WAZA News 4/13

November 4/13 2013

ZIMS – The Dream Becomes Real | p 2 WAZA Online Professional Development Center | p 22 New: Exhibit News | p 24 ), male. | © Dustin Smith/Zoo Miami ), male. | © Dustin Dermatemys mawii Critically endangered Central American river turtle ( Central Critically endangered WAZA news 4/13

Gerald Dick Contents Editorial Dear WAZA members and friends! ZIMS – The Dream Becomes Real...... 2 After a wonderful annual conference, Has the Ark Gone Off Course?.....4 where the blurring borders between Biodiversity is us...... 7 ex situ and in situ conservation were My Career: Steve Taylor...... 9 addressed by outstanding keynote WAZA Interview: speakers, by numerous presentations Becca Hanson...... 12 and during workshops, I have the From the 19th pleasure to present to you the last edi- to the 22nd Century...... 15 tion of WAZA News of this year. There Food for the Body, is a focus on the future situation of © WAZA Food for the Mind...... 17 zoos and aquariums between political Gerald Dick at Seaworld, Orlando. Penguin Promises – pressures and animal right lobby groups Behaviour Change...... 18 as well as on population management. “Biodiversity is us” – the biggest exter- Disney’s Corals Project...... 19 The latter issue is also strategically and nally funded WAZA project ever in its financially supported by WAZA through history, is being made ready for a great Book Review...... 20 the Committee for Population Manage- start. Using modern technology, WAZA Announcements...... 20 ment. The committee has made a lot of members will receive a unique support progress during the last year and the for increased outreach, better inter- New: Exhibit News...... 24 support provided by ZIMS was not only national visibility and recognition and WAZA Training Grant 2012 an issue at the Disney conference, but is visitor service. More details about the Report...... 26 also presented in this edition. use of the tools are provided in this edi- WAZA Projects It is also a great pleasure to announce tion and a special double issue of WAZA Forest Protection the WAZA Online Professional Develop- News is prepared for early next year. in Vietnam...... 29 ment Center (WAZA OPDC) which is on Those supporting tools for WAZA mem- Bat Research in Osununú...... 30 air now on our website. Thanks to the bers shall also serve the purpose to get GRACE – Gorilla Center...... 31 cooperation with San Diego Zoo Global the word out to decision makers, jour- Florida Bonneted Bat...... 32 and the company Cypherworx WAZA nalists, zoo critics and the wider public Belize: Wild Cats...... 33 can offer over 300 courses of e-learning about the mission and role of zoos and Hicatee Conservation...... 34 to our members at a special rate. aquariums – based on successes, stories Update: A new series is started on exhibit news. and facts. International Studbooks...... 35 New stunning and exceptional exhibits I wish to thank all members and sup- New Members...... 37 shall be published in future, for this new porters of WAZA for their continuous New Member Application...... 40 section we need your input: short texts support. With the best wishes for the and photos, highlighting innovative ap- festive season and for a Happy proaches – hope you will enjoy it! New Year!

Gerald Dick WAZA Executive Director

Imprint Edition: 550 copies © WAZA 2013 Editor: Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Office IUCN Conservation Centre This edition of WAZA News Rue Mauverney 28 is also available on CH-1196 Gland www.waza.org (members’ area). Switzerland phone: +41 22 999 07 90 Founding Member fax: +41 22 999 07 91 Printed on FSC paper.

Layout and typesetting: [email protected] Print: Agentura NP, Staré Město, Czech Republic

ISSN: 1662-7733 WAZA news 4/13 1

Lee Ehmke The President’s Page

and my 25 years of experience at the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society and the Minnesota Zoo, to inform my service to the Association during my term of office. The complex net of international, regional and national laws and regulations, including some that have been self- imposed by zoo associations, must be navigated and if possible streamlined and simplified if we are to succeed in © WAZA addressing the collection sustainabil- Lee Ehmke and Africa exhibit. ity crisis that threatens the viability not just of our conservation breeding I am excited and honored to have guidance of WAZA Council members efforts but of our core business of ex- been elected President of WAZA, and Susan Hunt and Rick Barongi, respec- hibiting animals. Linked to this is the look forward to working with Execu- tively, the Animal Welfare Strategy imperative that zoos and aquariums tive Director Gerald Dick and his staff, and a streamlined WZACS will pro- continue to improve the level of care WAZA Council and our 334+ members vide continued evidence of the zoo provided to our animals, while provid- to forge progress toward WAZA’s community’s leadership role in the ing more meaningful and intentional ultimate vision: that the full conserva- humane care of animals and of the experiences – with tangible conser- tion potential of the world’s zoos and conservation impact derived from the vation outcomes – for our millions aquariums is realized. WAZA’s Corpo- operation and growth of zoo-based of visitors. I’m excited to work with rate Strategy, developed in 2009, sets education, research, fundraising and WAZA Council and staff to revisit our out six strategic directions that will animal management practices. Corporate Strategy to be sure that continue to inform and shape the pri- these two areas – collection sustain- orities and activities of WAZA Council Another significant initiative that will ability and measurable conservation over the next two years. Under the be publically launched in the upcom- impact – are given the attention and leadership of our outgoing President ing months is the Decade on Biodi- investment they require. Dr. Jörg Junhold, significant progress versity project, funded by the largest has been made on all six of these pri- grant ever received by WAZA, gener- As I write this, we are completing orities. However, much work remains ously provided by the MAVA Founda- a fantastic 68th Annual Conference, to be accomplished, in a world where tion. An attractive and highly custom- hosted with professionalism and wildlife and wild places are under izable suite of materials (analog and panache by Dr. Jackie Ogden, her assault, and the role of zoos and digital) has been developed to allow team and colleagues at Disney’s aquariums in combating this assault all WAZA members to make use of Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. is still not as widely understood and them in order to raise awareness of A record number of attendees have accepted as it needs to be. the importance of biodiversity. We benefited from the hospitality of our will release these materials in con- hosts, and we have all been inspired At the top of the priority list is com- junction with the 8th International Zoo by Disney’s remarkable facilities, pleting two major initiatives launched and Aquarium Marketing Conference, staff and programs. The Conference during the past year: development of to be hosted by the Bristol Zoo from theme: “One World, One Plan, One a new Global Zoo/Aquarium Strategy 12–14 May, 2014. Hope” was powerfully articulated for Animal Welfare, and a significant by a wide range of presentations, update and re-imagination of a docu- As I assume the responsibility of rep- workshops and conversations. Once ment that has – perhaps to greater resenting the WAZA community as again, WAZA’s greatest strength – the effect than any other – defined the President, I look forward to utilizing unity of purpose and friendship that philosophical framework for 21st my professional background, first as transcends political, geographic and century zoological institutions: the an environmental lawyer and later cultural boundaries – was highlighted World Zoo and Aquarium Conserva- as an environmental planner special- by this important gathering. tion Strategy (WZACS). Under the izing in zoological exhibition design, 2 WAZA news 4/13

Nate Flesness – ISIS ISIS ZIMS – The Dream Becomes Real

The ISIS ZIMS dream is coming true. ISIS and 813 (and growing) zoological institutions, plus 19 Association members of ISIS, are working together to fulfill the long-term vision that brought ISIS into existence 40 years ago. ZIMS, the modern, integrated, web-based vision of ISIS services and software, was envisioned a decade or so ago by leading members of our community. It took some time, and some troubles, to find the right technology, partners, and funding to build this dream, but ZIMS now works very ISIS Members as of 2013 well, and it’s a powerful and growing (ZIMS users in red). tool. People all over the world find it easy to learn and use (it only took tion controls how much of the other hours and hours of manual effort and a clever one million line program, to details are shared externally and with were limited to the few percent of make things simple!). 601 zoological various staff roles and departments species covered by a studbook. Now, institutions have already switched to (keepers, curators, etc) internally in ZIMS, you or your staff, or your re- ZIMS, and more are adopting ZIMS (special thanks to St. Louis Zoo for gional association staff or WAZA, can each month. Four thousand (4000) sponsoring this feature). see how any of 13,000 species are do- zoo and aquarium professionals have ing right now in your country, your re- created ZIMS logins as of September ZIMS of course does the routine in- gion, or globally, in just a few seconds. 2013. Two million animal records of all ventory, taxon, specimen, transaction, Regional Association staff around the types were added to ZIMS by these enclosure, and other reports that ISIS world contributed ideas during the users in the last 12 months. member institutions depend on for development of this new tool (whose daily animal management. ZIMS was design was inspired by PMx software). The community vision for ZIMS … ”one, also designed to capture the environ- Of course this population overview global, accurate, comprehensive, real- mental and life support data needed includes “only” the animals in ISIS’ time animal and collection informa- by aquariums to manage their tanks, 812 member institutions, but ISIS tion system” has driven ZIMS develop- water and equipment. ZIMS contin- membership includes 80% or more ment and continues to guide ISIS. ues to add new functions, such as the of the membership of AZA, and 90% widely-used Activity Report – which of the members of EAZA, (and ISIS is summarizes almost any kind of ani- growing – adding 45 new members Simple Animal Transfers mal management events you select. during 2013), so for these regions you see an extremely current overview With ZIMS, there is one integrated based on the animals in most of the lifetime animal record (and a single Community-level ZIMS associations’ institutions, in seconds… lifetime animal Global Accession Services – Assessing and for most species, this is the only Number – “GAN”). When the animal Populations information available. leaves another ISIS member on its way to you, ZIMS automatically in- Part of the power of ZIMS is that it forms your organization to expect it. provides animal information services Multi-facility and Association When the animal arrives, you simply to individual institutions, but also Combined Inventory Reports confirms its’ arrival in ZIMS. This carefully pools their data to offer greatly improves the accuracy of your population management services ZIMS now offers combined inventory animal information and reduces your to the community. The first Popula- reports for organizations which oper- data entry work. If you own an animal tion Sustainability Assessment tool ate multiple separate animal facilities. out-on-loan to another ISIS member, (“Population Overview”) has now Similarly, zoo and aquarium associa- you are automatically informed by arrived in ZIMS as of ZIMS release tions can run a combined inventory ZIMS if it dies. While most animals’ 1.6, August 2013. In the past, regional for all their members – useful for TAG existence and a few basic facts are efforts to evaluate how sustainable planning, communication with gov- shared through ISIS, your institu- a species’ population was, involved ernment agencies and regulators, etc. WAZA news 4/13 3

Veterinary Services | In August ZIMS delivered the very first of many planned veterinary services – a major web-based update of the previous ISIS Physiological Reference Values CD-ROM. Your vet can find normal blood and serum values for 983 wildlife species with a few clicks in ZIMS. This is information is carefully calculated from 350,000 normal samples, whose several million individual test results have been pooled by ISIS members. Such information is difficult or impossible to find elsewhere A Tasmanian devil sample Population Overview screen. (and if found in a publication, often cites ISIS as the source) – critical data for identifying animal health prob- a “studbook keeper news” section, sic population management functions lems and improving animal care. where studbook keepers can see, in into ZIMS as ZIMS Release 3. There chronological order, births, moves, is a revolutionary community-driven deaths, and important edits, for their idea here – to dramatically reduce Regional/Global Available and species and region. This should keep studbook data collection effort, and Wanted Animals Services studbook keepers far more aware of duplicative (and error-prone) typing what is happening to their species and re-typing of the same animal Hundreds of zoo and aquarium staff during the year, and make it easier to data. When a zoo records an Amur helped design ZIMS, and they told assemble an accurate and more cur- tiger birth in ZIMS, that record will ISIS they wanted ALL their animal rent studbook. automatically appear in the context management data in ZIMS. This of the relevant Amur tiger studbook included animals considered avail- Major Veterinary System – ZIMS (s) in ZIMS – flagged to be reviewed able, and animals wanted. Given that release 2 | During 2013 and the be- and approved by the studbook keeper many members are now recording ginning of 2014, ISIS is finishing the (s) as the studbook record too. ISIS’ this information for animals in their next major upgrade of ZIMS – a full previous data quality campaign com- collection in ZIMS, it is easy to com- veterinary information management pared studbook records to institu- bine these and let others view this system for zoos and aquariums. This tional animal records, and uncovered information. ISIS is experimenting will be the long-awaited replacement a large number of accidental differ- with developing this as ZIMS service for ISIS’ aging MedARKS desktop ences between them. ZIMS Release 3 in partnership with regional associa- software. After reviewing veterinary should reduce studbook keepers’ tions, while also giving institutions practice needs, this part of ZIMS has data collection workload by 80% or the option of looking beyond your been designed to look and function more, and reduce the accidental error region if you are not successful in somewhat like MS Outlook, recogniz- rate by a similar amount. finding or placing an animal there. ing vet needs to manage their daily We can foresee enriching this service activities as well as animal care, and A powerful combination… | With to help institutions remember to con- contains calendar/scheduling and your support, ISIS ZIMS is bringing sult and follow cooperative breeding patient follow-up reminders, as well powerful new tools and efficiencies program recommendations… as quick recording and fast access to to animal care and management. animal veterinary medical records. It’s a powerful combination of tech- Because ZIMS can pool data easily nology, and unprecedented global Coming Next (and provide it anonymously), this will collaboration. That combination can lay the groundwork for future pooled- do great things for all of us, and for Studbook keeper “news” – data services to further aid veterinar- the living animals and important spe- early 2014 | With nearly 600 institu- ians and improve animal care. cies we together hold in trust for the tions entering their animal events world. into ZIMS on a daily basis, we are Studbook/Pop Mgmt | As the veteri- developing the first step to make nary system is completed, ISIS’ next 1400 studbook keeper’s lives’ easier. priority becomes developing and To find out more: In coming months ZIMS will have integrating studbook-keeping and ba- www.isis.org 4 WAZA news 4/13

Jens-Ove Heckel1, Jeff Holland2, Douglas M. Richardson3, Roland Wirth4 Has the Ark Gone Off Course?

Merits of the Past Duplication of Effort

By 1889 the North American bison Within the organized zoo regions (Bison bison), which once numbered of the world there appears to be in the millions, was reduced to possi- a reduced focus on ex-situ species bly less than 500 individuals in North conservation. A greater emphasis America (wild and captive combined). is placed on revenue generation In 1899 a bison herd was established with a seemingly narrow view about at the Bronx Zoo and in 1907, 15 bison meeting visitors’ expectations. The were transferred from the Bronx Zoo need to operate on a firmer business to the Wichita Reserve Bison Refuge footing is of course understandable in Oklahoma marking the first rein- given the economic climate, but the troduction of the species back to its trend in species selection and policies native habitat, and probably the first surrounding species management ap- formal reintroduction of zoo-bred pears to be negatively impacting the animals. overall conservation value of our animal collections. As a result, the mega Throughout the subsequent decades vertebrates and those other species zoological institutions took on the that are readily identifiable by the role of conserving an increasing num- general public, such as big cats, large ber of species whose survival hinged bears, pachyderms, African plains on there being a managed captive ungulates and great apes receive the population: European bison (Bison bo- majority of the zoos’ attention with nasus), Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), a disproportionate amount of focus Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przew- on those species that are not popular alskii), California condor (Gymnogyps or familiar with the general public. © Roland Wirth califonrianus), black-footed ferret This includes taxa whose conservation Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons) at Edinburgh zoo. (Mustela nigripes), Pere David’s deer status is critical and would benefit (Elaphurus davidianus), golden lion from being part of a coordinated It is obvious that the increasing need tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) are breeding programme. The legiti- for zoos to operate on a firmer busi- classic examples. This is what zoos mate zoo community has of course ness footing, the influx of manage- are uniquely equipped to do, as well increased its commitment, both ment teams without backgrounds as giving increasingly urbanized hu- financially and with technical support, in the zoo industry or biological sci- mans access to and education about of in-situ conservation projects in ences and the power and scope of the wild species and habitats. recent years, but there appears to be marketing department has altered a declining interest in the Noah’s ark the landscape. Zoos are probably paradigm. It is rather disturbing when better visitor amenities because of the relevant coordinators for the these changes, and that is important Critically Endangered Visayan warty for their continued survival. But it can …the relevant pig (Sus cebifrons) have great dif- be argued that the traditionally per- ficulty finding new holders and much ceived conservation role of maintain- coordinators for of the good pig space is occupied by ing healthy, safety net populations of common warthogs (Phacochoerus threatened species has diminished, or the Critically africanus) and red river hogs (Pota- at best, it is not realizing its potential. mochoerus porcus), both of which are Endangered Visayan listed as being of Least Concern. warty pig (Sus cebi-

frons) have great 1 Zoo Landau, Landau in der Pfalz, and Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP), Munich, Germany; for correspondence: [email protected] difficulty finding 2 Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA, USA 3 RZSS/Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie, UK new holders … 4 Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP), Munich, Germany Note: Authors are listed in alphabetical order as they have contributed equally to this article. WAZA news 4/13 5

Animal Welfare Versus Species Conservation

Zoos in some cases needed to improve both the quality and the size of their animal enclosures. But what might have contributed to perceived higher standards of animal welfare, in a number of cases proved to be a challenge or even a disadvantage for the survival of delicate and threatened species under zoo care. As zoos develop new exhibits they are now building larger spaces that often replace enclosures for 5 to 6 © Roland Wirth species with one space for 1 to 3 spe- Calamian deer (Axis calamianensis) at Los Angeles zoo. cies, often not threatened, leaving out many species that are in need of captive management; how many The increased level of coordination as follows: Prolemur, 21 in 6 collec- more zoos do we really need with an that is required to manage a suitably tions; Hapalemur, 125 in 33 collec- African plains exhibit garnished with diverse population was always going tions; Eulemur, 141 in 44 collections; plains zebras (Equus quagga), com- to create a degree of homogenisation Varecia, 1,452 in 306 collections; and mon eland (Taurotragus oryx), Nile within our animal collections, but the Lemur, the ring-tailed lemur, 3,227 lechwe (Kobus megacerus) and impala level of duplication has gone beyond in 365 collections. Although a touch (Aepyceros melampus)? This trend is what was required and is made worse simplistic, if we assume that a popu- particularly well illustrated when one by the repetitive need to display lation of 500 individuals is genetically looks at the recent evolution in bird living examples of species that have and demographically viable, 12 of exhibits. The perception is that where appeared in popular animated films; the 21 lemur taxa discussed could possible, large, free-flight, ideally does the zoo world really need an- be maintained long term. Currently, walk-through aviaries are preferred. other ring-tailed lemur exhibit? other than the ring-tailed lemur, only This approach obviously works for the two species of ruffed lemur are some very social species, but is There are 21 generally recognized numerically healthy. That zoos have contraindicated for many others who species of the family Lemuridae, the the knowledge to successfully main- would benefit from smaller individual group of Malagasy prosimians most tain species in a captive situation and/ units each housing a pair. The effort, commonly exhibited in zoos. Of these, or apply that knowledge to the recov- to educate the public about why 17 are in a high threat Red List cate- ery of critically endangered species a range of smaller aviaries is actually gory, one is Data Deficient, and three in the range countries and that few far better for some birds, provid- are listed as Near Threatened, one of other constituencies, if any, would ing them with less disturbance and which is the ring-tailed lemur. Conser- have the same competence, has been stress, allowing more species-specific vation logic would suggest that of the highlighted by the IUCN/SSC. So, if feeding regimes, plus allowing for 5,904 members of the family Lemu- zoos are no longer the primary driv- more than one pair of a threatened ridae that are listed as being held ing force to save the many declining species to be kept at an institution, in 434 collections that contribute to species throughout the world then etc., is often not considered. Rather, ZIMS (by no means a global total of what or who is? one too easily gives-in to providing the captive population) there should an (on this issue) uneducated public be a reasonably even spread of spe- with the illusion of happy (but often cies maintained. 19 of the 21 species non-breeding) birds flying freely in are represented in the ZIMS data a large space. set and the breakdown, by genus, is 6 WAZA news 4/13

» a rapid decline of the population and at the “eleventh hour“ an additional two institutions agreed to also hold the species. Unfortunately this effort may be too little too late as the population has continued to decline and now stands at nine individuals with only three reproductively viable females.

The recent survey conducted by the AZA Cervid TAG clearly shows that the focus for the majority of institutions holding deer is on non-endan- © Roland Wirth gered local species with 75 spaces Edward’s pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) at Mönchengladbach. being dedicated to those three species. While at the same time only 20 spaces have been dedicated to six One of the many increasing obstacles Not Sexy Enough to Survive species that are considered either for maintaining insurance popula- Vulnerable or Endangered on the tions of threatened species in zoos Edward’s pheasant (Lophura ed- IUCN Red List (pers. comm. T. Fischer). is the fear of over reaction from wardsi) is probably extinct in the wild, animal rights groups, coupled with yet a population that was properly The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca si- an unwillingness in many zoological managed for years suffered from the lenus) in North America has a current quarters to engage with them or try decline in aviary space and ultimately population of 90 animals in 23 institu- and educate the zoo’s constituants collapsed after the previous studbook tions. This is a decrease from 170 indi- about the reality of captive spe- and EEP coordinator retired a few viduals in 28 institutions at the end of cies management. These concerns years ago and the programme was 1999 (ISIS Mammalia Abstract). The increasingly override population not picked up until 2012. Some Ed- most recent draft of the Old World management considerations. There ward’s pheasants survived the hiatus Primate TAG comments that “despite is an increasing body of evidence that in zoos and more animals exist in pri- its high conservation priority, a num- indicates that the wide use of birth vate hands, but the population now ber of current lion-tailed macaque control or keeping animals separated has to be re-created from scratch holding institutions plan to phase by sex to avoid the production of with probably less genetic diversity lion-tailed macaques out of their col- surplus animals can eventually cause than existed just a few years ago. lections. There has been an extreme the population to collapse – when lack of reproduction in this popula- addax were required for a reintroduc- The Calamian deer (Axis calamianen- tion in the last 10 years and this tion project, many of the females that sis) captive breeding program is a per- population is going to see a dramatic had been hormonally or physically fect example of how zoos have failed decline in size in the next several stopped from breeding were impossi- to properly manage an Endangered years. It is critical that breeding is ble to restart. Dispersal of animals to species. In 1995 fourteen Calamian facilitated in AZA zoos to help sustain suitable collections outside the inner deer were sent from the Philip- this species in North America.” (pers. circle of accredited insititutions has pines to a US zoo to begin a captive comm. T. Ness, lion-tailed macaque become increasingly difficult in many breeding program as a back-up to studbook keeper). This is a species countries, as is humane euthanasia of the declining wild population. For the that is categorized as Endangered by surplus animals. first 10 years the population grew to the IUCN, but despite this obvious about 60 animals and the numbers need for conservation our zoos have were maintained at this level at the decided that the unfounded risk of one institution. In those first 10 years the Herpes B virus warrants allowing no other zoological facility stepped this species to decline towards extinc- up to house the species to help main- tion. Rather than take precautions, tain the population. Having reached as one does with large carnivores, capacity at the only institution hold- institutions have quickly abandoned ing them, the choice of reducing the the species and moved them out of breeding of the species had to be their collections. made. Slowly, as the population aged, it began to decline. This resulted in WAZA news 4/13 7

Tiago Pinto-Pereira – WAZA Executive Office WAZA » In Conclusion Biodiversity Some of the problems detailed above are more prevalent in one zoo region than in another, but they illustrate Decade Project – a range of issues that impact upon the potential conservation effectiveness of the zoo community. One Update and Planning Ahead: could also cite overly restrictive national and regional legislation We Need YOU! that does more to inhibit the cooperation between zoo regions by making it nearly impossible to move As we are fast approaching the end of of individual actions by users of the animals internationally that would this year the Decade on Biodiversity application. A thought process is also augment local captive populations. Project, with the support of our Pro- underway regarding a risk manage- The lack of founders for many of our ject Team Members, has continued ment strategy. In the near future we programmes is often not down to to advance strongly. The tools we are also plan on identifying the most suit- the lack of sources, but a lack of will working on will be launched at the 8th able institutions and people to follow by the coordinator and the various International Zoo and Aquarium Mar- and have follow us, to increase the holders of that species. If there is an keting Conference which will be host- visibility of the project immediately important importation, it is usually ed by Bristol Zoo Gardens, from the upon its launch. due to the efforts of the usual zoo- 12th to the 14th of May 2014. We hope logical suspects that do all the work as many WAZA members as possible and meet the expense, and the rest of will take this opportunity to imple- Video us benefit from their efforts. ment this project. Please carefully read the section entitled How to plan The film crew has been visiting nu- We believe that good zoos are a fun- ahead for the implementation of the merous WAZA member institutions damental source for good, but they project in your institution? to find out to collect footage within zoos and need to shift some of the perceived how you can participate, as an institu- aquariums as well as filming differ- priorities and put the emphasis back tion, to make this WAZA member-led ent wild locations to have a variety on conservation, across the species project as impactful as possible. To of beautiful images for the three dif- spectrum. The impact we are mak- inform you of the progress please ferent films we are creating. Filming ing on conservation in the field as find below the status of some of the has taken place in the USA (Geor- a community is something we can be project tools being developed: gia Aquarium, WCS New York and proud of and we should continue to Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Canada expand this role. But we also need to (Granby Zoo), Morocco (Rabat Zoo) go back and review what we told the Social media and France. I would like to take this world that we could do, which is save opportunity to thank the above men- animals from extinction by managing Facebook and Twitter will be the tioned institutions for their valuable and breeding them in captivity. The main social media tools used in pro- support in this process. recent EAZA campaign that focuses moting the project as well as engag- on the conservation peril that the ing with zoo and aquarium visitors Eventually there will be a 30 sec- larger vertebrates of Southeast Asia and involve them so that they act to ond public service announcement, are in is being run with the IUCN/ help preserve biodiversity. The social a 3 minutes introduction film as well SSC’s full backing. They realize that media strategy is currently going as a 13 minutes educational movie; the reality of the extinction curve of into its second draft. The focus on all of which can be branded with many species will lead to a need to be this update is to ensure that we have institutional logos of the participating managed in captivity, be it in interna- metrics for both the social media WAZA members. Feedback from the tional zoos, range country breeding dialogue and its interaction with the Director is that they are very happy centers or both. We must step up to mobile phone application. The aim is with the content they have collected the task that lies before us as we are to measure both the popularity of the so far and will start the editing pro- the only ones with the required set of social media campaign, the quality of cess in November. skills. the dialogue created and the uptake 8 WAZA news 4/13

How to plan ahead for the implementation » of the project in your institution? Tools will be made available to members free of charge. However some planning and resource allocation will be needed to: • Plan the location, printing costs and display of the chosen visuals • Plan on adding the videos on existing screens as Public Service Announce- ments and educational days as well as adding them on your website Advertisement • Plan on promoting the application, possibly making a public Wi-Fi available in restaurant areas and entry gates enabling people to download the application • Potentially make use of the interactive game by calculating the number of species that are in your institution and in the app, and challenging your visitors to find all the common species • Plan on interacting with us on social media, being mutually beneficial by increasing visibility The diet management The tools will be launched at the 8th International Zoo and Aquarium Mar- software keting Conference which will be hosted by Bristol Zoo Gardens, from the for healthy 12th to the 14th of May 2014. Therefore, these cannot be displayed in your animals institution before that date, but you will have access to them well in ad- Fauna has been specifically developed vance to organize yourself to launch with the rest of the WAZA community. for zoos and aquariums in response to a direct request from the zoo community. Your feedback has shaped and will continue to shape Fauna’s evolution. Promoting the Project It’s your software. Based on totally up to date technology, To promote the project to as wide At these important events the Fauna provides a modern, efficient and an audience as possible within our Decade on Biodiversity Project was intuitive way to manage animal diets and a powerful business tool that can be used community, WAZA executive office very well received and very positive to boost the effectiveness of budgets, staff members have attended regio- feedbacks were given regarding the record keeping and communication. Qualified zoo nutritionists will also have nal conferences of the Zoo and posters which are proposed as well access to a tailor made optimisation Aquarium Community with a poster as the first development release of function to deliver additional benefits to highlighting the tools that will be the mobile phone/tablet application. animals and zoos. made available as well as how these We are delighted with this very posi- Fauna is currently tools can be used and implemented. tive initial feedback on this project by undergoing testing This poster can be seen on the inside a wider audience. and was showcased at the WAZA 2012 back cover page. conference in Melbourne. The poster was shown at the poster Look for Update session of the AZA conference in www.formatfauna.com Kansas City (7–12 September 2013) We will continue to update the whole Brought to you by as well as at the WAZA breakfast. of the WAZA membership on the The world leader in feed formulation software. The latter is an informal breakfast evolution of the project. The next meeting as a side event of the AZA WAZA News will focus on the theme conference where both members and of Biodiversity and, seeing that it ap- non-members of WAZA can find out pears shortly before the launch of the more about WAZA. It was also shown Project, it will contain a full update at the EAZA conference in Edinburgh on the tools. (24–28 September 2013). For any further questions, please At the 68th WAZA Annual conference contact me, Tiago Pinto-Pereira, the the tools were presented in both a WAZA Decade Project Manager – plenary session and at the poster ses- [email protected]. sion. Council also approved a policy document on the use of the tools by national and regional associations for their members. 9

Steve H. Taylor My Career My Busy Schedule »

I cannot remember one person in my While working at the Los Angeles childhood that inspired my lifelong Zoo, I continued attending Long interest in wildlife, but I do remember Beach State College, slowly work- books, school reports, and TV shows. ing towards a master’s degree in ZooRama was a show filmed at the biology. My master thesis was San Diego Zoo where curators would entitled, “Mother/Infant Behavior talk about one of the animals in the in Scimitar-horned Oryx.” I chose Zoo collection. I still remember an these animals because the Zoo episode on the fossa, the largest car- had a large breeding herd and nivore from the island of Madagascar. I knew there would always be The exhibit had a giant (four-foot calves of various ages. While around) “hamster wheel” allowing I had not completed the thesis the fossa to exercise. I had described in 1978, I did have enough this exercise wheel several times to data to present its findings at colleagues and when a fossa came my first American Associa- to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in 2003, tion of Zoological Parks and we installed our own fossa wheel. Aquariums (AAZPA) regional Most of the time our fossa would only meeting in Monterey, California. exercise his front legs, leaving his There I met the Executive Director of hind legs firmly on the ground. the San Francisco Zoological Society, In 1982, I was given the opportunity who was looking for a new Children’s to become Zoo Superintendent (Zoo I started my zoo career as an animal Zoo Manager. I guess he was im- Director) for the 5-hectare Sacra- keeper at the Los Angeles Zoo in pressed enough with my presenta- mento Zoo. Now I really had my own May 1972. I had taken a written civil tion and background because I was zoo. While the Zoo was small, it had service test at Hollywood High School offered the job. a good reputation. The collection of with 1200 other applicants and animals included two Asian elephants, scored very well. I remember my first Taking the job in San Francisco was giraffe, hippo, Grevy’s zebra, Ad- day. Claudia Collier, who later went perfect for me. While the rest of the dra gazelle, cheetah, tiger, a gorilla, on to direct the zoos in Santa Ana Zoo was part of the City of San Fran- chimps, orangutans, thick-billed and Atascadero, California, was the cisco, the San Francisco Zoological parrots, mongoose lemurs, giant nursery keeper and she trained me Society operated the children’s zoo. hornbills, American flamingoes and that first day. I also remember walk- In some sense, I had my own small had a large modern reptile house. ing to the parking lot with Claudia zoo. As with many children’s zoos, that day, having to pitch myself to a main component was the farm, For much of my six years in Sacra- make certain it was real. I was now an complete with an old red barn full of mento, we worked on developing animal keeper. sheep and goats. The rest of the five a master plan to expand and improve or six acres contained a mixture of the 5-hectare Zoo. It was a tremen- I was so excited about being a zoo- animals, mostly native wildlife. Very dous amount of work and we de- keeper that I constantly asked soon after arriving, I had the opportu- veloped a great plan. Unfortunately questions of the older keepers who nity to hand-raise a female orangutan. a very organized neighborhood group often had a great amount of practi- “Sumara” stayed in the children’s zoo opposed any expansion and the plan cal knowledge. I remember early on nursery for about three or four years. basically died. About the time that in my days at the Los Angeles Zoo’s A young male orangutan, “River it became painfully obvious that no children’s zoo asking an older keeper Sydney”, from Sacramento (the “river expansion would be allowed, I was who was busy preparing food in city”), later joined her. Throughout offered the job as Director of the a rubber tub, “who are you feeding?” my years at the children’s zoo we Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. It was It looked very interesting with a large hand-raised many other interesting a long way for a native Californian, assortment of colorful fresh fruit and animals including a serval, a spider but it was a large Zoo of 70 hectares, vegetables, various prepared foods, monkey, a Malayan tapir, a water buf- with a good animal collection that peanuts, etc. I will never forget his falo, and several others. had been poorly managed and under answer, “I don’t know what you call it. financed for several years. One could I just know what it eats!” say the Zoo was undistinguished. I saw potential and decided I could go for a few years and attempt to turn the place around. I stayed in Cleve- land for the rest of my zoo career. © archive of SHT WAZA news 4/13 10 Steve wit Lena, gorilla and Dr. Warren Thomas, Director of Los Angeles Zoo In 1975. »

There were many reasons that would have access to several females. fer and under the federal endangered I stayed in Cleveland. One of the most The move had been planned for sev- species act she could not prevent important had to do with a chance eral months before an animal rights Cleveland Metroparks Zoo from mov- meeting on the United Airline’s flight group hired an attorney to stop the ing Timmy to the Bronx Zoo. By noon #943 from Cleveland to Chicago on move based on the perception that it that day Timmy was loaded in a crate my way back from my first interview was cruel to separate Timmy from his and along with several keepers, a cu- in October of 1988. Sarah Margaret new companion, Kribi Kate. The pro- rator, a veterinarian, a mechanic and Young sat next to me on the flight. tests began and the Zoo was taken two truck drivers, he headed to his This young lady was single, an ac- to federal court on October 31, 1991 new home with four fertile females at countant with Ernst & Young, and had over this issue. Prior to the court date, the Bronx Zoo. moved from Columbus to Cleveland I received many letters objecting to about two years prior to my arrival. the move. The following was one of This was one of the most significant In the hour flight, I asked her about the most interesting: court cases in the history of American a million questions about living and zoos as it set a precedent allowing working in Cleveland. To make a long “I frequently read in the newspaper of zoos to move endangered species story short, we were married in your vicious attempts to ship Timmy to across state lines for the purpose of May 1993. N. Y. I think you must be a homosexual. creating self-sustaining populations I fund many animal protection groups, of endangered species. Over the Coming from California, it took me and open cruelty like yours spurs me on years, Timmy sired thirteen offspring. awhile to adjust to so many changes. to contribute more generously and also After many years at the Bronx, he re- I remember one snowy day in Decem- vote against any zoo levies or grants tired at the new gorilla facility in 2000 ber of 1988 when I was in Cleveland while you are a leech on the payroll. at the Louisville Zoo. There he lived looking for housing and making other I would call you a swine, except they to be one of the oldest gorillas ever. arrangements and I passed a Christ- are really rather decent creatures. mas tree lot. For a quick couple of A Voter Watching You.” While all four zoos in my career had seconds I thought to myself, “that’s koalas, my first major experience different – in Cleveland they flock Our attorneys were ready for the with koalas was when the Cleveland every tree in the lot!” I definitely had court date and I brought in the Execu- Metroparks Zoo decided that the Zoo a lot to learn about Ohio. tive Director of AZA, Bob Wagner and must have koalas in the new Austral- the chair of the gorilla SSP, Dr. Les ian Adventure exhibit that opened When I arrived, Cleveland Metroparks Fisher from the Lincoln Park Zoo as in June 2000. Zoo guests loved the Zoo had a single 33-year old male expert witnesses for our side. After exhibit and the animals were very gorilla in a very dated facility that was brief introductory statements, the prolific. The Zoo’s one male (Ouraka, not adequate for housing a breeding judge asked the attorneys to report age 3) and two female koalas (Midgee troop of gorillas. Within a short time to her cambers. After an hour or so and Colliet, both age 2) on loan from of my arrival, we found a suitable Judge Batchelder reappeared and the San Diego Zoo began to breed companion, a non-breeding female reported her decision. She stated that almost immediately and it was not named Kribi Kate. In 1992, the gorilla while she personally might not want long before Cleveland Metroparks SSP recommended sending Timmy to send Timmy to the Bronx Zoo, the Zoo produced more koala joeys to New York (Bronx Zoo) where he zoos had properly arranged the trans- that any other zoo in the United WAZA news 4/13 © archive of SHT 11 Steve and other keepers in Los Angeles Steve at Cleveland Metroparks

Childrens Zoo in 1974. Zoo in 1995. © archive of SHT

States, except for the San Diego Zoo. as he would be spending time with conservation initiatives in Africa. The By 2007, we had had eleven koala three single attractive American first recipient was George Owoyesi- joeys, much to the delight of the women. After a week it was reported gire, a Senior Wildlife Officer with the Zoo’s staff and guests. This was such he changed his mind when he found Ugandan Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife a success story that we decided it was out the American women don’t clean, and Antiquities. worth an Information Item on the don’t cook, don’t obey their husbands Board of Park Commission agenda. and do not necessarily want to have My many years in this amazing busi- To make the koala success story even children, much less be responsible for ness provided me with incredible more memorable, I further explained their total care! opportunities. My 40 years as an AZA that to sire eleven offspring, the member (AAZPA which some will male Ouraka had only been with the Dr. Kristen Lukas continued expand- remember) and 22 years as a WAZA females a total of about 40 minutes! ing the Zoo’s program by hiring Doug member (IUDZG which some will re- Hendrie to work in Asia on fresh- member) provided me with treasured When asked what I considered were water turtle conservation. As Chair memories and many lifelong friends. my greatest accomplishments during of the gorilla SSP, Kristen genetically Every zoo and aquarium visit and my years in Cleveland, I certainly managed these very popular zoo ani- every conference and meeting has mention opening the $35 million mals for AZA. It required not breed- been very special, always learning RainForest exhibit in 1992 and the ing some “over-represented” females and always providing a laugh or two. $25 million African Elephant Crossing and convincing some Zoo Directors Whatever I was able to accomplish for in 2011. But I am also very proud of to manage all male troops. To get AZA or WAZA, including being Presi- the creation of the Conservation and some Zoo Directors, including some dent of AZA in 1991/92, it was never Science unit at Cleveland Metroparks of my best friends, to take what they in anyway equal to what I gained Zoo in 1995. Dr. Hugh Quinn, General perceived as a “lesser role” in the go- from the experiences, whether as Curator and Dr. Patricia McDaniel, rilla SSP was not always easy. Kristen a committee member, officer, -ac Curator of Conservation and Sci- did a fantastic job in her role as chair. creditation inspector, etc. ence worked with local Venezuelan partners, primarily BIOANDINA and In 2012, my last year as Director My first eight months of “retirement” the Chorros de Milla Zoo and estab- of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the have been wonderful, primarily be- lished field projects for both the An- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the cause I am still involved with zoos and dean condor and the spectacle bear. Cleveland Zoological Society com- conservation. I have led two African Dr. Tammie Bettinger established bined to spend over $567,000 on field safaris, consulted with several zoos, programs in Uganda. I sent Tammie conservation programs. I was ex- gave several lectures on conserva- along with Sue Allen, Manager of tremely honored upon my retirement tion and ecotourism and continued Marketing and Public Relations and that the Cleveland Zoological Society attending AZA and WAZA meetings. Christine Kornak, Senior Education created the Steve H. Taylor Conserva- I do not plan to change my busy Specialist to Uganda to expand our tion Award. The award was created schedule any time soon. education programs. Tammie ar- to make it possible for a conservation ranged for a Ugandan guide, Cliff, to partner working in Africa to attend an be their guide. At first Cliff thought AZA conference or other professional he “had died and gone the heaven” training that would enhance field 12 WAZA news 4/13 Becca Hanson The Art of Designing Places | ‘Nature as the Norm’ WAZA Interview

Becca Hanson is a Partner at Studio Hanson/Roberts, a zoological planning and design firm with offices on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Their raison d’être is to create mission-driven visitor attractions that bring people together to learn from and enjoy the world of living plants and animals. As a Landscape Architect, Becca has developed widely recognized expertise in the planning and design of powerful places that convey stories linking us to our place in the natural world. Studio Hanson/Roberts is a WAZA member since 2008.

WAZA: Becca, could you tell us more To accomplish this, my role lies in about your educational background front-end concept development and and what brought you to landscape communication with all the par- © Hanson Roberts architecture? ties involved; with maintaining the Becca Hanson. Becca: I started in Architecture, but spirit of the agreed-upon approach quickly realized that I was drawn to throughout the frequently drawn- the more open-ended challenges of out design and construction process; Is there any specificity in planning working with living ecologies popu- and with researching and integrating and designing Landscape Architec- lated by live plants and animals. new and sustainable approaches into ture for zoos? How is it different from When I went back to university to our in-house design thinking. Many other types of clients? obtain my professional degree in people also think that I’m in charge While my degree is in Landscape Landscape Architecture at the Uni- of keeping them laughing and talking Architecture, what I actually practice versity of Washington in 1977 (after with one another as well – a role that is ‘design in the landscape’, an inte- a 9-year hiatus of living in Europe and I am always happy to step into. grative process that orchestrates ar- having children), Earth Day had been My husband and partner of 25 years, chitecture, engineering, horticulture, celebrated for only 7 years and the David, is the technical glue that keeps science and interpretation into one whole field of ecology was exploding – it all together. We have learned over experiential whole that is supported the effects on the field of Landscape the years to apply the discipline of by an operational infrastructure com- Architecture were dramatic. whole-hearted collaboration that we posed of processes and people. However I am not a scientist – my apply daily in our office to everything We also talk about what we do as strengths lie in integrating the human that we undertake. designing for the ‘continuum of hu- desire to “design and build some- man experience’ – a four-dimensional thing” with the world of science. The Is the Zoo community an important construct that spans the artificial field of Landscape Architecture has part of your clients? boundaries between building and allowed me the greatest leeway The focus of our work is bringing landscape / learning and enjoying / in exploring and building on these people + living Nature together in as observing and acting – and coupling competencies and my own particular many different ways as we possibly that with a profound and humbling passion for living plants and animals. can, given our principled approach appreciation of our role in creating to welfare and well-being – for both settings, within which animals must What is your role as a partner at Stu- animals as well as for people. Thus be able to lead rich and fulfilling lives. dio Hanson/Roberts? the local, regional and international While much of the world of tradition- My role is multi-dimensional and con- Zoo / Aquarium community lies at al Landscape Architecture deals with stantly evolving! SH/R is a small, high- the heart of our work – but that heart the artful expression of aesthetic or expertise zoo design firm that special- also expands to include our evolving personal taste where you are always izes in working closely with clients work with nature (p)reserves, as well aware of the ‘hand of the designer’, and teaming with local design talent. as rescue & rehabilitation centres. We we would much prefer if you never We know zoos and aquaria – that is: really don’t have any time left over to suspected that we were there. The we understand animal, staff, visitor do anything else! attention goes to the animals and and facility needs and how those get their habitats, a place where ‘Nature integrated into educational, compel- as the norm’. ling, innovative, cost-conscious 3D experiences that have the flexibility to change and evolve. WAZA news 4/13 13

WAZA Interview »

Would you say that Landscape Werribee (Zoos Victoria’s open range 10 low-flow geothermal wells that Architecture has an essential role in zoo outside of Melbourne, Australia) have been able to provide ideal water attracting visitors? needed to get their hippos out of temperature for these birds through Human beings evolved in a natural ‘existing mud holes set in a paddock’, the middle of Seattle’s infrequent hot landscape and, while many of Na- but were very aware that the institu- Summers and cold Winter weather at ture’s processes still continue to tion had neither the capital nor opera- low cost to the Zoo. frighten us, we evolved to positively tional funds to support a state-of-the respond to its many moods and offer- art underwater viewing situation. Is Landscape Architecture for zoos ings: eg. a view of water holds intrinsic The resulting design for Kubu River very different from one region of the pleasure (as well as great survival Hippos created a 15,000 SM immer- world to another? value); well-spaced sunny openings sive landscape exhibit with a 2 million The most important elements that and shade-drenched resting areas litre pool for up to eight hippos in affect human experience are specifics offer choice and comfort; colors and three adjacent pools that resemble about what is considered “personal textures let us know that the things a river “ox-bow” and upland grazing space” that vary from one region to around us are growing and bountiful. areas. The entire water system is another, as well as the dynamics of A well-designed landscape is a thing recirculated and cleansed by a 5,000 how many people arrive as families of great beauty and joy, and inciden- SM constructed wetland that has also (or not) and how they move through tally, it also supports human health become a migrating and native bird space together. In addition, there can and well-being, serving to relax people haven in conjunction with the nearby be very different interpretations of and resulting in lowered heart rates Melbourne Water Wetlands, adjacent the role of Nature in our lives. Beyond and blood cortisol levels among other to Port Phillip Bay. that, are differences in preferences things – something we are always Woodland Park Zoo’s Humboldt for color, texture, design detail and striving to do with the wildlife in our Penguin Exhibit created a complex horticultural practice that insure that care. Is such a thing attractive to visi- 125,000 litre pool and associated each project is an interesting listening tors? We have bet our careers that it is. upland resting, climbing and breed- and learning experience for us. ing area to handle up to 60 penguins. As designers, we are naturally- Could you tell us about a zoo project With significant underwater viewing inclined – and trained – to pick up on that you are particularly proud of? opportunities, the use of sand filters these differences through our obser- There are two recent projects that we was a given – however we were able vations of people and places, but the are very proud of, both of which not to develop a system where the back- beauty of our practice is that we are only display the animals well, provide wash is sent to an adjacent construct- able to make extensive use of local a richly-rewarding visitor experience ed gravel bed wetland where it is designers and engineers who serve to and are soundly based in animal treated and returned to the system – make our designs even richer, while welfare, but also take bold steps in thus no water goes “down the drain”. also insuring that they are soundly trying to drive down energy and wa- In addition, the water temperature based in local practices. ter usage and operational costs – thus is maintained through the use of supporting the zoos’ green building conservation goals. 14 WAZA news 4/13

Becca’s 3 wishes » for the Zoo Genie The Zoo Genie is ready to answer 3 wishes. Talk to him…

1. WAZA undertakes the upgrade of ZooLex to turn it into a major resource and tool for sharing ideas and improving animal well-being and visitor experience on a world-wide basis.

2. Zoos world-wide step up to the challenge of keeping animals © Hanson Roberts in our lives – not just in the wild Becca Hanson and her husband David in their studio. and in zoos, but also in our homes and communities. No child should What are Studio Hanson/Roberts’ Improving the situation in zoos in have to grow up without being relationships with national, regional some counties is often a financial able to have contact with the and global associations? Is this part- issue; do you have any ideas about “otherness” of a living animal look- nership essential to you and why? this? ing back at them, and zoos are the Partnership with these associations While all capital projects/improve- logical umbrella – yes, it means is ESSENTIAL to us – they are where ments cost money at some level, we broadening the umbrella, but it we continue to learn about current believe that the major challenges will get rid of the artificial separa- issues and new ways of thinking, and are both political and attitudinal – tion between “worthy” animals build friendships that we can count “do they really want change and and “unworthy” ones, and on for sound advice as we all struggle how committed are they to seeing it stop the fragmentation with the prototypical nature of the through?” Underlying these issues is, of care. projects that we undertake. however, the fundamental challenge We have been members of AZA for 30 of how to find the proper expertise 3. Zoos worldwide years; of ZAA for 15 years; and now that enables the zoo to knowledge- recognize that so-called WAZA as one of the first “commer- ably make the necessary improve- “commercial members” cial partners”. In addition, we have ments that support the well-being are actually conservation participated in SEAZA, EAZA, ALPZA of the animals in its care, and the partners who are willing and capa- and IZE among others. We regularly environmental and conservation ble of contributing more than just present papers where we feel that education of its community. money to zoos’ crucial conserva- we have something to offer in terms Many of the design solutions that tion initiatives. of advancing the field of design for are appropriate for well-funded zoos the good of animals, people and the in countries that expect a high level planet. One recent example of this of attention to animal welfare are However such improvements cannot has been a series of papers that I have totally inappropriate in these set- happen in a vacuum – they need the presented in concert with Dr. Vicky tings since they rely on a lot of money ongoing support of outside organiza- Melfi (Animal Behaviour Researcher being spent on the aesthetics of the tions and individuals willing to invest with the Taronga Conservation Soci- setting. However great solutions to their time and energy in mentoring ety), and Erik Miller-Klein (acoustic improving animal welfare and visitor these zoos and helping them discover engineer with SSA Acoustics) about comfort can be simple and do not the wherewithal to change (including the nature of sound and the oppor- have to cost much – especially if the so-called “commercial partners” tunities for enhanced welfare of both you look at such improvements as whose mission it is to help zoos guests and animals. an initial “movement of the bar”, achieve their best). And the interna- recognizing that it will result in future tional zoo community needs a strat- improvements once these initial posi- egy so that efforts can be targeted tive effects are experienced. and not cast to the winds of good intentions.

…The attention goes to the animals and their habitats, a place where ‘Nature as the norm’… WAZA news 4/13 15

Élio Vicente, Marine Biologist From the 19th to the 22nd Century » A Journey Rich of Challenges and Opportunities

While the 19th century was a challenging one for the zoological community, the 20th century was a fascinating one (as almost everything happened and we learned a lot from nearly all those things…). The 21st century, however, will be much more than challenging or fascinating; it will be, definitely, an overwhelming century – at all levels.

Today, there is no doubt that the vast majority of modern Zoos already does a very good job in terms of Edu- cation, Conservation, Research, Pub- lic Awareness, Social Engagement, Sustainability, among many others; the examples can be overwhelming. But, in an era of permanent scrutiny © Gerald Dick and unparalleled judgment, the ques- Dolphin show in Lisbon zoo. tion is becoming a more time- and politically- sensitive one: are Zoos generally perceived as being good and and help us promote our long-term Such challenges, which can quickly doing good? values and actions? Maybe not! As translate into almost instant and such, we might need to urgently ad- global condemnation, brand destruc- Today, when truly anyone with access dress that, as we may have reached tion, character defamation, financial to the internet can almost effortless a political tipping point. setbacks, lost partnerships and/or complain to a government official, cancelled sponsorships, et cetera, can publish a digital photo, upload a vid- Change, however, can be a very dif- take months or years to counteract. eo, share all types of texts, organize ficult process (physically, physiologi- When associated with administra- online demonstrations and street cally, technically, legally, financially tive impositions and/or legal restric- protests, create international peti- and, sometimes more importantly, tions, such challenges may become tions and even submit proposals for emotionally). And, like in biological extremely difficult or even impossible more restrictive legislations, can Zoos Evolution, pressure can have good, to overcome. afford not to be engaged, on a daily bad or catastrophic implications… basis, in the political “battle” for their The European Union, born in a caul- own survival? It is a fact that 21st century is clearly dron of too many different cultures imposing tremendous pressure on and philosophies, legislations and In a time where misinformation is fre- too many species. Depending on political parties, velocities and needs, quently presented as facts (while the the threats (and their scales), spe- quickly became the perfect “habitat” 24 hours news-cycle created a rush cies may not be able to cope and will of many of such stakeholders and the for media to “be first” rather than disappear. Similarly to species, the birthplace of many of such challenges, to “be right”), does our public (who highly diverse community of Zoos is such as the ENDCAP Coalition. The frequently confuses knowledge with facing equivalent swift (and, some- European Commission and the Euro- information), the politicians (who fre- times deadly) threats. Aggressive pean Parliament, comprehensively, quently confuse managing the future NGOs (either scientifically knowl- became the stage where many such with managing elections), the jour- edgeable or technically ignorant), battles are taking place and where nalists (who frequently confuse data biased media, unprepared politicians, the fate of many projects are deter- with emotions) and opinion makers disgruntled former employees, and mined (frequently, almost totally (who frequently confuse values with emotionally-disconnected bureau- dissociated from the physical, physi- opinions) know enough about our crats are creating too big, too fast ological, cultural, environmental and good work? Do they see, understand and too unmanageable challenges. emotional implications they carry). 16 WAZA news 4/13

» Zoos are Becoming coming too common and, surprisingly, Easy “Targets”… too easy for extremists’ organizations. Such legal impositions are setting the In current times, zoological values tone for other yet less “controversial” and ethics alone may no longer be taxa and other countries. sufficient to defend or protect our community from initiatives such as Such challenge should, therefore, be the reviewed “EC Zoos Directive”, the urgently understood and addressed future “New Framework for Animal by modern zoos – and our facilities Welfare Law” or the “Zoo Directive no longer can exclusively focus their Guidance and Best Practice Project”. communication on local or regional It is becoming too clear that legal- authorities. Furthermore, responsi- © Gerhard Kasbauer, Tiergarten Schönbrunn ity and politics no longer are “silent ble zoos must no longer continue to An artificially inseminated baby of African elephant partners”… And visitors no longer are believe they are immune from this (Loxodonta africana). mere patrons, but also agents. evolution because of their excellent care for “their” specimens and pro- Radical movements targeting the gressive education and conservation International Consistency international zoological community programmes, their social engage- in Communication (either generally condemning “captiv- ment activities that raise awareness ity” or specifically targeting specific and motivate for environment’s The answer implies many concepts taxa or regions) have become all too protection… and dynamics. International con- common. And so has the publication sistency in communication and (and frequently freely distribution…) of Nowadays, anonymous individuals, values might be one of them – and “technical reports” (e.g. “The EU Zoo international agencies and national reinforced cooperation at other Inquiry”), “analysis”, “documentaries” governments can too easily have levels than the biological… Increased (e.g., “The BlackFish”, “The Cove”) and a direct influence on our daily activi- pro-activity and velocity in dealing books (e.g. David Kirby’s) trying to ties, on our regional collection plans with the social media will become “expose” specific zoological practices and annual budgets – no matter how fundamental. And Outreach will be or exhibits. And in a truly digital world, good they are. necessary not only in Education and these “products” will live forever. Conservation, but also in Politics. Never before, detractors were so or- Of paramount importance will also The marine community, for instance, ganized, determined, and convinced be our need to communicate more is being particularly targeted… The of their “higher moral grounds” – and successively with the members of public is being told that whales and never were they so radical and well- National and European Parliaments dolphins must have legal rights, while funded… Furthermore, a digital ac- (and their Standing Committees), as concepts of “personhood” for ani- tion initiated thousands of kilometres well as with the 33 Europe’s several mals and “consciousness” are gaining away can have a profound impact on “Directorate-General” and, needless general acceptance amongst lay- our strategies and our protocols – it to say, several of the 27 European men. Such actions are being strongly can even immediately influence the Commissioners (and their teams). reinforced by movements such as number of visitors crossing our gates; the “Nonhuman Rights Project”, “The and it is forcing some zoos to recon- Do these relevant stakeholders, for Someone Project”, the “Declaration of sider values and even compromise instance, really, really know what we Rights for Cetaceans” and “The Cam- achievements… As such, Zoos can no are doing? Maybe just not yet… And bridge Declaration on Consciousness”. longer continue to work outside the not sufficiently! global community – what a Zoo does, In recent years, zoological officials are endorses, finances or communicates, As such, we must all come together watching the success of many extrem- can have a fast and direct impact on to devise a new global path for our ist groups in Europe, and becoming many other Zoos. community. And since we, as modern aware of the serious precedents that zoos, were always able to think and will have implications around the But how can modern Zoos deal with prepare the future, it should not be world. For instance, some restrictions such omnipresent pressure and cope that difficult. relate to transport in France, others with such challenges? And how can relate to handling in Italy, recent legal modern Zoos dissociate themselves In the meantime, the 21st century will restrictions about import of dolphins from subpar Zoos – in Europe and definitely be quite a challenging one in Switzerland, bans in India, Hungary, elsewhere? And what will be best for our community. But evolution will Chile and Costa Rica, proposed bans options and who will be the best certainly happily drive us towards the in Germany, Belgium and for public partners? 22nd century… shows in Greece, et cetera, they are be- WAZA news 4/13 17

Andrew Stamper – Disney’s “The Seas at Epcot” Food for the Body, Food for the Mind

At The Seas, we’ve been studying thinking processes in dolphins since 1988. Over that time we’ve learned a lot about dolphin echolocation (did you know a quiet dolphin can eaves- drop on the echoes of its echolocat- ing neighbor?), whistles (dolphins use patterns in changes in pitch to recognize them), communication (our dolphins spontaneously used points to direct trainers!), acoustic processing and vocalizations (dolphins seem to process rhythms a lot like humans do), and behavior (newborns spend almost all their time swimming synchronously with their mothers). And although our work is published in peer-reviewed science journals, © Disney’s “The Seas” at Epcot it’s easy to get the information to Bottlenose dolphin at Disney. the public because our process is reversed: the public sees us doing the experiments that lead to this infor- Like most animal facilities, we at Dis- mation so we all learn the answers ney’s Epcot’s The Seas want it all: together! Thinking • We want to know more about the animals we love. Another fortuitous ingredient? Learn- about • We want the public to know what ing about how another species learns we know. is a natural conservation tool. Our thinking • We want to inspire care for ecosys- guests moan when a dolphin gets tems and animals that live in their another choice wrong, laugh when How do we learn about what’s in original settings. he changes his mind, and clap when a dolphin’s mind? One of the most • We want the animals we know best he gets it right. Problem solving is versatile tools we have to study to have the best care we can give. something we all share – as is the how dolphins process informa- acknowledgement that we all need tion is the Matching-to-Sample And we’re wild to share the secret resources for solutions: Whether (MTS) task. In a typical MTS set-up, recipe we’ve been using to meet we’re nut gatherers or fish finders, an animal experiences a sample these goals because we think you our environment needs to provide object – perhaps a ring – and then might find it surprising – it’s ~insert avenues for success. receives a reward for choosing dramatic pause here~ cognitive an object identical to the sample research! Hmmm, it doesn’t sound But we’ve saved the best for last – (the ring) from among an array of as luscious in black-and-white as one how this program makes Disney’s objects (e.g., a ring, a cylinder, and might hope – but, we swear, if you dolphins’ lives better. Bottlenose dol- a pyramid). Here you see a photo- saw it, you’d like it! We know, because phins are a big-brained, highly social graph of DOLPHIN’S NAME HERE our guests tell us with their feet: they species with an extended develop- viewing a sample object while stay longer when they’re watching mental period and remarkable acous- some guests look on. Using this our dolphins do science right before tic abilities. Intellectual challenges are task, we learned that dolphins rec- their eyes, and they come back to see as central to their daily lives as eating ognize that an object’s the same it again. and swimming. Through our program, whether they see it – the sample’s we provide both food for the mind as presented in air where they can’t well as food for the body. echolocate it – or echolocate it – the choice array’s presented underwater behind thin black plastic where they can echolocate it but not see it. 18 WAZA news 4/13

Judy Mann, Gabby Harris & Kheira Kortenbout – uShaka Sea World Penguin Promises – Inspiring Behaviour Change

African Penguins

According to the 2010 IUCN Red Data An annual ‘Penguin List, the African penguin (Spheniscus Waddle’, along the demersus) is heading for extinction. 130km section of the African penguin numbers in the wild coastline of South have declined by up to 90% over the Africa which houses last 100 years. The 2012 census done the most wild African An African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) swims in South African indicates that we penguin colonies, through the newly renovated exhibit. have lost over 1500 pairs in a year. generates a great © uShaka Seaworld The latest research indicates that deal of media coverage and partici- Research there are less than 25 000 breeding pants range from school children to pairs of penguins left in the wild. It animal keepers and rural community To date over 2000 promises have is these facts that led to the species members. Participating organisations been collected at uShaka Sea World, being declared as Endangered. Sea and facilities around South Africa also while many more have been col- World has housed African Penguins regularly host special events to high- lected electronically. In order to since 1980, when the first stranded light the campaign. Most recently, an understand how effective the project birds were received. Since then the aquarium in France, Mare Nostrum is, associated with the campaign is colony has grown from strength to added Penguin Promises to their a research project which is looking at strength and hundreds of penguins interpretation which means that Pen- the demographics and psychograph- have hatched successfully. The guin Promises has just gone interna- ics of the visitors who make promises. program is now so successful that the tional. If any other facility wishes to The research also aims to determine birds are able to be sent to supple- use this campaign, they can contact the promises which are being made – ment the gene pools of other ex situ [email protected]. which promises are inspired by live breeding colonies. animal exhibits and which promises are made via the internet or via e-mail. uShaka Sea World Penguin Promises A preliminary analysis of 500 cards At uShaka Sea World visitors are has revealed that female visitors are The ‘Penguin Promises’ campaign invited to make a promise to the pen- more likely to make a promise than was hatched at uShaka Sea World in guins at two different sites in the park. male visitors, that the majority of 2011, in collaboration with the Animal The first place is at the EcoHouse, an people making promises are under Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA). interactive exhibit the showcases the age of 20 and that most visitors Unlike many campaigns that ask for sustainable living behaviours. The making promises were visiting in money, this collaborative campaign second site is at the penguin exhibit, family groups. It appears that the dif- asks people to make a ‘Promise to the which showcases our breeding colony ferent exhibits inspire different prom- Penguins’. With the tag line ‘We don’t of African penguins, and which high- ises. At the EcoHouse visitors promise want your money honey, we want your lights the threats which they are to use environmentally friendly love’, this campaign encourages peo- facing. At each site an attractive ‘post products (30%), pick up or not litter ple to choose to make one change in box’ (see photo top right) has been (17%) and save energy (14%). At the their daily lives to become more en- designed for the post cards and edu- penguin exhibit the promises are vironmentally responsible. They are cational guides in the area encourage slightly different with not littering or then asked to record their behaviour visitors to make their promises. picking up litter accounting for (22%) change promise via a website, a post- of the promises, followed by recy- card or e-mail (ipromise@penguin- cling (16%) and saving energy (16%). promises.com). Their promise is their While 13% of the visitors promised commitment to the environment. to care for animals at the penguin The campaign is multi-faceted and exhibit, only 7% made that promise utilises social media, with a dedicated at the EcoHouse. This clearly shows website (www.penguinpromises. the emotive power of the live animals com) linked to Facebook and Twitter and the clear connection between as its primary communication tool. the contents of the exhibit and the promises selected. WAZA news 4/13 19

M. Andrew Stamper and Sara Green – The Seas, Epcot®, Walt Disney World® Resort Disney’s Corals and Community Project:

Encouraging Habitat Stewardship Through Actions and Inspiration in the Abacos, Bahamas

In the fall of 2012, the United States coral fragments onto degraded patch National Marine Fisheries Service reefs. This combination of return- proposed listing 66 reef-building ing sea urchins – vital to limiting coral species under the Endangered the growth of algae that crowd out Species Act. The alarming rate of corals – and supplementing dying world-wide coral decline is multifac- populations of corals was thought torial and demonstrates the complex- to be the best strategy for bringing ity of coral reef health. Unfortunately, back local coral reefs. Despite some Special postbox for visitor’s promises. the coral reefs in The Bahamas have gains, after 2 years of work it was © uShaka Seaworld suffered similar fates. To compound determined that the reefs were still the issue in The Bahamas, during the declining. Upon further evaluation A follow up electronic survey is also early 1980s the long-spined sea ur- we concluded that in order to truly being undertaken. This survey will chins experienced a Caribbean-wide succeed, it was imperative to increase determine if people are keeping their pan-epizootic killing of about 99% the number of Bahamian stewards promises, it will also look at the demo- of the population. A combination of protecting these vital ecosystems. graphic and psychographic character- pressures, such as overfishing, warm- istics of the respondents. The research ing waters and effluent pollution, has In support of this conclusion, the pro- aims to relate the personal character- resulted in a steady decline within ject’s focus was enhanced to include istics with the types of promise made coral populations, a major economic significant community engagement. and the subsequent ‘keeping’ of the pillar of the Bahamian economy. Disney teamed up with a local Baha- promises. Overall the research will mian environmental group, Friends help us to understand the efficacy of Recognizing this interwoven con- of the Environment (FRIENDS), to a campaign such as Penguin Promises nection between economic health focus on inspiring local Bahamians to and will help us to design better cam- of the community and coral reef protect their own environment. With paigns into the future. health, Disney’s Animals, Science and the support of Disney, FRIENDS has Environment (ASE) has been working expanded and enhanced their exist- in southern Great Abaco region since ing educational programs including 2007. Disney staff has been perform- elementary and high school in-school ing an ecosystem-based adaptive and extracurricular programs, as well restoration project by surveying and as sustainable fisheries campaigns. Diadema project: translocating long-spined sea urchins By measuring the effectiveness of the transplanting corals. as well as growing and transplanting campaigns and providing feedback Right: Allison Corwin and Vanessa to FRIENDS, Disney has enabled the Haley placing coral fragments. FRIENDS team to increase their im- © The Seas, Epcot pact as we continue to progress with our work as well.

Additionally, Disney is exploring alternative modes of income for local Bahamians such as sponge farming. The intended outcome is to reverse the current pattern of reef degrada- tion, due in large part to behaviors of members of the fishing community in Abaco, through a combination of restoring coral environments and inspiring positive behavioral changes in the community. 20 Books WAZA news 4/13

Norah Farnham – International Council of Zookeepers WAZA Executive Office Book Reviews Announcements Zookeeping, An Introduction to the Science and Technology edited by Mark D. Irwin, John B. Stoner and Aaron M. Cobaugh University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2013 | 688 pp | ISBN 978-0226-92531-8

The International Congress of Considering the fact that there are Zookeepers (ICZ) regularly receives thousands of zookeepers world- requests from zoological facilities wide – an estimated 6,000 just in around the world seeking teaching ICZ-related associations – edu- and training materials for their new cational opportunities for these and/or under-experienced keepers. professionals is very limited. The Finally, in one volume, the solution number of schools which offer cur- has arrived. riculum for prospective zookeepers is quite limited. (A complete Zookeeping: An introduction to the list is thoughtfully included in the Science and Technology is a collabo- appendix) This is especially true in © WAZA rative effort, with 73 contributing developing countries. Irwin con- authors and 7 contributing artists, siders zookeepers “an underuti- Satch Krantz a diverse group of experts from vary- lized resource”. He states, “When ing backgrounds and regions of the fully utilized, a professional, well- Receives R. Marlin world. Contact information for these rounded, and properly trained experts is conveniently included in keeper will be one of a facility’s Perkins Award the appendix. The 66 major chapters greatest assets”. By producing discuss an impressive range of topics, this wealth of information cover- Palmer “Satch” Krantz, WAZA from Animal Welfare and Ethics to ing hundreds of best practices President in the years 1996–1997 and Wildlife Rehabilitation; taxon-specific unique to the zoo field, Irwin has President and CEO of Riverbanks husbandry guidelines to Nutrition; filled a huge void in our profes- Zoo and Garden, has been named Preventive Medicine to Behavioral sion. It seems fair to say that the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Husbandry; Enrichment to Emer- the future of zookeeping will be R. Marlin Perkins Award for Profes- gency Preparedness and Crisis greatly improved by Irwin’s work. sional Excellence by the Association Management. The comprehensive He proposes, “effective zoo opera- of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). “I feel array of content covers every aspect tion will increasingly depend on honored to be recognized with a trib- of successfully running a modern having an effective team of skilled, ute of this magnitude,” said Krantz. zoo. Ostensibly a handbook for trained, professional keepers”. “I have been very fortunate in my life new zookeepers, this book is in fact both professionally and personally; a resource which will prove useful to Providing a copy of this book to I am humbled to be counted among even the most seasoned zoo profes- every zoological institution would the previous Marlin Perkins Award sional. Irwin states, “Surprisingly, make great strides in achieving winners. They are an extraordinary there is little consistency in how the mission of the ICZ, which group of individuals.” keepers are trained & credentialed, reads in part: “…knowledge will and there has been few foundational improve the professionalism of textbooks targeted to entry-level zookeepers for the benefit of the keeper training”. animals under their care and promote awareness and actions that will contribute to the preservation of wildlife everywhere”.

Thank you, Mark Irwin, for providing a solid foundation for Zoo- keepers everywhere! More on: http://press.uchicago.edu WAZA news 4/13 Announcements 21

WAZA Executive Office WAZA Executive Office

Miranda Stevenson Receives WAZA “A Conversation with Heini Hediger”: First Screening of Highest Honour: Heini Hediger Award 2013 this Historical Interview at 68th WAZA Annual Conference Miranda has been a driving force EU Zoo directive and establish a zoo in the evolution of zoos, she has inspection system. An interview with the famous Heini demonstrated best practice, led by Miranda has been an active and ex- Hediger, the Swiss pioneer in modern example and where necessary by ceptional member of the DEFRA Zoos zoobiology, which was made back inspiration. She has been instrumen- Forum and is still an official Zoo In- in 1987 in the Africa House of Zoo Zu- tal in raising the standards of British spector. Miranda continues to advise rich, is now available as a 30 min film. zoos to become some of the best in government on many issues relating A short version of 5 minutes will be the world and then advocating these to zoos and exotic animals and con- made available on the WAZA website. advances in the European and indeed tinues to work closely on a number of Terry Maple was the interviewer and the global zoo forum. DEFRA committees. together with Christian Schmidt they Miranda has also gone on to advise WAZA also thanks Miranda for her organized the logistics of the videog- international zoos on how they can longtime support in international zoo raphy. This historical documentation improve and advance, notably in affairs and the WAZA conservation discusses the scope and importance of Romania where Miranda has been work. zoo biology, the science that Hediger advising on how to implement the outlined in his iconic book “Man and Animal in the Zoo”. The film provides © WAZA a portrait of Hediger’s personality and reveals the ideas that have influenced the science of animal welfare.

What you always wanted to know about Heini Hediger and never dared to ask – do not miss it! To find out more: www.waza.org/marketing-media/movies

WAZA Grant 2013 Awarded

WAZA Council decided at the 68th Annual Conference at Disney’ K&M International Proudly Supports WAZA Animal Kingdom to fund the following projects out of 11 submit- K&M International entered a license Please contact us at www.wildrepub- ted applications: agreement with WAZA which pro- lic.com for more information about vides ongoing support of WAZA’s con- our products or other partnership • 1st conference of Latin servation activities. K&M Internation- opportunities. American zookeepers with al designs and distributes nature and € 9,012 (ALPZA) wildlife-themed toys, plush, gifts and • Building life science skills and jewelry using the brand name “Wild capacity at Port Moresby Na- Republic”. Recognized throughout ture Park, Papua New Guinea the world for innovative, high quality with € 4,193; (Zoos Victoria) products with high perceived value • A story of two zoos bridging and terrific customer service. political conflict with € 6,000. (Jerusalem Biblical Zoo)

This sums up to 19,205 € (23,700 CHF or 25,527 $). 22 Announcements WAZA news 4/13

WAZA Executive Office Announcements UNEP’s 23rd International Children’s Painting Competition

Theme: Food Waste (Save the Planet – Save Food, Wasting Food is Wasting the Planet).

The International Children’s Painting The organizers are inviting children all Competition on the Environment is over the world to submit their paint- organized every year by the United ings to the UNEP office in their regions. Nations Environment Programme The children will have until 15 March (UNEP), the Japan-based Foundation 2014 to submit their paintings. WAZA Online Professional for Global Peace and Environment Development Center (FGPE), Bayer and Nikon Corporation. To find out more: (WAZA OPDC) on Air It has been held since 1991 and has www.thinkeatsave.org received more than 3 million entries http://unep.org/Tunza/Children/ WAZA, in cooperation with San Diego from children in over 150 countries. Zoo Global and Cypherworks, is now offering a unique online e-learning tool. The WAZA Online Professional Parks, People, Planet: Development Center is the premier Inspiring Solutions, Sydney hub for zoo and aquarium profession- 12–19 November 2014 als who want the freedom to pursue training on a schedule that works for The IUCN World Parks Congress 2014 • Achieve understanding of their vital them. As a web-based system, our is a landmark global forum on pro- role in conserving biodiversity while eLearning program gives members tected areas. The Congress will share delivering ecosystem services access to the best online courses, knowledge and innovation, setting the • Demonstrate how this can be including more than 200 self-directed agenda for protected areas conserva- achieved. courses and recorded webinars from tion for the decade to come. Building the San Diego Zoo Global Academy. on the theme Parks, People, Planet: By achieving these objectives, the For the low annual price of $150 US Inspiring Solutions, it will highlight Congress will communicate the most you will receive unlimited access for successful pioneering approaches for compelling and inspiring solutions to a full year to a catalogue of more than conservation and development, help- global challenges, position protected 300 courses in a wide range of topics ing to address the implementation areas in the post-2015 sustainable from animal care to human resources, gap in the sustainable development development agenda and reach management, leadership, Micro- agenda. new commitments and capacity for soft Office and more. You can learn To do this, the IUCN World Parks implementation across conservation, from the World’s leading animal care Congress 2014 seeks to achieve the development and business sectors. experts from San Diego Zoo and other following objectives: world-famous zoos and aquariums. • Position protected areas within To find out more: Please share this information and visit goals of economic and community www.worldparkscongress.org WAZA’s homepage. wellbeing

To find out more: What is iSeahorse? www.iseahorse.org

A tool for citizen science – Simply put, iSeahorse is a tool for seahorse science and conservation. iSeahorse harnesses the power of ‘citizen scientists’ – anyone, anywhere in the world who sees a seahorse in the wild – to improve our understanding of these animals and protect them from overfishing and other threats. Anyone can join – Anyone can join iSeahorse. Whether you’re a diver, a fisher, a scientist, a seahorse enthusiast, or just on a beach holiday, you can upload your photos and observations to iSeahorse. You can help identify seahorse species. You can advocate for their protection in your ocean neighbourhood. © ZSL WAZA news 4/13 Announcements 23

Sandra Hails – Ramsar Secretariat

World Wetlands Day is on 2nd February 2014

Our theme for 2014? Since it is the For millennia, wetlands (and espe- look at good practices that sustain UN International Year of Family Farm- cially floodplain wetlands) have been wetland health and at multifunctional ing it’s a great opportunity for Ramsar used as a site for agriculture, supply- agro ecosystems that provide a broad to look at wetlands and agriculture, ing food, fuel and fibre to support set of ecosystem services, rather than since the two are closely linked. Our lives and livelihoods. But wetlands just one product such as grain, fibre, slogan, Wetlands and Agriculture: are also strongly linked with agricul- fish or meat. These systems bring Partners for Growth, places a focus on ture because they so often ensure the much broader benefits for sustain- the need for the wetland and agri- supply of the water agriculture needs. able livelihoods and healthy wetlands. cultural sectors (and the water sector too of course) to work together for In partnership with FAO and IWMI (In- In addition to the leaflet, we have the best shared outcomes. ternational Water Management Insti- a poster, stickers, a cartoon by Seppo tute), we have produced a leaflet on and a children’s activity. Visit us at Wetlands have often been seen as the theme. We look at different types www.ramsar.org/WWD14/ to see the a barrier to agriculture, and they and scales of agriculture, from small- materials or write to us at wwd@ continue to be drained and reclaimed scale artisanal farming to large-scale ramsar.org to receive hard copies and to make farm land available. But the commercial production and from softcopies in printable and design essential role of wetlands in support intensive to extensive systems, and formats. The design files are avail- of agriculture is becoming clearer and from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture. able should you wish to adapt our clearer, and successful agricultural Such is the diversity of agriculture. Of materials for more targeted local and practices which support healthy wet- course we cannot ignore the nega- national use. lands are coming to the fore. tive impacts on wetlands but we also 24 Recent Updates WAZA news 4/13 New Dawn Ream – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Exhibit Suzanne and Walter Scott News Aquarium Renovation

The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquar- ium features naturalistic displays of aquatic habitats from polar regions, temperate oceans, coral reefs and the Amazon. Walking through the Aquarium offers visitors a number of unique and exciting experiences including ten new exhibits.

The Aquarium received a facelift with new carpet, air-handling systems, ceilings, wall finishes, flooring, interpretive graphics and digital moni- tors. Special lighting, curved wave walls and wider paths ushers visitors through this renovated exhibit. Each area of the Aquarium has a specific sound representative of the natural environment. Many of the areas have murals to help depict the spe- © Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium cific aquatic habitat. The renovation Touch pool. included a completely redesigned gift shop, kids coral reef area with Shark Reef multiple learning opportunities and a hi-tech digital infrared projec- One highlight of the Aquarium has tor that re-creates the ocean floor always been the underwater stroll including ocean fish that react to your on the ocean floor through the Shark movement. Reef. Visitors wind their way through an oval-shaped, 70 foot long acrylic tunnel that takes them past coral Tide pool Touch Tank heads, canyons and caves. This tunnel, at the bottom of a 17 foot deep As guests enter the Aquarium, there exhibit, allows visitors the experience is a 500 gallon Touch Tank featuring of being on the ocean floor with large anemones, starfish and urchins. The sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks and Touch Tank, staffed by Zoo Docents, sting rays swimming past them on allows visitors the hands-on ability to two sides and overhead. This system connect to nature. contains over 900,000 gallons of cir- culating salt water (half is on display, the other half is within the filtration and support systems). The temperature of the water is 77 degrees Fahr- …allows visitors enheit. The exhibit can also be seen through a large flat viewing window the experience of and a six-foot diameter acrylic bubble inside an underwater cave. To better © Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium being on the ocean assist visitors in identifying shark reef “Dive and Discover”. residents, interpretive graphics have floor with large added inside the tunnel.

sand tiger sharks… To find out more: www.omahazoo.com WAZA news 4/13 Recent Updates 25

Jessica Behrendt – Biopark Temaikèn Biopark Temaikèn Opens New Aquatic Exploratory Center

During July, Biopark Temaikèn is presenting a new attraction meant to surprise and thrill its visitors during the local winter holidays. This Biopark is located in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and receives it highest number of visitors during this season. Its Aquarium is one of the largest in South America and has one of the strongest educational messages in the region.

The new Aquatic Exploratory Center was designed to enhance the Aquar- ium’s options and to put focus on Fundación Temaikèn’s characteristic environmentally friendly messages for families. Through interactive games with motion recognition, giant projections and a submarine © Biopark Temaikèn simulator, both kids and grownups will feel transported to the depths of the oceans. This is a fun way to learn about various topics on nature conservation: the endangered species, sustainable use of resources, pollution of water, and also get to know the projects the Foundation works on.

Furthermore, a new touchpool has been added to the Aquarium to let children get to know the sea’s in- habitants up close by exploring their textures, shapes and getting to talk to one of their knowledgeable keepers. Damián Pellandini, Fundación Temaikèn’s General Director, states: “With the opening of this new center we wish to surprise, excite and inspire our visitors in the care of nature, exploring the depths of the oceans”. © Biopark Temaikèn Part of the Foundation’s conservation and investigation projects revolve around the investigation of cartilaginous fish, and the collaboration with other local organizations in New the conservation of the magellanic To find out more: penguin and the Atlantic coastline of www.temaiken.org.ar Argentinean Patagonia. Exhibit News 26 Recent Updates WAZA news 4/13

Tim Wright – Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey WAZA Training Grant 2012 Report The WAZA training grant 2012 was awarded to: • Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust – Building Colombia’s Capacity for Endangered Small Primate Conservation: A Callitrichid Conservation Husbandry Training Workshop • AMACZOOA – AMACZOOA Amphibian ex situ Conservation Course and AMACZOOA Amphibian Conservation Strategy Workshop • ALPZA – Advances in Wild Animal Keeping.

Callitrichid Conservation Husbandry Workshop

With a generous training grant from Many species of callitrichids are The workshop also covered the WAZA, Durrell Wildlife Conservation extremely sensitive – minimising principles of captive population Trust led a callitrichid conservation stress through optimal husbandry management, record keeping and husbandry workshop in Colombia in and providing a proactive approach an introduction to studbook analysis February 2013. Thirty-three Colom- to veterinary care are vital. Good using PMx, and then took a closer look bian zoo and rescue centre staff, enclosure design, managing animals at the population management of the vets and researchers were trained in the correct social groupings and successful captive breeding pro- in primate husbandry, behaviour, a “hands-off” approach to animal gramme for Saguinus leucopus within nutrition, healthcare and popula- management (such as remotely Colombia. Participants from a number tion management – with numerous weighing animals without catching of Colombian zoos and animal rescue practical sessions and tours at both them up) are all key to minimising centres also gave excellent presenta- Piscilago Zoo and the nearby Cafam stress. Participants received training tions on their own particular projects. Zoo. We also discussed field conserva- in key infectious and non-infectious tion and community education work diseases to be aware of, as well as This type of training is a great example centred around Saguinus leucopus, principles of how to reduce the risk of how the international zoo commu- the white-handed tamarin, an endan- of disease incidence and other health nity can work together to help build gered tamarin endemic to northwest problems (such as ensuring animals capacity and improve husbandry and Colombia that has been a focus receive adequate UV light levels). other skills, ultimately contributing to species of the EAZA Callitrichid TAG The workshop also covered both the the conservation of threatened spe- for a number of years. Sessions were theory and practice of providing and cies. We would like to thank WAZA and delivered by Durrell staff and experts preparing good, varied and balanced Dominion Corporate Group for their from within Colombia. diets, supported by many years of generous financial support towards research into callitrichid nutrition. this training workshop, and also Rafael Over the five days, we emphasised Torres and Ana Carolina Falla of ACO- the need to understand the biology, PAZOA and all the staff from Piscilago ecology and natural requirements and Cafam zoos. of the species we are working with. This is fundamental for providing our Training in enrichment preparation. animals with the correct environ- © Sandra Sarmiento ment, social grouping, nutrition, etc. in order to look after and breed them successfully. After looking at principles of enclosure design, participants all had the chance to redesign some callitrichid enclosures with ropes, nest boxes, branches and other materials. An additional practical session involved the preparation of food enrichment devices. Another key point emphasised throughout the workshop is the need for staff to spend time learning and understanding how to interpret the behaviours of their animals. Workshop participants practiced their behavioural observa- tion skills during practical sessions at Piscilago Zoo. WAZA news 4/13 27

Yolanda Matamoros – Fundación Pro Zoológicos (FUNDAZOO), San José, Costa Rica WAZA Training Grant 2012 Report » AMACZOOA Amphibian Ex Situ Conservation Course and Conservation Strategy Workshop

Twenty-five participants from Mexico, During the second day, Andrea The next three days were dedicated El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Brenes from the Universidad de Costa to developing a conservation strat- Ecuador, Colombia, USA and Costa Rica gave a talk about amphibian egy for amphibians in Mesoamerica, Rica attended these two events that nutrition, sharing all her experience following the IUCN SSC Conservation took place from 19 to 24 Septem- in this emerging field in amphib- Breeding Specialist Group workshop ber 2013 at Simón Bolívar Zoo, San ian ex situ management. Randall methodologies. Four working groups José, Costa Rica. Arguedas from FUNDAZOO spoke were established: education, research, about veterinary medicine and Diego monitoring and habitat, and fundrais- To start the course, Gerardo Chaves, Almeida continued speaking about ing. One of the main conclusions of coordinator of the IUCN SCC Am- reproduction in captivity, eggs and the group was that amphibian con- phibian Specialist Group for Costa development and food culture. On servation needs to be done involving Rica, gave the welcome address to the third day, the course moved to the work of many people and trough the participants, followed by Diego Brian Kubicki’s Costa Rican Amphib- interdisciplinary fields. A first draft of Almeida from the Gustavo Orces Her- ian Research Center at Siquirres, the strategic document was com- petological Foundation from Ecuador Limón, where Brian explained about pleted and the final report is going to who gave a general presentation on his experiences in amphibian conser- be ready by December 2013. the ex situ management of amphib- vation both ex situ and in situ, show- ians. During the afternoon, Federico ing his terrariums and the work he This workshop was funded by WAZA, Bolaños gave a presentation on Latin does to facilitate amphibian repro- FUNDAZOO and Amphibian Ark, American amphibians, with emphasis duction. The day ended at 10 pm. with support of the Northwest Naza- on Costa Rica, explaining the history rene University, Universidad de Costa of the study of amphibians, recent Rica and Costa Rican Amphibian studies and the IUCN Red List assess- Research Center. ment for Mesoamerica, highlighting that the work was done with the contribution of many people. John Cossel from the Northwest Nazarene University explained the importance of water and several other abiotic factors that are important for successful ex situ conservation for this group of vertebrates. At the end of the day, John showed several instruments that allow measuring these factors and taught the participants how to use them, and let the participants practice with the instruments using the zoo as a field laboratory.

Andrea Caiozzi – ALPZA | Cristian Gillet & Guillermo Delfino – Temaikèn Foundation, Argentina » WAZA Training Grant 2012 Report

ALPZA Zookeepers Workshop

The Latin American Association of To enforce these initiatives, and The primary goal of the workshop Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) has following the methodology imple- was to build capacities for ALPZA a wide variety of members – including mented since 2007, ALPZA, São zookeepers to improve the handling 47 Latin American zoos and aquari- Paulo Zoo and Temaikèn conducted and management of their animals, ums and five national and regional the Advances in Wild Animal Keeping therefore raising the standards of associations – and represents the vast Workshop during the 2013 ALPZA animal welfare in the region, and majority (16) of Latin American coun- Annual Congress in Brazil, partially helping the institutions to improve tries. Some members are zoological funded by the 2012 WAZA Training the management of their collection. institutions that have great influence Grant. This workshop lasted for four Throughout the workshop, we aimed both nationally and internationally, days (16 hours in total), with four in- to give the technical staff of Latin but there are institutions with weak- ternational instructors (from ALPZA, American institutions advanced and nesses still to overcome. Taking into São Paulo Zoo and Temaikèn) and 45 up-to-date knowledge and practical account the institutional diversity attendees from eight different Latin skills in wild animal keeping. During found within ALPZA, it is important American countries, mainly zoo and the workshop, attendees and facilita- to provide constant and easy access aquarium keepers. The funds from tors discussed relevant issues for the to training events in Latin America, WAZA were used to give full scholar- zoo and aquarium community to raise particularly to those that provide up- ships to four zookeepers from four animal care and welfare standards in to-date knowledge and relevant tech- ALPZA member institutions from Latin America. Through the engage- niques for proper animal care, welfare three countries (Chile, Peru and Gua- ment of the attendees with profes- and husbandry as well as contribution temala). A board of experts selected sional colleagues, and the subsequent to conservation standards. ALPZA these recipients from over 50 ap- communication through ALPZA’s continuously strives to strengthen plicants from all over Latin America Latin American Zookeepers Network, the link within the zoological commu- (and Spain!) – a number that shows they will be able to apply the newly nity and to provide capacity building the huge interest of our members to acquired knowledge and techniques opportunities for Latin American zoo train their keepers. back at their home institutions and professionals, focusing on the needs share them with their co-workers. of our region. Finally, the great interest of zookeepers in updating their knowledge, but also in sharing their own experiences from their institutions (positive and negative), inspired during the workshop the idea of organising the 1st Conference of Latin American Zookeepers, as a satellite conference of the 2014 ALPZA Annual Congress to be held in Lima, Peru. The Latin American Zookeepers Network of ALPZA has dreamed for a few years of organising such a zookeepers conference – now they have the mo- mentum, inspiration and opportunity to make it happen. ALPZA, São Paulo Zoo, Temaikèn and the Latin Ameri- can Zookeepers Network are deeply grateful to WAZA for supporting the zookeepers workshop, a relevant and meaningful training opportunity © ALPZA for the animal caregivers of Latin ALPZA zookeepers workshop attendees and instructors. America. WAZA news 4/13 Recent Updates | WAZA Projects 29

Sladjana Miskovic – Cologne Zoo, Germany

update on Forest Protection WAZA Project 07010 Programme in Vietnam

Long‑term habitat protection is As a first measure, due to the poor For increasing the effectiveness of the the first and most important goal living conditions, working conditions patrols, GPS devices were introduced of a nature conservation project. in the nearby ranger stations were im- during that time. These were not only In addition, with the establishment proved. They were also provided with used to control the rangers’ activi- of a rescue centre for confiscated basic equipment, working clothes and ties, but also to allow them to gain animals in 2005/2006, the nature household items. Detailed patrol plans an overview and better knowledge of conservation project of Cologne Zoo were worked out, which initially only the patrolled area. Also, a GPS‑based in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National concerned a single release site and its payment system was created, so that Park, central Vietnam, had to ensure surrounding area. Besides their daily monthly top‑ups could be calculated pristine habitat and suitable release duties – such as destroying logger/ based on number, length and dura- sites with adequate habitat conditions hunter camps and trap lines, arresting tion of patrols as well as depending on for the proper release of confiscated people doing illegal activities, collect- the difficulty of the patrolled terrain. animals after their rehabilitation. In ing rubbish and traps, confiscating Regular monthly meetings helped to this context, in order to find suitable wood and hunted animals – rangers maintain or even improve the quality release sites and to ensure strength- were requested to fill out patrol sheets and effectiveness of the ranger patrols. ened protection and control, Cologne and document all activities by taking In 2012, already 10 ranger stations in Zoo in cooperation with the Frankfurt pictures. As additional support for the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Zoological Society started the forest ranger stations to increase motivation, were outfitted with GPS devices and protection programme. This pro- monthly top‑ups such as for food and cameras, which allowed for analys- gramme was launched by the project fuel for the patrols were introduced. ing data from all stations and hence coordinators, at that time Martina Because of the financial support of extend and interconnect the protected Vogt and Bernhard Forster. Beginning the project donor “GEO Protects the areas even further, vastly improv- with a well‑protected release site, this Rainforest” from 2008 until 2011, the ing forest protection. Thanks to the should be enlarged step by step to- forest protection programme could preparatory training on analysing GPS wards a large coherent protected area, be extended to further ranger sta- data and the purchase of two com- regularly controlled by ranger patrols. tions and the programmes could be puters and a desk in 2011, the ranger As an appropriate release site to begin improved, for example by extended headquarter was able to take over with, the Khe Van area was chosen in ranger trainings, ranger exchange pro- data analysis of the newly introduced 2006, which is not entirely covered by grammes and attending workshops in stations in 2012. forest, encompasses several valleys other national parks. and streams, but also contains hills As the performance of proper forest and rocky karst formation and is close protection is difficult without inclusion to a ranger station. of the general public, the project initiated cooperation with nature con- Green club visit to ranger station. servation clubs in the buffer zone to © Sladjana Miskovic transfer conservation knowledge and respective information to the public. Also, an English class was founded for the local children to improve their English skills and to teach the kids the importance and implementation of nature conservation. The class was turned into a green club and conducted several activities such as a cleaning campaign, excursion to the forest and visit ranger stations to gain knowledge. With the completion of the Cologne Zoo Nature Conservation Project, this WAZA‑branded project will be successfully finalised after the launch, extension and hand‑over of the forest protection programme to the ranger headquarter. 30 Recent Updates | WAZA Projects WAZA news 4/13

Jessica Behrendt – Temaikèn Foundation, Argentina

update on Bat Research in Osununú WAZA Project 09006

For the last six months, biologists and their general characteristics. But bat” (Desmodus rotundus). conservation specialists from Temai- also to study their relationship with So far, 63 individuals belonging to kèn Foundation have been studying Vanilla chamissonis, an orchid species three families (Phyllostomidae (sub- the bat species that inhabit the Foun- native to Misiones that is endangered families Glossophaginae, Carollinae dation’s nature reserve in Misiones due to its fragility and deforestation and Stenodermatinae), Vespertilio- (Argentina), in order to calculate of its natural habitat. The interest in nidae and Molossidae) have been a population abundance estimate and revealing a certain species of necta- measured, tagged and released back to verify their possible function as rivorous bats (Glossophaga soricina) into the wild. Three of these species pollinators of autochthonous orchids. to be acting as its pollinator is of have been classified as vulnerable So far, there have been five sampling importance to researchers to promote on the extinction scale (Pygoderma campaigns. After a recent recognition reproduction and, consequently, its bilabiatum, Glossophaga soricina and by the Latin American Network for conservation. Carollia perspicillata), three are almost Bat Conservation certifying the area During this particular campaign, nine vulnerable (Artibeus lituratus, Platyr- Osununú / Teyú Cuaré as an Area of individuals in total were captured rhinus lineatus and Nyctinomops lati- Importance for Conservation, the and sampled: five Carollia perspicil- caudatus) and one of them (Vampy- team of specialists is carrying out the lata, three Artibeus lituratus and one ressa pusilla) has insufficient data for task of identifying the different bat Sturnia lilium. Every night samples the Argentine Society of Mammal species that inhabit the area. This were taken in places with different Studies. It is the fifth report of this lat- time, new sampling sites have been geographical characteristics to ensure ter species in the country and the first added with the aim of expanding the the widest possible range of species record of Laticaudatus nyctinomops. variety of sampled environments and, and individuals. Most were made in These studies will be continued at therefore, the list of species. densely wooded areas – typical of the least until the end of this year, adding During these research campaigns, jungle in the Argentinean Northeast – resources such as camera traps in or- specimens are caught for taking a cliff next to the Paraná River and der to improve their effectiveness. measurements and samples of saliva even an area with an abundance of and faeces, mainly to check for the farm animals (at a nearby farm) was presence of species in the area and sampled, in search of the “vampire

Bat Species Sampled in Osununú

Carollia perspicillata Artibeus lituratus Nyctinomops laticaudatus Glossophaga soricina Molossops temminckii Myotis nigricans Eptesicus furinalis Sturnira lilium Pygoderma bilabiatum

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 WAZA news 4/13 Recent Updates | WAZA Projects 31

Sonya Kahlenberg – Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center, Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla Rehabilitation and WAZA Project 13009 Conservation Education (GRACE) Center

Eastern lowland gorillas, also known A symptom of the dire situation for GRACE’s educational programmes as Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei wild Grauer’s gorillas is the grow- teach school children and adults graueri), live only in eastern Democrat- ing number of infant gorillas being about the Tayna forest and its wildlife ic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are confiscated by authorities in DRC and about Congo’s wildlife protection highly endangered due to widespread from illegal poachers, traders and laws. Through hands-on activities, habitat destruction, poaching and people keeping them as pets. The they also encourage individuals to get other threats associated with living in Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conserva- involved with conservation. GRACE an area with one of the highest human tion Education (GRACE) Center was also works with community groups to population densities in Africa. War built in 2009 to provide state-of-the- promote sustainable livelihoods and has ravaged this region for decades, art care for these orphans, with the alternatives to bushmeat, both to greatly exacerbating threats to wildlife aim of eventually reintroducing them reduce pressure on the forest and to and forcing many people to rely on back into the wild. GRACE is located improve circumstances for area fami- the forest for their subsistence. Many near Tayna Nature Reserve in eastern lies. Additionally, GRACE works to wild animals have suffered under this DRC, a remote habitat that is a high train local people in gorilla care and strain, but Grauer’s gorillas have fared priority for conservation because it conservation science to work towards particularly poorly. They have lost over is home to a significant number of the goal of these communities taking 50% of their habitat since the 1990s. Grauer’s gorillas and is part of a criti- gorilla conservation into their own Their population has plummeted by cal wildlife corridor connecting Maiko hands. To help develop and imple- as much as 75% since the 1960s, with and Kahuzi-Biega national parks. ment these programmes, GRACE less than 10,000 individuals – perhaps Communities in the Tayna region are partners with many collaborators in even as few as 2,000 – now remaining. uniquely supportive of conservation. DRC as well as international zoos and These last gorillas occur in small, frag- They created the reserve to protect other organisations that contribute mented populations, which further their ancestral land, and established their expertise in areas such as veteri- endangers them due to problems with the Tayna Center for Conservation nary medicine, behavioural science, low genetic diversity. Some isolated Biology, the first university dedicated animal husbandry and education. populations have already gone extinct. to training future African conserva- Grauer’s gorillas were recently recog- tionists. GRACE works within this nised as one of the 25 most endan- supportive environment to raise A key goal of GRACE is to build capacity gered primates in the world; they were awareness about and build capacity so that Congolese can take gorilla conservation the only ape to make this list. for gorilla conservation. into their own hands. Here, a GRACE partner veterinarian trains staff in gorilla medical care. Gorillas at GRACE were orphaned by poaching © GRACE but are being rehabilitated for a chance to be wild again. © Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International 32 Recent Updates | WAZA Projects WAZA news 4/13

Frank Ridgley – Zoo Miami, USA

Discovering the Ecology WAZA Project 13006 of the Florida Bonneted Bat

The Florida bonneted bat (Eumops Zoo Miami is fortunate to be the Much of the basic ecology of the floridanus) is one of the rarest and stewards of hundreds of acres of Florida bonneted bat is unknown. least understood species of bats globally imperilled pine rockland that Roosting preference, diet, seasonal in the world. This large subtropical contains a multitude of state and variations in habitat use, preferred species occupies diverse ecological federal endangered and threatened habitats, home ranges, social struc- conditions, such as expansive pine species, which includes the Florida ture and fecundity are all poorly de- flatwoods, remnant pine rockland bonneted bat. Zoo staff is engaged scribed or unknown. The discovery of fragments, hardwood hammocks in an USFWS funded systematic roosting sites and continued moni- and urban parks. But, it remains acoustical survey of zoo grounds, toring will allow for further descrip- in very low abundance, spread out an adjacent county park and county tion of these aspects of the species throughout its endemic range of preserve to document the activity in this part of its range. Given that only a few counties in South Florida. of this rare species, with the hopes some of the known populations of Because of its low total population of identifying early emergence this bat occur in some completely numbers, rapid development of the sites and important foraging loca- urbanised areas, it is likely that they landscape in which it is found, sus- tions. After the year-long survey has are roosting in locations that place ceptibility to severe weather events concluded, early emergent sites will them in danger of human distur- and human disturbance, it is gaining be more closely scrutinised to try and bance. The placement of specially federal endangered species desig- discover roosting locations, natural designed bat houses, which they nation in 2013 by the US Fish and or otherwise. have been known to occupy, will Wildlife Service (USFWS). be placed in protected habitat to give the bats alternative roosting locations that will remain free from disturbance or development.

Frank Ridgley – Zoo Miami, USA

Community-based Wild Cats WAZA Project 13007 Conservation Program

The jaguar is culturally significant across the Americas and has been identified as an umbrella species. It is the focus of conservation efforts throughout its range and across national boundaries, ensuring the conservation of numerous other plant and animal species that share its ecosystems. However, jaguar populations are still declining as connected landscapes are rapidly diminish- ing, and there is a paucity of shared knowledge and data among nations for successful recovery efforts. The © Lamanai Field Research Center Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wild- Two jaguars caught on a camera trap entering a Mennonite’s field. life Sanctuary was established as part of a central jaguar corridor to provide activity patterns, home ranges, Field research that entails tracking fe- a protected landscape between Bel- movements and behavioural ecol- lids and quantifying prey availability mopan and Belize City, which con- ogy of the five felid species, and will will determine land use and occu- nects protected areas in northern and ultimately provide data on resource pancy rates of wild cats and prey on southern Belize. Even with these ef- portioning and species coexistence. landowner property. Results will be forts, population numbers are increas- This monitoring programme will ac- applied to develop best management ingly fragmented and there is a steady curately determine not only species practices for involved communities rise in human–wildlife conflicts as richness but also detectability and and for sustainable eco-tourist ven- contact zones spread with increasing occupancy by felids, in addition to tures that benefit and depend on con- human population growth. vital data on prey density and human serving wildlife in the area. A grass- disturbance for a complete under- roots conservation programme is Even more striking is the dearth of standing of community structure. integral to both educational outreach data on the other felid species that and effective conservation efforts. co-occur with the better-known A community-conservation pro- We aim to understand how human jaguar. Although the puma has the gramme that involves both local impacts affect the felid guild in an widest range and is a relatively com- landowners and residents will ensure increasingly human-dominated land- mon animal, little is known about its that felids are not viewed as threats scape. By involving rural communities biology. The ocelot is also frequently but are beneficial to a landscape. The living near wildlife in conservation encountered but beyond home range areas surrounding the New River initiatives, they help to shoulder the data in some areas, it is an understud- and New River Lagoon are mostly management of wildlife and share in ied species. Jaguarundis and margays privately owned, but if wild cats are the revenues earned by wildlife in- are the least studied of the five felids to survive in this landscape mosaic dustries. Only through better under- in Belize and there are virtually no of forest, agriculture and pasture, standing of the species involved can data on their ecology, home ranges conservation measures need to be long-term survival be predicted in an and feeding and mating behaviours. a joint venture with landowners and ever-changing ecosystem. As a result, the co-existing felid communities. Presently, our camera assemblage presents an unstudied trapping efforts involve multiple land- system in Belize, vital to effective owners, from three villages and of habitat sharing and well-designed differing cultural backgrounds. Across conservation strategies. our study period, not only have no more jaguars or large cats been shot, The implementation of a joint cam- but the perspectives of landowners era trapping survey and telemetry are changing to now value cat move- tracking of the felid guild will provide ment on their property. vital information on the fine-scale 34 Recent Updates | WAZA Projects WAZA news 4/13

Frank Ridgley – Zoo Miami, USA

Hicatee Conservation WAZA Project 13008 Initiative

The Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii), also known locally as “hicatee” or “tortuga blanca”, has declined throughout its native range of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. They are extremely rare in Mexico and Guatemala, but there are a few scattered stable populations left in Belize. It is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN and it is an Appendix 2 species under CITES. Although there are existing regulations in Belize for the harvest and possession of this species, there © Dustin Smith/Zoo Miami is little enforcement of these laws Zoo Miami and Lamanai Outpost Lodge staff processing a captured hicatee. throughout its range. Overharvest- ing and illegal poaching are the main contributing factors for its current Engaging the local communities and An artificial pond near our study area, status. With a mean generation time involving them in our efforts hopes with plentiful food plants known to estimated to be between 15 and to build a better understanding of be consumed by the species based 20 years, poachers can decimate an the plight of the hicatee. Through on field observations, has been al- entire waterway in just a few nights. engaging children in the classrooms tered to house a group of hicatee in and creating educational brochures an effort to form a captive assurance Little is known about the natural for distribution in the local villages, colony. These specimens have also history of this iconic turtle of Central we are building a sense of local pride formed our pilot radio-telemetry America. As a result, it is difficult to and ownership of this unique spe- group to determine ideal detection formulate effective laws to allow cies. We are seeking to support the times for this fully aquatic species. sustainable harvesting and protect Forest Department of Belize to gain important habitat. Lack of knowl- increased surveillance for poaching Through all these measures we hope edge of dietary, life history and activities that are occurring un- to help preserve this unique turtle crucial habitat requirements may checked in protected waterways. and aid in its recovery to its former impede successful captive propaga- ranges. Cooperation between all tion attempts. Through a long-term invested agencies and organisations mark–recapture and radio-telemetry in Belize will be needed to ensure its programme, our collaborative group survival and we are hoping to host hopes to shed light on some of these a series of working group meetings knowledge gaps. at our study location to foster this collaboration.

…Engaging the local communities and involving them in our efforts hopes to build a better understanding of the plight of the hicatee … WAZA news 4/13 Recent Updates 35

Markus Gusset – WAZA Executive Office WAZA Executive Office Update on International WAZA Studbooks Executive Office Contacts There are currently 129 active international studbooks (ISBs), including 163 species or sub-species (10 ISBs cover more than one taxon). The following • Executive Director: events regarding ISBs have occurred since 1 July 2013: [email protected] • Executive Assistant/Office ISBs archived • On 23 September 2013, CPM ap- Manager: Michèle Hauert • None. proved the transfer of the Edwards’ [email protected] pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) ISB to • Marketing/Communication: ISBs established Chris Holmes (Houston Zoo, USA). [email protected] • On 2 July 2013, CPM approved the • On 23 September 2013, CPM ap- • Conservation/International establishment of an ISB for the proved the transfer of the Vietnam- Studbooks: Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi), ese pheasant (Lophura hatinhensis) [email protected] kept by Christina Schubert (Landau ISB to Chris Holmes (Houston Zoo, • Decade on Biodiversity Zoo, Germany). USA). project manager: • On 25 July 2013, CPM approved • On 23 September 2013, CPM ap- [email protected] the establishment of an ISB for the proved the transfer of the Central southern cassowary (Casuarius casu- American tapir (Tapirus bairdii) ISB arius), kept by Nicole LaGreco (San to Carolina Holguín (Africam Safari, New Directors Diego Zoo, USA). Mexico). • Marsawitri Gumay has been Transfer of ISBs to new Transfer of ISBs to new appointed Director at Ragunan keepers institutions Zoological Park | Indonesia • On 24 July 2013, CPM approved • None. • Oliver Johnson has been appointed the transfer of the Mauritius pink Director of the Durrell Wildlife pigeon (Columba mayeri) ISB to Pending issues Conservation Trust, Jersey | UK Catherine Francescon (Durrell Wild- • As of 30 September 2013, ISBs for • Jeffrey Mahon has been appointed life Conservation Trust, UK). the blue-throated macaw (Ara glau- Director of Honolulu Zoo | USA • On 19 August 2013, CPM approved cogularis) and red bird-of-paradise • CAZA changed its name to “Cana- the transfer of the Rodrigues fruit (Paradisaea rubra) are vacant. da’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums” bat (Pteropus rodricensis) ISB to and Massimo Bergamini was ap- David White (Chester Zoo, UK). pointed as successor of Bill Peters as Executive Director | Canada Rodrigues fruit bat (Pteropus rodricensis). • Henrik Herold, Director of Rand- © WAZA ers Rainforest has been appointed chairman of the Danish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (DAZA) • João Batista da Cruz, Scientific Director of São Paulo Zoo, has been appointed President of the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) • Sophie Ferreira Le Morvan has been appointed Director of the Paris Zoo, Bois de Vincennes | France • Lennart Sunden has been appointed Director of Parken Zoo | Sweden • Marina Vancátová has been appointed Director of Zoologická zahrada Ústí nad Labem | Czech Republic • Sharon Redrobe has been appointed Director of Twycross Zoo | UK • Thomas Kölpin replaces Dieter Jauch as of January 2014 at Stuttgart’s Wilhelma | Germany 36 Recent Updates WAZA news 4/13

Recent Updates

WAZA Membership 8th Zoo and Aquarium as of 30st September 2013 Associations 24 Institutions 280 Marketing Conference Affiliates 15 Corporates 17 Life and Honorary members 110 Biodiversity: Leadership by Zoos and Aquariums New WAZA Members

12–14 May 2014 • Buin Zoo | Chile | as institutional member Bristol, UK • African Safari Wildlife Park | USA | as institutional member What is the role of the Zoo and Aquarium Community in the Biodiversity • Virginia Aquarium | USA | Challenge? What can each zoo and aquarium, as well as our community as institutional member as a whole, do to help preserve biodiversity? What are the best means for • South Carolina Aquarium | USA | communicating biodiversity and for getting our visitors to act? How can as institutional member we cope with sometimes contradictory approaches? • Parc des Oiseaux | France | as institutional member The WAZA Zoo and Aquarium Marketing Conference addresses direc- • Clax Italia | Italy | as corporate tors, marketing and communication experts of WAZA members as well member as external communication specialists in order to try to answer these • PGAV Destinations | USA | questions. Presentations, case studies, best practices and workshops are as corporate member planned for an exciting and engaging conference.

The conference will be hosted by Bristol Zoo Gardens, and is held in part- Future WAZA Conference nership by WAZA and the regional associations EAZA and BIAZA. Venues

The overall theme of this Conference is “Biodiversity: Leadership • 2014 New Delhi, India by Zoos and Aquariums” and 5 main topics will be developed: (2–6 Nov 2014) • 2015 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates • Communicating biodiversity through modern technologies (11–15 Oct 2015) • 2016 Africam Safari, Puebla, Mexico • Resourcing and biodiversity conservation: (9–13 Oct 2016) two different mindsets? • 2017 Barcelona, Spain (15–19 Oct 2017) • Promoting and measuring “biodiversity-friendly” • 2018 Bangkok, Thailand behavioural change

• Biodiversity communication campaigns

• Negative publicity damages biodiversity communication

Send your application by 10 March 2014 the latest.

Call for Papers form and for more details, please see www.waza.org/Marketing&Media WAZA news 4/13 Recent Updates | Membership 37

Recent Updates

New institutional member

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation (VAMSC), USA

• Sponsors: L. Patricia Simmons (Akron Zoological Park) and Jackie Ogden (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) • Founded: 1981 • Area: 86 acres (34 ha) • Collection: 374 Mammals: 7 species and 17 specimens Birds: 45 species and 190 specimens Reptiles: 39 species and 107 specimens Amphibians: 8 species and 36 specimens Fishes: 188 species and 11,046 specimens Invertebrates: 87 species and 4,030 specimens • Staff: 106 permanent, 37 temporary • Visitors: 556,050 paying • Owned by: Public-private partnership © VAQ between City of Virginia Beach and Front view of the main building. Virginia Aquarium Foundation • Executive Director: Mrs Lynn Clements • Member of: AZA, AMMPA, VAM, MAMEA, GSCA, AAM, ISIS The Virginia Aquarium (VAQ), a pub- habitats from other parts of the world • Address: Virginia Aquarium & lic-private partnership between the that illustrate the forces that have Marine Science Center Foundation City of Virginia Beach and the Vir- shaped Virginia’s landscape and the (VAMSC); 717 General Booth Blvd, ginia Aquarium Foundation, opened conservation challenges that global Suite 1; Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1986 as the Virginia Marine Science citizens must address. The exhibit 23451 Museum. Currently the facility con- experience is enhanced by a vari- • Mission: To inspire conservation sists of two exhibit buildings (Bay & ety of educational programs avail- of the marine environment through Ocean Pavilion and Marsh Pavilion) able to both individuals and groups. education, research and sustainable connected by a nature trail; an IMAX® Programs emphasize experiential practices. theater; and an offsite facility for learning and include school and scout collections holding, research, and classes, boat trips, summer camps, stranding response activities. VAQ’s lecture series, and gallery talks. Mas- exhibit galleries include both live and ter planning is currently underway interactive displays that tell a story to prepare for renovation of older based around two core themes. The exhibit areas, addition of new exhibit Journey of Water highlights the buildings, expansion of programming aquatic environments from Virginia’s into new topic areas, and compat- mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, ible development on surrounding with an emphasis on the Chesapeake property. Bay. The Restless Planet introduces

To find out more: www.VirginiaAquarium.com 38 Recent Updates | Membership WAZA news 4/13

Recent Updates

New institutional member

South Carolina Aquarium, USA

• Sponsors: Mark Penning (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and Tom Schmid (Texas State Aquarium) • Founded: 1992 (incorporated); 2000 (opened to public) • Area: 93,000 square feet • Collection: Mammals: 4 species and 9 specimens Birds: 21 species and 36 specimens Reptiles: 31 species and 79 specimens Amphibians: 9 species and 25 specimens Fishes: 545 species and 5756 specimens Invertebrates: 41 species and 761 specimens © SC Aquarium Kids at upper GOT window. • Staff: 82 permanent, 50 temporary • Visitors: 237,225 paying • Owned by: Non-profit organisation • Director: Mr. Kevin Mills • Member of: AZA • Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf; Charleston, South Carolina, 29401

At its core, the South Carolina Aquarium inspires care for the natural world. Since opening in 2000, more than 5 million guests have marvelled at the Aquarium’s exhibits and programs, which tell the story of the unique diversity of flora and fauna found throughout South Carolina. © SC Aquarium Education is central to the Aquari- Classroom program. um’s mission and more than 100,000 schoolchildren from across the state have enjoyed free, standards- on-the-job training and biology The Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood based education in the Aquarium’s instruction to disadvantaged stu- Initiative works with local chefs, classrooms. The Aquarium Rovers dents from the region. Conservation restaurant partners and fishermen outreach program visits schools and initiatives, from sea turtle rescue to and shrimpers to ensure sustainable institutions that cannot afford to sustainable seafood, are considered catch and to educate the public about travel to the Aquarium. A pioneering national models. The Sea Turtle fisheries. As an economic anchor, the high school intern program provides Rescue program has successfully Aquarium is the region’s most visited treated and released more than 100 attraction and its economic impact is stranded turtles that washed up sick more than $150 million annually. To find out more: or injured along the Atlantic seaboard. www.scaquarium.org WAZA news 4/13 Recent Updates | Membership 39

Recent Updates

New institutional member

Parc des Oiseaux, France

• Sponsors: Françoise Delord (ZooParc de Beauval); Rodolphe Delord (Association Française des Parcs Zoologiques) • Founded: 1970 • Area: 35 ha • Collection: Mammals: 3 species and 10 specimens Birds: 280 species and 2000 specimens • Staff: 55 permanent, 60 temporary • Visitors: 280,000 paying • Owned by: Public Zoo • Director: Mrs Géraldine Pothet • Member of: EAZA, AFDPZ • Address: Parc des Oiseaux, RD 1083, 01330 Villars-les-Dombes, France

Located in the heart of “la Dombes”, an important wetland area in France, Parc des Oiseaux shows the biggest collection of birds in France. The public is completely immersed in the local nature and the exhibitions © Parc Oiseaux on the concept “the Park without Bird show. borders”. The public makes one’s way through aviaries to break down the barrier between Man and Bird. From all around world the Park recreates landscapes and original habitats of the animals. The visitor can feed several hundreds of lorikeets and attends to an impressive bird show. The Park develops knowledge and respect of biodiversity and makes its visitors aware of all the many values of nature and culture.

To find out more: © Y. Thonnerieux www.parcdesoiseaux.com Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus). 40 Recent Updates | Membership WAZA news 4/13

Recent Updates

Membership Application Nominated as institutional member

John G. Shedd Aquarium, USA

• Sponsors: Jackie Ogden (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and Tom Schmidt (Texas State Aquarium) • Founded: 1930 • Area: 4,2 ha • Collection: Mammals: 10 species and 32 specimens Birds: 8 species and 41 specimens Reptiles: 44 species and 83 specimens Amphibians: 28 species and 407 specimens © Shedd Aquarium Welcoming guests from around the globe, connecting them to the Fishes: 893 species and 19,355 specimens living world and inspiring them to make a difference. Invertebrates: 280 species and 8,326 specimens • Staff: 336 permanent, 77 temporary • Visitors: 1,535,095 paying • Owned by: supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois & the Chicago Park District • Director: Mr. Ted A. Beattie • Member of: AZA, AMMPA, IMATA, AAM, Costal America, Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers, US Oceans Commission • Address: 1200 South Lakeshore Drive; Chicago, IL60605

The John G. Shedd Aquarium, a non- birds and mammals from waters ing and appreciation of the aquatic profit organization dedicated to around the world. Beautifully situ- world. Shedd Aquarium is committed public education and conservation, ated on the shores of Lake Michigan, to a number of projects designed to is among one of the world’s largest Shedd Aquarium is known as “The preserve threatened or endangered indoor aquariums. The facility houses World’s Aquarium.” Since its opening aquatic species. over 32,500 aquatic animals repre- in 1930, the aquarium’s mission has senting some 1,500 species of fishes, been to enhance public understand- reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates,

To find out more: www.sheddaquarium.org WAZA news 4/13

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ISSN: 1662-7733