WAZA News 1/10

February 1/10 2010

WAZA in support of goal to lower CO₂ emissions below 350 ppm. | © ZSL WAZA news 1/10

Gerald Dick Contents Editorial Hopenhagen 350 Report ...... 2 Dear WAZA Members! Launch of the Year of Biodiversity ...... 3 First of all, I’d like to wish you a happy Droughts, Deserts and prosperous New Year! and Water Resources ...... 4 The Plant Side of Life: ...... 5 The year 2010 is dedicated to biodiversity conservation internationally and South American Camelids ...... 7 the international zoo and aquarium ZOO’S PRINT Celebrates ...... 9 community is best prepared to meet this AMACZOOA ...... 10 challenge. WAZA members now have JAZA...... 11 more than 160 conservation projects African Zoo Sponsorship...... 13 as WAZA branded projects. All projects ARAZPA is No More! ...... 14 are presented on the WAZA website as well as in the first, new WAZA book. © Meibaum Book Reviews ...... 15 The book is a tribute to WAZA’s 75th An- Gerald Dick at St. Louis conference. Announcements… ...... 16 niversary and is a beautiful contribution of the international zoo and aquarium Copenhagen climate change summit, WAZA website ...... 19 community to the International Year of December 2009. 788 persons of senior New WAZA Projects Biodiversity, declared by the United Na- management from 249 institutions Education in Cameroon ...... 20 tions. You will find a review of the book signed the WAZA climate change peti- Dorcas in Senegal ...... 22 in this edition of the WAZA News and tion, which was sent to UN Secretary Greater Bilby, Australia ...... 23 I sincerely hope that all members order General Mr. Ban Ki-moon prior to the Monitor Lizards ...... 24 copies and also tell their friends and meeting. A task force will now follow Osununú, Argentina ...... 25 colleagues about it. The WAZA artwork up on climate issues for both WAZA Eurasian Spoonbill, Croatia .....26 poster on biodiversity is also available and CBSG. Water Management and by purchasing the poster, you sup- in Colombia ...... 27 port the work of WAZA. Using the above Last but not least, the WAZA Executive Semen Bank, materials will help us spread the word Office will move to IUCN headquarters Rhinos & Elephants ...... 28 about the role of our community in bio- in Gland this May and will subsequently Recent updates...... 29 diversity conservation, both internally benefit from day to day contact with Membership Applications ...... 30 and externally. In addition, you will find the World Conservation Union, the a biodiversity resource manual on our Ramsar Convention and other conser- Obituary: website, which was kindly put together vation partners. In addition, there will Peter Weilenmann ...... 32 with support of IZE. be many other synergies from which WAZA will benefit. WAZA has been very active in promoting an agreement to reduce CO₂ Gerald Dick emissions below 350 ppm for the WAZA Executive Director

Imprint Edition: 500 copies © WAZA 2010 Editor: Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Office Lindenrain 3 This edition of WAZA News CH-3012 Bern is also available on Switzerland www.waza.org (members’ area). phone: +41 31 300 20 30 fax: +41 31 300 20 31 WAZA is a registered interest representative with the European Commis- Layout and typesetting: [email protected] sion, ID number 30556573017-18. Print: Agentura NP, Staré Město, Czech Republic Printed on FSC paper. ISSN: 1662-7733 WAZA news 1/10 1

Mark Penning The President’s Page

technical response ability and capacity, and optimally use our information dissemination networks to deliver our message. We wish the team well for the enormous task ahead.

The other major event over the last few weeks was the decision by the Indian Government to transfer all elephants currently held in Indian zoos to forestry camps. Amid fears that this will be interpreted as a com- mentary on the principle of holding elephants, WAZA is observing the situation closely and will stay in contact with the Central Zoo Authority of India (a WAZA member organization). The decision appears to be part of a wider exercise that may involve © WAZA some 3,000 elephants in temples and Mark Penning and eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari). private hands.

As we begin another year and a new has been established, and will liaise The WAZA position is that, whilst decade, it is hoped that the eco- with regional association heads and elephants present unique challenges nomic situation around the world will CBSG regional networks on climate relating to their care and breeding maintain a degree of stability and change. in zoos and other closely managed that the lessons learned over the past situations such as forestry camps, we year will be of benefit to our society. The Copenhagen COP-15 meeting believe that it is possible, with ap- The ramifications of the economic was a disappointment! Paul at- propriate investment in facilities and meltdown have been interesting – attended the meeting, and presented trained staff, to provide an excellent tendance figures at many zoos and WAZA’s stance that a reduction of quality of life for this species. WAZA

aquariums have gone up substantially, atmospheric CO2 to the safe level of members have taken a leadership

perhaps with people choosing local, <350 ppm is the only way to give the role in the ongoing research into rather than international travel, and international conservation com- and implementation of improved indications of the per capita spend munity a real chance to manage the standards in the care of closely man- going down. Is it my imagination, or negative effects of climate change on aged elephants. We believe that zoo are people spending more on experi- the natural world. Sadly, the out- visitors who are able to watch these ences rather than on “things”? Could come fell well short of a satisfactory magnificent animals in well-managed we perhaps be moving away from the conclusion, even in the context of and well presented situations are rampant consumerism that charac- the less ambitious secondary target. much more likely to take an interest terized the previous decade? This will Besides a vociferous case made by in their conservation. That said, we be an interesting year! small island states and some African fully support initiatives that will im- countries for the 350 ppm imperative, prove the well-being of all animals! The year 2010 is the International Year there was very little reference to safe

of Biodiversity, and members will no CO2 levels and the critically important It is fortuitous that the WAZA Coun- doubt recall that the WAZA Council natural systems issues. cil’s mid-year meeting will be in Sri chose Paul Pearce-Kelly from the Lanka, a country with similar ele- Zoological Society of London to lead The meeting has certainly highlighted phant welfare issues, and members of a combined CBSG/WAZA Task Force the imperative for zoos and aquari- Council will meet with the Sri Lankan in developing a zoo and aquarium ums to show both the general public authorities to discuss these. As stated response to the dire threat of climate and world leaders the critical impor- previously, this promises to be an change. The Task Force is being tance of natural systems and associ- interesting year! championed by Bob Lacy and Gordon ated biodiversity. A follow up meet- McGregor Reid, with the support of ing is planned for Bonn in six months I wish you all a happy, successful and the WAZA Executive Office, Council from now and a full COP meeting in prosperous 2010. and the Conservation and Sustain- Mexico in a year. Paul and the Task ability Committee. A Steering Group Force will help us to improve our 2 WAZA news 1/10

Paul Pearce-Kelly – Chair WAZA & CBSG Climate Change Task Force Hopenhagen 350 Report A short report on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 15th Conference of the Parties meeting in Copenhagen

Actually, Cop out at Copenhagen might be a better title for summaris- ing the outcome of this critically important meeting. Despite the efforts of many NGOs, UNFCCC, government delegations and concerned © Paul Pearce-Kelly individuals the resultant non-legally Poster expressing hopeful sentiments for a successful binding, non-regulated Copenhagen outcome to the COP15 Copenhagen meeting. accord, drafted by four just countries, was not even agreed upon or unani- mously supported by all nations. This A blunt summation could read – too is especially worrying considering high a threshold target, too narrow The following WAZA that the temperature threshold tar- an issues range and too little a re- statement (and associa- get being negotiated was 2 degrees sponse. That said, we at least have ted petition) on Climate Centigrade which, if realised, would clarity as to the context in which we Change action Novem-

take us far beyond the 350 ppm CO2 have to operate in terms of moving ber 2009 was delivered threshold level considered essen- forward. It also highlights the case to UN Secretary General tial for avoiding the unmanageable that far too many people still doubt for dissemination climate change scenarios for natural the science of climate change and to world leaders. systems, biodiversity and humanity. remain unaware of the true implica- How could such an unsatisfactory tions for species, ecosystems and An urgent message situation have come about? humanity. It certainly highlights the to world leaders: imperative of our community effec- • Through our organisations, we, Although a vociferous case was made tively communicating these issues to directors of the international by small island states and some our visitors and our wider audiences. zoo and aquarium community, African countries for the 350 ppm collectively engage with and imperative (an argument which was There is a follow up UNFCCC meeting educate 600 million visitors each largely predicated on sea level rise planned in Bonn in 6 months time year, and conduct extensive con- and increasing drought concerns) and a full COP meeting in Mexico at servation activities in the wild there was very little reference to the the end of 2010. These will be key and in our zoos and aquariums. 350ppm threshold necessity in the progress targets for all concerned • We send an urgent message intergovernmental discussions. to work to in terms of improving to world leaders, stressing the acknowledgement of the natural sys- extreme gravity of the climate There was also very little reference to, tem issues and their urgent protec- change threat facing wildlife or acknowledgement of, the critically tion imperatives and natural systems. important natural systems issues. • Agreement in Copenhagen to

This pertained to both the threat to Many useful references, including reduce atmospheric CO2 to the

these systems and the key role they educational materials, are available safe level of <350 ppm is the have to play in reducing emission on www.bioclimate.org only way to give the interna- levels and mitigating against the tional conservation community unavoidable climate change impacts A range of engagement suggestions a real chance to manage the we already have in the system. The and briefing materials can be ob- negative effects of climate marine environment, wetlands and tained from the WAZA web site. There change on the natural world. grasslands were particularly poorly is also an excellent book recently pub- • Through concerted and im- recognised and this must be ad- lished by Goddard’s Institute for Space mediate action, this target is dressed along with ongoing efforts Studies Director Dr James Hansen. achievable. To avoid potential- to ensure that forest systems are Entitled Storms of my Grandchildren. ly catastrophic consequences adequately protected for the vital This provides an authoritative expla- for humanity and wildlife, role they play in emissions reduction nation as to the true urgency of the it is essential. and mitigation efforts. situation facing us. WAZA news 1/10 3

Gerald Dick – WAZA Executive Office Official Launch of the Year of Biodiversity

On 11 January 2010, the Year of Bio- diversity 2010 was officially launched in Berlin in the presence of Chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany is about to hand over the presidency of the conference of the parties to Japan, where the COP 10 will take place later this year in Nagoya. She also promised to support biodiversity conservation as this matter is of equal importance as climate change. In order to strengthen the importance of biodiversity internationally Merkel urged to establish an interface between science and politics, like the IPCC is doing for climate issues. © Gerald Dick German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Berlin opening event, 11 January 2010. UNEP’s Executive Director Achim Steiner said in his speech that an unprecedented scientific, economic, political and public awareness effort was needed to reverse-and to stop- the loss of the planet’s natural assets. Also he underlined that although the biodiversity target for 2010 has not been met, this does not mean that the target was wrong, rather it has to be decided what actions have to be taken for the future. © Gerald Dick © Gerald Dick UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner. CBD Executive Secretary Ahmed Djoghlaf. The Executive Secretary of CBD, Ahmed Djoghlaf highlighted the Nagoya meeting of the Conference In order to support the activities of of the Parties which is promising to the Year of Biodiversity, WAZA has become a truly extraordinary event. produced a biodiversity book Build- There, the Parties will make a final ing a Future for Wildlife which can assessment of progress toward the be ordered at 29,90 € or 45 $ from 2010 biodiversity target, set a new www.nhbs.com or www.amazon.com FRAGILE! biodiversity targets for 2020 and 2050, or www.filander.de. Additionally the finalize a comprehensive post-2010 Biodiversity Poster can be ordered Strategic Plan for ultimately stopping from the WAZA secretariat for 15 € biodiversity loss in the years to come, or 20 $. Also the Biodiversity manual and establish an international regime on the WAZA website should be used on access and benefit-sharing. All of and can be downloaded from the this will be done using a bottom-up 2010 section. There you can also find approach, with the participation and the Species of the Day, an IUCN ini- BIODIVERSITY IS LIFE input of a broad range of stakeholders. tiative for the whole year 2010, showing every day a new species together with a factsheet.

Please support WAZA and make use of these offers! 4 WAZA news 1/10

Gordon McGregor Reid & Claudine Gibson – Chester Zoo | Chris West & Wendy Foster – Adelaide Zoo Droughts, Deserts and Water Resources: Challenges and Opportunities in Conserving the Indigenous Freshwater Fishes of Australia

© Claudine Gibson, Chester Zoo In November 2009, Chester Zoo (UK) have been degraded or lost entirely Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri). and Adelaide Zoo (Zoos SA) along through both urban and rural de- with the IUCN / Wetlands Internation- velopment. Introduced species of al Freshwater Fish Specialist Group most threat to native fishes are cur- The meeting was extremely success- (FFSG) and the Ramsar Convention rently brown trout (Salmo trutta) and ful and resulted in the preliminary on Wetlands, convened a meeting gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki), and establishment of a National Task specifically to tackle the issue of sav- increasingly, the northern Australia Force to co-ordinate and lead the ing Australia’s freshwater fishes from tilapia. Furthermore, since Australia national recovery and management extinction. The meeting was held at is renowned as the driest inhabited of freshwater fishes. The key aims of Adelaide Zoo and was attended by continent on Earth, the projections the Task Force are: twenty-five leading Australian fish of climate change are of considerable experts. During the meeting, experts relevance. A reliance on water for • Protect high value aquatic ecosys- reviewed and discussed the current survival places fishes in direct conflict tems and provide water security state of knowledge and addressed with humans, particularly in the driest to recover the waterways and the key strategic and tactical conserva- state of South Australia. species they support tion issues relating to Australia’s • Establish a strategic research and indigenous freshwater fishes. The impact of specific threats on the management programme to halt local fish populations was highlighted and reverse the high number and Australia has a relatively high fresh- in the meeting during a field visit to impacts of alien species water fish diversity (~300 species) areas where recovery efforts are be- • Establish a Freshwater Fish Fighting supported by a variety of habitats ing undertaken around Adelaide for Fund for strategic investment now and biogeographical zones, including species such as the purple-spotted to prevent future high restoration snow fields and glacial lakes; temper- gudgeon (Morgurnda adspersa) and costs. This fund will have two key ate coastal and inland systems; rich southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca priorities: restoration activities and tropics; subterranean systems and australis). research into value of ecosystem extensive areas of desert. The propor- services. tion of endemic species is high, with Around the country, iconic species • Develop a national communica- ~170 species found nowhere else in such as the Murray cod (Maccullo- tion and engagement program to the world. Furthermore, it is recog- chella peelii peelii), Australian lungfish raise awareness and engagement nised that there is a backlog of unde- (Neoceratodus forsteri) and freshwater in freshwater fishes and encourage scribed species, with several new taxa sawfish are declining in numbers and community involvement likely to be described in the future. without action some species will soon • Develop ways to increase oppor- be lost for good. tunities for people to learn about However, many species remain poor- freshwater fishes and their habitats. ly known and in South Australia alone, The challenge of managing water more than 50% of the freshwater usage and living in harmony with the fishes are threatened. Drought, intro- environment is large, but the cost of duced species, altered water regimes not doing so even larger. With water and habitats and also the unexpected restrictions being felt across much of but significant impact of bush fires the country there is a need to man- are among the main threats facing age human water requirements to Australia’s fishes. ensure there remains enough water for the species found within Aus- Aquatic habitats are severely af- tralia’s waterways. Without doing so fected through interlinking proc- fish will be some of the first species esses such as changes to natural to disappear, and with them the valu- flow regimes. Ninety-five percent able ecological roles they play. of Australia’s original wetland areas WAZA news 1/10 5

Sara Oldfield – Botanic Gardens Conservation International The Plant » Side of Life: Celebrating Plants in 2010

Botanic gardens around the world specific goals had been accepted by share with zoos a commitment to governments in relation to biodiver- conserving biodiversity. 2010 will sity conservation. As such the GSPC © Claudine Gibson, Chester Zoo be an important year for promoting provided a model approach to target Purple spotted gudgeon (Morgurnda adspersa). and celebrating these efforts and setting, and the GSPC targets have reminding people of the importance been incorporated into the overall of plants. The United Nations has work programme of the CBD. The importance of Australia’s fresh- declared 2010 to be the International water fishes and aquatic habitats Year of Biodiversity calling on the It is clear that biodiversity continues is recognised nationally among world leaders and all in a position to to be lost at an unacceptable rate at scientists and there are a number of help, to take action in 2010 to safe- a global scale and the overall 2010 Bi- major regional initiatives currently in guard the variety of life on earth. For odiversity Target will not be met. One progress which are attempting to ad- the botanic garden community, 2010 of the problems with the 2010 target dress conservation needs. Although will also be the year to celebrate the has been the lack of a defined frame- the meeting highlighted the many achievements of the Global Strategy work for implementation, other than challenges that remain to be faced, for Plant Conservation (GSPC). the general CBD work programmes, the expert panel took this opportu- and the difficulty in defining indica- nity to commend regional efforts The GSPC was adopted by the tors of success. In some ways the being undertaken, especially the 188 Parties to the Convention on GSPC has done better in that soon inter-agency co-ordination around Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2002. after its agreement, stakeholder South Australian Drought Action It includes 16 targets to be met by consultations were held for the vari- Plan and the Action Plan for South 2010. Some countries have devel- ous targets; baselines, however crude, Australian Freshwater Fishes, which oped their own national strategies to were established; and milestones was launched to coincide with the implement the GSPC, regional and and indicators agreed. The progress meeting. national botanic garden networks towards meeting at least some of the have developed joint responses and targets of the GSPC has been impres- The proceedings of the meeting are many individual botanic gardens have sive despite the fact that the Strategy now being compiled at Chester Zoo incorporated the targets of the GSPC has not fully received the political or to produce a strategic document that into their work programmes. Botanic popular support that it deserves. For will be used by the newly formed Task Gardens Conservation International all the enjoyment of and reliance on Force. (BGCI) the equivalent organisation to plant diversity and the popularity of WAZA for botanic gardens has played gardening, at least in the wealthier a key role in developing and support- countries, plant conservation has ing the GSPC. scarcely become a popular cause. BGCI plans to change that in 2010! …The challenge The ultimate goal of the GSPC is to halt the current and continuing loss In 2008, the CBD carried out an in- of managing water of plant diversity. Achieving the GSPC depth review that highlighted the Targets contributes to the overall strengths and weaknesses of imple- usage and living in 2010 Biodiversity Target which is to mentation of the GSPC. BGCI played significantly reduce the rate of loss a lead in the review process, which harmony with the of biodiversity by this important year. resulted in a Plant Conservation Re- The overall 2010 Biodiversity goal was port (published by the Secretariat of environment first adopted by the CBD in 2002 – the the Convention on Biological Diver- same year as the GSPC was agreed – sity in 2009) for presentation at the is large, but the and was confirmed by the World 9th Conference of the Parties to the Summit on Sustainable Development CBD in May 2008. The report provides cost of not doing held in Johannesburg also in the a review of progress target by target, same year. In fact, the adoption of highlighting achievements and not- so even larger… the GSPC by the CBD marked the first ing areas for renewed focus. time that measurable targets and 6 WAZA news 1/10

© Yousheng Chen Acer triflorum has recently been included in BGCI’s Red List of Maples. Of 191 maples assessed, 54 are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. A further 29 could also be threatened now or in the near future. © BGCI Colvillea racemosa from Madagascar is NT but found in 16 botanic garden collections.

Identified constraints to national implementation of the Strategy include limited institutional integra- tion, lack of mainstreaming of the targets into broader environmental and A real measure of success for plant the collation of data on Chinese bo- landuse policies, lack of data, tools conservation would be to see plant- tanic garden collections. The material and technologies, limited sectoral rich habitats secure, supporting stored in both seed banks and living collaboration and coordination, as animal life and providing a sustain- collections throughout the world is well as limited financial and human able supply of food, fuel and medici- of course of great potential value in resources. This list of constraints nal plants for local people! This may species and habitat restoration and reflects not only the shortcomings in seem an unattainable goal signifi- in tackling adaptation to climate plant conservation but in biodiversity cant but at least 69 countries have change. The role of botanic gardens conservation across the board. More begun processes to decide which are in ecological restoration is now being positively, the Plant Conservation their most important plants areas more actively promoted and progress Report records significant progress in for long-term conservation. Ex situ towards the 10 percent target for re- cataloguing plant diversity, recording species conservation is considered covery of threatened species should and conserving important natural ar- by the CBD to be valid in support of start to gain momentum. eas of plant diversity and in develop- the ecosystem approach – that is ing ex situ plant collections. conserving biodiversity in its natural At the 9th Conference of the Parties geographical context. With climate to the CBD in May 2008, countries Cataloguing all known plant species change affecting the range of species, considered the progress review for is clearly an important step towards and placing an extra burden on many, the GSPC and requested that this be documenting the distribution and the importance of ex situ measures further developed post-2010, with conservation status of plant species – may need to be re-evaluated, both revised targets developed. BGCI essential for conservation planning. for plants and animals. has been assisting with this proc- By 2010 the target of having an ac- ess representing and advocating on cessible working list of known plant Target 8 of the GSPC calls for 60 behalf of the botanic garden com- species will be at least 85% complete – percent of threatened plants to be munity. The 16 GSPC targets are not a major achievement stimulated by in ex situ collections and 10 percent being radically re-written but rather the GSPC! At a global level, progress of these in recovery programmes. re-interpreted and adapted to take in IUCN Red Listing for plants has Progress towards the first part of into account the reality of climate been less successful but major steps this target has been relatively good. change. The urgency of meeting forward are expected over the next BGCI provides global monitoring of the targets needs to be rest for the year. BGCI and the Royal Botanic this target through the PlantSearch, Planet Campaign in 2010 to reach Gardens, Kew are in the process of a database of plants in the living out to a wider audience in explaining joining the Red List Partnership and collections of botanic gardens (and the importance of plant diversity. We will boost the rate of IUCN red listing some zoos) worldwide. Over 40 per- hope that the zoo community will at a global level. In the meantime na- cent of globally threatened plants are continue to work with us, for example tional and regional threatened plant already recorded in ex situ collections. in promoting Plant Conservation Day, species remain the best sources of In 2010, BGCI will concentrate more and we look forward to strengthening baseline data for measuring progress effort on recording North American ties with WAZA in the International in conserving threatened plants threatened plant species in ex situ Year of Biodiversity. whether ex situ or in situ. collections and continuing to improve WAZA news 1/10 WAZA Members & Partners 7

Gabriela Lichtenstein & Nadine Renaudeau d’Arc – IUCN/SSC South American Camelid Specialist Group South American Camelids – » Conservation and Sustainable Use

Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) and Gua- The recovery of both species was both for the degree to which local nacos (Lama guanicoe) are two wild addressed through an effective policy people benefit from the exploitation members of the New World camels framework, which shifted, as popula- of the fibre, and for the contribution living in the arid environments of tions increased, from strict protection that such management makes to South America. Vicuñas are restricted to sustainable use. The Convention conservation of the species and its to altitudes above the 3,500 meters in on International Trade in Endangered habitat, being captive management the high Andean region and guana- Species of Wild Fauna and Flora seriously questioned. cos have a more extensive, though (CITES) had an important role to play discontinuous, range from the high together with the Vicuña Convention In 2008, both species were reclassified Andes to the sea level in the Patago- and other national laws and regula- at the global level as Least Concern in nian region. tions. The rationale behind vicuña the IUCN Red List, due to their wide and guanaco use projects is that al- distribution, presumed large popula- These two South American camelids lowing commercial utilisation of fibre, tions (approximately 350,000 vicuñas share a very peculiar feature: an obtained from live-shorn individuals, and 600,000 guanacos) and occur- extremely fine fibre, very expensive will encourage local people’s positive rence in numerous protected areas. in the market that can be obtained attitude towards their conserva- Currently, all guanacos and various through life shearing without the tion. This will result in a decrease in vicuñas populations are included in need of killing the individuals. poaching, a replacement of domestic Appendix II of CITES. However, it is livestock (e.g. sheep and cows) by also important to note that unless con- Both species suffered a dramatic these native ungulates, and support servation actions are in place, the spe- decline since the time of the Span- of conservation measures. cies might decline its numbers again. ish conquest. Vicuñas have the finest Guanacos and vicuñas remain a con- animal fibre in the world and were The different countries in the main servation dependant species despite, persecuted and hunted almost to range of the vicuña (Argentina, and although they do not meet any the verge of extinction to obtain the Bolivia, Chile & Peru) have adopted threat criteria they remain a research entire pelt that was processed and different approaches to the exploita- and management priority. The future sold in Europe. In the case of guanaco, tion of the species. These range from of these species depends on the imple- competition with sheep for forage captive management under farm mentation of conservation-oriented and water and unsustainable hunting conditions to the capture and release management at local, national and were key elements in the decline of of wild populations. In the case of the international levels. populations, which today are frag- guanaco, captive and wild manage- mented and have lost about 60% of ment experiences coexist in Patago- the original range. nia. Each has a different outcome

» © G. Lichtenstein Guanacos in Payunia (Argentina) are captured and shorn following strict animal welfare procedures.

Policies that are based on production It is also important to note that At the Vicuña Convention, the and are not in agreement with the conservation programmes and tight GECS Commission on Animal Welfare principles of the Vicuña Convention, control at local, national and interna- produced protocols for the capture work to undermine the very basis of tional levels are keys for the con- of vicuña and guanaco that were sustainable utilization programmes servation of the species. Given the given to authorities that participated and may complicate the receipt of degree of poaching, the development in the Convention. These protocols benefits by local Andean communities. of captive management schemes, are available in the GECS webpage In the case of guanacos, endangered economic interests for hybridizing www.gecs.com.ar and can be utilized populations from Bolivia, Peru, and vicuñas and alpacas, uncertainties as a tool for management plans, Northern Chile face important threats about the impact of climate change fauna inspectors, and producers. to their conservation. In Patagonia, on the already poor vicuña habitat, Argentina, the low price paid for the and the deterioration of grasslands The GECS hopes that more detailed fibre, the absence of an established due to overgrazing by domestic live- information on the status of vicuñas market for the product, prolonged stock, unless conservation actions are and guanacos at the sub-species droughts and competition with sheep in place, the species might decline its and population level will facilitate are all promoting illegal poaching. numbers again. the establishment of conservation In addition there is a lack of interest programmes better adjusted to local in participating in live-shearing pro- Many of these issues are being realities. This aim is firmly aligned grammes while, at the same time, the addressed by the South American with the vision of GECS, which is to idea of obtaining meat instead of fibre Camelids Specialist Group (GECS), promote the conservation and sus- is being proposed. This productivity one of more than 100 volunteer tainable use of (wild) South American agenda promoted by certain sectors of expert groups in the Species Survival camelids in their area of geographic the state as well as private landhold- Commission (SSC) of IUCN. These distribution. ers is exemplified by the proposed law include: research on the biology regarding production of camelids that and ecology of the species, animal is at present under consideration in welfare, distribution and scale of the Honourable Senate of Argentina. benefits among producers; species …Vicuñas have the The proposed law attempts to equate status updates for the IUCN Red List the management of wild vicuña and of Threatened Species; and technical finest animal fibre guanaco with their domestic relatives. support to governments and international conventions. The GECS is also in the world and contributing with Directions of Fauna to develop local and national man- were persecuted agement plans for the species. and hunted almost to the verge of extinction… WAZA news 1/10 WAZA Members & Partners 9

Sally Walker – Editor Emeritus ZOO’S PRINT Celebrates » 25 Years of Regular Monthly Publication

From 1981 to 1985, a very small NGO ZOOS’ PRINT’s objectives were many as astute and current as in the rest called Friends of Mysore Zoo in India and noble. The primary aims were of the world, such as animal welfare, attracted attention from Government general …to give Indian zoos a com- size and amenities of housing, provi- of India Department of Environment munications device to know one sion of companions – if not mates – (DOEn), by its simple activities on be- another better and share their prob- for social animals, prevention of half of the Mysore Zoo. The Mysore lems and experience, and generally inbreeding, conservation, education, Zoo was under the directorship of Sri to enhance their professionalism. ZPt research, nutrition, records, transport, C. D. Krishne Gowda, an outstanding was meant also to provide a means and even breeding rare species for zoo man of his day who tolerated for other nature and wildlife oriented reintroduction. and even mentored the founder of people or anyone in the public arena FMZ, this writer, and a total novice. to know zoos better and to utilize Despite this, 2 decades later, by 1975, Dr. T. N. Khoshoo, Secretary, DoEn them in their work of promoting con- there was great concern over the and Environmental Advisor to Prime servation. In addition, it was hoped quality of zoos in India which, instead Minister Indira Gandhi who was that a magazine which welcomed all of improving, seemed to be deterio- interested in wildlife and (good) zoos, and sundry types of articles, might rating. An Expert Committee toured invited me onto the National Zoo give shy zoo personnel courage to major zoos and issued a report, Advisory Board in New Delhi. Several write up their activities, experiences, recommending that the National Zoo meetings and discussions later, of- problems and news and also link zoos act as a central coordinating body to ficers of DOEn suggested I register more closely with field conservation. monitor and unify the zoos, which a new Society dedicated to national Ultimately, and completely without were so isolated from one another activities on behalf of all India’s zoos plan, the magazine evolved a differ- they could not even formulate an and apply to the Department for ent role which involved historical re- animal exchange or emulate a good a grant to run the organisation. Thus, search, documenting current history, design used by the other. Even the Zoo Outreach Organisation, Z.O.O., pressing government to follow its number of zoos was unknown to au- which described itself as a “conserva- own recommendations and lobbying. thorities. In 1982 the Department of tion, education and animal welfare Environment, having taking the zoos organization dedicated to assisting Indian zoos were disorganized at that under its auspices, brought out an of- Indian zoos”, came into being at the time although Indian authorities had ficial list of 44 zoos, not realizing that end of 1985. In January 1986, the been aware for some time that they between the 1956 list of 20 zoos and first issue of a monthly magazine needed organization, and many other 1982 a veritable population explosion was published, called ZOOS’ PRINT things. A zoo directors meeting had of zoos had taken place in India. (like “newsprint” but for zoos). It was been conducted as early as 1955 in available on subscription of 25 rupees Madras, India after the formation of In November 1985 a meeting of Zoo a year (about 50 cents today in USD) the Indian Board for Wildlife in 1952. Directors was conducted at National and on complimentary basis to all The issues discussed at this meeting Zoo, urging that an old recommenda- zoos, wildlife divisions, foresters, and were spot on…in brief, to discuss tion of the 1972 Expert committee many government officials associat- problems of zoo administration; for a central coordinating body for ed with wildlife and zoos. This writer, improve existing zoos; and assess the zoos, should be pushed forward. coincidentally, became Editor. scientific, educational, recreational The proceedings of this meeting and aesthetic value of zoos in the swiftly found its way into publica- community life of the nation. Resolu- tion in ZOOS’ PRINT, thanks to Sri tions taken at that meeting included C. D. Krishne Gowda, who, along exchange of animals, creation of an with other senior or retired zoo All-India Zoo Association, expanding directors routinely handed over their the scope of zoos to breed animals official documents to ZOO. With this for restocking wild areas where they information it was possible to inform had declined, training for zoo person- crucial news to the entire zoo and nel, an inventory of zoos and more. wildlife community through ZOOS’ A list of 20 zoos appeared in the pro- PRINT, as well as the public in care- ceedings. Soon afterwards, the IBWL fully written feature articles in major formed a Zoo Wing, which first met Sunday editions. in May 1956 and deliberated issues 10 WAZA Members & Partners WAZA news 1/10

Yolanda Matamoros – AMACZOOA » Mesoamerican In 1987 ZOOS’ PRINT published a list Sanjay Molur, now Editor, began of 115 zoos, and rapidly corrected it trying to make ZPt more scientific and Caribbean to 160. In 1989 a directory 179 zoos by insisting all technical articles be was brought out by Nandankanan peer reviewed and edited. We lost Zoo. These documents clearly many contributors and even read- Zoos and showed that there were many more ers as a result but we divided the zoos, most of them government- publication into two, a magazine run zoos, than those listed officially, and a journal. Last year, Sanjay Aquarium making it virtually impossible for the morphed ZPJ into a new, web- government to ignore. Incidentally, based international Journal of when the Indian Zoo Act was passed Threatened Taxa JoTT which is very Association in 1991 and it became legally incum- popular. ZOOS’ PRINT magazine bent on zoos to register, more than is still the same sloppy publication 350 institutions were listed later cor- which accepts almost anything This organization was created in rected to 450. and creates much of its copy based Guatemala in 1988. Since then, it has on what we think readers need to been supporting regional zoos and Many zoo personnel began sending learn. Also, it was important, we aquariums to train their staff in the articles, questions, acquisition and felt, that Indian zoo personnel latest technology and helped to disposition lists of animals, and even have access to some of the classic develop conservation programs. stories to ZOOS’ PRINT following zoo books including that of our At the same time it has been the link the first few issues. ZOOS’ PRINT own R. B. Sanyal who wrote the between WAZA and them. Today tried to cover every single Indian very first zoo management book more than 60 institutions participate zoo event and also keep “reminding” in the world, Heini Hediger, Gerald in AMACZOOA. zoos and their government of the Durrell, and others’ important need for a central coordinating body chapters which we circulated with Simon Bolivar Zoo, in San José, Costa as well as other required action. each early issue. Rica, in collaboration with the Jade When this began to happen it was Museum of Costa Rica National tracked in the magazine. Central ZOOS’ PRINT provides a very Insurance Company, worked together Zoo Authority and it many activities detailed history of most Indian and during 2009 to develop an exhibition and publications initially were docu- even some other zoos from 1985 named Scales, Spots and Feathers: mented in ZPM and even now, when to the present and even before the Chaman Messengers. The objec- we can keep up with it. as much information on various tive is to let the visitors of both the historical aspects of Indian zoos zoo and the museums be aware of ZOOS’ PRINT also documented and zoo personnel were included what is represented in jade, gold, clay work done in zoos by their personnel throughout. and stone, which is still with us today. and also by Zoo Outreach Organisa- tion itself. ZOO undertook status Many zoo and wildlife person- and management surveys of zoos nel are sentimental about ZOOS’ holding selected threatened species PRINT, acknowledging that it followed by the first studbooks. was where they learned to write Some few years later, the magazine articles and overcome their fear of made for a convenient means of publication. We salute our writers, circulating information about and readers, critics, fans and staff on summaries of the many PHVA and our 25th Anniversary. ZPt can be CAMP workshops conducted by found on www.zoosprint.org. CBSG, India as well as reports of zoo, wildlife and environment meetings © AMACZOOA in the country and abroad. Another Exhibition about nature, art publication older than ZOOS’ PRINT and indigenous people. consisted compiled and reprinted material is ZOO ZEN which was called into service for circulating reports important to zoos and technical material otherwise unobtainable by Indian zoos. WAZA news 1/10 WAZA Members & Partners 11

Kenichi Kitamura – JAZA Japanese » Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Japanese Association of Zoos and As for the balance sheet of member Aquariums (JAZA), an incorporated Zoo, admission of about 600 Yen association of 89 zoos and 67 aquari- (6 US$ more or less) covers 20%–30%, ums functions by membership fee. or the ticket sales can hardly bear As no legal framework for opening/ the operation and maintenance cost. monitoring the institutions, unlike UK The deficit is made up mainly by local with zoo licensing act or USA-AZA government budget because these accreditation system, most of zoos institutions are regarded as educa- (70/89) are owned and managed by tional facilities and citizens under local governments and 30 aquariums 15 and over 65 years old are often are run by private enterprises. exempt from the admission. © AMACZOOA King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa). Number of visitors to JAZA mem- As for staff members of zoos and ber zoos and aquariums reached in aquariums, about 7,000 persons work This exhibition is going to be inaugu- 2008 about 74 million people (57% in member institutions. 3,000 persons rated on March 16 and will be open of total population) a year. An- are engaged in animal care of which from March to August 2010, addition- nual average visitor to each of them 300 are veterinarians. ally there will be held a conference counts 460,000 for zoo and 480,000 per month. These conferences will for aquarium. Our statistics of the JAZA members keep some 4,050 spe- be led by specialists of each of the year 1988 shows that an average zoo cies of animals; they are 350 of mam- groups exhibited. This exhibition then received 700,000 visitors and an mals, 500 of birds, 400 of amphibians is part of the activities of the Interna- aquarium welcomed 390,000 respec- and 2,800 fishes. Total 100 thousand tional Year of Biodiversity 2010. tively (see graph below). specimens at zoos, one millon specimens at aquariums. 12 WAZA Members & Partners WAZA news 1/10

International relations

1. Besides JAZA, 5 zoos and 2 aquariums have become WAZA members and 7 zoos and 4 aquariums have joined in ISIS. Budgetary constraints hinder them from obtaining the membership.

2. International cooperation concern- ing captive breeding was implemented, from 2001 to 2005, between Ueno Zoo and Chapultepec Zoo of Mexico © JAZA by signing a breeding loan contract Meeting with WAZA in Tokyo, July 2009. of Giant panda. Consequence was a 3 times of flight record of Ueno male panda to and from Mexico City. 4. As for the Year of the Gorilla 2009, 6. With regard to the WAZA concern Similar trials between Chinese gov- eight member zoos which keep West- for animal welfare, discussions on ernment and (1) Kobe Oji Zoo and (2) ern lowland gorillas are named as dolphin catch took place in July 2009, Adventure World (Shirahama) were supporting YoG zoos. They take pride between WAZA delegation and JAZA put and the latter has succeeded in of this nomination and are ready to member institutions’ representatives breeding seven calves since 2000. raise awareness in the general public in Tokyo. WAZA pointed out that the and fundraising for gorilla conserva- present dolphin catch mixed two mo- 3. JAZA has made efforts to actively tion. tives i.e. for human consumption and participate in international undertak- for aquaria exhibit and these should ings of which initiative is taken by 5. JAZA members’ contribution be separately done. In response to WAZA. The recent example of the to international studbook keeping this remark, JAZA coordinated with Year of the Frog may be summarized covers five species as listed below. such concerned parties as Fishery as follows: In-charge keeper’s name is given in Agency, local governments, coopera- 42 member institutions took part parentheses. tives and their member fishermen for in this international campaign by separation of catch purposes, taking implementing itinerant exhibitions, • Oriental white stork (Ciconia boy- into account the harvesting season presentation of promotion video and ciana) (Tama Zoological Park) and target species. Since captive songs, etc. JAZA contributed to AArk • Hooded crane (Grus monacha) breeding is an important task of the one million Yen which may be used (Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoo) members, JAZA continues to pro- for world-wide amphibian rescue • Red-crowned crane (Grus japonen- mote their efforts. programs. sis) (Tama Zoological Park) • White-naped crane (Grus vipio) (Saitama Children’s Zoo) • Japanese serow (Capricornis crispuss) (Toyama Municipal Family Park Zoo)

…JAZA has made efforts to actively participate in international undertakings of which initiative is taken by WAZA… WAZA news 1/10 WAZA Members & Partners 13

Dave Morgan – PAAZAB Executive Director African Zoo Sponsorship

Programme of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria

In 2006 the membership of the World One of the significant issues identi- Thus far the nature of this form of en- Association of Zoos and Aquariums fied through the WOZA Africa initia- gagement has proven to be quite suc- made something of a landmark tive of PAAZAB (Morgan 2003 in Proc. cessful. Noteworthy have been Leip- decision with the adoption of COMM of 58th WAZA Annual meeting) is the zig Zoo’s sponsorship of Addis Ababa 61.10: 2006 at the Leipzig conference. fact that the majority of operational Lion Zoo in Ethiopia; the Zoological The resolution stated: zoos in West and central Africa are Society of London’s sponsorship of isolated from the international zoo Kumasi Zoo in Ghana, Twycross zoo We as a community of organized zoos community as represented by WAZA. of Uganda Wildlife Education Centre have a moral, ethical and profes- As a consequence such zoos have lit- in Uganda and Bristol Zoo, Mvog sional responsibility to engage with tle exposure to trends in and tenants Betsi Zoo in Cameroon. These rela- needy institutions in order to help of, modern zoo practice. A potential tionships have been characterised by them improve their standards, achieve solution to this is to encourage such effective cross-pollination of cultural conservation goals, and benefit the zoos to take up membership in the mores, skills transfer and resource animals they hold. regional zoos association, PAAZAB. and capacity building. In doing so, they then have access to Although simple in its derivation, the the global network and their partici- The relationship/sponsorship need implications of the statement are pation therein, expected and solicited. not be simply one to one. Several wide and far-reaching, and reinforce zoos might consider a partnership to the concept of zoo mentorship. The A single one-off payment to PAAZAB cover the costs of an African Zoo’s idea of developed world zoos engag- by the sponsoring zoo covers the membership. Indeed, the relationship ing with developing world zoos is far cost of an African zoo’s membership need not necessarily be zoo to zoo. from new (Conway, 2003 in Int Zoo Yb. to PAAZAB for a three-year period. David Field and Lesley Dickie – names 38 and Walker & Morgan, 2005 Proc. However, in addition to this, the known to all in the WAZA Commu- of WAZA 60th Annual meeting) and sponsored zoo also receives a visit nity – in their private capacities are is a recommended strategy of the by PAAZAB personnel and a report presently sponsoring Parc Zoologique World Zoo and Aquarium Conserva- is generated for both the sponsored de Ivoloina, Madagascar. tion Strategy of 2005. and sponsoring zoos. Furthermore the cost also covers the attendance There remain a number of other Af- As a means of promoting such of the zoo’s senior management of at rican Zoos that will benefit from this partnerships between zoos in Africa least one PAAZAB conference during programme, including: and those in Europe and America, the three year period. • Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Maidaguri, the African Association of Zoos and Nigeria Aquaria (PAAZAB) has developed Do give some thought to sponsor- • University of Ibadan Zoo, a membership sponsorship structure ing an African zoo and address any Ibadan, Nigeria; that facilitates the initiation of such queries to the author (PO Box 754, • Kinshasa Zoo, Kinshasa, DRC; partnerships. Pretoria 0001, South Africa | • Safari Walk, Nairobi, Kenya; or [email protected]). • Nairobi Snake Park, Nairobi, Kenya; • Parc Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, Anatananarivo, Madagascar; • Bamako Zoo, Bamako, Mali; • Ouagadougou Zoo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; • Parc Zoologique de Hahn, Dakar, Senegal • Parc Zoologique et des Loisirs, Algiers, Algeria; • Maputo Zoo, Maputo, Mocambique; • Niamey Zoo, Niamey, Niger; • Abidjan Zoo, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

Martin Phillips – ARAZPA Executive Director ARAZPA is No More! Welcome to the Zoo and Aquarium Association (Australasia)

The Association changed its identity A new identity was needed to raise The location was purposely excluded in November 2009. The Association the Association’s profile externally from the local branding to keep the retains the legal identity of ARAZPA and to do so it was important that the name short and catchy. The location but operates as the Zoo and Aquar- brand be recognisable and memo- is assumed when 95% of work is done ium Association or the Zoo and rable. Although ARAZPA worked in Australia and New Zealand. We Aquarium Association (Australa- internally, externally the name were conscious of our global partner sia) when working internationally. needed to explain exactly what we organisations so there is an Australa- The web and email addresses will do to journalists, government and the sian version of our branding for when be retained whilst the transition general public and in many cases the we are working internationally or if is made. employees of our member institu- the situation calls for it. tions. Whilst the Association recog- nises that its name will be abbrevi- The identity also uses a range of ated by others the organisation will photographic marine and land based be referring to itself by its full name animal textures to define both the to maintain the awareness of what Zoological and Aquaria membership we do and who we represent. within the organisation (An example is shown below using the New Zealand Kea). These textures allow the logo to be present in a number of Question and Answers on the Australasian Association’s different colours, giving the identity New Name and Brand variety and flexibility for use in print and digital media. Native Australian Why have you not used an ani- What was the thinking behind and New Zealand animal textures are mal in the logo like the zoos do? the actual design and why use included in the portfolio to strength- The intent was to have the name the ‘skin’ backgrounds? en the Australasian locality. and the graphical identify as one The identity uses a range of pho- to keep it simple and more memo- tographic marine and land based rable. It was also important to animal textures to define both the differentiate the Association from Zoological and Aquaria member- the member zoos and aquariums. ship within the organisation. These textures allow the logo to be Why is the ‘and’ missing presented in a number of different in the logo? colours, giving the identity variety The name is the Zoo and Aquarium and flexibility. Native Australian Association however the ‘and’ was and New Zealand animal textures Example of the logo used for intentionally left out of the logo to can be chosen to strengthen an the newsletter. keep it clean and simple, people Australasian locality automatically add the ‘and’ as they read the logo. Would it be possible to get the logos in graphic formats Why has the Australasian name please (tiff, eps, jpeg)? been dropped? Yes; please contact the office. The location was purposely excluded from the local branding to Is there an annotated logo keep the name short and catchy. for accredited institutions Location is assumed when 95% of and what about the branches? work is done in Australia and New Yes there is accredited institution Zealand. There is an Australasian logo, and logos for the Queens- version for when working interna- land and New Zealand branches. tionally or if the situation calls for it. Example of the business card using one of the images. WAZA news 1/10 Books 15

Gerald Dick – WAZA | Marie-Josée Limoges – Granby Zoo, University of Montreal Book Reviews

Back to the Wild – Building a Future Protected Species for Wildlife: Zoos and and Ex Situ Conservation Aquariums Committed to Actions in Taiwan Biodiversity Conservation By Shawn Peng Edited by Gerald Dick Taipei Zoo, 2010 | 200 pp and Markus Gusset ISBN 978-986-02-1353-9 WAZA, Switzerland, 2010 | 215 pp ISBN 978-3-033-02234-8 The book contains conservation stories of Taiwan’s native species, Building a Future for Wildlife: Zoos beautifully illustrated with magnifi- and Aquariums Committed to Biodi- cent pictures and sketches. Exam- versity Conservation is published by ples include mammals, birds, fishes, the World Association of Zoos and amphibians, reptiles and insects. Aquariums (WAZA) to mark 2010, It features a brief description of Ex-situ conservation approaches are designated International Year of each project, its goals, challenges introduced, including reproductive Biodiversity by the United Nations. and success stories. Each section physiology, nutrition analysis, and This document is a follow-up to is well illustrated with numerous genetic research. Research results WAZA’s 2005 Building a Future for quality photos, maps and dia- of the relevant species illustrate the Wildlife: the World Zoo and Aquari- grams. Short biographies of every ex situ work and its importance for um Conservation Strategy. It seeks individual contributor help create conservation. to take stock of the state of world a more personal connection with biodiversity, and review the role the reader. A prominent example is the For- which WAZA member institutions mosan landlocked salmon (Onco- are playing in the field of wildlife Because of the large number of rhynchus masou), a subspecies that is conservation. authors, each with their own endemic to Taiwan and a population writing style, this book occasion- left behind from the last ice age as The book is organized in three ally feels uneven, yet a coherent climate change and tectonic move- main sections. The first presents whole emerges. It paints a broad ments trapped the migrating fishes the current state of biodiversity picture of the many challenges in central Taiwan. This chapter deals and the role of zoos and aquari- facing those involved in biodiver- with egg harvesting, fertilizing, in- ums as conservation advocates, as sity conservation today. To this re- cubating, subsequent management seen through the eyes of partner viewer, it also offered hope through of the fish to pre-release training, organizations. The second de- the sheer variety of approaches nutrition requirements and finally the scribes present realities and future devised to meet these challenges. establishment of satellite populations. directions targeted by WAZA As expressed in the preface, it does members, and offers a vision of not claim to have the answers to A large number of contributing the role of zoos and aquariums halting biodiversity loss, but it does authors include university professors, from the WAZA perspective. highlight solutions zoo and aquari- conservationists, ecologists, zoo edu- The third and most extensive sec- ums can provide, particularly if they cators, national park staff and others. tion showcases 25 standout con- unite their expertise, resources, This diversity of contributing authors servation projects, chosen among and voice. In summary, it is an also reflects the diverse contents of some 163 WAZA-supported efforts. interesting snapshot of biodiversity the book. The foreword was provided conservation by the world’s zoo by WAZA president, Dr Mark Penning and aquarium community as it who highlights and commends “the stands at the dawn of 2010. concerted efforts made by personnel of the Taipei Zoo and its conservation For orders in the continental U.S., Asia & Oce- partners to preserve this heritage”. ania, please order on www.amazon.com. Note that the book is not out of stock as stated on Bilingually published in English and the Amazon website. The book is in stock and Chinese languages, this beautiful will be sent to you without delay. For orders book will appeal to customers across in the EU, please visit www.nhbs.com and in borders. Germany www.filander.de. If you wish to order larger quantities on commission, please contact the WAZA Executive Office secretariat@ waza.org. In addition, we welcome your book reviews on www.amazon.com. Happy reading! 16 Books WAZA news 1/10

Jörg Junhold – Zoo Leipzig » Book Reviews Announce… Atlas der Säugetiere Architects of Change Europas, Nordafrikas und Vorderasiens This is a documentary series visit- (Mammals of Europe, ing pioneers who have succeeded in North Africa and creating new models for economical Middle East) development. It is all about sustain- by Eckhard Grimmberger able and lasting growth, featuring and Klaus Rudloff, with 30 architects of change in 26 different contributions from countries, on six continents. In epi- Christian Kern sode 4 The Need for Biodiversity one Natur und Tier Verlag, of three featured characters is Joanne Münster, 2009 | 496 pp, Lalumière, director of Zoo de Granby 437 maps, 1094 figures (Canada), the other two are Wangari ISBN 978-3-86659-090-8 Maathai, Nobel peace prize winner of Kenya and Dener José Giovanni of This new atlas of the mammals of Environmentalists, Brazil. Europe, North Africa and Middle East is a wonderful supplement description of the species, data not only for experts but for begin- about its current distribution, habi- ners in the field of mammalogy as tat and ecology, the conservation well. The authors have succeeded status and references of further Greetings from IUCN to present nearly the complete literature. A coloured distribution array of species, sometimes even map and one or more pictures of Julia Marton-Lefèvre, subspecies, in brilliant colourful living specimens complement the Director General of the International photographs. Some of these are chapter of each species. Union for Conservation of Nature – even published for the first time, IUCN, has signed an agreement with like the species Meriones grandis, The annex of the atlas consists of the World Association of Zoos and Gerbillus hoogstraali or Microtus determination keys which show Aquariums (WAZA) which will be anatolicus. The authors have spent for example pictures of the tails of moving its headquarters from Berne several years in travelling many specific jerboas, gerbils and deer to IUCN’s new green building in countries in order to collect these taxa or the soles of hind feet of April 2010. IUCN is very proud to host pictures and were supported by some rodents. A bibliography and an IUCN Member which shares our zoologists from all over the world an index complete the book. values and mission. We hope WAZA to complete the collection. staff will feel comfortable in their new This atlas is not only a precious surroundings, and we look forward to The book starts with a useful source for every zoologist but it in- closer collaboration and to working on introduction of the zoological sys- vites the reader to browse through new synergies between both organiza- tematic, a brief introduction of the in order to enjoy the pictures and tions, said Julia. The official inaugura- evolution and world of mammals learn more about the rich diversity tion of IUCN’s Conservation Center and details how to use the atlas. of the mammals of the western will take place on 4 June 2010. Palaearctic. As 2010 is the “Year The following over 400 pages of Biodiversity” this books shows with descriptions of 436 mammal impressively what this slogan may species (except cetacaens) are mean to us! structured by using the systematic of the standard reference “Mam- I can honestly recommend this mal Species of the World” (Wilson fine atlas and would like to see it & Reeder 2005). Every chapter for being used widely. You can really a species contains the scientific experience the deep interest of name, the German name, Eng- the authors for their subject while lish, French, Russian and Spanish reading the book. common names, a short but exact An English translation would help to promote it even better and open it to a broader public. This is what I would wish to the atlas.

Ilona Zühlke – Matt Kennard – Wellington Zoo Allwetterzoo Münster …ments UNESCO Offers Biodiversity Exhibition to WAZA

At the launching event of the year of biodiversity at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, 21 January 2010, the newly created biodiversity exhibition was offered to WAZA © Wellington Zoo members. Zoos and Aquariums Sales Manager from the National Business Review Todd Scott (far left), Chief Executive Karen Fifield interested in renting the exhibition (centre) and the team at Wellington Zoo at the National NZI Sustainable Business Awards 2009. or in using the PDF panels as tem- plates for their own production, Wellington Zoo is the People’s Choice for Sustainability please contact Anne Candau at UNESCO ([email protected]). Wellington Zoo’s aim to be ‘the best • The initiatives that were instigated A brief description of the exhibi- little zoo in the world’ was given as a result of the Zoo’s ‚Sustainabil- tion can be found under a huge boost last month when it ity Innovations‘ project were all staff www.unesco.org/mab/doc/ walked away with the People’s Choice suggestions. Out of the 140 innova- iyb/e_exhibition.pdf Award at the 2009 NZI National Sus- tions, 80 have already been imple- tainable Business Network Awards. mented with a further 16 planned. • In the Zoo’s recent development, The Zoo was the clear winner in the entitled African Unity, 25% of all category; just reward for an organi- materials used in the build were sation that has made great strides recycled, reused or had another life over the years to make sustainability in the Zoo. This saved the project and conservation a central part of its between five and ten thousand work – as well as being a community dollars. asset which helps people take posi- • The Zoo calculated that on the first tive action for the environment. staff sustainable transport day, the Zoo reduced staff travel emissions This approach is evident throughout by an estimated 150 kgs of CO₂ the Zoo. Commitment to these princi- emissions. ples is top-down, with real effort tak- • The Zoo achieved Qualmark Enviro- en to educate and influence clients, Gold in 2009. This is the first time suppliers, visitors and the community any organisation has achieved about sustainability issues at every Enviro-Gold at the first accredita- © Gerald Dick opportunity. Staff are also heavily tion process. Wellington Zoo is the UNESCO travelling exhibition. involved in instigating and supporting first New Zealand Zoo to achieve sustainable business practices. this accreditation.

Jörg Adler Receives Highest Honour for Foreigners by Vietnam

Since 20 years Allwetterzoo Münster, Germany, works for conservation of endangered species in Vietnam. The director, Jörg Adler, now received the highest honour for foreigners, the „order for peace and friendship between peoples“. Adler received this honour representing the whole team of the zoo. Just before the ceremony a baby of the Cat ba langur was born © Jörg Adler © Jörg Adler in North Vietnam’s Halong bay – Award ceremony: left Pham Huu Thu, chief of Department Cat ba langur with baby. a further sign of successful conserva- of t he Exterior, centre: Jörg Adler, right Rolf Schulze, tion work, congratulations! German ambassador in Hanoi. 18 Announcements WAZA news 1/10

WAZA Executive Office Christoph Schwitzer – Bristol Zoo » WAZA Special Rate for WAZA Grant 2010

Zoo Biology Journal The application is now open for the WAZA training grants 2010. WAZA members can simply con- Grants are awarded to the staff tact their regional Wiley-Blackwell of WAZA member institutions Customer Service centre and identify (or affiliates) or to the members themselves as members when they or staff of WAZA member asso- request the Zoo Biology subscrip- ciations. These must be members tion. Customer Service will then take in good standing and have all the relevant mailing address, billing their membership dues paid at information, etc. to set up the sub- the time of submission of the scription. Please note that the Special grant application. Rate is available only via contacting Customer Service; WAZA members Priority will be given to projects that click the Subscribe link on Zoo that: Biology’s home page will not receive © BCSF the discounted rate. • Build the capacity of developing Blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons). Contact: [email protected] country zoos and aquariums and their personnel to manage their Plant a Tree – collections and contribute to local, regional or global Save the Lemur conservation; Changes in IATA Cargo • have a significant and quantifi- Madagascar’s blue-eyed black lemur able impact on the public or the population is in urgent need of help. • Industry Conferences, EDI, Special local communities incorporated It is estimated that only 3000 lemurs Cargo Standards (excluding DGR), in the project. remain in the wild, where they are and ULD Standards, currently based • have a more applied research under threat from habitat destruction in Montreal will be moved to Ge- approach and emphasize basic and fragmentation. neva and integrated under Frederic principles of animal care and Leger within his Cargo Process and management or wildlife By purchasing one of Carbon-info’s Standards function Zhi Yong will conservation rather than tree planting packages you will be move from Montreal to join Fred- more technical research. directly involved in the conservation eric’s Geneva based team. • Are both scientifically and and protection of the rare blue-eyed • Agency management activities, economically feasible in black lemur in Madagascar’s Sa- based in Geneva will also be inte- a designated period of time. hamalaza National Park. grated under Frederic Leger. • are continuing, rather than • Cargo support and administrative “one time” efforts; The trees will: activities currently based in Mon- • Incorporate a strong educational • Provide the blue-eyed black lemur treal will be moved to Geneva and and training component that with new habitats and food. integrated under Guillaume Drucy can serve as a model for future • Support the local population and within his Business Development programs. economy, as all trees are sourced and Performance function. To this • already have secured locally. end Ben Behanan will move from a significant portion of funding. • Absorb carbon dioxide from the Montreal to join Guillaume’s Geneva atmosphere, which helps prevent based team. Please visit the WAZA website / global warming. • DGR and IULDUG activities will member area for further continue to be based in Montreal, details and meet the deadline Our tree planting gifts starts from headed up by Dave Brennan (Head of 5 July 2010 in case you are just £8 for 3 trees. But if you want to Cargo Safety and Standards). interested. plant acres of forest, we can help with • Following these changes, John that too. Include a personalised gift Bernardi has left IATA, and Eric certificate, showing your name and Raemdonck, Steve Savage, and the number of trees planted. Ajay Pande will leave IATA at end of March 2010. For more information, please see: www.carbon-info.org/tree_planting/ Plant_and_Save.htm WAZA news 1/10 Recent updates 19

Ulrike Fox – WAZA Executive Office WAZA website

Every “Click” Pick a picture?

You Make… When you click on our Virtual Zoo, you will see that many animal images Thanks to all 80 members who are still missing. Therefore I would ask have already registered on our new you to send us your image selections website. But 80 out of 320 WAZA which we will use for the Virtual Zoo. members represent only 25% which You will see your name and copyright is not very much. I think we can credit listed at the website. do better than that. Please remem- ber that by signing up, you help us to make the website even more ef- What we need fective and interesting for everyone. Primates: Monkeys – Mandrillus leucophaeus, Trachypithecus Why is that? poliocephalus, Macaca silenus, Saguinus bicolor, Cebus xanthosternos | Prosimians – Microcebus lehilahytsara, Nycticebus pygmaeus Quite simply, with every click you Cats: Felis nigripes, Oncifelis geoffroyi, Leopardus colocolo, Felis margarita make on the website we analyze Small Carnivores: Mustela lutreola, Chrotogale owstoni, Eira Barbara what is important for you and Even-toed Ungulates: Antelopes – Gazella curvieri, Ourebia ourebi, Cephalophus silvicultor | which part of the website we Cattle – Bubalus quarlesi | Deer – Dama mesopotamica | Pigs and Peccaries – Hylochoerus meinertzhageni | Sheep, Goats, Chamois and Musk Ox – Ovis ammon, Pseudois nayaur, should be more focused on. How- Ovis orientalis ophion, Capra aegagrus cretica, Saiga tatarica ever this is only the first step, the Odd-toed Ungulates: Horses and Relatives – Equus zebra hartmannae second step is to send us your news, Xenarthra: Anteaters – Tamandua tetradactyla media alerts and press releases so Bats and Insectivores: Bats – Cynocephalus variegates, Rhynchonycteris naso, Pteropus that we can publish them on our rodricensis | Insectivores – Otopteryx volitans website. Marsupials and Platypus: Marsupials – Parantechinus apicalis | Pangolins – Manis pentadactyla Birds of Prey: Diurnal Birds of Prey – Gyps coprotheres, Aquila heliacal, Falco punctatus, A good example is our last Christ- Aquila nipalensis | Nocturnal Birds of Prey – Micrathene whitneyi, Strix nebulosa, Surnia ulula, Pulsatrix perspicillata, Aegolius funereus mas Story, presented by the Frank- Cranes and Relatives: Balearica pavonina, Gallirallus owstoni, Grus leucogeranus, furt Zoo. Grus carunculatus, Grus vipio Please send your Images to Ulrike Fox, [email protected]

WAZA acknowledges the support The next steps of the following photographers: Julie Gardner Kollar, Columbus As some of you already have heard in Zoo and Aquarium | Lisa Chickos, St. Louis, we are working on a solu- The Alaska Zoo | Juan Sebastián tion for donations on the website; in Villalba-Macías, Montes del Plata | future there will be the possibility to Clover Street, Zoo Atlanta support WAZA projects in general. After some teething problems, we have been successful in finding the right credit institution, to match our needs. It will also allow members to pay membership fees via credit card (no more extra charges for conver- sion fees) in future – more about the implementation in the next edition of WAZA News or online.

We are looking forward to your feed- Please make sure that your mar- back, press releases and of course keting people are familiar with the images! WAZA website and that they register themselves. In this way we can benefit from synergies, so let’s start today! 20 Recent updates | New WAZA projects WAZA news 1/10

Sofie Meilvang – Limbe Wildlife Centre

Givskud Zoo’s Conservation WAZA Project 09002 Education in Cameroon

Givskud Zoo Naturfond Fantastic wildlife Mvog Betsi Zoo

Givskud Zoo Naturfond is a founda- Cameroon is a very diverse Central Mvog Betsi Zoo is jointly run by tion that supports nature conser- African country. The south of the MINEF (the Ministry for the Environ- vation projects around the world. country is covered in dense rainforest ment and Forest) and AAA. All the The foundation is managed by with a very high biodiversity, and is animals in the zoo are confiscated Givskud Zoo. home to gorillas, chimpanzees and animals e.g. animals saved from the Every year we collect a considerable drills, the most endangered primate bushmeat trade. Most of the animals amount of money from our generous in Africa. are smaller primates, but the zoo also visitors. A large share of the founda- In the north, the country dries out, houses lions, birds and reptiles. tion’s money has since 2004 been and opens to a landscape of moun- AAA has an Environmental Educa- spent on conservation education in tains, volcanoes and savannas, which tion Centre in the Zoo, where the four Cameroon. contain a variety of wildlife including educators are based. The education We believe that supporting in situ elephants, lions and giraffes. centre has a well-equipped classroom, projects are as important as breeding Unfortunately the wildlife in Cam- and receives more than 10.000 stu- and keeping endangered animals in eroon is not very well protected. It suf- dents each year. Each Saturday our zoo in Denmark, and that in situ fers from illegal hunting, logging and a number of very dedicated pupils education is at least as important as habitat destruction and many of the join the Nature Club in the Zoo. The the education we give in our zoo. We species is threatened by extinction. educators also do outreach programs have also realized that even a small to villages and an education program effort in Cameroon can make a big for orphanages and under privileged difference for a lot of people and for Ape Action Africa children. the wildlife. Since 2004, Givskud Zoo has supported Ape Action Africa (AAA, previously Mefou National Park Why education? CWAF) in a joint venture with Bristol Zoo. At this time we pay the salaries Mefou National park contains 1044 Education is of particular interest to of four full time educators. hectares of forest. Here AAA houses us, as we believe that education of AAA is a UK registered charity that gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons and children is one of the best ways to work closely together with the Cam- various species of monkeys in big secure a better future for the wildlife. eroonian government. The project in enclosures. The place is open for The children act as ambassadors for Cameroon is WAZA branded. visitors and is a unique possibility to the environment and wildlife in par- AAA operates in two sites in Cam- see Cameroons wildlife in a natural ticularly, and it is our experience that eroon, in Mvog Betsi Zoo in Yaoundé environment. the children spread the word to their the capital of Cameroon, and in Me- When possible, the educators bring family and friends. fou National Park which is situated school classes to Mefou, but often One of the reasons why we decided a 40 min drive from Yaoundé. the schools can’t afford the transport to support a project in Cameroon, is to the forest, and in the rainy season that Cameroon is habitat country for the road can be rather impassable. two of the four sub-species of gorillas; the western lowland gorilla (Go- rilla gorilla gorilla) and the cross river gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). Since …Education of children is one we have western lowland gorillas in Givskud Zoo, we feel that a project in of the best ways to secure a better Cameroon is closely connected to our work here in Denmark. future for the wildlife. Children act as ambassadors for the environment and wildlife in particular… WAZA news 1/10 Recent updates | New WAZA projects 21

Limbe Wildlife Centre

In 2009 Givskud Zoo expanded our support to conservation education in Cameroon and now we also support one education officer in Limbe Wild- © Morten Hechmann Andersen life Centre (LWC). We have agreed Red-capped Mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus) in Mefou NP. to cover his salaries, insurances and working costs during at least 3 years. Limbe Wildlife Centre is a sanctuary Givskud Zoo’s ways of helping Cameroon exhibition situated on the foot of Mount Cam- in Givskud Zoo eroon in Limbe, a charming fishing Beyond covering the educator’s sal- town, in the South west province of ary, we also support the educators by In Givskud Zoo we inform our visitors Cameroon. LWC is a collaboration be- exchanging knowledge and experi- about the Cameroon project through tween the Cameroonian government ence. an exhibition in the gorilla enclosure. and the Pandrillus Foundation, a international NGO, registered in USA. We visit the projects every second We aim to publish the monthly The centre rescues primarily primates, year to get an onsite, status report reports from the two projects so but also other animals that have been on the education activities and to our visitors can follow the progress orphaned because of the bushmeat provide help where needed. of the program. It is our experience trade and illegal logging. that the visitors are very interested LWC yearly receives around We also try to get the African educa- in the project. That is seen in the big 40.000 visitors, of which 90% are tors to Denmark, and in September amount of money they donate to our Cameroonians. 2009 we arranged a training trip cause. The centre is home to 16 gorillas to Givskud Zoo for one of the staff including one cross river gorilla of AAA. He stayed in Denmark for (the only known cross river gorilla in almost a month, and was involved captivity), more than 50 chimpanzees in every kind of education activity in and a lot of different monkeys among the zoo in that period. Hopefully he them 63 drills. will share his experiences with his LWC has a well-developed educa- colleagues, giving them more tools to tion program, which involves guided teach conservation I Cameroon. tours in the centre; a nature club held weekly for about 140 primary and secondary school students, conservation workshops held several times each year and a school outreach program. In this program the education team weekly visit local schools and teach the children about nature, animals and conservation. © Morten Hechmann Andersen Signs in Mefou NP. 22 Recent updates | New WAZA projects WAZA news 1/10

Teresa Abáigar – Estación de Zonas Aridas/CSIC, Spain

Reintroduction of WAZA Project 09015 Dorcas Gazelle in Senegal

As for other sahelo-saharan ante- On April 10th 2007, 20 dorcas gazelles Considering the success of the lopes extinct in Senegal (the mohor (6 males, 14 females) from the cap- initial phases of this reintroduction gazelle – Gazella dama mhorr and the tive population breeding in Europe project (transfer and monitoring), scimitar-horned oryx – Oryx dammah), under the EEP were transferred to we afforded the next step, planned the dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas ne- the Guembeul Special Fauna Re- as the transfer of part of the dorcas glecta) disappeared from this country serve (Senegal). The gazelles were gazelles from Geumbeul Reserve in the early 70’s. Overexploitation and located in three new acclimatation to the Ferlo North Fauna Reserve, human competition (livestock) are enclosures: 2 holding reproductive with a genetic reinforcement of the claim as the main causes of disap- groups and 1 with an all males group. Geumbeul´s population with new pearance. Since the 80’s, the Senega- Since this reintroduction started, the founders from the European captive lese government, trough the National reproduction of these gazelles has population. On March 26, 6 dorcas Parks Direction (DPN) (Environment been controlled in order to promote gazelles (3.3) from the Barcelona Zoo Ministry), is making an effort to re- a quick increase of the population (Spain) and the Parque de Rescate de cover these extinct species. With this keeping the maxima genetic variabil- la Fauna Sahariana (EEZA/Almería, purpose, the DPN established two ity. From September 2007 to March Spain) were transported to Guembeul fauna reserves: The Guembeul Fauna 2009, there were 25 births (9.16) and, in March 29 2009, 23 gazelles Reserve (GR) and the North Ferlo while seven animals died during (9.14) were transferred from Guem- Fauna Reserve (NFFR); the vocation this period: 2 offsprings, 2 juveniles beul Reserve to the Ferlo North of GR is to serve as place of accli- and 3 adults. By March 2009, two Fauna Reserve, where the animals matation of animals during the first years since the establishment of the were released in the Katane enclo- phases of the reintroduction; NFFR population in Guembeul, the gazelles’ sure were they are living with other was conceived as final destination of population has increased up to 36 reintroduced species, particularly the the reintroduction. (13 males, 25 females). scimitar-horned oryx and the Mhorr gazelle. In 2003, the Director of National Parks asked to the Estación Experi- mental de Zonas Aridas (EEZA/CSIC) for a reintroduction project of dorcas gazelles in Senegal; the EEZA keeps a breeding group of dorcas gazelles and since this centre the European Breeding Program (EEP/EAZA) for this species is coordinated. After a vi- ability study of the project, it started in 2005.

Wendy Foster – Conservation Ark, Zoos SA, Australia

Reintroduction of WAZA Project 09010 Greater Bilby within South Australia

Greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) were rabbits, as well as being of sufficient move into new areas and also releas- once widespread in Australia, with size to support a viable bilby popula- ing animals into areas where baiting their distribution covering about 70% tion. Released animals were carefully is used to control predator numbers of the mainland. Bilbies have declined monitored to gain an understanding and where animals have been given dramatically since European arrival of how the animals were fairing with some behavioural conditioning to due to introduction of predators and their new surroundings, and results respond to signs of predators, and competitors and land clearance, and were encouraging. Within 2 years of 100 days after release 17/20 released are now found in only 20% of their release, one third of the island had animals were still alive. former range. In South Australia, bil- been visited by the bilbies, and by bies went extinct around the 1930s. 2004 enough animals were present to Between 2001 and 2005, 23 cap- allow animals to be sourced from the tive bred bilbies were released into In 1994 a captive breeding program island population for further reintro- Venus Bay Conservation Park where for greater bilbies was established at ductions. a predator exclusion fence has been Monarto Zoo, and this forms part of erected across the narrow neck of a nationwide breeding program, with In 2000, 9 captive bred animals were the Weyland Peninsula. These bilbies the studbook managed by a Zoos SA released into a 14 square kilome- have spread from their reintroduc- staff member. More than 130 bilbies tre enclosure at Roxby Downs Arid tion site in the northern part of the have since been bred in the captive Recovery Project where foxes, cats reserve, with numbers increasing in colony, with these individuals either and rabbits had been removed. These regenerating farmland within the remaining in captivity for breeding, animals have been so successful predator exclusion fence. or being released into one of the five in establishing themselves within South Australian release sites. the reserve (with several hundred Further reintroductions have oc- bilbies now found within the reserve) curred at Yookamurra Sanctuary The first reintroduction occurred on that several trial releases of animals and Banrock Station, and South an Island off Pt Lincoln in 1997, an outside the fenced reserve have been Australian bilbies have also been island within the bilbies former range conducted. Trials have involved using sent to Western Australia to assist in which was free of foxes, cats and one way gates to enable bilbies to other recovery programs. The captive breeding program also continues, along with educational activities at both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos.

Haigh’s Chocolates sponsor the greater bilbies at Adelaide Zoo, and contribute a portion of the proceeds made from their ‘Easter bilby’ sales to bilby conservation. Each year at East- er, Adelaide Zoo and Haigh’s Choco- lates combine to promote the plight of this endangered marsupial through keeper talks, held at the bilby exhibit within the Nocturnal House. Monarto Zoo also host keeper talks at the greater bilby exhibit within the Visitor Centre at Easter, where the animals are on display year-round.

Thomas Ziegler – Kölner Zoo

Keeping, Breeding and WAZA Project 09018 Natural History of Barely Known Monitor Lizards

Monitor lizards belong to the most In the Cologne Zoo’s Aquarium we impressive of lizards. While the focus on the keeping and breeding of smallest species only reaches a total the Quince monitor lizard (Varanus length of about 23 cm, the largest one melinus) and of the blue-spotted tree can reach a total length exceeding monitor lizard (Varanus macraei). 320 cm. Many monitor lizards are of The latter species is a representative commercial value, e.g., for the pet of the Emerald tree monitor lizard trade or the leather industry, hence group and was described by Böhme all are listed on CITES Appendices I–II. & Jacobs in 2001. Varanus macraei Although these reptiles include the is a large, slender tree monitor with largest lizards that have ever walked a maximum size of 110 mm and the earth, regularly new species are a unique blackish blue dorsal color discovered. Of the nearly 70 currently pattern. It is known only from Ba- recognized monitor lizard species, tanta Island, Indonesian New Guinea, nine have been discovered in the and in fact ranks among monitor past decade only. Especially diverse lizards with the smallest distribu- are the Mangrove and Emerald tree tions. The first breeding ofV. macraei monitor lizard groups, which are cur- in captivity was published in 2002 by rently comprised of 20 species in total a private breeder. To our knowledge, and of which 60% have been discov- the first documented zoo breedings ered in the past twenty years. of this rare and certainly endangered species, given its limited distribu- © T. Ziegler However, many of these species tion range, took place in Plzen and Hatching blue-spotted tree monitor lizard are only known from few museum Cologne Zoos. Breeding pairs in latter (Varanus macraei) at Cologne Zoo. specimens and virtually nothing zoos were built up by confiscated is known about their natural his- couples. tory. Because we are only able to protect what is well known to us, Most recently, also Quince monitor which built up the breeding stock at there is a high demand for ecologi- lizards hatched for the first time in Cologne Zoo. To our knowledge, zoo cal research. Because many monitor the Cologne Zoo’s Aquarium. The breedings of this species were only species live in remote and difficult to Quince monitor was described by known from the Wildlife Conservation access habitats, also ex situ studies Böhme & Ziegler in 1997 and is Society’s Bronx Zoo and Fort Worth become important. Thus also the zoo known only from the Sula Archipela- Zoo in the US. By effort of Cologne community can contribute towards go, Moluccas, Indonesia. Its discovery Zoo keepers Norbert Rütz, Hans a better understanding of monitor might be correlated with the disas- Oberreuter and Simone Holst, six lizard’s natural history. By keeping trous forest fires in Indonesia in 1997, V. melinus hatched in December 2009 and breeding, important data can be because new collecting areas had after 164–166 incubation days – to obtained for further captive con- to be found instead of traditional, our knowledge the first F2 breeding servation efforts. Building up a zoo known collecting sites. Varanus meli- of this species. A second clutch still population some day also may serve nus is a representative of the Man- is under incubation. Juveniles will be as basis for reintroduction. grove monitor lizard group, with max- raised at Cologne Zoo and some of imum total length surpassing 120 cm. them provided to other accredited Characteristic is its yellow ground zoos with reptile breeding/conserva- coloration in adults, with a more or tion projects for starting a captive less distinct dark reticulated body breeding program. pattern. The first breeding of V. melinus in captivity was published in 2000 from a private facility, juveniles of WAZA news 1/10 Recent updates | New WAZA projects 25

Denise Berger – Fundación Temaikèn

Osununú Natural Reserve WAZA Project 09006 An Opportunity for Conservation and Local Development

Some of the main objectives in this area are: The conservation of the park’s ecosystem, protecting the animals and flora and to enhance conservation.

The main focus continues to be to: • Provide adequate ecological equilib- rium conditions for the shelter, protection, feeding and reproduction for resident wildlife and migratory wildlife. • Constitute a conservation corridor and buffer zone with other areas of public domain. • Rescue and dissemination of the natural, historical and socio-cultural area, and encouraging the controlled recreation and ecotourism. © Fundación Temaikèn • Provide environmental education Osonunu project area. opportunities for the residents. • Promote scientific research in Misiones Argentina remains the relict This particular site topography and a comprehensive manner. part of the Paranaense jungle and climate led to a habitat that allowed is a high conservation priority. This the development of rare and endemic Due to the small size of the area cur- is due to its high biodiversity and plant species. rently protected (Teju Cuare Provin- great number of endemic species. cial Park), taking into account the The Natural Reserve of Osununú is The protected areas require a conser- presence of animal and plant species located in the San Ignacio region of vation buffer zone and many species of particular conservation value and the southeast Misiones and is of high require larger continuous habitat for the limited knowledge of the status value due to the geological, ecologi- their survival. Thus the creation of of populations of many species, it is cal, historical and cultural landscape. Osununú Reserve, which shares many essential to create an area with ap- It is located in an area of Jesuit coloni- ecosystems with the par and is ex- propriate standards. This will permit zation with a strong cultural religious tremely important for survival of the the execution of management action economic system. The colonization species that are protected within the to achieve the set objectives. was settled in Argentina in 1600 park’s borders. The Osununú Reserve as well as in Brazil, Paraguay and was donated to Temaiken Founda- For education and sustainability of Uruguay. Osununú Reserve maintains tion which was given the mandate to the area, Temaikèn Foundation aims 174 hectares of various ecosystems preserve and manage this area. to implement and encourage guided and is bordered on its’s west by about interpretive visits. These visits should 78 hectares of the Teju Cuare Provin- The climate in this zone is subtropical be driven by tourism providers of the cial Park. The Teju Cuare Provincial and the vegetation comprises grass- area and they should develop envi- Park was created to preserve this lands on sandy soils, forest growing ronmental education and tourist ac- unusual geological landscape of over sandstone, and wetlands along tivities of low environmental impact. sandy soil, found only in this area. the Paraná River. The flora of this This will help to conserve the natural, area includes 659 species of vascular historical and cultural aspects of the plants, with 4 species being endemic area and its surroundings, increase its for the park, and 19 species that touristic value and allow the develop- grow only in this part of Argentina ment of this activity in conjunction (Biganzoli et al., 2004). The number with the community. of mammals found in the park is also significant and many of them are currently included in threatened or endangered categories (IUCN). 26 Recent updates | New WAZA projects WAZA news 1/10

Martin Bauert – Zoo Zürich, Switzerland

Eurasian Spoonbill: WAZA Project 09004 Habitat Restoration and Population Monitoring, Croatia

The intensification of agriculture in the Sava Wetlands drained 5,000 km2 of regularly flooded riverside pastureland and woods in the 1970 and 80ies. This also impacted the breeding sites of the Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) along the Save river. Air- plains flew over the colony spraying herbicides and the tractors went as near as 20 m to the spoonbills nests. In 1988 still 150–180 pairs could be counted in Krapje Doll Sactuary. But in 1989, after the draining of the Krapje Dol, an old oxbow of the Save river, no spoonbills were nesting anymore.

The Institute for natural and cultural heritage conservation of Croatia, EuroNatur and the Zoological Society of Frankfurt prepared a concept for the restoration of the oxbow and supported the establishment of Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. The Croatian parliament proclaimed Lonjsko Polje © A. Limbrunner Nature Park, an area of 50,600 hec- Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia). tars, in 1990. Two important project steps were EAF money was used in cooperation The aim of the Lonjsko Polje Na- necessary for the recovery of the with EuroNatur to prepare the land ture Park is the preservation of the colony. First in 1989 a rehabilitation for cattle, built the fence around it floodplain ecosystem with annually project was planned by the Institute and create a small access path to the flooded alluvial pastureland and for- and EuroNatur to restore the water new pasture. The German Embassy est. Endangered domestic breeds are level in the oxbow. A pipe was built supported the project with a new integrated in the park management to re-flood the area. The ZGF paid well with good water for the animals. to manage the pastureland. for the works. In 1991 the first few Finally, local farmers used the area Spoonbills came back. After two again. As until the early eighties the The programme aims to support the years the old colony came back to spoonbill colony is buffered by apa- long-term protection of the breeding life. In 2004 the colony has reached ture, where white stork and Lesser- colony. There are different actions un- again 80 pairs of Spoonbills and 370 spotted Eagles hunt. Since winter dertaken by the Nature Park Service herons. Krapje Dol was also famous 2004/05 the area is used to preserve which are supported by the project. for its water vegetation. It was one one of the most endangered domes- Very important is habitat protection of the very few locations of Stratiotes tic breeds in Croatia: The Salvonian- and the rehabilitation of the oxbow aloides was first time found again syrmian Podolian Grey Cattle, a cow and surrounding areas (converting floating on the open water. similar to the Hungarian Grey Cattle. arable land into pastures), monitor- In addition, the Park started in 2004 ing of the population including the The second step was more difficult. the third educational programme: migration corridor (annual survey, When the new Nature Park was pro- posters and folders for group visi- colour ringing), improvement of the visionally established in 1997, Euro- tor were published with help of a EU nesting sites if necessary (building of Natur planned to restore 50 ha of pas- Life project, the first one organized platforms, removing shrubs) and en- ture in order to create a buffer zone by a protected area in Croatia, and vironmental education (observation for the Spoonbill colony. With help of a observation platform has been built platform, information center). EAF the right of use for this area of which represents a reconstruction of arable land was transferred from the the chardaks, the watch towers of the former state Agro-Industrial-Kom- former Military Frontier. binat (PIK) to the Park Service. The WAZA news 1/10 Recent updates | New WAZA projects 27

Haydy Monsalve & Sandra Gómez – Santacruz Zoological Foundation, Colombia

Water Management WAZA Project 09005 Waste Management and Sustainable Water Resource Management in Colombia

The local government of the commu- sustainable techniques of agricul- nity of San Antonio del Tequendama ture to local enterprises and aims to (Cundinamarca-Colombia) hasn’t encourage the local population to provided a collection system for their remain in their home towns and not waste (organic and inorganic) for to migrate to big cities. Some prod- years. That is why the people, includ- ucts gained from these projects are ing the local schools, employed an al- e.g., fruits, flowers, plants for medical ternative way for the disposal of daily, infusions, vegetables, and also humus produced garbage. The waste was and recycled material which are now burned under the open sky, thrown merchandised into local markets. into water resources or left in open areas including forests. Starting the project has in turn stimulated other projects, e.g. a theater In 2004 the Education Department of performance with the Environmental the Santacruz Zoological Foundation theatre group, who did a play about started a project with 17 local schools the importance of humans for the that had an average of 1.200 students protection of our environment. between 5 to 12 years old. The project consists of an education program With the Conservation of Water about waste management and water Resources project we improve differ- © Haydy Monsalve and Sandra Gómez resources conservation. Later we ent systems of rain water collectors. Students filling humus for young plants. began to include working with high This water is used for cleaning and schools as well, and these students for toilet flushing. We created water are able to continue their involve- saving systems for bathrooms at In these 5 years since the project was ment in the project. We are working schools and homes in communities. implemented, it has grown into an now with more than 3000 students in These systems have been controlled important exercise for the commu- the complete area of San Antonio del by measuring the water quantity col- nity, governmental and educational Tequendama. lected and saved in each house and institutions. We have received fund- school involved in the project. raising support from national govern- As of today there are 17 inorganic ment, local government and private waste disposal areas, built with All our activities have been improved companies. Combined this is a sub- specific technical materials. In these by educational programs that also in- stantial effort being made to provide areas the children and the teachers clude different workshops for the com- an alternative live for the children. can now dispose of all recyclable ma- munity, students and teachers, as well terial. Most of this material is reused as scientific and cultural events. In ad- The Santacruz Zoological Founda- in different school activities, e.g. re- dition material has been presented to tion’s efforts continue. The project is cycled paper, Christmas and Hallow- all people involved in the projects. currently being implemented in 3 are- een decoration. The organic waste is as, and a change of attitude is already disposed in earthworm areas, where We have been involved in different visible which is the most important the kids learn how to use the organic governmental meetings during the result of this work. The project is now fertilizer for their own horticulture project which helped to improve part of the student’s life and they can organic farm projects. the sustainable development in learn new skills and participate in the towns. Once a month, the local social activities. With the products gained from the government visits the schools and disposal areas (Humus, and recycled collects all remaining recyclables. In material), each school has estab- addition, all illegal waste dumps have lished its own sustainable project disappeared. Members of the project called Green Products Mercados are working on the formulation of the verdes. These projects promote new Development Plan for 2008–2011 created by the new mayor. 28 Recent updates | New WAZA projects WAZA news 1/10

Eric Bairrão Ruivo – Beauval Zoo, France

Wild African Elephant and WAZA Project 09016 White Rhinoceros Semen Bank

African elephants and white rhinoceros have a low breeding success in captivity and therefore the captive population of these two species still rely heavily on imports from the wild or game farms. This situation has not improved in the past years and can seriously compromise the existence of self sustainable populations under human care and the global conservation of these two flag species.

IZW has developed successful techniques for artificial insemination which can be a very useful tool for the increase and management of these populations. However, in both species, there are very little breeding bulls in captivity and the existing ones are not trained on semen © Paul Selvaggio collection. Team at work with anesthetized elephant.

The success of artificial insemina- 10 elephants bulls aged more than tion as a propagation tool for these 25 years and 5 white rhinoceros bulls two populations is therefore highly will be selected and anesthetized at dependent on the availability of se- the Phinda game reserve in South men of good quality which presently Africa. Their semen will then be col- is difficult to obtain. lected through electro-ejaculation by IZW team assisted by Beauval Zoo The goal of this project is to estab- team. The samples will be transport- lish a semen bank for the African ed by helicopter to the field lab where elephant and White rhinoceros at they will be frozen in liquid nitrogen Beauval Zoo, to be used by Zoos and according to the established protocol. IZW in their artificial insemination The semen quality, its preparation procedures when these will be useful and freezing procedure are of the or necessary. utmost importance at this stage for the project success. We estimate that 150 to 200 semen tubes will be prepared and tested for shipment to Europe. These tubes will then be stored at Beauval Zoo and will be made available for Zoos and IZW for their artificial procedures. Beauval is prepared to store 300 semen tubes if necessary. © Beauval Zoo Helicopter at Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa. WAZA news 1/10 Recent updates 29

WAZA Executive Office Recent updates Future WAZA Secretariat Contacts Call WAZA Conference Venues • Secretariat (Natasha Jackson): • 2010 Cologne, Germany [email protected] for (17–21 Oct 2010) • WAZA Executive Director: • 2011 Prague, Czech Republic [email protected] (2–6 Oct 2011) • Marketing/Communication: papers • 2012 Melbourne, Australia [email protected] (7–11 Oct 2012) • Conservation/Int. Studbooks: • 2013 Disney’s Animal Kingdom, USA [email protected] – 65th Annual Conference • 2014 New Delhi, India till 31 March 2010 and Congress 2010 is to be held [email protected] in Cologne (Köln), Germany, 17–21 October 2010. The venue is the Maritim Hotel Köln, Heumarkt 20, D-50667 Köln, NEW Address as per 1st May 2010 situated on the banks of the river Rhein. WAZA c/o IUCN Conservation Centre Rue Mauverney 28 Registration will open on CH-1196 Gland 1st March 2010 and the early Switzerland bird rate will be available till 31st May 2010. The link for Tel. +41 22 999 07 90 (WAZA Secretariat) registering will be provided on the WAZA website (Events).

The overall theme is Biodiversity is life: the Role of Zoos and Aquariums in Welcome Markus! Biodiversity Conservation. Contributions are sought Markus Gusset is the new Conserva- especially for the following tion Officer & International Studbook topics in relation to biodiversity Coordinator at the WAZA Executive conservation: Education, Office. Markus is taking over from Partnerships, Conservation Thomas Althaus after a transition pe- projects. riod and will take on some additional duties. Deadline for submission of title Originally from Switzerland, Markus and abstract to arrive at WAZA conducted most of his research on secretariat is the 31st May 2010. the behaviour, ecology and con- A form for the call for papers is servation of carnivores throughout provided on WAZA’s website southern and eastern Africa. His work for download, www.waza.org inter alia included a PhD study on the (Events). reintroduction of African wild dogs in South Africa and a postdoctoral study © WAZA on the large carnivore guild in Bot- Markus Gusset swana’s Okavango Delta. He has been a Research Associate at the Wildlife nia. He spent several years in South Conservation Research Unit, Univer- Africa, as he studied wildlife manage- sity of Oxford, since 2008. ment at the University of Pretoria and After graduating in biological sci- did his PhD in conservation biology ences from the Swiss Federal Institute at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in of Technology Zurich with a study Durban. Subsequently he worked as on carnivore welfare at Zurich Zoo, he Conservation Officer at Leipzig Zoo. spent the following years doing field In 2009 he was already contracted to research and conservation in South help with the WAZA project evaluation Africa, Botswana, Uganda and Tanza- and preparation of the WAZA book. 30 Membership WAZA news 1/10

Recent updates

Membership Application

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

• Sponsors: Dennis W. Kelly, Zoo Atlanta and Mark Penning, uShaka Sea World • Founded: 2004 and open to the public since November 2005 • Mission: The Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational, and scientific institution featuring exhibitions and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging visitor experiences, and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world • Area: total floor area 12 acres (51,097 m²) • Collection: Mammals: 4 species and 4 specimens, Birds: 1 species and © Georgia Aquarium 19 specimens, Reptiles: 8 species Aquarium tunnel. and 18 specimens, Amphibians: 7 species and 26 specimens, Fishes: • Conservation: with whale sharks and manta rays, 400 species and 18,390 specimens, • International Research to a 160,000 gallon living coral reef, Invertebrates: 185 species and and Breeding Programs to cold water exhibits of beluga 4675 specimens. • Whale shark population monitoring, whales, sea otters, giant octopus and • Staff: Holbox, Mexico (since 2003) other cold water animals, and finally 421 permanent and 40 temporary • Support for the Jekyll Island Sea exhibits of freshwater fishes and • Visitors: Turtle Rehabilitation Center, Georgia regional displays of sea turtles and 2,199,006 paying and 157,136 free • Management of the Dolphin coastal fishes of Georgia. Classrooms entrance Conservation Field Station, above each of the galleries provide • Owned by: Georgia Aquarium Inc. St. Augustine, Florida teaching opportunities for students. • Director: Anthony Godfrey • Funding for the Arnavon Islands A major ballroom provides space for • Address: Marine Protected Area, catered evening and daytime events 225 Baker Street, 30313 Atlanta, Solomon Islands and also serves as a meeting room for Georgia, USA • Participant in the African Penguin conferences. Other special facilities Species Survival Plan include an expansive, fully equipped Jellyfish exhibit. • Participant in beluga whale laboratory and veterinary hospital for © Georgia Aquarium captive population management treating aquatic animals. Conserva- (not an SSP yet) tion and research programs focus on whale sharks (Mexico), beluga whales The Georgia Aquarium opened in (Alaska), sea turtles (Georgia), coral 2005 and has a mission to provide reefs (Solomon Islands) and dolphins entertaining and educational exhibits (Georgia and Florida). The Georgia representing global aquatic envi- Aquarium covers 6 acres of land area, ronments and to support research with 12 acres of floor space covering and conservation efforts to better three main floor levels. In late 2010 understand and protect aquatic a new wing adding another 1.5 acres biodiversity. The exhibits range from will open featuring Atlantic bot- a 6.3 million gallon ocean exhibit tlenose dolphins. WAZA news 1/10 Membership 31

Recent updates

Membership New directors Application Nominated as corporate member • Peter S.R. Wolters replaces Hans Van Weerd at Zoo Parc Dynasty Marine Associates, Overloon as of October 2009 Inc., USA • Miroslav Bobek replaces Petr Fejk at Zoo Prague as of • Sponsors: 1st January 2010 Dale Schmidt, Columbus Zoo and • Jesús Fernández Morán Aquarium and Brad Andrews, Sea replaces José Ignacio Cobo World Orlando at Madrid Zoo and Aquarium • Founded: 1983 as of 1st January 2010 • Vision: To be the premier worldwide sup- plier of Caribbean marine life and New WAZA Members solutions in every market segment we serve. • Knuthenborg Park & Safari | • Mission: Bandholm, Denmark To provide our customers with qual- • Vision XS Ltd. | Abingdon, UK | ity Caribbean marine life and solu- as corporate member tions, while respecting the delicate balance of nature. • Purpose: WAZA Membership To successfully perform our mission as of January 2010 and realize our vision with dedicated staff members. To achieve superior Regional Associations 24 financial results for our company Institutions 248 and our employees. To provide our Affiliates 13 customers with quality products and © Dynasty Corporates 5 services, as resources, to achieve Black grouper tank. Life and Honorary members 95 their own superior levels of success. • President: Forrest Young • Address: We are a USDA supervised facility, 10602 7th Avenue Gulf, which includes permanent record Marathon, FL 33050, USA keeping of all animal inventories and www.dynastymarine.net veterinary care they have received • Area: 5000 m² while in our control. Further we are • Number of species: responsible for the maintenance of Fishes 300, Invertebrates 100 domestic and international shipping • Permanent staff: 14 records, including USDA inspection. • Temporary staff: 1 U. S. Fish and Wildlife inspection and the airway bills that refer to the Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. and above inspection. staff supplies marine display animals that have been caught in the wild. We are licensed by the U. S. Fish We acclimate them to captivity and and Wildlife service. In addition to transport them to the receiving facil- Monroe County, the State of Florida, ity or institution. We operate around The Florida Keys National Sanctuary the world. Our primary clients are and the various regulatory authorities public aquariums, zoo and research that manage our animal collecting institutions. By use of many different permits. eco-friendly collection methods, including hook and line, barrier net and hand nets, we supply ethically collect- ed animals that have been acclimated to captivity by our husbandry staff of 4 persons. 32 WAZA news 1/10

Alex Rübel – Zoo Zürich Obituary

Dr. Peter Weilenmann (1927–2009), in Memoriam

Dr. med. vet. Peter Weilenmann, who A milestone in his era was the initia- was director of the Zurich Zoo from tion of elephant-breeding through 1974 to 1991, passed away on the the arrival of the bull elephant Maxi 24th of December 2009, at the age of in 1981, followed by the birth of the 82 years. The trademark of this jazz- first Asian Elephant in the Zurich Zoo enthusiast was his pipe that he didn’t in 1984. like to put down for one moment, not even when fulfilling a caesarean on Peter Weilenmann was particularly one of the zoos donkeys. fond of the Snow Leopard, and the other big cats; his aim was to ensure Peter Weilenmann was an animal that their conservation did not end fanatic; he became famous in Zurich at the gates of the zoo, however. as a veterinarian because he was Many animal orphaned or rejected ready to treat birds and guinea pigs by its mother found its way into the just as well as cats and dogs, and home of Lucy and Peter Weilenmann, always accompanied by his cockatoo among them was a Snow Leopard, Göggi of course, the animal-loving a Clouded Leopard, a Kangaroo and Peter Weilenmann was well known clearly the highlight, the Polar Bear throughout the city. Ludmilla, whose presence was not always beneficial for the furniture Peter Weilenmann first attended to of their home. The breeding of rare the animals at the zoo as veterinar- animals flourished. After the birth of ian, working under Prof. Dr. Heini the first Snow Leopard in 1976, no Hediger, the founder of Zoo Biology fewer than 14 of these rare cats lived and his predecessor as Zoo Director. together at the Zurich Zoo and were Peter Weilenmann was the first zoo given away to other zoos all over the veterinarian in Zürich, who deserved world. this name. He was totally dedicated to the well-being of the animals. Within the frame-work of international cooperation for encouraging the Thus, when Peter Weilenmann be- conservation of endangered species, Last but not least, Peter Weilenmann came Zoo Director, it was his priority Peter Weilenmann was co-founder will always be remembered for his to improve the welfare of the animals and Board-Member of the Interna- warm and friendly attitude towards as best as he could, considering tional Snow Leopard Trust, as well his employees and as a loyal mentor financial restraints. He developed as a member of the Asian Elephant for them. new housing for the snow leopards Specialist Group (a part of the Inter- and the seals, a cat-breeding station, national Union for Nature Conserva- a quarantine area, as well as the owl tion (IUCN). Also after his retirement aviaries and the Exotarium where Peter Weilenmann was committed many South American animals are to supporting the endangered Snow still kept today. Under his leadership Leopard in word and deed, encourag- Zurich was the first zoo in Switzer- ing and counselling projects in the land to employ a teacher, as part of Himalayas. the transformation of the Zoo from a mere cattle-show to a seat of learn- ing and nature conservation centre. WAZA news 1/10 Membership WAZA news 1/10

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