QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF AND AQUARIA

SPRINGZ 2019 oo quariAISSUE 104

LOCAL HEROES HOW CONSERVATIONISTS WORKED WITH A LOCAL COMMUNITY TO SAVE THE ASIAN SNOW

Great rescue HOW THE ORANG-UTAN EEP IS TACKLING POPULATION DECLINE 1 Going Dutch THE NEW EXHIBIT THAT IS HELPING TO PROTECT OUR Give your visitors a digital experience

Add a new dimension to your visitor experience with the Aratag app – for museums, parks and tourist www.aratag.com attractions of all kinds.

Aratag is a fully-integrated information system featuring a CMS and universal app that visitors download to their smart devices.

The app runs automatically when it detects a nearby facility using the Aratag system. With the power of Aratag’s underlying client CMS system, zoos, aquariums, museums and other tourist attractions can craft customized, site-specifi c app content for their visitors. 

Aratag’s CMS software makes it easy for you to create and update customized app content, including menus, text, videos, AR, and active links.

Aratag gives you the power to intelligently monitor visitors, including demographics and visitor fl ows, visit durations, preferred attractions, and more.

You can also send push messages through the app, giving your visitors valuable information such as feeding times, closing time notices, transport information, fi re alarms, evacuation routes, lost and found, etc.

Contact Pangea Rocks for an on-site demonstration of how Aratag gives you the power to deliver enhanced visitor experiences.

Contact us for more information: Address: Aratag is designed and Email: [email protected] Aratag / Pangea Rocks A/S developed by Pangea Rocks A/S Phone: +45 60 94 34 32 Navervej 13 in collaboration with Aalborg Mobile : +45 53 80 34 32 6800 Varde, Denmark University. Give your visitors a digital experience Contents Zooquaria Spring 2019

6 14 22 Add a new dimension to your visitor experience with the Aratag app – for museums, parks and tourist www.aratag.com attractions of all kinds.

Aratag is a fully-integrated information system featuring a CMS and universal app that visitors download to their smart devices.

The app runs automatically when it detects a nearby DĚČÍN HOUŠKOVÁ, ALENA facility using the Aratag system. With the power of Aratag’s underlying client CMS system, zoos, 4 From the Director’s chair 18 Population paradox aquariums, museums and other tourist attractions Why this is the perfect time for Members to get Follow the Orang-utan EEP as it tackles the involved in shaping our future strategy challenges facing this iconic and endangered ape can craft customized, site-specifi c app content for their visitors. 5 Noticeboard 20 Power to the people The latest news from the EAZA community How EAZA Members are engaging visitors in the fight for survival  6 Births & hatchings New arrivals in the and Singapore 22 From adversaries to advocates Working with local communities to save the elusive Aratag’s CMS software makes it 8 Testing times and endangered snow leopard easy for you to create and update Putting accreditation to the test customized app content, including 24 Going Dutch for local species menus, text, videos, AR, and active 10 Reading the signs An exceptional new exhibit at GaiaZoo is a key links. How Twycross Zoo set out to audit its ’ factor in the conservation of local species welfare Aratag gives you the power 26 Biodiversity begins at home to intelligently monitor visitors, 11 New directions New exhibits at Zoo Wrocław explain the urgent including demographics and visitor Celebrating 50 years of France’s zoo and aquarium need to protect biodiversity fl ows, visit durations, preferred association attractions, and more. 28 Let the songbirds keep singing 12 Training the keepers The latest strategies in the campaign to save Asia’s You can also send push messages Behind the scenes of the European Professional threatened songbirds through the app, giving your visitors Zookeeper Qualification Framework valuable information such as feeding 29 Getting the message across times, closing time notices, transport 14 , cattle and conservation A new initiative is setting out to prove the value of An interview with the Cattle & Camelid TAG chair zoo-based research information, fi re alarms, evacuation routes, lost and found, etc. 16 How to save the rhino 30 Concrete solutions A new TAG hopes to improve the species’ Creating realistic habitats… out of concrete prospects

Zooquaria

Contact Pangea Rocks for EDITORIAL BOARD: EAZA Executive Office, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The . an on-site demonstration Executive Director Myfanwy Griffith ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] ISSN 2210-3392 . Cover image: © Greg Townsend CC of how Aratag gives you the Managing Editor David Williams-Mitchell ([email protected]) For information on print subscriptions to Zooquaria visit: power to deliver enhanced Editor Joanna Swinnerton http://www.eaza.net/about-us/communications visitor experiences. Editorial Staff Katharina Herrmann, William van Lint The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of EAZA. Designer Louise Tait The paper used for printing is FSC quality (sustainable). Organic inks are used. Zooquaria is the quarterly magazine of the Plates for printing are free of chemicals. All waste is disposed of in an environmentally European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). friendly manner. Printed by Euro Mail BV. Contact us for more information: Address: Aratag is designed and 3 Email: [email protected] Aratag / Pangea Rocks A/S developed by Pangea Rocks A/S Phone: +45 60 94 34 32 Navervej 13 in collaboration with Aalborg Mobile : +45 53 80 34 32 6800 Varde, Denmark University. FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

I am sure I am not alone in thinking that each year seems membership over the next few months about what our goals to go past faster than the previous one. Already I am and aspirations for the future should be. wondering where the first few months of 2019 went. It is in EAZA is not alone in the timing of its strategic period. these moments that I try to pause and remember that time Many other regional and global biodiversity strategies seems to speed by because of the amazing amount of work also come to a review point in 2020. The Convention on that is being carried out. This issue of Zooquaria provides Biological Diversity (CBD) has already initiated processes you with a flavour of the diverse work that EAZA Members to facilitate the development of a post-2020 strategy. The and our partners are involved in; from conservation, mid-term review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy indicates welfare and accreditation to population management that the overall targets to be achieved by 2020 will not be activities and more! So please do take the time to met, and thus a revised and stronger plan for post-2020 is pause, read and feel proud of the activities in which our needed. The process of identifying the IUCN Quadrennium community is taking the lead. Goals for 2021-2024 will start this year. We all know The first few months of the year have also taken on a that the current biodiversity crisis cannot be faced by distinctly political flavour. To name but a few, there are organisations acting on their own. Only by working together the discussions by the Municipal Council of Barcelona on and aligning our actions can we achieve all that is needed to the future of the zoo, the ongoing Brexit saga and, indeed, safeguard wild animals and places. It will therefore be vital our own EAZA Council Elections. All of these have the to connect our expertise and resources to the strategic aims potential to impact on our Association and Members in of our partners, and to ensure that their goals are strongly one way or another. The good news is that, in my humble represented in our own. As part of the process of creating opinion, EAZA is in its best position ever to address the our EAZA Strategy 2021-2025, I encourage everyone to get challenges and opportunities presented. Please see the items involved and to consider where they see EAZA in the future in this and future issues of Zooquaria for more detailed and how they can be a part of it. information. I know that I often use the opportunity that this article provides me to highlight our work in relation to the current EAZA Strategy. I am a firm believer in the positive power that a collective, integrated, ambitious strategy can have on the success of any organisation. For me this is even more important in an association such as EAZA with our diverse Myfanwy Griffith members and cultures. If we are truly to achieve our full Executive Director, EAZA potential as a progressive zoo and aquarium community, we need every Member to become involved in shaping and being part of our future strategic vision. Also, as we enter the third year of our current Strategy, it is time to look ahead to the EAZA Strategy 2021-2025. We have, and indeed still are, achieving so much, so the big question is – where do we want to go next? We have already started this consultation process with our Committees, and will be gaining more input from Directors and the whole EAZA

4 NOTICEBOARD

EAZA LENDS ITS SUPPORT Members of the Association. The (Boissière du Doré) explained: TO BARCELONA ZOO guidance looks at the possible ‘Our full commitment to conservation EAZA has issued an open letter to the scenarios (at the time of writing, the is something that our zoos shouldn't municipal council of Barcelona, asking outcome of the deliberations is still be hiding behind the scenes. We need them to reject a proposal made by unclear) and their ramifications for to bring it right to the foreground, rights activists which will be animal transport, animal health and especially here in Brussels – and this put to a vote at the end of April. The zoo operations. was also a major goal of the study proposal has been opposed not only In view of the possibility that the visit.’ by EAZA, but also by WAZA, IUCN SSC, UK may leave the EU without a IUCN Spain, the International withdrawal agreement, EAZA is also CONFERENCES UPDATE Association of Amusement Parks and preparing to lobby to minimise any The 10th European Zoo Nutrition Attractions (IAAPA), VdZ, AFdPZ and negative impacts on cooperation Conference, organised by the EAZA more, illustrating the depth of between Members across the new Nutrition Group (ENG), took place in opposition to the proposal from UK/EU border. mid-January, hosted by Marwell reputable global, regional and For further information as the Wildlife at the Marwell Hotel near national authorities. situation develops, please contact Southampton, UK. The meeting ran The letter is available in the ‘Latest Tomasz Rusek (Tomasz.Rusek@eaza. over three days from 18–20 January News’ section of the EAZA website, net) or Allan Muir (Allan.Muir@eaza. and was preceded by an EAZA and we would encourage all interested net) at the EAZA office in Brussels. Academy-recognised course in zoo parties to read it closely and support animal nutrition. the campaign to help the zoo carry EAZA STUDY VISIT EXAMINES The conference covered a great out a more scientifically based renewal THE WORKINGS OF THE EU deal of ground, including the over the coming years. How does the EU work? How are importance of Vitamin D, as presented powers shared between Brussels and by keynote speaker Dr Susan Lanham EAZA ELECTION MANIFESTO the Member States? Which EU laws New of the University of Surrey, UK, EAZA has produced a manifesto for affect zoos and aquariums and who and also featured presentations by the European Parliamentary Elections creates them? What information do well-known members of the zoo taking place in May. The manifesto policymakers expect from our nutrition community, including calls for candidates to commit to community? These questions were former Chair of the ENG Dr Andrea making the protection of European addressed in Brussels on 20–21 Fidgett. The conference was a and global biodiversity a political November 2018 during the third significant success, with delegates priority; to make the EU the global annual EAZA Study Visit, hosted by travelling from as far afield as standard-setter for zoo and aquarium the EU policy team of EAZA Executive Singapore and . legislation; and to safeguard the Office. The EAZA Educators Conference health and welfare of animals in This event brought together (EEC, formerly the European Zoo human care and in the wild. directors, National Associations and Educators Conference EZE) was held By proposing to work with zoo professionals from across EAZA; at Skansen, Sweden in March. An candidates on these issues as a participants included Sébastien EAZA Academy course on embedding partner, EAZA is reflecting the needs Laurent (Boissière du Doré), Jimmy social research into daily education of wild animals in its care and beyond Ebel (Maubeuge), Pierre Caillé (La practice was also held on the first day, and offering its assistance in the Palmyre), Jackie Ossowski-Mackie 25 March. The keynote speech was education and engagement of (ZSL London), Cécile Erny (AFdPZ) and given by Diogo Verissimo of Oxford communities across the Union. Kirsten Pullen and Cerian Tatchley University, along with talks by Emma To date, several MEPs have signed (BIAZA). Nohrén, outgoing Vice President of up to the manifesto, including The two days included meetings at Swedish Association SAZA, and a long-time supporter of zoos MEP Pavel the European Commission, European Green Party MP in Sweden. Topics Poc from the Czech Republic (also Parliament and national embassies as covered included ‘whole zoo’ Chair of the Intergroup on well as talks with other conservation conservation education, an update on Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable organisations. The focus was on the EAZA Conservation Campaigns, and Development) and MEP Sirpa EU Zoos Directive, CITES, funding for sustainability in zoo education. A new Pietikäinen from Finland, Chair of the biodiversity, veterinary legislation, EU topic being presented was the effect Intergroup on the Welfare and elections in 2019 and, inevitably, on health and wellbeing for visitors Conservation of Animals. You can find Brexit. based on visits to zoos and nature the manifesto on the EAZA website. Besides learning about the EU and sites – known in Swedish as grön building networks, the participants omsorg (green care). PREPARING FOR BREXIT promoted the role of the EAZA A full rundown of both conferences EAZA’s EU Policy Team in Brussels has community in the conservation of will be included in the next issue of produced a fact sheet on Brexit for biodiversity. As Sébastien Laurent Zooquaria. 5 BIRTHS & HATCHINGS

NEW ARRIVALS

A MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR VISAYAN SPOTTED AT DĚČÍN ZOO

THE VISAYAN SPOTTED DEER ( Czech Republic dates back to 2002. alfredi) is the largest land animal in the The first established breeding group the family arrived on 24 December . In the 1980s it was nearly consisted of two females from Parc 2018. Despite many previous successful extinct, but now there is a relatively Zoologique et Botanique Mulhouse breedings, the female licked this young stable population in zoological facilities (France) and one male from Tierpark intensively, which resulted in the worldwide – not least thanks to the Chemnitz (). Děčín Zoo appearance of bare spots on its body. breeding efforts of EAZA Members. welcomed the first offspring in the next Zoo staff are currently collecting Visayan spotted deer are categorised year, but sadly it could not be raised information on the proper treatment by the IUCN as Endangered. successfully. However in the following for this problem. Thanks to its The history of population years Děčín Zoo managed to raise 13 genetically valuable parents, the male management of Visayan spotted deer young of this beautiful and rare species offspring is very highly valued within at EAZA Member Děčín Zoo in the of deer. The latest addition to the EEP. 6 DĚČÍN HOUŠKOVÁ_ZOO ALENA NEW ARRIVALS

EDUARD STUCHLÍK EDUARD FOUR-EYED FISH BORN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

THE FOUR-EYED FISH (Anableps capable of bending his mating organ, Unlike adults, newly born four-eyes do anableps) is a species living in the gonopodium, to one side only and not swim at the surface, but stay at the brackish waters of Central and South similarly each female can accept bottom of the tank. To prevent injuries America, write Dušan Šudák and Petr gonopodium only from a ‘compatible’ and to enable keepers to oversee their Šrámek. It is morphologically adapted to side. This means that right-sided males feeding and growth, the fry were caught live at the water’s surface, where it can mate only with left-sided females and and placed in a different tank. All except searches for food. The most striking vice versa. has only one male, one, that is; a young male decided to stay adaptation, which its common name which, thanks to this peculiarity, is able to in the aquarium with the adults, despite refers to, are horizontally split eyes mate with only half of the females. numerous attempts by the zookeepers to enabling the fish to see clearly above and The first little four-eyed fish was born in catch it. The young male, as it turned out, below water at the same time. Brno Zoo in April 2018, followed by five is not growing as fast as its carefully Brno Zoo has held this species since the more births, giving a total of 18 supervised siblings in the ‘fish nursery’, summer of 2017, when a school of individuals over the rest of the year. The but otherwise it is doing very well and, juvenile fish came from Stuttgart Zoo. number of fry in one litter ranged from thanks to its decision to stay on display, it Four-eyed fish are viviparous. One one to nine, yet the only viable fish were can be also admired by the visitors to interesting feature is that each male is from the smaller litters. Brno Zoo. SANTA CRUZ GROUND-DOVE CHICKS ARRIVE AT JURONG BIRD PARK, SINGAPORE

THE GENUS ALOPECOENAS includes 10 species of cryptic ground-dove from the Pacific region, writes Dr Luis Carlos Neves, Director of Wildlife Reserves, Singapore. All the species are relatively poorly known, and only two species are established in the zoo community – the non-threatened white-breasted ground-dove (Alopecoenas jobiensis) and the near-threatened white-throated ground-dove (Alopecoenas xanthonurus), which are managed within AZA as part of a safety-net population. In November 2017, Birdlife International alerted the international zoo community to a seizure of 112 Santa Cruz ground-doves from poachers by OceansWatch, an NGO based in the Solomon Islands. Trade, then, was not a recognised threat to this species, which was endemic to the Solomon Islands and listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List; instead the key threats were thought to be habitat loss and invasive species. species and as a safety-net meta-population. Under the EAZA Pigeon and Dove TAG, a task force – A few months post-arrival, on 31 December 2018, we comprising members of EAZA, AZA (Toledo Zoo) and relevant welcomed the first chick, and more soon followed. Aside from experts – was created to safeguard the welfare and survival of increasing the population under human care, keeping and the confiscated birds, and to look into how best to help the breeding these birds has provided valuable information on their species to thrive. One of the immediate decisions made was to breeding biology, which was largely unknown until now. create an assurance colony, and in August 2018, 35 males and Although the future looks less dim for the species now, there 25 female Santa Cruz ground-doves were transferred to Jurong is much work ahead. While we continue to focus on increasing Bird Park, Singapore. These birds are to serve as a breeding flock the ex situ population, in situ assessment of the population and whose offspring will eventually repopulate the Solomon Islands habitat is needed, and perhaps additional colonies may need to and, in addition, serve as conservation ambassadors for their be created in the interim. WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE RESERVES WILDLIFE 7 ACCREDITATION Testing times FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED WHEN EAZA’S ACCREDITATION PROCESS WAS PUT TO THE TEST

April Adams, EAZA Accreditation Manager, EAZA Executive Office, The Netherlands

Accreditation of our Members is a strategically important task for EAZA; it strengthens our community by ensuring that all EAZA Members are working in a professional manner and are using best practices. This is not only to protect the animals that are transferred between Members as part of a population management programme, but also to ensure that all Members can confidently work together on cooperative conservation projects, collaborative research and shared educational activities, knowing that their EAZA partners are using the most up-to-date standards and protocols. The strength of EAZA is in its data-based approach to conservation population management. But what happens when we turn that sharp lens on a more subjective activity: accreditation screenings? "There is a statistical significance between In 2018, EAZA asked Kimberly Sengenberger and Merlot Stolk, senior the number of concerns listed for new students from Van Hall-Larenstein University in the Netherlands, to Members than for existing Members" assess the accreditation programme during the years 2012–2017, to answered with a yes or no and then, This is to be expected, as existing determine whether the screenings were if needed, qualified asacceptable, EAZA Members have access to certain consistent across regions and between questionable or unacceptable. Any no resources (EAZA Member area, existing and new Member applicants. responses are then pulled out of the EEO support, training, husbandry Their findings were collated in report and highlighted in the final guidelines) and the community a report, Consistency of EAZA’s conclusions and qualified asmajor or (conferences, meetings, newsletters) accreditation procedure: an analysis minor concerns or recommendations. whereas new applicants do not. of EAZA’s membership accreditation Major concerns are issues that are, in Additionally, as this was often the first procedure, and those findings are general, hurdles to EAZA membership time a new applicant had experienced summarised here. and accreditation, while minor an inspection by their peers beyond The students were given access to concerns are issues that must be their zoo licence inspections, there the major and minor concerns listed addressed, but may not prevent EAZA was more opportunity for growth in screening reports from 2012–2017 accreditation. Recommendations are and advice. These differences were of both new applicants and existing simply advice from the screeners to the most stark in the governance and Members, and analysed the ratio of institution. management of the institution, animal major and minor concerns across The data showed that there is a care and welfare, safety, security and the types of screening (applicant vs statistical significance between the education. The number of concerns Member) and three ‘basket’ regions*. number of concerns listed for new across other topics were of a much In the Screening Team Members and existing Members. The smaller difference or equal across Questionnaire (STQ), the facilities typical existing Member received an existing Members or new applicants. are assessed by simple questions that average of 2.36 major concerns, while While EAZA standards are, of align with EAZA standards, guidelines new applicants received an average of course, biased toward EAZA Members, 8 and responsibilities. Questions are 4.87 major concerns per institution. this result nevertheless indicates EAZA that being an EAZA Member and This indicates that accreditation area of safety and security. Thus, while participating in the community raises is being applied equally across all there is a potential for exploring how the facility standards to EAZA’s level. regions, at least in the concerns that EAZA can support the Members Another important question was may prevent EAZA membership. in these regions and finding more whether the screenings are treating There was a difference, however, in culturally fair ways to interpret the different countries and regions equally, the areas of animal care and safety and standards or provide training around accounting for cultural and norm security, with region 2 receiving these topics, the difference of only differences. The analysis showed that 1 fewer minor concerns on average 1 to .5 fewer concerns in regions across the three ‘basket’ regions, each than region 1 and 3 in the area of indicates that EAZA screeners are ‘received on average the same number animal care, and region 2 receiving acting in a culturally fair manner of major concerns across all criteria’. .5 fewer than region 1 and 3 in the across the basket regions. Another interesting result was found in differences in the number of concerns that resulted after a change to the Screening Team Questionnaire. The analysis showed that there was not a significant difference, indicating that the new Questionnaire is not significantly more ‘difficult’. The use of this data points to a healthy and fair accreditation programme, consistently applied across regions and status of Members. This is encouraging to the Membership and Ethics Committee as the EAZA Accreditation Programme moves into the final years of its first cycle, which is on track to have 100 per cent of Members screened by 2022. If you would like more information about the EAZA Accreditation Programme, please contact [email protected].

*The EAZA Member countries are divided into three Basket Regions. Basket Region I: Germany, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine. Basket Region II: United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Basket Region III: France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. 9 ANIMAL WELFARE Reading the signs HOW TWYCROSS ZOO USED QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT TO FILL A CRUCIAL GAP IN THEIR WELFARE AUDIT

Freisha Patel, Research and Conservation Administrator, Twycross Zoo, UK

At Twycross Zoo, our Life Sciences team uses a comprehensive welfare audit to review animal welfare, focusing on environmental, health, population management and behavioural measures. One gap within the audit was the inclusion of animal-centred wellbeing assessments, and Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) was proposed as a suitable tool for this task. Animal keepers and the research team at Twycross Zoo have been working on the QBA project, along with Professor Françoise Wemelsfelder at ’s Rural College, to develop this tool for use within a zoo environment. Qualitative Behaviour Assessment based on their collective knowledge is already underway in 2019. Once (QBA) is an integrated approach to of and experience with each species. validated, the QBA can be used as a welfare assessment, which incorporates Following initial paper-based trials, regular welfare assessment tool and subtle details of movement, posture where good inter-rater reliability was will hopefully facilitate evidence- and aspects of the context in which observed, the keepers are now using based decision-making in all areas of a behaviour occurs by not specifically a web-based application on tablets to husbandry and enclosure design. looking at what an animal does, but complete the animal observations. Vicky Kirkman, Senior Ape Keeper how it does what it does. This approach The added advantages of using the at Twycross is one staff member requires observers to view ‘animals as web-based application include the fact to praise the system: ‘The online a whole’ and score individuals on a that keepers spend less time uploading application is easy to use, and I can scale, using descriptive terms such as data from paper-based scoring, the quickly do the QBA assessment during ‘calm’, ‘anxious’, ‘confident’ or ‘timid’ time and date of each observation is my daily routine to assess the animals to explain their expressive qualities. recorded automatically, comments can at a given time. Since being involved The QBA method has been used and be made to attach to each observation, in this project from the beginning, I’m validated as an agricultural animal and automated analysis of the scores excited with how much the project has welfare tool through correlation on separate terms generates plots that progressed and the potential beneficial with quantitative behavioural and show the animals ‘disposition’ at a outcomes this tool will have for the physiological measures; however, specific time and can be compared to daily management of our animals.’ little attention has been given to the previous observations. The latter point potential use of QBA in a zoological allows real-time discussions around USEFUL REFERENCES setting. Once the QBA tool is validated the animals’ wellbeing and the data Wemelsfelder, F. (2007). How animals for use with zoo species within the zoo can also be exported for long-term communicate quality of life: the qualitative setting, it may support the keepers in review and discussions to monitor the assessment of behaviour. Animal Welfare their responsibilities for their animal’s impact of changes to the enclosure and Potters Bar Then Wheathampstead, 16, 25. welfare and aid in evidence-based enrichment provision. Rutherford, K.M., Donald, R.D., Lawrence, decision-making (in combination with Using the web-based application A.B. and Wemelsfelder, F. (2012). Qualitative other indicators). to score observations has been very Behavioural Assessment of emotionality in The project at Twycross Zoo started well received by the keepers, enabling . Applied animal behaviour science, 139 with the team developing a fixed assessments to be made without taking (3-4), pp. 218-224. list of qualitative expressive terms further time away from other duties. Minero, M., Dalla Costa, E., Dai, F., Murray, for each of three species: Humboldt The next stage for this project is to L.A.M., Canali, E. and Wemelsfelder, F. (2016). penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), validate the QBA method for use in Use of Qualitative Behaviour Assessment as siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) these species, through correlation with an indicator of welfare in donkeys. Applied

10 ZOO TWYCROSS and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) additional parameters. Such work Animal Behaviour Science, 174, pp.147-153. ZOO ASSOCIATIONS New directions AS AFDPZ REACHES ITS HALF-CENTURY, ITS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE INCLUDE ACTIVE PROMOTION OF THE ROLE OF ZOOS IN CONSERVATION

Cecile Erny, AFdPZ Director, Zooparc de Beauval, France and David Williams-Mitchell, EAZA Director of Communications

L’Association Française des Parcs their status as either private or public Zoologiques (AFdPZ) is the AFDPZ AT A GLANCE zoos. representative body of zoos and President: Rodolphe Delord In 2018, these were as follows: aquariums in metropolitan France and Director: Cécile Erny • Gold, Private: ZooParc de Beauval the overseas territories of the Republic. [email protected] • Gold, Public: Zoo de Maubeuge Set up in 1969, the Association Tel : +33 (0) 6.26.05.65.39 • Silver, Private: Zoo de la Palmyre celebrated its half-century during the • Silver, Public: Zoo d’Amiens recent AGM held at Amiens Zoo in communications, including media • Bronze, Private: Zoo de Bordeaux the north of the country. With 95 relations. As part of this expansion, Pessac Members across the country, AFdPZ is EAZA's Director of Communications • Bronze, Public: Réserve Zoologique one of the largest national associations and Membership, David Williams- de la Haute-Touche holding federation membership of Mitchell, held a workshop on crisis EAZA. Headquartered at Beauval Zoo communications at the AFdPZ AFdPZ Members also contribute in the Loire valley, the association AGM – recognising that as AFdPZ strongly to EAZA and WAZA, recently increased its staff numbers Members do more to promote the role providing French translations with the appointment of an assistant of progressive zoos in conservation, for key documents (such as the to the Director, Cécile Erny. This research and education, media WAZA strategies), getting involved expansion heralds a slight change channels will focus more scrutiny on in international campaigns and of emphasis for AFdPZ, which has the working practices and outcomes implicating themselves in EU-level previously prioritised engagement with of the zoo community; and that such discussions. Several Members were political and civil service structures in media scrutiny is international, which present for the last EAZA-organised support of zoos. means that reporting on zoos anywhere study visit to Brussels. In addition, This focus on lobbying and in the world will generate interest in AFdPZ is very active in formulating representation reflects the fact that French zoos. positions that reflect or expand while the conservation, education AFdPZ has a number of working upon the positions held by EAZA and research missions of zoos and committees, including committees for and WAZA; for example, Members aquariums are enshrined in both Conservation, Education, Research, worked on a statement on imported the EU Zoos Directive and national Social and Human Resources, Security deforestation and sustainable legislation, neither civil society nor and Safety, Free-flying Birds, Public agriculture with Marc Ancrenaz of the politicians have had a high level of Zoos and, last but not least, a Welfare Hutan project in a workshop held in awareness of the responsibilities and Committee that was inaugurated at the Amiens. achievements of AFdPZ Members in Amiens meeting. The Conservation In summary, AFdPZ is a highly these core areas. Committee has been active in active and effective organisation and Members of the Association have building relationships with NGOs and a key member of the EAZA National always been active in providing maintains a conservation fund. The Associations caucus, helping to input from the various regions of fund, which has a budget of €100,000 provide a strong cultural steer to the France, engaging local politicians and this year, allows for 20 grants annually. committee and encouraging French providing a perspective that AFdPZ The fund was inaugurated in 2013 and zoos to engage with colleagues from represents nationally. In addition, receives funding from Members, who across the continent and beyond. We AFdPZ helps to address specific are honoured by AFdPZ according to wish them another 50 years of great issues such as legislation that affects the amount that is contributed and success! zoos (such as the introduction of a contentious decree on the holding of PROJECTS THAT HAVE RECEIVED AFDPZ GRANTS INCLUDE: cetaceans) and nature more widely, • Arnaud Desbiez’s ICAS giant armadillo project including involvement in actions to • Delphine Roullet’s HelpSimus greater bamboo lemur conservation protect birds from glue-trapping. project While continuing with a strong • Camille Coudrat’s Anoulak white-cheeked gibbon project culture of political engagement, • Jean-Christophe Bokika’s Mbou-Mon-Tour bonobo project AFdPZ is now also working to • Inza Koné’s Tanoé Forest Roloway guenon project expand its capability in external 11 TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS Training the keepers EAZA’S PROJECT TO IMPROVE KEEPER TRAINING ACROSS THE ZOO AND AQUARIUM COMMUNITY IS PROVING TO BE BOTH EFFECTIVE AND POPULAR

Laura Myers, EAZA Academy Manager

The European Professional Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF) project grew out of a series of discussions between the EAZA Academy and some EAZA Members in the early 2010s about how to provide professional training for zookeepers. Eventually a decision was made to put together a project team of zoos, regional associations and training providers to seek funding from the European Union to work on this task. The project officially started in late 2015 after funds were secured from Erasmus+ with the aim of creating a comprehensive framework of zookeeper skills, knowledge and competencies. The first phase of the project focused on drawing up the framework, which was published in August 2017 on the project website www.zookeepers.eu. The primary aim of the project was to support zookeepers and zoos in countries where there is no formal provision for training zookeepers, which can result in skills gaps and outdated zookeeping practices being passed on through on-the-job training. A secondary aim was to promote standardisation by creating a single framework that would allow zookeepers, zoos and training providers to make objective assessments of competence. A further benefit of this is to promote increased mobility for zookeepers, especially those aiming to move from one EU country to another. For anyone looking to switch to a different sector, the framework can also ZOOKEEPERS IN ACTION AT ZAGREB ZOO, CROATIA help identify transferable skills that are relevant to many job roles. The framework has four broad areas: one is related to transversal or transferable skills while the remaining areas are focused on job- specific competencies related to animal management, environment management and the broader role of zoos. Each area is further broken down would expect from a zookeeper who support our Members in the fulfilment into topics and specific competencies, had been working for about one year, of our strategic aim to lead in zoo and which are described at three cumulative so reaching competent level is already a aquarium animal management and care levels: competent, proficient, expert. For significant achievement. by maintaining healthy populations context, the project partners considered From an EAZA perspective, the and individuals with positive animal the competent level to be what they EPZQF is one more tool that can welfare. Zookeepers are an essential part 12 ZOO ZAGREB of this, so supporting their continued WAS THE PROJECT A SUCCESS? where we compared the Diploma in professional development is essential if Going purely on the results of the the Management of Zoo and Aquarium we are to position ourselves as leaders project evaluation, the project was Animals offered by Sparsholt College in animal management in zoos and highly successful. The National Agency to the framework competences. The aquariums. scored the project team 93/100 and results of this will be published on awarded all of the requested funding the website later in the year, and we WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE to the partners. The evaluation was plan to use this exercise to create FRAMEWORK WAS PUBLISHED? particularly complimentary about the some guidelines for other institutions The second phase of the project, completist approach taken, in that planning to do the same thing. running from August 2017 to August a package of materials was produced We would also like to see the 2018, was to create some examples that cover a range of experience levels. framework referenced in other sector- of training modules to show how the They also praised the transferability of specific training to make it clearer framework could be applied to actual the methods and the clear links to the to zookeepers how they can achieve training for zookeepers. To meet the European Qualification Framework. different competencies. Where constraints of the funding, which meant Although this is encouraging news for appropriate, we will be incorporating that all outputs created by the project the project partners, perhaps it’s not the references to competencies covered have to be freely available for everyone most relevant way to measure success. in future EAZA Academy training to use, the project partners focused on Happily, there are some other strong courses and we would encourage other developing online training modules for indicators from within our sector organisations offering training courses selected topics. that the project has been a success. to do the same thing; these training Partners selected topics that have a Some training providers have already courses can also be promoted via strong knowledge focus, which would be used the framework to build new the project website and social media easier to transmit using online learning, programmes for zookeepers, such as channels. and also ones that may not be especially Le Group Les Etablières in France. The project partners would also be well covered in existing training The framework has also been used very happy to receive other examples programmes. They also selected topics by the team creating a new training of how the framework is being used, that linked well with the strengths programme for apprentices in the especially from people applying it in within the core project team. The UK. There has also been interest in a zoo setting. If you have experiences three topics selected were conservation the project from zookeeper groups in to share, please get in touch with the education, enclosure design and Sweden and the UK. project team. nutrition. A total of five modules were Our project partners in Poland, The EAZA Executive Committee is created (the education modules were Romania and Croatia have also also very keen to make the framework split into three to cover the three been working with their respective and the modules more accessible to different competencies), using a range government agencies on ways to EAZA Members by translating them of media to create an interactive online implement the framework and into more languages. Any interested learning experience that directly targets create training opportunities where translators are invited to reach out to some of the necessary competencies they don't currently exist. The the project team. listed in the framework. These are all framework has been translated into Finally, as we are coming up to the available for use on the project website three further languages so far and two-year mark since the framework www.zookeepers.eu. there are enthusiastic volunteers was first published, it’s almost time to Recognising that practical skills are working on other translations. The start thinking about the review process. critically important for zookeepers, the EAZA Executive Committee has It’s important to make sure that the project partners also did some work on also reviewed the project outputs and framework remains relevant and fit for identifying methods to document and identified ways to integrate it further purpose, so we need your zoo expertise assess these practical elements. Example into EAZA work. to make this happen. We would very documents and guidance information much like to hear from you if you’re are available through the website. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? interested in being part of the team In the final year of the project, the Although the first funded phase is over, that will undertake this review process. partners also continued with planning the project hasn’t finished; we still If you would like to get involved, events to promote the framework – a have a lot of plans for the future and please send an email to info@ multiplier event to introduce the there are a lot of opportunities for new zookeepers.eu or fill out the contact framework to non-EAZA stakeholders people to get involved. form on the website www.zookeepers.eu. took place at Zagreb Zoo in April, One big challenge is to benchmark The European Professional Zookeeper complemented by an information existing qualifications against the Qualification Framework project was session for EAZA Members at the framework. The intention of the co-funded by the European Union under EAZA Annual Conference in Athens. framework is not to replace all the Erasmus+ programme. The project The final task for the initial funded currently existing qualifications, but partners involved were: EAZA, the phase of the project was to complete rather to make it easier to compare Romanian Zoo and Aquarium Federation, the reporting process for Erasmus+ and different options across Europe. In Wrocław Zoo, , Kaunas Zoo, reflect on the successes and challenges 2019 we took the first step towards Zagreb Zoo, Sparsholt College and Aeres of the project. this by conducting a mapping exercise Groep. INTERVIEW

Camels, cattle and conservation ZOOQUARIA TALKS TO TERRY HORNSEY, CHAIR OF THE CATTLE AND CAMELID TAG, ABOUT THE RECENTLY COMPLETED RCP AND THE CURRENT AND FUTURE WORK OF THE TAG

Merel Zimmermann, EAZA Animal Programmes Coordinator, and David Williams-Mitchell, EAZA Director of Communications

MZ: Terry, you and the TAG have there hadn’t really been any progress for MZ: It’s interesting to see that the completed your Regional Collection a long time. The RCP showed that there TAG is really prioritising Asian Plan (RCP) for the species under your were serious challenges to the EEP, and species. Why is that? remit. Can you tell us about your it became obvious that recommending TH: It’s become logical over the last few impressions of the RCP process? the EEP be phased out was inevitable years to concentrate on Asian species, TH: It was very interesting, and a lot of – the first EEP to be ended under the mostly because of the conservation work! I’d like to give credit to you, Merel, new structure. Gaur represent a very situation, but also because there really Kristin Leus and Maaike Voorham in the niche interest, and while the animals are aren’t many wild cattle species from EAZA Executive Office for your help. impressive and can be used in themed other parts of the world. The Southeast The most challenging part was doing areas, we didn’t have a lot of buy-in from Asia campaign in 2011–2012 highlighted the groundwork for the RCP meeting EAZA Members. With banteng becoming the conservation needs of Asian wild – collating information, contacting a Global Species Management Plan cattle, and the involvement in that stakeholders and arranging for them to (GSMP) species, this put more pressure campaign of William Robichaud in attend. You have to embrace the process, on gaur and the reason for keeping addition to the appointment of James though, stay positive, get the people you them. During the meeting we were able Burton as conservation advisor, and later need and put your faith in the Executive to compare gaur and banteng in depth to vice-chair to the TAG, really pushed us Office, who are great at helping. and realised that, because of similarities towards that Southeast Asian focus. in husbandry requirements, it made DWM: Did the meeting throw up any sense to phase out gaur and replace DWM: The RCP obviously went into surprises? them with banteng. Because banteng is great depth with cattle species. TH: I think it went mostly as we one of the first ungulate GSMPs, we felt Could you tell us more about the expected, except for our review of the that it had a much higher priority and outcomes for camelids and domestic Gaur EEP. It had been ticking along, but potential than gaur. species? TH: The RCP more or less confirmed that the EEPs for camelids were the right ones, and in a good place; but it also highlighted that there could be links between the TAG and individual Members on camelid conservation; for example, with Zoo, who are exploring becoming involved with in situ conservation of wild Bactrian . For Guanaco it was confirmed that if a conservation role becomes relevant in South America, that region would actually be better equipped to develop activities towards conservation of the species. There are many domestic species of cattle and camelid in our community as well. The RCP was helpful because it actually encouraged a more in-depth discussion where they were 14 HORNSEY TERRY good way to interest people? I am thinking of European for example. TH: Well, European bison have been in zoos for a long time, and although they are impressive animals to look at, I think that the history that surrounds them, whilst interesting and very important, is really the only angle you have.

DWM: Talking about theming, Asian cattle species are quite emblematic. If you see a water buffalo, it makes you think of Southeast Asia immediately. Could you do the same with, for example, banteng? TH: Definitely. I think that the GSMP itself is an interesting story to tell, but then you can also include them in Asian mixed exhibits and make banteng an iconic concerned and helped greatly with expertise to give a future to some of the Indonesian species – shorthand for ‘now the decision to recommend linking world’s most . we are in Indonesia’. I think this is really the holding of domestic species with the way to go. concrete education activities on the DWM: Would you say that this is a and efforts for (their) particularly progressive attitude DWM: Given the challenges, I wild counterparts. from the TAG? am interested to hear how you TH: We’re not known for our dynamism, developed a passion for cattle DWM: Readers may also be surprised so I wouldn’t say so! No, I think that it species! that you recommended the creation came about entirely naturally as a result TH: Well, I started out with hoofstock of an EEP for , a species we are of the RCP process. If you look at the when I first joined London Zoo at the very unlikely to keep in European needs of species and how you might be start of my career and have worked with zoos. Is this the start of a new role able to contribute to their conservation, them ever since, which amounts to 40 for zoos, doing the idea of the ‘range state EEP’ comes years! I can’t really explain why I like offsite in range states? very naturally. them so much – they are very impressive TH: Yes and no! I think the saola is quite beasts, but unfortunately, I think it’s unique in that everything about it is MZ: You have another challenge with only zoo folk and biologists who get sensitive – from the possibility of animals cattle species though; they are not so excited by cattle, and this makes it being brought into human care to the really what people come to see in difficult to get them to appeal to visitors political sensibilities of the countries zoos, are they? in the same way. We just have to think where the animal lives. Of course in some TH: I think we can talk a lot about the about presenting them differently to get cases if we were starting an EEP today, GSMP species, but honestly, apart from people interested. we would probably do things differently: perhaps the anoa, in general, I really think for example, if we go back to the very that the public just sees them as cows. MZ: So now you’ve completed the beginnings of the keeping of Amur tigers We know that cattle tend to need a lot of RCP, do you have any thoughts on in zoos, you would see that it took a long space, and as they do not really interest what happens now or advice for time to get everything right, and animals visitors, they tend not to be very high other TAGs? (some would say inevitably) were lost in on the priority list for many collections. TH: Don’t do it! No, definitely do it, the process. With saola and other species, However, with good theming, and it’s very helpful. The good thing is that we have to recognise that we would not thinking outside the box a bit, it should having invested so much time and be able to afford such a loss – the animals be possible to get people interested – I energy into doing the groundwork for are just too rare. So while we know that think it has to do with how you present this first RCP, we are set up for the next saola need ex situ protection, it needs to the species as an important part of five years at least. It means that the next be done professionally within the range their ecosystems, and as presenting time we do the RCP it will be an update, states – something that gives us the best ecosystems as completely as possible rather than a whole new creation. For the chance of success in saving the species, seems to be where zoos are going, this first RCP though, I’d say, get the widest and makes sure that we aren’t seen as may work in some of the cattle species’ possible base of expertise, make sure you trying to exploit the situation. I think we’ll favour in future. have all the information you need and see this model replicated in the future, work closely with the EAZA Executive so range state ex situ conservation will MZ: There are some good Office. I think that way you should be probably become part of the mission conservation stories around zoos able to do a good job and minimise the of zoos, where we can use our unique and cattle though – is this also a task for the next time. 15 POPULATION MANAGEMENT

How to save the rhino THE NEW RHINOCEROS TAG HOPES TO COORDINATE CONSERVATION EFFORTS ACROSS THE WORLD TO IMPROVE THE PROSPECTS FOR THE MOST THREATENED RHINO SPECIES

Friederike von Houwald, curator and at Zoo Basel, Switzerland and Rhinoceros TAG chair, and Lars Versteege, curator at , The Netherlands and Rhinoceros TAG vice-chair

Within EAZA, the rhinoceros is a bicornis michaeli) in Akagera National increase in the cost of protecting well-known and well-liked species Park (Rwanda) with unrelated the rhino, there is a risk that private that receives quite a lot of attention. eastern black rhinoceros, which has owners will soon lose interest. The The EAZA Rhinoceros TAG is a the potential to improve the overall EAZA population is in such good good example of the benefits of the genetic diversity. Furthermore, it is condition that it could function as an One Plan approach to conservation, believed that at least some of the insurance population in the future, with its connections to the IUCN founders of the European population especially as global management is SSC African/Asian Specialist Groups came from that region of and developed further. The EEP wants and conservation NGOs such as Save could hold some genetic diversity that to collaborate as much as possible to the Rhino and International Rhino is now completely unrepresented in any prevent the complete of the Foundation. All of these have fed into African population. northern white rhinoceros subspecies the EAZA Rhinoceros TAG Regional (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). The EEP Collection Plan, which was published WHITE RHINOCEROS and TAG are currently supporting a in January 2019 and is available on There are quite a few individuals collaborative project that combines the EAZA Member Area. The three present in range countries with private Assisted Reproductive Technologies existing population management holders. However, due to increasing to aid population management with programmes are well established – so poaching and the consequential improvement of IVF technologies what new things can a new Regional Collection Plan bring?

BLACK RHINOCEROS This is an excellent example of a population with a direct conservation role. Through a Memorandum of Understanding between EAZA, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Akagera Management Company (AMC), individuals from the EAZA population are going to be supplementing the current population of eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros 16 ZOO BASEL for the northern white rhinoceros by function as an insurance population. However, the new EAZA Population assigning specific southern white rhino Additionally, there are several indirect Management Structure aims to females as candidates through this EEP. conservation roles that have been determine where EAZA can make The balance between white rhino identified, which makes it essential for a difference for a species, using our and black rhino population numbers the species to be managed within the collective knowledge and experience. will need to be closely monitored to EEP framework. For this programme, When specific expertise or advice is safeguard the established roles of the collaboration with other regions will needed at a later stage for Sumatran programmes for both African species. be further explored to help fulfil the rhinoceros or Javan rhinoceros, for insurance role in a more robust manner. instance, the TAG would be open to GREATER ONE-HORNED And what about the remaining providing this. At this stage, however, RHINOCEROS rhinoceros species? It was decided there will be no need to do this within The threats to this species (Rhinoceros that separate new EEPs would not the EEP framework. Meanwhile, the unicornis) are still very much present be established for the other African TAG does want to explore potential and can result in a rapid decrease subspecies, nor for the Javan rhinoceros collaborations with other zoo in numbers, especially for isolated (Rhinoceros sondaicus) or Sumatran associations and established partners populations. As there is no coordinated rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). on advocacy work for positive actions programme within the origin region This seems logical, as we do not for this species by the Indonesian itself, the EAZA population can keep these species within our region. government.

HOW YOU CAN HELP This biobank aims to be a primary resource for The TAG urges all rhinoceros holders to: genetically supporting population management and • Follow recommendations for targeted fundraising conservation research. from established conservation partners to ensure • Have their individuals registered in the RhODIS funds are focused and best used in the field. EAZA (Rhino DNA Index System) database. Profiling Members are encouraged to commit to long-term rhinoceros horns contributes to the identification support. of poaching sources and networks, fine-tuning the • Use education materials on topics provided by our identification methods used as well as adding to the partners. safety of EAZA population. • Collect extra blood, tissue and serum samples for the EAZA Biobank whenever an animal is sedated. Protocols are available on the EAZA Member Area.

CHESTER ZOO CHESTER 17 CONSERVATION

is currently no space to grow within the EEP. This is because the number of males is increasing faster than the number of females, but enclosures in the EEP were built on the basis of the historical sex-ratio, when there were more females. Finding more space to house males is therefore essential to prevent a population crash in the future. Placing males is a recurrent subject for many EEPs where, due to the biology of the species, one male is kept with multiple females. A variety of options are available to deal with this situation (see box below). For the Orang-utan EEP, part of the solution is to increase Population paradox holding space for males within the existing EEP participants. Fortunately, IN THE WAKE OF A ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ STATUS UPDATE, THE some space is also likely to be found ORANG-UTAN EEP IS REVIEWING AND REVISING ITS STRATEGIES with new holders. The currently available males make it possible for Elmar Fienieg, EAZA population biologist; Clemens Becker, EEP coordinator, Karl- new institutions taking on orang-utan sruhe Zoo Foundation, Germany; Simone Schehka, vice EEP coordinator, Münster to keep two majestic orang-utan males Zoo, Germany; and Neil Bemment, vice EEP coordinator, Barcelona Zoo, Spain. without having to invest as much into An upgrade to Critically Endangered history of reproductive success. An the costly and large enclosures needed to and the discovery of the Tapanuli orang- older population is likely to breed less, keep a breeding group. Such enclosures utan (see ‘ Study’ opposite) leading to fewer births, further ageing may work particularly well in smaller meant that 2018 was not a minute of the population and so on. Based on institutions that would keep orang-utan too soon to review the EEP’s roles and projections, in 14 to 16 years from now, males in a mixed exhibit with other strategies as part of an LTMP. The need the birth rate could be insufficient to species, such as gibbons and otters. It is for a plan was further emphasised when offset the number of deaths in the EEP. also being investigated whether high- population projections showed that the Population size would keep declining, quality holding space can be found at EEP populations for both the Bornean until one day there are no orang-utans reliable institutions outside the EAZA and Sumatran species were facing two left. Of course, whether this will happen region that meet the EAZA standards. serious demographic challenges. will depend on the actions we take. For the long-term, the EEP will also investigate whether castration POPULATION PROJECTIONS PLACING MALES of genetically overrepresented males The first challenge is ageing of the Theoretically, the population is still could help by allowing several castrated population. So far, the average age of young enough to grow in size in the near males to be kept together. This option an orang-utan in the EEP has been future before it would start decreasing in has great potential, but it will be years quite low. Young populations breed size. Growing the population size now before it becomes clear whether it will a lot, so for a long time the Bornean would win time for the EEP to prevent help with population levels. and the Sumatran EEP populations declining population sizes in the future. The EEP coordinators will do their were able to increase. However, these However, this brings us to the second best to place males as soon as suitable populations also grow older, and older demographic challenge; a survey among enclosures are available, but a solution orang-utan females do not have a great current holders concluded that there is still a few years away. EEP participants

PLACING MALES flexible enclosures, so males can retreat when needed. In any EEP where one male is kept with multiple females, • Castration or hormonal suppression of males, which a strategy is needed to create a structural solution generally needs to happen at a young enough age, to this situation. Otherwise, the EEP coordinator and may allow them to live with other males. participants spend all their time looking for temporary • Sperm selection could be used to bias the birth-sex solutions. There are various options available: ratio towards females. However, this is usually costly • Males can be kept solitary. However, this is not a and requires in vitro fertilisation. desirable option for many social species. • Culling (see EAZA Culling statement). • Males can be kept in a rotational system with a group The challenge is to find out which option is best for each of females. EEP population. Some options, such as castration and • Males can be kept in a bachelor group. This works well bachelor groups, generally need to be tried and studied for some species but can lead to aggression in others. closely on a small scale before they are tried out on a For some species, it requires particularly large and population level.

18 APENHEUL FUTURE ROLES OF THE ORANG-UTAN EEP surviving in the EEP. Fortunately, The role of all EEPs of the Great Ape TAG is to maintain self-sustaining and cryopreservation of sperm and eggs to healthy populations to encourage and promote conservation of the species in safeguard genetic diversity and revive the wild. In addition, the future roles of the Orang-utan EEP continue to be to: lost genes in the future seems to be a • Raise awareness of the plight of wild orang-utans, their precarious realistic tool for these species. Therefore, conservation status and the threats to wild orang-utans and their habitat. the EEP aims to freeze the population’s This includes raising awareness of the large-scale use of non-sustainable genetic diversity in time by figuring resources and more sustainable alternatives. Rather than limiting this out the right techniques. Developing to palm oil, this should also include unsustainable timber and other this tool is not only invaluable for agricultural products to promote the creation of natural reserves. maintaining genetic diversity in the • Lobby national and EU governments to improve the conservation status of EEP, but also could make a direct the orang-utan by ensuring that zoos practise what they preach in terms contribution to conservation by of sustainable resources, and encouraging zoos to campaign for the use of allowing us to save genetic variation of sustainable resources by reaching out to local cafes, businesses and schools. individuals in Indonesian rescue centres. • Support field conservation efforts via the many NGOs working in the field. • Function as back-up for future reintroductions if safe habitats exist, follow- TINDER FOR ORANGUTANS ing IUCN reintroduction guidelines. The aim is not to reintroduce individuals In many species, allowing mate- descending from different subspecies, but use these only in cases where choice increases reproductive pure and healthy populations of these subspecies no longer exist. success, writes Thomas Bionda, • Work with ex situ programmes in other regions to build capacity. Apenheul. However, most EEPs • Participate in research, according to the EAZA-approved research do not incorporate this rather guidelines and in line with the Great Ape TAG research group. This includes important animal behaviour. For providing samples for the EAZA Biobank to facilitate future research. the Orang-utan EEP, it is currently not feasible to provide mate-choice because this still requires the TAXONOMY STUDY potential mates to be at the same A study was recently published that suggested the existence of a third location. The ‘Tinder for orang- species of orang-utan: the Tapanuli orang-utan, living on Sumatra. This utans’ project will explore whether raises another question; are any of the founders of the Sumatran orang- partner choice can be made utan EEP from Tapanuli? If so, it is unlikely that there are many. Nevertheless, possible in zoo-housed orang- for management and research purposes it will be useful to have a better utans with touchscreen-based understanding of the genetic make-up of the EEP. psychological tasks instead. Similarly, there are taxonomic questions on the Bornean EEP population. In this way, a project led by There are three subspecies of Bornean orang-utan recognised and it is likely Apenheul Park and that these are all represented in the EEP, but which exact founders of the EEP Leiden University aims to unravel belong to which subspecies? To answer these questions, the EEP intends to the partner preferences of zoo- work with the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a molecular genetic study. housed orang-utans. When the The aim is to analyse the entire living population in the coming years, which orang-utan carries out these tasks means it is important for EEP participants to start taking samples. successfully, its preferences could be measured and considered are asked to be patient for now and to meantime, the EEP is already working before translocation to a new zoo. work closely with the EEP coordinators with its participants to ensure they After determining potential mates to manage this situation as best they can. follow the Best Practice Guidelines based on genetic and husbandry (available on the EAZA website) considerations, an individual will MANAGEMENT STRATEGY to maximise positive welfare. These be presented with photos of these Until more space is created for males, improvements will hopefully improve individuals in different tasks. Based neither the Bornean and Sumatran the birth rate in the long-term and on its performance, it can then be populations can grow any further. as such avert a population crash. The assessed whether it has a cognitive This is the paradox of the Orang-utan EEP will also continue to improve the bias for any potential mates, which EEP; some females will have to be understanding of the needs of orang- may indicate attraction. Using this contracepted to prevent an increase utans; the ‘Tinder for orang-utans’ study information in decision-making in population size, but in 14 years or (see box, right) is an example of this. may in time increase reproductive so, the EEP will have to work hard to success and benefit the welfare of prevent a decrease in population size. GENETIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGY zoo-housed orang-utans. Non-breeding recommendations will Despite the demographic challenges, We want to thank EAZA Members generally be given to less genetically genetically both the Bornean and Ouwehands Zoo Foundation, valuable females, but at the same time Sumatran EEP populations are doing Barcelona Zoo, Allwetterzoo the EEP will aim to allow all females very well. Nevertheless, management Münster, Karlsruhe Zoo Foundation, the chance to learn maternal behaviour by mean kinship alone is not enough Wilhelma Zoo Stuttgart, Dublin Zoo to maximise the reproductive potential to avoid losing the high percentage of and Zoo Osnabrück for financially of the population in the future. In the genetic diversity from the wild currently supporting this project. 19 CONSERVATION

David Williams-Mitchell, EAZA Director of Communications and Membership

act as the body under pressure to bring about change. Power to the people Thirdly, the adoption of the measures to prevent the sale of HOW EAZA MEMBERS ARE FINDING NEW WAYS TO INVOLVE THEIR unsustainable palm oil has provided VISITORS IN THE FIGHT TO SAVE OUR SPECIES visitors and citizens with a feeling of having won a campaign. This palpable EAZA Member zoos and aquariums climate change, imported deforestation, feeling of success not only provides provide an accessible way for visitors biodiversity loss and the myriad them with a sense of pride, but also to engage with conservation, and other issues that are facing nature. inspires actions from other cities, this has led to a variety of approaches In order to be truly effective, efforts and a pathway for further actions by and strategies aimed at helping the need to be focused and mandated by an activist base inspired by the zoo’s public to contribute in a meaningful a collective action – whether that messaging. In short, the campaign way during their visit. At the same means via the aggregation of efforts further establishes Chester Zoo as the time, zoos and aquariums are under under one brand or organisation (such conduit for direct public engagement pressure from activists, politicians as the EAZA conservation campaigns with the environment and underlines and, to an extent, the wider public and institutions’ campaigns) or via its credentials as the community’s to demonstrate their conservation, legislation at municipal, regional, centre for environmental action. It education and fundraising credentials. national or supranational levels. seems unlikely that Chester will be the Two recent developments suggest that The Chester campaign to purge the last city to adopt sustainable palm oil as combining these three credentials into city of unsustainable palm oil sales a city ordinance. a single activity can be particularly required citizens and visitors to the zoo effective. to demand that the municipality act CONSCIOUS CONTRIBUTION on their behalf – an action that in turn Another scheme is also becoming PALM OIL PROJECT introduces the second trend: to help popular, and so far has involved In March, the first of these approaches visitors and citizens become activists several practitioners among the EAZA bore fruit and gained a significant on behalf of nature. Membership, including Wilhelma Zoo amount of media and public interest: Activism tends to unite people for a Stuttgart and Leipzig Zoo, Germany, the declaration of Chester, UK, as the common cause, but it generally needs and the Parc Animalier d’Auvergne in world’s first sustainable palm oil city. an authority that can be petitioned, France. The strategy is simple: to charge The plan was simple, but points to a pressured, cajoled or otherwise a set fee as part of the entrance ticket. number of trends that Members could persuaded to take action in order Usually set at €1, the fee is added to exploit. to bring about a result. While the the entry fee, and can be refunded to First, it is increasingly being municipality of Chester has apparently the visitor if they object to paying it. recognised that individual actions by been strongly supportive of the Stefanie Reska at Wilhelma says that members of the public can rarely create initiative, one of its principal roles in it is unusual for visitors to ask for an enough effect to be meaningful to this campaign appears to have been to exemption of the fee – at most, around 20 ZOO WILHELMA David Williams-Mitchell, EAZA Director of Communications and Membership

10 per cent of visitors ask not to pay or whether visitors who have paid the and can help to encourage political ask for a refund if they pay by accident. conservation euro are more engaged authorities to engage with it further. On the whole, however, visitors are with the conservation messaging of Again, the principle is that action and happy to make the contribution. The the zoo or aquarium, but it does not visibility are great catalysts for further scheme has several important elements seem a stretch to claim that strong action and further visibility. wherever it is enacted. Firstly, it makes conservation engagement at the gates clear to visitors that they are making will increase the visitor’s sensitivity. CREATING MOMENTUM a contribution to conservation just by Stuttgart supports this view and Part of this visibility is inevitably the buying a ticket – a link that has been reinforces the messaging through the engagement of media to report on these highlighted less explicitly in the past. strategic placement of screens showing initiatives: this is not only to establish It also helps to show a separation of the short films about the conservation or reinforce the image of the institution fee into operational support for the zoo projects and labelling exhibits to as a strong agent of fundraising for (the main body of the entrance fee) ensure that visitors understand that the conservation, but also to promote the and a conservation fee that will not be species they are seeing is the one they idea that zoos and aquariums belonging subject to deductions, overheads and have supported with their entry fee. to a network such as EAZA can unite so on. geographically separate communities Secondly, the scheme provides VISIBLE CONTRIBUTION where more traditional political a strong learning opportunity: in The effect of such fundraising is also structures may not. Obviously, zoos and all cases, the projects that the €1 easier to show: by choosing to add aquariums will act on behalf of nature donation is supporting are presented €1 to the ticket price, institutions of in this political sphere, rather than in to the visitors as they wait in line whatever size can expect to raise a other policy areas – but as traditional to buy a ticket. For Pascal Damois significant amount of money – from politics appears to be limited in its of Auvergne, this means drafting in tens of thousands of euros for a smaller desire or ability to create meaningful temporary staff to explain to those institution to hundreds of thousands change for the environment, it should visitors how and where their euro for larger facilities. In addition, the be possible for zoos and aquariums, will be spent, and a large increase in aggregation of these funds makes leveraging their core skillsets from signage at the gate to provide further the contribution meaningful to the education to population management, explanations. Usually there are three project, and provides the opportunity to create momentum locally to inspire or four projects being supported at any to show visitors, especially local more global change. one time, and in some cases the visitor visitors, that their visits are having a Zoos and aquariums rely on the can choose which of these projects material effect on the conservation public for their mandate to operate receives their euro. In any case, the of species. To an extent, this helps to and are widely supported by the principle remains the same: to involve fulfil the criteria of making visitors into communities that surround them; we the visitor in conservation at the activists and showing them the results could and should repay this support moment of their arrival, thereby setting of their activism. It also reinforces by using our skills to place visitors the tone for their visit to the zoo. As the institution’s credentials as a local at the heart of global environmental yet, there are no studies that show centre for environmental action protection. 21 INTERVIEW

From adversaries to advocates THE SNOW LEOPARD TRUST IS WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF ASIA TO CREATE LASTING CHANGE FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ELUSIVE AND ENDANGERED CATS

Matthias Fiechter, Communications Manager, Snow Leopard Trust

‘I used to hate snow ’, says of the Gobi, like islands from the sea. leopards had been killed each week Amarsaikhan, without hesitation. These mountains are home to about across their range for the last 10 years, ‘They’d kill my horses and goats out in a dozen or so adult snow leopards and that more than half of these snow the pasture or in their holding pen, and (Panthera uncia) as well as large herds of leopard killings were in retaliation for I didn’t get any help or compensation. their main prey, Siberian ibex ( livestock attacks. In many parts of the I’ve often thought about going after sibirica) and argali ( ammon). In the snow leopard’s habitat, it’s the biggest them and killing them.’ winter, when the winds sweeping over threat to the cats. Amarsaikhan has spent his entire life the flatlands become unbearably cold That’s why the Snow Leopard as a herder in ’s South Gobi for people as well as animals, herders Trust has made community-based province. It’s a barren, often desolate like Amarsaikhan pack up their woollen conservation a cornerstone of our landscape, scorched by blistering heat in yurts, round up their livestock and move mission and, with support from the summer and swept by bone-chilling into the mountains – and into the path hundreds of zoo partners and supporters, winds and freezing temperatures in of the snow leopard. devoted the past 38 years to developing winter. There’s very little vegetation, When snow leopards attack and kill the resources and tools necessary to and water sources are few and far livestock, the impact for herders like reduce human-wildlife conflict. Today, between. Life in these parts is defined by Amarsaikhan can be devastating: the thanks to the passion, commitment and hardships, both for people and animals. financial loss rips a hole in their tight insight of zoos across Europe, we have People in the South Gobi rear household budget, and the psychological the tools to address these threats. For goats, sheep, horses and camels. For effect creates fear, anger and resentment. Amarsaikhan and his community – and Amarsaikhan and many others in his ‘I used to sometimes spend the night for the snow leopards of Tost Mountain community, their livestock is both the outside, near my animals, to guard them – things have changed dramatically over sole provider of income and a crucial against attacks,’ Amarsaikhan recalls. the last decade. source of food. The resulting conflicts rarely end Together, we’ve formed community- The Tost Mountains, where well for the snow leopard. In 2016, run livestock insurance funds that Amarsaikhan lives, are one of several the wildlife crime-fighting network give herders like Amarsaikhan access ranges that rise from the flat landscape TRAFFIC estimated that four snow to compensation in case they lose 22 TRUST SNOW LEOPARD livestock. We’ve built predator-proof Across five different snow leopard accomplishments such as the Tost corrals to minimise the risk of night- range countries, the Snow Leopard Nature Reserve possible. Since 2008, time predation. And we’ve trained Trust is partnering with local herders we have received financial support herder women to create unique like Amarsaikhan and empowering from 39 EAZA Members, for a total handicrafts from the wool of their them to not only live alongside snow of more than €500,000. We’ve also livestock, which are now sold all over leopards, but also actively protect them received vital technical support when the world – for instance in the gift shops from outside threats such as poachers. we’ve needed it most, such as testing our of our zoo partners – to boost family By helping the Snow Leopard Trust camera traps and GPS collars with zoo incomes. engage with more than 5,500 families cats before deploying them in the field. At the same time, our local team has in five countries, EAZA zoos are Today we’re using data sets from zoo been organising eco-education camps making it possible to protect more cats to verify the accuracy of our snow where local children learn about the than 100,000 km2 of snow leopard leopard identification systems. In return, ecosystem around them and the role of habitat – and an estimated 500 snow our field staff regularly visit partner zoos each and animal in it. leopards. ‘These are cats living outside to share the latest research findings and These partnerships between the local formal Protected Areas, on lands used updates from local communities. community and conservationists have actively by local communities,’ says The snow leopard is listed as made a huge difference for herders like Marissa Niranjin, Snow Leopard Trust Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, and Amarsaikhan and for Tost’s wildlife. Director of Zoo Programmes. ‘If zoos while we don’t know exact numbers, There have not been any reports of didn’t make these community-based there is reason to believe that the global killing or illegal of snow programmes possible, there would be population may be as low as 4,000 cats – leopards or their prey species in the very little – if anything – available to and it continues to decline. This elusive last five years, which is an outstanding support conservation in these areas.’ and charismatic big cat urgently needs result. Instead, our long-term research The role of the zoo community protection. study in the area has shown that Tost’s in our work cannot be overstated. But there is hope. The success of snow leopard population is stable Community-based conservation the community-based conservation and thriving, with at least six females programmes require a sustained programmes in the Tost Mountains currently raising cubs. presence over many years, which shows that by working together, the Quite simply, the community no means a serious investment of time and Snow Leopard Trust, zoos and local longer sees a need to retaliate against resources and a huge dose of patience people can save the species. Partnering the cats. ‘We lose fewer animals before results can be measured. Our with and empowering local communities thanks to the corrals. And when we zoo partners have been particularly to protect snow leopards has the do, the insurance fund helps herders important for initiating concomitant potential to halt its decline before it’s cope. I no longer hate snow leopards!’ long-term research, including camera- too late. And we are pleased to say that Amarsaikhan says. trap studies and GPS tracking of snow through global advocacy and policy In Tost, and across Mongolia, we’re leopards, that has not only expanded enhancement, all 12 snow leopard range working with more than 50 families, our understanding of this elusive cat, countries have stepped up to form a insuring more than 11,000 heads but also provided a chance to look at global alliance for the protection of this of livestock and producing 30,000 the biological impacts of community- iconic cat, and recognised the need to handicrafts annually. We’ve built 20 based conservation. expand community-based conservation corrals, which have done their job In Tost, these investments have partnerships across the snow leopard’s perfectly: to date, there have been no paid dividends beyond anyone’s range. predation incidents inside any of these expectations. Not only has retaliatory With support from EAZA zoos, the corrals. killing of snow leopards ceased, but Snow Leopard Trust is ready to harness ‘Partnering with the Snow Leopard the local community successfully led this momentum to reach even more Trust has changed not only how I think a grassroots campaign to save Tost communities in snow leopard habitat. about snow leopards, but also attitudes from other mounting threats, such To do so, we’ll need even more investors in the entire community. Living with as large-scale industrial mining. In and partners who share our vision of a snow leopards has become possible 2010 we learned that the majority of world where snow leopards and people for us, and people are much more the Tost Mountains – a mineral-rich thrive side by side. We’re looking in favour of conservation now,’ says landscape – were blanketed by mining forward to working with you! Amarsaikhan. licences. Leveraging data from our We owe immense thanks to all our Amarsaikhan himself is one of the long-term research, and building on zoo partners and donors and their biggest conservation champions in his years of conservation engagement, the fantastic staff, within EAZA and community. He volunteers his time local community was able to mobilise beyond. You make our work possible to manage a livestock insurance fund, and convince the federal government with your support, but you also raise helps our researchers with wildlife to convert the Tost Mountains into awareness and spark curiosity for the monitoring and often advocates for Mongolia’s first-ever protected area snow leopard among the millions of conservation among his peers. In 2018, specifically for snow leopards. visitors to your park. You’re an essential he even travelled to the Snow Leopard Since our earliest days, zoos have pillar of , and we Trust’s head office in Seattle to share been pivotal investors in Snow cannot thank you enough for all that his story of transformation. Leopard Trust programmes, making you do. CONSERVATION

Going Dutch for local species HOW KEY PLAYERS IN THE NETHERLANDS WORKED TOGETHER TO SUPPORT LOCALLY THREATENED SPECIES, ASSISTED BY AN EXCEPTIONAL NEW EXHIBIT AT GAIAZOO

Emile F. Prins, Zoological Assistant, and Roxan Havik, Education, GaiaZOO, Kerkrade, The Netherlands

The hills of the Netherlands, in the array of species, meaning that more and has experienced a significant decline province of Limburg, are characterised more national NGOs are becoming due to intensified agricultural practices, by their calcareous soils, streams, valleys frequent visitors to GaiaZOO. There which resulted in habitat degradation. and deciduous forests. Some species was only one link missing in this chain Without supplementation from the zoo found here are unique to this part of of conservation activities, which was population, none of the remaining wild the country, yet face local extirpation the need to broadcast these important populations would have survived. due to human action. Several national stories to the half a million or so annual The role of each party becomes very non-governmental conservation visitors to GaiaZOO. clear with the common hamster project; organisations (NGOs) have focused In 2018 GaiaZOO proudly opened GaiaZOO houses a sizeable population their efforts on these locally threatened the doors of the new crowning glory for in specially designed facilities for these species and have been actively working all these activities: limburgHUIS. With animals with a high annual reproductive on in situ preservation. However given limburgHUIS, GaiaZOO has created output, where the zookeepers have the situation for some of these species, an entirely new educational platform to built up the knowledge to take proper mere in situ preservation will not showcase the beauty of local biodiversity, care of the species in over the suffice. Here is where GaiaZOO steps while also providing the facilities to pro- years. In charge of the annual releases in, as it is situated within the natural actively work on the conservation of the are both the ZV and WER, who also range of these species and can make a locally threatened species. communicate with the province for the significant contribution to our back-yard assignment of targeted nature reserves. biodiversity. SPECIES CONSERVATION Monitoring of the released animals and At GaiaZOO, visitors can see how Nowadays GaiaZOO is directly involved wild populations are also conducted by beautiful and unique really is; in the conservation of five local species. ZV and WER. the vision of GaiaZOO is self-evident, The icon of Limburg conservation, the A project involving the garden showing how important biodiversity common hamster, was the first project to dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is conservation is to the zoo. Since the find its way to GaiaZOO. Together with somewhat similar, although on a much very beginning, there has always been the Dutch Society (ZV) and smaller scale. This species has also a focus on locally threatened species, Wageningen Environmental Research experienced a dramatic decline due to beginning with the common hamster (WER), this longstanding breed-and- habitat decline1. ZV monitors the last (Cricetus cricetus) project. Over the release project aims to supplement wild population of this rodent species years these local conservation activities wild populations of the species in in the Netherlands, and GaiaZOO staff expanded, encompassing a more diverse Limburg nature reserves. This species happily volunteer. In turn, GaiaZOO 24 KERKRADE GAIAZOO holds a small population of the species, mostly behind the scenes, for population management purposes. As GaiaZOO has an institutional studbook for the species, we are able to coordinate pair formation and thus manage the genetic diversity of the population. The first and only release of garden dormouse A PART OF THE ENVIRONMENT done by creating unique encounters thus far occurred in early summer 2018, The role of limburgHUIS goes for the visitors, stimulating different when 41 animals bred in human care so much further than simply senses. Upon entering limburgHUIS, were released in an area where only five displaying the threatened species; people hear native birds singing in wild animals were thought to occur. The it is a demonstration of all of a zoo’s the background, smell the forest and effects of this release will continue to be conservation activities. LimburgHUIS experience the lives of the animals monitored by ZV. has been built in the green heart through highly detailed displays. The very exotic-looking fire of GaiaZOO, where two natural Throughout limburgHUIS, several salamander (Salamandra salamandra waterholes meet and are surrounded by touchscreens allow people to choose terrestris) is another locally threatened a small deciduous forest. In the past few what video or vlog they would like to species, one that requires a completely years, we have discovered a high level see. These videos tell different stories; different set of skills. The Dutch wild of biodiversity in this area, thanks to for example, the threats faced by population has experienced a 99.9 per the several BioBlitz activities that we local species in the wild, the role of cent reduction due to the infectious hosted. The two waterholes appeared GaiaZOO in the conservation activities, fungal disease Batrachochytrium to be a hotspot for wildlife such as and the role of the relevant NGO salamandrivorans (Bsal)2. Reptile, birds, amphibians, insects and several and how GaiaZOO collaborates with Amphibian & Fish Conservation bat species. Therefore, limburgHUIS them. Furthermore, there are several Netherlands (RAVON) collected the had to be beneficial for on-site interactive educational displays, such as remaining individuals, which were Bsal- biodiversity as well as for visitors and a man-powered pedestal that produces free, and placed them amongst others at animals in the collection. The nature- the mating call of a male red deer GaiaZOO. inclusive design provides facilities ( elaphus). It brings the natural Population management for this such as bat boxes and nesting boxes for history museum to life, and conveys the Emile F. Prins, Zoological Assistant, and Roxan Havik, Education, GaiaZOO, Kerkrade, The Netherlands species appears to be more challenging various bird species including the house educational story very effectively. The compared to a common hamster, sparrow (Passer domesticus) and black NGOs have proved to be extremely and care must be taken with their redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros). valuable to the educational input of health status, given the natural threat. The building generates its own limburgHUIS; without them the stories RAVON remains responsible for the electricity via solar panels on the roof would have had less meaning. population that is now in human and is therefore CO2 neutral. However, GaiaZOO envisions limburgHUIS care, and hence not only continues part of the interactive educational to be a dynamic place where visitors to monitor the wild population but panels are ‘man-powered’, meaning are engaged in and excited about local also is involved in management and that visitors must generate electricity biodiversity; it aspires to be the face of disease-screening of the zoo population. themselves by setting an item in all the ongoing conservation activities Furthermore, GaiaZOO staff, alongside motion which triggers animal sounds for local nature. The successful RAVON, take part in the newly or a story to play. LimburgHUIS is thus collaboration between GaiaZOO and established Ex Situ Salamandra Group a part of the environment without the NGOs is of vital importance, that brings together Universities, negatively impacting it. although it is not without its obstacles, NGOs, GOs and zoos to collaborate on as each party, of course, has its own fire salamander conservation across the VISITOR EDUCATION perspectives and ideals. However, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.3 Naturally, conservation education is in the conservation of species, All of the locally threatened species a significant part of limburgHUIS. collaboration, where both parties that are considered priority species The top floor is designed as a natural bring their own skills to the table, is in GaiaZOO have their place in history museum, focusing on locally essential. We hope very much that we limburgHUIS. For example, people have endemic species, threatened species will see an increase in conservation rarely been able to see a noble crayfish and those that are returning to the activities in the future, and that we will (Astacus astacus) as easily as they now Netherlands after a time of absence, continue to be effective in delivering can in the new aquarium. Furthermore, such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus conservation messages to our visitors. almost the entire holding facilities of lupus) and the European wildcat (Felis the fire salamander in GaiaZOO have silvestris silvestris). As a zoo, we house REFERENCES been moved to a temperature-controlled the more common large mammal 1 La Haye M., Kuiters R.S.M., Müskens G. (2017). Het Limburgs fruitdiefje dreigt te verdwijnen. Nature Today. area, all of which is visible to the public. species found in zoos, such as great 26 September 2018, https://www.naturetoday.com/intl/nl/ It makes it so much easier for us to share ; so the question was, how could nature-reports/message/?msg=23876 2 RAVON (2018). Soorten: Vuursalamander. Accessed our conservation stories effectively with we get the public excited about the on 26 February 2019 at: https://www.ravon.nl/Soorten/ our visitors when they can see so clearly smaller and (sometimes) duller native Soortinformatie/vuursalamander. what we are doing. species? With limburgHUIS this is being 3 Spitzen et al. (2018). Collaboration for fire salamander conservation. AArk Newsletter, 45: 9-11. 25 EXHIBITS

is approximately 2.6 m2. The pool was designed with glass panes below Biodiversity the water level, to allow visitors to observe the otters in their aquatic environment. Knowing the enthusiasm begins at home that these animals have for fun and play, an acrylic tunnel of 50cm in TWO NEW EXHIBITS AT ZOO WROCLAW HAVE BEEN DESIGNED diameter was also built in, adding TO EXPLAIN AND PROMOTE THE URGENT NEED TO PROTECT another way for visitors to observe BIODIVERSITY the otters’ natural behaviour. At the bottom of the pool on the outer runs, Anna Mielnikiewicz PhD and Katarzyna Walowska, Marketing and Education Department, ZOO Wroclaw, Poland as well as around the entire exhibition, domestic species of characteristic of the Odra biotope were planted. The second exhibit, covering 2,777.16m2, has been created to meet the needs of population management of the European wolf, and was devised in consultation with Polish wolf experts. For the comfort of the visitors, there are two (one- and two-storey) viewing platforms. On the second level The ongoing extinction of animal 4. To expand ecological knowledge of the two-storey viewing platform species has become a fact. We may not about the biology of the European there is a telescope enabling a close-up see it for ourselves, as the process often otter among participants of view of the territory of the animals. affects distant corners of our globe. educational workshops. In addition, there is a ‘dugout’ – a But it is a serious problem, because the 5. To build correct social awareness tunnel that cuts into the exhibit, mass loss of biodiversity will drastically about predatory animals that are which has a lowered floor, allowing affect everyone’s lives, in both socio- currently perceived in a negative the person standing at the window economic and biological terms. way. inside to be at the wolves’ eye level. Biodiversity loss is also taking place on The ‘wolf harbour’ has also been fitted a local scale, and for this reason it is ENGAGING THE PUBLIC with a variety of educational features, important to take action in your own Environmental education at ZOO including educational boards, monitors backyard. Wroclaw has been successfully showing short films, a rotating board As part of the expansion of the so- implemented for over 10 years. We (known as the ‘mosaic game’), display called European region, ZOO Wrocław focus on education because only full cases, sound-stands, 2D silhouettes, has begun two new educational projects, public awareness can bring about the 3D figures at the 1:1 scale, and casts for the European otter (Lutra lutra) and necessary actions that help to conserve of skulls. We’ve also installed a the European wolf (Canis lupus lupus). endangered species. As part of our complete novelty – a diorama showing The first one is a continuation of ecological education, we ran workshops a fragment of the forest and evidence the architectural approach of the for children and young people that of the animals’ presence. Currently, Odrarium. The Odrarium is an exhibit attracted 1,000 participants. They had wolves recolonise the territories of consisting of four water reservoirs that an opportunity to get acquainted with western Poland, which creates a lot showcase the and fauna native the biology and ecology of the otter, of confusion and misinformation in to the Odra basin. A new run has the environmental requirements and the media. The general public needs been created for another indigenous the threats that it encounters in the reliable sources of knowledge about this species – the European otter. It natural environment. In addition, two species if its presence in ecosystems is perfectly fits the need to protect species multimedia stations have been set up to gain social acceptance. threatened with extinction, especially next to the otters’ habitat, displaying Both exhibits received funding those that represent the richness of information about the biology of the from external sources. The otter local biodiversity and enable us to species and how to protect it. exhibit received funds from the continue our ecological education. The The exhibit’s area is approximately Operational Programme Infrastructure objectives of the investment were: 1,000m2. The pool has a varied depth, and Environment 2014–2020, and the 1. To construct an exhibit for the from 0m to about 1.5m, with a water wolf exhibit received funds from the European otter to enable population surface area of around 100m2 and Voivodeship Fund for Environmental management. a volume of approximately 100m3. Protection and Water Management 2. To strengthen the mechanisms of The banks of the pool are made of in Wrocław. We hope that the new biodiversity protection in the region. Artbeton, imitating the Odra River exhibits will promote and improve 3. To create appropriate pro-ecological natural biotope – rocky, washed our visitors’ understanding of the attitudes among visitors through the out, overhung river banks with vital importance of preserving local educational setting of the exhibition. protruding roots. The area of the den biodiversity. 26 WWW.ZOO.WROCLAW.PL 27 CAMPAIGN Let the songbirds keep singing AS THE ASIAN SONGBIRD CRISIS CONTINUES TO IMPACT HUNDREDS OF SPECIES ACROSS THE REGION, AN ALLIANCE OF CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THEIR PLIGHT – AND TO THEIR FUTURE

Kanitha Krishnasamy, Director for Southeast Asia, TRAFFIC

Shipped in their tens of thousands over three days. While open trade solely to preventing the imminent in cages, crammed into plastic water continues, authorities in the country extinction of songbirds threatened bottles, eggs strapped on vests or birds have carried out a string of seizures. by unsustainable trapping and trade. tied to legs of passengers boarding Between November 2018 and March TRAFFIC is actively working within an aeroplane – these are some of the 2019 alone, more than 16,000 birds the region to monitor trade and scenarios in which trapped birds are were seized from just two towns in assess trends against legal and policy transported illegally to feed the global Indonesia. framework, and is working with a wide cage-bird trade. range of partners to try to turn the The result of this age-old practice JOINING FORCES tide. is that one in 20 threatened and While the scale of the problem seems The Summit also paved the way near-threatened bird species are being dire, various efforts are underway to for innovative partnerships to be trapped for domestic and international tackle this problem across Southeast forged to address this problem in a trade, with many being closer to Asia. The Asian Songbird Trade strategic and coordinated manner. extinction. Nowhere is this more Crisis Summit was organised jointly Among them is a Memorandum pronounced than in Southeast Asia. by TRAFFIC, Wildlife Reserves of Understanding (MoU) between The region has had a long history of Singapore and the Cikananga TRAFFIC and EAZA, particularly bird trading, as songbirds are prized Wildlife Centre; this first-of-its- to further objectives under EAZA’s for singing competitions, parrots and kind event in October 2015 brought Silent Forest Campaign. The Campaign birds of prey are sought after as pets, together more than 35 experts on focuses on the Asian songbird trade passerines (or smaller birds) are used birds in the Greater Sundas region and aims to address and mitigate the for merit release, particularly within to prepare a plan for saving its more ongoing crisis by providing resources, the Buddhist culture, and waterbirds threatened species from extinction. scientific know-how and funding to are consumed as food. As a result, a comprehensive prevent Asian songbird extinction. Songbirds in particular have Conservation Strategy for Southeast The MoU also commits both parties taken a massive hit from this trade, Asian Songbird Trade was launched to share knowledge and expertise on involving millions of birds annually in 2017. a range of issues covering captive- and hundreds of species. The pastime The Strategy’s recommendation breeding and illegal sourcing of of keeping birds or competing in for the region’s current 28 most specimens, with the ultimate aim of bird-singing competitions has had a threatened species includes improved preventing illegal wildlife trade and severe impact on many of the region’s enforcement, greater education and species . songbirds, especially in the Greater community outreach, establishing and This collaboration also allows Sundas (comprising Brunei, western expanding conservation assurance both organisations to further the Indonesia, Malaysia, southernmost colonies and further taxonomic aspirations of EAZA’s Position Myanmar, Singapore and south research. Importantly, the Summit Statement on songbird trafficking, Thailand), which is home to more was the impetus for the creation of working closely with partners such as than 850 species of birds with high the Asian Songbird Trade Specialist BirdLife International and the IUCN levels of endemism. TRAFFIC’s Group within the International Union SSC Asian Songbird Trade Specialist surveys revealed that from 2014–2017, for the Conservation of Nature’s Group. more than 86,000 birds were recorded Species Survival Commission (IUCN This is just the start of a very for sale in markets in Indonesia, SSC) – of which TRAFFIC is a exciting journey to save Asia’s most Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand member and a coordinator – dedicated threatened birds. Watch this space! and Vietnam. Of these countries, Indonesia is considered a hotbed: almost 23,000 birds were recorded over five days in Central and East Java For more information, visit www.traffic.org or follow us on and 19,000 in three Jakarta markets www.facebook.com/trafficnetwork. 28 KRISHNASAMY/TRAFFIC KANITHA COMMUNICATIONS Getting the message across A NEW INITIATIVE IN BELGIUM IS DETERMINED TO CONVINCE THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT ZOO-BASED RESEARCH IS INVALUABLE TO THE CONSERVATION CAUSE

Zjef Pereboom, EAZA Research Committee Chair, Centre for Research and Conservation, KMDA Antwerp Zoo, Belgium

Frustrated with false claims that zoos alone the general public, or worse at informing the world (not just do not care about animal welfare? even, the anti-zoo lobby. How often Belgium) who we are, what we do and Upset with anti-zoo lobbyists have we heard it is false to claim why scientific research and science- condemning the existence of zoos, that breeding programmes in zoos based working methods are the and claiming that zoos use research protect endangered species? How foundation for the daily work in our and education to conceal that their many times are we accused of not zoos and for biodiversity conservation. real business is entertainment? really contributing to research and Our target audience is rather broad, Disappointed that the general public education? We’ve all had our share ranging from zoo visitors and the doesn’t recognise the essential role of that, and even well-respected zoos interested layperson to students that zoos play in conservation? with dedicated in-house scientific and peers in research institutes, Exactly, so were we, and we decided staff and robust research programmes universities and conservation it was about time to do something are accused of merely using science, organisations. about it. Enter ZOO Science, a new education and conservation to justify A mere six months after its launch, specific Antwerp brand that highlights what we ‘really’ do, who we are, and ZOO Science has become our one- the scientific base of all that we at what we stand for. stop solution to showcasing this once- Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael This attitude has been one of my hidden work and a way of promoting ZOO stand for. More broadly, it greatest frustrations since I joined the relevance of what we do as a shows how the zoo community in the Antwerp ZOO Centre for zoo. Although it is still too early to general contributes to biodiversity Research and Conservation (CRC) measure its effects precisely, since the conservation, to improving health in 2005, a research department fully launch in October last year we have and animal welfare, and to advancing embedded within Antwerp ZOO noticed a considerable increase in knowledge and expertise in animal and Planckendael ZOO. Although media attention. husbandry and breeding. this research department is officially Newspapers and other media Within the zoo community we recognised as a zoo-based knowledge outlets find it easier to discover know without question that scientific institution and core-funded by the detailed background information on research contributes substantially to Flemish government, hardly anyone in our scientific activities after a nudge what we do on a day-to-day basis. Belgium knows about its existence or on social media, or through a press Zoo-based researchers and their is even remotely aware of who we are release sent out and pushed by our academic partners use science-based and what we do. press office. Simple tweets about working methods to provide the We practise applied and basic newly published papers or events best animal care and husbandry, to research in our parks day in day out, that we are organising trigger media ensure the physical and psychological contribute to capacity building, attention with less effort than before, health of the animals in our care, to training and education and are and frequently result in interviews, improve our breeding programmes, actively involved in biodiversity newspaper articles, publications in to support conservation efforts, and conservation. But unfortunately more popular magazines and even to contribute to the advancement much of this work happens rather items on prime time television news of scientific knowledge about the anonymously and behind the scenes, or television shows. species in our collections. However, without anyone realising how we We will have to wait and see seeing a connection between zoos contribute to our zoos’ mission. whether this will also result in our and science is not something that our This is precisely why we ultimate goal: being recognised visitors, or more broadly the general recently launched ZOO Science, by society and by the scientific public, tend to do automatically. a joint endeavour of the zoology community and conservation Even within our own institutions, department and our marketers organisations of the roles that zoos can one would be surprised how few of and communication officers. ZOO play in biodiversity conservation. our members of staff are aware of the Science is a new brand translated For more information, please go to: role that science plays in our day- into a dedicated web-based platform www.zooscience.be/en and to-day work as zoo professionals, let and social media channels aimed twitter.com/ZOOscience_eng. 29 ZOO DESIGN Concrete solutions AN EAZA CORPORATE MEMBER HAS MASTERED THE ART OF FASHIONING NATURAL LANDSCAPES OUT OF CARVED AND SPRAYED CONCRETE

Ralf Koeppel, Director, Sanero Kunstfelsbau

Recreating the natural habitat and living environment for animals living in zoos has been our main concern from the very beginning of our involvement in the industry in 2001. At first, this meant producing panels that replicated natural rock for various companies; later we varied the methods we used to make our creations look as much like a natural habitat as possible. In order to manufacture our artificial rocks, we use various techniques; we make glass fibre reinforced concrete panels, we manufacture rocks on site by moulding the concrete on metal structures and carving it into shape, and we decorate existing walls with glass fibre reinforced resin panels. We have delivered artificial rocks and faux tree bark made of glass fibre panels makes it easier and faster to have developed into water-filled or reinforced modified concrete panels install them inside and outside the dry moats or even artificial landscape for our client, Parc Merveilleux establishments. By using sprayed rocks. More and more zoos are using Bettembourg. We have manufactured concrete, we have created various realistic landscapes to make visitors artificial rocks for a new birdhouse, forms of rocks and trees, adding feel as if they are in the middle of the in which we have created a habitat architectural value to the space and natural environment of the animal that welcomes plants and birds. This providing optimal conditions for they have come to see. work looks very realistic, replicating the animals’ development and daily Currently, the design of zoos is the finest details, patterns and shapes. activity. Most of our manually carved changing, in that visitors now often This allowed us to create a perfect artificial landscape rocks are produced find themselves walking on narrow and horizontal and vertical system, allowing by spraying the concrete on to a metal bumpy pathways, stepping over fallen minimal but well-chosen locations for frame that is initially covered with a trees and walking through densely visitors and a perfect balance between metal or a polyethylene net. Using planted wild landscapes, all of which the areas assigned to plants and birds. this procedure, one can build water have been designed to place visitors Being light, the concrete panels tanks for zoo-based animals that are in a simulated natural environment significantly reduce the static charge adjusted to the particular needs of their of that animal. The visitors view the of buildings, thus providing important inhabitants. This bespoke design is animals through invisible fences, and savings on the cost of foundations and essential if the animals are to survive they feel as if the animals are in control base structures. and thrive in human care. of the location. This is why we build Another major benefit is that Thanks to the experience we have caves, waterfalls and even a series of they need almost no maintenance gained by producing, to date, 30,000 tunnels made of artificial landscape throughout their entire lifetime. In square metres of artificial rocks, we can rocks in which there is only a glass the wolf section of the zoo, we created now recreate natural habitats by using wall between the visitors and the , a wall made of glass fibre reinforced specialised construction methods that leopards, tigers and many other large modified concrete panels replicating fit the artistic skills of our sculptors, . This ecologic composite the bark of trees. Concrete panels and habitats that include rocks, trees, – the glass fibre reinforced concrete – measuring between one and three logs, vines and other natural features. which has a low-energy consumption metres in height have been placed The design of an animal enclosure is and is made of natural raw materials, on concrete structures, providing extremely important from many points can be fashioned into a large variety of a safe fence between visitors and of view, both for providing appropriate forms and colours, gaining a multitude animals. Another great advantage of living conditions for animals and for of friends among designers, architects, the concrete panels is that they are conveying the message the zoo wants engineers and zoo directors. fireproof and very environmentally to send. The old metal fences that For more details, please visit our 30 friendly. The easy handling of the used to feature prominently in zoos website: www.kunstfelsbau.de. 31 32