QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIA

SPRINGZ 2015 oo quariAISSUE 89 BEARING UP WELL A SUSTAINABLE POLAR BEAR POPULATION IN EAZA AND BEYOND

One last chance BAER’S POCHARD ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION IN THE WILD 1 1 Outside the box WELFARE SCIENCE POINTS TO BETTER ANIMAL ENRICHMENT

Contents Zooquaria Spring 2015

8 28 22

6 12

4 From the Director’s chair 16 Endangered animals Myfanwy Griffith on cross-cultural collaboration Last chance for Baer’s pochard, plus a look at the symbolism of the polar bear and the 5 Announcements white-backed woodpecker A round-up of news from EAZA 22 Animal husbandry 6 Births and hatchings The first workshop for the spotted hyena A selection of important new arrivals 24 Nutrition 8 Campaigns A review of the eighth European conference How to support the Pole to Pole petition 26 Exhibit design 9 Corporate members The thinking behind an exciting new Dutch Behind the scenes with animal transporter Ekipa aviary 10 EAZA Academy 28 Conservation Celebrating a year of growth and change Twenty years of sea turtle protection 12 Communications 29 Welfare The details of a Parisian advertising campaign Are we doing enough to enrich our animals? 14 Interview Meet Kira Husher of the IUCN Zooquaria

EDITORIAL BOARD: EAZA Executive Office, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Executive Director Myfanwy Griffith ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] ISSN 2210-3392 Managing Editor David Williams-Mitchell ([email protected]) Cover image: Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus), Daniel J. Cox/NaturalExposures.com Editor Malcolm Tait ([email protected]) For information on print subscriptions to Zooquaria visit: http://tinyurl.com/zooquaria. Editorial Staff Danny de Man, William van Lint The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of EAZA. Designer Louise Tait Printed using vegetable inks on paper containing 50% recycled waste and 50% Zooquaria is the quarterly magazine of the sustainably sourced virgin fibre; bleached using an Elemental Chlorine Free process. European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Printed by Drukkerij Valkenstadt 3 FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

Spring is finally here, and with it the sense of growth and 14 people from 10 different institutions, representing the EEP bustling activity. The New Year period of reflection and Coordinator and Species Committee, and EAZA Executive resolutions for the future already feels a long time ago; for me office staff (see page 18 for more information). January brought a degree of nostalgia for when I first started EAZA is also progressing well with its strategic aim work as the EAZA Academy Training Officer in 2011, and of influencing policy and enhancing engagement at the excitement for the year ahead – especially for Laura Myers European Union. In January I made my first visit to the who took over as the Academy Manager. As we pass to European Parliament and met with an MEP to discuss spring, the Academy continues to flourish; the enthusiastic issues ranging from the use of shark squalene in products support of our community has led directly to the wealth to EAZA campaigns and the impact of the wildlife trade. of diverse training opportunities (see the 2014 Academy Making good contacts like this is just one way EAZA is review page 10) that the Academy offers today and helps engaging with the European Union. Our EAZA EU Policy our members to remain amongst the most progressive in the Manager, Daniel Nuijten, has met with individual EAZA world. members who are active in Brussels, as well as with animal EAZA is increasingly effective at communicating and associations who lobby there, to ensure our messages are clear collaborating with organisations in Europe and beyond and strongly supported. Our community has also been active towards our mutual benefit and progress. I believe that our in highlighting relevant issues to Daniel. For one person to commitment to working together across diverse cultures and know about everything that might influence our 351 members at all levels, from individual zookeepers through to national is an impossible task and the Executive Office values greatly associations, is the key to strengthening relationships both input from members on EU-related issues. One instance of locally and globally; it is one of our great strengths and this is the response EAZA was able to make to 76 MEPs immensely inspiring. within the Eurogroup for animal welfare highlighting our Already this year we have seen great examples of this work and credentials for leading welfare discussions in the cross-cultural collaboration, including the highly popular EU. and successful EAZA Zoo Nutrition conference (see page One final example of our effective community collaboration 24) and associated Academy course on herbivorous reptile I would like to mention (and I know I could easily detail and primate nutrition, and courses for basic and advanced many more) is our new National Associations Committee. breeding programme management. The breeding programme I believe that this committee provides our Association with management courses are valuable opportunities for our another strong way to work together towards our strategic EEP and ESB managers (and those that are keen to take vision to be the most dynamic, innovative and effective zoo on these roles) to improve their population management and aquarium membership organisation in Europe and the skills and knowledge; as well as covering genetics and data Middle East. analysis tools, they also enable participants to discuss the As we move into spring, I conclude with the view that many complexities and challenges of breeding programme EAZA has many positives to reflect on, not least our management and help foster that same collaborative EAZA commitment towards developing a strong, progressive zoo ethos. and aquarium community. My personal resolutions for the In a similar vein, EAZA welcomed ISIS’s Chief future are to continue to be open to all the different opinions Information Officer Doug Verduzco to Amsterdam. Doug and motivations within our community and to use them to has joined the Executive Office for six months to work communicate clearly and widely about the good work we do. with Kristine Schad, EAZA Population Biologist, on the development of the ZIMS R3 module for studbooks and population management. This is a fantastic opportunity for EAZA to provide input to ISIS to ensure the new module meets the needs of our community. With Kristine working with Doug, Elmar Fienieg has temporarily rejoined the EAZA office as an Assistant Population Biologist to assist Myfanwy Griffith with Quick Population Assessments (QPAs) and Long- Executive Director, EAZA term Population Management Plans. These collaboratively produced documents require multifaceted input from stakeholders and their commitment to follow the guidance produced. For example, the meeting to develop the Long- 4 term Population Management Plan for Polar bears involved ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICEBOARD

NEW EAZA ACADEMY MANAGER THE EAZA OFFICE welcomed a new Academy Manager in January, following Myfanwy Griffith’s move to the Executive Director position. Laura Myers, who joined EAZA from Chester Zoo in the UK, has extensive experience as an educator in zoos, and also brings a wealth of language skills to the position, including French, Kiswahili and Russian. Laura has an educational background in primate conservation as well as anthropology, having studied in Pennsylvania and Oxford. She will be responsible for the further development of the EAZA Academy and has already overseen Basic and Advanced AB Aqua Medic GmbH (www.aqua-medic.de) Breeding Programme Management Courses. Laura will also act as the office liaison AQUA-TEKNIK A/S (www.aqua-teknik.com) for the Education Committee. Base Structures Ltd (www.basestructures.com) Billings Productions (www.billingsproductions.com) FIRST STEPS TOWARDS RESTRICTION OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES Brogaarden (www.brogaarden.eu) CelsiusPro AG (www.celsiuspro.com) IN JANUARY, the European Commission of species which threaten European Claxitalia (www.claxitalia.com) passed a regulation prohibiting the biodiversity. Doublecheck Oy (www.doublezoo.com) import, keeping, breeding, sale, Nonetheless, it is a positive move Dowman Soft Touch (www.dowman.com) exchange and release of invasive alien towards a definitive policy on EKIPA (www.ekipa.nl) species. As yet, the Commission has not preventing the spread of invasive Fachjan Project Plants (www.fachjan.nl) provided a list of species it intends to species, and EU Policy Manager Daniel HMJ Design (www.hmj-design.dk) include under the definition of invasive Nuijten will be following developments Instituto Bioclon (www.bioclon.com.mx) alien species – this is expected to arrive and reporting back to the membership Jardine Lloyd Thompson Leisure (www.jltgroup.com) at the end of 2015, and will necessarily as the terms of the policy become represent only a very small proportion clearer. Kiezebrink International (www.kiezebrink.eu) Mapcards (www.mapcards.net) Marchegay Technologies (www.marchegay.com) Marine Nutrition (www.marinenutrition.com) Mazuri Zoo Foods (www.mazuri.eu) Pangea Rocks (www.pangea.dk) pricetag (www.pricetag.nl) Ralf Nature (www.ralfnature.com) Rasbach Architekten (www.rasbacharchitekten.de) Ravensden Plc (www.ravensden.co.uk) ray hole architects (www.rayhole-architects.com) St. Laurent (www.st-laurent.fr) Triumph Gate Ltd (www.triumphgate.org) Wildlife Trading Company (www.wctnm.com) Zoolife s.l (www.zoologicaladviser.com) ZOOPROFIS (www.zooprofis.de) ZooTrend (www.zootrend.com) Zoos Online Services (www.zoos.pro)

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MANUAL TRANSLATED INTO ARABIC CANDIDATES FOR MEMBERSHIP under the supervision of the and as part of this commitment has produced the first Arabic Association’s Technical Assistance Committee have been translation of the Technical Assistance manual, aimed at issued copies of the manual The Modern Zoo: Foundations for providing an important resource for his staff as they implement Management and Development for the past year or so. The the plan. EAZA is immensely grateful to Dr Khader for this manual has proven an important resource for taking the first initiative, as it not only highlights an interesting approach to steps towards meeting EAZA’s exacting standards, and has so including all members of a candidate’s staff in the process of far been produced in English only. Qalqilia Zoo in the West gaining full membership, but also provides guidance to other Bank Territory of Palestine became a Candidate for Membership Arabic-speaking zoos (both candidates and non-candidates) at the spring meeting of the Membership and Ethics in the measures they need to undertake in order to meet high Committee, under the mentorship of Jerusalem Zoo. standards of welfare, business practice, conservation, research The zoo’s Director, Dr Sami Khader (pictured here) is and education. The Arabic edition will be available on the committed to a programme of improvement and development, EAZA website in the near future. 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEWS BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS WILDLIFE CRIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON 13 FEBRUARY, a separate coalition including EAZA, TRAFFIC, IFAW, WWF and others, sent a letter to the Vice President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, calling for the creation of a Wildlife Crime Action Plan to supplement the body’s recent initiative and consultation on the trafficking of wild animals and products derived from them. The Action Plan would essentially provide a roadmap for the European Union to tackle the issue, which fundamentally undermines conservation, threatens species and causes serious social problems in biodiverse hotspots. Recent studies and cases have shown that a significant BLIJDORP BIRTHS volume of illegal trade in endangered species comes as a result of demand from ROTTERDAM’S BLIJDORP ZOO has had a run of recent breeding successes including European countries, and the coalition the birth of a fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) kitten and two polar bear (Ursus partners would like to see an increase in maritimus) cubs. The fishing cat was born on 18 December, and has not as yet been the commitment from member countries sexed. The species, listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List, is threatened by the in eliminating this trade. diminution of wetland habitat across its range, from the lowlands of Nepal and India east as far as Java. EAZA’s EEP for fishing cats includes 86 animals in 34 institutions. Fishing cats have a gestation period of 65-68 days, and reach sexual maturity at around 12 months. Care must be taken not to disturb the female, as stress can lead to her eating her kittens. For the first time in 18 years, Blijdorp welcomed twin polar bear cubs, born on 2 December. Blijdorp installed webcams in the den, allowing the public rare access to cubs in the first weeks of life. The cubs, which have not yet been sexed, ventured out into the enclosure on 27 February. The sire, a 21-year-old known as Eric, sadly died of JEAN KERN JEAN LABELLING WIN IN THE kidney failure on 5 February. The Polar bear EEP has seen significant success recently, FIGHT TO PROTECT with details from the coordinator János Szanthó on p18. ORANGUTANS ON 16 DECEMBER 2014, new legislation across the EU came into force, which requires the labelling of palm oil as a separate ingredient. Partly brought about as a result of lobbying by a coalition that included EAZA, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the Sumatran Orangutan Society, the legislation will add to pressure on consumer product manufacturers to ensure that palm oil used in their products comes from RSPO-compliant sustainable sources. A factsheet produced by the coalition is available for download at http://www.orangutans-sos.org/ documents/892/892.pdf. The factsheet provides a clear and practical approach to palm oil and habitat conservation, and recognises the importance of the product in providing a valuable source of income to the agricultural sector in Southeast 6 Asia. BIRTHS AND HATCHINGS

CHESTER’S TRIO OF SUCCESSES

JANUARY WAS A BUSY MONTH at Chester Zoo in the UK with represent a valuable opportunity for research which will aid in three notable breeding success stories. On 2 January, three situ conservation projects and help develop best practice for ex Sumatran tiger cubs (Panthera tigris sumatrae) were born at the situ protection. To encourage the frogs to breed, keepers zoo, providing a further boost for the species EEP following the recreated a habitat based on water-filled cavities and rotting birth last year of three cubs at ZSL London Zoo. As Zooquaria logs surrounding ponds made acidic due to fallen leaves and goes to print, the cubs still have not been sexed. The births are bark. the result of the second successful pairing of parents Fabi and Also at Chester, an eastern black rhinoceros calf (Diceros Kirana, and the zoo is still home to the two cubs born as a result bicornis michaeli) was born on 31 January as the result of the of the first mating. With only 3-400 animals left in the wild, EEP mating of the zoo’s 17-year-old female and a 15-year-old male participant zoos like Chester are making a substantial difference from Port Lympne, also in the UK. Chester now holds 11 eastern to the survival prospects of the species. black rhinos, and is a major contributor to the EEP, in terms of In a first for a European zoo, and for the first time globally in both breeding and research – the zoo credits its research into two years, Chester also welcomed a batch of 43 cinnamon frogs hormone measurements from dung for identifying optimal (Nyctixalus pictus) in mid-January. Cinnamon frogs are a secretive breeding windows. Chester also works closely with in situ species and live in a highly specialised and limited environment. projects in Kenya and Tanzania, where numbers of this Critically Listed as Near Threatened and decreasing by IUCN, relatively Endangered subspecies are estimated to be fewer than 700 little is known about the cinnamon frog; the 43 offspring individuals. 7 CAMPAIGNS

Pole to Pole petition JOIN THE GROWING NUMBERS COMBATING GLOBAL WARMING

José Kok, Campaign Chair, and Mirko Marseille, Campaign Coordinator

We need your help with collecting as many signatures as possible to present HOW TO PARTICIPATE at the United Nations Framework 1. Download petition sheets and get them signed (both sides!) by your Convention on Climate Change visitors, friends and colleagues. http://www.poletopolecampaign.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Keep-global-warming-under-the-2._ meeting in Paris in December this year. petition-sheetv2.pdf By signing the ‘2 degrees is the limit’ 2. Scan the sheets and return them to [email protected]. petition we demand the commitment • The first batch of signed sheets should be in no later than 25 April of our national governments and the • The second batch of signed sheets should be in no later than 5 June European Union TO SUPPORT ALL • The third batch of signed sheets should be in no later than 27 August MEASURES WHICH HELP KEEP GLOBAL WARMING UNDER THE and World Environment Day (5 June) website will be opened up at which you 2°C LIMIT, and to work towards intermediates on collected signatures can follow petition-drive scores and a binding global agreement at the per campaign participant will be rankings per institution. intergovernmental meeting on climate communicated via the campaign Participating institutions are urged change in Paris in December 2015. website and social media. Participating to host or organise activities around The petition drive kicked off on institutions that are most successful at the dates of World Penguin Day (25 International Polar Bear day on 27 collecting signatures will be awarded in April) and World Environment Day February and will close on 27 August. one of the following categories: (5 June). The campaign website offers During this period we ask you to collect • Platinum: at least 25,000 signatures participating institutions lots of free as many signatures as possible! You • Gold: at least 20,000 signatures resource materials that can be used can either sign the petition directly • Silver: at least 15,000 signatures for educational outreach. If you need on the Pole to Pole Campaign website • Bronze: at least 10,000 signatures inspiration on innovative and fun Pole (also available in German, Spanish, Zoos that collect the most signatures to Pole campaign activities please take French and Dutch) or download in each category will be announced a look at previous issues of The Polar the petition sheet, collect signatures during the conservation plenary at the Times that you can download from the and send a scanned copy to info@ upcoming EAZA Annual conference website. poletopolecampaign.org. in Wroclaw, Poland. In due time a Contact [email protected] for 8 On World Penguin Day (25 April) webpage on the Pole to Pole Campaign further information. CORPORATE MEMBERS

The big trip ZOO ANIMAL TRANSPORTER, AND EAZA CORPORATE MEMBER, EKIPA’S RECENT CHALLENGE HAS BEEN THE TRANSPORT OF A HERD OF FIVE ELEPHANTS FROM HANNOVER TO PAIRI DAIZA

Marielle Van den Brink, Director, Ekipa

When Pairi Daiza asked us last summer if it would be possible to transport five elephants in October we booked all three of our elephant trucks and went immediately to Hannover to see if all our elephant equipment would be needed for the move. Our team studied the Hannover Elephants and enclosure, while the Hannover team studied our elephant equipment, and combining our knowledge, we decided between us on the best way to move these elephants. Hannover Zoo already had a crate trucks had a team of two experienced The group comprised two mothers that fitted the fifth elephant perfectly, truck drivers who could alternate so with two small calves and a 4-year- and our smallest elephant truck could that legal resting periods could be met old female. For the mothers and their collect this female in her crate and without slowing the transport down. calves our Kuiphuis family elephant the two trucks would drive together At their destination, where the truck turned out to be the best choice. to Pairi Daiza. Knowing this, we were elephants were anxiously awaited, This truck has two large containers pleased that our third elephant truck Pairi Daiza had specially constructed a and both provide enough space for a would be still available to service ringroad from the parking lot directly mother and calf. On route the adult other zoos, as October is always a very to the elephant enclosure to allow a females can’t touch each other as popular transport month. direct drive up to the elephant house. they both have their own container. A week prior to loading we delivered Offloading took place at first daylight, However, having both containers in our two crates to Hannover Zoo for and the elephants immediately the same truck enables the elephants to crate-training. The zoo team did a emerged from their transport, communicate during transport, which fantastic job as upon our arrival one regrouping as a herd and looking very calms them down. week later all elephants entered their happy together. It was good to see them On board this truck is a third transport crates without any hesitation. in their beautiful and very spacious container with a 1,600-litre water tank With a load as precious as this, new surroundings. and equipment to pump water through traffic jams are best avoided, so loading Ekipa would like to offer a big a hose, enabling our team to hose down was handled in the afternoon and thank you to Hannover Zoo and Pairi the elephants on the journey. Food is our trucks drove through the night Daiza for their wonderful cooperation also stored there to feed the animals when the highways from Germany before and during this elephant herd during transport. to Belgium are nearly empty. Both transport. A job well done! 9 EAZA ACADEMY

A transitional year EAZA ACADEMY 2014 WAS A YEAR OF GROWTH AND CHANGE AT THE ACADEMY

Laura Myers, EAZA Academy Manager

‘Coming [on an EAZA Academy course] gives a toolbox and instructions to make use of it – at home you can try what fits best and also make use of the network that coming together creates!’ This comment from a course participant in 2014 shows how much value can be gained from attending an EAZA Academy course. In addition to the benefits of knowledgeable tutors, face-to-face learning provides an invaluable opportunity to network and build relationships with colleagues from other institutions. In 2014 the EAZA Academy ran and continued support from the EAZA will be available for 2015 courses; please 11 highly successful core courses, Technical Assistance committee we have contact EAZA Academy Manager Laura ranging from the ever-popular Breeding also expanded training opportunities for Myers for more information. 2014 was Programme Management courses to staff from Candidate for Membership also the year that the EAZA Academy a seminar on Social and Emotional institutions. Sally Binding, our Animal went global, by collaborating with San Aspects of Learning (SEAL) that took Welfare officer, joined the EAZA Diego Zoo Global Academy. This is an place before the EAZA Conservation Executive Office in 2014 and has been exciting development which allows us forum in May. We have also paired up busy developing and running workshops to offer online course content. There are with other training providers to run on the theme of Animal Welfare and already over 300 courses available, and in courses on subjects as diverse as Diseases Enrichment. After a very successful the future we plan to offer more bespoke and Surgery of Birds and Primate workshop in Yerevan Zoo last December, content for EAZA subscribers. This new Nutrition, as well as several courses her calendar is filling up with workshops venture is another way for us to expand subsidised by Fondation Segré. for 2015. Her services aren’t exclusively access to courses for all our members; Courses continue to be popular across for Candidate for Membership please visit the Academy Online website the EAZA membership base, with over institutions; she will be running a at https://collabornation.net/eaza to 350 participants from more than 150 workshop at Ranua Wildlife Park in explore. different institutions attending them October which is open to everyone – in 2014. We had participants from 35 book now to avoid disappointment! See STAFF TRANSITIONS FOR 2015 different countries, and hosting courses http://www.eaza.net/activities/academy/ One of the biggest transitions for the in a range of locations has seen a change Courses/Animal%20Welfare_2015_ Academy in 2014 was Myfanwy Griffith’s in levels of participation. In addition October.pdf promotion to EAZA Executive Director, to countries that have been long-time One of our corporate members, which meant leaving the Academy Academy supporters, Israel and some Clax Italia, generously agreed to fund behind. I’m delighted to have joined the of the Eastern European nations have our Scholarship programme in 2014 team as Myfanwy’s replacement, and had high numbers of course participants and 2015. Clax Italia scholarships are excited to build on the success of the past in recent years. Over the last year, we available for most EAZA Academy few years. After several years working have been able to expand the EAZA courses and help us broaden access for in zoo education, I am really looking Academy’s reach thanks to generous participants by covering the course fees forward to overseeing the next stages funding from Fondation Segré. We have and the cost of travel for one participant. of the Academy’s development. My developed a very successful collaboration These scholarships can make a real first priorities are developing the course with our Israeli members, and Fondation difference, as one recipient (Vlad Vancia, prospectus for 2015, and carrying out Segré funding has allowed us to run some Animal Training course) reported to another survey to assess training needs of of our courses in Israel, widening access us: ‘After I returned home I was able to EAZA members. Check for updates on for members who struggle to attend train a female bear to open her mouth the Academy website and in eNews. courses hosted in Europe. In 2014 we ran and we’ve seen that she has some If you are interested in getting more courses on Designing Animal Feeding tooth problems that need intervention. involved with the Academy by hosting Programmes and Effective Presentation My next step is to train her to accept or teaching on a course, please contact Skills, and there are already plans in voluntarily a tranquilizer shot so that we [email protected]. Details of place for more courses in 2015. can operate on her. This would be a first upcoming courses and how to apply are 10 Thanks to Fondation Segré funding for Romania.’ Clax Italia scholarships available on the Academy webpages. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ZOO-BASED ACTIVITY ON ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND HUSBANDRY COURSE; DISCUSSIONS AT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF LEARNING (SEAL) COURSE; ANIMAL WELFARE COURSE IN CANDIDATE FOR MEMBERSHIP, YEREVAN ZOO; ACADEMY IN ISRAEL DESIGNING ANIMAL FEEDING PROGRAMMES COURSE PARTICIPANTS; BUILDING ENRICHMENT IN ARMENIA

11 COMMUNICATIONS Call of the Wild BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE NEW PARIS ZOO’S ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Sophie Ferreira le Morvan, Director Parc Zoologique de Paris

Established in 1934, the Paris Zoological Park, better known in France as Vincennes Zoo, is a subsidiary institution of the French National Natural History Museum. One of France’s most august and largest publicly owned educational establishments, it has a history stretching back to the 17th century. Nearly 80 years after its establishment, the zoo closed in for the campaign were short and budgets November 2008 for a complete overhaul were low, preventing us from producing of its enclosures and facilities in line tailored communications for each of our Zoologique de Paris) and the new visual with the most up-to-date principles target audiences, including the general identity. This included a new logotype of zoo design and management. Six public, education professionals, business to be used in all of our communications years and 167 million euros later, the customers, the tourism industry, and – a modern take on the Art Deco completely transformed zoo reopened to other institutions. typefaces which epitomise the period the public on 12 April 2014. We were helped immensely by the in which the zoo originally opened – The level of investment in the redesign potential visibility and excitement and the zoo’s new website, which, like was reflected in an ambitious visitor surrounding the launch – France’s all of our communications, promotes target – two million visitors in the first leading communications agency Publicis strongly the combination of science and year – which required some clearly agreed to sponsor the campaign from popular appeal defined in the campaign defined strategic communications goals. strategy development through to the objectives. As a result, a communications campaign creation of a new visual identity and 2. Six months later, just before was developed around four main the creative work and design that Christmas, we launched a poster objectives: would speak for the zoo to our various campaign for the sponsorship of a • to create a strong new visual identity target audiences. At the same time, selected panel of animals (29 species). for the zoo the museum negotiated many media Combining close-up portraits of the • to explain clearly the new positioning partnerships across all the major animals with humorous text, the posters • to create a ‘not-to-be-missed’ buzz communications channels (television, aimed to playfully raise awareness about around the reopening event; and cinema, press, radio and web), and biodiversity conservation, to reinforce • to sustain interest over the year to non-media partnerships with local the positioning of the zoo and to build ensure that the zoo meets its annual government and infrastructure such excitement about the reopening. The visitor target. as the City of Paris, the Ile-de-France sponsorship was very successful and The mission was aided and hampered region and local urban transport raised more than 300,000 euro from by some assets and constraints; networks. These partnerships combined nearly 5,000 patrons in less than a Vincennes Zoo was an iconic heritage for a total estimated advertising value month. To date, more than 10,000 site, which enjoyed a great reputation equivalent (AVE) of 13 million euro patrons have donated 610,000 euro for and significant emotional attachment from a real world investment of only the biodiversity preservation. among the city’s public. Its reopening one million euro. At the same time, we launched a new was eagerly awaited and the works had Facebook page for the zoo, which now been followed closely by the media and RAISING INTEREST has more than 11,500 fans. our visitors. Paradoxically, however, The campaign highlighted five main 3. From the beginning of 2014, we the strong identity of the old zoo was in communications opportunities aimed started the pre-opening phase in earnest danger of undermining the new modern at creating, increasing and sustaining with sustained communications up until image we were aiming to communicate; public desire to visit the new zoo: the opening date in April. Pre-sales as a result, the campaign needed to build 1. One year before the reopening, were released three months in advance our links to the National Museum of the zoo organised a public and press to create excitement, with press Natural History and its scientific mission event for the final run-through of the advertising support in February and (which is at the heart of the rebuilding zoo’s facilities and procedures. We March in the monthly and weekly titles. project) while avoiding erasing the zoo’s took advantage of this opportunity to Media engagement led to interviews heritage as a centre of recreation for the reveal the zoo’s official name (moving explaining the architectural and people of Paris and beyond. Deadlines away from Zoo de Vincennes to Parc landscape redesign and the zoo’s mission 12 GROUP PUBLICIS on digital media of urban transport A public survey, performed six to raise awareness of conservation, as networks. During the last week before months after opening, revealed that well as publicising the visitor offers D-Day, several pre-opening visits were 81% of French people know that the being presented in the launch period. organised for employees and their zoo reopened and 80% cited media 4. The opening was designed family, press, media and non-media reports as their source. The same study to be the year’s unmissable event, partners and institutions. The official showed that most people understood and the supporting phase of the unveiling happened in the presence the new positioning of the zoo and that campaign focused entirely on wildlife of representatives of two ministries they believe it to be a new, modern coming back to the City of Paris. in charge of the National Museum of way to discover more about wildlife Our communications presented the Natural History. and conservation. On the other hand, Paris Zoological Park as not only the During the opening weekend, many most people interviewed still referred proprietary zoo of the capital, but of radio, newspaper and TV channels to Paris Zoological Park as ‘Vincennes France as a whole. The four advertising interviewed staff and visitors, and Zoo’, so penetration of the new name is visuals for the campaign built on the generated massive media coverage. still not strong enough. instantly recognisable heritage of 5. Media partners continued to 2015 is a key year for the zoo, as we the city, combining animal carvings promote the zoo until the end of 2014, must follow up on the momentum of of famous Parisian monuments with especially before the summer holidays success established in 2014. The name their real life counterparts. These great and all along the autumn holidays. The ‘Parc Zoologique de Paris’ needs to gain images were used in outdoor advertising main TV partner broadcast a 52-minute traction among a wider cross section and print media insertions. film in the opening month, and five of visitors (including international Meanwhile, we held a series of street 26-minutes films later in the year, tourists) in order to link the name marketing events one week before the while other partners provided coverage of the zoo explicitly to the tourist opening: giant replica transport crates through articles and advertising space. heritage of the city. We are aiming to were placed in five of Paris’s most visited attract 1.7 million visitors in 2015, an open air sites including the Trocadero in THE OUTCOME ambitious target which will require front of the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la The results of this communication a communication campaign almost République and Montmartre. Installed campaign have been very satisfying. as successful as that of 2014. The during the night, they were discovered Media coverage was very important: pressures of public ownership and the in the early morning by Parisians and 33 newscasts including 18 live on-site zoo’s status as one of the city’s premier created a huge amount of buzz across all broadcasts, 73 TV programmes, 95 attractions do mean that the demands channels. radio shows, and 1,519 press articles in of our communications strategy are We established a Twitter account nearly 700 different media, appeared unusual, however, we believe that we for Adeline the giraffe, one of the zoo’s within 15 days of the opening. The have demonstrated a model of strategic more emblematic animals, relaying posters created for the opening won 28 thinking and partnership building the arrival of the park’s animals and international and professional awards which can contribute to the success of the final preparations for the opening. and, most importantly, nearly 1.6 all EAZA members if properly adapted Radio spots were aired and video million tickets were sold in 2014, in – scales may vary, but the principles clips were displayed in theatres and only eight months. remain sound. 13 INTERVIEW Kira Husher

ZOOQUARIA INTERVIEWED IUCN SSC DIRECTOR OF SPECIALIST GROUP PARTNERSHIPS KIRA HUSHER WHEN SHE VISITED THE EAZA OFFICES IN FEBRUARY. KIRA SHARES HER VIEWS ON HOW ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUPPORTING SSC SPECIALIST GROUPS’

Zooquaria Kira, you joined IUCN in KH IUCN’s 130 Species Specialist Groups sustainable palm oil, while influencing November. Can you tell us about (SG) are made up of almost 10,000 their purchasing decisions. your background and how this led world-leading experts who inform and to your appointment as Director of advise efforts globally for conservation ZQ Some zoos and aquariums may Specialist Group Partnerships? of species. Many relationships already feel that they are too small to assist Kira Husher My background is in exist between specialist groups and a huge organisation like IUCN in Environmental Science and Public zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens these activities. What would you say Relations and I’m very passionate and many specialist group members to change their mind? about helping different players to work in these organisations. By working KH The Specialist Group network is work together for conservation. even more deliberately and closely with global, and can use expertise from I was previously the Community EAZA members these SGs would play zoos all over the world, whatever Conservation Manager at Taronga the role of facilitators in a ‘joined-up’ their size. SGs can act as a the first Zoo in Sydney, specialising in human process that works across the whole port of call for getting involved in the behaviour change initiatives and field conservation spectrum including in situ conservation of a species which may conservation support. The Building and ex situ conservation and community be dear to the heart of a zoo, big or Bridges Initiative was a natural fit for engagement – which is the essence small; they can advise on how a zoo me, in that it recognises the role that of the One Plan Approach. Together, can put the resources they have in the zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens we can work more strategically with right place to make a difference that can play alongside the IUCN in holistic all stakeholders, from members of goes beyond what a zoo might be able conservation from the point of view the public through to policy makers to do on their own. of resources, expertise, and awareness. both in biodiversity hotspots and My PhD was about behaviour change further afield. Protecting species needs ZQ Should EAZA members hold and what prevents or motivates people worldwide involvement from the widest more species from the endangered from taking action; this is especially possible stakeholder network and IUCN categories of the Red List? useful in providing people with simple Specialist Groups; working closely with KH The Red List is a starting point for and effective actions they can take in the zoo, aquarium and botanic garden conservation, and helps identify and their daily lives, and this area is very communities would go a long way highlight the most desperate species, important to conservation in this day towards achieving this. and in some cases it highlights species and age. that may rely on ex situ conservation ZQ How can zoos encourage their measures to survive. EAZA members ZQ What exactly are IUCN Specialist visitors to help conservation? and TAGs have an imperative role Groups looking for in a relationship KH The public can actually contribute to play in the conservation of these with zoos and aquariums? a great deal, and without their species in particular. Having said KH Zoos and aquariums have a involvement conservation would this, engagement of visitors through range of skills that are essential for be far more difficult. Zoos, working flagship species which may not be in conservation: your experience of small with SGs and other organisations, those categories also has a role to play population management, captive can help provide avenues for in raising the issues that affect less husbandry, research and joint strategic direct participation. For example, charismatic species. thinking is becoming increasingly Taronga worked with TRAFFIC on the Zoos and aquariums have also important to Specialist Groups. development of the Wildlife Witness proven that less charismatic species In addition, zoos and aquariums app for mobile phones, which helps can also be highly popular with the worldwide have access to 700 million tourists to Southeast Asia to report public – it’s a matter of choice and visitors annually, which helps raise wildlife crime – conservationists and will on the part of the curator; look for awareness and change behaviours the authorities can’t be everywhere example how EAZA zoos have raised of the public as a whole; IUCN does at once, and input from the public to prominence the saola, a species not have this kind of public access, so can help make a real difference. Zoos that isn’t even held in zoos! We feel working together on public messaging are starting to realise their potential that increasing close cooperation with would be a major asset. for behaviour change – take the the Specialist Groups can help guide example of palm oil: zoos help inform the priorities of curators in terms of ZQ What goals does the SSC have the public of the issues, which leads which species should be highlighted. for the initiative and for Specialist to pressure from them on legislators Working together will get the best 14 Groups as a whole? and corporations to use certified results in terms of conservation KIRA (RIGHT) WITH EAZA’S DANNY DE MAN

breeding, awareness, behaviour informed way with some of the big make a big difference. In addition, change, fundraising and support in players who affect conservation efforts developed economies in particular the field. – corporations for example, who can have somewhat of a moral obligation assist by prioritising good practice in to poorer areas to make sure that ZQ What do you think are the main their relationship with nature, raising whatever it is we do, we don’t make challenges for Specialist Groups, funds for conservation, and so on. their situation worse – and where and indeed conservationists at people can’t change for whatever large? ZQ Conservation can be reason, we need to bear this in mind. KH I think conservationists can be disheartening at times when we In short, let’s fight together in the their own worst enemy sometimes! look at how the modern world is many battles we can win! We are all pushing up against modern going. Do you feel that we will only life and growing conservation threats achieve sustainability after a life- ZQ On a lighter note, can you tell but too often we work in silos, changing catastrophe, or are there us what you do in your very limited concentrating very much on the issue grounds to be optimistic? spare time? at hand without thinking about how KH I truly believe that despite the KH I don’t really make much of a wider collaboration might be helpful. challenges, we can be optimistic distinction between work and leisure! I In my experience, collaboration is about this. We’ll never get everyone am still settling in to my new role, and rarely a bad thing, and we can take to act sustainably and it’s true my new home in Bath, but when I get a more holistic approach to a wider that people need to have a strong the chance, I love to go out wildlife- array of threats if we address them reason for making changes in their watching, visiting zoos, and scuba with a wider vision. While the SSC lifestyle. If we all work together to diving. I also play dodgeball when I and zoos are a natural fit for obvious influence people, governments and get the chance, and am taking guitar reasons, there are also opportunities corporations, I feel that while we won’t lessons – I guess these are the areas to engage in a measured and be able to change everything, we can which make the difference from work! 15 ENDANGERED ANIMALS

Baer necessities BAER’S POCHARD IS ONE OF THE MOST THREATENED WILDFOWL SPECIES IN THE WORLD. A NEW ACTION PLAN MAY REPRESENT ITS LAST CHANCE FOR SURVIVAL IN THE WILD

Richard Hearn, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Wildfowl are among the most assessment by Wang et al. (2012) that proven but it is likely at least to have threatened of bird families. Of 172 probably fewer than 1,000 individuals been attempted. There are also a few currently recognised species, one in remained, it was uplisted to Critically other sites in this region, though they four is either extinct or threatened. Endangered. hold fewer birds and do not seem to The Wetlands International / IUCN Despite its listing as Vulnerable be used as consistently. In the core SSC Threatened Waterfowl Specialist in 1994, the species did not attract breeding range there have been no Group (TWSG), established in 1990 fresh attention and little new recent confirmed breeding records, and coordinated by the Wildfowl & information came to light, except but birds have been located at a few Wetlands Trust (WWT), is a network a fairly wide acceptance that it had sites, the most significant of which is in of over 250 people working on the largely disappeared from the south of Primorye, Russia where about five birds conservation of threatened wildfowl. its wintering range. Only since 2008 have been present in the past two years. TWSG members focus on in situ action has the level of concern been raised for species conservation – identifying and since 2010 improved efforts have WHAT ARE THE THREATS? which Anseriformes taxa are globally been made to evaluate the status of the The reasons for the apparent rapid threatened, monitoring their status, species. Very worryingly, it appears that decline of Baer’s pochard are not well producing and implementing action numbers have declined still further. understood, but there are two key plans, and carrying out and exchanging Since 2010/11 there are been no large factors that seem most likely to explain information on conservation projects. counts and the best current estimate it. Of greatest significance is likely Currently, a high priority for the we have is from winter 2014/15 when to be habitat loss and degradation, TWSG is Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri). just over 200 individuals were known to primarily in the breeding range as a This understated diving duck was once be wintering in China, suggesting that result of agricultural development. In relatively common and widespread in there is likely to be a minimum of 250- northeast China wetland loss has been Asia, migrating from breeding grounds 300 birds currently in the population, extensive; since the 1950s some areas in northeast China and neighbouring with the possibility that there are more have lost up to 85% of their natural parts of Russia to wintering quarters in areas where the species could occur wetlands and since the mid 1970s stretching across southern Asia from undetected (it had a large former range agriculture has become the principal eastern India to Vietnam and southern and, to date, comprehensive surveys land use, replacing natural wetlands. China. However, it has undergone a have not been carried out). During 1990-2000, over 57,000km2 was catastrophic decline in recent years and Breeding records are even sparser. The lost in Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia is now on the brink of extinction in most important known site is Hengshui and Jilin (the provinces encompassing the wild. It was first recognised as being Hu, in central Hebei province, where the majority of the breeding range in in decline in the late 1980s, when it about 25 birds were seen in spring China). was thought to number no more than 2014. This site is far to the south of Wintering sites are also under threat 25,000 individuals, and was added to the recognised breeding range and this from habitat loss and degradation. the IUCN Red List in 1994, classified as may reflect the lack of suitable habitat Large-scale habitat alteration has taken Vulnerable. In 2008 it was reclassified as remaining in its core range in northeast place in the Yangtze floodplain due to 16 Endangered, and in 2012, following an China. Breeding there has not been conversion of wetlands for agriculture, with an estimated 62% lost between declines, it seems there is something pochard is in place. the 1950s and the 1980s. More than specific about Baer’s pochard that is The implementation of most of these 1,100 lakes have been totally drained. contributing to the scale of its decline. goals has yet to begin, but this will be Furthermore, around 7,000 sluice gates initiated in 2015 by the newly formed have been built between the floodplain WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? EAAFP Baer’s Pochard Task Force. In lakes and the main channel of the Due to the small and declining addition, the need for a well-managed Yangtze River to facilitate flood control population size, and the significant captive population is crucial. The global and agricultural expansion. These uncertainty surrounding the threats captive population of Baer’s pochard changes have significantly impacted it faces, urgent action to stabilise the appears relatively healthy, thus we the ecological health of the Yangtze population size is needed. An Action are not starting from scratch as with River and surrounding lakes. Further Plan was approved by the East Asian- Madagascar pochard Aythya innotata. south habitat degradation appears less Australasian Flyway Partnership However, there are concerns about the significant and of less importance to the (EAAFP) at its Meeting of Parties in genetic purity of this population and decline of Baer’s pochard. January 2015. This Action Plan sets out this must be checked before a captive Another major threat faced by eight goals: breeding programme can begin in many Asian ducks is unsustainable 1 The impact of habitat loss and earnest. harvesting; although the scale and degradation is understood and Clearly the outlook for Baer’s pochard relative importance of this is hard significantly reduced. is very bleak indeed, but with effective to quantify, it could be significant, 2 The impact of harvesting of birds and implementation of the Action Plan it particularly in China, where illegal eggs from the wild is understood and has a chance. It is also important to poisoning and trapping of waterbirds significantly reduced. note that this story is another strong is widespread, indiscriminate and 3 Knowledge of the ecological warning about the health of Asian continuing to worsen. In addition, egg requirements of Baer’s pochard is waterbird populations and the wetlands collection is thought to be widespread significantly improved. that support them. In recent years much and highly organised, and concentrated 4 The understanding of population has been made of the parlous state of in northeast China within the core status, distribution, key sites and shorebird populations and intertidal breeding range of Baer’s pochard. As a demography is significantly improved. habitats in East Asia. However, what result, the breeding success of waterbirds 5 A flyway-wide network of protected the Baer’s pochard situation tells us is may be significantly impacted and and well-managed sites is established that the future may be just as serious localised species such as Baer’s pochard and maintained. for inland freshwater species in Asia, are at particular risk if egg collection 6 A global management strategy for the particularly many other ducks. As efforts occur at their few remaining captive population is developed and conservationists, we ignore this warning breeding locations. implemented. at our peril. No other freshwater duck in Asia 7 Awareness of Baer’s pochard and its appears to be declining as fast as Baer’s conservation needs is significantly Reference pochard – although population trend enhanced, particularly among Wang, X., Barter, M., Cao, L., Lei, J. & Fox, A. D. (2012) data on more numerous ducks are decision-makers. Serious contractions in wintering distribution and limited and some other species may 8 Appropriate policy for the decline in abundance of Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri. also be undergoing as yet undetected international conservation of Baer’s Bird Conservation International 22: 121–127.

KEEPING POCHARDS Peter Smallbones, Studbook Keeper aim is to eventually screen all captive Baer’s pochards in Given the species’ status in the wild, the Waterfowl TAG public collections. established an ESB for Baer’s Pochard in 2012, with the Nearly all zoos have waterfowl in their collections. first studbook published in 2013, at which time there was While many species are held just for display purposes, a population of 26. 20. 01 in EAZA collections, in addition having a Critically Endangered species in your to 29. 27. 12 at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). waterfowl exhibits could easily be incorporated into In captivity it isn’t recommended to keep Baer’s most institutional collection plans. One hundred years pochard with other Aythya species as they do hybridise after the extinction of the passenger pigeon, there is freely and there are a lot of hybrid Baer’s pochard out also an important conservation message concerning a there, especially in the private sector. Thankfully, WWT widespread continental species on its way to being lost has begun genetic testing of its captive birds in order for ever. 16. 15. 2 Baer’s pochard have been bred by three to establish a safety net population which contains only EAZA institutions in 2014. Koln and Ostrava have bred pure Aythya baeri. WWT is supervising an analysis of one apiece while 15. 15. 1 were bred by Chester. Birds are DNA microsatellites of Aythya ducks to establish species bred every season so new holders are required for this identification through location of fixed differences, or extremely important captive population to grow. This very large differences in allele frequencies between Critically Endangered, non-aggressive, hardy, sexually Aythya species. This will enable zoo-collection managers dimorphic duck needs help. to assign individuals as pure A. baeri or potential hybrids For more information about WWT’s genetic study, and estimate degree of inbreeding and genetic diversity population demographics and further initiatives in in within and among captive collections. The results of the and ex situ conservation, contact studbook keeper Peter analyses will guide studbook management in future. The Smallbones at at [email protected]. 17 ENDANGERED ANIMALS The spirit of the polar bear

A SEVEN YEAR ODYSSEY IN EX SITU CONSERVATION Janos Szánthó, General Curator & Warren Spencer, Strategic Curator Artis Royal Zoo, Amsterdam

2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the the many agreements that already ambassador for the wild population, initiation of the European Endangered existed between institutions, and • engaging the public with a Species Programmes (EEP). In these 30 honouring those agreements wherever conservation education story about years we have established a history and possible. It was clear, however, that climate change, tradition of continuous improvement these historical agreements did not • encouraging funding and research for in species management through meet the sustainability needs of the the conservation of polar bears in the cooperation across the European population and that the EEP needed wild, network of zoos and aquariums, and to draw a line under existing practices • maintaining a demographically and by now it is impossible to imagine as soon as possible, to enable us to take genetically stable and behaviourally collections being run in any other way. scientifically sound decisions based on competent insurance population, Despite this long tradition it is still genetic and demographic data. • using this population if necessary for apparent that there is a long way to go It was promising to see the majority future reintroductions, to meet some outstanding challenges – of the participating institutions • and housing rescued (wild) polar bears but meet them we must. rallying around the new EEP system in the future. In comparison to other programmes and demonstrating a clear willingness The polar bear has always been an the Polar bear EEP is relatively to cooperate for the benefit of the emblematic animal in the world of young, established in 2006, with an species. Initial discussions of the species zoological gardens, however in recent unmanaged and declining population. committee and the institutions led to years it has garnered further focus Early development of the EEP was the establishment of the EEP’s goals due to the well documented effects of based on establishing the groundwork to maximise the educational and climate change on the species habitat. for sustainability – a consideration conservation roles of polar bears within Additionally we must accept that that was not really on the radar prior the EAZA framework by: polar bears were, in previous times, 18 to 2006. This meant adapting to • presenting polar bears as a charismatic kept in conditions of welfare standards ranging from ‘extremely poor’ to ‘could that some polar bear managers are far be better’, and so were the subject of ‘The polar bear more politically sensitive creatures. significant and valid attention from It is clear that the keeping of polar visitors, authorities, the media and population is at quite bears in practically all aspects is an animal protection organisations. While extremely sensitive issue, requiring it is on the one hand reassuring from a a critical phase’ the Polar bear EEP to positively adjust conservation point of view that so many the management of this species in an people are interested in the future of life cycles of the bears. Thanks to these atmosphere of constant pressure and this species, the spread of information developments, cub management has attention. This is a massive challenge via new channels left us – for a long improved vastly with a commensurate with consequences that need trust, time – playing catch-up in the quest to drop in the high mortality of times past serious devotion, responsibility and overcome the legacy of these times past, and a much higher survival rate. This cooperation among EAZA members. and promote the best possible welfare is indeed a consequence of the crucial Like many species, the polar bear for polar bears in zoos. advice from the EAZA Bear TAG in population is at quite a critical phase As a result, it was important that the guidance document ‘Critical criteria and to reach the programme’s goals in parallel to the improvement of the for breeding and rearing polar bears in and continue with the positive progress genetic and demographic health of the captivity’. it is important to have clear and populations, the development of both The Polar bear EEP also took meticulously followed EEP milestones. husbandry and facilities for polar bears the step of forming a husbandry Making this happen requires strict in our institutions should be pursued advisory group, tasked with the role management of the EEP and ever- with the utmost urgency. of providing husbandry and exhibit improving communication between advice to institutions that want to participants; it is due to the hard work NEW GUIDELINES improve, renew or create new facilities. of everyone in these areas that previous The development of effective polar bear Indeed, the EEP has stipulated that challenges including late requests to husbandry came about as a result of the institutions must seek husbandry advisor the EEP (which come too late for us collection of the many years’ experience support, without which they will not to be able to help) are gradually being of species-experts globally which was receive breeding recommendations overcome. published in 1998 in the EAZA Ursid or programme animals. Without It’s not just in the field of guidelines, revised in 2007. Following doubt this consultancy can even communications that we are improving. the publication of the guidelines, zoos reduce development and operational Unilateral decisions by species holders rapidly began to renew, improve and costs of the project and prevent to operate outside the recommendations build new polar bear facilities. It is the construction of high priced but of the EEP are also decreasing, which indicative that prior to 2000 many inadequate facilities. is a very positive step in eliminating zoos had relatively small enclosures Following the election of the new the domino effect on the population at approximately 150–500m2, with a Polar bear EEP species committee it as a whole. We are all working hard to reassuring increase since then in space was decided to develop a masterplan establish the polar bear population in dedicated to enclosures; the majority for the EEP. This would provide a conservation terms rather than as an of new enclosures being created were transparent plan for the species and old-fashioned ‘commodity’ species, and between 1,000 and 5,000m2. Since give value to the many important these efforts will continue until the 2010, EAZA institutions have accepted programme decisions that were to be population is fully managed according that small facilities are inappropriate for made for the benefit of the species to the deeply considered principles polar bears and have begun to provide in our zoos. This process was made established by the programme. Nine much more space, sometimes many possible by the expertise provided by years into the management of the hectares. the EAZA Population Biologist Kristine species as an EEP, we can say that As a result of this, the species is now Schad, Collections Coordination and despite some difficult politics, and some being considered by many new potential Conservation Manager Danny de Man unfinished business, the programme is holders and regions, and where the and the EEP species committee. This on the right track and we are getting facilities are appropriate to modern was an entirely democratic process, in ever closer to our goal of a strong welfare science standards, the EEP has that the EEP participating institutions genetically and demographically diverse made every effort to ensure that polar were given masterplan drafts to review population – and a model programme bears are available to institutions that prior to final publication at the EAZA for managing so-called ‘political’ species have made the necessary investments conference in Budapest 2014. and the strong characters and opinions into new or renewed facilities. that come with them. With essential advice and SENSITIVE MATTERS Ursus maritimus will continue to be contribution from the EAZA Bear We have heard many times and from a flagship species for climate change TAG, improvements in the quality of many sources the following expression: and for the changing mission of zoos. den design have been observed. High ‘the polar bear is a very politically It is incumbent on us to foster respect tech den cameras and audio systems sensitive species’! Far be it from us to for the EEP spirit – which must not provide good information and allow second-guess the politics of a polar bear, be underestimated or ignored – and for observation without disturbance, but in reality it only becomes politically continue this great 30-year tradition of as well as illustrating for the public the sensitive when we make it so. We find species management into the future. 19 ENDANGERED ANIMALS Pecking order CAPTIVE BREEDING AND RELEASE SUPPORTS THE RECOVERY OF THE WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER’S WILD POPULATION

Leif Blomqvist ([email protected]) & Christer Larsson, Nordens Ark Foundation, Hunnebostrand, Sweden

Woodpeckers play an important role in bird communities by providing cavities for secondary cavity-nesting birds. As a result of their specialised habitat needs, they are considered excellent indicators of the health status of forests and their fauna. Population trends among woodpeckers and their abundance therefore reflect the dynamics of other species using the same habitats. As woodpeckers are dependent on dying trees for excavating their cavities and foraging, modern forestry has created unsuitable habitats for a number of woodpeckers that are often considered umbrella species for old and mixed forests. Despite their importance to the biodiversity in forest landscapes, they are rarely seen in zoo collections and of the 11 species native to Europe, only four are kept in zoos. Of eight woodpecker species currently existing in Sweden, three are listed as Near Threatened (NT) in the Swedish Red Data Book. The middle spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus medius) became Regionally Extinct (RE) in the 1980s, and the white- backed woodpecker (Dendrocopus leucotos) is currently listed as Critically of white-backed woodpeckers are in suggested to be released in restored Endangered (CR). The remaining glaring conflict with modern forestry’s and re-created habitats over the next species are all listed as Least concern practices and its requirements for two decades. The Action Plan is, (LC). profitable production of coniferous however, not a plan only for white- The white-backed woodpecker trees. backed woodpeckers, but also designed is the rarest among the European Due to the Critically Endangered to protect the almost 170 Red-Listed woodpeckers and is highly specialised status of the white-backed woodpecker, species of lichens, bryophytes, fungi, for old-growth deciduous forest. the taxon is listed in the Birds beetles and other birds with similar Over the past century, its range and Directive´s Annex 1, and all measures range and habitat requirements. numbers have declined dramatically to protect the species are of great Nordens Ark was chosen to be and the species has disappeared from importance. Initiated by the Swedish responsible for the hand-rearing and several parts of continental Europe. Environmental Protection Agency breeding process in Sweden. In the In the early 1900s, the white-backed (SEPA) and the Swedish Society mid-1990s, a series of 11 outdoor woodpecker was documented in 71% for Nature Conservation (SCN), enclosures connected to a service of the counties in Sweden. Since an Action Plan was established for building were built at the Nordens Ark then their numbers have dwindled by the taxon in 2005 with the goal of off-exhibit area in order to maintain more than 90% and only a handful of achieving environmentally sustainable white-backed woodpeckers. Because breeding pairs are known to exist. forests. It is worth mentioning that, of the low number of birds in Sweden, The primary cause of the species’ among the proposed measures to pairs were established from individuals rapid decline is associated principally save the white-backed woodpecker, caught on the west coast of Norway with the large-scale changes in forest captive breeding and restocking are where the species is still common and landscapes that have accelerated in also mentioned in the Action Plan. the population considered viable. In 20 recent decades. The habitat needs A minimum of 350 birds are thus 1995, four chicks were taken from different clutches in Norway and and are offered a mixture of balanced and guarding than do the females. transferred to Nordens Ark for hand- live food of crickets, mealworms and Males also defend their territories rearing. zophobas. Of the surviving hand-reared but both parents take an active role To be able to establish a breeding birds, 38% have been released once in brood care with the males mostly pool with a large amount of gene they reached the age of five to eight incubating and brooding at night. The diversity, additional chicks were weeks and were fully fledged. The clutch size has varied from one to five later collected from nests in Norway. rest of the chicks have been kept as a with a mean of 2.4, corresponding to Between 1995 and 2012, 119 (59.58.2) breeding pool at Nordens Ark. the average number of chicks found in nestlings were transferred to Nordens In 2014, 16 pairs were kept at the wild nests in Norway. Ark for hand-rearing. Most of the facility of which 85% are wild-caught Of all surviving fledglings, including woodpeckers are kept in the non- individuals. The birds are kept in pairs the wild-caught chicks that have public part of the zoo, but four pairs and fed twice per day with a mixture been hand-reared, 130 (64.60.6) are also kept in the public park, where of commercially produced avian insect woodpeckers have been used for they serve as educational examples of food, mealworms, zophobas and/or restocking purposes, while the the zoo’s efforts to save endangered crickets and apples. remaining birds have been kept at the species and to promote biodiversity. breeding facility. Two pairs in the public park have bred BREEDING AND RESTOCKING During the release process, hand- successfully on several occasions. RESULTS and parent-reared fledglings are No breeding was recorded prior to transferred to hacking enclosures in 2002, and the 13 woodpeckers released restored forest habitats to offer them HAND-REARING STRATEGY for restocking purposes during this possibilities for acclimatisation for When the programme was initiated, period (see left) were all wild-caught a minimum of one week. All birds no prior experience in husbandry and birds that had been hand-raised are ID-marked with coloured leg breeding was available. Of the wild- by Nordens Ark staff. The lack of bands (see above). Night boxes and caught chicks that arrived for hand- breeding success was thought to feeding places are provided both in rearing, 21% did not survive. The age be partly due to too close auditory and outside the hacking enclosures. of the chicks on arrival was considered contact when pairs are kept in near-by Human contact is limited to those crucial for successful hand-rearing and enclosures. Separation of breeding pairs who, during several weeks after release, the prime reason for their survival: by only a wire-mesh net causes stress provide the woodpeckers with food ad some of the chicks were either too and has negative impacts on breeding. lib on a daily basis. Step by step, the young or too old and were therefore A separate aviary 500m from the young birds become more independent difficult to hand-rear. Birds that were main breeding facility was therefore until they are able to find food by only a few days old when they arrived constructed. themselves. were often too weak and their survival It did not take long before the In recent years, the number of rate was low. If the chicks were older relocated pair started to display breeding pairs, as well as the number than two weeks when they were courtship behaviour with intensive of hatched nestlings in the wild, has brought to the zoo, they refused to beg drumming and nest-hole construction increased slightly and the fact that for food when not fed by the parents. and, in 2002, their first clutch was the species has not disappeared from The optimal age when chicks should be hatched. Encouraged by the success, the country may well be attributed to taken from wild nests for hand-rearing eight new separate enclosures were continuous supply of birds through was therefore estimated to be seven built. From 2002 to 2014, ten pairs the restocking attempts. Since 2005, to ten days. At that age the chicks have reproduced in these enclosures reproduction in the wild has been immediately begged for food when they and reared a total of 105 (47.50.8) observed mainly among woodpeckers were approached by the keepers and chicks in 44 clutches. released from Nordens Ark. the survival rate was higher. After more than a decade of This is a great example of how zoos The hand-rearing process is time- breeding success and observations, it can support wild population recovery consuming. The chicks are fed from can be concluded that the males invest and share best practice in husbandry 7am to 8pm at two-hourly intervals more time in nest-hole construction techniques for endangered species. 21 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY In the spotlight THE POPULARITY OF SPOTTED HYENAS IN ZOOS HAS GROWN IN RECENT YEARS, LEADING TO THE FIRST- EVER WORKSHOP ON THEIR MANAGEMENT

Raymond Van der Meer, Curator, Amersfoort Zoo

In January this year, a one-and-a-half-day husbandry insights to the species. Following up on this were a few workshop for spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) was presentations from the attendees on their experience organised at Amersfoort Zoo (Netherlands). It was the with the species in relation to social management. After first spotted hyena husbandry workshop ever organised, this we scheduled some time to discuss topics in more with the aim of improving the management of this species detail such as the possibility and practicality of having a in our zoos. Twenty people from across Europe and one minimum intervention strategy or protocol. Hyenas can colleague from North America came together to discuss be very aggressive but they can also recover pretty well relevant topics including social management, minimum from the wounds they receive in fights. There was a strong intervention protocols and enclosure design. feeling from the group that in order to keep hyenas in Since the launch of the European Studbook for spotted social groups you have to accept some level of aggression, hyena in 1999, the popularity of the species in EAZA zoos as fighting is a way of keeping stability in the group. has grown as has the number of animals in the population. However, having some sort of protocol to describe what is When the studbook started a total of 44 animals were normal and what is not, could help participants decide on living in 19 zoos. Today, the programme has more than intervention strategies, while considering other ways to 100 animals in 28 zoos, meaning a strong increase in lessen the aggression. numbers, participants and in the average number of Other topics discussed under social management were: animals per zoo. The latter is an important figure because how to start a new group, how to keep a group stable over it was a driving force for the workshop. Hyenas are the longer periods of time, when to move animals around, and most social carnivores, highly intelligent and living in the ways of keeping stability in male groups. complex societies. Combine that with the fact that they The second invited speaker was Heather Genter from have very strong powerful jaws and teeth, and the work of Denver Zoo (US). Heather is the SSP Coordinator a species coordinator or collection manager becomes very for spotted hyena in North America, and has a long challenging. There was therefore a strong need to combine experience of working and training with the animal. The all the knowledge and experience about the species so we North American AZA population is smaller than the can share that with current holders and potential holders. EAZA population with 65 animals in 27 zoos. There is, After the EAZA annual conference in Budapest 2014, however, more interest in the species and they encounter an email was sent to all holders to ask if they would be the same questions as we do in Europe. The attendance of willing to participate in this workshop and what they could Heather was therefore very much appreciated and we used contribute to it. Many holders responded enthusiastically the time together to exchange husbandry experiences and and it was decided to organise the workshop for early 2015. share solutions to common problems. As the studbook holder and a zoo with a long history of Heather’s presentation was on a training and enrichment keeping hyenas, Amersfoort Zoo was the most logical programme in Denver Zoo. It showed how you could use place to hold it. A nearby hotel was found to look after the training as a husbandry tool to, for example, check and attendees and the zoo took care of all the catering. Luckily, treat wounds. But it could also be used for educational we had good weather most of the time and a short tour programmes, to help hyenas gain a better image. Although during lunch was very much appreciated. the ideas and motivations for training are different in North America and Europe, more and more European THREE THEMES zoos do see advantages of husbandry training when As husbandry was the central focus of the meeting it working with their animals, and want to work with was decided to concentrate on three main topics: social training protocols. This was also demonstrated by a short management, housing and daily husbandry, training and presentation from Boras Zoo (Sweden) which has started enrichment. The first speaker was Dr Marion East who training with its spotted hyena, and already had some very has studied spotted hyena in the Serengeti since the late promising results. 1980s and is now based at Leipniz Institute for Zoo and All in all, we had a very fruitful workshop and thanks Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin. Marion is a long- to the invited speakers and active participants we made a respected member of the IUCN Hyena Specialist Group large step towards a better understanding of how to work and since last year she has been an official advisor to the with spotted hyenas in our zoos. The next step is to write EAZA Canid and Hyaenid TAG on behaviour, ecology this all down in Best Practice Guidelines by following and conservation of the spotted hyena. Marion shared her the new EAZA template, and I would like to thank enormous amount of knowledge and experience of working Katharina Herrmann from the EAZA office who provided with this remarkable species in the wild. This presentation helpful guidance in setting up the guidelines following the 22 was for most of us very refreshing and gave us many new template. 23 NUTRITION Food for thought THE SUCCESSFUL EIGHTH EUROPEAN ZOO NUTRITION CONFERENCE OFFERED PLENTY TO CHEW UPON

Andrea Fidgett, Chester Zoo and Tjalling Huisman, VHL University of Applied Sciences

Animal experts from around the world The programme included six invited were able to share ideas at the eighth speakers on mammal, bird and fish European Zoo Nutrition Conference nutrition. Dr Kibby Treiber (Fort organised jointly by the Van Hall Worth Zoo) kicked off the conference Larenstein University of Applied and an entire session focused on Sciences, the EAZA Nutrition Group, elephants, describing measures of and Royal Burgers’ Zoo. elephant obesity in captivity. Covering Our setting was a rather wintry the many, many species of sharks and Royal Burgers’ Zoo and the gathering rays (Dr Max Janse, Royal Burgers’ brought together speakers and, in Zoo) and bony fish (Dr Johan Schrama, total, more than 140 participants Wageningen University), both speakers from 27 countries. The nutrition of highlighted the challenges of feeding zoo animals remains a fascinating and diverse groups of animals based on challenging area. Although the past limited data. 20 years have shown a lot of progress Heavy overnight snowfall almost in the development of scientifically stopped play on the second full contribution made to zoo nutrition in based knowledge there are still conference day, which started with the Europe. many questions left unanswered, and zoo visit. Thankfully, expert volunteer specialists in this field remain scarce. guides from Royal Burgers’ Zoo were on LEARN FROM THE WILD However, conferences like this, where hand to navigate groups of participants Previously presented issues of obesity experiences from practice and new and ensure they visited all the available and lack of fibre in zoo diets are scientific insights are shared, the stations demonstrating production of still present but less prominent. organisation of workshops and courses, browse silage, design of UV lighting Researchers highlighted the need for and the availability of an increasing for reptile enclosures, body condition information from the wild to: define number of publications all help scoring of primates, behind the scenes what elephant body condition should progress zoo animal nutrition. at ‘Ocean’ and the commissary, plus be, determine the feeding behaviour The EAZA Nutrition Group (ENG) the use of nutrition in public education of fish, establish what amphibians eat, seeks ‘to promote and support nutrition programmes at Royal Burgers’ Zoo. how dental health of herbivores can in zoological institutions as an essential ‘Feeding strategies, digestive be maintained, which prey parts are component of their conservation morphology and metabolic capabilities eaten and used by birds of prey… the mission’. As with previous meetings, are diverse and interrelated’ was list goes on. Also, as concerns about we aimed for a mixture of (applied) the take-home message from the diet basics are being addressed, there is science and presentations based on presentation on avian digestion by Dr renewed focus on other nutrients, such practical experiences. Scheduling an Mark Edwards (California Polytechnic as minerals, including requirements EAZA Academy workshop before the State University). Jonathon Clayton of calcium for elephants, iodine for conference and having activities during described his doctoral research at the sharks, selenium for dolphins and the zoo visit help satisfy the demand University of Minnesota, investigating manganese for ratites. In summary, the for basic and practical applicable associations between nutrition, gut programme was diverse, stimulating information. microbial communities, and health and informative. Our theme this year was ‘Feeding in nonhuman primates, inviting Attendees of previous conferences zoo animals for health, welfare and participants to contribute to the emphasised that low conference conservation’ – in fact you could say Primate Microbiome Project. costs are very important, quite this was always the underlying theme A historical perspective of zoo understandable given the present of previous conferences. Nutrition is animal nutrition by Dr Marcus economic situation and financial status probably the most important factor for Clauss (University of Zurich) drew of many zoos. Costs were kept to an establishing healthy and viable captive the conference to a close, but not absolute minimum with considerable populations, a huge responsibility for before Dr Joeke Nijboer presented his support from our hosts, Royal Burgers’ every person or institute that keeps personal perspective on being a zoo Zoo, who provided the final congress animals: even more so since the results nutritionist at Rotterdam Zoo for 37 meal which, for all those interested of our combined efforts are visible to years and received a standing ovation in feeding animals, was a unique 24 the millions of people visiting zoos. in recognition of his tremendous combination of discussing nutrition while cooking their own dinner! Additionally, significant financial support was provided via sponsorship from Arie Blok Animal Nutrition, Avian Bird Food Products, Cargill Feed & Nutrition Switzerland, Gendika, Kiezebrink International, Kreca, Masters Diervoeders, Mazuri Zoo Foods, Metazoa Diervoeders, Nijssen Fourages, Ocean Nutrition Europe, Ruto Frozen Fishfood, St. Laurent, VHL University of Applied Sciences. We are currently hard at work on special ‘nutrition’ issues of the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) and Zooquaria based on materials presented during the conference and once everything has been gathered and published we will share the details with everyone who attended. Copies of presentation abstracts can be downloaded from www.eaza.net ‘nutrition’. The European Zoo Nutrition Conference is held approximately every two years. Previous zoo hosts include Rotterdam, Antwerp, Leipzig, Chester and the University of Zurich; discussions about our next destination are underway for January 2017. A huge thank you to Alex van Hooff, Kim van de Put and everyone at Royal Burgers’ Zoo for making us feel so welcome and for another wonderful conference! 25 EXHIBIT DESIGN

Fitting the bill A LARGE WALKTHROUGH AVIARY IN THE NETHERLANDS PAYS PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO BIRDS’ BEAKS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS Raymond Van der Meer, Curator, Amersfoort Zoo

Amersfoort Zoo, based in the middle of The Netherlands and collection manager simpler. Nonetheless, it was a challenge founded in 1948, is a medium-sized zoo of about 21 hectares to find bird species that could live together in the habitat that and with an average of 750,000 visitors per year. The zoo we wanted to create. We had to think carefully about which has a history of keeping a wide range of mammals, mainly species would work and which would not, but the fact that we different primate species, hoofstock and carnivores. As part of have a walkthrough aviary motivated us to house bird species a long term project called ‘The Great Wilderness’, we want to that could be shown during winter times. give new and existing species more space in an environment One of the starting points for new projects is that we try that suggests a walk or adventure in the wild with a chance to improve the housing of a species that already exists in our to encounter animals. With a strong desire to enlarge our bird collection. In this case we wanted to give our griffon vultures collection, the first part of this project is the construction of a better place and so they were a candidate for this new a large walkthrough aviary with free-flying birds of different aviary. Marabous and pelicans were once in our collection species. As an educational theme for the aviary it was decided and high on the wish list for a return. These three species to focus on the different types, forms and functions of beaks. formed our initial choices and all the other species were As a result, the aviary gained the Dutch name ‘SnavelRijk’ added during the process. The population currently consists which translates into English as ‘Beak Kingdom’. of: Children and their experiences play a central role in our zoo and we believe that a child at play is open to learning Common name Scientific name No. of animals about and enjoying animals. This belief is expressed in the Marabou stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus 3.4 design of our projects where we combine animal encounters Griffon vulture Gyps fulvus 3.3 with play elements, in the form of adventure routes. Visitors Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus 5.4 have a choice of interacting in a relaxed way or in a more Yellow-billed stork Mycteria ibis 4.0 energetic manner with flying, swimming, roosting and Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus 7.8 wandering birds of different species. The free-flying birds Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 5.0 and the enormous space (3,000m2, 15m height) gives the Mandarin duck Aix galericulata 4.3 visitor a true feeling of wilderness, while the birds have plenty of places where they can rest from any disturbance by the Due to the short timeframe it was a big challenge to gather visitors. The children can enjoy rafting across water, going all these species from different zoos, but with the help of our through a tunnel listening to bird sounds and even looking colleagues and the studbook coordinators we managed to into the carcass of an Ankole longhorn where marabous are gather enough birds for the opening. fed during the day. It’s very exciting when a marabou flies After finishing the collection plan we started to work on right over your head and you can feel how the air moves. the housing requirements for all the different species. With 26 Having beaks in general as a theme, makes the life of a the visitor routing in mind we tried to locate different zones Numbers game Size: 3,000m2 and 15m high Largest pond: 800m2, depth 30- 150cm Larger indoor enclosure: 140m2, height 5m Smaller indoor enclosure: 60m², height 5m with pond 50m², depth 30-70 cm Construction: large cones, 50x50mm nylon netting, roof 10x10mm nylon netting. Work started at the end of February 2014 and the aviary was opened on 5 July 2014.

Raymond Van der Meer, Curator, Amersfoort Zoo that could serve as a resting area, swimming area, feeding The smaller section (60m2) of the indoor house can be used area, nesting area etc. The specific needs per species were by the pelicans, ibises and hamerkop. Much of the floor area used to furnish the enclosure in a way that all species could consists of a large pond of 50m2. For the smaller birds there express naturalistic behaviour. are many perching sites. When the visitors enter the aviary they find a large wall on the left side with nesting sites for the griffon vultures. The OPENING DAY wall is 30m long and consists of nine artificial nesting cavities Last summer the first visitors were able to enjoy all the different at different heights varying from 2.45 to 4.50m high. This is bird species, once the aviary was opened with a big party. The also the area where we feed the vultures, and the visitors can day before opening was an exciting moment for us, because have a close look at this process. The vultures also use several for some birds it was the first time they could start to explore higher trees to rest and sunbathe. the new area. We were very careful and excited to see how There are three connected water areas in the aviary, the the birds would react to visitors, which we only let in in small largest being in the centre. This pond is about 800m2 with groups for a while so that the birds could concentrate on an island in the middle which is used by the Dalmatian getting used to their new environment. pelicans to rest, sunbathe and, hopefully in the future, It was very special to see the interaction between birds and breed. All water from the three separated ponds go through visitors. Sometimes the visitors literally have to walk around a wetland filter that is situated near the aviary’s exit. During the birds or step aside when a vulture passes by. They can really the design process it was decided to create some higher areas, get close to the birds, but most of the birds keep their distance. giving some of the birds, such as the storks and vultures, an The marabous are the exception, as they can be very bold and opportunity to create distance between them and the visitors. extremely curious. We knew that this could be a problem so we This worked very well and provides good views of the birds. monitor this closely and observe interactions between visitors Halfway along the route the visitors find a path leading and the storks. We also realised that we need to better educate to the indoor enclosures. This is only opened to the visitors our visitors in keeping their distance from the birds. during winter when the marabou and yellow-billed stork are The griffon vultures needed some more time to relax and housed inside. The indoor housing is separated into two areas. did not behave in the way we had expected. But this has since The largest section (140m2) is for the marabou and yellow- changed and they show completely different behaviour now. billed storks, and it contains a smaller separation area that Contrary to our expectations the intact vultures (the ones that could be used for sick birds or for future introductions. Within are not traffic victims) really started to use the aviary much the room several screens function as viewing barriers, and are better, even flying over the heads of the visitors – an incredible also used by the birds to rest upon. In the middle of the room sight. And, as the icing on the cake, all three pairs started to a rectangular water pond can be used by the birds to drink, make nests and breed. Not long ago in early spring the first egg bathe or clean food. was laid in the aviary… and we hope for many more. 27 CONSERVATION Beach life A REVIEW OF THE FIRST 20 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION BY THE UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA AND SCHÖNBRUNN ZOO, VIENNA

LOGGERHEAD TURTLE HATCHLINGS, GULF OF FETHIYE, SOUTHWEST TURKEY.

ABOVE: THE LOGGERHEAD INFORMATION DESK; BELOW: TURTLE CONSERVATION TEAM (FROM LEFT): CHRISTINE FELLHOFER- MIHČIOĞLU, HARALD SCHWAMMER, MICHAEL STACHOWITSCH, EVELYN RAMEDER; BOTTOM LEFT: PROTECTING A NEST AT THE BEACH.

Harald M. Schwammer, Zoological Curator, Vienna Zoo

The University of Vienna has just celebrated its 20th hundred adult female turtles, protected nests with cages, anniversary of species conservation and habitat protection and accompanied nearly 100,000 hatchlings to the sea, work on sea turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean many of which would never have made it otherwise due to Sea. Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna – under the aegis of light pollution, barriers of beach furniture and a range of its Society of the Friends of Schönbrunn Zoo – has other threats that signal the deterioration of sandy beaches accompanied this project as a major sponsor for much of its here and elsewhere due to human activities. The work has history. The Austrian student teams and researchers have helped increase on-site awareness that beaches are a highly been working every summer since the early 1990s, alongside valuable, ‘living’ habitat worthy of protection. More sea Turkish colleagues, in a cooperative effort to improve the turtle-friendly lamps have been installed at some sites, the nesting and hatching status of the loggerhead turtle Caretta beach furniture has been repositioned along some stretches, caretta on two beaches near Fethiye, Turkey. This effort is and new information signs have been erected to inform anchored as a practical field course at the university, but as local residents and vacationers from around the world. The with most conservation-related projects it is a classical mix Austrian effort is supported by, in addition to the Vienna of student courses, species protection, habitat and nature Zoo, several firms and organisations. The work has given conservation, public relations efforts, and international rise to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and cooperation. a series of Diploma, Bachelor and Master theses. Through During each ca. three-month-long summer nesting season, this project, Austria is living the motto: ‘species protection about 20 students walk a total of nearly 12,000km on their and nature conservation efforts cannot stop at one’s own daily early morning and late night shifts. Over 20 years this national borders’. totals nearly 240,000km or five times around the globe! For more information visit www.seaturtlecourse.jimdo.com. Translated into work hours, this adds up to over 200,000 ‘man/woman-hours’, including operating an information Reference Triessnig P, Roetzer A and Stachowitsch M; Beach condition and booth on the promenade at one of the tourist beaches. Marine Debris: New Hurdles for Sea Turtle Hatchling Survival. Chelonian 28 The Austrian effort has helped to measure and tag several Conservation and Biology, 2012, 11(1): 68-77. WELFARE How enriching is our enrichment? IT’S NOT ENOUGH SIMPLY TO GIVE AN ANIMAL SOMETHING TO DO; THAT ‘SOMETHING’ HAS TO STIMULATE, AS WELL AS PASS THE TIME

Sally Binding, Animal Welfare Training Officer, EAZA

By now, it is safe to say that all EAZA FOOD PRESENTATION AND members are aware of the need for PHYSICAL ENRICHMENT FOR BEARS enrichment for the animals in our collections, and that it is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily management practices as a core value of good husbandry. However, with the increasing adoption of the word ‘enrichment’ into zoo vocabulary, has its true meaning been lost and is our ‘enrichment’ actually performing its namesake? Modern welfare and behavioural science can help understand what role a good enrichment programme fulfils, and can help us to move towards an approach that genuinely reflects the needs of species and individuals. The cardboard box has a lot to answer for when it comes to enrichment. Along with the classic ball and the ice-block, the box has, in many cases, become synonymous with enrichment to the extent that these tools are often seen as a ‘one- size-fits-all’ solution to meeting the behavioural needs of our animals. These items may indeed have their place within the enrichment programmes for many animals and should by no means be discounted, however their limitations need to be identified. These items alone cannot come close to meeting the full behavioural needs of an animal, and in some cases may have no value at all. At best, they should only ever been viewed as one contributory element of a holistic enrichment programme. In order to identify if our animals’ behavioural needs are being met, and be considered to be facilitators of the play and foraging, or provide security therefore how life-enhancing is the process if they provide an animal with so it can often justify its presence. ‘enrichment’ we provide, we need to behavioural opportunities that are However, as with all enrichment continually relate back to a concrete appropriate to the species. However, items, it cannot in itself provide for all definition of the word. Enrichment is a as all keepers know, there is no set the behavioural needs of an animal, process, a concept, and not a physical formula for all animals of a species, and and must be seen as part of a wider object. The process is to continually a thorough understanding of the needs programme. A holistic enrichment engage the animals in our care with of each individual is as essential as programme needs to build layers of behavioural opportunities typical of species-specific behavioural knowledge enrichment, with each layer providing their species in the wild in order to in moving towards optimal welfare. different behavioural opportunities move towards an improvement in their So what role could the cardboard until it reflects as closely as possible welfare. The manifestations of this box play? For some animals it may test the full dynamic behavioural repertoire concept – enrichment items – may their exploratory behaviours, nesting, of the animal. 29 WELFARE

QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY assessments. For example, the quality not simply whether the behaviour The effectiveness of enrichment of a bear’s foraging behaviour will be occurred or not. programmes is often discussed in higher if he is turning logs, digging, quantitative terms, for example, in climbing and so on without being MEASURING SUCCESS both our input – ‘We spread food sure of a reward than if he is simply The degree to which ‘enrichment’ around the enclosure twice per day’ – collecting food from ‘hiding’ spots meets its goal moves constantly on and the output – ‘The bear forages for he knows well and returns to daily. the qualitative scale and, to measure 3 hours per day’. Evidence suggests, Both may be considered foraging, but its success, we need to understand however, that we should view the the quality of the behavioural output the full behavioural repertoire of success of enrichment in terms of from these two enrichment methods the species in the wild, (including the quality of the behaviours that is notably different. The first example consideration of the role played by the animals exhibit, rather than the evokes the animal’s true foraging time of day, season and life stage) length of time they are performing behaviours and produces a suite of and take into account the individual them or the number of sessions associated physical and emotional personalities of each animal. we provide. Consideration for the benefits, while the second serves What may be considered as an quality of behaviours performed is only to occupy his time and arguably enrichment item today may simply utilised by Dr Francoise Wemelsfelder reduces all physical and emotional become ‘an item’ tomorrow but ‘an from Scotland’s Rural College, as benefits to practically nil. Therefore, enrichment item’ again a week later. part of her work on Qualitative when assessing how enriching our What is enriching to one individual Behaviour Assessment (QBA) – a enrichment is, we must consider the may not be to another. Consequently, practical tool for animal welfare quality of the behavioural output and it is important that we are aware of the dynamic nature of our animals’ behavioural needs and monitor their INTO PRACTICE: SOME DOs AND DON’Ts behavioural output in response to • Enrichment is not about occupying an animal’s time. An animal can the ‘enrichment’ we provide. Past be occupied with ‘enrichment’ all day but still experience behavioural experience may lead us to believe frustration due to the lack of other opportunities. For example, once an that certain inputs are ideal to meet animal has discovered how a puzzle feeder works it stops being a cognitive the needs of the animal; however, challenge and simply occupies the animal’s time. We can be both bored past experience cannot substitute and behaviourally frustrated but occupied with a task at the same time. for observation of the animals’ • Enrichment does not always have to be novel. The innate behavioural reactions to that input. In short, repertoire for all species will entail a degree of novel experiences due to when assessing the effectiveness of the ever-changing nature of the wild environment. However, consistently enrichment, it is the quality of the performing certain behaviours, such as dust-bathing, is equally important. current behavioural output which Your plan should ask what kind of behavioural opportunity the animal must take priority over all other needs now, and reflect it through the choice of an experience that is either considerations. new and unfamiliar or well-established and consistently accessible. In summary: 1 Ensure you have a holistic • If the animal ignores the enrichment they have still been enriched. understanding of the behavioural All animals, including humans, are constantly assessing risk in their needs of the species and the surroundings to ensure that they are safe. This is an extremely important individual. wild behaviour and cognitively challenging: ‘What is it? Can it hurt me? What do I do with it? Is it of value to me?’ Based on this, both humans and 2 Re-evaluate the ‘enrichment’ animals will explore an item and make a choice as to how to proceed. currently in use – what is the Offering novel experiences (for example, a new item or scent) is a highly behavioural output and does it effective way of stimulating these highly important risk assessment reflect your knowledge of the cognitive processes and exploratory behaviours; and providing animals species and the animal? Be honest with choice and control, which are core values in positive welfare. Ignoring and critical – identify both benefits an item is also a choice. It is important to consider that the animal may be and limitations. neophobic, so place the enrichment somewhere where they can avoid it; 3 Design your enrichment allow them time to cognitively process the potential risks and explore it at programme – the input – to their own pace. meet the animal’s full, dynamic, behavioural needs. • Consider enrichment that the animal won’t like. Obviously it is not positive for welfare to engender a high level of fear, but animals can 4 Monitor the output – how does the benefit from (for example), foods that they do not like. In captivity many animal respond and does this reflect animals become accustomed to their daily diet and will generally eat it, what you know about the species but in the wild every potential meal comes with risk that needs to be and the individual? Remember that assessed. Including a small amount of safe but unpalatable food into the enrichment value will change their enrichment programme (foods not necessary for nutritional health (constantly!). or satiation) will provide opportunities for risk assessment and therefore 5 Build layers of enriching cognitive enrichment. opportunities into one holistic 30 enrichment programme.