995. Finally, with the opening <strong>of</strong> ‘Rio Negro’, ten years later this ultimate<br />
goal has been achieved!<br />
The transfer <strong>of</strong> the two old dolphins was considered risky <strong>and</strong> was therefore<br />
preceded by intensive veterinary monitoring <strong>and</strong> optimising <strong>of</strong> their<br />
overall health, with special attention to the older dolphin, that has<br />
several geriatric health conditions. The transfer went surprisingly quickly,<br />
taking only 41 minutes. The adaptation period in the new pool also went<br />
remarkably well. In the beginning, the dolphins were kept in a husb<strong>and</strong>ry<br />
pool which has dimensions similar to their old pool. They showed clear<br />
stress <strong>and</strong> fear reactions to the new environment, but these reactions<br />
soon subsided. After opening the gates the dolphins explored their<br />
environment in the new pools gradually but consistently, soon moving<br />
around the entire basin at ease. Their increased activity as well as their<br />
curiosity towards the visitors <strong>and</strong> their environment is much appreciated<br />
by the visitors, who now enjoy the beautiful underwater viewing opportunities<br />
<strong>of</strong> Rio Negro.<br />
We would like to express our deep gratitude to Ernesto<br />
Boede, Acuario de Valencia, Venezuela, for sharing his insight <strong>and</strong><br />
for advising us during the extremely important adaptation phase! •<br />
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new enclosures<br />
New elephant house<br />
in the Ostrava Zoo<br />
Ivo Firla, Ostrava Zoo, Czech Republic > Translation: Jana Kálnová<br />
Features<br />
The inner space <strong>of</strong> 435 m2 is divided: the male has two stalls, the females<br />
have three stalls <strong>and</strong> there is a common space which can be separated<br />
according to requirements. The inner space is equipped with a pool<br />
(48 m2 ) with filtration, which is accessible from both the female <strong>and</strong><br />
the male stalls. Medical treatment <strong>of</strong> the elephants is carried out via<br />
protected contact.<br />
There are two outside enclosures <strong>of</strong> over 4,200 m2 with a combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> s<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> grass (clay) substrate. The outside enclosure floor adjacent<br />
to the building is made <strong>of</strong> concrete. The outside enclosures are equipped<br />
with a mud pool with showers, <strong>and</strong> plenty <strong>of</strong> wood that the elephants<br />
use for scratching <strong>and</strong> for play. The enclosures are bordered by gently<br />
sloping ditches which are accessible for the animals, <strong>and</strong> by concrete<br />
walls. The walls are covered by soil from the visitors’ side, creating a<br />
clay rampart planted with vegetation.<br />
Visitors’ viewing points<br />
Outside, the visitors can observe elephants from three viewing points.<br />
Visitors walking through the pavilion can observe elephants on one side<br />
<strong>and</strong> view an Indian jungle exhibit on the other side. This 57 m2 area,<br />
with imitation rocks, a waterfall, running river <strong>and</strong> lush vegetation,<br />
has many small animals (birds, reptiles <strong>and</strong> fishes).<br />
photos ostrava zoo<br />
A new house for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) opened in October 2004. The elephants were previously<br />
housed in an old building unsuitable for elephant breeding. The new elephant house took 19 months to build.<br />
It is designed to hold a breeding group <strong>of</strong> one male <strong>and</strong> three females.<br />
Enriching feeding devices<br />
There is a great emphasis on providing enrichment equipment in the<br />
pavilion to make the time more pleasant for the elephants <strong>and</strong> to avoid<br />
occurrence <strong>of</strong> stereotypical behaviour. The enrichment is mainly in the<br />
form <strong>of</strong> feeding devices, as elephants spent much time feeding. The<br />
devices are feeding carts with hay, fruit <strong>and</strong> vegetables, feeders with<br />
grains, hanging pulleys for greens, feeding palisades for greens <strong>and</strong> a<br />
feeding wall. We would like to continue with similar devices in the future.<br />
Two older female elephants are kept in our house presently, but we hope<br />
to house a breeding group in our new elephant house soon. •
Ro<strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> the world<br />
John Adams, Marwell Zoological Park, United Kingdom<br />
Construction <strong>of</strong> the project commenced in December 2004 <strong>and</strong> was<br />
completed in May 2005 <strong>and</strong> cost UK£640,000 (about €1,000,000).<br />
Mainly outside<br />
Snow leopards are hardy animals that appreciate outdoor access throughout<br />
the year. We considered it important, for both animals <strong>and</strong> visitors,<br />
that the outside enclosure should be larger than the original accommodation<br />
<strong>and</strong>, more importantly, provide plenty <strong>of</strong> elements for them to<br />
utilise. Indoor housing is mainly needed to assist with management <strong>of</strong><br />
the animals <strong>and</strong> to provide seclusion for the rearing <strong>of</strong> cubs.<br />
Rocky Himalayan ravine<br />
The consequent design simulates a Himalayan ravine with rocky outcrops<br />
to provide places to climb on with shelters to rest in, a waterfall<br />
<strong>and</strong> stream, <strong>and</strong> different terrains including grass, some alpine planting<br />
<strong>and</strong> approximately 500 m2 <strong>of</strong> limestone shale beds.<br />
The site chosen has a gentle slope, <strong>and</strong> was free from previous construction<br />
other than a red p<strong>and</strong>a exhibit. A new enclosure was also built<br />
for the red p<strong>and</strong>as (Ailurus fulgens fulgens). The circular 150 m2 p<strong>and</strong>a<br />
enclosure is built around a mature oak tree behind the new snow<br />
leopard enclosure, allowing us to utilise the slope <strong>of</strong> the site to screen<br />
the red p<strong>and</strong>a enclosure wall <strong>and</strong> snow leopard housing by a cliff <strong>of</strong><br />
artificial rockwork. The red p<strong>and</strong>as are contained by an unplastered<br />
concrete block wall <strong>of</strong> 1.2 m high.<br />
Features<br />
The snow leopards are contained within a stainless steel h<strong>and</strong>-woven<br />
mesh structure supported on metal posts, with full-height glass windows<br />
new enclosures<br />
photos marwell zoological park<br />
New facility for snow leopards <strong>and</strong> red p<strong>and</strong>as<br />
Marwell’s association with snow leopards (Uncia uncia) started in 1977 with the arrival <strong>of</strong> a<br />
female ‘Vilkku’, from Helsinki Zoo where she was born, <strong>and</strong> a male ‘Pavel’ from Seattle Zoo.<br />
Their accommodation in Marwell was considered ‘state-<strong>of</strong> the-art’ when it was built, <strong>and</strong><br />
19 cubs were successfully reared there. It was decided in 2004 to build a new accommodation<br />
for this species as part <strong>of</strong> an on-going evaluation <strong>of</strong> cat accommodations in the park. The three<br />
resident animals, a pair with their 2003 <strong>of</strong>fspring, would be housed there in line with our policy<br />
to normally keep a single adult pair, or the pair with their cubs.<br />
along the main public footpath. The floor plan <strong>of</strong> the animal enclosure<br />
is approximately 708 m2 <strong>and</strong>, although normally operated as a single<br />
enclosure, it can be temporarily split into two compartments (<strong>of</strong> 320 m2 <strong>and</strong><br />
388 m2 ) by attaching a single stainless steel mesh panel. This was recently<br />
utilised to allow us to keep the young adult female, ‘Binu’, separated<br />
from the adult pair with their latest cub ‘Vishnu’ born in the new exhibit<br />
on 15 August 2005. The laminated glass viewing panels are all nominally<br />
2 m high from ground level with widths ranging from 2.4 m to 4 m, held<br />
in aluminium powder-coated frames. The snow leopard enclosure utilised<br />
our first extensive use <strong>of</strong> artificial rockwork, all <strong>of</strong> which was created<br />
in situ on mesh-frames attached to the walls <strong>and</strong> to stone-filled gabions.<br />
The snow leopard housing external walls are <strong>of</strong> double-skin construction<br />
(an inner <strong>and</strong> outer concrete block wall with an air space between) <strong>and</strong><br />
contains four inter-connected animal dens <strong>and</strong> a staff service corridor.<br />
Authentic yurtas<br />
Marwell belongs to many conservation organisations, including the<br />
International Snow Leopard Trust; an organisation which has worked<br />
on over a hundred projects throughout central Asia. We are promoting<br />
the work <strong>of</strong> the trust <strong>and</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the ways we have achieved this is by<br />
purchasing two authentic yurtas (nomadic tents) from Kyrgyzstan, one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the twelve countries where snow leopards remain in the wild. The<br />
yurtas provide covered facilities in which visitors may discover more<br />
information about snow leopards, their conservation <strong>and</strong> the people<br />
living where the animals come from.<br />
The park’s pair <strong>of</strong> Himalayan takin has been relocated to an adjacent<br />
enclosure, also furbished with artificial rockwork, to complete the ‘Ro<strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> the world’ area. •<br />
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research<br />
Sharing information<br />
through a Digital Zoo<br />
Resource Centre<br />
Laurien Kok <strong>and</strong> Maarten Vis, student-researchers Van Hall Instituut, Leeuwarden, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
Koen Brouwer, project supervisor <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office, Amsterdam, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
In the ‘From the Editors’ section on page 2 <strong>of</strong> this issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News, we have already mentioned<br />
the very special <strong>and</strong> high level <strong>of</strong> cooperation between <strong>European</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> the fact that <strong>EAZA</strong> is<br />
constantly seeking ways to improve this level <strong>of</strong> cooperation. In order to increase inter-institutional<br />
cooperation, <strong>EAZA</strong> requested two students to investigate the possibility <strong>of</strong> establishing a digital<br />
resource centre to improve information sharing amongst the members.<br />
Education <strong>and</strong> nature conservation<br />
The main objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria today<br />
are education <strong>and</strong> nature conservation. The World<br />
Zoo <strong>and</strong> Aquarium Conservation Strategy (2005)<br />
also states that all zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria should strive<br />
‘to increase inter-institutional cooperation<br />
to enhance the use <strong>of</strong> limited resources <strong>and</strong><br />
to act globally.’ There is simply not enough<br />
time left for zoos to approach their<br />
objectives slowly, or to learn by trial <strong>and</strong> error.<br />
Why should every zoo invent the wheel again <strong>and</strong> again?<br />
A wealth <strong>of</strong> information<br />
Although <strong>EAZA</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria already share much information, many<br />
experiences <strong>and</strong> knowledge are still lost. All <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions together<br />
have a wealth <strong>of</strong> information <strong>and</strong> experience that is <strong>of</strong> huge value for<br />
nature conservation. Sharing this information can make it possible for<br />
zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria to play the important roles they have been assigned,<br />
namely to conserve nature <strong>and</strong> to educate people on the need for this<br />
conservation by showing people the beauty <strong>of</strong> animals <strong>and</strong> their habitats.<br />
Sharing information can also directly improve animal welfare, breeding<br />
successes <strong>and</strong> the visitors’ experiences.<br />
photo jantijn van den heuvel / rotterdam zoo<br />
In <strong>EAZA</strong> News 53 we<br />
highlighted the results<br />
<strong>of</strong> three <strong>EAZA</strong> surveys<br />
that took place in 2005.<br />
This article summarises<br />
the results <strong>of</strong> another<br />
2005 survey: the ‘<strong>EAZA</strong><br />
survey on sharing<br />
information through a<br />
digital resource centre’.<br />
photo colchester zoo<br />
Digital Zoo Resource Centre<br />
The ambition to share information <strong>and</strong> to cooperate with other <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
institutions is present. Many members take great effort <strong>and</strong> donate much<br />
<strong>of</strong> their time in doing so. The <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office felt that it was<br />
important to investigate if sharing <strong>of</strong> information could be made easier<br />
by creating a ‘Digital Zoo Resource Centre’. But where to start, when<br />
creating such a complicated resource centre? If there is no solid fundament<br />
on which a resource centre could be based, it would not be very helpful.<br />
Therefore <strong>EAZA</strong> launched a research project to investigate the possibilities<br />
for such a resource centre in May 2005. This project dealt with questions<br />
such as: what kind <strong>of</strong> information is wanted by the <strong>EAZA</strong> (c<strong>and</strong>idate)<br />
members?; what are the most common issues in zoos?; how can a user <strong>of</strong><br />
a resource centre determine the usefulness or quality <strong>of</strong> the information?;<br />
how can the information in a resource centre be evaluated?; who can <strong>and</strong><br />
will provide the information to a resource centre?; in what kind <strong>of</strong> format<br />
should the information be presented? It was very important that in the<br />
huge criss-cross <strong>of</strong> information <strong>and</strong> interesting zoo issues, the building<br />
blocks – the most important issues <strong>of</strong> interest – for this resource centre,<br />
were discovered.
Questionnaire<br />
To answer these questions, zoo related documents <strong>and</strong> literature were<br />
studied at the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office, the <strong>of</strong>fice’s staff was interviewed<br />
<strong>and</strong> 48 <strong>EAZA</strong> (c<strong>and</strong>idate) members were asked to fill out a questionnaire.<br />
The surveyed <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions in general were positive towards the idea<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Digital Zoo Resource Centre. Some 93% <strong>of</strong> the respondents indicated<br />
that they were prepared to share information by means <strong>of</strong> this digital<br />
resource centre (see Figure 1).<br />
Figure 1: Interest <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> (c<strong>and</strong>idate) members to provide <strong>and</strong> use<br />
information through a Digital Zoo Resource Centre<br />
0% > Does not want to provide<br />
<strong>and</strong> use information<br />
73% > Wants<br />
to provide <strong>and</strong><br />
use information<br />
on a regular basis<br />
7% > Only wants to<br />
use information<br />
20% ><br />
Is willing<br />
to provide<br />
information<br />
only once<br />
In the questionnaire <strong>EAZA</strong> (c<strong>and</strong>idate) members were provided with a list<br />
<strong>of</strong> 232 zoo related subjects <strong>and</strong> were asked if they could indicate which<br />
<strong>of</strong> the topics they would find most interesting to receive information<br />
on through a resource centre. Additionally, the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office’s<br />
employees were asked to indicate which <strong>of</strong> these subjects they found<br />
important based on questions they recieve from zoos. The subjects that<br />
were <strong>of</strong> most interest to the participating <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions <strong>and</strong> that were<br />
also indicated as important topics by the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office staff can<br />
be seen in Table 1.<br />
What’s new?<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> the respondents expressed their fear that this Digital Zoo<br />
research<br />
Resource Centre would create overlap with other already existing databases<br />
<strong>and</strong> zoo design groups like ‘ZooLex’. However, the intention <strong>of</strong> this<br />
resource centre would not be to replace these sources <strong>of</strong> information<br />
but to unite <strong>and</strong> complement them. The digital resource centre should<br />
be developed <strong>and</strong> used as a starting point for a search. Through this<br />
Digital Zoo Resource Centre, <strong>EAZA</strong> users would be linked to relevant<br />
databases <strong>and</strong> websites, <strong>and</strong> would receive additional information from<br />
other <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions. <strong>EAZA</strong> members would be given the opportunity<br />
to share their experiences, give comments on the information present in<br />
the resource centre <strong>and</strong> to rate the value <strong>of</strong> this information.<br />
With this research project <strong>EAZA</strong> has set the first steps in the<br />
direction <strong>of</strong> developing a Digital Zoo Resource Centre. More information<br />
on this project will be made available on the <strong>EAZA</strong> website. •<br />
Table 1: Important subjects according<br />
to <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions<br />
Important subjects*<br />
Exhibit design<br />
Exhibit sizes, dimensions<br />
Housing, shelters in exhibits<br />
<strong>European</strong> breeding programmes (EEPs)<br />
Environmental enrichment<br />
<strong>European</strong> studbooks (ESBs)<br />
Conservation programmes/projects<br />
Perching, furnituring <strong>of</strong> exhibits<br />
ARKS, animal record keeping<br />
Animal acquisition/disposition policy<br />
Procedures for animal escapes<br />
Quarantine facilities<br />
Primates<br />
* listed in order <strong>of</strong> importance<br />
illustration dierenpark planckendael<br />
photo olomouc zoo<br />
illustration burgers’ zoo<br />
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collection planning<br />
On Regional Collection Plans<br />
<strong>and</strong> population sizes<br />
Bart Hiddinga <strong>and</strong> Kristin Leus, <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office, Amsterdam, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Regional Collection Plans (RCPs) are nothing new within <strong>EAZA</strong>. Shortly after the establishment <strong>of</strong><br />
the first Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) in 1992 the first RCPs were produced <strong>and</strong> made available to<br />
the <strong>EAZA</strong> membership. Previously, TAGs produced their RCPs in the format that they felt were most<br />
suitable for their situation. This has worked quite well; all the information that one needs can be<br />
found whenever needed. (For an overview <strong>of</strong> all the <strong>EAZA</strong> RCPs, please visit the member area <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> website) However, the EEP Committee <strong>and</strong> TAGs realised that it would facilitate use <strong>of</strong> RCPs<br />
at institutional level if all the RCPs followed the same format, as the various documents can be<br />
more easily compared with each other. Thus a st<strong>and</strong>ard <strong>EAZA</strong> RCP format has been developed <strong>and</strong><br />
finalised; now the TAGs are ready to adapt their RCPs to meet this st<strong>and</strong>ard.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the key components in this st<strong>and</strong>ardisation is the use <strong>of</strong> population sizes:<br />
how big is our population now; is it a viable population, how big does it need to<br />
be to be viable? And <strong>of</strong> course the important question: how do we determine all<br />
this? We thought that you (i.e. our general membership) might enjoy an insight<br />
into the thought process for this exercise. After all, this may be important for<br />
the correct interpretation <strong>of</strong> the targets mentioned in the RCPs, when consulting<br />
these in light <strong>of</strong> your own institutional collection plan.<br />
Population Target, the new ‘buzz word’<br />
Broadly speaking, three general concepts should be taken into account when determining a population target: 1) genetic theory, 2) demography<br />
<strong>and</strong> common sense, <strong>and</strong> 3) the needs <strong>and</strong> wishes <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> institutions (i.e. space availability).<br />
1. Target according to genetic theory<br />
What genetic theory?<br />
Specialists advise that the retention <strong>of</strong> 90% <strong>of</strong> gene diversity (GD)<br />
for a hundred years is a sensible compromise between retaining a<br />
reasonable amount <strong>of</strong> gene diversity <strong>and</strong> not needing a ridiculously<br />
high number <strong>of</strong> individuals to do this. It is desirable to retain as much<br />
GD as possible, because the more GD you lose, the higher the level <strong>of</strong><br />
inbreeding in your population <strong>and</strong> the lower the evolutionary potential<br />
<strong>of</strong> your population. However, the more GD you wish to retain, the more<br />
individuals you need to keep to be able to do it – <strong>and</strong> space in captivity<br />
is always limited.<br />
EEP coordinators <strong>and</strong> studbook keepers can perform studbook analyses<br />
in PM2000 in order to determine how many animals are minimally<br />
needed to reach the genetic goal. For species without a studbook,<br />
experienced population managers can help TAGs to come up with a<br />
ballpark number based on a few general population parameters.<br />
RCPs available through the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
website can be found in the<br />
‘TAGs’ section in the member area.<br />
Is a population with less than 90%GD guaranteed<br />
to go extinct?<br />
A population with less than 90%GD has a higher probability <strong>of</strong> going<br />
extinct (in captivity <strong>and</strong>/or upon reintroduction), or <strong>of</strong> experiencing<br />
other negative effects <strong>of</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> gene diversity. A higher probability does<br />
not mean that it is guaranteed to happen; but it does mean that there is<br />
a higher chance <strong>of</strong> it happening.<br />
Another way <strong>of</strong> expressing what the %GD retained means, is to translate<br />
it in terms <strong>of</strong> inbreeding. A population with 75%GD has a mean level <strong>of</strong><br />
inbreeding <strong>of</strong> 25%. This would mean that on average everyone is related<br />
to a level equivalent to brother <strong>and</strong> sister.<br />
If it is not possible to maintain 90%GD for a hundred years <strong>and</strong>/or if<br />
many more animals are needed than there is space available for the<br />
species, the TAG needs to decide whether to try to make the population
more viable (e.g. by improving the population parameters, importing<br />
founders, cooperating with other regions etc.), or to go for a more<br />
relaxed genetic goal, or even drop the species from the RCP all<br />
together. These decisions are made on the basis <strong>of</strong> what is practically<br />
While PM2000 may indicate that only a very limited number <strong>of</strong> animals<br />
is needed to reach the genetic goal, this may be a very risky affair in ‘real<br />
life’. Very small populations, <strong>of</strong>ten spread over a few institutions, are very<br />
vulnerable to catastrophes (e.g. disease, fire, <strong>and</strong> flooding) <strong>and</strong> other<br />
r<strong>and</strong>om events (e.g. years with uneven sex ratio at birth). In such cases it<br />
possible in terms <strong>of</strong> time, effort, money, opportunity, availability etc.,<br />
in comparison to the purposes <strong>and</strong> relative importance <strong>of</strong> the species to<br />
the TAG according to the selection criteria employed by the TAG in the<br />
making <strong>of</strong> their RCP.<br />
2. Target according to demography <strong>and</strong> common sense<br />
To exp<strong>and</strong><br />
Many programmes are in need <strong>of</strong> additional participating institutions. A<br />
list <strong>of</strong> these programmes is included below (see Table 1 on page 28). Those<br />
which are marked with * are programmes with specific needs, e.g. looking<br />
collection planning<br />
would be wise to increase the target population in order not to put ‘all<br />
the eggs in one basket’. Additionally, the biology <strong>of</strong> the species in question<br />
should not be forgotten! For example the target population size may<br />
be influenced by a minimum group size, structure or dynamic that is<br />
important for good breeding results or species-specific social behaviour.<br />
3. Target according to dem<strong>and</strong> for the species<br />
There may be a need to keep more individuals than are necessary for<br />
genetic <strong>and</strong> demographic reasons. In the case <strong>of</strong> very popular species<br />
that many zoos want to keep, the TAG will have to decide if keeping a<br />
Implementing the RCPs<br />
The RCPs are the result <strong>of</strong> very careful considerations by the responsible<br />
TAG, taking into account many different issues for each species. In<br />
addition to determination <strong>of</strong> population sizes many other considerations<br />
are taken into account during the Regional Collection Planning<br />
process, e.g. our experience with keeping <strong>and</strong> breeding the species,<br />
its conservation status, its educational value, <strong>and</strong> much, much more.<br />
Producing an RCP is much work <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s considerable dedication<br />
from the members <strong>of</strong> the TAG. But, obviously, producing the Regional<br />
Collection Plan is just the beginning: once the RCP has been published<br />
it is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> each <strong>and</strong> every <strong>EAZA</strong> member institution to<br />
refer to the RCPs <strong>and</strong>, whenever possible, apply them to its animal<br />
collection. Please consult the relevant RCP when considering changes<br />
in your animal collection, be it bringing a new species in or removing<br />
a species. The RCPs are not ‘law’ within <strong>EAZA</strong>; nobody can, or will,<br />
force any institution to remove a species from its collection or add<br />
one to it. But keep in mind that the RCPs can only work if we all<br />
greater number <strong>of</strong> individuals creates competition for exhibit space with<br />
more important species. It is also possible that there is currently insufficient<br />
space available for a species that is deemed important by the TAG.<br />
address <strong>and</strong> implement them in our own institutions whenever possible.<br />
The RCPs are based on careful considerations, <strong>and</strong> every <strong>EAZA</strong> member<br />
may participate in the production <strong>of</strong> an RCP through the TAGs. RCPs are<br />
living documents that are regularly updated: if you feel that changes are<br />
needed in a particular RCP, do approach the relevant TAG <strong>and</strong> share your<br />
point <strong>of</strong> view. It is important that the RCPs represent the broadest possible<br />
st<strong>and</strong>point <strong>of</strong> the entire <strong>EAZA</strong> membership. After all, taking the RCPs<br />
seriously <strong>and</strong> implementing them in our institutions is in the interest <strong>of</strong> all.<br />
Our resources are limited – very limited. We do not have endless space<br />
for keeping all the different species we may like to keep. We have to<br />
make choices to ensure the viability <strong>of</strong> the animal populations we work<br />
with. Implementing RCPs may seem to lead to a reduction in the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> species kept in our zoos, <strong>and</strong> some may say that that is a pity.<br />
However, it is important to keep in mind that this is the short term<br />
consequence: in the long run, making those choices now is likely to<br />
mean that we will in fact have more species to work with than if we<br />
would not make these choices. •<br />
To exp<strong>and</strong> or not to exp<strong>and</strong>,<br />
that’s the question! EEPs <strong>and</strong> ESBs in need<br />
Are you updating your institutional collection plan? Seeking to add more EEP or ESB species to your collection?<br />
for institutions that are willing to keep a single-sex group. It is important<br />
to get in touch with the coordinator or studbook keeper first before making<br />
a decision to participate in an EEP or ESB. In fact, in the case <strong>of</strong> an EEP<br />
it is even compulsory that you contact the EEP coordinator once you<br />
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collection planning<br />
have decided that you wish to start working with the species. Coordinators<br />
<strong>and</strong> studbook keepers can help you with useful advice on the husb<strong>and</strong>ry<br />
<strong>of</strong> the species in question, <strong>and</strong> can inform you about specifics that are<br />
relevant to their programme. Some programmes may have quite specific<br />
requirements or there may be a waiting list <strong>of</strong> zoos that want to start<br />
working with the species, <strong>and</strong> it may be a few years before animals will<br />
be available.<br />
Table 1: Programmes looking for additional participants<br />
English name (Scientific name) Programme*<br />
Mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) ESB*<br />
Radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata) ESB*<br />
Malayan box turtle (Cuora amboinensis) ESB<br />
Black marsh turtle (Siebenrockiella crassicollis) ESB<br />
Malaysian giant turtle (Orlitia borneensis) ESB<br />
Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) ESB*<br />
Utila spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri) ESB*<br />
Cuban boa (Epicrates angulifer) EEP<br />
San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) ESB*<br />
Rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) ESB<br />
Goliath heron (Ardea goliath) ESB<br />
Cabot’s tragopan (Tragopan caboti) ESB<br />
Edward’s pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) EEP*<br />
Malayan crestless fireback (Lophura e. erythropthalma) ESB<br />
Blue crane (Anthropoides paradisea) ESB<br />
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) ESB<br />
Socorro dove (Zenaida graysoni) EEP<br />
Luzon bleeding heart pigeon (Gallicolumba luzonica) ESB<br />
Mindanao bleeding heart pigeon (Gallicolumba criniger) ESB*<br />
Yellow-faced amazon (Amazona anthops) ESB*<br />
Buffon’s macaw (Ara ambigua) EEP<br />
Von Der Decken’s hornbill (Tockus deckeni) ESB<br />
Wrinkled hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) EEP<br />
Brush-tailed bettong (Bettongia penicillata) EEP*<br />
Emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator) EEP*<br />
Grey-legged douroucouli (Aotus lemurinus griseimembra) ESB<br />
Red-legged douroucouli (Aotus azarai boliviensis) ESB<br />
White-throated capuchin (Cebus capucinus) ESB*<br />
Black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) EEP*<br />
Drill (M<strong>and</strong>rillus leucophaeus) EEP*<br />
Gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada) EEP*<br />
Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) EEP<br />
Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) ESB*<br />
Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) EEP<br />
Wolverine (Gulo gulo) EEP<br />
<strong>European</strong> mink (Mustela lutreola) EEP*<br />
Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) ESB<br />
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) EEP*<br />
Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) EEP*<br />
Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) EEP<br />
Onager (Equus hemionus onager) EEP*<br />
Bactrian wapiti (Cervus elaphus bactrianus) ESB<br />
Forest reindeer (Rangifer tar<strong>and</strong>us fennicus) ESB<br />
Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) EEP *<br />
Kirk’s dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) ESB*<br />
Lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) ESB*<br />
West African sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus) ESB<br />
Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) ESB*<br />
Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) EEP*<br />
Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros) EEP*<br />
Musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) EEP<br />
Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) ESB*<br />
Kirk’s dik-dik<br />
* Programmes that have restrictions for new participants concerning animals <strong>and</strong>/or additional conditions for participating<br />
photo rob doolaard (izp)/rotterdam zoo<br />
Not to exp<strong>and</strong><br />
Contrary to the programmes in Table 1, there are also several EEP <strong>and</strong><br />
ESB programmes that do specifically wish not to exp<strong>and</strong> (see Table 2).<br />
A reason for this may be that the species in question may compete<br />
with other species for space in <strong>EAZA</strong> zoos, <strong>and</strong> the responsible TAG has<br />
advised that the population should not grow beyond its current numbers.<br />
If you are contemplating adding a species that is listed below, please<br />
reconsider. Your institution would be <strong>of</strong> greater assistance in achieving<br />
the goals <strong>of</strong> the Regional Collection Plan by taking on another, perhaps<br />
closely related <strong>and</strong> similar, species instead. Please do get in touch<br />
with the relevant EEP coordinator or ESB keeper to find out why this<br />
programme does currently not need additional participants, <strong>and</strong> whether<br />
this is perhaps likely to change in the future. Please also check the<br />
Regional Collection Plan <strong>of</strong> the relevant TAGs for ideas about species<br />
that you could feature in your institutional collection plan instead.<br />
Table 2: Programmes not looking for additional participants<br />
English name (Scientific name) Programme<br />
Spiny hill turtle (Heosemys spinosa) ESB<br />
Black stork (Ciconia nigra) ESB<br />
Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) ESB<br />
Blyth’s tragopan (Tragopan blythii) ESB<br />
Red-bellied tamarin (Saguinus labiatus) ESB<br />
<strong>European</strong> otter (Lutra lutra) EEP<br />
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) ESB<br />
Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) EEP<br />
Snow leopard (Uncia uncia) EEP<br />
Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) EEP<br />
Baringo giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) EEP<br />
Blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) ESB<br />
Important<br />
This overview is based on a survey among EEP coordinators <strong>and</strong> ESB<br />
keepers that was recently carried out by the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office.<br />
Information for all programmes could not be supplied in time for<br />
appearance in this edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News, thus a more comprehensive<br />
list is likely to be available by the time you read this. Furthermore,<br />
the needs <strong>of</strong> the various EEPs <strong>and</strong> ESBs will likely to change with time.<br />
Thus this overview will be regularly updated, <strong>and</strong> the most current<br />
version can be found in the member area <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> website. •
Aim <strong>of</strong> the course<br />
The aim <strong>of</strong> the course was two-fold: first to provide in-depth knowledge<br />
on the use <strong>of</strong> PM2000 for practical captive population management<br />
<strong>and</strong> second, to increase the overall capacity <strong>of</strong> EPMAG in providing<br />
assistance for zoos in demographic <strong>and</strong> genetic management <strong>of</strong> captive<br />
populations by ‘training <strong>of</strong> trainers’. This first course was attended by<br />
seven participants: Elena Baistrocchi (Parco Natura Viva, Bussolengo),<br />
Lydia Kolter (Cologne Zoo), Waltraut Zimmermann (Cologne Zoo),<br />
Katarzina Goral (Warsaw Agricultural University), Jake Veasey (Woburn<br />
Safari Park) <strong>and</strong> the two authors <strong>of</strong> this article.<br />
Three-day programme<br />
During these three days, in the atmosphere <strong>of</strong> friendly discussions,<br />
the whole set <strong>of</strong> actions needed for captive breeding programme<br />
management were addressed in their full complexity. The course<br />
started with the guidance on cleaning <strong>and</strong> evaluation <strong>of</strong> pedigree<br />
data in SPARKS. Thereafter the issue <strong>of</strong> filtering <strong>and</strong> exporting<br />
studbook data from SPARKS to PM2000 was addressed in depth.<br />
collection planning<br />
Breeding programme management<br />
Tiit Maran, Tallinn Zoo, Estonia <strong>and</strong> Olivia Walter, British <strong>and</strong> Irish <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aquariums, London, United Kingdom<br />
The first advanced course<br />
A three-day advanced course on captive population<br />
management was held at the <strong>EAZA</strong> Executive Office<br />
in Amsterdam from 30 January to 1 February 2006.<br />
The course was kindly organised by the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Executive Office <strong>and</strong> was conducted by Kristin Leus<br />
(Royal Zoological Society <strong>of</strong> Antwerp <strong>and</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong>),<br />
Tanya Langenhorst (Marwell Zoo), both closely<br />
involved in the <strong>EAZA</strong> Population Management<br />
Advisory Group (EPMAG), <strong>and</strong> Laurie Bingaman<br />
Lackey <strong>of</strong> ISIS.<br />
photo eaza executive <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
Main focus<br />
The main focus, however, was on the use <strong>and</strong> interpretation <strong>of</strong> demographic<br />
<strong>and</strong> genetic data in better decision-making for breeding<br />
recommendations. Much time was also devoted to the use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
PM2000 for defining genetically <strong>and</strong> demographically sound goals in<br />
EEP programmes. The final part <strong>of</strong> the course was devoted to the use<br />
<strong>of</strong> report templates generated by PM2000 for preparing the breeding<br />
recommendations <strong>and</strong> the species management plans.<br />
PM2000<br />
The training on use <strong>of</strong> PM2000 s<strong>of</strong>tware was elegantly combined with<br />
reviews <strong>of</strong> the theory <strong>of</strong> captive population management. That helped<br />
to refresh the participants’ memory on these issues <strong>and</strong> thus made it<br />
easier for us to grasp the essence <strong>of</strong> the course.<br />
The course showed the variety <strong>of</strong> amazing options the PM2000 s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />
provides for managing your captive population, but also the ‘hidden<br />
underwater rocks’ one may hit without proper underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the<br />
logic <strong>of</strong> the programme. In short, it can be said that it is a wonderful<br />
tool in the h<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> a species manager, but one has to know how to<br />
work with it. The advanced course was a good opportunity to further<br />
improve our skills as population managers. As fellow population<br />
managers, we would strongly encourage all EEP <strong>and</strong> ESB keepers to<br />
participate in future courses. •<br />
Global action plan for amphibians Amphibians are facing great threats. About one third <strong>of</strong> the 6,000 frog, toad, salam<strong>and</strong>er <strong>and</strong><br />
newt species are threatened with extinction, more than 120 species have likely become extinct since 1980, <strong>and</strong> 435 species have declined into a category <strong>of</strong> greater<br />
threat during that time. Many factors behind the extinction <strong>of</strong> frogs are still not well understood. However, it is known today that, in some parts <strong>of</strong> the world,<br />
there is a fungus causing the quick extinction <strong>of</strong> every amphibian species throughout the range. Experts are convinced that, in many cases, the only solution is to<br />
conserve them in zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria with the hope that the species can be reintroduced to the wild at a later stage. This will require a massive coordinated effort,<br />
but it is a key solution in addressing the global amphibian extinction crisis.<br />
Experts <strong>of</strong> the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, representatives <strong>of</strong> the World <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aquariums <strong>and</strong> other stakeholders met from 12 to<br />
15 February 2006 at El Valle, Panama, discussing how a global action plan for amphibians should be implemented. They recommended criteria for prioritising<br />
species <strong>and</strong> best practices for breeding facilities, <strong>and</strong> determined the capacity for rapid response. The meeting envisioned a WAZA-led effort with multiple<br />
partners that <strong>of</strong>fers a de-centralised approach with multiple breeding facilities. There was a presumption in favour <strong>of</strong> the breeding taking place in the range<br />
countries <strong>of</strong> the species concerned. However, the value <strong>of</strong> backup facilities outside the species’ range was recognised. The balance between the size <strong>of</strong> facility,<br />
economics <strong>and</strong> vulnerability will be determined. The meeting acknowledged that this ex situ effort is a ‘stop-gap’ measure, <strong>and</strong> called to governments, the<br />
Amphibian Specialist Group <strong>of</strong> the World Conservation Union <strong>and</strong> other stakeholders to strive for a rapid response to help address the amphibian extinction crisis.<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
news flash<br />
29
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
isis<br />
30<br />
collection planning<br />
CHANGES TO EXISTING TAGs<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Penguin tag<br />
Miguel Bueno (chair), Madrid Zoo <strong>and</strong> Ivan Briones<br />
Deriat (vice-chair), Faunia (Madrid-Parque)<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Rhinoceros tag<br />
Lars Versteege (vice-chair), Safaripark Beekse<br />
Bergen (Hilvarenbeek)<br />
CHANGES TO EXISTING EEPs<br />
Moluccan cockatoo eep<br />
(Cacatua moluccensis)<br />
S<strong>and</strong>ra Devaney, Dublin Zoo<br />
Citron-crested cockatoo eep<br />
(Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata)<br />
S<strong>and</strong>ra Devaney, Dublin Zoo<br />
White-fronted marmoset eep<br />
(Callithrix ge<strong>of</strong>froyi)<br />
Agustin Lopez Goya, Faunia (Madrid-Parque)<br />
Goeldi’s monkey eep<br />
(Callimico goeldii )<br />
Bernhard Holdijk, Wissel Zoo (Epe)<br />
Black-capped squirrel monkey eep<br />
(Saimiri boliviensis)<br />
Jan Vermeer, La Vallée des Singes (Romagne)<br />
Western lowl<strong>and</strong> gorilla eep<br />
(Gorilla gorilla gorilla)<br />
Frank Rietkerk, Apenheul (Apeldoorn)<br />
Banteng eep<br />
(Bos javanicus)<br />
Francois Huyghe, CERZA (Lisieux)<br />
programme updates As approved by the EEP Committee<br />
ZIMS construction walkthrough<br />
Michele Peters, ISIS, Minnesota, USA<br />
Previewing ZIMS<br />
During this walkthrough, a member <strong>of</strong> the ZIMS s<strong>of</strong>tware developer team<br />
from CGI demonstrated how some parts <strong>of</strong> the application will work,<br />
including screens that will be used in taxonomy, enclosures (systems <strong>and</strong><br />
maintenance), animal information <strong>and</strong> studbooks. Even though attendees<br />
saw only limited examples <strong>of</strong> the full ZIMS application, they were impressed<br />
by what ZIMS will do for their institutions. Participants provided CGI with<br />
many constructive comments about the existing navigation <strong>and</strong> presentation<br />
<strong>of</strong> information. This process will help us assure that the final ZIMS<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tware will provide our community with what it needs. Meeting participants<br />
also helped ISIS create scenarios <strong>of</strong> basic work functions for which<br />
zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria will use the ZIMS application. ISIS will use these<br />
scenarios during user acceptance testing to ensure that the ZIMS programme<br />
is applicable <strong>and</strong> useful to zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria around the world.<br />
ZIMS Project timeline<br />
ZIMS s<strong>of</strong>tware developer CGI has asked for an extension in the<br />
NEW ESBs<br />
Lesser Antilles hercules beetle esb<br />
(Dynastes hercules hercules)<br />
Jean-Yves Robert, Muséum de Besançon<br />
Red-crested turaco esb<br />
(Tauraco erythrolophus)<br />
Louise Peat, Cotswold Wildlife Park (Burford)<br />
CHANGES TO EXISTING ESBs<br />
African dwarf crocodile esb<br />
(Osteolaemus tetraspis)<br />
Wolf-Dieter Engelmann, Leipzig Zoo<br />
White-throated capuchin esb<br />
(Cebus capucinus)<br />
Jan Vermeer, La Vallée des Singes (Romagne)<br />
Employees from ZIMS early adopter institutions <strong>and</strong> zoo <strong>and</strong> aquarium subject matter experts<br />
who have been involved in the ZIMS project, previewed the ZIMS application during a ‘construction<br />
walkthrough’ in early February 2006. Representatives from the <strong>EAZA</strong> region included Fr<strong>and</strong>s Carlsen <strong>and</strong><br />
Anne Huniche, Copenhagen Zoo; Duncan Bolton <strong>and</strong> Warren Spencer, Bristol Zoo; Ulrike Rademacher,<br />
Wilhelma (Stuttgart); <strong>and</strong> David Brunger, Chester Zoo.<br />
ISIS elects new board members<br />
ISIS welcomes new 2006 Board <strong>of</strong> Trustee<br />
members Chris West, The Royal Zoological Society<br />
<strong>of</strong> South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Franck<br />
Haelewyn, Lille Zoo, France; <strong>and</strong> Christopher<br />
Andrews, Steinhart Aquarium, San Francisco, USA.<br />
The African <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> Aquariums<br />
(PAAZAB) also chose a new representative to the<br />
ISIS Board, Mark Penning.<br />
ISIS wants to thank long-serving ISIS Trustees<br />
who have just completed their terms on the ISIS<br />
construction phase <strong>of</strong> the ZIMS Project. Upon starting construction,<br />
CGI is realising the complexity <strong>of</strong> development <strong>and</strong> has asked ISIS<br />
for additional time so that it can complete the construction phase<br />
<strong>of</strong> the project at the high level <strong>of</strong> quality we expect. We are currently<br />
working with CGI to put measures in place to verify that any future<br />
timelines will include ample time for a superior product to be<br />
completed. ISIS will post notifications <strong>of</strong> revised timelines for the<br />
project on the ISIS website (www.isis.org) as soon as dates have been<br />
confirmed.<br />
ZIMS readiness assessment survey<br />
Responses to the ZIMS readiness assessment survey show that ISIS<br />
members are excited to start using ZIMS, but that many institutions<br />
have more preparation to do, especially in the area <strong>of</strong> data quality.<br />
This is an important step in guaranteeing that ZIMS will represent<br />
‘one, global, accurate, comprehensive, real-time, specimen <strong>and</strong><br />
collection information system’ as promised.<br />
Board: Jo Gipps (vice-chair), Bristol Zoo, United<br />
Kingdom; Laura Mumaw, Melbourne Zoo,<br />
Australia; Hans-Ove Larsson, Skansen Foundation,<br />
Sweden; <strong>and</strong> Dave Morgan <strong>of</strong> PAAZAB, who<br />
generously shared their time, good judgment <strong>and</strong><br />
fundraising skills. •
directory updates<br />
In <strong>EAZA</strong> News 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 />
Richard Weigl (2005)<br />
Longevity <strong>of</strong> mammals in captivity; from the living collections <strong>of</strong> the world<br />
This publication contains many data on historical <strong>and</strong> present longevities <strong>of</strong> captive mammals. Some <strong>of</strong> the data have never been published<br />
before, <strong>and</strong> many extinct or very rare species <strong>and</strong> subspecies are included. All <strong>of</strong> the 3,398 taxa <strong>of</strong> 25 mammalian (all orders except shrew<br />
opossums, order Paucituberculata) have been exhibited in zoos <strong>and</strong> other institutions. The records provide exact dates <strong>of</strong> arrival, birth,<br />
movement out <strong>of</strong> the collection or death dates, showing day, month <strong>and</strong> year. Anecdotal records have not been included.<br />
Pages: 214. ISBN: 3-510-61379-1 (pb). Price: €29.80.<br />
To be ordered from: E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchh<strong>and</strong>lung (www.schweizerbart.de)<br />
James Ferguson-Lees <strong>and</strong> David Christie (2005)<br />
Raptors <strong>of</strong> the world; a field guide<br />
‘Raptors <strong>of</strong> the world’ (Helm, 2001) is the definitive h<strong>and</strong>book to this popular group <strong>of</strong> birds. This new field guide is based on <strong>and</strong> uses all <strong>of</strong><br />
the plates from Raptors <strong>of</strong> the World. The field guide contains a concise, revised text on facing pages, to create a conveniently-sized, lightweight<br />
field reference covering all 320 raptor species. The guide book also has an updated colour distribution map for each species. Much<br />
<strong>of</strong> the extensive introductory material has been retained in this guide, with the addition <strong>of</strong> a complete species list containing all subspecies<br />
<strong>and</strong> brief details <strong>of</strong> their ranges. This clear <strong>and</strong> concise guide will provide easy identification <strong>and</strong> insight into this fascinating group <strong>of</strong> birds.<br />
Pages: 320. ISBN: 0-7136-6957-8 (pb). Price: UK£19.99.<br />
To be ordered from: A&C Black Publishers Ltd. (www.acblack.com)<br />
Julian Caldecott <strong>and</strong> Lera Miles (eds.; 2005)<br />
World atlas <strong>of</strong> great apes <strong>and</strong> their conservation<br />
This atlas provides a comprehensive overview <strong>of</strong> what is currently known about all six species <strong>of</strong> great apes: chimpanzee, bonobo, Sumatran<br />
orangutan, Bornean orangutan, Eastern gorilla <strong>and</strong> Western lowl<strong>and</strong> gorilla. Created in association with the Great Apes Survival Project<br />
(GRASP), this book gives a thorough background on ape behaviour <strong>and</strong> ecology for each species, including detailed habitat requirements,<br />
the apes' ecological role, <strong>and</strong> the possible consequences <strong>of</strong> their decline. The book also <strong>of</strong>fers a full description <strong>of</strong> the threats, current<br />
conservation efforts, <strong>and</strong> additional protection needed for each species across its entire range. Many full-colour maps <strong>and</strong> illustrations<br />
make the abundance <strong>of</strong> information accessible to a broad readership.<br />
Pages: 456. ISBN: 0-520-24633-0 (hb). Price: UK£29.95.<br />
To be ordered from: University <strong>of</strong> California Press (www.ucpress.edu)<br />
Michael Newton (2005)<br />
Encyclopedia <strong>of</strong> cryptozoology, a global guide to hidden animals <strong>and</strong> their pursuers<br />
On every continent <strong>and</strong> in every nation, animals unrecognised by modern science are reported on a daily basis. People passionately pursue<br />
these creatures – the name given to their field <strong>of</strong> study is ‘cryptozoology’. Coined in the 1950's, the term literally means the science <strong>of</strong><br />
hidden animals. What makes an animal <strong>of</strong> interest to cryptology is that it is unexpected either in its existence, or in its location <strong>of</strong> existence.<br />
Presenting a ‘flesh <strong>and</strong> blood’ view <strong>of</strong> cryptozoology, this reference work excludes discussion <strong>of</strong> mysterious zoological phenomena.<br />
Here, 2,744 entries are listed, the majority <strong>of</strong> which each describe one specific creature or type <strong>of</strong> creature, reported from a wide variety<br />
<strong>of</strong> locations worldwide <strong>and</strong> throughout history. Other entries cover 742 places where unnamed cryptids are said to appear; pr<strong>of</strong>iles <strong>of</strong><br />
77 groups <strong>and</strong> 112 individuals who have contributed to the field; <strong>and</strong> descriptions <strong>of</strong> objects <strong>and</strong> events important to the subject.<br />
Pages: 576. ISBN: 0-7864-2036-7 (hb). Price: UK£67.95.<br />
To be ordered from: Eurospan (www.eurospan.co.uk)<br />
personalia<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Dipl. Biol. Wolf-Dietrich Gurtler retired as<br />
zoological manager <strong>of</strong> ZOOM Erlebniswelt<br />
(Gelsenkirchen), Germany, <strong>and</strong> has been<br />
replaced by Dr. med. vet. Sven Kilian. Mr. Gurtler<br />
will still be employed as scientific coordinator <strong>of</strong><br />
the zoo.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mr. Henrik Johansen has been appointed as<br />
director <strong>of</strong> Aalborg Zoo, Denmark.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mrs. Nermin Syoyrcy is the new director <strong>of</strong><br />
Bursa Zoo, Turkey, as <strong>of</strong> February 2006.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Dr. Christelle Vitaud is the new manager <strong>of</strong><br />
Safari de Peaugres, France, as <strong>of</strong> 1 March 2006.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mrs. Ana Oliveira <strong>and</strong> Mr. Joao Falcato are theI<br />
new <strong>EAZA</strong> contact persons for Oceanario de<br />
Lisboa, Portugal.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mr. Geer Scheres is the new <strong>EAZA</strong> contactn<br />
person for the Cracid Breeding <strong>and</strong><br />
Conservation Center, Belgium.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mr. Wim Verberkmoes is the new director <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> contact person for GaiaPark Kerkrade<br />
Zoo, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mr. David Field is the new <strong>EAZA</strong> contact person<br />
for London Zoo (ZSL) <strong>and</strong> Whipsnade<br />
Wild Animal Park (ZSL), United Kingdom.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mr. Peter Sampson is the new <strong>EAZA</strong> contact<br />
person for Paradise Wildlife Park, United<br />
Kingdom.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Mr. Richard Osterballe is the new chairman<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Danish <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Aquaria</strong> (DAZA), Denmark.<br />
——————————————————————<br />
books<br />
addresses <strong>and</strong><br />
telephone/fax numbers<br />
——————————————————————<br />
The new fax number for Zoo Schmiding,<br />
Austria, is: +43 7249462722<br />
——————————————————————<br />
The new phone number for Dublin Zoo,<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, is: +353 14748900<br />
——————————————————————<br />
The new address for Rotterdam Zoo, the<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s, is: Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 jg Rotterdam<br />
——————————————————————<br />
The new contact details for the Danish<br />
<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquaria</strong> (DAZA),<br />
Denmark, is: c/o Givskud Zoo, Loveparkvej 3<br />
7323 Givskud, Denmark, Phone: +45 75730222,<br />
Fax: +45 75730321<br />
——————————————————————<br />
terminated membership<br />
——————————————————————<br />
Gotl<strong>and</strong>s Djurpark, Sweden (zoo closed)<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006<br />
31
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006 publications<br />
As many as 31 Studbooks, 3 Husb<strong>and</strong>ry Guidelines<br />
<strong>and</strong> 4 other publications have been received by the <strong>EAZA</strong><br />
Executive Office in the period January - March 2006. We are<br />
very grateful to all who have contributed to these valuable<br />
publications <strong>and</strong> are happy to have received these in printed<br />
format at the <strong>EAZA</strong> Office in Amsterdam.<br />
For a full list <strong>of</strong> received publications <strong>of</strong> interest, please refer to<br />
the <strong>EAZA</strong> website (‘Magazine’ section). Announcements <strong>of</strong> newly<br />
received publications are posted on the <strong>EAZA</strong> website on a<br />
regular basis. Please continue to send us your printed versions<br />
so that we can incorporate these in the online publications’ list.<br />
Conservation Forum<br />
‘Conservation <strong>and</strong> Partnerships: creation <strong>of</strong> a <strong>European</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Latin American network’ is the theme <strong>of</strong> the conservation forum<br />
organised by Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo in cooperation with <strong>EAZA</strong>.<br />
This third bi-annual forum on in situ conservation projects<br />
for <strong>European</strong> zoos <strong>and</strong> aquaria will take place in Angers from<br />
30 May to 2 June 2006. ‘Dreamnight’ will be held at Doué-la-<br />
Fontaine Zoo on the evening <strong>of</strong> the last conference day.<br />
Deadline for registration is 30 April 2006. For more information<br />
please refer to the <strong>EAZA</strong> website (‘Conservation’ section).
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 511260 Fax: +44 (0) 1376 511247<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.
eaza awards<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> h<strong>and</strong>ed out one award in the category <strong>of</strong> ‘Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Excellence’ during the 2005 <strong>EAZA</strong> Annual Conference<br />
in Bath. Nine awards were presented in the ‘Institutional Excellence’ category, which focuses on conservation,<br />
education, exhibit design <strong>and</strong> research. Please find below summaries <strong>of</strong> the two projects receiving the 2005<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Research Awards. The winners <strong>of</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Exhibit Awards <strong>and</strong> the <strong>EAZA</strong> Education Awards were presented<br />
respectively in <strong>EAZA</strong> News 52 <strong>and</strong> 53. The other award winners will be presented in the next issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>EAZA</strong> News.<br />
Espace Animalier de la Haute-Touche (Obterre) –<br />
Reproductive biotechnology for endangered wild species<br />
The IUCN Red List <strong>of</strong> Threatened Species categorises almost forty<br />
cervid subspecies as ‘threatened with extinction in their natural<br />
habitat’, <strong>and</strong> 14 subspecies in the genus Cervus as ‘endangered’<br />
or ‘critically endangered’. This clearly indicates that, in addition to<br />
in situ conservation measures, ex situ conservation efforts are<br />
urgently needed to guarantee this group’s survival.<br />
In parallel with ex situ conservation programmes based on classical<br />
management in Espace Animalier de la Haute-Touche, research studies<br />
are performed by the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturel <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) in developing<br />
assisted reproductive technologies on common species, such as red<br />
deer (Cervus elaphus) <strong>and</strong> sika deer (C. nippon). This resulted in the<br />
first birth <strong>of</strong> red deer calves in Europe by implantation <strong>of</strong> embryos<br />
derived from in vitro production to red deer.<br />
photos espace animalier de la haute-touche<br />
London Zoo (Zoological Society <strong>of</strong> London) –<br />
Genetic relatedness in group-managed species<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the international effort to develop the new generation<br />
<strong>of</strong> species conservation s<strong>of</strong>tware, the ‘Zoological Information<br />
Management System (ZIMS)’, the ZSL Research Group for Population<br />
Management has been working in partnership with <strong>EAZA</strong>, EADISC, ISIS<br />
<strong>and</strong> CBSG to address the most technically dem<strong>and</strong>ing aspect <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ZIMS development process: genetic relatedness tracking <strong>and</strong> analysis<br />
<strong>of</strong> group-managed species.<br />
The ZSL Research Group for Population Management has succeeded in<br />
developing complex mathematical models <strong>and</strong> demonstration s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />
tools for determining genetic relatedness in group-managed species.<br />
This achievement constitutes a major research breakthrough that will<br />
greatly enhance the conservation community’s ability to help every<br />
animal group, from invertebrates to mammals.<br />
<strong>EAZA</strong> Research Award 2005 <strong>EAZA</strong> Research Award 2005<br />
Espace Animalier de la Haute-Touche (Obterre) –<br />
Reproductive biotechnology for endangered wild species<br />
London Zoo (Zoological Society <strong>of</strong> London) –<br />
Genetic relatedness in group-managed species<br />
photos rob doolaard (izp)/rotterdam zoo<br />
eaza news <strong>54</strong><br />
2006