February 1/12 2012

Re-birth of Paris Zoo | p 3 Project Seahorse | p 5 The Ocean Project | p 8 ). Hippocampus histrix © Bettina Balnis / Guylian Seahorses of the World 2010k World Seahorses of the Guylian © Bettina Balnis / Thorny seahorse ( WAZA news 1/12

Gerald Dick Contents Editorial 77 Years: Happy New Year to You Happy Birthday WAZA!...... 2 and Happy Birthday WAZA! The Re-Birth of Paris Zoo...... 3 Saving Seahorses...... 5 I wish all WAZA members and friends The Ocean Project...... 8 of WAZA a very Happy New Year and New Gorilla Council all the best for your conservation Established...... 11 endeavours! My Career: This year is a very special one, because Helmut Pechlaner...... 14 it is 77 years ago that an International WAZA Interview: Association of Directors of Zoologi‑ Debra Erickson...... 18 cal Gardens was formally established Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical in Basel. After working more than one © Michal Stránský Gardens in Mesoamerica...... 20 and a half years in the dusty archives Gerald Dick during interview, Prague. Book Reviews...... 21 of WAZA’s executive office and after Thailand Flooding...... 22 organizing input of past WAZA presi‑ Year of the Bat Activities...... 23 dents and prominent figures of the zoo This Anniversary Edition of WAZA News Announcements...... 30 and aquarium community, the book is covers an unusual variety of contribu‑ World Zoo & Aquarium printed and available: “77 Years – The tions, ranging from gorilla conservation Conservation Database...... 32 History and Evolution of the World to seahorses and the Ocean project to Obstacles to Global Association of Zoos and Aquariums, bats conservation contributions to five Population Management...... 34 1935–2012”. new WAZA branded projects. WAZA First Eld’s Deer Fawn By the time you receive this edition has entered a formal cooperation with Born in vitro...... 35 of WAZA News, as WAZA member CITES, right after 10 years, when the Update: you will have received a free copy of first negotiations started in Santiago International Studbooks...... 36 the book already. This is also meant de Chile. Exchange and transport of WAZA Projects as a big thank you for the support of animals will now get more high­‑level Crocodile and Hippo WAZA over the many years by most attention. Last, but not least, WAZA Conservation...... 37 of you. This documentation will also was asked to provide coordinative Blue-throated Macaw help to better understand the roots support for the emergency relief action Conservation...... 38 of international cooperation and the during the big Thailand floods, a big Amphibian Breeding formal setting up of our community on thank you goes to all supporters! and Awareness...... 39 a global basis. It also shows how im‑ Please save the date for the 67th WAZA Sungazer Conservation...... 40 portant conservation was from the very Annual Conference to be held in Mel‑ Tarsius Project...... 41 beginning and makes us better under‑ bourne, 7–11 October 2012 and I hope Recent Updates...... 42 stand where we are right now. I wish to see you there!. New Member Applications...... 43 to thank Laura Penn who prepared the text based on the archive research and Gerald Dick Markus Gusset who organized photos WAZA Executive Director and old documents for the print as well as critically reviewed the publication.

Imprint Edition: 550 copies © WAZA 2012 Editor: Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Office IUCN Conservation Centre This edition of WAZA News Rue Mauverney 28 is also available on CH-1196 Gland www.waza.org (members’ area). Switzerland phone: +41 22 999 07 90 Founding Member fax: +41 22 999 07 91 Printed on FSC paper.

Layout and typesetting: [email protected] Print: Agentura NP, Staré Město, Czech Republic ISSN: 1662-7733 WAZA news 1/12 1

Jörg Junhold The President’s Page

In times like these when we are fac- ing a worldwide economic crisis, it is always harder to get the public inter- ested in species and habitat conserva- tion. People question whether animal problems should be considered among the most important issues of the day. We, as a zoo community, all believe that they should! Several evaluations like the 2010 TEEB study (The Economics of Ecosystems & © Zoo Leipzig Biodiversity), indicate the substan- Jörg Junhold at Kiwara Savannah, Zoo Leipzig. tial economic impact that healthy environments have for humans. Los- ing their biological services involves the establishment of new studbooks, In December 2011, WAZA had the spending a lot of money to “repair” we can make better choices by select- privilege of signing a Memorandum natural systems. ing those species more vulnerable of Understanding with the CITES Sec- to climate change. Furthermore, nu- retariat. This was an important step The UN Climate Change Conference merous in situ conservation projects forward towards a closer collabora- in Durban is already a few months are also affected by climate change tion with this important authority. behind us, having generated mostly issues and we must help to find solu- We used the opportunity to describe unremarkable results. We must ask tions to their pressing needs. There is the many issues associated with ourselves how climate change will af- no time to waste! the translocation of animals across fect zoos in the future. What types of borders. In order to keep sustainable risks will we face and how can we best Key to our efforts is to grow the populations of threatened species, react to them? In my opinion, we have WAZA membership and to enhance we rely on the exchange of animals the ability to affect different areas. the collaboration between zoos. Both based on the recommendations of of these endeavours have recently our studbook keepers. For example, although zoos con- seen some progress.

tribute to producing CO2, through I have the impression that the the business they generate and In November 2011, a high-level Secretary-General, Mr. John Scanlon, through the visitor traffic they invite, delegation of the Chinese Associa- has understood the limitations of they can act as an example for the tion of Zoological Gardens (CAZG) CITES procedures for our mission and public by demonstrating sustainable visited Europe in order to establish hopefully, we may see some improve- resource and energy use. We can aim better contact with the international ments in the future.

to decrease our CO2 emissions and zoo community. They were kindly become certified with labels such as hosted by ZSL, BIAZA and EAZA and EMAS (Eco-management and Audit I would like to express my sincere Scheme). We can also educate the thanks to the hosts. I was honoured public about what we do and why to represent WAZA at the meeting in …can act as an every one of us needs to be involved. London, where we had very fruitful discussions with our Chinese col- example for the Climate change affects our core mis- leagues. In the long run, my aim is to sion. The collections that we keep convince CAZG and Chinese zoos to public by demonstra- include some species that are more become our members. Many Chinese susceptible to climate change than zoos are developing fast and have the ting sustainable others. These species with their small potential to upgrade their standard range areas and dispersal rates are of animal keeping in the future. Let resource and more threatened by climate change us help them, while at the same time, than more adaptable species. By substantially improving our collabo- energy use… looking at our collection planning and ration. 2 WAZA news 1/12

Gerald Dick – WAZA Executive Office 77th Birthday:

WAZA Proudly Presents an Analysis of History and Evolution for the Years 1935 to 2012

After more than seven decades since of the founding members of IUCN At the occasion of the 77th Anniversary its formal establishment, it is time (then IUPN) in 1948 at Fontainebleau, of the organisation, WAZA presents to look at historical facts in order to France. Since then the relationship a commemorative volume, highlight- better understand where the interna- with IUCN remained an important ing milestones of the history and tional zoo and aquarium community one, today documented by a work- development of an international rep- and WAZA stands today. ing agreement and even the location resentation of the zoo and aquarium of the WAZA Executive office in the community. After quite informal meetings of Ger- IUCN´s conservation centre. IUCN´s man zoo directors in the 19th century, Director General, Julia Marton- a more international group of direc- Lefèvre, says: “As is the case with all tors formed the so-called “Confer- organizations that have a long and ence of Directors of Zoological Gar- rich history, IUCN and WAZA have dens of Central Europe”. This was the had to reform and reinvent them- real predecessor of WAZA, this group selves along the way to become the started to meet in the early 1920s and truly modern global conservation changed the name at the meeting networks that they are today. In do- in 1935 to “International Association ing so, both have built on a simple but of Directors of Zoological Gardens”. powerful idea: by working together, At this founding meeting of what was we can achieve more. On behalf of later called IUDZG and subsequently the entire IUCN family, I warmly WZO and finally WAZA a constitu- congratulate WAZA on its 77th anni- tional legal basis was adopted. versary. Today, more than ever, IUCN and WAZA stand United for Conser- Via enhancing international coop- vation.” eration, conservation was on top of the agenda of all meetings since the very early days and WAZA also made very clear political statements, for instance about the plans to build a bridge over the internationally important wetland, Lake Neusiedl, in Austria or giant panda conserva- tion in China. During the research for this book, the founding docu- ment of IUCN surfaced and showed that WAZA (then IUDZG) was one

The book can be ordered from: www.nhbs.com WAZA news 1/12 3

Alexis Lécu, DVM – Paris Zoo The Re-Birth of Paris Zoo »

Sometimes through nightmares regarding shipment and delays, the curators eventually succeeded to re- locate every individual in proper situ- ation, even for the famous “impossi- ble ones” such as Japanese macaques or hippopotamuses. As animals were leaving the zoo, keepers had also to be proportionally relocated to other zoos within the MNHN so that only a core of keepers, curators and vets remained to work locally on the © Artefactory – AJOA/BtuA project. The future zoo, within the cradle of Bois de Vincennes. Famous landmark of the zoo, the big rock stands with its 65 meters high, housing two water tanks for the park, while also providing a terrace Meanwhile, the time dedicated on with a view of Paris on top. Smooth integration of zoo landscape into its wooden surroundings the project design increased every was one of the major issues for the project, as it can be seen in this aerial view. month. From concept to ideas, from master planning to the first blueprints, the first challenge was to divide our Paris, September 1931, “Exposition Now the clock is ticking towards the own brains between dealing with ani- coloniale”: a 2.8 hectares field was final dates of November 2013 (delivery mal evacuation while thinking about the cradle of Paris Zoo concept: of the very last buildings and enclo- the new collection plan and its needs a temporary zoo, which instantly sures) and spring 2014 (opening to the and issues. Moreover, considering the became such a public success that public). Within the next 27 months, risks of splitting our large breeding its owner, the Museum National a tremendous amount of people giraffe herd, it was decided to keep d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) and and machines will work on the zoo them on site and this had a direct Paris City decided to transform it grounds, operating one of the hugest impact on the schedule, forcing the into a permanent zoological park,: mutations of an urban zoo to date. creation of the new giraffe building relocated on a broader surface – early into the process, and implying more than 14.6 hectares- at the edge their transfer from the old to the new of Paris and within the forest, “Bois The challenge of renewing house at mid time. Moving 17 to 20 de Vincennes”, it was gathering wild a whole zoo at once giraffes aged from 2 months to 28 animal exhibits based on a genuine years old is then also one of the chal- concept of hidden fences and dis- Unlike the “usual zoo way” – one lenges ahead of us. simulated animal buildings (from extension after another, one refec- Hagenbeck’s model) through the tion after the other –, the situation Another major issue will be to man- use of both leveling and false rocks of Paris Zoo at the end of the 20th age the arrival of the new animal with concrete skin. Since its opening century was in dire need of restora- collection in a tight timeframe, as in 1934, several hundreds of species tion in every single part of the park most of the buildings and exhibits will were exhibited, from the Emperor so that there was no other issue than be delivered within the last 6 months penguins to the secret Aye-Aye, from a complete renewal all at once. Thus, to the opening. Hence, a part of the the rare forest elephant to the fa- the first act was to empty nearly all zoo was saved and designed for the mous panda. the zoo, as a real phase-after-phase purpose of pre-acclimation and quar- schedule was not realistic economi- antines of animals, acting like a buffer Paris, September 2011: mechanical cally and time-wise. It took more with a precise rotation and occupancy cranes are now replacing crowned than 3 years to empty the zoo and to schedule of selected species in tech- ones and new unusual perspectives relocate all the animals into zoologi- nical enclosures, so that new animals suddenly arise within the 77 years old cal collections of partners all over the get used to the keepers (and vice zoo, as some old buildings are disap- world, from Europe to the United versa) and are ready to be shifted to pearing and as landscape is starting States, from South Africa to Algeria. their new exhibit with minor issues. to be reshaped and modeled. 4 WAZA news 1/12

»

© Artefactory – AJOA/BtuA Image of the Sahel-Soudan main plain, 1.5 hectares of mixed exhibit including the large giraffe herd (at least 20 giraffes), greater kudus and red necked ostriches. The top of the new aviary emerges in the distance.

New concept, new master plan, new animals, new tools

The complete project encompasses six “Biozones,” created to replicate Sahel-Soudan savannah, Patagonia, French Guiana, Madagascar, Europe and Equatorial African rainforest, the latest being delayed in construc- tion for several years. In order to reach this goal, the landscape will be totally modeled from scratch. The ghost spirit of false rocks will still fly through the zoo with adaptation of these concrete skins in every “bio- zone”, still used to hide technical equipment behind their raw veil. Epic © Artefactory – AJOA/BtuA new structures will arise from the Underwater view of Manatees’ pool inside the French Guiana part of the green house. landscape, as a 4000 square meters Manatees are on the list of animals that will be mostly managed through greenhouse hosting Malagasy and training by positive reinforcement. Guiana warm exhibits scattered into the green lush of endemic trees, The primary conceptual mission was mal exhibition was truly the cement plants and free flying birds. As a cel- to describe conservation and natural- of Paris Zoo. Since 1931, goals of ani- ebration of historical concrete rocks ist support from the MNHN of these mals’ studies changed a lot, consider- memory, a large African aviary (fla- habitats in their native locations, so ing the biodiversity challenges ahead mingos, spoonbills,…) will be crafted the collection plan was adapted to of us. However, naturalist roots of the at the foot of the big rock, embedded this purpose, with a more precise tar- Museum will still be celebrated by in concrete crater made out of the get on all the past and extant links of this new presentation and approach relics of the old big cats indoor area. the MNHN filed stations like in Mada- of wild animals with their environ- Concerning the outdoor landscape, gascar (Antrema station) or French ment. Eventually, species that Paris the selected option was to mimic Guyana. The animal collection was Zoo was used to (giraffes, lemurs, exotic local trees and shrubs of each also chosen based upon EAZA RCPs, rhinoceros, large cats,…) will now live region by selecting French and Euro- current conservation interest and side by side with some animals new pean look-alike species of trees. The challenges, but also historical experi- to Paris Zoo’s past experience, such balance of removed versus seeded ence of Paris Zoo in breeding some as wolverines, manatees, or Malagasy trees will be positive, with an increase rare species (sifakas,…) and regarding amphibians. The number of mammal target of +40% of the green surface some links existing with local MNHN species and individuals has been re- compared to the “old” zoo. researchers. This close relationship duced to promote broader enclosures between museum work and the ani- and tree growth. WAZA news 1/12 5

Tyler Stiem1, Amanda Vincent1 and Heather Koldewey2 Saving Seahorses » Means Saving Our Seas

© Artefactory – AJOA/BtuA With their horse-like heads, monkey- Seven seahorse species are currently Guiana/Madagascar curved glass-roofed greenhouse like tails, kangaroo-like pouches, listed as Vulnerable, with one, South embedded into the future zoo landscape. and chameleon-like eyes, seahorses Africa’s Cape seahorse (Hippocampus are among the strangest and most capensis), listed as Endangered on iconic fish species in our oceans. Adult the International Union for Conserva- A lot of thoughts have been injected seahorses have few predators, thanks tion of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of into the facilities design, regarding to their ability to change colour and Threatened Species. The remaining daily keeper work, security and ani- grow skin filaments to blend in with 30 species are listed as Data Deficient, mal welfare. Therefore, state-of-the- their surroundings. Their bony plates which speaks to the current lack of art restraint chutes will be set up for and spines make them unappealing to knowledge about the state of many giraffes, rhinos and manatees; a new most palates and their sedentary life- wild seahorse populations and the 360 square meters animal hospital (in- style camouflaged among seagrasses urgent need for more research. At cluding isolated quarantine building) and other shallow coastal habitats least ten new seahorse species have will be created; more than 2200 cubic makes them difficult to spot. Seahors- been described in the last five years meters of water will be dedicated es have been found in the stomachs of and have yet to be assessed. for aquatic animals pools and tanks, large, open-water fishes such as tuna filtered through non chlorinated life and dorado, and they are sometimes Seahorses must be preserved for support systems; management of eaten by crabs, but human beings are ecological, biological, economic, and animals will change accordingly, with their greatest predators. medical reasons. They are important a list of species that will be managed predators within coastal marine through positive reinforcement as Over 1.2 billion people live within habitats and removing them can a uppermost tool. The main goal is to 100 km of the sea, and 90% of all mean disrupting their native eco- decrease stress in both animals and economic activity in our oceans takes systems. Their extraordinary life keepers without compromising the place in coastal areas (Small, C. and history – mating pairs are monoga- security. Nicholls, R. J., 2003. A global analysis mous in many species and the male of human settlement in coastal zones. becomes pregnant – provides us with The countdown is now running Journal of Coastal Research, 19 (3), an unusual opportunity to expand our towards the opening in spring 2014. 584–599. West Palm Beach, Florida), understanding of reproductive ecol- The funding model of this whole including important seahorse habitats ogy and may yet yield other impor- gigantic work is a public-private such as coral reefs, mangroves, sea- tant scientific discoveries. Seahorse partnership (Partenariat Public-Privé grass beds, and estuaries. As a result, behaviour and ecology – the young in French), so that investment, con- vast swaths of these often incredibly depend on parental survival for much struction and maintenance are run as biodiverse ecosystems – from Asia to longer than most marine species – a single global package by the same Africa, Europe to the Americas, Aus- make them vulnerable to overfishing, private consortium, while the MNHN tralia and the Pacific – are degraded as does their popularity as aquarium will remain as the owner and decision or destroyed every year. Unsustain- fishes, curios and souvenirs, and as maker. With the help of other zoos able fishing practices, physical and essential ingredients in tonic foods of the Museum (Menagerie du Jardin chemical damage, invasive species, and medicines. Traditional Chinese des Plantes, Parc de la Haute Touche), and climate change all contribute medicine (TCM) is the largest direct with the support of friends and to the deaths, on a massive scale, of market for seahorses, followed by colleagues of the world zoological seahorses and countless other small the trade in live animals for display in community, the future master plan is marine animals. They are stripped aquariums. While seahorse fishing is now taking a solid shape. While some from the sea by shrimp trawlers as generally a legitimate practice, such animals on loan will soon come back, the trawl nets rake the bottom; they extraction can and must be kept at a lot of others will come from zoo are overfished by small-scale fishers; sustainable levels. Public aquariums partners or supported rehabilitation their habitats are subject to pollution, therefore have a responsibility to centers from all over the world. We’re dredging, mining, blasting, farming, ensure that seahorses in their collec- eagerly looking forward to welcom- and other forms of human industry. tions come from sustainable sources. ing you back at Paris Zoo. 1 Project Seahorse, University of British Columbia, Canada 2 Project Seahorse, Zoological Society of London, UK and WAZA Aquarium Committee Chair 6 WAZA news 1/12

»

Aquaculture – the breeding and cultivation of seahorse species in captivity – has been proposed as one solution to address the problem of unsustainable trade. Project Sea- horse researchers have found that prior to the 1990s, seahorse aquacul- ture was plagued by problems with disease and feeding. In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was consider- able expansion in the number and size of aquaculture operations and the number of seahorse species being bred. This was reflected in an increas- ing contribution of captive-bred seahorses to the aquarium trade but not in the larger traditional medi- cine market. Currently, the majority of seahorse aquaculture involves small-scale operations in developed countries, employing relatively few personnel and selling live animals for © Tyler Stiem/Project Seeahorse the home aquarium market. Although Dried seahorse specimens for sale in Hong Kong’s traditional medicine market. there are still considerable techni- cal problems with diseases and with Until a 1998 syngnathid husbandry The Convention on International breeding and raising some species, workshop organized by John Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) others species are performing well in G. Shedd Aquarium and Project Sea- regulates trade in endangered and aquaculture. There are currently at horse, public aquariums had varied threatened fauna and flora between least 13 species in commercial culture success in breeding and rearing governments. It accords varying or under research for their culture seahorses. This workshop improved degrees of protection to more than potential. Large-scale aquaculture the exchange of information and the 30,000 species of animals and plants, to supply the traditional medicine co-ordination of efforts through re- whether they are traded as live market or as a livelihood venture has gional collection plans and the Taxon specimens, fur coats or dried herbs. not yet been demonstrated to be Advisory Groups. A second interna- Project Seahorse exposed the global commercially viable, although it is tional symposium, held at Shedd trade in seahorses with publication being actively researched. The ongo- Aquarium in November 2011, dem- of a landmark report in 1996 that ing trade in wild-caught seahorses, onstrated the considerable advances estimated the trade of seahorses to meanwhile, threatens the economic that have been made in syngnathid amount to about 24 million animals viability of many current aquaculture husbandry, conservation, and man- per year in 32 countries. We have operations, and indeed customs agement over the past decade, The undertaken further trade work show- seizures of illegally traded wild- symposium focused also on research ing that 20 species are being traded caught species account for many of needs and the need to engage public in and among nearly 80 countries. the seahorses on display in zoos and aquariums more closely in seahorse Our technical knowledge helped to aquariums around the world. conservation. establish the first controls on the international trade in marine fish of commercial importance (under CITES), and supported the creation of other legal protections for seahorses …estimated the trade of seahorses in the EU, Australia and Hong Kong. Ultimately, Project Seahorse’s work to amount to about 24 million animals supports CITES as a powerful inter- national tool to advance sustainable per year in 32 countries… seahorse fisheries and ensure that the seahorse trade is being monitored and regulated. WAZA news 1/12 7

© Guido Borgenon/Guylian Seahorses of the World 2010 Bargibanti’s seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) near Komodo, Indonesia.

To find out more: www.projectseahorse.org or www.facebook.com/projectseahorse © Peter Ryngaert/Guylian Seahorses of the World 2008 Long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus).

From our experience, conservation been working with local communi- Ultimately, because of their charisma, solutions are often readily adopted ties to create marine protected areas their near-global range, and their vul- when they protect the long-term (MPAs). To date we have helped nerability to overfishing and a wide future of a valuable resource such as establish 34 such reserves, includ- range of pressing environmental seahorses. A sustainable seahorse ing, most recently, a 50-hectare MPA issues, seahorses are flagship spe- trade can provide such economic sponsored by the UK department cies for marine conservation. Action incentives to the fishers and traders store Selfridges. Guarded by many for seahorse conservation directly who depend on the animals for their of the same fishers who depend on benefits other marine animals, par- livelihood. seahorses and other small fish spe- ticularly when it comes in the form of cies for their livelihood, the MPAs marine protected areas, community In the Danajon Bank area of central have allowed these species – and the organisation, improved governance, Philippines, for example, overpopu- coral reef and seagrass ecosystems and trade controls. We have found lation and overfishing have meant they depend on – to begin to recover these iconic species to be excellent that local fishers depend increas- from overexploitation. The MPAs also ambassadors for the issues that affect ingly on whatever they can catch to serve as vitally important field sites the world’s coastal marine ecosys- make a living. This includes sea- for Project Seahorse’s research into tems more broadly, and will continue horses, which have been caught and coastal marine resource management to use seahorses as the starting point traded at unsustainable levels for and recovery. Our long-term monitor- for our work. many years. Realising that pressures ing programme has demonstrated on seahorse populations will only the benefits of these MPAs to both increase until food security issues communities and wildlife. are resolved, Project Seahorse has 8 WAZA news 1/12

Bill Mott & Wei Ying Wong – The Ocean Project Understanding Audiences and Advancing Conservation: An Update From The Research Initiative of The Ocean Project

Information about the values and • Concern for the ocean Concern for the Ocean attitudes of an audience is widely • Understanding of the threats considered critical to successful com- • Willingness to act The ocean, like most other envi- munication and education efforts. • Importance of teens ronmental issues, does not rate as The Ocean Project has been offering • Expectations of ZAMs a “top-of-mind” concern. When zoo, aquarium and museum (ZAM) prompted, however, many respond- directors, marketing directors, educa- Each of these themes will be dis- ents agree that action should be tors, and other staff precisely such cussed in detail, followed by the im- taken to protect the ocean, but lack information to better engage with plications of each of these findings for of agency appears to be a core issue audiences to help advance ocean and ZAMs and any organization working with the public’s sentiment about climate conservation. to communicate conservation mes- ocean conservation. sages – both within the US as well as The Ocean Project began conducting globally. research into American’s attitudes to- wards and knowledge about the ocean Level of agreement: Americans’ underlying concern for the ocean can be brought to the surface by current in the late 1990s. Approximately a dec- events, such as the Deepwater Horizon disaster of late April 2010. These three graphs (Figure 1–Figure 3) show ade later, we greatly expanded our the level of agreement with the statement on a scale of 0–100, with a score ove 60 representing agreement, market research and outreach initia- and a score over 70 representing strong agreement. tive such that over the last few years it has developed into what is now the Figure 1: Protecting the ocean should be a priority for the U.S. government most extensive such effort ever under- taken on any environmental issue. This ongoing comprehensive social science research provides unprecedented insights into who our audiences are, what messages they will hear, and how to motivate behavioral change.

Many important findings emerged as a result of our recent research. A 2008 study, while focused primarily on the US, provided some preliminary base- line data on the international commu- nity (China, Korea, Japan, Australia, Western Europe, Canada, Mexico, Figure 2: I would change my seafood eating habits to protest and/or preserve and India) and its relation to ocean an endangered species and climate conservation issues. For 2012, we are working on expanding the work to more comprehensively include other countries to make this more relevant to our growing global network of partner ZAMs, as well as for comparative purposes.

Five themes key themes emerged from the latest research findings and these will be covered here in more detail: WAZA news 1/12 9

The Ocean Project mission is to inspire action to protect our world’s ocean. The Ocean Project empowers its global network of » hundreds of partner zoos, aquari- ums, museums (ZAMs) and other conservation organizations to communicate effectively with their visitors and the public. Partners are provided with cutting-edge research, tools, and related re- sources that help ZAMs and others engage their audiences to take Understanding of the threats Implication personal action to protect our Abstract concepts and vast scales ocean. Despite concerted efforts of the wider such as “the ocean” or “the climate” ocean conservation community to are difficult for the public to compre- educate, as well as the increased hend. What serves better to prompt Where most Americans tend to per- availability of traditional and new action for the individual is to present ceive that the ocean is healthy, more media communication platforms information about threats in rela- Australians, Western Europeans, and that provide access to ocean infor- tion to a particular place or specific Japanese indicate that they perceive mation, the American public has species, especially in ways that that the health of the ocean is being not gained significant ocean literacy relate to them personally. threatened. Nevertheless, it is evi- over the years. For instance, there dent that it is less a matter of ambiva- is no evidence to indicate that the lence and more a question of urgency. American public’s awareness and Willingness to act In other words, the public as a whole understanding of some of the major does not need to be convinced that ocean threats, such as overfishing Although sobering that ocean literacy ocean conservation is important. and pollution, has increased since and concerns about threats to ocean Rather, they need to be prompted the initial research conducted by The conservation have not changed in the with reasons to act now. Ocean Project in 1999. past decade, what provides reason for optimism is that the American This finding was never more apparent While climate change was not on the public is increasingly seeing them- than in the aftermath of the Deepwa- public’s collective radar in 1999, it selves as “green friendly.” They are ter Horizon drilling disaster (the “BP has been essentially the only environ- looking for ways to reinforce and pro- Oil Spill”). The Ocean Project 2010 mental issue to break into the top tier ject that self-perception. This is not tracking surveys showed spikes in of public concerns in recent years. In to suggest in any way that the public both absolute and relative concern contrast to much of the rest of the is looking to make a wholesale shift about the health of the ocean among world, however, adults in America to a more sustainable lifestyle, but it the American public. During this increasingly see climate change as an is an indication that they are open to period, there was also an increase “overstated” and “politicized” issue. taking a few steps in that direction in demands for ocean conserva- and are interested in seeing them- tion, especially among ZAM visitors As far as other issues related to selves as part of the solution, rather (see figure 1). ocean health, overfishing is not than as part of the problem. perceived as a threat, but the public Yet, almost as soon as the oil spill sto- is concerned about seafood sus- ries stopped filling the news, atten- tainability, although primarily on tion returned to what are considered the basis of health concerns. Pollu- To find out more: more “top-of-mind” matters, such as tion, especially a point source such http://TheOceanProject.org/ the health of the economy and the as an oil spill, is widely accepted as MarketResearch availability of jobs. a problem (as shown in the reac- tion to the BP oil spill disaster) but Implication is not believed to pose a long-term The majority of ZAM visitors are al- or ocean-wide threat. The American ready in favor of ocean conservation public simply has a hard time believ- and need no convincing, i.e. ZAMs ing that anything could compromise can focus messaging on the need the long-term health of something to act now and provide visitors with that is, in their words, as “vast, huge, ways to help personally. In particu- powerful and mighty” as “the ocean.” lar, ZAMs need to rapidly respond to The same can be said about some- the dramatic increase in demand for thing as abstract in their view as information and guidance in times of “the climate.” major environmental catastrophes. 10 WAZA news 1/12

» Figure 3: Level of information / Importance of an individual activity Expectations of ZAMS

ZAMs continue to be seen by the public as a good, and often the best, trusted sources of information about the ocean and conservation. While ZAM visitors indicate that their primary reason for visiting is not necessarily to be educated, they are also explicit in their expectations that ZAMs provide information on what to do to act for conservation. However, interest in obtaining this informa- tion onsite continues to wane when compared to going online.

In keeping with earlier findings from The Ocean Project, the Internet is the primary means by which the Ameri- Importance of teens can public, especially youth, increas- ingly wants to access information Based on The Ocean Project’s Teens not only have the highest level about the ocean and ocean conser- research, and augmented by other of concern about the problems fac- vation. Although we don’t yet have studies in environmental commu- ing the world’s ocean, and are most specific data, this finding is quite nication, the public’s willingness open to new information, but also are likely true in other countries. to take steps towards a solution is the most confident in their ability to largely disconnected from their level make a difference (see figure 3). Fur- Implication of understanding of a problem (see thermore, teens want to take action ZAMs have an important, and unique, figure 2). The research shows that now and many are already helping. role to play in informing, inspiring, people’s willingness to take action and engaging the public. They can for conservation is not necessarily More importantly, two core find- turn their millions of visitors’ height- correlated to what they understand ings underscore the critical need to ened interest into positive action by or whether they believe it would engage youth: communicating effectively onsite and, make a significant difference to the • Youth are increasingly asked for increasingly, online. environment, but rather because it is advice on environmental issues by consistent with their self-identity as the adults in their families, and Online and onsite visitors are looking being “green”. • Adults are united in their support for for more than awareness and literacy teaching the younger generations building. They want – and expect – Implication how to care for our blue planet, even trusted messengers like ZAMs to Capitalize on this growing “green while they themselves are divided on provide conservation action items. friendly” identity by starting with issues such as climate change. the solution in communications with ZAM visitors. Instead of explaining As the global community has wit- Further information why one needs to take action, sug- nessed this past year in other social gest small but significant actions that movements that transformed politi- All the activities that The Ocean Pro- both help address a problem and cal and digital landscapes, youth are, ject undertakes are geared toward align with visitors’ desire to be – and or can be, key actors as well as influ- helping its growing global partner be seen as – “green.” Invite your audi- encers in the conservation movement. network of ZAMs, agencies, schools, ence to be part of the solution rather NGOs, and others develop the most than part of the problem. As with the Implication efficient and effective education and Montessori philosophy, people can Focusing on youth, and teens in outreach programs to better engage “learn through play.” particular, is likely the most effective with and inspire their audiences to act way to engage people and advance for ocean conservation. ocean conservation. Provide them with guidance and tools to be leaders Over the next few years, with support and ambassadors for conservation from NOAA, The Ocean Project will messages. expand its market research initiative, and grow its network of partners. WAZA news 1/12 11

Erika Archibald – Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund New “Gorilla Council” » Established The global network is open to all and resources from the initiative are avail- able free online. To Involve Zoos in Field

The Ocean Project will be releasing Conservation Programs quarterly tracking survey updates and comprehensive annual updates while working with ZAMs to integrate the research findings into their priorities The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Interna- and programs by providing in-depth tional is now taking its long-standing analysis and actionable recommenda- partnership with zoos a giant step tions, as well as a series of interactive forward by enlisting them as charter workshops and other capacity building members of the Fund’s new Gorilla opportunities. Simultaneously, The Council, designed to involve zoos in Ocean Project will provide the results supporting direct gorilla field conser- © Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to others in the broader conservation vation in Africa. An orphan gorilla at the Gorilla Rehabilitation community. Additionally, The Ocean and Conservation Education (GRACE) center, the Project is developing a collaborative The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund car- Gorilla Council’s principal project for 2012. youth campaign to help build the core ries on the work of the late Dr. Dian of a new movement of social responsi- Fossey, studying and protecting Zoos have made an important contri- bility for ocean conservation. the highly endangered mountain bution to the Fossey Fund’s growth gorillas and their habitat in the since its origin 33 years ago as the Acknowledgments Virunga mountains of Rwanda and Digit Fund (named after Fossey’s fa- the Democratic Republic of Congo vorite silverback, who was murdered The Ocean Project would like to thank (DRC), based at the Fund’s Karisoke by poachers). Zoo directors have the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Center. The Fossey Fund been members of the Fund’s board Administration (NOAA), and specifi- has also significantly expanded that of trustees since the early days, and cally NOAA’s Office of Education, for mission and now includes protection six currently serve as trustees. The support to expand the ongoing market of endangered Grauer’s gorillas in Fossey Fund’s administrative head- research and collaborative outreach DR Congo, as well as many projects quarters are hosted by Zoo Atlanta, initiative. Additional financial sup- to help communities in the region which provides office space and other port for The Ocean Project’s market with education, health and develop- in-kind services as a direct donation. research initiative is provided by The ment projects, believing that a better This relationship was initiated by Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation environment for human communities former Zoo Atlanta director Dr. Terry and a private foundation that requests will also benefit the gorillas and their Maple. In addition, primatologist anonymity. IMPACTS conducted the habitat. The Fossey Fund also works Dr. Tara Stoinski, the Fossey Fund’s research and deserves great thanks for in partnership with local communities, Pat and Forest McGrath Chair of Re- generously providing pro bono a great park authorities and other govern- search and Conservation, also works deal of their time and talent. The mental agencies in Rwanda and with gorillas at Zoo Atlanta, which Ocean Foundation serves as the fiscal Congo, and with other conservation recently won a national AZA award sponsor for The Ocean Project. and scientific organizations around for its gorilla program. the world, including many zoos. We would also like to thank the main The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium advisors for this initiative: Jim Hek- The Fossey Fund’s new Gorilla Council has also had a long-term relationship kers, Managing Director, Monterey was launched at the 2011 national with the Fossey Fund, through Part- Bay Aquarium; Kathy Sher, Deputy convention of the American Associa- ners in Conservation, whose annual Director, External Affairs, National tion of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) “Rwandan Fete” raises funds to sup- Aquarium in Baltimore; and Paul in Atlanta, which included a recep- port the Fossey Fund’s work at Kari- Boyle, Ph. D., Senior Vice President, tion for zoo and aquarium directors soke. Already, the Dallas Zoo, whose Conservation, Association of Zoos co-sponsored by the Fossey Fund and director Greggory Hudson serves on and Aquariums. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a Gorilla the Fossey Fund’s board, has become Council charter member. a Gorilla Council member (see box), as have zoos from Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis and Sedgwick County (in Wichita, Kansas). More are expected to join shortly. 12 WAZA news 1/12

»

© Stacy Rosenbaum/Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund A mountain gorilla silverback with family members, one of the mountain gorilla groups followed by the Fossey Fund’s Karisoke Research Center How Gorilla Council Members at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Support Conservation

Member institutions of the Gorilla actively involved are encouraged to All Gorilla Council contributions sup- Council can choose from a variety of use their membership in the Go- port gorilla and biodiversity protec- ways to contribute, whether through rilla Council as a platform for being tion through direct intervention fundraising, expertise, raising public advocates and voices in their commu- and support for national parks and awareness, or channeling volunteer nities for gorilla conservation. Zoos community managed reserves; con- efforts. Fossey Fund staff works with can provide exhibits, public lectures, servation and biodiversity education each organization to design a pro- programs for children or other through formal training and sensiti- gram to fit its strengths and interests, events. Being a member of the Gorilla zation programs; integrated people- and develop a memorandum of un- Council provides members’ staff with centered solutions focused on health derstanding to guide its participation. numerous tools for creating public and livelihoods in communities in awareness. close proximity to protected areas; Several established “turnkey” pro- ongoing protection and monitoring of grams are already available to help Gorilla Council memberships of US gorillas, including daily tracking and members raise their contribution $5,000 or less help support the basic anti-poaching patrols through the Ka- funds, such as “Coins for Congo,” operating costs of the Fossey Fund’s risoke Research Center and outposts which benefits the people who cre- gorilla field conservation. If a Council in DR Congo. In addition to helping ated and manage community-based member wishes to be involved in save the gorillas, this work continues Grauer’s gorilla reserves in the DRC; a particular Fossey Fund project, they the creation of nearly 45 years of data “Gorilla Golf” tournaments; merchan- may do so by choosing to designate on the mountain gorillas, one of the dise offerings; and cell phone recycling. any or all of their Gorilla Council dues world’s longest and most important The Oklahoma City Zoological Park over US $5,000, or by making a gift, scientific databases. and Botanical Gardens, for example, separate from the Gorilla Council, raised more than US $9,000 through toward the project of their choice. While zoos will form the core of the a “Gorilla Golf” tournament last year. Gorilla Council, its membership is open to corporations as well as other OrganizationsTo find out more:that cannot be as nonprofit organizations. Member www.gorillafund.org/gorilla-council organizations receive many benefits according to their contribution level. WAZA news 1/12 13

Gorilla Council Member Highlight: The Dallas Zoo, A Member Since 2011

Gorillas are a signature conserva- 2012 Special Project: tion project for us at the Dallas The GRACE Center Zoo and we try to connect to the best field conservation projects”, Each year the Fossey Fund will name the parks encompass almost the en- says Gregg Hudson, Dallas zoo a project where support is particu- tire range of the endangered Grauer’s director, “I’ve always had a lot of larly needed so that Gorilla Council gorilla, as well as harboring many respect for the Fossey Fund and members can consider designating it other unique and endangered species. the field work and science it has as the recipient of their membership carried out in Rwanda for such contribution, although members may GRACE currently houses some a long time. The Fund’s Karisoke choose to support other Fossey Fund 11 Grauer’s gorillas of varying ages, Research Center is a great, iconic projects. During this initial year, the some recently confiscated and others conservation project, among focus will be on the Gorilla Rehabili- who had been in care for a few years a handful around the world. Last tation and Conservation Education at temporary facilities in Goma, DRC spring I had a chance to visit and (GRACE) center. and Kinigi, Rwanda. Experienced see its impact not only on the caregivers work with them around gorillas but also how it’s touching GRACE opened in 2010 in eastern the clock to help them develop social the lives of people, through the DRC, as a place where Grauer’s skills so they can form a natural local health center, school, solar gorillas rescued from poachers could gorilla group and survival skills such electricity and water programs. recover from the ordeal of capture as foraging for forest food and nest I think zoos have a responsibility and prepare for eventual release to building. The GRACE campus protects toward field conservation. Hun- the neighboring forest, in groups like them from predators and undesired dreds of thousands of people those that allow wild gorillas to sur- human encounters while providing come through our gates each vive and reproduce. It is the first facil- 350 wooded acres of natural habitat. year. We create a connection for ity of its kind in east central Africa. When construction is fully complete, them with the animals in captiv- the state-of-the-art facility will house ity and the next step is to funnel Trafficking in infant gorillas, which up to 30 gorillas and also offer public that excitement to field conserva- Dr. Fossey fought, continues to be education programs designed by tion. When we can provide not a problem, especially in the DRC. TCCB students. just dollars but also staff expertise, Four infants were confiscated there such as veterinary care, science recently and brought to the GRACE GRACE was initiated by the Fossey and public awareness, it becomes center. Each time poachers capture Fund, at the urging of the Congo- a true partnership. an infant they must kill one or more lese national park service (ICCN) The Gorilla Council is a very fo- adults in the infant’s family, since with funding from the U.S. Fish and cused way for zoos to help the Fos- adult gorillas will defend their young. Wildlife Service, and expertise from sey Fund with field work. The first Facilities such as GRACE encourage Disney’s Animal Programs and Pan project will be the GRACE gorilla anti-poaching efforts, because police African Sanctuary Alliance. It is oper- rescue center in Congo, a project are more likely to confiscate a gorilla ated by a small consortium, including uniquely fitted for zoos because if they know there is a place where the Fossey Fund, The Disney Com- the animals are in care but will they can turn it over to caregivers. pany, the Congolese national park eventually be released into the service (ICCN) and TCCB. The Fossey wild. It’s a rare opportunity for us, The land for GRACE was donated by Fund and The Walt Disney Company to be able to say we are helping to the Tayna Center for Conservation are the first of several partners that put these animals back into their Biology (TCCB), a unique community will continue long-term funding and natural habitat. The Gorilla Council college founded and managed by operation of the center. and its GRACE project will be the a network of community-based nature beginning of a great relationship. reserves. It is adjacent to one of those: the Tayna Nature Reserve, near the vil- Joining the Gorilla Council lage of Kasugho, DRC. The traditional leaders of several indigenous groups, More information on membership who had managed vast forested areas in the Gorilla Council can be for generations, decided during the obtained from the Dian Fossey past decade to donate their land to Gorilla Fund’s U.S. headquarters create these reserves. Currently, nine in Atlanta, Georgia. Please email reserves, established with help from [email protected] the Fossey Fund, now link two na- tional parks and direct gorilla protec- © Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Left to right: Juan Carlos Bonilla, Fossey Fund tion of known gorilla groups is getting vice president for Africa programs; Sigourney Weaver, honorary Fossey Fund chair; and Greggory underway. Together, the reserves and Hudson, executive director and CEO of the Dallas Zoo, a Gorilla Council charter member. 14 WAZA news 1/12

Helmut Pechlaner My Career My career with animals

For someone like me who from my In September 1962 Hans Psenner My application was accepted al- earliest childhood wished to work finally opened a zoo, the Alpenzoo though Prof. Heinrich Dathe had with animals and was able to work in my home town of Innsbruck. After warned his friend Psenner not to ap- with them privately and in my work a heavy snow fall one December point a vet (!). for much of my life, I can only be night I trudged at nine in the morn- grateful for my good fortune. I was ing with my cousin Reinhard uphill to In October 1972 I started work at the born in Innsbruck (Tyrol/Austria) as the zoo, paid the entrance fee and Alpenzoo, in December came promo- the last of eight children in the very enjoyed watching the brown bears tion and the birth of my daughter. year, 1946, when the International romping about in the snow. At 11 the Union of the Directors of Zoological director Hans Psenner came around I now began a hard and thorough Gardens (IUDZG), now the WAZA, and wanted to know who these lads training period with Prof. Hans Psen- was refounded in Rotterdam after the were who had first paid to enter and ner, who with a business background Second World War. were now shovelling snow. Perhaps had taught himself to become one that is why years later it was so easy of the best zoo directors around. For When I was ten, in 1956, my sponsor, for me to get a holiday job at the zoo. decades he had battled for a themed a young Tyrolese zoologist invited me In the autumn of 1965 I had to do my zoo to be called “Animals of the Alps” to the distant Neusiedlersee on the military service and was trained as and realised this dream at the age Hungarian border. As someone who a driver. My marching orders for the of 50. The best possible animal care, had grown up around mountains I was Salzburg barracks at Siezenheim attractive presentation and high- amazed at the Pannonian Basin, the came out of the blue. There was a bio- quality facilities in a great parkland huge lake with its reed belt and the logical station there where military were as important to him as scientific fascinating variety of bird life. When carrier pigeons were kept. The head, research and public communication. returning to the Tyrol Jörg Klima gave lieutenant colonel Friedrich Lacchini At the time I knew that a vet or zoolo- me the following advice: “What you had learned of my work in Seewiesen gist themselves had only 5 or 10% at should do now is attend the gymna- and had asked for me. most of the knowledge required for sium, then study veterinary medicine this work. “Training on the Job” was and make sure that you become a zoo It had long been clear to me that my everything. director. That’s the best job for you!” interests and talents could only be satisfied in a job at a zoo, but it was In May 1979 I was director of the At 16 I applied to become a holiday also clear that there was not much Alpenzoo, started a promotional as- period placement worker at the Max likelihood of getting an appropriate sociation and with a great team was Planck Institute for Behavioural Physi- job. With regard to my studies, I wa- able to restructure all the enclosures ology in Seewiesen. Prof. Dr. Konrad vered between zoology and veterinary over the next decade and set up a new Lorenz was the head there, the orni- medicine. It was not easy at the time access courtyard and some new build- thologist Dr. Jürgen Nikolai was doing to get a job as a zoologist, but I knew ings. Several world breeding firsts, research on the development of the that a vet with the right diligence and re-colonisation of the alpine ibex, domestic pigeon from the rock pigeon knowledge could become financially breeding of the bearded vulture and but also on the brood parasitism of independent at any time. basic research for its re-colonisation, widowbirds in Estrildid finches. breeding of the European otter and So in 1966 I began to study at the research into its reproductive biology, veterinary college in Vienna. In the research into the bald ibis and a free holidays I practiced both at the Vienna flight project, these are some exam- zoo at Schönbrunn and at the Alpen- ples of the good work we did at this …then study zoo in Innsbruck. Married since 1970 themed zoo. Japanese serows, a gift to Gabriele and father of a son, I had from Omachi did not fit our concept veterinary medicine even more reason to end my studies. and was sent to the zoo in Vienna. In July 1972 the position of “Deputy In 1982 (?!) the Alpenzoo at Innsbruck and make sure that head of the Alpenzoo with assurance was accepted into the IUDZG as the of later succeeding to the top spot” first zoo WITHOUT a “hothouse”. you become a zoo was advertised at Innsbruck. director. That’s the best job for you!… 15 »

© Archive Pechlaner Alpenzoo-Weiherburg 1982, left to right: Bernhard Grzimek, Hans Psenner and Helmut Pechlaner. © Archive Pechlaner Helmut Pechlaner assisting Bernhard Grzimek in Alpenzoo Innsbruck.

1991 the Alpenzoo had 352,000 visitors, In 1991 the National Assembly passed I began my duties on 1st January 1992 which was double what it was when the Schönbrunn Zoo Act, in the with great pleasure and confidence. I assumed my duties and a respectable formulation of whose content I was In the Ministry of Trade and Industry record, particularly since Innsbruck involved, and the zoo was formed into hardly anybody believed that the zoo only has 125,000 inhabitants. For a corporation. I successfully warned could be turned around. The main years there had been increasingly against dual management with problem was the completely demor- sharp criticism of the Vienna zoo at separate business and zoo areas. The alised permanent staff. Virtually the Schönbrunn. Public demonstrations position of a sole director (zoologist entire useable infrastructure was lack- and the media had demanded that the or vet) was advertised for the new ing, a part-time secretary was unable Ministry of Trade and Industry close company. My then colleague Dr. Fritz to type even seven letters in three the zoo because the facilities were in Böck did not wish to apply because days, five different heating systems a desperate condition and the animals of the business responsibility. In the barely worked, the sewerage and were being kept under cruel condi- meantime I had come to know the water system had to be renovated. As tions. In order for the zoo to continue Schönbrunn zoo well enough and was regards the desperate situation of the in existence and to privatise it, the convinced that, with some creativity, enclosures, those from the 1960s for “Blue circle” animal protection action in these castle grounds full of tradi- the animals were no better than those under its President Prof. Dr. Kurt Kolar tion with magnificent architecture, from the empire period. A private was carried out. even in the oldest zoo in the world restaurateur worked as a monopoly animals could be kept in splendid only six months a year in the sum- It was a stroke of luck that at this condition. So I wanted to prove my mer. There were only 726.000 visitors critical time Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, theory. After detailed hearings of in 1991. who lived near the zoo, became the a commission with several colleagues, Minister for Trade and Industry. He did Federal Minister Dr. Wolfgang Schüs- In my many press conferences I prom- all he could to preserve and reform sel appointed me as first-placed ised the media that within the next the zoo. A commission was set up to candidate for the job of first director decade, in other words to celebrate work out recommendations to replace of Schönbrunn Tiergarten Ltd. its 250th anniversary, the Vienna zoo the facilities. I was also appointed at Schönbrunn would become the to the commission but said I would most beautiful zoo in Europe and only collaborate if they also discussed the number of visitors would exceed spinning off the zoo from the federal the number of inhabitants in Vienna, administration. which was at the time 1,608,000. 16 »

© Jan Paul Sigfried 2004 Przewalski horse release, Mongolia.

© Jutta Kirchner – Zoo Vienna Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in action at the zoo’s prey simulation installation.

© Jutta Kirchner– Zoo Vienna Groundbreaking ceremony for orangerie.

The first half year in 1992 was par- In the historical section of the were moved from Schönbrunn to the ticularly intense. While temporarily 240 year old former imperial menag- Neusiedlersee Seewinkel national housed with my wife in a guest room erie it was not easy to enthuse people park, which was opened in 1993. To- in the attic, I spent four hours a day to preserve historical monuments for day a herd of 450 animals have been outside in the zoo, to speak with a modernising project. But I finally placed in a 1000 ha enclosure just as the zookeepers in each section, to convinced them this was the only way in the lake’s hareed belt in previous acquaint myself with the details of the to maintain the historical facilities for centuries. The Przewalski horses at animal houses and their infrastructure the future. The small monkey house the Vienna zoo were provided with and also to check the working proce- with the monkey island was the first a meadow of almost 200 ha on the dure. Administrative staff, a business to be opened in 1993. reed belt. As a member of the board department, zoological guardians of the Neusiedlersee Seewinkel na- and our own research and building The Minister of Agriculture responsi- tional park I was able to support coop- curators were hired. Responsibility ble for the Schönbrunn zoo, who was eration for the preservation of species was delegated, all problems discussed also Tyrolese, invited me to a wonder- and nature in the context of research in the team and I made decisions ful dinner with excellent wine where purposes. Young Przewalski horses very quickly. We worked out and kept we agreed that the 12 ha zoo in the are taken from here for resettlement updated a master plan for the coming south would be expanded by 5 ha. in the Gobi desert B in Mongolia. year. After just three months, a pro- This was where in 1802 the Archduke motional association began work. Johann built a farmhouse to house At this time I also presented a twelve Everything was accompanied by an endangered domestic animal breeds part programme on Austrian televi- intensive media campaign, which at and plants from the Alpine region. The sion on the “Future of endangered the time was exclusively ran by me Minister of Agriculture arranged for wild animals” and was able to report as director and my secretary’s office. a wonderful Tyrolese farmhouse built on species protection projects from In the meantime, I successfully came in 1722 to be pulled down. More than all continents, including the Przewal- through an operation for a malignant 3,000 pieces of wood were consecu- ski project. tumour. tively numbered, taken away and in 1994 an original Tyrolese farmhouse, A particular headache for us at Schön- 30 years older than the zoo, was re- brunn were the two big cat houses: constructed in the Schönbrunn zoo. small interior cages, almost as in a circus wagon, outer cages with bars From the animal stock several of 50 to 80 m² for six different big cat individual animals but also groups species but with a large forecourt for of animals were given small enclo- visitors. sures. The Hungarian steppe cattle WAZA news 1/12 17

© Jutta Kirchner – Zoo Vienna Newly built rainforest house at the Vienna zoo.

As Foreign Minister, Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel placed the Schönbrunn zoo’s request to the Chinese govern- ment for a pair of young giant pandas. When the departing Chinese Prime Minister made his farewell visit to Eu- rope in 2002, he promised to comply! The first giant pandas came to Vienna in 2003 in the thickly covered elephant enclosure.

surgery” at the edge of the zoo area. No wonder that in 2003 for the It undertakes to cater to the zoo’s first time 2 million visitors came to requirements, all year round, day the zoo! and night, but also provides care for animals in private ownership, whether As I had already announced in 1992, small animals or animals in wild parks at the end of 2006, at the age of 60, or other zoos. Daily work with private I resigned as director. © Gabriele Pechlaner patients has allowed us to finance Helmut Pechlaner and his farm. modern infrastructure and provided As a farewell present that year the vets with a sufficient routine. The 2,270,996 visitors came to the zoo, zoo’s animal stock is checked daily a new record. The running costs were and, if need be, a competent team is 85% self-generated, in some previous In 1994 the big asphalt forecourt with ready in the shortest possible time. years even more than 100%. While around 6,000 m² was a steppe land- In the meantime four vets work there in 1991 the personnel costs for the scape for leopards and one of the two with auxiliary staff and state of the art 78 employees comprised 150% of houses was their indoor space. A prey equipment and auxiliary tools. income, in 2006 for 165 employees it simulator gave pleasure to the animals was below 50%. on both sides of the fence. They could I myself was a specialist vet for wild sprint after the “prey” as if hunting and zoo animals as well as for animal It wasn’t all fun during my term of them. The second lion house was keeping and protection. office. An animal keeper and a section opened to visitors, who can now stand leader were killed by their charges. in the old lion cage and watch the fam- In 2000 I was elected chairman of These catastrophes are no easier if the ily life of leopards through thick bars. WWF Austria and was able in the reason is human error. following decade to share something In 1996 the castle and park (including of my experience in management but My desire for leisure and free time the zoo) were made a World Heritage also in nature and species preserva- in my third (and final!) life stage has Site by UNESCO. tion from the viewpoint of zoos and been fulfilled since 2007 in a roman- national parks and also from my study tic farmhouse in southern Austria. I worked for several years for the trips for the TV programmes. My own pets, gardening and self-de- IUDZG as chairman of the member- termination are important to my wife ship committee. 2002 was the 250th anniversary of the and me. My many international trips Schönbrunn zoo: have shown me that there is no place In 1999 veterinary care was complete- like home. We no longer travel. ly re-regulated in an innovative way. Anniversary projects were a “Rainfor- In a zoo with good animal care, a vet est house”, facilities for Andean bears, Life is like a mountain hike, when you has a rather supervisory function, spe- new lion facilities and koalas for the reach the summit, you must climb cial intervention, particularly surgical first time at Schönbrunn – special down in time. This way you avoid is rare. It is no wonder therefore that exhibition and jubilee book (historical falling along the way, a comfortable in-house vets have neither expen- research), stamps and special coins. evening at home is satisfying, and you sive, state of the art infrastructure Three conferences brought several look forward to a restful sleep. nor the necessary treatment rou- colleagues for the anniversary to tine. The Schönbrunn zoo therefore Vienna: from WAZA, CBSG and IZE. So you have to let go at the right founded a subsidiary with a vet, who At Easter 2002, after a big battle, the time! runs a veterinary centre of excel- zoo started a fleet of panorama trains lence called the “Schönbrunn zoo vet through the zoo and castle park. 18 WAZA news 1/12 Debra Erickson WAZA Interview Changing the future of animals and lives of people

Debra Erickson is Director of Communications and Interpretation, at San Diego Zoo Global. She has the best job in the zoo as she oversees eight different areas and is involved in an array of tasks from exhibit design to advertising campaigns and works for three different institutions. Debra kindly agreed to share her experience and insight of one of the best zoos in the world.

WAZA: Have you always worked in fornia condor now numbers almost the zoo industry or what brought you 400 individuals and it is flying free in to the zoo world? Debra: I was a girl California, Arizona, and Baja Califor- scout through high school and spent nia. When I went out to see the last a lot of time outdoors. I became very three condors in the wild before they familiar with the wildlife in the Olym- were brought into the zoo, I went be- pic Mountains and majored in biology cause I wasn’t certain that they would in undergraduate school. I was plan- return to the wild. We helped make it ning on becoming a field biologist but happen. after a season in the field, working We also touch people’s lives in so most of the day by myself on small many ways. Numerous employees rodents, I realized I couldn’t work in that now work at the zoo were in- the wilderness for months on end spired to work at the zoo after attend- with very little contact with others. ing summer school classes as children. I then decided to become a teacher Hundreds of people have shared their © Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Global and to help support myself while ob- stories with me on their first visit to Debra Erickson and serval. taining my credential; I started work- the San Diego Zoo as a child. And we ing as a tour guide at SeaWorld San continue to make a difference every What do you like & dislike the most Diego. I was hooked. I quit teaching day. For almost 20 years we have in your role? I receive great rewards in the traditional classroom and have brought animals to visit children in daily by mentoring my team mem- since worked at SeaWorld Orlando, local hospitals each month. Just in the bers, raising awareness of the plight San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari last few months we have changed the of endangered species, and giving Park, and Atlantis, Paradise Island. life of an autistic child that attended people of all ages a once in a lifetime I have left the industry three times to our summer camp program and we experience with the animals in our work in the beer, semiconductor, and gave severely wounded war veterans collection. One of my biggest chal- orang-utan and rain forest conserva- from Iraq and Afghanistan the first lenges is the propensity people have tion fields, but always returned to opportunity for a moment outside of for exclusively communicating on e- zoos and aquariums. the hospital with their family. This was mail. Face-to-face (leave your desk!) done before opening hours due to discussions, lunch meetings (break Is Communication in the zoo world their post-traumatic stress syndrome. the bread!), and even phone calls very different from any other indus- No one involved will ever forget the should be used for communicating try? What makes it special? I believe expressions on the veterans’ and important or contentious matters. that the basics of an excellent com- their children’s faces. In summary, we munications program are the same provide hope for endangered species, Could you describe us a typical work- in any industry. I used to joke when a pathway to science careers for chil- ing day? The wonderful thing about people asked me how I could move dren, and life-long lasting memories my job is that there is no typical day. from an aquarium to a zoo: “The job for our millions of guests. Since I oversee eight different areas: is the same, only the animals’ names interpretation, PR and social media, have been changed.” What makes us Could you describe your main duties design, digital communications, e- different are two things: We change at San Diego Zoo? I oversee the daily Learning, advertising, publications, the future of animal species in which marketing, communications, and and photo and video services, days we work and we change the lives of interpretation functions for the San are full of fun, variety, and chal- the people that visit our institutions. Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari lenges. On a recent day, I conducted San Diego Zoo Global has successfully Park, and Institute for Conservation my weekly update meeting with bred more than 165 endangered spe- Research. I have the best job at the my managers where we developed cies and has reintroduced over 30 spe- Zoo since I am involved in everything an outline for a return on mission cies back to the wild. I have watched from designing exhibits and develop- presentation. Then I met with our the zoo over more than 25 years take ing advertising campaigns to creating instructional designer to review the a species which only numbered 22, marketing strategies and testing new progress on the instructional design and prevent its extinction. The Cali- technologies. of an elephant management module. Next, I facilitated a meeting for our WAZA news 1/12 19

» spring promotion, Play Days, working a Wild Animal Park was and why, if Is San Diego Zoo involved in the with my team along with operations they visited the world-famous San Decade on Biodiversity? If yes what and animal care staff. My next task Diego Zoo, they needed to visit the is the mission of the Communication was board of directors conference Wild Animal Park. Safari Park says it department for this Decade? The San call for Endangered Species Day, all: You go to the Safari Park to take Diego Zoo is investigating the pos- a follow-up call with an official from one of a variety of safaris. sibilities of becoming involved in the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and • Rename the organization from Zoo- Decade of Biodiversity. I attended my then a final review of the front gate logical Society of San Diego to San first WAZA meeting last June and, as signage package for the zoo before it Diego Zoo Global: Individuals had part of our five-year interpretive plan was sent out for bid. I spent the end an impossible time remembering we are currently updating, we are of the day typing meeting minutes the corporate name of the organiza- trying to determine how we can best and trying to catch up on e-mail. tion. San Diego Zoo Global connotes become involved in the initiative. that we are a zoo that works around Do you work closely with the educa- the world. Do you think this project is a market- tors’ team? How would you define the • Rename Center for the Reproduc- ing opportunity for San Diego Zoo? relationship with them? I started my tion of Endangered Species or And for the whole zoo and aquariums career in education as a tour guide at CRES to San Diego Zoo Institute for community? When I was working SeaWorld San Diego and was educa- Conservation Research. Individu- for Busch Entertainment Corpora- tion director at the San Diego Zoo als couldn’t remember what the tion in 1997, the parent group for the Safari Park and SeaWorld of Orlando. acronym stood for and we were able SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks, I am very fortunate to work with two to associate our conservation and I led a project where we partnered education directors that I have known research function with our well- with a variety of conservation groups for over 25 years. We have successful- known brand, San Diego Zoo. including The Nature Conservancy and ly worked together to define the roles • Create the San Diego Zoo Wildlife US Fish and Wildlife Service to partner of education vs. interpretation. Inter- Conservancy, a program and name with Pizza Hut, on a program to raise pretation is responsible for develop- that helps us communicate that we awareness of biodiversity. Pizza Hut ing themes, messages, interpretive are more than a zoo; we are a wild- at the time had been conducting the signs and interactive elements, train- life conservation organization. Book It! Program in the US for over 12 ing materials, fact sheets, e-Learning years, a reading and rewards project, modules, and evaluation plans for all How was the “San Diego Zoo Global” and reached millions of children. We new exhibits and then provides this brand built? Would you say that it is thought we could effectively raise the information to education. Education an easy understandable brand? The awareness of biodiversity nationwide creates and implements all guest-fac- San Diego Zoo is 95 years old and through the Book It! program and ing programs. We work together as has a 50% unaided recognition and associated communications dur- a team to implement an interpretive 87% aided recognition in the United ing a two-year effort. This included audit program that involves manage- States. The brand was built over the a national contest to develop a symbol ment team members (including food years by developing world-class ex- of biodiversity that we were hoping service, merchandise, operations, and hibits and providing an unforgettable would end up being adopted nation- animal care) auditing more than half guest experience in conjunction with wide. The results were in year 2 we of our offerings each year. Audits are executing an extremely well-crafted had over 22 million children in almost used to help us continually improve communications strategy. The organi- 900,000 schools participate. The read- the guest experience. zation continues to invest in growing ing program itself was a great success recognition for the organization. Our but overall understanding of biodiver- What was your biggest challenge and public relations efforts generate over sity didn’t rise after two years with the achievement since you joined the 600 million impressions each year and theme and we were unable to get any zoo? The biggest challenge and the our website is usually one of the 5,000 traction for the adoption of the bio- achievement are the same, co-leading most visited sites on the Internet. We diversity symbol despite the involve- the internal San Diego Zoo Global continue to innovate and test new ment of over five international and team and managing the agency in the tactics to build awareness not only for national conservation organizations. rebranding effort for the Zoo. We were our brand and the zoo but for our con- Unfortunately, biodiversity is a word able to accomplish the following: servation work in 35 countries around that most individuals don’t understand • Rename the San Diego Zoo’s Wild the world. In the last year our conser- and the word itself is a barrier to com- Animal Park to San Diego Zoo vation efforts have been featured by municating its importance. I don’t see Safari Park. This allows us to more many major media outlets including biodiversity as a marketing opportu- easily communicate the differences the BBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, Bloomberg nity. I feel if we effectively market the between the zoo and the Safari News, New York Times, Washington zoo, people will come and then we will Park. People outside of San Diego Post, and Los Angeles Times. share the concept of biodiversity with County didn’t understand what them during their visit. 20 WAZA news 1/12

Yolanda Matamoros – AMACZOOA/CBSG Mesoamerica » Zoos, Aquariums What do you think is the most important quality for a Communica- and Botanical Gardens tion/Marketing person in the zoo industry? I believe integrity is the most important quality that a com- in Mesoamerica munications professional must possess. We need to ensure that we communicate accurate informa- tion in an unbiased manner. We are According to the UNEP, Zoos, Aquari- responsible for delivering messages ums and Botanical Gardens are in the on a wide-variety of sensitive issues Museums category that is why Simón from climate change and evolution Bolívar Zoo is an active participant of to the bush meat trade and culling the Costa Rican Museums Network. in captivity and the wild. We have the duty to present both sides of an This Network organized the III Na- issue clearly, with correct data to tional Museums Congress that was corroborate our positions. held in Alajuela, Costa Rica during 1–4 November 2011 and as part of it Do you foresee any big changes four workshops were held, including in the zoo industry on the market- one named Zoos, Aquariums and ing/communication point of view? Botanical Gardens in Mesoamerica. © AMACZOOA I believe the major challenge that All AMACZOOA members were Esther Pomareda, Las Pumas Rescue Center. we will be facing over the next few invited, also zoos, botanical gardens, years is the continued escalation of aquariums and zoological museums the animal rights movement. It has from Costa Rica. There were 29 par- its Support to Conservation, Small already had a major impact in our ticipants representing 16 institutions population management, VORTEX, industry as some U.S. zoological of which there was one from Gua- ISIS-ZIMS, International Pedigrees, facilities have made the decision temala, one from Nicaragua and 14 Intensive Management Programs, to no longer display elephants and from Costa Rica. CBSG Mesoamerica. one facility recently deciding to send their elephants to a “sanctu- During the morning, after the pres- During both sessions a lot of ques- ary.” The activists will continue their entation of the participants, seven tions were made, and a lot of discus- work to remove elephants from all institutions were presented: Butter- sion was generated due to the inter- zoological facilities. The activists flies breeding places in Costa Rica, Las est of the participants in the themes. are also trying to obtain human Pumas Rescue Center (Costa Rica), rights for non-human primates. Quetzaltenango Zoo (Guatemala), The participants asked for a similar In 2008, the Spanish parliament Thomas Belt Botanical Garden (Nica- workshop to be organized in Gua- passed a resolution to provide great ragua), Veragua Rainforest Research temala by Quetzaltenango Zoo and apes with the right to life and free- and Adventures Park (Costa Rica), the San Carlos University, inviting dom. In Spain, great apes can no Simon Bolivar Zoo and Botanical Gar- AMACZOOA members from Hondu- longer be in a circus, a TV commer- den (Costa Rica), Santa Ana Conser- ras, Belize and El Salvador; a training cial, or film, though they can still at vation Center (Costa Rica), each one workshop about wildlife veterinary this time be displayed in zoos. We gave specific information about their to be organized by Thomas Belt Zoo all need to have proactive commu- collection, the biological and veteri- from Nicaragua and a similar work- nications plans in place to deal with nary management of their respective shop in Costa Rica to incorporate all animal rights issues head on. collections, environmental education, the museums that have nature collec- research and conservation projects. tions and the places with living collec- tions to be organized by FUNDAZOO During the afternoon, seven presen- and the University of Costa Rica. tations were made about the next topics: Ecosystem Health, Wildlife As a conclusion, all the participants Epidemiology and the SENASA shared what they do, learned from (National Animal Health Service) experts about new techniques, pro- Law, Preventive Medicine, the Col- cedures and projects and proposed lection of the Zoology Museum of meetings for 2012. the Universidad de Costa Rica and WAZA news 1/12 Books 21

Gerald Dick – Markus Gusset – WAZA Executive Office WAZA Executive Office Book Reviews » Abenteuer Zoo, Handbook of the The first volume of the Handbook of 600 Tierparks, Aquarien, Mammals of the World. Vol. 2: the Mammals of the World, cover- Wildparks und Vivarien, Der Hoofed Mammals Edited by ing the carnivores of the world, was Zooführer für Deutschland, Don E. Wilson and Russell published in 2009. The recently Österreich und Schweiz A. Mittermeier published second volume covers all (The Adventure Zoo, 600 Ani- Lynx Edicions, currently recognised hoofed mam- mal Parks, Aquariums, Wildlife Barcelona, 2011 | 885 pp mals, which include many families Parks and Vivaria – The Zoo ISBN 978-84-96553-77-4 (hardback) of large, well-known animals often Guide for Germany, Austria and exhibited in zoos. They are revealed in Switzerland; in German only) The huge success of the Handbook of all their fascinating detail, in riveting by Dirk Petzold the Birds of the World clearly dem- accounts written by some of the most and Silke Sorge onstrates that works of such scope, renowned authorities in the world. Leopold Stocker Verlag, Graz, 2012 | excellence, consummate expertise The species accounts supply complete 445 pp, 2nd revised new edition and beauty provide a vital foundation and up-to-date information at a time ISBN 978-3-7020-1314-1 for the appreciation and conserva- when new and increasingly sophis- tion of the species they describe. This ticated methods of genetic analysis If you want to visit a zoo or wildlife fundamental principle also underlies are reshaping our knowledge of these park or aquarium in Germany, Austria a companion project, the long- species. To give just one example, the or Switzerland you should have awaited Handbook of the Mammals family Bovidae has almost doubled this completely revised guide book of the World. For the first time ever, its size in the last five years, to the at hand. Petzold and Sorge have this eight-volume series covers every 279 distinct species known today. undertaken to update and completely species of mammal on Earth with the The book, which costs around revise their first edition, published combination of scientific rigour and 200 Swiss Francs, contains close in 2007. The new edition contains readability for which Lynx Edicions to 900 pages with 56 colour plates, a lot more species portraits, maps has become well known. 664 colour photographs, 430 dis- and more information about equip- The Handbook of the Mammals of the tribution maps and about 5,000 ments in zoos (like navigation details World is published in association with bibliographical references. The other or available diaper changing tables Conservation International and the six volumes of the Handbook of the etc.). 50 additional institutions are International Union for Conservation Mammals of the World, covering the added to this new edition. Photos of Nature (IUCN), as an important remaining mammalian taxa (Vol. 3: have been changed and all texts have driving force behind this series is to Primates, Vol. 4: Sea Mammals, Vol. been updated and revised. Apart support the conservation of mam- 5: Marsupials, Vol. 6: Rodents, Vol. 7: from the big zoos and aquariums mals and their habitats. A clear goal Insectivores, Vol. 8: Bats), are forth- one can find information about many of this series is to take an additional coming. smaller institutions as well as special- step to the IUCN Red List by exam- ised butterfly or reptile collections ining the status of every one of the and museums with live animals. world’s mammal species, describing Apart from basic information one can the threats and outlining the possible find zoological highlights like feeding conservation measures. hours, species lists, and information about opening hours, entrance fees, playgrounds, restaurants, bringing of dogs etc. A focus of the guide book is to pro- vide information about species con- servation and conservation projects; hence part of the proceeds of the book will go the species conservation foundation, “Stiftung Artenschutz”, in Germany. The book is currently only available in German, but should not be missing in a zoo/aquarium aficionado’s library.

To find out more: To find out more: www.stocker-verlag.com www.lynxeds.com 22 Books WAZA news 1/12

Markus Gusset – Gerald Dick – WAZA Executive Office WAZA Executive Office » Book Reviews Thailand flooding The Amboseli Elephants: Zoo Community United to Save Affected Wildlife A Long-Term Perspective on a Long-Lived Mammal Edited by Cynthia J. Moss, Harvey Croze and Phyllis C. Lee University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2011 | 383 pp ISBN 978-0-226-54223-2 (hardback)

Elephants have fascinated humans © JAZA for millennia. Their ivory has been JAZA box “Cheer up Thailand. Never give up!”. sought after and treasured in most cultures, and they have delighted zoo and circus audiences worldwide for centuries. But it was not until the second half of the twentieth cen- tury that people started to take an interest in elephants in the wild, and © Sukuman Rittem some of the most important studies Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) rescue. of these intelligent giants have been conducted at Amboseli National Park From right to left: in Kenya. The Amboseli Elephants is Dr Boripat Siriaroonrat – Assistant Director, Bureau the long-awaited summation of what of Conservation Research and Education, Bangkok, has been learned from the Amboseli Thailand (BCRE); Dr Wisid Wichasilpa – Deputy Direc- Elephant Research Project (AERP) – tor General, ZPO); Pimuk Simaroj – Director General, the longest continuously running el- ZPO; Dr Ali Anwar – Veterinarian, Singapore Zoo; ephant research project in the world. Anil Bisht – Quarantine Officer, Singapore Zoo; Cynthia J. Moss and Harvey Croze, Dr Sumate Kamolnorranath – Director, BCRE; the founders of the AERP, and Phyllis Dr Wanlaya Tipkantha – Research veterinarian, BCRE. © ZPO C. Lee, who has been closely involved with the project since 1982, compile more than three decades of uninter- After the heavy flooding which has in rescue measures and translocations rupted study of over 2,500 individual affected nearly the whole of Thailand of tigers, bears, crocodiles, deer and elephants, from newborn calves to since beginning of November 2011, snakes. About 30 items, which were adult bulls to old matriarchs in their WAZA was asked by the Zoological urgently needed have been identified, 60s. Chapters explore such topics as Park Organisation in Thailand to help ranging from anesthetics, to injection ecology, genetics, communication, coordinate flood relief measures needles and nets for capturing snakes social behaviour and reproduction, within the region. Assistance was pro- and crocodiles. In an unbureaucratic as well as exciting new develop- vided by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, manner, emergency relief action could ments from the study of elephant the Japanese Association of Zoos and be organized within the wider Asian minds and cognition. The book closes Aquariums, Zoos Victoria in Mel- region. Two vets from Singapore Wild- with a view to the future, making bourne and the Malaysian Association life Reserves went directly to Bangkok important arguments for the ethical Zoological Parks and Aquaria. and took the required drugs with them, treatment of elephants – including further drugs and equipment was those kept in zoos – and suggestions Mr. Pimuk Simaroj of the Thai Zoologi- brought to Thailand from Australia to aid in their conservation. The most cal Park Organization said: ”Luckily, with the kind support of Thai airways. comprehensive account of elephants only Dusit Zoo in Bangkok is in the in their natural environment to date, pathway of the flood. We have made “On behalf of our CEO (Mr. Pimuk The Amboseli Elephants will be an preparations by moving approxi- Simaroj), ZPO staff and our partners invaluable resource for scientists, mately 30 of our hoof stocks to Khao in wildlife rescue during this rough conservationists and anyone inter- Kheow Open Zoo and the rest of the time, we would like to express our sin- ested in the lives and loves of these animals to higher grounds within cere appreciation to WAZA and WAZA extraordinary creatures. the zoo. As the flooding continues to members, for your kindness in helping spread to lower elevations, we believe us do our job for the affected animals there will be more translocations of and people on Thailand”, Boripat To find out more: wildlife needed in the coming weeks.” Siriaroonrat, Assistant Director. http://press.uchicago.edu/books Subsequently ZPO staff was involved WAZA news 1/12 Announcements 23 Supporting Activities

Ecosystem Services

© Elizabeth Clare

Fringe-lipped Bat (Trachops cirrhosus) The voracious ap- petite of insectivo- Did you know that peaches, rous species makes mangos and avocados all be- them excellent nefit from bats? New trees natural pest con- grow in new areas as bats trollers. The Brazili- disperse the seeds of the an free-tailed bat fruits they consume. consumes up to 70% of its body weight in insects every day.

Bats are important pollinators. Features like long, narrow faces and exceptionally long tongues of some species allow them to drink the nectar deep inside the flo- wers.

© Rollin Verlinde Vilda

Egyptian Fruit Bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus)

© Yushi Osawa

Dagger-toothed Long-nosed Fruit Bat (Macroglossus minimus)

4 different panels on bats conservation are made available by theYear of the Bats campaign, see www.waza.org for more information. 24 WAZA news 1/12

© K. Brayne © Michael Leibfritz Farmer in field after planting tree Seba’s short-tailed bat (Carollia perspicillata). cuttings to halt erosion.

Christine Kurrle | Zoo Frankfurt, Germany

In May and June 2011 the guided bat © Bristol zoo tours at Frankfurt Zoo enjoyed great Livingstone’s fruit bat popularity. The participants could (Pteropus livingstonii). experience highly informative and en- tertaining evenings. The experts from the group “conservation of bats” first Neil Maddison | Bristol Zoo, UK gave a theoretical introduction fol- Livingstone’s Fruit Bat, Project Update lowed by a guided tour through the nightly zoo located in the center of The Comoros Islands are the home Bristol Conservation and Science the city of Frankfurt, presenting the of Livingstone’s fruit bat, one of the Foundation (sister organisation of bat`s favorite hunting grounds and largest bats in the world and endemic Bristol Zoo Gardens), in partner- commenting on the variety of species to only two small islands. In the 90s, ship with Durrell, launched a forest and their characteristics. it was thought the population of this conservation programme in Anjouan Visitors who wanted to know more endangered species was only 200 in 2007 with a pilot phase working had the chance to listen to the lecture individuals, prompting Bristol Zoo with a few communities. In 2009 the “Night Flight – Fascinating Bats” held Gardens along with Jersey Wildlife project was awarded £241,000 of by the director of the state ornitho- Preservation Trust (now Durrell funding from the Darwin Initiative logical station for Hessen, Rheinland- Wildlife Conservation Trust) to collect for a three year project, which was Pfalz und Saarland, a governmental individuals from the Comoros for cap- followed a year later by the awarding bird protection center and partner of tive breeding programmes. of 750,000 euros of funding from the Frankfurt Zoo. Since then, more roost sites have French Development Agency until During the “week of biodiversity”, an been discovered, and the current the end of 2012. annual event of several organizations population estimate stands at The project is working to develop in the area of Frankfurt in May, more 1,200 individuals. But the species’ a model for forest conservation and than 10.000 visitors could experience status is no less perilous (classed as natural resource management that in the Grzimekhaus – the home of our endangered by the IUCN), as the supports local communities to make nocturnal animals – how fascinating bat’s forest habitat is under con- decisions to manage their land in bats are. Commented feedings and siderable pressure due to a rapidly a sustainable manner. Nine communi- keepers talks were offered through- growing population with a shortage ties surrounding the Moya Forest re- out the week. The scientists of the of fertile land for agriculture. gion in the South of Anjouan are now Senckenberg Institute, also a part- engaged. The main areas of interven- ner of the zoo, informed interested tion are: sustainable agricultural in- visitors and showed “Bats close-up”. tensification, collective management A paint and handicraft workshop for of natural resources, development kids completed Zoo Frankfurt’s con- of alternative livelihoods, ecological tribution to the “Year of the bat”. research and monitoring. WAZA news 1/12 25

© Heike Weber, Tierpark Nordhorn Common Noctule (Nyctalus noctula).

Thomas Kauffels | Opel-Zoo Kronberg im Taunus, Germany Special Events in 2011 © Zoo Krefeld © Tierpark Nordhorn and Plans for 2012 Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii). Bats night at zoo Nordhorn. An action day for schools was organ- ized on 25 May with an information Petra Schwinn | Heike Weber | booth and activities around biodiver- Zoo Krefeld, Germany Zoo Nordhorn, Germany sity, sustainability and bats. Also, an information booth was established We showed an Exhibition on bats, Zoo Nordhorn is one of the official at the so-called “Hassia Day”, a fair called “Fledermäuse: faszinier- rescue centers in Lower Saxony for in and for the state Hassia, which end, geheimnisvoll, schützenswert” wild animals in need for help. This took place from 10 to 19 June in the from Museum of Nature of Kanton year we got again a lot of wild bats town Oberursel, including informa- Thurgau in Switzerland, for 3 months. which we took care of. tion and interactive displays about 30.000 visitors and 267 school classes The number of bats coming in every the biology and the threat of bats joined the exhibition. year is increasing and in some ani- (species information, biological circle On Sundays we offered 30 short pow- mals we even tried fracture repair- of the year, flight quality, hunting er point presentations about different ment. About the result of these strategies, etc.). topics, like “Vampires”, “Life Cycle of cases and some literature studies on For spring 2012 an exhibition is bats” “Fruit bats” and “Flying foxes”. possibilities of fracture therapy in planned, including information and During the summer we offered guid- bats I gave a talk and led a workshop interactive displays about the biol- ed tours to our flower fruit bats in the together with Dr. Martin Straube (vet ogy and the threat of bats, public rainforest house and walks with the at zoo Krefeld). The bat workshop guided bat tours with bat detectors bat detector. Over 450 visitors joined was organised by Dr. Hermann Kempf for 9 and 23 July as well as guided bat these night walks. (DVG-ZWE = German Veterinar- tours on request and two action days Highlight of our activities was the ian Society – Zooanimals, Wildlife for schools (22 and 23 May) includ- “Bat Night”, where we showed a live and Exotic animals) and took place ing an information booth, activities transmission of the epauleted fruit 18–20 March 2011 in Zoo Krefeld around biodiversity, sustainability bat mating calls from our Great Ape Another half day bat workshop was and bats. house and feedings of the longnosed- held together with Dr. Straube in fruit bats. Stuttgart at the DVG Symposium. © Opel zoo At our shop we sold summer boxes And we have – as every year – organ- Bat guano analysis. for bats. The slogan was “1.000 bat- ised a bat night (27 August 2011), dur- boxes for Krefeld”. Until now we sold ing 3–4 hours we provided information 300 boxes. The money will be spent about bats, showed bats to visitors, for a conservation project of IUCN worked with bat detectors, showed in Sri Lanka which was chosen by a film, and many more… This is an our veterinerian and bat specialist event which is very popular and always Dr. Martin Straube. fully booked. It was jointly organised by NABU (members from Nordhorn and Freren) and zoo Nordhorn. 26 WAZA news 1/12

© Zoo Zürich Bats information panel.

© Parco Natura Viva © Parco Natura Viva Alex Rübel | Bat box sold in supermarkets. Banner explaining the bat boxes. Zoo Zürich, Switzerland

The Zoo Zürich and Bat Conservation Cesare Avesani | Parco Natura Viva, Italy Switzerland launched as a special contribution to “The Year of the Bat Parco Natura Viva decided to join a questionnaire that people have to 2011–12” an information panel to give 2011–2012 “Year of the Bat” because fill in after having hung up the boxes. the zoo visitors an interesting insight of the importance of the ecosystems The questionnaires ask for data about in the fascinating life of bats and their of these small mammals and because the colonization of the boxes. These habits in general. A small telescope they are endangered: they need our questionnaires were collected by the invites the visitors to catch a glimpse help. We have a group of Egyptian Museum of Natural History in Flor- at a bat box hanging on a nearby fruit bats hosted in our greenhouse, ence. The bat-boxes meet the needs of tree. At the annual “Zoonight-event” while in the woods inside the park Italian bats during hibernation, when a live ultrasound demonstration was there are a lot of wild local bats. they need a secure refuge and also a perfect kick-off for the monitor- Because of the fact that we host both provide a safe place for the daily sleep- ing program “bat bioacoustics” and megabats and microbats we thought ing time in summer. a great possibility for the Zoo Zürich it would be interesting to inform our In October a very important workshop to introduce a small insight on an in- visitors about the differences be- took place in Rome’s “Bioparco” about teresting group of endemic mammals. tween the two groups and to inform “The coexistence of biodiversity and These bioacustic field studies are the public about bats problems in human activities: the Role of Zoologi- planned for 2012 by Bat Conservation nature and to change some negative cal Gardens” where Parco Natura Viva Switzerland and should lead to an beliefs like bats can grab your hair highlighted the importance of bats in estimation of the populations of free and stay entangled. the urban environment. living bats in the Zoo Zürich. We also started a collaboration with an Italian project born in 2006. The “A Bat as Friend” Project was started as a cooperation between the Museum Paolo Giuntarelli | Bioparco Roma, Italy of Natural History, “La Specola”, in Florence and Unicoop in Florence. Bioparco Roma is situated in the It consists of selling wooden batboxes heart of Villa Borghese, in the centre at a minimum price in Coop supermar- of Rome. The zoological garden was kets. Together with the batbox people founded in 1911 and is one of the can find two little books for kids and oldest zoos in Europe. The Bioparco is adults (one of the main character is situated on 17 hectares and plays an Kirò, a Walt Disney creation) and also important role for conservation and education right in the middle of this metropolis. In this respect bats are im- portant ambassadors for the ecology of the city. WAZA news 1/12 27

© Candice Segal © WRS Bats talks. Booths highlighting the Year of the Bats and Year of the Forest at The Istana Open House (five days during 2011) with the aim of Cendide Segal | Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa spreading conservation messages A Zoo Went Batty Last October on bats to the public.

October’s bat catching evenings were from wildlife rescue organization held in conjunction with the Bat Inter- FreeMe. The talks focused on dispel- Xap Xinli | Wildlife Reserves est Group of Gauteng and took place ling common bat myths, bat species Singapore in the zoo’s “Temple of the Ancients”. needing rehabilitation and the kinds Thirty guests ranging in age from 6 of cases rehabilitators deal with such Bat feeding points were installed to over 60 enjoyed an evening of bat as abandoned pups and torn wings. In around the Night Safari to attract catching, talks on many different bat addition to the public talks, zoo cura- the bats to come closer to the species, echolocation and storytelling tor Katherine Visser who cares for the walking paths for visitors to view. for the younger guests. The evening zoo’s bats gave a 15 minute interview By March 2011, there were a total was a great success and guests got of one of Johannesburg’s local radio of 5 locations in the Night Safari to see free living Cape Serotine bats stations MIX FM. The interview dis- where Cynopterus brachyotis bats are being captured and released and also cussed dispelling common myths and conditioned to feed at the feeding a sneak peak of Seba’s Short tailed fears surrounding bats and informing points. Bat roosting areas were also bats in their new enclosure. listeners about the important roles bat surveyed around the Night Safari as Public talks were held over two week- species play in the environment such well as the Singapore Zoo with a focus ends in the zoo’s education centre as controlling insect populations and on identifying visitor areas that can be with volunteer speaker, Annamaria dispersal of fruit trees and plants. highlighted via interpretives. We also did surveys with our Horticulture Department to identify trees that bats frequently feed on. We did surveys in Ulrich Oberplieler | National Zoological Gardens, South Africa both the Night Safari as well as the Focus on Public Awareness and Research Singapore Zoo with an intention to in- stall signages that will also highlight Public Awareness Research to visitors the natural food of bats in 16 April 2011: Presentation on bats Research project “Investigation into the wild. by the Gauteng Bat Interest Group viruses from bat necropsy specimens A script was included in the “Zoo Goes to the National Zoo’s ZooClub, a life at the National Zoological Gardens” To School” activity which highlights science club for high school learners by Dr Emily Lane (NZG Wildlife nuggets of information on Bats. We (www.batsgauteng.org.za). Pathologist), in collaboration with also engaged multimedia students 5 August 2011: Public lecture “ Bats the University of Pretoria and the doing their Final Year Project (FYP) in South Africa; Conservation and National Institute for Communicable in Republic Polytechnic (RP) to come Research Initiatives” by Dr Wanda Diseases. up with a video presentation on bats, Markotter of the University of Pretoria. Biobanking of bats for molecular which we intend to screen in the park. Information pamphlet/flyer on bat studies and retrospective research The video will provide some interest- houses distributed to the public. (ongoing). ing facts on bats and educate the Link to Year of the Bat on the National Bat diversity survey conducted at the public on the threats that bats face. Zoological Gardens’ website. National Zoo’s Mokopane Biodiver- Regular social media updates sity Conservation Centre. (facebook). 28 WAZA news 1/12

© ZOO Bat education programme in Bihar.

© ZOO Greater short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus sphinx).

Sally Walker | Zoo Outreach Organisation, India Bat Network Throughout South Asia Celebrates 14th Year

The most recent bi-annual newsletter, 100 applicants. This annual workshop © ZOO Small Mammal Mail, featuring bats combines bat and rodent studies Tying bat rakhis (wrist band) and pledging and rodents was published in July 2011 because a schedule can be devised for bat conservation. and included an extensive write up on to enable researchers gather data the Year of the Bats, which was also about both Chiroptera and Rodentia. published in ZOOS’ PRINT, a monthly Dr. Paul Racey, Chair IUCN Bat Spe- magazine. Another write up on YOB cialist Group and Mike Jordan, Chair and other activity report will be in- of Small Mammal Group, Britain, cluded in the January 2012 issue. were lead trainers. They focus on field For Indian Wildlife Week, 1–7 October, techniques “with benefits” including our education wing, Z.E.N. produced animal welfare in capture and keep- over 3000 educational packets on ing bats for study. A special team of YOB and Bats. These packets were our own bat and rodent specialists sent to 77 zoos and wildlife agencies and enthusiasts gave special lectures and NGO’s, sufficient for each to con- on combining bat and rodent studies duct a meaningful “active learning” and also declining mammal pollina- programme for 50 or more partici- tors as it relates to the Decade on pants. Each participant used some of Biodiversity and to bats. the toy items during the programme The material used in the course and © ZOO and took it home to share with family. were distributed electronically to Education session for field biologists in field Every year since 1998 educational all the SAZARC zoos so they can techniques training. material featuring bats have been copy and what they like. A few small similarly distributed. mammal biologists from Sri Lanka, October 17–21, the 12th annual field Nepal, and Pakistan South Asian techniques training for bat and countries attended the above men- rodent biologists was conducted for tioned training. 45 participants selected from almost WAZA news 1/12 29

Kathy Lehnhardt | Disney’s © Disney Animal Kingdom, USA Disney’s Animal Kingdom Year of Bat A Special celebration-bat board game. Celebration of Bats Fly into Year of the Bat

Left to right: Building bat Perth boxes Most people fear bats. They are Zoo. at Ghost Bat. © Perth zoo the animals people love to hate but An educational amazingly everyone seems to have poster for the a bat story. A friend told me a time

The bat’s worldwide Year of Bat. and image its resulting problem led the persecution are very United Nations have good at 2011–2012 to Indeed, insect she visited Mackinaw Island in the declar contr the Inter e one bat ol. of the national mosquitoes can eat 1,000 them. Bat. Year a In Perth night! unawar many people You e that are might think Larger Flying the night don’ that in Perth Foxes or with the tiny sky is filled t have that bats feed on fruit Fruitbats creatur much and flowers which habitat es but clearing way of life. to do with seed dispersal assist has reduced of In fact, our with r their than 60 there are South-ea and pollination. oosting and available species more st Asia, In breeding Australia of microbat Lesser for example, sites. U.S. and everyone was told to run in One with many Dawn Bat the way of and they’r found in night-flowering feeds helping e desperat Perth – on over 31 to build these animals e for new fruit plants including a bat box is There homes. nectar and the your and install are more pollen house. A it outside bats than 1,100 The Lesser of the Durian. pr single bat worldwide. species Dawn Bat ovide a home box can types There of pollinator is the sole for about of bats are two distinct of the Durian microbats 100 found among the without fruit so, . If you would in Australia: 90 species the bats, one yourself, like to megabats, Durian there would instruction build are large, fruit, an be no found s into their houses at dusk to avoid the fruit-eating which South-east important at www can be microbats, bats, and Asian fruit for .gobatty.com.au which econo can purchase or smaller are noticeably Despite mies. one ready-made. you and eat the great way Althoug mainly insects. important to help It’s a h micr people’s role they impr our nativ span, obats have fear of these play, ove our envir e wildlife, they ar a small wing has led to flying mammals and onmenta use e very capa their decline become l health echolocation ble flyers Farmers in numbers. involved in to navigate and who fear the Bat. the Year dark. By in their bats will of emitting high the crops set destroy bats that supposedly dived-bomb sound frequency up traps For waves which and try to more information objects, bounc kill of about microbats e off the Bat, the Year and can locate visit www detect obstacles food .yearofthebat.org. They in can see their path. New but rely Noctur rather than on echolocation nal eyesight Our volunteer Tours to find their guides Despite their way. House. have undeserved It includes started a people. On the other extreme, a few reputation bad a look new tour as being inhabitants, into Australia’ through the and blood-sucking, disease ridden and the s night Nocturnal animals. chance to time world important bats play It concludes see how and its role in an with the keepers ecosystem. the health Nocturnal a Ghost care of the House tour Bat feed for the Microbats guides. is one at 11:45 © Novosibirsk zoo in particular Visit the of a number am. The ones Information of tours are run Centre provided ning. on your next by our visit to colleagues and I made a point of sit- see which

Winter Body painting for kids during the theme day. 2011 | newspaws Susan Hunt | 3 ting outside in Uganda, gin and tonic Perth zoo, Australia in hand, to watch the sky darken as New Nocturnal Tours huge numbers of bats flew out of the Rostislav Shilo | Novosibirsk and Bat Boxes forest in search of insects over Lake zoo, Russian Federation Victoria. What a spectacular sight! Our volunteer guides have started Bats really are the good guys! We On 21 August 2011 there was a theme a new tour through the Nocturnal held a special celebration for the Year day and celebration in the zoo. During House. It includes a look into Austral- of the Bat at our Park in October 2011. this day visitors learned about bats, ia’s night time world and its inhabit- We decorated one of our exhibits their significance in biodiversity, the ants, and the chance to see how the with a variety of family-friendly critical conservation situation in na- keepers care for the animals. It con- activities featuring our very-own ture and the necessity to take urgent cludes with a Ghost Bat feed. The Noc- ‘not-so-scary’ bat cave where children conservation measures. Mini lectures turnal House tour is one of a number used small flashlights to identify and about chiroptera and their role in bio- of tours provided by our guides. count bats, played a bat board game diversity on our planet were hold near One way of helping bats is to build that highlighted cool facts about bats, enclosures of Egyptian bats. Some a bat box and install it outside the talked with Bat Conservation Interna- visitors took part in a zoological quiz, house. A single bat box can provide tional staff, learned how Disney helps games and competitions under the a home for about 100 microbats. wild bats through the Disney World- title “They need our protection”. The Instructions for building it can also wide Conservation Fund and met our youngest visitors could use their im- be found at www.gobatty.com.au or bat keepers who introduced our bat agination and took part in a drawing ready-made ones were sold at the training program that ensures the competition or morphed into a bat by zoo. It’s a great way to help the na- best health and management care for making a mask in the art school. Older tive wildlife, improve environmental our bats. children solved a zoo quizzes and health and become involved in the With this small event, we talked broke the most popular myths about Year of the Bat. to nearly 3,000 guests and shared chiroptera. The correct answers could conservation actions such as: Support be found by studying the booths with wildlife organizations working to pro- the provided information about bat ACOPAZOA | Parque Explora, tect bats; Hang a bat house in your species diversity, their habitat and be- Colombia backyard as a home for local bats; havior close to the zoo entrance. The Go outside in the evening and look for celebration was attended by more Film to improve the reputation of the bats in your neighborhood; Visit www. than 3000 participants. flying mammals. batcon.org to learn more about bats. El Murciélago Moreover, employees of the re- Guests really enjoyed participating in search and information departments all the activities and were given a bat worked out a lecture, entitled “The magnet with the actions above to whole truth about chiroptera”. Dur- take home with them. Small special ing 1,5 months more than 500 stu- events like these are great ways to

dents of city schools attended the Por la buena reputación del gran mamífero energize your staff, share conserva- volador lecture, the lecture continued till the Celebramos la diversidad real tion actions with guests and promote end of 2011. Entra a conocerme your conservation projects. Parque Explora - Medellín: para mirar de otra manera

Comparte en: Facebook Twitter

créditos

http://www.parqueexplora.org/micrositios/murcielago/[26/10/2011 11:23:11] 30 Announcements WAZA news 1/12

Lisa Rolls Hagelberg – UNEP WAZA Executive Office Announcements

12th–13th May 2012

This year’s theme “Migratory birds and people – together through time” th will stress the indispensible relation- 40 Anniversary of UNEP ship between birds and people. The Secretariat of the Convention and World Environment Day on Migratory Species (CMS) invites everyone to join us to celebrate, (WED) 2012 protect and raise awareness for migratory birds. Please join us in celebrating the 40th anniversary of UNEP and World On the second weekend in May, Environment Day (WED) and help usher in a new year, and future, that people around the world take includes a Green Economy. action and organize public events First let us thank you for your participation in last year’s World Environ- to celebrate World Migratory Bird ment Day Challenge, supporting 2011’s theme, Forests: Nature at Your Day – such as bird watching trips, Service. Thanks to your support, activity registration quadrupled. public discussions, exhibitions, 2012 marks a critically important year for the environmental agenda. presentations, bird rallies, bird In addition to the 40th anniversary of UNEP, the historic Rio+20 Summit festivals and other educational will take place this June. and public events. High hopes are set for this Summit. The stakes are simply too high to not The Campaign has grown every have high hopes. And WED, as the UN’s flagship day for environmental year since its inception in 2006. outreach and action, will play a critical role in synthesizing the issues to Each year’s theme is unique to the be tabled at Rio+20 for the general public. issues threatening migratory birds. Acknowledging that a Green Economy must be a people-centered In 2011 over 200 events registered at economy, requiring a healthy, educated and informed workforce, with www.worldmigratorybirdday.org, principles that improve the daily lives of billions of people, the WED 2012 the most successful campaign yet. theme is, Green Economy: Does it include you? Also to be hosted by Brazil two weeks prior to the Summit, WED will provide a powerful platform for citizen ambassadors to make their voices heard on a global stage at the highest levels. This integration of policy 40th Annual Symposium and people underscores the critical juncture the world faces in terms of the future of humanity. of the European Associa- We hope you’ll join us again in 2012 to make World Environment Day big- ger and more influential than ever. To find out how, watch for updates in tion for Aquatic Mammals the next WAZA NEWS. To find out more: 9–12 March 2012 www.unep.org/wed Hosted by Madrid Zoo, Parques Reunidos, Spain

All topics related to marine mammal science and husbandry Name Change of Family (including conservation, education, and Kids Park Zoo veterinarian medicine, operant conditioning, etc) are covered. As of 2 December 2011 Family and Kids Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi, Further details: officially changed its name to www.eaam.org Emirates Park Zoo. www.eaammadrid2012.com www.zoomadrid.com WAZA news 1/12 Announcements 31

WAZA Executive Office Markus Gusset – WAZA Executive Office

WAZA WAZA Conservation and Grant Sustainability 2012 Resource Centre The application is now open for the As the voice of the worldwide com- It is one of the most comprehensive WAZA training grants 2012. Grants munity of zoos and aquariums, and freely available animal conservation are awarded to the staff of WAZA a catalyst for their joint conservation resource banks in the world. Please member institutions (or affiliates) action, WAZA has produced a Re- click on www.unitedforconservation. or to the members or staff of WAZA source Centre to provide easy access org to go to the Resource Centre to member associations. These must to existing conservation and sustain- access hundreds of weblinks (cur- be members in good standing and ability information available online. rently about 600) as well as submit have all their membership dues It follows the structure and highlights new and report broken ones. paid at the time of submission of all the recommendations laid out in The development of this Resource the grant application. the World Zoo and Aquarium Conser- Centre was made possible through vation Strategy, and will enable both the generous support provided by Priority will be given the general public and those in the Bristol Zoo Gardens (Bristol, Clifton to projects that: worldwide zoo and aquarium com- and West of England Zoological • Build the capacity of developing munity to use and suggest informa- Society) and Chester Zoo (North of country zoos and aquariums and tion for the Resource Centre. England Zoological Society). their personnel to manage their collections and contribute to local, regional or global conservation; Species On The Edge App • have a significant and quantifi- able impact on the public or the to Help Species Conservation local communities incorporated in the project. Acclaimed by the US Apple Store of the world’s flora and fauna. • have a more applied research as new and noteworthy, the – It allows users to browse and learn approach and emphasize basic Connecting with Conservation is about threatened and endangered principles of animal care and a detailed guide to 365 species on species around the world. This management or wildlife conser- the IUCN Red List of Threatened thought-provoking app not only vation rather than more Species™. The app is an indis- highlights the problems, but pro- technical research. pensible guide for nature lovers, vides some of the possible meth- • Are both scientifically and environmental enthusiasts, and ods for halting the decline. economically feasible in anyone concerned about the state a designated period of time. • are continuing, rather than “one time” efforts; • Incorporate a strong educational and training component that can serve as a model for future programs. • already have secured a significant portion of funding.

Please visit the WAZA website / member area for further details and meet the deadline of 6 July 2012 in case you are interested. Contact: [email protected] 32 Announcements WAZA news 1/12

Ann-Katrine Garn, database manager – Copenhagen Zoo/EAZA Announcements What Can The Data Be Used For?

In 2009 it was decided that the “EAZA In 2011 a website (see the link below) that the mammals are the most in situ Conservation Database” was was developed to provide a ‘face’ and popular group with 63% (see figure 1). to become a global database. The da- gateway for the database. This is Twenty-five percent of projects focus tabase underwent a ‘make-over’ and mainly to make a platform available on birds and 6% on reptiles. The last was renamed the “World Zoo & Aquar- for showing the diversity of conserva- 6% is divided between amphibians ia Conservation Database” (WZACD in tion projects supported by the zoo and fish respectively. short). But what has happened since community. the database became global and what Additionally, when looking at which can the database be used for? What can the database be used for? species are most popular within each At the time of writing 905 projects are group there are some interesting First some background information in the database, mostly entered by trends (see figure 2). For the mam- about the project. The WZACD is EAZA institutions. The projects are mals the tigers are dominating the a database designed to hold informa- entered with a lot of data and the da- top 3. In fact carnivores and great tion on in situ conservation projects tabase can then make analyses based apes dominate the top 10 for the run by or involving zoos and aquaria on the same data. When looking mammals with the Asian elephant as all over the world and to facilitate col- at the project data in detail various the only ‘odd one out’. For the birds laboration between zoological institu- interesting trends are apparent. Here the Humboldt penguin is at the top tions and other stakeholders. It is pos- are some examples on what can be but otherwise the top 10 for birds is sible to enter new projects and to get exacted from the data provided on more varied and includes parrots, wa- information about current projects the projects available in the database. terfowl and birds of prey. The top 10 via online access 24 hours a day. for the reptiles is dominated by turtles When a project is added to the data- and tortoises but the Komodo dragon Currently there are three partners in base the user can specify the project is the most popular project species. the project – EAZA, WAZA and CBSG type. There is a possibility to choose Europe with the latter being the between one or more of the following holder of the project. On the man- project types: species, habitat, train- Figure 2: Top 3 most popular agement board, which is the decision ing, research, sustainability, educa- project animals for each selected group making body, each partner has a seat. tion or other. Not surprisingly species Mammal Amur tiger Asian elephant A technical advisory group has been are the favoured type of project. Indian tiger set up consisting of representatives On second place are research projects Birds Humboldt penguin from seven regional associations and closely followed by habitat and edu- Eurasian peregrine falcon WAZA. The group acts as a discus- cation projects on a joint third place. Little owl Reptiles Komodo dragon sion group and tests the usability and Common green turtle discusses possible modifications. This It is also possible to specify the spe- Atlantic loggerhead turtle is all aimed at making the database cies that the projects cover and so Amphibian Mallorcan midwife toad a valuable conservation tool which is far the total number of species or European fire-bellied toad European green toad useful for all zoo regions. subspecies is 585. When grouping the Fish Minnow projects’ species it is not unexpected Knysna seahorse Banggai cardinalfish

Figure 1: Figure 3: Figure 4: Project species in selected groups Allocation of project funds per continent Distribution of funds – African based projects

0,2% 1% 34% 21% 14% 0,1% 63,4% 2% 2,7% 3,1% 6,1% 17% 9%

4% 24% 52% 25,5% 22% Mammals Birds Reptiles Central Africa Eastern Africa Amphibians Fish Invertebrates Africa Americas Asia Northern Africa Southern Africa Anthozoa Europe International Oceania Western Africa WAZA news 1/12 33

But it is not only the species that show interesting trends. Looking at project countries receiving most funding Brazil comes top of the list followed by the United Kingdom and with Madagascar in third place. But if we look at continents rather than countries Africa is the preferred continent with 34% (see figure 3) and the Americas come in on second place with 24%. Looking at Africa in detail there is no doubt that the region most favoured for projects is East Africa with 52% (see figure 4). © WAZA Western Africa comes in on second John Scanlon, Secretary General of CITES (left) and place with 21% and Central Africa on Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Director. third with 14%. WAZA signs MoU with CITES The examples above are all based on EAZA member data and therefore On 20 December 2011, both organiza- of confiscated live animals, gathering show trends of the European zoo tions agreed to intensify and formal- information about current trade relat- community’s support to conservation. ize cooperation. Main purpose of the ed issues, live animals and transport, However, the data reflect the output agreement is to facilitate the use research and science with a focus on and therefore any extracted statistics of expertise available in the WAZA appendix one species, communication will be based only on what has been network to benefit the conservation and awareness and support of train- put in. The statistics only show trends and sustainable use of species of wild ing and capacity building. but these trends can point towards fauna and flora and to assist CITES what kind of prioritisation the zoo Parties to implement the Convention WAZA wishes to thank Kris Vehrs of community makes in its support and and to assist in the activities of the AZA for her support in the preparation work for conservation. CITES Secretariat. Major fields of co- of the agreement. operation include care and placement What are the next steps for WZACD in the coming future? To modify the database based on the discussions from the technical advisory group; to WAZA and AMMPA Sign invite regional associations to join as partners; and to promote the input of MoU Pledging Cooperation data by all member zoos. When more regional associations join as partners On 7 November 2011, WAZA and the issues. Representatives will attend the statistics will be able to reflect Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks the annual conferences of the other not only what is going on globally but and Aquariums (AMMPA) signed organization in a non-voting capacity also regionally and nationally. And a memorandum of understanding and establish a link on their respective this is the case when the WZACD aimed at enhancing mutual sup- Web sites. WAZA’s Executive Director becomes a very useful and interesting port in the fields of marine mammal Gerald Dick discussed the organiza- conservation tool! conservation, animal care policy, and tion’s priorities at the 2011 Alliance communications – formalizing the annual meeting. Alliance President For questions on access or other que- exchange of information between the Dave Blasko (Mirage) said he was very ries, contact the database manager at two groups. With approval of the MoU, pleased that WAZA crafted an ap- [email protected] WAZA and the Alliance will bring to proach that assures the two organiza- each other’s attention topics of com- tions work more closely together on mon interest including international issues of concern to the global marine To find out more: marine mammal and public relations mammal community. www.conservationdatabase.org 34 Recent Updates WAZA news 1/12

Markus Gusset – WAZA Executive Office Obstacles to Global Population Management

© Khao Kheow Open Zoo Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) fawn born from in vitro fertilization with surrogate mother.

© Gerald Dick, WAZA Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Central Park zoo.

At the 2011 WAZA Annual Conference Or as one respondent put it so aptly: in Prague, participants at a workshop “There is no real obstacle. If we all on securing sustainable animal collec- want this, it can be done. So if there tions were asked the following ques- is an obstacle, it would be that we tion: What do you see as being the do not really all want this.” most important obstacle to global © Khao Kheow Open Zoo population management? A total of Suggested solutions included making Eld’s deer IVF embryo at 8 cell stage. 44 responses were received, which participation in global population could be grouped into the following management mandatory for WAZA categories: membership, lobbying the respec- • There is a lack of commitment, tive authorities and providing more cooperation, communication, resources for global population directions and global involvement management. The emerging view (20 respondents). among workshop participants was • There are issues with transporting that for global population manage- animals in terms of restrictive ment to be successfully implemented (veterinary) regulations, CITES there needs to be more commitment, permits, practical constraints and cooperation and communication. costs involved (15 respondents). © Khao Kheow Open Zoo • There is a lack of resources with Eld’s deer embryo transfer research team. regard to staff numbers, capacity and skills as well as facilities and money (7 respondents). • Other obstacles (2 respondents). WAZA news 1/12 Recent Updates 35

Sumate Kamolnorranath, Director – Zoological Park Organization First Eld’s Deer Fawn Born in vitro

Thailand Celebrates The World’s First Endangered Eld’s Deer Fawn Born from In Vitro Fertilization at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

After the birth of a giant panda cub Assisted reproductive technologies the first 2 fawns that unfortunately ‘Lin Ping’ from artificial insemination such as semen freezing and artificial died shortly after birth in 2010. That at the Chiangmai Zoo in May 2009, insemination (AI) have been used was the very important milestone of many wildlife enthusiasts asked successfully to improve the ge- success but the team realized that critically if Thailand has paid enough netic diversity of the captive wildlife they need to work harder. interest and effort in saving its native population. In February 2009, about wildlife. And the answer is yes. 3 months before Lin Ping panda was In February 2011, the team repeated born by AI, the Eld’s deer fawn was the Eld’s deer IVF attempt Khao At the Zoological Park Organization produced by Thai scientists. ZPO Kheow Open Zoo and this time (ZPO), research scientists and vet- scientists and partners from Kaset- 8 embryo transfers were made and erinarians have been working on re- sart University are planning to release 2 pregnancies were diagnosed after search and conservation of many rare the AI fawn back to the wild in 2012 2 months of hormone monitoring. species such as Malayan tapirs, Fea’s as a part of Eld’s deer reintroduction Embryo recipient mothers were mon- muntjacs, serows, gorals and wild programs. itored and cared to ensure low-stress cats. Special attention is paid to spe- environment to maximize calving cies that had been extinct in the wild, Taking the technology one step fur- chance. And the good news came on like the Eld’s deer and eastern sarus ther, Thai scientists adapted another 17 October 2011, that the very first IVF cranes, and attempts were made infertility treatment called ‘in vitro Eld’s deer was born with good health to reintroduce them back to their fertilization’ or ‘IVF’ that is generally and has been living with its ‘surrogate natural habitats with preliminary suc- used to produce ‘test-tube baby’ in mom’ since that day. cesses. The Eld’s deer program is one humans. This technique involves the of the most comprehensive research collection of female’s oocytes (eggs), This remarkable success is a result and conservation action for the ZPO its maturation in an incubator before of strong scientific collaboration in collaboration with universities, fertilization with frozen-thawed and passion in wildlife conservation the Department of National Parks, sperm. The Eld’s deer embryos among Thai scientists in combination Wildlife and Plant Conservation and produced in laboratory can be trans- with great networking and long-term international partners. ferred to recipients or ‘surrogate commitment among like-minded mothers’. Of course success does professionals in this field working The Eld’s deer or Brow-antlered deer not come easy. The ZPO team and hand-in-hand. is 1 of 15 reserved species under the Chulalongkorn University success- Thai Wildlife Preservation and Protec- fully produced domestic cat kittens The core team of scientists consists tion Act (1992). There were 2 kinds by this technique and now applying it of Dr. Boripat Siriaroonrat (ZPO), of Eld’s deer that used to roam dry to wild cats. Dr. Ampika Thongphakdee (ZPO), forests and plains of Thailand, namely Dr. Theerawat Tharasanit (Chula- the ‘Thamin’ or the Burmese Eld’s Three years of working on Eld’s deer longkorn University), Dr. Sittawee deer (Rucervus eldii thamin) in the IVF closely with scientists from Kaset- Thongtipsiridech (Kasetsart Universi- western forests and Siamese Eld’s sart and Chulalongkorn Universities, ty), Dr. Pierre Comizzoli (Smithsonian deer (R. e. siamensis) in the eastern Smithsonian Conservation Biology In- Conservation Biology Institute, USA) part of the country. Both had been stitute (USA), and AgResearch (New and Dr. Debra Berg (AgResearch, reported extinct in the wild for Zealand), the team has been trying to New Zealand). over 50 years due to overhunting adapt techniques in oocyte collec- and habitat loss. They only exist in tion, maturation, fertilization and captivity (zoos and wildlife breeding specialized embryo culture media centers in Thailand, Asia, Europe and developed at AgResearch for red deer USA). Although bearing ‘Siamese’ in and tested for 5 years at the Smith- its name, this deer now only exists in sonian Conservation Biology Institute, Cambodia’s dry forests. Even though USA. Experts from New Zealand and the Eld’s deer reproduce well natu- US have built capacity for Thai col- rally, their original genetic stock is leagues on oocyte collection, in vitro reduced and inbreeding is likely a risk embryo culture and embryo transfer factor for extinction. techniques to successfully produce 36 Recent Updates WAZA news 1/12

Markus Gusset – WAZA Executive Office International Species Information System (ISIS), Eagan, USA Update on ISIS/WAZA International Studbooks Studbook Library The 2011 ISIS/WAZA Studbook Library DVD comprises 1,540 stud- There are currently 124 active inter- • On 14 December 2011, CPM books, including 1,350 regional and national studbooks (ISBs), including approved the transfer of the black 190 international studbooks, plus 163 species or sub-species (11 ISBs howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) 292 husbandry manuals and nearly cover more than one taxon). The ISB to John Partridge (Bristol 2,800 other documents. This is a sig- following events regarding ISBs oc- Zoo, UK). nificant fraction of the approximately curred since 1 October 2011: • On 15 December 2011, CPM 1,800 assigned studbooks and rep- approved the transfer of the cara- resents 99% of published studbooks. cal (Caracal caracal) ISB to Kristen In total, 1,145 studbook keepers from ISBs archived Clark (Smithsonian’s National 473 institutions in 66 countries have • None. Zoological Park, USA). contributed their work. • On 20 December 2011, CPM In addition to making studbook ISBs established approved the transfer of the Sri data readily accessible to zoological • On 3 October 2011, CPM approved Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus institutions, which reduces the costs the establishment of an ISB for the kotiya) ISB to Frédéric Houssaye of studbook data distribution and Buffon’s macaw (Ara ambiguus) kept (CERZA Zoo, France). provides insurance against loss of by Sandrine Silhol (Zoo des Sables studbook data, the information gath- d’Olonne, France). Transfer of ISBs to new ered for this project helps to maintain • On 7 December 2011, CPM institutions data quality within the ISIS database. approved the establishment of an • None. ISIS automatically compares key facts ISB for the ploughshare tortoise in the submitted studbooks to data (Astrochelys yniphora) kept by Further decisions for the same animal submitted to ISIS Gerardo García (Durrell Wildlife • None. by member institutions. The results Conservation Trust, UK). of this comparison are shown in the Pending issues members’ area of the ISIS website. Transfer of ISBs to new • As of 31 December 2011, ISBs for Some regions have worked hard on keepers the Edward’s pheasant (Lophura cleaning up the discrepancies re- • On 5 October 2011, CPM approved edwardsi), Vietnamese pheasant ported in these data. They found that the transfer of the sand cat (Felis (Lophura hatinhensis), Chinese most of the differences reported have margarita) ISB to Ute Magiera leopard (Panthera pardus japon‑ been accidental data entry errors, (Osnabrück Zoo, Germany). ensis), blue-throated macaw (Ara distributed almost evenly between • On 7 November 2011, CPM glaucogularis), maroon-fronted the studbooks and the institutional approved the transfer of the parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi) and records data sources. Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Den‑ Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) are ISIS wants to thank all those who drolagus matschiei) ISB to Christine vacant. contributed the results of their McKnight (Minnesota Zoo, USA). hard work as well as the studbook- • On 17 November 2011, CPM ap- endorsing zoo associations for their proved the transfer of the Japanese cooperation. Thanks also to ISIS staff serow (Capricornis crispus) ISB to member Laurie Bingaman Lackey, Hitoshi Murai (Toyama Municipal who collected and processed the Familiypark Zoo, Japan). studbooks and related information. ISIS is grateful to WAZA for continu- ing to co-sponsor this project. ISIS welcomes submission of new studbook data at any time. Please no- tify Laurie Bingaman Lackey (laurie@ isis.org) of any changes in studbook keepers, e-mail addresses, etc., so that the master list of studbooks can be maintained. WAZA members can get a free copy of the 2011 ISIS/ WAZA Studbook Library DVD from the WAZA Executive Office.

510931WHITE PMS 293 BLACK WAZA news 1/12 Recent Updates 37

Alex Sliwa – Cologne Zoo, Germany Crocodile and Hippo Conservation WAZA Project 11014

On 28 May 2010, Cologne Zoo opened the Hippodom, where visi- tors can experience a subtropical, African riverine habitat through fas- cinating perspectives in a large hall with extensive pools that provide underwater viewing through acrylic panels. Via an in situ project, visitors receive a further impression of the fascinating but also not unproblem- atic flagship species – the hippo (Hip‑ popotamus amphibius) and the Nile crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus) and their habitats. The Swaziland project © Alex Sliwa of Cologne Zoo was put officially to Hippo bull snorting to impress life in November 2009 with the sign- human intruders. ing of a memorandum. © Alex Sliwa The Kingdom of Swaziland is the Trap to capture hippos for relocation. second smallest state in Africa and is surrounded by South Africa and Since then, Big Game Parks, an Since one does not want to eradicate Mozambique. Despite its small size, organisation founded by the Reilly wild animal populations, one needs one can find here four African climate family who is conducting the official to capture and relocate animals that zones. Swaziland is one of the world’s nature conservation work in Swazi- are likely to cause repeated damage poorest states and many of its hu- land and cooperates with Cologne or cause danger to people. The few man citizens subsist on less than one Zoo, has systematically worked on traps that have been used so far are Euro per day. The lower lying areas of the re-establishment of viable popu- old and not ideal to capture these Swaziland have historically been very lations of hippos in protected areas dangerous and powerful animals. well populated with large populations and protection of animals that have With the help and support of Cologne of hippos and crocodiles. The arrival established themselves in water Zoo, ten new crocodile traps will be of European settlers and adventur- bodies outside the parks. Today, due built. To improve on the capture and ers brought with it modernisation, to the insatiable demand for land transport of crocodiles and hippos, firearms and wire, and the ecology and water resources by Swaziland’s a multi-purpose trailer, which can and wildlife of Swaziland and else- burgeoning human population and support the weight of an adult hippo where suffered severely as a result monoculture, those hippo popula- bull in its crate or hold up to four of the obsession to “tame the land”, tions that have re-established them- crocodile traps, is needed. In addition, which has prevailed in the 150 years selves outside the parks are finding gear will be installed on four-wheel since then. This resulted in many themselves in direct competition drive vehicles to winch the crates species of wildlife becoming extinct and conflict with people growing onto the trailer. Further construction in Swaziland. Other species became crops along the river banks. A simi- work on dam walls and dam dredg- very rare and remnant populations lar situation exists with crocodiles, ing within the current game reserves remained. While crocodile numbers which, having had their natural to improve on the habitat of the two dropped noticeably during this pe- wild prey replaced by livestock and species will be funded. Cologne Zoo riod, their population numbers have having increased daily contact with supports the human–animal conflict always remained viable in the main people fishing and collecting water project in Swaziland annually with watercourses of Swaziland. Hippos, from the river, find themselves US$ 25,000 and additional funds however, became extinct in Swa- becoming “problem animals”. Most that are collected as donations. For ziland during the 1940s. The occa- of these problems are seasonal in this, there are information panels sional vagrants that did wander into nature, with crocodiles increasing and a donation funnel at the exit of Swaziland were mercilessly shot and their feeding during the warm sum- the Hippodom. Here the project is it was not until the 1970s that a small mer and autumn months and hippos presented, after the visitor has got group of vagrant hippos established causing crop damage during the dry to know the hippos and crocodiles in themselves on the Komati River. winter months when crops are green their exhibit. and inviting and the veld grass is dry and less palatable. 38 Recent Updates | New WAZA Projects WAZA news 1/12

Bennett Hennessey – Asociacion Armonia, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Blue-throated WAZA Project 11015 Macaw Conservation

The illegal trade in parrots was dev- astating for many species through- out the world, but more pronounced for large colourful species found in small areas. The Critically Endan- gered blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is one of the species that declined almost to extinction. The blue-throated macaw only lives in palm forest islands between the large expanses of tropical savannah in the department of Beni in Bolivia.

Asociacion Armonia and Loro Parque Fundacion have been conducting the blue-throated macaw conservation programme since 1993. In 2003 they published a Species Recovery Plan © Ross Macleod that has been the basis for their con- Blue-throated macaw. servation actions. The blue-throated macaw programme has indicated Nest cavity destruction: Many of Feather collection killings: The the priority threats to the species, the large trees in the Beni savannah indigenous culture in the Beni savan- which are illegal pet trade, nest cav- area have been cut for construction nahs has a traditional dance of high ity destruction, habitat destruction wood. The blue-throated macaw cultural importance that includes and feather collection killings. The programme has established 150 nest a headdress made from the two programme is working to reduce or boxes throughout Beni. Each year central macaw tail feathers. Each terminate the key threats to the spe- the programme refurbishes the headdress contains approximately cies through a diversity of conserva- boxes and monitors and protects feathers from ten collected and tion actions. breeding chicks. killed macaws. The blue-throated macaw programme is working with Illegal pet trade: A radical reduc- Habitat destruction: The blue-throat- local indigenous groups to train tion in illegal trade has occurred as ed macaw only exists on private them to create artificial feathers that a result of an extensive local edu- ranches, with no national parks pro- can replace macaw tail feathers. The cation programme and local pride tecting the species. The blue-throat- project has had an added benefit campaign. The programme is now ed macaw programme has created that the creation of these feathers concentrating on the national illegal a 4,676 ha private reserve protecting and the headdresses can be sold in pet trade, educating the nation on the highest density of blue-throated festivals, giving an economic benefit its impact and working with govern- macaws in the world – over one- to many poor communities. ment and law enforcement entities third of the global population. The to stop these actions. programme works to protect the The blue-throated macaw pro- habitat of the reserve by keeping gramme has achieved many suc- invading fires, cattle and poachers cesses, but must continue its off the reserve. The programme also conservation work to secure the pro- needs to create tourism facilities for tection of the Critically Endangered the reserve in order to create long- blue-throated macaw forever. The term sustainable support for the programme urgently needs support protection of the area. to protect the blue-throated macaw reserve, to continue their nest box campaign, to conduct nationwide education programmes on the illegal trade that continues in Bolivia and to © Bennett Hennessey help train and support the alterna- Headdress made from artificial feathers. tive indigenous headdresses. WAZA news 1/12 Recent Updates | New WAZA Projects 39

Iván Ramos – Santacruz Zoological Foundation, Bogotá, Colombia

Amphibian Breeding WAZA Project 11016 and Awareness

In 2009, the Santacruz Zoological The three species Pristimantis renji‑ The project further aims to continue Foundation, being aware of local forum, Dendropsophus padreluna and training of environmental interpret- environmental degradation and the Rheobates palmatus have different ers (zoo guides) and community lead- biodiversity richness of the region, reproductive strategies, which are ers associated with the Education started a research programme in going to be studied with the aim Department of Santacruz Zoo. Also, partnership with the Foundation Vida of developing husbandry protocols. it expects to design an education Silvestre for the conservation of local The endangered Pristimantis renjifo‑ programme for visitors, including the amphibians, which comprised three rum shows a reproductive strategy development of guides, games, inter- main components: (1) Preliminary that so far has not been replicated pretive activities and materials for identification of the species in the in captivity. The other two species, weekend visitors, mainly families. region. (2) Training of local guides Rheobates padreluna and Dendrop‑ and environmental interpreters from sophus palmatus, will be managed in Santacruz by providing tools to teach order to establish captive manage- working sessions on educational top- ment protocols that can be used as ics, increase environmental aware- models for (threatened) species with ness and community-based conser- similar reproductive characteristics. vation involvement. (3) Installation of The establishment of a laboratory for terrariums for display and manage- captive management and reproduc- ment of three amphibian species in tion, equipped with basic utensils for captivity. its operation, may also be used to scientifically study the species and This initial project was the starting carry out research projects. It is also point for developing a conserva- expected to continue strengthening tion plan for frog species from the the bioterium and species manage- Tequendama region, led by the ment to ensure covering the food Santacruz Zoological Foundation. requirements of the collection of Until now, four species of frogs amphibians in captivity. (Pristimantis renjiforum, Dendropso‑ phus padreluna, Pristimantis susawae © Santacruz Zoological Foundation and Rheobates palmatus) have been Endangered Pristimantis renjiforum. found. One of them, Pristimantis ren- jiforum, is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The educational programme has increased the community’s knowledge of local frogs and also the level of involvement of the communi- ty. The educational outcomes include zoo staff trained for community work through experiential activities and field trips, in order to identify and empower leaders in local schools for local amphibian conservation and related topics.

© Santacruz Zoological Foundation Raising awareness for amphibian conservation at a local school. 40 Recent Updates | New WAZA Projects WAZA news 1/12

Ian Little – Endangered Wildlife Trust, Howick, South Africa

Sungazer WAZA Project 11017 Conservation Project

The sungazer or giant girdled lizard (Smaug giganteus) is endemic to the highland grasslands of the eastern Free State and south-eastern Mpu- malanga provinces of South Africa, and its entire distribution is within the Highland Agricultural Region. The species is currently listed as Vulner- able on the IUCN Red List, but this assessment needs urgent revision as it is based on data that are about two decades old.

© Johan Marais The characteristic “sun worshipping” stance of a sungazer.

This project aims to monitor sungazer The South African National Environ- populations to determine the current mental Management: Biodiversity © Johan Marais distribution and estimated population Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) allows Sharp spines help protect sungazers of the species and to look at the effect for the development of Biodiversity from predators. of different management practices Management Plans for Species, which on their population density, allowing are legally binding and gazetted and Sungazers are not only unusual look- for a more detailed assessment of the hold all participating parties account- ing, but unlike other girdled lizards global status and potential revision able. The development of these Plans that live on rocks and shelter in of the IUCN Red List status of the also requires the participation of all cracks, sungazers use burrows in the species. This will then also provide in- relevant stakeholders. In this way, the ground for shelter, which can often formation on “hotspots” or important legislation protecting sungazers will reach depths of 420 mm below the areas for conservation action in the be strengthened and this will hopeful- soil surface. The biggest recognised form of both stewardship for habitat ly ensure their survival through more threat to their survival is agricultural conservation and the development of severe sentencing and awareness as production, as ploughing destroys a Sungazer Natural Heritage Site for to the dangers of disobeying the law their burrows and once an area has the conservation of a core and critical and the real threat of prosecution. been ploughed these lizards do not re- source population. The conservation colonise, which also leads to extensive status of the species will be reassessed fragmentation of their habitat. Other in light of the findings of the project listed threats to this species include and this in turn will form the basis of habitat loss through mining (including the development of a Biodiversity the physiological impacts from min- Management Plan for this species. ing waste), the construction of power stations, roads and dams, and the illegal removal of the species for the …habitat conservation and the pet and “muthi” (traditional medicine) trades. Reptiles such as this species development of a Sungazer Natural are highly sought after by exotic pet traders and this industry needs moni- Heritage Site for the conservation of toring and control in order to secure wild populations. a core and critical source population… WAZA news 1/12 Recent Updates | New WAZA Projects 41

Milada Řeháková – Děčín Zoo, Czech Republic

Tarsius Project WAZA Project 11018

This project focuses on research and The goal of the Tarsius Project is Historically, tarsiers have not conservation of a unique primate integration of conservation, educa- survived well in captivity. Currently, species, the Philippine tarsier (Tarsi‑ tion of broad public community and there is no captive population that us syrichta), in its area of origin. The research, which will help us to gather might serve as a backup. Therefore, Philippine tarsier is an insectivorous lacking information about the biol- an important goal for the next year primate with huge eyes and very ogy of this interesting species. Tarsi- is the establishment of a profession- long legs and fingers. You can hold ers in captivity is another issue that al conservation centre for tarsiers its body on your palm. Researchers we focus on. The fieldwork is being on Bohol Island in cooperation with have collected only little informa- conducted on Bohol Island. the Simply Butterflies Conservation tion about this interesting creature Centre. It will be for the first time so far and it belongs to the least In 2009–2010 we conducted radio- that such a professional centre will known nocturnal primates. Only one telemetric observations focused be established in the Philippines, species is found in the Philippines. on the study of behaviour, home eliminating the possibly most impor- The Philippine tarsier lives in the last range use, social system, communi- tant factors that might have caused forest remains on a few Philippine cation and development of young. failures in zoos in the past – stress islands. The Philippines are a biodi- This information will increase our during transport, climate and food. versity hotspot with a high degree of knowledge about this species and The proposed centre will focus on threat, where conservation efforts also help its conservation. The other scientific tarsier conservation and re- should be concentrated. The Philip- part of the project is education of search, which will serve as a basis for pine tarsier is threatened especially public community. We focus on establishing a viable captive popula- by habitat loss but also due to direct local people who are responsible tion of the Philippine tarsier, enable human impact, mainly hunting for for hunting and destroying the us to collect data on the behaviour the pet trade because of their cute habitat. Especially education of the of tarsiers in captivity and to develop appearance. younger generation is necessary detailed husbandry guidelines for for the future conservation of the the Philippine tarsier that can be species. Educational work is being used later on by other facilities. done in cooperation with our local partners, mainly the Simply Butter- As part of the project we will develop flies Conservation Centre in Bilar and a conservation education plan for the Philippine Science High School. the broad audience using educa- In 2010 we became involved in tional panels, posters, photo exhibi- monitoring the situation of captive tion or video documents. We will tarsiers abused as tourist attraction train more conservationists among along the main tourist route on Bo- the local people and also promote hol. Based on our survey presented ecotourism in the area by organis- to the minister of environment and ing nigh safaris to the neighbouring other authorities, a meeting was forest around sunset when visitors held in December 2010. We also sug- will have the possibility to observe gested guidelines for the improve- various wildlife including tarsiers. ment of the tarsier keeping facilities. As a consequence, all tarsiers from The Tarsius Project aims to con- those facilities were transferred tribute to tarsier conservation in to a bigger and naturally planted a complex way, combining scientific enclosure. approach, conservation education, species protection in its natural habi- tat as well as establishing a backup population; all is being done with the involvement of local people.

© Petr Slavík Philippine tarsier. 42 Recent Updates WAZA news 1/12

WAZA Executive Office

WAZA Executive Office Contacts • Executive Director: [email protected] • PA/Office management/accounting: [email protected] or Call for Papers [email protected] • Marketing/Communication: 67th WAZA Annual Conference The overall theme is [email protected] and Technical Congress 2012 will • Conservation/International take place in Melbourne at the Fighting Extinction Studbooks: Melbourne Convention Centre, [email protected] 7–11 October 2012. The conference Contributions are especially facility is situated right in the middle sought for the following topics: of the city on the beautiful Yarra river. • Saving/protecting species in human care New WAZA Members Accomodation can be booked • Sustainable populations directly: • Breeding for release • Delhi Zoo | India | Hilton Melbourne South Wharf – • Field work as institutional member A special rate of $265 AUD per night • Community Conservation • Saigon Zoo | Vietnam | is being offered to WAZA delegates. • Advocacy and actions as institutional member Alto Hotel on Bourke – A special • Research • Nashville Zoo | USA | rate of $198 AUD per night is being • Marketing and fundraising as institutional member offered to WAZA delegates. • Vancouver Aquarium | Canada | Oaks on Market – A special rate is Please send applications only as institutional member being offered, rooms from $176 AUD in relationship to those topics, per night. selection will be carried out strictly in this respect. New Directors For delegates able to stay for the Deadline for submission of title Melbourne Zoo 150th Birthday party and abstract is the 31st May 2012. • Jim Hubing stepped down at Henry on Saturday the 13th of October there Vilas Zoo | USA are a number of day options for Friday An application form for this • Andrew Aiken replaced Terry 12th of October, such as the Philip Is- purpose is provided on the L. Maple at Palm Beach Zoo at Dre- land Penguins, the Great Ocean Road WAZA website. her Park | USA | as of 1 October 2011 and the Werribee Open Range Zoo. • Chalermvudh Kasetsomboon replaced Amnart Chonlawatana Registration will open on 29th March at Songkhla Zoo | Thailand | 2012 and the early bird rate will be as of 1 November 2011 available till 31st May 2012. The link • Helena Olsson replaced Mats for registering will be provided on the Ericson at Parken Zoo | Sweden | WAZA website (button on homepage). as of January 2012 • Mohamad Ngah has resigned from Zoo Negara | Malaysia

Future WAZA Conference Venues WAZA Membership as of 1st January 2012 • 2012 Melbourne, Australia (7–11 Oct 2012) • 2013 Disney’s Animal Kingdom, USA (13–17 Oct 2013) Associations 24 • 2014 New Delhi, India (9–13 Nov 2014) Institutions 262 • 2015 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (11–15 Oct 2015) Affiliates 15 • 2016 Africam Safari, Puebla, Mexico Corporates 14 Life and Honorary members 101 WAZA news 1/12 Recent Updates 43

Recent Updates

Membership Application Nominated as institutional member

Weltvogelpark Walsrode, Vogelpark Walsrode GmbH

• Sponsors: Theo Pagel (Cologne Zoo) and Achim Johann (Naturzoo Rheine) • Founded: 1962 • Area: 24 ha • Collection Mammals: 3 species and 15 specimens Birds: 650 species and 4 000 specimens Reptiles: 4 species and 6 specimens • Staff: 60 permanent, 90 temporary • Visitors: 300 000 paying and 74 000 free entrance • Owned by: Private company • Director: Mr. Geer Scheres • Member: EAZA – European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, IUCN/CBSG – Conservation © Joao Marcos Rosa Breeding Specialist Group Big enclosure at Weltvogelpark Walsrode. • Address: Weltvogelpark Walsrode, Am Vogelpark, D-29664 Walsrode, Germany

Weltvogelpark Walsrode is the larg- Thanks to the commitment of the est and most varied bird park in the Belgian investor Floralux our con- world. Visitors stroll through large servation branch, the Weltvogelpark tropical halls, and along ponds and Foundation, is making a considerable spacious naturalistic outdoor en- and lasting contribution to wildlife closures enjoying park and garden conservation. landscapes. We believe in the concept of edutainment; entertainment and Additionally, together with our sister personal discovery dominate our organization Stichting Crax Inter- daily shows and bird feeding pres- national we train many biologists entations. Individual ranger tours from developing countries in captive and guided tours for groups, school breeding techniques. Because of our classes and individual guests are op- extensive bird collection we recog- portunities for our visitors to become nize our responsibility for playing more intimately acquainted with the a leading role in collective captive park and to learn more about biology management of bird populations, and conservation of birds. thus we chair two (presumably soon three) EAZA TAGs, coordinate two EEPs and manage two ESBs. We par- ticipate in 88 international breeding © Joao Marcos Rosa programs, not including the “moni- Kagou (Rhynochetus jubatus). toring” EAZA categories. To find out more: www.weltvogelpark.de 44 Membership WAZA news 1/12

Recent Updates

Membership Monique Paris with wombats. Application © IBREAM Nominated as affiliate member Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM)

• Sponsors: Christopher West (Adelaide Zoo, Royal Zoological Society of South Australia) and Hugh Roberts (Edinburgh Zoo) • Founded: 2006 • Director: Dr Mervyn Jacobson and Prof Robert Millar • Research Director: Dr Monique Paris • Address: 9 Ainslie Place, EH3 AT6, Edinburgh, Scotland phone: +61-415-946-713 mail: [email protected]

IBREAM’s role in conservation

While habitat conservation is the most crucial intervention in conserv- ing Africa’s mammals, the develop- ment of breeding strategies is a criti- cal ancillary endeavour to maintain population numbers and gene pools of threatened species. Natural breeding of threatened species in protected environments is success- ful for a number of species such as the white rhinoceros. Information on the reproductive biology is valuable for assessing reproductive status and for conservation management. This information may also be used for Assisted Reproductive Technolo- ART has been successfully employed programmes such as captive breed- gies (ART), such as sperm and egg to breed a number of species includ- ing, re-stocking, habitat re-establish- banking, artificial insemination and ing panda, elephant, black-footed fer- ment and infectious disease control. in vitro fertilisation as emergency ret, elk, dolphins, cheetah and various Knowledge of basic reproductive and supportive interventions. These canine and cat species. biology of African mammals will also approaches are particularly pertinent position IBREAM to develop contra- in the event of calamitous declines IBREAM is a virtual institute which ceptive measures as a humane alter- in populations due to disease and aims to conserve rare and endan- native to culling to maintain habitat natural disasters. gered species of African mammals and population balance. by gaining knowledge of their basic ART is also a practical technique for reproductive biology for application introducing additional genetic mate- in conservation management. ART rials as an alternative to transporting will be a complementary initiative to rare animals. To find out more: www.ibream.org WAZA news 1/12

© Joao Marcos Rosa Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex). WAZA news 1/12

www.waza.org

ISSN: 1662-7733