August 2016 IIII WAZA 3/16 Contents Editorial

3/16 August 2016 IIII WAZA 3/16 Contents Editorial

The California Sea Lion Unusual Mortality Event...... 2 Marine Mammals in Human Care: Changes, Challenges, Regulations...... 6 SeaWorld’s Killer Whale Program...... 10 Animal Welfare Indicators Workshop at Nuremberg Zoo...... 14 A Remarkable Experience...... 17 WAZA Interview: John Nightingale...... 19 My Career: Pedro Lavia...... 21 Book Reviews...... 25 Announcements...... 27 New Exhibit News Elephant Lands, Oregon Zoo...... 28 Islands at Chester Zoo...... 30 WAZA Projects: Tenkile Conservation Alliance...... 33 The Vietnamese Crocodile Lizard...... 35 Grey Crowned Cranes...... 37 © WAZA Spiny Softshell Turtles...... 38 Gerald Dick, Taipei Zoo. Recent Updates: A Collaborative Future for Conservation...... 39 WAZA Training Grant Reports 2015...... 40 Dear WAZA members and friends! International Studbooks...... 45 New Member Application: Cali Zoo...... 47 This edition of WAZA NEWS has a focus on marine Obituary: Tom Silva...... 48 mammals as part of the series on charismatic animals in zoos and aquariums. Marine mammals and espe- cially the keeping of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums have attracted public attention over the last years. The controversial discussions culminated recently in SeaWorld’s decision to stop breeding orcas in the future. This business decision has further triggered discussion on the fundamental question of how cetaceans can be cared for in zoos and aquariums in future and how to best secure positive animal welfare by using indicators. Imprint The increasing media attention also resulted in political action in some countries and the articles in this edition Editor: Gerald Dick, are touching on those sensitive issues. It turns out WAZA Executive Office that dialogue with critical groups, transparency about IUCN Conservation Centre animal welfare practices and continuous improvement, Rue Mauverney 28 as well as intensified communication about welfare and CH-1196 Gland conservation, is the way to go and this has been often Switzerland missed out in the past. Phone: +41 22 999 07 90 Fax: +41 22 999 07 91 These themes will also be part of workshops at our annual conference in Puebla. The discussions will help Layout and typesetting: [email protected] to better position our community for the future as a Cover: © Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark; focus on positive animal welfare and conservation will with thanks for donating the photo determine the important role we can play. The diverse Print: Agentura NP, Staré Město, Czech Republic programme of the annual conference will guarantee exciting deliberations as well as an enjoyable environ- Edition: 600 copies | © WAZA 2016 ment with a Mexican flair. Please do not forget to register as soon as possible and I am looking forward to This edition of WAZA News is also available on seeing you there! www.waza.org (members’ area) Gerald Dick | Executive Director Printed on FSC paper.

ISSN: 1662-7733 WAZA 3/16 1

Susan Hunt President’s Page

To reflect this direction and context, over the past two years, WAZA Council has worked hard to clarify WAZA’s strategic direction. We have determined that we cannot be ‘everything to everyone’ and to be effective and a trusted global welfare and conservation partner, we must clearly differentiate ourselves. This is reflected in the purpose statement as agreed by your WAZA Council:

WAZA is an alliance of the world’s leading, high standard, conservation based zoos and aquariums. We are a global forum for zoo and aquarium leaders that leads in policy and strategy and the coordination of global initiatives relevant to our operations and to the conservation of wildlife and animal care. We represent and advocate for our members and form © Perth Zoo global partnerships to build our mem- Susan Hunt. bers’ capacity and impact.

Welcome to another great edition of tion, education and action. Examples Our next steps will be to work with WAZA News. of this include the partnering of the members to reflect this direction: Convention on Biological Diversity implementing a new WAZA member- In the last WAZA News I referenced on Biodiversity is Us; the continuing ship model, creating a strong policy the importance of zoos and aquari- discussions with the IUCN Species framework and position statements ums adapting to our changing global Survival Commission on establishing and modernising our governance sys- context. As you will have noted from close ties with specialist groups; and tems. This will be canvassed in more recent correspondence to all mem- the growing relationships with or- detail at the upcoming WAZA annual bers, this also applies to WAZA itself. ganisations like TRAFFIC to counter conference. Member input and feed- the impacts of illegal wildlife crime. back are strongly encouraged! What does WAZA need to do to add value to its members? How can your In the animal welfare area we have I believe that it is more important membership of WAZA make a differ- started to respond to this call, with than ever that zoos and aquariums ence globally to wildlife conserva- WAZA publishing the first global work together as a global force to tion and animal care? Can we take zoo and aquarium animal welfare more directly conserve the natu- advantage of the present operating strategy, Caring for Wildlife; establish- ral world; and to improve zoo and environment and better position ing a strong working partnerships aquarium welfare. With changes to WAZA for the future? These are is- with animal welfare organisations WAZA, Council believes that we will sues which your WAZA Council has such as Wild Welfare; and running the be more equipped to do so. been considering. first ever welfare‑based Accredita- tion Summit (kindly hosted by WAZA A changing context for WAZA is member Singapore Zoo). More is that increasingly we are finding that planned for 2017, with planning under …an agent governments, NGOs, other associa- way for a specific Zoo and Aquarium tions and individual institutions are Animal Welfare Conference. for increased relying on WAZA to be a stronger advocate and proponent for improving conservation animal welfare in the world’s zoos and aquariums and as an agent for communication, increased conservation communica- education and action… 2 WAZA 3/16

Shelley Ballmann – Oceans of Fun The California Sea Lion Unusual Mortality Event

The role our Zoos and Aquariums Spring is pupping season and there As ocean temperatures have warmed, play today in ensuring conservation is nothing cuter than a California sea fish habitats are changing. Fish are education, enlisting public support lion pup! Lately these lovable pups extremely sensitive to temperature and empathy which in turn inspires however are struggling to survive in changes and the warmer water has change is critical to the survival of nu- our changing world. California sea resulted in fish moving greater dis- merous species. Our climate is chang- lions typically give birth in late spring/ tances out to sea in order to survive ing, naturally and due to human early summer to a single pup. Pups in cooler temperatures. As the food exploitation. As our world changes, remain with their mother for nearly chain is disrupted, the results are so do the environments and habitats the first year of life and are depend- seen in numerous species. Female that support animals. Climate change ent upon her for nutrition and nurtur- California sea lions are dependent is quickly becoming the largest threat ing as they learn the needed skills for upon high‑fat, high calorie fish such to wildlife. Polar Bears, dependent independent survival. As pups are un- as sardines and anchovies. These fish upon ice for hunting, are starving to able to swim for the first few weeks have become less abundant where death. Birds are changing migration of life, nurseries are formed on rocky the sea lions commonly hunt. Instead, patterns in an attempt to survive shorelines allowing the mothers to female sea lions have had to settle more extreme weather such as come and go as they move between for less nourishing food sources such droughts and floods. Sea level rising nurturing their pup and returning to as rockfish and squid. The result has effects beach nesting sites of turtles. the sea to feed. The bond between been thinner mothers who lose the Fish habitats are changing due to a mother and her pup is strong and ability to both carry a fetus and sup- temperatures rising in our oceans upon returning from sea the mother port a nursing pup. As their mother’s which threaten their existence. Along and pup will reunite through scent milk supply decreases, hungry thin the California coastline hundreds of and vocal discrimination. Even with pups have been forced to head to sea sea lion pups have stranded due to hundreds of hungry pups vocalizing in search of food at a very young age. starvation. Due to their numbers and on a crowded beach, the pair will Often times these young pups lack public visibility, the California sea lion reunite successfully. Approximately the skill sets necessary to successfully crisis has drawn a great deal of media one month following birth, the adult hunt for fish. Complicating matters attention and is an unfortunate ex- female sea lion will breed again and more, the smaller bait fish which they ample of the effect of climate change carry the following years fetus for an would normally learn to forge upon on a very visible species. 11-month gestation. During this time has not been in near shore where the female’s caloric needs are high as young pups typically hunt. The result she is supporting an unborn fetus and has been thousands of stranded a growing nursing pup. California sea lion pups along the coastline over the past four years.

Wildlife workers from Oregon and and we don’t want to lose ground by Sport fishing guide Bill Monroe Washington have killed 38 Califor- having them be eaten by sea lions Jr. supports the program. He’s seen nia sea lions at Bonneville Dam this on their way back to spawn,” he said. sea lions take fish off customers year. That’s the most in any single lines. He also worries about their year since getting approval from The authorization to kill the animals impact on endangered salmon and NOAA Fisheries in 2008. ran out in June of 2016. Oregon and sturgeon. Washington have asked for another NOAA spokesman Michael Milstein five years. NOAA Fisheries was Reported by Pat Dooris, says it appears the program is work- expected to decide in June or July. 3 May 2016 on ing. “These are the fish that a lot More than 1,000 people posted com- www.KGW.com of people are working really hard ments during the public testimony to save by improving habitat and phase of the renewal. making improvements at the dam WAZA 3/16 3

© Oceans of Fun “Nalu” was found stranded at a very young age. Still dependent upon his mother’s milk, he required 24-hour care to survive. Nalu was deemed Non-releasable and has found his forever home at Oceans of Fun in Milwaukee, WI.

The California coastline has seen response.” It is not atypical to see a however the spring of 2015 resulted highly elevated numbers of pups low number of pup’s strand requiring in stranding centers being exhausted strand since 2013. The majority of rehabilitation during the early spring and seeking assistance as over 2700 pups have been found emaciated, months as they learn how to hunt pups required rescue and rehabilita- dehydrated and very underweight and feed successfully. Historically tion. While this year (2016) numbers for their age. This event has been 150-300 pups strand due to disease or were not as extreme, over 1900 pups declared an Unusual Mortality Event starvation annually. In 2013 however to date have come in suffering from (UME) by NOAA fisheries. A UME is the numbers skyrocketed with ap- malnutrition and dehydration. Ad- defined under the Marine Mammal proximately 1200 emaciated pups ditionally, for the first time we saw an Protection Act as “a stranding that found stranded, a number four times increase in fur seal pups and elephant is unexpected; involves a signifi- greater than normally expected. seal pups stranded along the coast cant die‑off of any marine mammal 2014 resulted in more success with indicating an increase in affected population; and demands immediate numbers being only slightly elevated species. 4 WAZA 3/16

© Oceans of Fun Pups Kanuk and Kodiak were deemed non‑releasable after stranding multiple times. Today they are ambassadors for There are five licensed stranding marine conservation with their stories centers along the California coastline being told at Oceans of Fun and the Chicago Zoological Society. which share the responsibility of rescue, rehabilitation, care of stranded marine mammals and release. The exuberant number of pups requiring assistance left these centers in challenging situations as they struggled to provide medical care, fish, housing and welfare practices for so many patients in critical need. As each season unfolded with record numbers of patients coming in, accredited zoos and aquariums throughout the United Stated have responded by providing assistance with staffing, volunteer training, financial and supply support. Most needed was the assistance of pinniped experts from zoos and aquariums who were able to provide “boots on the ground” assistance with expertise in pinniped restraint techniques, assisted feeding, medical background and pinniped care. This past spring 20 accredited facilities from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) joined forces to work collaboratively ensuring the support and beneficial expertise required to care for hundreds of pinniped patients. The result has been a beneficial collaboration between government agencies, stranding centers, zoos and aquariums all working together to ensure the survival of thousands of pinniped pups. The majority of these pups receive medical care, are taught to eat fish, “fattened up” and were able to be released back into the ocean. Each animal is tagged to allow for tracking in the future. If an animal re‑strands repeatedly, the National Marine Fisheries Department would deem it non‑releasable and the pup would be found in a “forever home” in a zoo or aquarium. These pups are valuable genetically but additionally are fantastic ambassadors allowing us to share their conservation stories with our guests. While “climate change” has certainly become a well‑known phrase, the reoccurring California sea lion UME has brought it to the for front for many zoos and aquariums exhibiting this species. The ability to contribute expertise and resources assisting such a visible © Mairim Martinez conservation crisis also provides us The lucky ones! These lucky pups “real time” education tools for conser- were rescued and treated at the vation education. Pacific Marine Mammal Center. WAZA 3/16 5 Advertising

Rescued pups receive medical care and treatment for approximately 60–90 days before being healthy enough to return to the ocean. © Mairim Martinez

As educators in marine mammal for animals deemed non‑releasable. conservation, we all recognize the As these events increase our challeng- struggles and challenges which face es will grow. Our ability to join forces the future of our wildlife. As facilities collaboratively and unite our conser- and leaders in marine mammal care vation efforts, goals and actions will and conservation we are committed hopefully allow us all to positively to providing supportive assistance impact our changing world. whenever needed as well as homes Chester Zoo, Islands 6 WAZA 3/16

Rita Irwin – Dolphin Research Center, USA and Immediate Past Chairperson, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums Marine Mammals in Human Care: Changes, Challenges, Regulations

About two years ago, Dolphin Re- Frankly, we were shocked. As Sea- The environmental dangers and search Center prepared a newsletter World is a publicly‑traded company challenges faced by wild pods of killer article about the climate of con- they legally could not provide ad- whales are well known and frighten- troversy faced by us and our fellow vance notice. The company’s CEO and ing. It will take legions of dedicated, members of the Alliance of Marine all news reports emphasized that this inspired humans to turn the tide of Mammal Parks and Aquariums, as was a business decision. In the last what mankind is doing to the ocean well as other zoological institutions. three years, extremist organizations and stop the actions that threaten Our loyal members were the audi- and followers have persistently ham- the long term survival of the species. ence for the piece. We are a nonprofit mered at SeaWorld’s reputation. They marine mammal education and re- used social media and conventional Now the activists are clamoring for search facility, located in the Florida media to generate an onslaught of SeaWorld and any other facility that Keys. Members are our most caring, negative publicity. All this, along with holds orcas to relocate their whales and staunchest supporters. In the the shock film Blackfish, took a hard to natural sea pen sanctuaries. We more than 30 years since we were toll on SeaWorld’s economic status also oppose this idea. These whales founded, these generous, committed and the CEO and Board of Directors that have lived all or most of their individuals have helped us advance decided that they needed to take this lives in human care would be taken our mission. We’ve grown as a forever action in hopes of restoring the com- away from their familiar surround- home for dolphins and sea lions, as pany’s reputation and bottom line. ings, routines, and people with whom an educational institution that teach- they have relationships and from es visitors from around the world Dolphin Research Center and our Al- whom they receive excellent care. about these amazing animals, and as liance colleagues have many reasons Their bodies and immune systems are a respected leader in marine mammal for being dismayed by this decision. accustomed to clean, closed‑water cognition research. We knew at the We believe this obliterates the op- habitats, free of the natural wa- time that we needed to make sure portunity for future generations of ter‑borne pathogens, pollutants, and that our supporters were aware of young people to view these amaz- other environmental hazards that the challenges and pressures we were ing animals in person, to connect exist in the open oceans. The poten- facing with greater frequency. with them, and to be inspired. The tial of introducing diseases to the wild absence of orcas living in human care population of marine mammals from In preparing to write this article, means that, eventually, important the orcas in sea pens also has not I reviewed that previous story and research will stop – including studies been evaluated. was painfully reminded that some of that help us know more about what the actions we feared would happen they and their counterparts in the Dolphin Research Center is a natural, have come true. In 2014, we talked wild need for survival. sea pen facility in the Gulf of Mexico. about the pressure on SeaWorld We know the risks and challenges! to stop breeding their killer whales It is not possible to replicate the live, and the far‑reaching ramifications in‑person experience through the We can only imagine the undue that such an action would have, not videos or animatronics suggested amount of stress this would place on only on their future, but on ours. In by leading anti‑captivity activists. the whales, all unnecessarily. By all mid‑March of this year, SeaWorld an- It certainly will not be possible for markers, the orcas and other ceta- nounced that their current family of the tens of thousands of people who ceans in AMMPA facilities are thriving orcas will be the last generation and visit SeaWorld parks to go on whale in their homes. They eat, socialize, that they were immediately stopping watching trips. Even if all of those interact with each other and their hu- further breeding. people could plan those vacations, man friends, successfully reproduce the sheer numbers would completely and raise their offspring. They volun- overwhelm the areas where these tarily participate in training sessions. whales live and be detrimental to These highly adaptable, awe‑inspiring their living conditions. animals are doing well. They do not need saving or “sanctuary.” Yet, people who are not their caregivers assume they know better. WAZA 3/16 7

These concerns, however, are not There are common strategies in their The animal rights extremists manipu- the only ones that are keeping us efforts. For years, they have ham- late the emotions of the public with from sleeping well these days. I am mered the public with unfounded and deceitful statements and images not exaggerating to say that we fear blatantly untrue statements about presented as truth. In this and many for the future of Dolphin Research our care and treatment of the animals of their tactics, the Internet is a strong Center and all other marine mammal in our facilities and institutions. They ally. Once a false statement gets out facilities. The SeaWorld decision is say that we are cruel and inhumane, onto the web, it can swiftly be repeat- viewed as a major victory by those that we abuse the dolphins or with- ed or reposted so many thousands who loathe our existence. It has hold food to exploit them and force of times that it sinks into the public empowered them to increase their ef- them to do unnatural behaviors. consciousness and many people begin forts. Now that they have succeeded to assume that it must be true. in putting an end to the breeding of Nothing could be further from the killer whales, there is no doubt in any truth. The idea of anyone being cruel For many years, our industry let most of our minds that they will focus their or abusive, of punishing a dolphin in of this propaganda go unchallenged. fight on dolphins and other animals – any way, is abhorrent. We always have, We were confident that our audi- not only marine mammals, but also and always will, make the health and ence loved us and understood the terrestrial species. well‑being of the animals in our care importance of zoos and aquariums. our top priority. Nothing takes prec- Nobody could possibly believe the edence over this commitment. misinformation being spread--or so we thought. Without a doubt, social media and the ability for people to spread information at only slightly …make the health and well‑being of the slower rates than the speed of light changed the battleground. animals in our care our top priority… 8 WAZA 3/16

To a great extent, we made a grave U.S. and throughout the world. They We continue to see bills introduced at tactical error. An off‑cited quote represent their propaganda to influence the state and federal levels that seek minds us that all that is necessary for legislation. Alarmingly, this tactic has to regulate the breeding, transport, the triumph of evil is for good men worked several times in the U.S. Wit- or other matters concerning marine to do nothing. Clearly, we did not do ness the results of last fall’s decision mammals in human care—this in enough to protect our own reputa- by the California Coastal Commission spite of the fact that U.S. facilities are tions or to promote the steadfast when it agreed to permit SeaWorld already regulated by three federal commitment to animal welfare that to build their Blue World Project to agencies. These are battles that we we and other institutions devote enhance and significantly expand are now fighting one by one. every day to the animals that live in their killer whale habitat only if the our facilities and their wild counter- company agreed to no longer breed U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D‑CA) is parts. We let our detractors gain the the animals or transport any of them a powerful woman who sits on the high ground and have been fighting in or out of the state. Senate Appropriations Committee, the battle uphill ever since. and its sub‑committee for Agriculture, Another strong case in point is the de- Rural Development, Food and Drug Clearly, we should never have let one cision made earlier this year by Feld Administration and related agen- falsehood or misrepresentation go Entertainment, the parent company cies. Marine mammal facilities in the unchallenged. We should have de- of Ringling Brothers and Barnum U.S. are licensed and regulated by nounced our detractors at every turn and Bailey Circus, to stop including the Animal Plant and Health Inspec- and refuted their claims with valid elephants in their traveling circuses. tion Service (APHIS), which is an scientific data and the solid evidence For years, animal rights extremists agency under the U.S. Department of our own best practices. successfully convinced more and of Agriculture. U.S. facilities are also more cities to restrict the housing, re- regulated by the National Oceanic Riding on the wave of what they straining or transporting of elephants. and Atmospheric Administration’s claim to be overwhelming public It must have been nearly impossible National Marine Fisheries Service opinion against our institutions, our to plan future tours for the circuses and the Department of Interior’s Fish opponents are lobbying legislators in advance, not knowing what cities and Wildlife Service. Last summer, and other government agencies at might enact new regulations in the Sen. Feinstein successfully convinced city, state and federal levels in the meantime. We can easily imagine the the Appropriations Committee to rising costs of trying to fight those attach an amendment to a budget legal decisions in numerous locations. bill to force APHIS to review their WAZA 3/16 9

As the number of comments flowed in, we could see the copied and past- ed messages from the other side’s team. More importantly, we saw an even greater number of people share their love for seeing marine mammals in human care. Their comments were inspired by their personal experiences and their belief that we are dedicated animal experts who place the highest priority on providing the finest care to the dolphins, whales and other marine mammals in our institutions. For the first time in a very long time, the other side did not rule the day and © Dolphin Research Center Staff dominate the discussion. In a study published by the International Journal of Comparative Psychology, Dolphin Research Center investigated the ability of a bottlenose dolphin to copy the behavior of another dolphin while blindfolded (i.e. wearing eyecups). The United States is far from the only nation facing regulatory challenges. Recently in a single year in Mexico, five bills were introduced that could have adversely impacted dolphin facilities, including some that would have banned marine mammals in facilities, shows and entertainment. Changes in Convention on Interna- tional Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permitting were proposed that could restrict the movement of animals for legitimate non‑com- mercial purposes such as breeding, education and research. The Alliance opposes those changes and remains involved in the discussions. These are © Brittany Rohlmann only two additional examples. The re- Visiting marine mammal facilities connects school children, and visitors of ality is that at any time, in any coun- all ages, to these amazing animals and inspires them to be better stewards try, new laws or regulations could be of the environment. introduced that could directly impact, even devastate, the operations of regulations governing marine mam- As I write this, the public comment reputable zoological institutions. mal facilities and publish a new rule period on these new proposed regula- within six months. When we reviewed tions has just ended. Learning from The opposing forces are large, loud documents Sen. Feinstein submitted previous mistakes, not only did the and seemingly tireless. They are also to support her position, the majority Alliance and most of our American extremely well‑funded. Today as of the verbiage was identical to lan- members prepare science‑based com- we move forward in these troubled guage used by avowed anti‑captivity ments about the regulations, but we times, every institution and all of our extremist groups. also reached out to all of our support- personnel know that we must con- ers and asked them to please submit tinue to ask our supporters to publicly Are we against regulations? Not at public comments based on their ex- express their support for and belief in all. We are proud that our country has periences with our facilities. We knew our mission. Those who love visit- strong protections for marine mam- that our opponents were working ing zoos, marine mammal parks and mals. We meet and exceed these hard to rally comments against us and, aquariums need to join their voices standards and have an outstanding this time, we fought back to ensure with ours and speak the truth about history of clean inspections and com- activist misinformation did not domi- their experiences. pliance. However, APHIS has always nate the public record of comments had the power to review and propose and give regulators and legislators updates to these regulations. It was a false impression of public opinion unnecessary to compel the agency to about the care of animals in marine conduct a rushed review and publish parks, aquariums and zoos. new proposed regulations before it was ready to do so, but that’s what happened. 10 WAZA 3/16

Brad Andrews and Todd R. Robeck – SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment SeaWorld’s Killer Whale Program: a highly successful ex‑situ megafauna breeding program and the future of zoological scientific endeavors with this increasingly threatened species

SeaWorld’s decades of husbandry The first killer whale brought into bottlenose dolphins and placed in practices with killer whales which captivity occurred in 1961 at Marine- mixed species pools. The original pool evolved using science‑based ad- land of the Pacific. From that point at SWSD was ~120 thousand gallons, vancements has enabled tremendous forward until 1977, more than 25 dif- relatively paltry compared to to- strides in our understanding of the ferent institutions were involved in day’s standards, and with the arrival species’ physiology, health, and legally collecting close to 60 whales of a second animal in 1966 and the care. Over that history, SeaWorld’s from the Pacific Northwest. At the popularity of the species, construc- investment in facilities and its rapid time of collection, no understand- tion on an additional pool contain- learning curve resulted in a healthy, ing of sympatric ecotypes had been ing ~1.2 million gallons was begun sustainable, zoological killer whale developed and given the nuisance and finally completed by the mid population; one that ultimately has label held by killer whales at that 70s. A total of 11 animals were col- indistinguishable survivorship and time, the potential impacts of collected from the Pacific Northwest by mortality rates from wild populations lections on local ecotypes were not SeaWorld from 1965 to 1976. An ad- (Robeck et al. 2015). This program well understood by the facilities or by ditional six animals were collected could truly represent an example the governmental agencies who ap- from the North Atlantic during 1977 of one of the most successful and proved these collections. SeaWorld’s to 1978. Altogether, SeaWorld’s killer rapidly developed ex‑situ megafauna first collection occurred in 1965 and whale program was established with programs in the history of zoos and at that time the company consisted the collection of only 17 animals from aquariums. of one small marine research center the wild, with the last collection tak- and aquarium in San Diego, CA (now ing place almost 40 years ago in 1978. SeaWorld San Diego, SWSD). Without At the time of this last collection any prior knowledge of the species’ SeaWorld was one of approximately biology and husbandry requirements, 25 other facilities around the world killer whales were cared for as large which were attempting to develop suitable habitats for housing these animals in zoological facilities.

Figure 1 Total number of facilities that have ever housed killer whales and the relative proportion of the facilities that were able to successfully produce live calves, second and third generation (gen) animals. For purposes of this illustration, SeaWorld parks are counted as individual parks and include SeaWorld California, Florida, Texas and Loro Parque (Spain). All of SeaWorld parks have experienced either second or third generation calf production.

One of the first facilities to house gallon pools in Orlando and San tinues to thrive today, and the first killer whales, Marineland of the Pa- Diego, respectively. These pools had 3rd generation killer whale born to cific, was also the first to experience a a maximum depth from 36 to 40 feet second generation parents occurred successful live birth. The first live calf and represented the largest killer in 2010 (Figure 1). The 25 year interval was delivered in February1977 to a whale zoological habitats in the world between the first successful captive female named Corky 2. The calf lived at that time. The completion of these birth and the birth of a 3rd genera- for 17 days. Corky 2 gave birth to four habitats coincided with the sexual tion killer whale calf reflects the fast more live calves from Oct of 1978 maturation of a group of females col- evolution of SeaWorld’s husbandry until July 1985, that lived for 16, 10, lected from Iceland in 1977. The first practices and the adaption of this 46 and 26 days, respectively. Other live birth at SeaWorld occurred in the species to the zoological environ- than the calves born from Corky 2, new Orlando habitat on 9/26/1985 ment. This milestone exceeds that of the only other live calf produced dur- and it resulted in the first calf that other slowly reproducing megafauna. ing this timeframe occurred in 1982 was successfully reared beyond the For example, the time periods from in Japan. However, this calf also died age of weaning (age 2). Three more the first successful zoological birth soon after birth, living for only 10 calves were successfully reared in until the birth of the first 3rd gen- days. Complications associated with 1988 and another in 1989. All of eration calf for the Southern white failure of passive transfer and lack of these five initial calves were female; rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum), nutrition were most likely the under- all but one went on to successfully greater one‑horned rhino (Rhinoceros lying causes of death for most if not raise their own calf to post‑weaning unicornis) and the Asian elephant all of these calves. It was this lack of (age). The birth of a calf surviving (Elephas maximus) were 36, 45 and 98 successful nursing that led SeaWorld beyond weaning age was restricted years, respectively (intervals com- to believe that larger and deeper to SeaWorld facilities until 1992 when puted from Charlton 2015, Keele 2010, pools were one of the components this milestone was also achieved by a Kennedy 2016). necessary to facilitate normal nursing Canadian aquarium. A year later, the behavior. As a result, the company first nd2 generation calf (on the dam’s built two approximately 5-million side) was born at SeaWorld and con- 12 WAZA 3/16

Figure 2 Killer whales in captivity. Total global killer whale population demonstrating both the relative success of SeaWorld’s program in terms of the proportion of total animals, but also the relative success of SeaWorld’s breeding program.

It is also worth noting that none of While natural reproduction was the 2000, with the calf born in 2001 after the killer whale females collected foundation for the successful develop- a 552 day gestation to the female from the Pacific Northwest ever suc- ment of a breeding population within Kasatka (located at SeaWorld San cessfully raised a calf at any facility in SeaWorld Parks, as early as 1985, Sea- Diego; Robeck et al. 2004). Soon after, the world. The lack of successful re- World husbandry directors realized a second advancement was achieved production by females of this ecotype that artificial insemination (AI) would in AI using cryopreserved semen with is not understood but may be due to improve its ability to manage the the calf born in May 2002. For this and the timing of their collection in rela- captive population’s genetic diversity. all inseminations performed to date, tion to the overall dearth of knowl- Toward this goal, a number of basic females were trained using positive edge concerning care during which research projects were initiated which reinforcement to station poolside and time they attained sexual maturity. included understanding the species’ could swim away at any time during Conversely, males from the Pacific basic reproductive physiology, train- the procedure. Northwest did go on to sire offspring ing of semen collection, developing with females from the North Atlantic, methods for semen cryopreservation, Continued work on developing se- and these ecotype‑crossbred females and establishing ovulation detection men collection training techniques went on to successfully conceive and techniques (For review see Robeck resulted in a repeatable method being rear calves. and O’Brien 2005). Although progress attained by 2005 (Fripp et al. 2005). was rapidly made with regard to un- With the new tools for managing pop- As the SeaWorld killer whale popula- derstanding the reproductive physiol- ulation genetics and social structures tion, and the understanding of their ogy of female killer whales, reliable now developed within SeaWorld parks care and health continued to grow, semen collection methods proved (i.e. animals no longer needed to be the need for more space was con- to be difficult to attain. Early semen moved for breeding purposes), efforts sidered appropriate and a 3rd major collection attempts in the late 80s and were made to partner with other expansion occurred around 1996 early 90s resulted in a few samples facilities for the exchange of semen to (beyond the addition of a new park but nothing consistent, and it created facilitate the preservation of this ge- complete with a 5 million gallon pool erroneous expectations of how future netic diversity and the formation of a in 1988 at SeaWorld San Antonio). attempts should be made. Systematic cooperative sperm cryobank. Partner- These additional pools to the San research allowing the development of ships were formed with Kamogawa Diego and Orlando parks added an effective semen preservation meth- SeaWorld (Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan) extra 1.7 and 1.3 million gallons of ods were ultimately realized in 2000 and Marineland of Antibes (Antibes, total volume, respectively, to bring when the first regular samples were France), at the time, the only aquaria the total volume of both facilities well collected from the male, Tilikum at in the world other than SeaWorld over 6 million gallons. The population SeaWorld Orlando. Through these ef- to have demonstrated successful grew to over 25 animals and a part- forts, we were able to collect sufficient rearing of 2nd generation killer whales. nership was formed with Loro Parque samples to develop short‑term sperm Training of males for semen collection in Spain in 2005. This collaboration (chilled) preservation and long term was already successful at Kamogawa resulted in a new ~6 million gallon (cryopreservation) preservation meth- SeaWorld and the partnership simply facility built to create an additional ods. Together with knowledge gained included sharing of cryopreservation killer whale habitat for the continued from research on female reproduc- techniques and exchange of semen expansion of the population toward tive physiology, the first successful for cryobank storage and AI. Sea- a sustainable size relative to demo- AI (pregnancy which resulted in a World partnered with another aquar- graphics and gene diversity (Figure 2) birth) in any cetacean was in March ium, Mundo Marino located in Argen- WAZA 3/16 13

© SeaWorld of California Kasatka and calf. Literature • Charlton, J., (2015). Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). AZA North Ameri- can Regional Studbook, Bronx Zoo, New York, NY. • Fripp, M., Rokeach, B., Robeck, T. R., and J. K. O’Brien J. (2005). Objective assessment of a training program to facilitate semen collection from killer whales (Orcinus orca). Proc. IMATA 33:41 [abstract]. • Hickie, B. E., Ross, P. S., Macdon- ald, R. W., and J. K. Ford. (2007). Killer whales (Orcinus orca) face protracted health risks associated with lifetime exposure to PCBs. Environ Sci Tech 41, 6613–6619. tina, housing a stranded killer whale Zoological environments provide • Keele, M. (2010) Asian Elephant (Kshamenk) who had been deemed unparalleled access to wild species for (Elephas Maximus) North Ameri- non‑releasable. This male originating robust and longitudinal study. How- can Studbook. Association of from the South Atlantic Ocean, rep- ever, the anti‑zoo movement puts at Zoos and Aquariums/Oregon Zoo, resented a genetic background which great risk to the invaluable scientific Silver Spring, MD/Portland, OR could prove valuable for maintaining programs that focus on establishing • Kennedy, J. (2016). Greater the genetic diversity of captive killer healthy sustainable populations and One‑horned Rhinoceros (Rhi- whales. SeaWorld collaborating with that in turn allow us to understand, noceros unicornis). AZA North the staff of Mundo Marino to facilitate protect, rescue and rehabilitate American Regional Studbook, San best practice training methods for wildlife. For the killer whale, a species Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA. husbandry behaviors including semen that is becoming increasingly threat- • Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., collection. Cryopreservation equip- ened in the wild due to anthropogenic Gearhart, S., Reidarson, T. R., ment and techniques were taught stressors (e.g. Hickie et al. 2007), its McBain, J. F., and S. L. Monfort to the veterinary staff and scientific removal from the zoological environ- (2004). Reproductive physiology collaborations were performed for ment will result in the loss of impor- and development of artificial the improvement of these techniques tant knowledge of their biology. This insemination technology in killer and for an increased understanding includes characterizing the dynamics whales (Orcinus orca). Biology of of male gamete biology and fertility of maternal‑offspring transfer of toxic Reproduction 71: 650–660. (Robeck et al. 2011). Semen imported compounds during gestation and • Robeck, T.R, and J. K. O’Brien from this male resulted in two calves lactation, a study which would help (2005). Development and ap- being born at SeaWorld San Diego provide critical scientific evidence plication of assisted reproductive and San Antonio in 2013. Both of needed by lawmakers for implement- technologies in cetaceans. WAZA these births marked an important ing policy concerning environmental Magazine, Nr 7. pp. 8–10. milestone for the development of pollutants. • Robeck, T. R., Gearhart, S. A., collaborative global gamete shar- Steinman, K. J., Katsumata, E., ing, having to overcome multiple SeaWorld’s experience is a warning Loureiro, J. D., and J. K. O’Brien scientific and permitting obstacles to other zoological facilities whose (2011). In vitro sperm charac- prior to being accomplished, and they research and conservation activities terization and development of a represent the last two AIs performed are also vulnerable to the actions of sperm cryopreservation method at SeaWorld. those groups with an anti‑zoo ideol- using directional solidification ogy. Wildlife conservation work done in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). SeaWorld’s killer whale population by accredited zoos around the world Theriogenology 76:267–279. currently includes six young females. must overcome the negative senti- • Robeck, T. R., Willis, K., Scarpuzzi, While these animals will never have ment expressed by the minority if M. R., and J. K. O’Brien (2015). the experience of bonding to and we are to help save animals and their Comparisons of life‑history pa- raising a calf (above), and will slowly ever diminishing ecosystems. rameters between free‑ranging lose the social structures and popula- and captive killer whale (Orcinus tion diversity that has taken more orca) populations for application than five decades to establish, they toward species management. will continue to receive the very same Journal of Mammalogy 96:1055– high level of care and attention that 1070. DOI:10.1093/jmammal/ they have known their whole lives. gyv113. 14 WAZA 3/16

Lorenzo von Fersen, Dag Encke, Katrin Baumgartner & Helmut Mägdefrau – Nuremberg Zoo, Germany Animal Welfare Indicators Workshop at Nuremberg Zoo

For many years, animal welfare has With this in mind, Nuremberg Zoo Representing the Official Veterinary been defined through the Five Free- initiated consultations with different Agency from Greece, Anastasia doms. Meeting animals’ basic survival stakeholders that resulted in organis- Kommenou highlighted the role needs, for example the absence of ing the first Workshop on Animal Wel- of modern zoos but also the neces- hunger and thirst, and the presence fare Indicators for Aquatic Mammals. sity to search for objective welfare of comfort, health and safety, was This workshop was realised under the indicators. Showing the wide spec- considered an important prerequisite honorary presidency of MEP Pavel trum of animal species, zoos play an to secure the well-being of animals. Poc from the European Parliament important role in increasing public While some of these requirements Intergroup on “Climate Change, Bio- awareness about the conservation like provision of food, water and diversity and Sustainable Develop- of biodiversity. Within this context, health are indispensable prerequi- ment” on 4 May 2016 at Nuremberg animal welfare has experienced sites to secure the life of animals un- Zoo. The workshop was hosted by an incessant evolution since it was der human care, others like comfort the European Association for Aquatic pronounced for the first time many and safety are ambiguous and require Mammals, the European Association decades ago. As Kommenou correctly further research to define optimal of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the Al- pointed out, human feelings about conditions under which animals liance of Marine Mammal Parks and animals under human care encom- should be kept. Aquariums, the Verband der Zoolo- pass views and concepts that range gischen Gärten (VdZ), WAZA and from extreme positions like animal In 2015, WAZA recognised the need Nuremberg Zoo. abuse and cruelty to animal liberation to publish a global strategy as a guide and rights, but also opinions from for zoos to achieve high standards of The workshop included different per- people with convincing arguments animal welfare. With Caring for Wild- spectives and approaches with one that zoos can offer environments that life, the zoo world received a holistic common goal: the establishment of meet the needs of the animals. approach of what animal welfare welfare indicators applicable to one means for zoos. It recognises the key species, the bottlenose dolphin. Due to the fact that animal welfare fact that animal welfare is a multidi- More than 80 people representing cannot be defined as a single and mensional concept that comprises different institutions and organisa- reliable measure, a toolbox contain- different fields like animal behaviour, tions, and diverse opinions regarding ing different measures should be endocrinology, life history, husbandry, the pros and cons of animals under the optimal approach to secure the cognition and evolution. human care, attended the work- needs of each species and each indi- shop. The participating scientists and vidual animal. This toolbox contains In recent years, the European Com- people covered areas like veterinary three types of measures: (1) direct mission has dedicated considerable medicine, behavioural biology, cogni- animal-based measures that reflect financial resources and substantial ef- tive psychology, and zoo and wildlife the animals’ mental and physical forts to support animal welfare. Even biology. state; (2) indirect environment- or if the main focus is directed to farm resource-based measures; and (3) and laboratory animals, zoo animals At the beginning of the workshop, indirect human dimensions of animal have received special attention lately. Pavel Poc and Dag Encke emphasised welfare. However, even if this toolbox Public views and open discussions the need to implement scientific approach sounds logical, there are associated with welfare issues on dol- methodologies to measure animal still many gaps to cover, as the defini- phins, great apes and elephants were welfare. The European Union, as well tion and also the assessment differ certainly a major driving force to as all the organisations that gather from the scientific theory stage to the include zoo animals in their agenda. zoos worldwide, recognise the neces- practical level and implementation. Because animal welfare science has sity of increasing our efforts towards Finally, Kommenou recommended reached a position that enables an an understanding of what animals the development of indicators that objective measure of the welfare of under human care need to ensure are easy to apply as well as inexpen- animals, zoos owe the community a that they experience good welfare. sive and quick to perform. rigorous and detailed strategy to apply new and proven methods to verify good welfare within their animal collections. WAZA 3/16 15

Heather Bacon began her presen- The importance of behavioural stud- Concerning the current environmen- tation with the European Union ies was also the main focus of Norbert tal situation, the concepts of environ- statement in which animals are being Sachser’s presentation. The welfare mental enrichment and social support officially recognised as “sentient of an animal can be assessed by phys- by a bonding partner have proven beings”. Recognising that animals iological and behavioural measures. most successful to improve the ani- are sentient and may suffer confers However, physiological parameters mals’ quality of life. Another impor- an ethical responsibility for us to alone (e.g. plasma concentrations tant method that can be used to see ensure that they experience good of cortisol) can be rather misleading. if the animal really gets what it wants welfare. Furthermore, Bacon focused Hence, a combination of physiologi- is through choice or preference on the fact that animal welfare is a cal and behavioural measures should tests. According to this experimental science; therefore, it is subject to be applied to assess an animal’s wel- procedure, the animal must work (e.g. scientific methodologies and thus can fare state. Concerning principles of by pushing a weighted door) to gain be measured. One major measure is how to achieve good welfare, Sach- access to one resource in preference behaviour, with natural behaviours ser claimed that the relationships to another. This procedure helps to that animals are showing in the wild between (1) evolution and welfare, understand what the animal needs at being the reference of what is normal. (2) life history and welfare, and (3) a fundamental level. Animal behaviour, ecology and physi- the current environment and welfare ology studies have expanded rapidly should be taken into account. Regard- Cognitive processes definitely play and provide an interesting framework ing evolution, it was suggested that an important role in behaviour and on which zoo management should be not copying but orienting towards certainly our effort to understand based. An evidence-based approach the species’ natural life contributes behavioural traits can scarcely be is essential to improve zoo animal greatly to the understanding of what complete without a detailed explora- welfare by benchmarking current is important to achieve good welfare tion of cognition. It is widely accepted welfare states and then promoting under human-made housing condi- that there are important links be- positive welfare in zoo animals. tions. Regarding life history, in group- tween animal cognition and welfare. living vertebrates the requirements Poor welfare can result in anxiety and to achieve good welfare in adulthood chronic stress, which are known to are: the experience of security during affect important aspects of cognition early phases of life and learning of like attention, memory and decision- coping strategies during adolescence. making. For example, starlings housed in cages without any form 16 WAZA 3/16

of enrichment may be more pessimis- prehensive assessment (C-Well) that physiology. This workshop dealt with tic in their interpretation of ambigu- includes 36 welfare measures contain- the challenges we face in developing ous stimuli, as it was demonstrated ing both animal- and resource-based and applying animal welfare indica- by an operant task and also by a more indicators. The C-Well assessment was tors to zoo animal species and clearly naturalistic foraging task. As studies applied to individual dolphins, thus emphasised the need to assess the of animal cognition use the informa- facilitating comparisons between welfare of these animals. It was shown tion-processing approach of cognition, different welfare criteria as well as that animal welfare is a science and it clearly shows that scientists are able among age classes, sexes, groups and enough scientific methods are avail- to investigate cognition in animals as facilities, allowing identification of able to assess welfare objectively diverse as bees, frogs, reptiles, birds best practices and benchmarks as well at the species level. However, the and mammals. It is this approach that as guiding legislation. Despite the fact discussions also revealed that the as- contradicts the view that just mam- that some measures need validation, sessment of animal welfare is a topic mals are capable of higher cognitive the C-Well assessment provides the of great debate due to the complexity processes. The data presented by first practicable framework to evalu- and practical implications of the evalu- Onur Güntürkün in his presentation ate objectively the welfare of dolphins. ation. With the C-Well protocol, the clearly demonstrated that birds with During the workshop, participants first comprehensive assessment for only a small brain without cortex are agreed that the C-Well protocol can be dolphins was proposed as a first step able to produce cognitive perfor- used to assess the welfare of dolphins to evaluate welfare using a protocol mances that are on par with primates and offers a good tool towards estab- based on scientific methodologies. and other mammals. Thus, neural fun- lishing welfare indicators for other daments for solving similar cognitive marine mammals. For the political discussion, the work- problems have evolved multiple times shop showed that science is a neutral and in parallel during evolution. Based In summary, it is a fact that zoos have ground where people with a wide on these findings, it is evident that made great improvements over the range of opinions can learn to discuss animal welfare as a science should last decades concerning exhibit design, peacefully following a common aim – include the study of a wide variety feeding routines, social housing condi- the welfare of animals. of animal classes. tions, mixed-species presentations and environmental enrichment in an As bottlenose dolphins are one key attempt to enhance animal welfare. species regarding their capability to However, the provision of all these …scientific methods adapt to a human-made environment inputs does not automatically imply and because only few animal species good welfare for the animals. In order are available to elicit such diverse opinions about their to control the effectiveness of all these welfare status, one major goal of the changes, animal welfare science is assess welfare workshop was to discuss the pos- needed. It is important to evaluate sibility to develop a scientific-based animal responses by applying welfare objectively… welfare assessment for this species. metrics that include behaviour and Isabella Clegg presented the first com- WAZA 3/16 17

Jim Hekkers – formerly Monterey Bay Aquarium A Remarkable Experience

For the past year, I have been involved ment,” but quickly banished that word Why study remarkable? That’s easy. in a fascinating quest to understand from my vocabulary. In addition to The IMPACTS team believes in and what makes a remarkable experience continuing to consult with the Aquar- cares passionately about the places for visitors to zoos, aquarium, muse- ium on strategic planning, I joined the where people gather together to ums, science centers, and botanic gar- IMPACTS team, and, between the learn about and make sense of their dens. The amazing team I have been two roles, have been as busy as ever. world. We want to make a difference working with at IMPACTS Research When I had announced I would be in reshaping and strengthening these has made some initial observations leaving Monterey, Gerald Dick asked important, vital public spaces. The that I’d like to share. if I would write a story for the WAZA goals of the project are to identify News, reflecting on what I’ve observed the components and attributes of re- First, a little background. Up until July during my career with U.S. aquariums markable visitor experiences (includ- of last year, I was the managing direc- that spanned some 30 years. Not one ing measurable metrics) and then use tor of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. to dwell too long in the past, I declined, this knowledge to help remarkable I left that position so my wife and but said I would like to write about my organizations stay remarkable and to I could move to Denver, Colorado, current project, finding remarkable. help organizations with a passion for where all of our adult children and As it turns out, this project is in many excellence become remarkable. our five grandchildren live. I originally ways my own version of processing thought of this as some sort of “retire- what I’ve learned over these years. Besides myself, the five-member IM- PACTS team working on this project includes Scott Corwon, IMPACTS CEO who has done millions of dollars worth of pro-bono and at-cost work with visitor serving organizations for the past decade; Colleen Dillensch- neider, whose blog Know Your Own Bone, is probably the most-read regular communication about the visitor-serving field; Wayne Buder, who started and ran one of San Francisco’s most creative advertising agencies; and Kathy Sher, senior vice president for external affairs at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Combined, this team has visited hundreds of zoos, aquariums, museums and the like in the U.S. and internationally. For this project, however, we decided to visit a number of zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, and botanic gardens as a team.

As originally envisioned, our project was to have an international scope; however, after we visited 17 institutions in the U.S., we called a timeout to process what we learned and post- poned the international visits. Thus, our data so far is both subjective and U.S. centric. We are now moving to an objective phase gathering market data and querying visitors in depth about how they would define and respond to a remarkable experience. These two exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium have always struck me as “sparks,” in that they are inspiring and beautiful. The late American author Pat Conroy once told me © Ashley Schill that “you can’t stand in front of the Kelp Forest Exhibit and not believe in God.” Kelp Forest Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium. 18 WAZA 3/16

What we’ve observed so far is worth • The remarkable experiences were My own personal point of view sharing, I believe. Specifically, I have some combination of engaging, throughout my Aquarium career has five general observations to share relevant, and inspiring. They elicit been that the experience zoos and about what, at least in our minds, emotional responses ranging from aquariums provide is the heart and made 6 of the 17 places we visited surprise to overwhelming awe and soul of our being. No matter how “remarkable.” wonder about nature and wildlife, much we talk about conservation, un- art, history, and beauty to pro- less our experiences are remarkable, • The remarkable experiences were all found anger and disgust at injustice, we are nothing more than places for at places built on solid conceptual inequality, and threat. They cry out people to go, check off a list, and foundations. They have a strong for engagement with the subject move on. The experience is the plat- commitment to their missions, and matter, with other visitors, with form from which we gain authority that commitment is obvious to staff, or with one’s own brain. They and credibility. visitors in all aspects from on-site shed light on something relevant to experiences to social media and a visitor’s life; they prompt a new Worldwide, I know that zoos and other Internet interactions. They all way of looking at a current event or aquariums have elevated their efforts seem to be thriving and healthy. In issue; they put a historical event in a to do and talk about research and the cases of zoos and aquariums, new perspective; or, they surface an conservation, a movement I applaud. their commitment to animal care entirely new issue or thought. However, our work in the conserva- and conservation were obvious. tion arena will never be as effective • Most significantly, we agreed that and impactful as it could be unless we • The experiences felt authentic and all of these remarkable experiences focus our attention on providing a re- real. This was manifested in how were catalytic, i.e., they were sparks markable experience. It is the experi- these institutions express their that ignite the most important ence that creates the connection and pursuit of a good cause in genuine, engagement outcome of all – mak- bolsters an organization’s reputation. honest ways. ing a connection with visitors that Extensive market research already might be expressed in the form of exists to support the notion that mis- • Remarkable institutions respond joining as a member, taking some sion and experience are inseparable. to or leverage their locations to sort of action, coming back to visit maximum impact. In some cases, again, staying in touch through As I said in the beginning of this the location is part of their story, social media, sharing the experience article, the project on which I am now but in other cases the manifestation with someone else. Sometimes the embarked is as good a way as any to of a sense of place is more about entire experience is catalytic; more sum up what I have learned in my ca- being welcoming, comfortable, often, there are one or more specific reer. I am hoping and confident that and stimulating for visitors. In zoos experiences that create the spark. the quantitative phase of this project and aquariums, that sense of place provides additional insights into the extends to the settings in which the question: What makes for a remark- animals live. able experience? If you are interested, I also will be eager to share those results with you. WAZA 3/16 19

John Nightingale WAZA Interview President & CEO, Vancouver Aquarium, Canada

Dr. Nightingale has a broad professional background in aquatic sciences, special- izing in using them to enhance public awareness, education and promote conservation. During his twenty three years at the Vancouver Aquarium, he has guided the expansion of the Aquarium’s leadership in conservation, education and research while focusing operations on sustainability and solid fiscal performance. As a result, the Vancouver Aquarium is not only perhaps the “greenest” civic institution in Canada, it is the only one that is financially self-sufficient, operating without an annual subsidy from Government. It is recognized internationally as a leader in public engagement, conservation research and for its educational work. Under John’s leadership, the Aquarium has grown to a diversified organization with a $38 million operating budget, 500+ staff, and over 1,300 volunteers. © Vancouver Aquarium

Last year VanAqua came under pres- tainly not true. We also believe we (in or the world’s coral reefs, the status sure for keeping cetaceans. How do Vancouver, and our colleague zoos of ocean fish populations, the status you deal with animal rights activists and aquariums) must do a better job of global freshwater fish populations, and are there new approaches to car- of explaining the critical role see- the status of amphibians and reptiles ing for marine mammals? ing living animals play in engaging globally, climate modelling and pre- These are two different issues, linked, millions of increasingly urbanized dicted coming changes and the state but separate in terms of our actions. people who rarely or never get to see of aquatic pollution and monitoring First – new approaches to caring for “real living animals”. The growing gap will all be covered by experts. Thus – marine mammals. The Vancouver in understanding how nature really all delegates should leave Vancouver Aquarium prides itself on being at works, and thus interest in protect- with a “global”, state-of-the-art the leading edge in terms of invest- ing it, is alarming. In short – we need update on the status of issues impact- ment in the quality of care we provide, more of what we do, not less, and we ing aquatic conservation. The final including innovation in new care prac- are working daily to do a better job of keynote, by Julie Packard (Monterey tices enacted more and more from communicating how important that is. Bay Aquarium) will draw these things the animals’ point of view. Current One result of our focus on expanded together and tie them directly to the and new work underway includes a communications is that while we emerging and changing roles aquari- systematic survey of the global wel- see 1.1 million people on-site at the ums play in engaging nearly 3/4 of a fare-oriented data and information Vancouver Aquarium, we saw over billion people globally each year. literature being conducted by CAZA. 23 million digital visitors with over During 2016, the Vancouver Aquarium Further, the Vancouver Aquarium was 35 million digital impressions last year. is moving from an Aquarium with a the first aquarium certified earlier this That was combined with over 2.2 bil- rich mixture of conservation, research year by the American Humane Asso- lion media impressions across all and education programs – to a larger ciation, a new certification specifically media. This kind of effort takes both conservation focussed organization for animal welfare only (as opposed dedication and resources – and we which owns and operates the Vancou- to some of the more comprehensive believe all institutions need to step up ver Aquarium. The larger organization, accreditations available). Finally, we the breadth and the amount of their to be launched in the fall, includes the more and more think of wellness and communications dramatically. new Coastal Ocean Research Institute wellbeing rather than welfare – the focussed on the coast of western distinctions in terms of the approach VanAqua was unanimously selected Canada, a model which can be repli- to animal care is significant. to host the 2016 International Aquar- cated in other parts of the world. The Second – dealing with animal rights ium Congress (IAC). What are some Institute is focussed on a collaborative and anti-animals in captivity activ- of your expectations for the congress approach resulting in a localized set of ists will never end. The attacks on and the future direction of Vancouver indices on key aquatic issues driving zoos and aquariums they mount are Aquarium? or impacting the overall “state” or increasingly shrill and are more and The program at IAC – Vancouver is a “health” of the environment to provide more self-serving from the activists’ bit of a departure from previous IAC’s. the long-view data needed to under- point of view. We believe most zoos In addition to the multiple sessions on stand trends and cause-and-effect. and aquariums do not do an adequate all aspects of operating an aquarium, A new Aquatic Education Initiative is (never mind good) job of letting their we have taken a new approach to just getting underway – this is a set of visitors and their communities know the keynote addresses. There will programs which will expand formal how much they actually CARE about be 8 keynote addresses – 7 by world education efforts from nearly 100 the animals in their care. Often the experts in what is happening in and thousand students per year, to mil- activists appear in the media to “out to nature. Topics such as sea level rise lions through outreach, collaborations care” our institutions and staff – cer- and ocean acidification, the status with other institutions, curriculum 20 WAZA 3/16

development and new digital channels groups, we have a chance to develop 3 – The bulk of our efforts to fulfil our and portals. Tying all of this together is strategies to deal with these emerg- mission – Effecting the Conservation a commitment to Engage 100 million ing forces before we just become of Aquatic Life, is going to be through people by 2020 in becoming aware of victims of them. expanding engagement with ordi- aquatic and ocean issues, interested nary people. We reason that if more in them, and more active in being part Collectively, the world zoo and and more people know about the of the solution to the growing human aquarium community is taking a aquatic world and the animals living pressures humans are putting on our more active role in conserving and in it, were even interested a little bit, environment. protecting wildlife. Does VanAqua and talked to their families, friends have any projects or programs that and colleagues about it – it would Many new aquariums are cropping focus on conservation? prod governments worldwide into up in Asia. As director of one of the Our entire organization – including action. We have the audiences, and world’s leading aquariums, what are the Vancouver Aquarium as a visitor working with many other aquariums three pieces of advice you would facility, is focussed on conservation. and collaborators, we can have the give to new members in the world We approach conservation through interesting stories. Our commitment aquarium community? three general sets of programs and is to significantly increase public All aquariums –even those operated activities. engagement globally. This will be the purely for-profit, engage people 1 – We maintain a growing set of thrust of our expanded organization in unusual ways by showing and “direct action” conservation programs. for years to come. explaining the animals and their eco- As do many aquariums, we work systems. Focussing on doing more directly to reproduce endangered of that and in more effective ways is species (amphibians, fresh water fish), not only good for the “positioning” or conducting research on them both “brand” of the aquarium, it is great for within the Aquarium and in the field, business because people around the and participating in reintroduction John’s 3 wishes world believe that is what we should programs. We work directly with local, be doing. If each of our aquariums regional and our national government for the Zoo Genie thinks this way – then we all really on a variety of ocean and aquatic are – conservation organizations. policy topics including marine pro- The Zoo Genie is ready Because of the expanded work of tected areas, industrial development to answer 3 wishes. anti-animals in captivity activists, and and reducing the impacts of human Talk to him… some of the same societal changes generated pressures. We founded that brought us Donald Trump and and manage two nation-wide pubic 1. More frequent, more produc- the Brexit vote, public views are activation programs – The Great Ca- tive and broader collaborations changing as to how people view our nadian Shoreline Clean-up and Ocean between aquariums to pursue our institutions and our work. We ignore Wise – a restaurant and market based mutual goals – starting with the paying this close attention and doing sustainable seafood program. These sharing of interesting content and a much better job communicating two programs feature over 4000 food collaboration on animal welfare with our audiences – at our peril. This outlets, over 1500 local clean-ups and issues. is true for all countries – it does not are utilized by over a quarter-million matter if it is Canada, the US, China people across Canada each year. 2. Being effective in having an or Europe, it is just a matter of time 2 – By organizational policy, we focus impact on a public increasingly iso- before the concern about our having our growing research program on lated from nature with less and less animals to care for, and the roles we topics with a significant conserva- real experience with animals. If we utilize them for, spreads and has a tion question at each program’s core. don’t, not only will we not be able larger and larger impact. In addition to the Coastal Ocean to get them interested in our mis- This means we do need to pay much Research Institute embedded within sions, we won’t be able to count on more attention to the wellbeing of the organization, teams from the their support for what we do. the animals in our care. We need to Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science invest in better care programs, and Centre actively conduct research 3. I hope the global IAC – have to look to “growing more” of within the Aquarium, in the Arctic, Vancouver provides the the animals we display – be they and across Canada. That research is rich environment cetaceans, fish or even invertebrates. often conducted on a collaborative for discussion of We don’t have too many more years basis with Universities, government these issues before we will find our access to wild agencies and soon – Oceanografic in that we intend. animals severely curtailed. Valencia Spain. And, as part of our All of these factors mean we must expanded public engagement, we are work more collaboratively together. recruiting more and more people into Each of our institutions are too small several citizen science programs. alone to address these issues. To- gether or working in various smaller WAZA 3/16 21

Pedro Lavia My Career Founder and President of Zoomarine-Portugal Life is what happens when we are busy making other plans

One’s life is full of defining moments… and I had quite a few, over the last 50 years. It should suffice to say that I am Argentinean by birth, Italian by heritage, Brazilian by marriage, and, © Zoomarine since 1988, Portuguese by a most Pedro Lavia receiving the “Portugal’s best entertainment company” fortunate decision. Today, I am happy award (in 2015 and repeated in 2016). to admit that my life has been much more overwhelming that I could ever imagine. And surprisingly, unsuspect- I was hired to create a holding tank During those 12+ years, we worked ing non-humans had a remarkable for some “fish” – and as soon as the in 14 countries and over 80 major cit- impact on too many events and deci- “fish” arrived, I immediately realized ies. We were in remarkable locations sions… that not only those magnificent ani- throughout Argentina, Brasil, Chile, mals were not fish, but also that I was Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Gua- Looking back, it is quite curious to the one being “hooked”. The exhibi- temala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, remember that my life was initially tion included performances by Bonzo, Peru, Dominican Republic, Salvador planned around industry – not around a bottlenose dolphin, and Lorna Mar- and Venezuela. We even witnessed, in zoology. However, today I work with vin, a trainer. And while the crowds situ, a real revolution (we did a perfor- some of most iconic animals alive: were amazed with the acrobatics and mance “protected” by heavily armed marine mammals. intelligence of those “exotic” animals, military…). Those were, indeed, very I was deciding on a whole different different times. But, as we know, life is what happens professional path. when we are busy making other plans… Not surprisingly, in those cities, most And before I was 30, not only had I And what a happy and easy decision of the visitors (tens of thousands already acquired dolphins, but I was that was… In the upcoming years I each week) had never seen marine also changing my life forever. travelled around South and Central mammals; some had not even heard America with a team of amazing about them… Quite a few, however, As very few may remember, I was a professionals who worked with a in ocean-side towns, would use them young entrepreneur and my family, remarkable group of animals.. as food or bait. However, all had one including myself, always envisioned thing in common: becoming almost I would have a career in engineering. We travelled through more than a “childishly happy” and amazed just to According to those expectations, in dozen countries between 1969 and see, up close, those “clever fish “(and the 60s I had already accumulated 1981; we would stay a few weeks the “funny seals” – which, of course, experience in several fields, and in a location and then leave for yet were sea lions). life, back then, in my Buenos Aires, another city. Without traditional zoos seemed challenging and promising. and aquaria, and with local economies However, as one learns to expect very “restrained”, taking our animals while reading great novels, unex- to those cities was, for dozens of mil- pected opportunities and amazing lions of inhabitants, a unique oppor- surprises are lurking everywhere – tunity to become fascinated as I had and one of those arrived in February been in Buenos Aires. And as Baba of 1969, with the first International Dioum told us, “In the end we will con- Maritime Exhibition (Buenos Aires). serve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught”. 22 WAZA 3/16

© Zoomarine © Zoomarine A marine turtle undergoing rehabilitation at Zoomarine’s Pedro Lavia (second from left), with his mother and sister, centre for stranded/confiscated marine specimens. celebrating his first award (1977), in Buenos Aires.

Yes, “one should not judge the past In 1988 it was quite clear that Brazil I humbly believe that my teams and with the eyes of the present” – but was no longer a welcoming place I, in Lisbon, tremendously helped to those were, indeed, very different for entrepreneurs – its economy was speed up the societal changes in Por- times and I am proud to say that, a frightening challenge, inflation was tugal regarding whales and dolphins – aware of those societal limitations, a daily “roller coaster” and safety was specially dolphins… Our contribution we helped, for almost two decades, appalling. It was then that I decided was called “Golfinhos de Miami”. to educate millions of children and to drop the idea of building an ocean- adults about species that were ographic park in Brazil and return to We were located at an undeveloped almost aliens to them [remember, my ancestors’ homeland: Italy. part of the Lisbon Zoo – which was in the 70’s, in the Americas, very quite different, at the time. Its CEO, very few had easy access to televi- Italy, however, was not what I had Felix Pires, was not quite sure if he sion, books, theatrical productions envisioned, and without hesitating, should allow us in. However, he or other cultural events; schools visited Portugal and Spain. A few agreed on a 24 months lease – and where quite different of today’s and weeks later, I was able to move teams we made the most of it! in smaller, inland cities, the concept to both Ibiza (Spain) and Lisbon (Por- of a zoo, an aquarium or even a circus tugal). And an entire chapter in my It was, of course, a tremendous suc- was not as common as they were in life (and those of family and friends) cess – even bigger than I had antici- Europe]. That explains the extraordi- began – it was in the Fall of 1988. pated. The crowds were flocking to nary impact we had, for instance, in the gates as very few people remem- 1974, when we took a live dolphin to The operations in Spain were good – bered having seen in the past. Soon Mexico’s national TV news show, for but did not last long. At the same we were increasing our presentations, a 90 minutes live broadcasting. It was, time, Lisbon became an opportu- staff, programs, communications to for millions of Mexicans, the first nity of a lifetime. Similarly to what the media and partnerships. And we time they saw a live dolphin and real- had happened in South and Central quickly received our second and third ized how unique those mammals are. America, the Portuguese had a “dis- 2-years contract. We lived there until tant” relationship with cetaceans – December of 1994. By then, Sam, the bottlenose dolphin, and almost ignored pinnipeds (albeit was already the star! Sam and I “met” Madeira’s monk seals). The joy of the visitors, the Portuguese in 1970. He had been acquired in Flor- hospitality, the amazing weather and ida and transferred to Argentina. It Being a whaling country, the last the impressive History of Portugal was the beginning of one of the most sperm whales had been legally “joined forces” and in 1989 I decided to remarkable relationships of my life… caught just the previous year, in the transfer to Portugal yet another long- Sam and I shared life, travels, audi- Azores. As such, in those days, dol- time dream: building the oceano- ences, successes and even hardships phins were still being regularly caught, graphic park. And it was while search- for 42 years – and it was much more processed and… eaten. ing for an adequate location that I amazing that I could ever explain. became in love with… the Algarve. Of course, using dolphin’s meat as With Sam, I learned a lot. And with bait for other species was the normal The Algarve is the most south-west- Sam, with his females [quite a few, procedure in so many countries ern region in mainland Europe. It has over the years…] and his many that it didn’t surprise me. However, extraordinary beaches and coastlines, offspring, I was able to initiate one finding dolphins being sold at fish exquisite cuisine and wines, outstand- of the best adventures of all: mov- markets was something that I was ing landscape and… many tourists. ing my family, business and dreams… not expecting to see in Europe – and, There was no doubt: I had found the to Europe. yes!, Portugal was a modern country birthplace for Zoomarine. and already a EU (EEC) member. WAZA 3/16 23

We began construction almost im- Jay Sweeney, Brad Andrews, Bruce Mind you that what is now a common mediately – and 22 months after the Stephens, David Taylor, Andrew practice in many modern zoos was, decision, we opened our gates. It was Greenwood, Sam Ridgway, Jim in the early 80s (in Brazil and almost August 3, 1991 – exactly 25 years ago! McBain, to name just a few, are some elsewhere in the world), a revolution- Our goal: monet oblectando (educate of the extraordinary friends who ary and quite rare husbandry tech- through entertaining). helped us, over the years, to shape nique. However, it was so simple and several pioneering strategies and so effective that, once we tried it, we The Algarve and Zoomarine were techniques in husbandry protocols, never looked back. quite different, at the time. Even I habitat designs, breeding pro- was different… But the dream was grammes, collection plans, et cetera. Nowadays, all our dolphins and the same, and so was the energy… pinnipeds, our raptors, macaws and and Sam (who arrived, from Ibiza, the One of the most remarkable deci- parrots, an even, to some extent, our previous day). sions was an imposition by fate – and, sharks and alligators, are engaged in 30 years later, it is one of the most more than 60 voluntary welfare be- A few months before, however, I had important principles in our zoological haviours which provide our caregivers, established some fundamental part- daily procedures: voluntary hus- educators and researchers, an easy, nerships, of which I am proud. The bandry behaviours. Like many events safe, inexpensive, fast, remarkably first was with Algarve’s University; we in my life, it began out of the need reliable and, above all, ethical way to signed a Memorandum almost a year to fight against all odds. It involved a collect biological samples, perform before opening the Park. I was deter- killer whale, a team desperate to save exams, implement research para- mined that Zoomarine would be not its life and an amazing veterinarian digms and even make our specimens only an amazing place for entertain- specialized in aquatic species, who truly relaxed and safe while engaging ment and dreams, but also an impor- reinforced the idea that zoological in educational/public presentations. tant institution for the (national and procedures are constantly evolving – international) Educational, Scientific and can be much easier if we dare to and Conservation communities. be original and courageous. …are engaged In the meantime, the creation and With the help of Jay Sweeney, we management of a zoological facil- saved the orca and, while doing so, in more than ity which promotes entertaining initiated an all-new world of zoologi- opportunities, scientific projects, cal protocols. Due to the urgent need 60 voluntary educational dynamics and conserva- of teaching a huge dolphin to cooper- tion actions, implies a delicate and ate with its caregivers, we began welfare dynamic balance between very high training all our marine mammals (and standards of animal welfare, econom- soon after, other taxa) to deliberately behaviours… ical fairness and social ethics. And cooperate with us through positive that has been a daily challenge since reinforcement. day one – but also here I had the help of phenomenal people… 24 WAZA 3/16

© Zoomarine © Zoomarine Sam, the dolphin, in 2005, aged 45 (already toothless). Pedro Lavia accepting the highly prestigious IMATA’s Sony Allen lifetime achievement award (the first non-North American to receive such distinction).

If, after so many years in the zoo- Evolution is paramount in the As such, 5 decades later, I know our logical community, I can be proud of biological world – and became an community continues to have a anything, I must admit that our policy urgent priority within our community. tremendous common responsibility… of voluntary welfare behaviours would Indeed, our societies and our facilities We have been able to work together, be it. And Zoomarine was the place have evolved tremendously in the last to grow together and to educate (our- that allowed the “dispersion” of such decades. Our general goals, philoso- selves and the hundreds of millions techniques to many other zoos and phies, priorities and even our policies of visitors who show us their respect countries and made us the recipient of improved tremendously in 50 years… every single year). And because of “almost too many” prestigious awards However, in the past, zoological that, allow me to be humbly proud of (if I may say so myself)… Because facilities were indisputable leaders Zoomarine’s contributions – as I am not only such innovating techniques and opinion makers; but also that has proud to have joined Esteve Tomás allowed us to considerably reinforce changed in recent years. Now, we (Barcelona) and the late Felix Pires the health and welfare of the speci- need to justify and defend ourselves (Lisboa), in 2001, to co-found the Ibe- mens under our care, they helped (almost daily) against those who do rian Association of Zoos and Aquaria. many other facilities to recognize the not (or want) to understand. Similarly, very early on I embraced the advantages of a more proactive ap- EAAM (which I first joined in 1989, in proach to the husbandry of the speci- 50 years is a long time – and I have Tenerife, and of which I was President), mens to whom we decided to devote travelled tremendously during most AMMPA (becoming its 2nd European our daily energy and emotions. part of those; but my professional member), EAZA, IMATA, IAAAM, and travels are no longer through the so many other associations who share It is due to those techniques that my Americas… In recent years, I also so many great values and strive to special partner for 42 years, Sam, was initiated and concluded memorable make our community a productive able to experience such an extraordi- operations in Malta (Mediterraneo common ground for development, nary longevity. Marina Park) and Italy (Rome). But learning and conservation. while experiencing a different life of When we lost Sam, in 2011, he was al- the one I initiated 50 years ago, I do For all of the above and much more, most 51 years old – a very remarkable know that our ethical, moral and because of the smiles I and my teams age for a male of that species. Such societal challenges will continue. induced, and for all the education legacy, which Sam helped to amplify, towards sustainability that is needed, is something that I am certain our Within an evermore digital and global I promise to continue a path that has staff (including those whose life plans world, our facilities, teams, philoso- brought happiness and inspiration for drove them to other countries), will phies and programs, as well as our the natural world. And if that should perpetuate for generations – in a collections, are no longer enough be my legacy, then I had lived a full fundamental urge to evolve! to justify our work and our goals. and worthy life! However, much more than 50 years ago, the urgency to protect biodiversity, to educate towards sustainability and to help the younger generations to find a more ecological and ethical path is absolutely overwhelming. WAZA 3/16 25 Book Reviews

Sergio Rodriguez – Philippe Dubois – Gerald Dick – Mundo Marino Editions Delachaux‑Niestlé WAZA Executive Office

Rescue and Care Une Promesse de Nature, Wild Equids: Ecology, of Pinnipeds at Seashore: du Zoo au Bioparc, Management and A Practical Guide Une Révolution Conservation By Sergio Rodriguez Heredia, By Pierre Gay Edited by Jason I. Ransom Cecilia Karina Alvarez, Éditions Delachaux et Niestlé, and Petra Kaczensky Julio Loureiro and Valeria Ruoppolo Paris 2016, 190pp Johns Hopkins University Press, Fundación Mundo Marino, ISBN 978-2-603-02416-4 Baltimore, 2016, 229pp, 2015, 153pp ISBN 978-1-4214-1909-1 ISBN: 978-987-99991-2-7 Pierre Gay, a passionate self‑taught man, is the director of this atypical Equids and humans share thousands The rehabilitation of marine life is one place with its avant‑garde presenta- of years of common and very special of the possible responses tending to tions of wildlife and its militant com- history. Today, however, 5 out of make up, in some measure, for the mitment. With the help of Frédéric 7 species are assessed as threatened impacts that human progress causes Denhez, he shares with us this genu- with extinction. Only the plains zebra in marine ecosystems. Actions leaned ine promise of nature in a very handy in Southern Africa and the kiang on towards conservation of biodiver- and nicely illustrated book. Pierre the Tibetan plateau are classified sity must be performed by trained Gay’s father came up with the idea as least concern by IUCN. But still professional and staff, following of showing animals in old shelly sand basics of behaviour and ecology of scientific and technical guidelines to quarries in order to escape from a pre- wild species remain unknown. It was ensure the proper management in ordained destiny in pubs and cafés. therefore high time for this compila- each situation. The primary objective Little by little, the zoo of Doué la tion of cutting‑edge science with a of this book, published by Fundación Fontaine expanded, becoming the focus on ecology, management and Mundo Marino (Argentina), consists Bioparc: a place that favours the im- conservation. on transmitting standards procedures mersion of the visitors in naturalized Zoos are known to have housed the and provides basic information to rec- enclosures evoking the original eco- last individuals of the quagga, a sub- ognize the inherent risk involved in systems by mixing different species. species of plains zebra (London zoo getting in contact with wild animals In these naturalized enclosures, the and Amsterdam zoo 1883) and the last stranded at seashore. The description limits can hardly be seen. It is a place Syrian wild ass, a subspecies of Asiatic of the efforts carried out in the course where the animals rediscover their wild ass (Vienna zoo, 1927). Nowa- of rescuing pinnipeds is not meant to natural behaviours. days zoos are partners in reintroduc- encourage anyone without experi- The Bioparc plays a leading role in tion projects, like the Asian wild ass ence to perform them. Quite the endangered species conservation or kulan or Przewalski horse or takhi. opposite, it is meant to create aware- by rehabilitating some animals and The book which is based on presenta- ness of how difficult, complicated releasing them into their countries of tions at the International Wild Equid and dangerous these actions are; as a origin as part of the “Projets Nature” Conference, which was held in Vienna, consequence, how necessary special- (“Nature Projects”) which contribute 2012, provides insight in the equids’ ized professionals in the subject are. to rebuild the links between humans history, deals with the confusion of This book attempts to be a valuable and animals in Niger, Peru, Indonesia terms “wild, feral and domestic” and contribution for those who engage and elsewhere. the management including popula- with this activity and to encourage tion control and lethal culling. A chap- the required training of new special- ter deals with the role of zoos and ists. Rescue and rehabilitation of wild- captive breeding and addresses new life are genuine tools for conservation approaches of managing larger herds and are valuable indicators of the of wild equids by collaborating with marine environmental situation. partners in the private sector. Black and white photos throughout the book, graphs and illustrations make this scientific publication an appealing read and is a must have for everybody interested in and working with wild equids, WAZA is proud to have contributed to the organisation of the conference which has been the basis for this book.

www.press.jhu.edu 26 WAZA 3/16 Book Reviews

Manfred Niekisch – Zoo Frankfurt and 5 black and white photographs No doubt, this new book is updating and 23 distribution maps. It is less and perfectly complementing the Venezuela y Sus Tortugas technical than the first book, still information given in the first book By Pedro Trebbau, & giving scientifically important infor- and can be seen as a “companion Peter C. H. Pritchard mation, and is written for a broader volume” to the English classic. But it Oscar Todtmann editores, audience. All 22 turtle species occur- also stands for its own. For those who Caracas, 2016, 184pp ring in Venezuela are presented. For are not able to read Spanish at all but ISBN 978-980-407-030-3 each species the common, indig- are interested in South American tur- enous and scientific names are given, tles it still may be considered a “must Since its publication in 1984, the furthermore general characteristics, have”. This book has all elements to book “Turtles of Venezuela” by Peter the geographic distribution, habitat, become another “classic” of herpeto- Pritchard and Pedro Trebbau has be- feeding, reproduction, use, and con- logical literature. come the standard reference work for servation status. Tito Barros, Hedelvy these reptiles not only for Venezuela Guada, Omar Hernández and Gilson but far beyond, given that many of Rivas are among the specialists who Available through: the species occurring in that coun- updated the information so that it is Gilson A. Rivas, Museo de Biología, try are also distributed in Colombia, really up to date which can be seen Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, Brazil and other neighboring coun- also from the fact that the bibliogra- Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo. tries. And it has become a “classic” phy contains an impressive amount Venezuela. of herpetological literature because of publications that appeared until [email protected] of its scientific and artistic value (just 2015, bridging the gap of more than Or: Chimaira bookstore, have a look at the wonderful color 30 years between the publication of Heddernheimer Landstr. 20, paintings!). Unfortunately, plans to the two books. Jorge Carrillo‑Briceño 60439 Frankfurt am Main, Germany publish this book also in Spanish were and Marcelo Sanchez‑Villagra con- [email protected] never realized. Now a new book on tributed an appendix entitled “Turtles the same matter just came on the of the past” dealing with the (long www.chimaira.de market, in Spanish. But, and there is extinct) species that inhabited Ven- a big “but”, it is not the translation ezuela in prehistoric times. The pho- of the “Turtles of Venezuela” nor is tographs are not only showing each it something like a second edition. of the species from different perspec- “Venezuela y sus tortugas” (by the tives and in different situations, but same authors in reversed order) is a also the habitats, “interaction” with completely new book. Its format is man, artwork like stamps, turtle soup 23 × 33 cm, it has 184 pages, 129 color labels and tortoiseshell features etc. From left to right: Manfred Niekisch, Esmeralda Mujica, Gerald Dick at ALPZA conference 2016 © WAZA WAZA 3/16 27 Announcements

The Vancouver Aquarium is pleased tion, to register for the conference to announce that registration is now or to make a hotel reservation. open for the International Aquarium We look forward to seeing you at Congress 2016. Hosted in beautiful IAC‑Vancouver. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from September 25–30, decision makers and professionals from the iac2016.venuewest.com International Species global public aquarium community Information System (ISIS) will gather to share and learn. Our Registration: http://iac2016. Becomes Species 360 theme is Aquariums – a Growing venuewest.com/showcontent. Force for Ocean Conservation. Check aspx?MenuID=2142 In the final stage in updating its iden- our website for additional informa- tity, International Species Informa- tion System (ISIS) has unveiled its new brand: Species360: Global information serving conservation. Accord- Michael Despines, ing to the organization, its rebranding was undertaken both to reflect its new CEO at the 42 years of growth and evolution, and in response to the negative associa- Snow Leopard Trust tions with its acronym.

Working with a wide range of “I’m excited to have the opportunity A new website will be launched late international development and aid to combine my passion for wildlife this summer at www.species360.org, organizations, Michael has helped conservation and my experience in the replacing the current one at www.isis. communities around the world world of sustainable community devel- org. Members are encouraged to con- become more sustainable. Starting opment at the Trust”, Michael says. tact their IT departments to update immediately, he will be leading the Michael holds a B.S in Electrical any firewall provisions. Snow Leopard Trust’s international Engineering, a B.A. in General Arts team of scientists, conservationists, and Science, and a Masters in Inter- Since its inception in 1974, the world- and operations professionals in their national Management. He is fluent in wide organization has grown from efforts to partner with local com- French and English and has worked just a handful of institutions to more munities in snow leopard habitat and in or visited over 30 countries. than 1,000 members in 88 countries. protect the endangered cat. It recently welcomed its thousandth member, making its ever‑growing database increasingly valuable for member conservation programs and initiatives. Martha Rojas-Urrego Species360’s Zoological Information appointed Secretary General Management System (ZIMS) soft- ware solution currently includes both Ramsar Convention an inventory/husbandry module, and a medical module. Work is well under- On Wetlands way to develop a studbook management module. The Standing Committee of the Ram- governmental organisations, and non- sar Convention on Wetlands appointed governmental organisations. She joins www.species360.org Martha Rojas-Urrego to become the the Convention from CARE Interna- sixth Secretary General during its 52nd tional where she was Head of Global meeting held in Gland, Switzerland Advocacy responsible for leading and from 13–17 June 2016. Martha Rojas- coordinating CARE’s global policy and Urrego is from Colombia and brings advocacy work. In 2014 she served as to the Convention a wealth of experi- Acting Deputy Secretary General of ence in conservation and sustainable CARE International. Martha Rojas-Ur- development gained over a long and rego succeeds Dr. Christopher Briggs distinguished career in senior levels who was Secretary General from 2013 of national government, international to 2015. 28 WAZA 3/16

Hova Najarian – Oregon Zoo New Elephant Exhibit Lands News

When you look at elephants at the Or- egon Zoo, you’re seeing mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts and grandparents. You can feel the bonds between them. It’s hard not to be moved by these families. And it’s hard to imagine a world without them. Elephants are in trouble in the wild. That’s why inspiring people to © Oregon Zoo take action for their survival is more important than ever. To realize this vi- © Oregon Zoo sion, the Oregon Zoo is working with zoos across the country to maintain a healthy, diverse North American population of Asian elephants. We’re also supporting on‑the‑ground efforts to protect elephants in their native countries from Kenya to Malaysia.

Size

Elephant Lands spans 6 acres, ex- tending around much of the zoo’s eastern side from the central lawn to the veterinary medical center. It is more than four times the size of the zoo’s former elephant habitat, and accounts for nearly one‑tenth of the zoo’s total 64-acre footprint.

Budget Features

The total budget for the project was Engineered to promote animal wel- indoors and out, three to four feet of $57 million, which – in addition to fare and herd socialization, Elephant sand serves to cushion and protect the Elephant Lands itself – also included Lands features large, connecting elephants’ feet while also giving them construction of a service access road, outdoor habitats linked to flexible and a workout. Play structures and hang- rerouting of the zoo train loop and communal indoor spaces. From the ing feeders require elephants to use relocation of the zoo’s Wildlife Live project’s inception, the emphasis has their muscles and brains to reach hid- headquarters. Elephant Lands was been on activity and choice: letting the den treats. Automated feeders, pro- the fourth of eight major projects elephants decide how they will spend grammed to dispense food at random made possible by the communi- their days and nights. Three outdoor times throughout the day, encourage ty‑supported 2008 zoo bond measure habitats provide a rich and diverse roll- natural foraging behaviors. Thanks to the generous support of ing landscape for Portland’s elephant community members, the Oregon family, with sandy hills, deep swim- Animals Zoo Foundation raised $5.35 million ming pools, mud wallows and relaxing to support Elephant Lands and the shady areas. The indoor space – one Portland’s famous Asian elephant zoo’s conservation, education and of the largest in the world – is nearly family includes six members, rang- animal welfare efforts. Gifts from 33,000 square feet, and 43 feet tall at ing from the oldest male on the private donors supported educational its highest point. It is designed to al- continent (Packy) to the rambunc- interpretive, technology and features low access to the outdoor habitats, at tious youngster Lily, who recently to enhance the habitat, as well as on- the animals’ discretion, in all types of turned 3. going efforts to inspire our commu- weather. Throughout Elephant Lands, nity to care about the natural world. WAZA 3/16 29

www.oregonzoo.org/discover/new-zoo/elephant-lands 30 WAZA 3/16

Mark Pilgrim – Chester Zoo New Islands at Chester Zoo Exhibit News

Islands is the largest zoo development ever seen in the UK. It recreates the amazing tropical environments of six South East Asian islands, and makes them yours to explore. It brings to life the experience of the habitats, beauty and culture of these South East Asian islands. On the jour- ney visitors are shown critical issues facing biodiversity in this region and the conservation work that we do to help protect these treasures for the future. The aim is for visitors to feel more like a group of intrepid explorers than a family visiting a zoo.

After many years of planning, working closely with Dan Pearlman Archi- tects, building work started on Islands in August 2013. It was fully complete in February 2016 having taken two and half years and thousands of working hours to create.

Since the inception of Islands, it was decided that the visitor experience was to be as authentic and immersive as possible, and of high quality, allowing our visitors to become conservation scientists for the day. The stories explaining the conservation issues are key to the project along with giving the visitor an opportunity to take action to make a difference. The © Steve Rawlins interpretation throughout Islands Face-to-face with Frankie the Sunda gharial crocodile. has a natural feel to it, it sits in the storyline and is not too obvious and Islands is based on real places – Pa- drones being used to spot orangutan jarring – creating conservation stories nay, Papua, Bali, Sumatra, Sum- nests from the air, climbing gear to that fit seamlessly into the Islands ba and Sulawesi and it includes the hoist hornbill nest boxes high into the experience. Lazy River Boat Trip – giving you a dif- trees, and camera traps silently cap- ferent view of each individual island. turing movement in the forest. They Islands is a substantial addition to the find interesting newspaper articles existing zoo offering an additional Each island features a variety of about logging and palm oil, postcards 60,000 square metres (15 acres). conservation stories told in many dif- from zoo staff, our own work through That’s around the size of seven full ferent ways. Sumatra stories are told Act for Wildlife reports and govern- size football pitches. Islands extends through visual, written and audial ment posters which highlight the key the total zoo site to 125 acres. We interpretation, and through methods issues. They spot hand‑written notes estimate it takes up to an hour and a including scene setting. The visitors from wardens and find tea‑stained half to fully explore it. explore the recreated research camps maps showing sighting locations. deep in the forest, and see evidence Traditional music flows over the radio, of the work going on around them; broken up by announcements of how sustainable palm oil can help local people in the community.

www.chesterzoo.org/islands WAZA 3/16 31

As the zoo continues to evolve, so too In total, Islands includes around 650 At the heart of the Islands project is can the interpretive material that can animals (not including the thousands the large tropical hall called ‘Mon- be seen in Islands. As new projects of fish) and 52,000 plants. The 52,000 soon Forest’ it is the one of the and partners are found, and species plants were introduced over nine showpieces of Islands and home to researched and better understood, months and include 36 different spe- our Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi we can reflect this for visitors by cies of tree. crested macaques and Sunda gharials updating and interpreting this new which look spectacular in their large information in interesting and immer- The main attractions include; Suma- deep pool with underwater viewing. sive ways. It is this adaptability that tran orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Monsoon Forest includes a wide vari- will make Islands unique. Sunda gharial, Banteng, Cassowary, ety of reptiles, amphibians and inver- Visayan warty pigs, Sulawesi crested tebrates. We aimed to select groups While the overall experience and macaques, Anoa, Babirusa, Bali star- of species who would live happily stories of Islands set the scene, the lings, Silvery gibbons and Rhinoceros alongside each other in large mixed animals and their habitats on Islands hornbills. These are supported by a species exhibits representing various are the stars. Following the long tra- whole host of species of birds, rep- types of habitat found on the islands dition of building exhibits at Chester tiles, amphibians, fishes and inverte- of Sumatra and Sulawesi. It was also Zoo, the designs for the animal habi- brates. important to us to ensure that we tats prioritised the animal’s needs. could develop the relevant skills to Species chosen for Islands were those A key concept from the beginning maintain the species within the col- that highlighted conservation issues was authenticity; this meant creat- lection for a long time. So, we had in South East Asia and most are part ing naturally inspired habitats linked to learn as much as we could about of European and or global breeding geographically to the focus Islands of each of the species before they were programmes. They were also chosen the project. selected, prepare suitable accommo- to highlight the wonderful diversity dation for their arrival, and then make and uniqueness of animals from sure we could manage them properly South East Asian Islands including to guarantee we had a sustainable some of the little known gems. population to exhibit – only then did they make it to the displays. 32 WAZA 3/16

The challenges we faced to fill Mon- Perhaps the most important aspect soon Forest with a range of reptiles, of Islands is it legacy. The key con- …Species chosen amphibians and invertebrates has al- cepts and philosophy of Islands not lowed our staff to develop husbandry only moves the way zoos exhibit for Islands skills with little known species. These and breed animals forward, but also skills have not only helped make the how we inspire our visitors to enjoy, were those that displays at Islands unique but can also appreciate and act to safeguard be applied to research and conserva- biodiversity. Financially, Islands highlighted tion projects in the future. Along the allows us to supplement our in‑zoo way we have met field researchers and field programme conservation conservation who have shared their experiences work with an additional half a mil- with the species in the wild and col- lion pounds per year going forward, issues in South leagues at other collections that have and has enabled to us employ the helped us with their care in captivity. Programme Officer of the IUCN, SSC East Asia… Now we have developed a series of Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group. It exhibits that we hope will captivate has also led to us running conserva- all the explorers destined for Mon- tion campaigns focussed on the use soon Forest. of sustainable palm oil and the South East Asian wild bird trade. Ultimately, the success of Islands will be judged by the number of future conservationists and wildlife advocates that it inspires. WAZA 3/16 33

Jim Thomas & Jean Thomas – Tenkile Conservation Alliance, Lumi, Papua New Guinea Tenkile Conservation

WAZA Project 04016 WAZA Alliance Update on

Organisation Profile

The Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA) focuses on the Scott’s tree kangaroo (tenkile) and golden‑mantled tree kangaroo (weimang) as flagship species for achieving broad forest biodiversity conservation outcomes in the Torricelli Mountain Range, Sandaun and East Sepik Provinces, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Our main objective is to establish this mountain range as a legislated conservation area. In order to achieve this goal, © Tenkile Conservation Alliance TCA has been working closely with Golden-mantled tree kangaroo. the 50 villages that own the Torricelli Mountain Range. Organisation Experience Key Projects

An award winning organisation, TCA TCA has been established in Lumi, Protection of the Torricelli Moun- has become internationally recog- Sandaun Province since 2001 and is a tain Range and all of its biodiversity nised by top scientists including registered non‑government organi- Prof. Tim Flannery, Dr Jane Goodall sation in PNG. Our extensive experi- All of TCA’s programmes are en- and Sir David Attenborough. TCA ence, now 15 years, of working in compassed with the protection of prides itself in taking a holistic ap- collaborative partnerships with local the land, holding the two critically proach to achieving conservation stakeholders, international partners endangered tree kangaroos as flag- objectives and strengthening the re- and donor organisations delivering ship species. TCA is now working in lationship with the local stakeholders. a range of projects has meant the partnership with the United Nations Flexibility, determination and passion following outcomes: (1) Protection and PNG Government to officially are key drivers behind our success. of the Torricelli Mountain Range and gazette the Torricelli Mountain all of its biodiversity. (2) Community Range as a protected area. A huge planning, organisation and manage- milestone after so many years of ment training. (3) Community devel- hard work! opment, project design and implementation. (4) Scientific research and Community planning, organisation biodiversity assessment. and management training

TCA has conducted various activities © Tenkile Conservation Alliance in assisting communities to develop Scott’s tree kangaroo. their management skills. These include: conservation area management training; and WATSAN (water and sanitation) leadership and management training. 34 WAZA 3/16

Community development, project Scientific research and biodiversity Staff design and implementation assessment TCA currently has 32 permanent staff. TCA has had an ongoing relationship In order to establish the effectiveness Ex‑patriot managers, Jim and Jean with the 50 local villages within the of TCA’s objectives, we have been Thomas, are responsible for building project area since 2001. This has cre- monitoring the population of tree local capacity among the key local ated a great deal of trust and belief kangaroos found throughout the staff that works directly with villages. in TCA’s goals and objectives. Regular Torricelli Mountain Range since 2003. They include eight teams comprising meetings with village representa- The methodology chosen is known of 16 project officers. Each team is tives have enabled TCA to gain a clear as point transect distance sampling. responsible for five or six villages, de- understanding of stakeholders TCA camera traps serve as a means pending on the geographic location development needs. Thorough moni- of identifying levels of biodiversity and accessibility. Please visit www. toring and evaluation activities have throughout the 14 established re- tenkile.com and view the short video enabled TCA to build a momentum of search sites. Major activities include: about our upcoming documentary project implementation and flexibil- distance sampling data collection and “Into the Jungle”. ity when required. Activities include: analysis since 2003; camera trapping TCA meetings (at the village and at programme established in 2011; sci- the TCA base in Lumi); village patrols entific paper on camera trapping pub- (village visits to collect information lished in 2014; and partnership with directly from the stakeholders); vil- universities established (2013–2015). lage planning (sketch maps, transect walks, timelines); survey collection (questionnaires, most significant change stories); population data collection, demographics and village profiles; established 350 x 1000 gallon Tuffa Tanks and water catchment systems to 50 villages; and rice milling machines being used by villages. www.tenkile.com WAZA 3/16 35

Thomas Ziegler – Cologne Zoo, Germany & Truong Quang Nguyen – Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam The Vietnamese Crocodile Lizard Represents a Separate Taxonomic

WAZA Projects 07011 and 07012 WAZA Unit: Implications for Conservation Update on

Vietnamese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis). © Thomas Ziegler

The crocodile lizard occurs in scat- of so‑far overlooked populations is As ex situ approaches we have built fa- tered freshwater forest habitats in the investigation of environmental cilities for crocodile lizards at the Me southern China and in northern Viet- DNA. Recent population analyses Linh Station for Biodiversity, where nam. As the species was only recently revealed dramatically low population eight additional enclosures could be discovered in Vietnam, we focus on estimates. Due to ongoing massive constructed early this year together the research and conservation of habitat destruction and poaching with Cologne Zoo’s terrarium sec- Vietnamese Shinisaurus crocodilurus for the international pet trade, the tion keeper Anna Rauhaus and the since that time. Mona van Schingen, species is currently on the brink of Me Linh Station team around the a PhD student in our working group, extinction. We thus promoted the head, Phuong Huy Dang. A new panel has studied habitat selection and species’ inclusion in the IUCN Red List system with the comic strip figure use of the Vietnamese subspecies. of Threatened Species as Endangered. “Shini”, created by Cologne Zoo’s ter- In addition, by means of predictions Recently, we have recommended im- rarium keeper Christian Niggemann, through species distribution model- proved in situ conservation measures, informs school classes and visitors at ling, new populations could be identi- such as creation of new reserves and the Me Linh Station about the croco- fied, thus demonstrating the practical linkage of forest corridors, in order to dile lizard conservation project. A new and efficient applicability of this maintain sufficient natural habitat for method. Another approach currently the species. in trial to qualify for the identification 36 WAZA 3/16

environment exhibition, jointly de- few and small populations are known, Because also Vietnamese crocodile veloped with the Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stif- with population estimates being es- lizards have recently appeared in tung Vietnam Office and Cologne pecially low in Vietnam, adequate and the pet trade, the origin of traded/ Zoo’s educationist Ruth Dieckmann, efficient in situ and ex situ conserva- kept species should be tested to build will be opened at the Me Linh Station tion measures are urgently required. up proper breeding groups. Popula- later in 2016. Further, posters have For instance, Cologne Zoo is estab- tions currently can be identified and been developed to inform the general lishing a conservation breeding facil- allocated, respectively, by genetic public, schools and authorities about ity for Vietnamese crocodile lizards screening, and in the future poten- the dramatic situation of the crocodile in Germany. In addition, a general tially also based on the analysis of lizard in Vietnam. conservation breeding programme isotopic signatures. We could recently should be considered, at least for the show that, by applying a forensic Most recent ecological research Vietnamese form, which occurs in approach, isotopic signatures are has revealed different adaptations extremely low numbers. As a baseline suitable to distinguish between between Vietnamese and Chinese for that, our working group cur- wild‑caught and captive bred croco- crocodile lizards. An integrative rently prepares amended husbandry dile lizards, which will be a helpful taxonomical approach, incorporating requirements, since both forms need tool in wildlife conservation to iden- new morphological and molecular different parameters, as was shown tify mislabelled documents/animals datasets, revealed the Vietnamese by recent ecological studies. and thus reduce wildlife crime. populations to represent a taxonomi- cally distinct form, which constitutes a separate conservation unit. As only …to inform the general public, schools and authorities about the dramatic situation of the crocodile lizard in Vietnam.… WAZA 3/16 37

Olivier Nsengimana – Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, Kigali, Rwanda Saving Endangered

WAZA Project 16004 WAZA Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda

© Michael Maguire for RWCA © RWCA Providing a full health check to a captive grey Releasing previously captive grey crowned cranes crowned crane being rehabilitated back to the wild. to the rehabilitation facility at Akagera National Park.

Despite being a small country, Grey crowned cranes are threatened This project provides holistic and so- Rwanda has an incredible variety of by human factors, including habitat cially aware conservation approaches biodiversity; however, it also has a loss and poaching of adults, chicks to combat the illegal trade in grey high human population density and and eggs. This is often driven by con- crowned cranes and to reverse the extreme poverty. This results in re- ditions of poverty, disadvantage and loss of their habitat. By using a mul- sources and land being overstretched lack of conservation awareness as tidisciplinary approach to target the and high competition between peo- well as people and animals compet- problem from all angles, the project ple and wildlife. ing for the same habitat. Despite it ensures that the impact is long term being illegal, grey crowned cranes and sustainable. Activities include The grey crowned crane (Balearica are often kept in captivity by hotels those that protect grey crowned regulorum) is the only species of crane and wealthy families who are una- cranes and their habitat and reduce in Rwanda and is symbolic of wealth ware of the environmental conse- illegal trade, engage and educate and longevity; yet it faces increasing quences of doing so. These animals communities and improve liveli- threats to its habitat and a growing are usually stressed, malnourished, hoods, raise awareness of conserva- illegal trade. In Rwanda, there are have their wings broken to prevent tion issues, build capacity of young only an estimated 300 to 500 grey them from flying, do not breed and conservationists and disseminate crowned cranes left in the wild. The die prematurely. high‑quality research. Designed and overall population has declined by run by Rwandans, who come from up to 79% over the past 45 years and understand local communities and the species is currently listed as and their challenges, this project has Endangered on the IUCN Red List the key support from the Rwandan of Threatened Species. If nothing government and international organi- is done, Rwanda will lose one of its sations. most iconic species. 38 WAZA 3/16

Patrick Paré – Zoo de Granby, Canada Spiny Softshell

WAZA Project 16005 WAZA Turtle Recovery in Quebec

The goal of this long‑term project is to increase the recruitment of spiny softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera) in Lake Champlain, Quebec, Canada and reduce the threats faced by the species. This species is considered threatened at the federal and provincial levels. This is the only population in Quebec, straddling the border with Vermont, and is disjunct from the core range of the species in the USA. The main threats are habitat loss and degradation, flooding, predation, ac- cidental deaths (boating and fishing) and human disturbance.

Quebec’s spiny softshell turtle recovery team, created in 1997 (which Zoo de Granby is a part of since its creation), takes decisions on the ori- entation and planning of the project. Since 2003, we are conducting annual monitoring at one of two known nest- © Zoo de Granby Spiny softshell turtle. ing sites, on the banks of Rivière aux Brochets, a tributary of Lake Cham- the long term (planned until 2020) are turtle. We developed communication plain. It is the only reliable nesting considered to be the main actions to and education tools for four target site known for the species in Quebec. achieve recovery of the species in the audiences: schools, farmers, recrea- Lake Champlain region. In addition, tional boaters and local residents. Until 2009, we studied the hatch- we keep juveniles (two nests per year) Conferences are presented in five ing success and implemented in situ as part of our head‑starting effort. municipalities where the softshell nest protection and translocation (to The plan is to release them 10 months turtle lives and we collaborate with higher grounds, less prone to flood- later, at the beginning of the summer. two schools that receive multiple ing). We found that hatching success visits from a biologist accompanied at this site is around 28% in spite of We have also begun to visit another by a live turtle. In 2016 will happen our efforts (observation of eight to known private nesting site in 2015. It is the first edition of the Turtle Festival 12 nests per season, which is believed located in Chapman Bay, which is part in the municipality of Pike River, an to be close to the total of nests laid of the lake, in opposition to the other initiative from the community itself. at this site). Predation, mainly by site that is on a river. The site was raccoons, and human disturbance explored around 2000 and it has great Through all these actions, we want to are issues; however, flooding of the potential, with many radio‑tracked keep in touch and further our col- nesting sites is more detrimental and females visiting the area. The actual laboration with other individuals or has been linked to very low hatching goal is to obtain more information groups working on the spiny softshell rates. Considering these results, we on its use by spiny softshell turtles, turtle: Upper Thames River Conser- started artificial incubation with two and more broadly on the population vation Authority in Ontario, Echo nests. As our expertise improved, we dynamics in Lake Champlain. This Lake Aquarium and Science Center increased the number of nests: since implies that we will have to study it to in Burlington (Vermont) and the 2009, we collected 51 nests, result- evaluate the natural hatching rate, the specialists at Wildlife Preservation ing in the release of 770 turtles up to frequency of visits, the need for nest Canada. Biologists of the Ministère June 2016. Our artificially incubated monitoring and collection, etc. des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parc nests have a hatching success of 83% Québec, Nature Conservancy Canada (of those that did not hatch, 39% had At another level, we work with the and Organisme de bassin versant some foetal development and the community to improve awareness de Baie‑Missisquoi are long‑time rest were probably infertile). Nest of its environment, local fauna and collaborators and members of the monitoring and artificial incubation in more specifically the spiny softshell recovery team. WAZA 3/16 39 Recent Updates

Rob Bullock – IUCN Marine Red List Officer, The Deep, Hull, UK A Collaborative Future for Conservation

©Coral The reef. Deep Coral reef.

Zoos and aquaria are working harder assessments, funding proposals and than ever to dedicate efforts and publication of data in peer reviewed resources to the survival of wild spe- journals. This is the first position of its cies. However, conservation threats kind to be established and represents continue to escalate and prioritising a new avenue of progress. efforts is an ever‑growing challenge. It is important for the conservation Through this position the Deep aims community as a whole to respond to make significant contributions to to these challenges by developing the IUCN Red List as well as drive new partnerships and new means of public awareness and contribution, focusing and furthering conservation and help to develop further partner- effort. ships with other institutions around the world. Partnerships such as this The International Union for the support an institution in applying its Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Spe- conservation agenda but can also cies Survival Commission (SSC) has, combine expertise and knowledge for some time now, been building to increase access to resources and stronger relationships with Zoos help develop key conservation field and Aquaria. In April 2016, the IUCN projects, whilst strengthening the established a functioning partnership reputation of the institution as a with the Deep aquarium in Hull, Eng- whole. land. The product of this partnership is a full‑time, permanent, in‑house The Zoo and Aquarium community Marine Red List Officer, employed has long been a keystone for suc- by the Deep and working with the cessful conservation of species, at a IUCN. The primary responsibility of global scale, but the opportunities the role is to contribute to a target now being crafted with the IUCN of- of assessing the extinction threat fer new potential for a more inclusive, faced by 20,000 marine species for holistic approach, to the benefit of inclusion on the IUCN Red List by effective conservation. 2020. Having been fully trained by the Release of spiny softshell turtle. IUCN Red List team, the Deep’s Red © Zoo de Granby List Officer will contribute to species 40 WAZA 3/16 Reports of the Sally Binding – EAZA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands WAZA Training EAZA Academy Animal Grant 2015 Welfare Workshops

In October 2015, the EAZA Academy As a result of the WAZA Training The aim of the four‑day workshops was generously awarded the WAZA Grant, two further EAZA Academy was to increase participant under- Training Grant to support the delivery Animal Welfare Workshops have standing and skills regarding the con- of Animal Welfare Workshops within been successfully delivered, hosted cepts, principles and implementation EAZA’s Candidate for Membership by Sarajevo Zoo, Bosnia and Her- of positive animal welfare best‑prac- zoos. The aim of the workshops is zegovina and Brasov Zoo, Romania. tice. This was achieved through the to build capacity in staff to promote Fifty‑two participants attended, delivery of sessions regarding: animal welfare best‑practices. covering a diverse range of disci- plines; all having their own parts to • Animal welfare as a science Thanks to additional support from play in promoting positive animal • The polarity of welfare versus ethics Fondation Segré, which funded an welfare. These included zoo keepers, • Adopting a holistic approach initial series of workshops and is veterinarians, zoo directors, biolo- to positive animal welfare – continuing to support staff costs for gists, zoo educators, university staff behavioural, physiological the EAZA Academy Animal Welfare and students; and zoo inspectors. and emotional Training Officer, the EAZA Academy Twelve institutions were represented, • Choice and control already has a well‑developed Animal primarily zoological institutions from • Identifying and meeting Welfare Workshop curriculum. The Eastern Europe. animals’ motivations WAZA Training Grant is being used to extend the reach of these workshops, specifically amongst EAZA Candidate for Membership zoos that are working with a mentor to improve their standards and gain full membership of EAZA. A brown bear at Sarajevo Zoo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with his new firehose hammock and substrate. The aim was to promote resting and thermal comfort. © Ivan Šarić WAZA 3/16 41

© Dana Canari The Baboon Team at the EAZA Academy Animal Welfare Workshop, hosted by Brasov Zoo, Romania, creating moving platforms. The aim was to promote play behaviours and physical welfare through encouraging balance and coordination.

Activities included taking part in Written and oral translations were a platform for animal management a preference test, experiencing an provided throughout the workshops, education. Participants are addition- enclosure from the perspective of the thereby increasing participant ac- ally provided with a range of translat- animal and ultimately conducting ani- cessibility through removing the ed resources to support them in their mal welfare assessments. Based on language barrier that so often hinders progression, including animal welfare the participants’ assessments, each access to animal welfare resources. assessment forms, enrichment sys- team problem solved to improve 99% of participants evaluated that tem templates and ideas on how they welfare with the workshops culminat- their knowledge and skills relating can incorporate welfare best‑practice ing in a full practical day to create to animal welfare had increased and into their daily management. and implement welfare interventions 100% would recommend the work- based on their assessments. shop to others. Three further workshops, supported by WAZA and hosted by EAZA Can- The workshops were delivered by After the workshops, the EAZA didate for Membership zoos, are cur- EAZA’s Animal Welfare Training Academy continues to support rently being planned for 2017. Officer, Sally Binding, alongside participants in implementing ani- EAZA Academy instructors Job van mal welfare best‑practice. A closed Tol, a zoo keeper from Artis Zoo, Facebook group has been created The Netherlands and Matt O’Leary, and is regularly used by participants a senior zoo keeper from ZSL Whip- to share their ideas and challenges snade Zoo, UK. Both instructors were in a supportive environment, and the supported by their managers, János EAZA Academy open Facebook page Sánthós (Artis Zoo) and Nick Lindsay continues to increase in popularity as (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo), both of whom are members of EAZA’s Technical As- sistance Committee and are mentors for EAZA Candidate for Membership zoos. 42 WAZA 3/16

Roger Sweeney – Virginia Zoo, Norfolk, USA Virginia Zoo Implements Zoo Keeper Training Workshops in the Philippines

During the last week of February The workshops were held in Bacolod The workshops combined a series of 2016, a technical team from Virginia City, Negros Occidental, hosted morning classroom training session Zoo visited the province of Negros by local partners representing the with afternoon practical training Occidental in the Philippines to Philippine Department of Natural sessions held at the wildlife centre implement a five‑day series of zoo Resources, Provincial Government of facilities of the Biodiversity Conserva- keeper training workshops on wildlife Negros Occidental, Negros Forestry tion Centre. Classroom session subject management. These workshops were and Ecological Foundation as well as material included animal restraint and developed to help build the capacity the Philippine Biodiversity Conserva- handling, record keeping, nutrition of animal care professionals and pro- tion Foundation. The western Visayan and food handling, preventive health, vincial veterinarians in the region who region of the Philippines has some of enrichment and training, exhibit de- are involved in caring for some of the the world’s most unique and endan- sign, zoonotic disease, wildlife rescue most endangered wildlife species gered wildlife. Workshop participants and rehabilitation, facility safety and in the world. We received a Training included animal care staff from contingency planning. There was Grant from WAZA in 2015 to help several regional zoos, wildlife care also a facilitator‑led morning session fund the work along with support and rehabilitation centres. In addition, for each participating institution to from the Virginia Zoological Society. several regional veterinary officers develop a needs assessment for their Three staff members from Virginia participated to learn more about how facility and then group discussions on Zoo developed the workshops in col- to deal with wildlife management regional synergy and development laboration with staff from the main issues and care of injured animals that opportunities, as well as a grant plan- Philippine partner organisation, the they might encounter. A number of ning session. Afternoon practical ses- Philippine Biodiversity Conservation important wildlife species are cared sions focused mainly on enrichment, Foundation. The Virginia Zoo team for by participants including the criti- nutrition and food handling, with consisted of myself along with zoo cally endangered endemics, Visayan facilitators also available to work on a veterinarian Dr Amanda Guthrie and warty pig, rufous‑headed hornbill and one‑on‑one basis with participants on zoo keeper Chelsea Hohlweg. Negros bleeding heart dove. Several any subject they would wanted further other important endemic species kept discussion on. The workshops were in regional collections include Philip- successfully completed and we will be pine spotted deer, Visayan hornbill and continuing to work with local partners Philippine hawk eagle; and Vulnera- to follow up of the development plans ble‑listed species including Visayan formulated as well as other conserva- leopard cat and Philippine eagle‑owl. tion projects in the region. Making an enrichment feeder for flying foxes. © Virginia Zoo

Banner produced for the training workshops on wildlife management. WAZA 3/16 43

Matt Hunt – Free the Bears, Phnom Penh, Cambodia & Matt O’Leary – ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, UK Developing Capacity for Improving Animal Welfare Practices in Southeast Asia

Assessment of Free the Bears’ operant conditioning programme at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, Cambodia. © Matt Hunt/Free the Bears

Two days were spent reviewing the existing operant conditioning programmes at the Cambodian Bear Sanctuary within Phnom Tamao Wild- life Rescue Centre, offering advice for individual trainers and a report at the end of the review to help guide the progress of the training programmes. One of the main points highlighted was the need to bring a level of consistency within behaviours being trained and between the trainers themselves. Following on from the review, one day of each workshop at The concept of animal welfare is With support from a WAZA Train- both the Cambodian and Laos sites something of a novelty in Cambodia ing Grant, ZSL have partnered with was spent covering operant condi- and Laos – as two of the poorest Free the Bears to provide a series of tioning. This included reason why countries in the world, government participatory workshops and courses we train animals, the fundamentals priorities are far more focused on im- aimed at developing capacity within of positive reinforcement, exercises proving the well‑being of their human animal care staff at zoos and wild- to sharpen trainers timing of rein- populations rather than their animals. life rescue centres across Southeast forcement and to understand the A lack of intensive farming practices Asia. The first workshops have been importance of clear communication means that overall animal welfare focused on animal welfare, environ- between trainer and animal. There levels are in some ways higher than mental enrichment and operant con- were also demonstrations of both in many more “developed” countries; ditioning, with staff receiving training current training programmes at the however, as source, transit and con- in the following topics: what is animal Cambodian site (bears and elephants) sumer locations for the illegal wildlife welfare; how do zoo visitors affect and instructor‑led demonstrations trade, it is not uncommon for visitors animal welfare; welfare interven- with several species at Phnom Tamao to be confronted with scenes that tions; meeting motivations; welfare and several bears at the Tat Kuang may appear akin to horror movies – assessments; developing enrichment Si Bear Rescue Centre in Laos. These spit‑roasted slow loris, civets caged programmes; safety in enrichment demonstrations showed how training and force‑fed coffee beans and sev- programmes; seeing things through programmes start and the important ered bear paws soaked in local wines your animals’ perspective; and oper- factors that contribute towards suc- on display in glass jars at highway ant conditioning. cessful training programmes. restaurants. 44 WAZA 3/16

As is normal with anything involving Southeast Asia is a global priority wildlife rescue, a strong foundation for biodiversity conservation and of advance planning needed to be yet suffers from a higher density of mixed with a degree of adaptive threatened mammals than anywhere management to take into account else in the world, due to the growing the various skill levels of course demands of a burgeoning population participants, frequent disruptions to seeking traditional medicine, tonics schedules caused by emergency situ- or exotic dishes. Zoos and wildlife ations and cultural/political hurdles. rescue centres in the region have Despite all this, already more than huge potential to shape visitors’ at- 20 animal care staff from Cambodia titudes towards local wildlife, but this and Laos have participated in the can only be done through effective training courses, which have ranged conservation education programmes from two‑day reviews to six‑day coupled with improved animal mixed workshops of both theory and welfare standards. Later in 2016 we practical sessions. One thing that will be complimenting these work- was consistent throughout was the shops with a further series of training participants’ enthusiasm for the train- sessions focused on environmental ing being offered – as many of them educators from across the region. The never had a chance to visit another road ahead is long but by creating a zoo or rescue centre, they were fasci- well‑informed cadre of animal care nated to see how the daily challenges specialists and educators, we can be- they face are shared by others around gin to tap into this potential and drive the world working with species they the changes required to save species © Florin Feneru had never even heard of! from extinction. Maroon-fronted parrot. WAZA 3/16 45

Markus Gusset – WAZA Executive Office Update on International Studbooks

There are currently 130 active international studbooks (ISBs), including 159 species or sub-species (eight ISBs cover more than one taxon). The following events regarding ISBs have occurred since 1 April 2016:

ISBs archived

• None

ISBs established

• None

Transfer of ISBs to new keepers 71st WAZA Annual Conference and Technical Congress 2016 Puebla, Mexico, 9–13 October 2016 • None The conference will take place in the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Transfer of ISBs For registration and accommodation booking please visit to new institutions the WAZA website.

• None The general theme of the conference is Pending issues People and Conservation: • As of 30 June 2016, the maroon‑fronted parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi) ISB is vacant. Zoos and Aquariums as Agents of Change

Sessions include the following topics: • Illegal wildlife trade • The impact of a zoo visit • How to leverage our conservation impact? • Local communities • Projects in Latin America • Trends in zoo design • Animal welfare and animal‑visitor encounters

Keynote speakers include • Rafael Pacchiano Alamán – Secretary of the Environment, Mexico (tbc) • Dolores Barrientos – UNEP, Regional Office for Latin America and the Carribean (tbc) • Cristián Samper – Wildlife Conservation Society, USA: © Florin Feneru Zoos and Aquariums as agents for conservation Maroon-fronted parrot. • Lorenzo Rojas Bracho – Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático (INECC), Mexico City: Vaquita’s double trouble 46 WAZA 3/16

WAZA Executive Office Contacts

• Executive Director: Gerald Dick [email protected]

• Personal Assistant: Cliff Hannan [email protected]

• Communication Executive: Hyatt Antognini Amin [email protected] [email protected]

• Chief Conservation Officer: Markus Gusset [email protected]

© WAZA WAZA executive office team at the newly opened Zoo de la Garenne, Switzerland, from left to right: Gerald Dick, Hyatt Antognini Amin, Cliff Hannan, Markus Gusset. Future New Directors WAZA Membership WAZA as of 31st July 2016 • Joe Couceiro has been appointed Director of Tampa Lowry Park Zoo | Associations 22 Conference USA Institutions 281 Affiliates 16 • Juan Arturo Rivera Rebolledo Corporates 16 Venues has been appointed president of Life and Honorary members 115 AZCARM | Mexico

• 2016: Africam Safari, Puebla, • Damir Skok has been appointed Mexico | 9–13 Oct 2016 Director of Zoological Garden of Zagreb | Croatia • 2017: Barcelona, Spain | 15–19 Oct 2017 • Dina Himawati has been appointed Director of Ragunan Zoo | Indonesia • 2018: Bangkok, Thailand | 21–25 Oct 2018 • Etsuo Narushima has been appointed Director of JAZA | Japan • 2019: Buenos Aires, Argentina | 3–7 Nov 2019 • Chris Dold has been appointed Chief Zoological Officer at SeaWorld • 2020: San Diego, USA Parks & Entertainment | USA (joint meeting with IZE)

• 2021: Berlin, Germany WAZA 3/16 47

Membership Application | Nominated as Institutional Member Cali Zoo: Fundación Zoológico de Cali, Colombia

• Sponsors: Damián Pellandini (Fundacuión Temaikén), Hayes Caldwell (Caldwell Zoo) • Founded: 1971 • Area: 28.3 acres (11.5 ha) • Collection: Mammals: 45 species and 322 specimens Birds: 67 species and 400 specimens Reptiles: 34 species and 139 specimens Zoo entrance area. Amphibians: 16 species and © Gerald Dick 109 specimens Fishes: 67 species and 1104 specimens Invertebrates: 11 species and Blue and yellow macaw. © Gerald Dick 5912 specimens • Staff: 136 permanent, 42 temporary • Visitors: 472,794 paying 68,940 free • Owned by: The institution’s buildings and grounds are owned by municipality, and the operation is performed by Fundación Zoológica de Cali • Director: Maria Clara Dominguez Vernaza • Membership: AZA, ALPZA, ACOPAZOA • Address: Carrera 2 oeste Calle 14 esquina, Barrio Santa Teresita. Cali, Valle del Cauca – Colombia

The construction of the Zoo was an Currently the Foundation Mission is: initiative of the Municipality and “To create networks of knowledge and opened in the early 70s. On Decem- experiences for the conservation”. ber 14, 1979, due to the initiative In the coming years, the excellence of the Cali Zoological Foundation of the Cali Zoological Foundation, (an association of citizens), the City will not be measured by the number Council authorized the mayor to of animals kept in the zoo, and the give the administration of the zoo to beauty of its facilities; not even for a private institution. On April 22th, the number of annual visitors or the 1980 the Cali Zoological Foundation amount of money gathered. It will be was incorporated as a Non‑Profit defined by the impact it will have on Organization and on January 1st, 1983 communities that host wildlife and its the Foundation took over responsi- influence in the environmental issues bility of the entire park by way of an in its area of interest. administration contract. This contract Feeding of Andean tapir. © Gerald Dick has been extended several times and Cali Zoo has a clear path ahead and is still active. has become a model park in Latin America.

www.zoologicodecali.com.co 48 WAZA 3/16 Obituary

Rick Janser – Albuquerque BioPark Zoo Tom Silva, in Memoriam

Many of you knew Tom Silva who served in the zoo world since the 1970’s. I am sad to share with you that Tom passed away on Sunday morning May 1.

Tom was 68 years old and had been fighting cancer for the past year.

Tom, an easy going guy with a great sense of humor grew up in Georgia and never lost that famous southern drawl.

You might be surprised to know that he worked briefly as a bank loan officer immediately after college.

In 1977, he traded in his suit for jeans In 1994, Tom came to the Albuquer- Tom was promoted to general cura- when he was hired as a keeper at the que BioPark Zoo as the curator of tor, then to Assistant Director and Crandon Park Zoo in Key Biscayne mammals. He was instrumental in eventually retired as BioPark Direc- Florida. The facility closed, and all growing the zoos collection and tor in 2008. He was missed dearly by of its animals and many of its staff worked for years to bring Australia the zoo community the next day and moved to the Miami Metro Zoo. Tom to Albuquerque. even more so now that he is gone. went too, and ended up working there for 10 years. In 1987 he was His relationship building efforts with A memorial celebration in Tom’s hired by the San Diego Zoo as an the Australian government lead to honor was held May 14 at the ABQ animal care manager, where his the facility obtaining saltwater crocs, BioPark Zoo. lifelong passion as a world traveler wombats and eventually Tasmanian began by transporting animals to Devils. and from places such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Portugal, Belgium, Singa- pore and beyond. WAZA 3/16 III

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ISSN: 1662-7733