Annual Report 2007 Contentsobsah

Annual Report 2007 ContentsObsah

Introduction 3

The Animal Husbandry Department 5 ACTIVITIES OF THE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT 6 VETERINARY CARE 13 DIET AND FEEDING 15 REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF THE ELEPHANT HOUSE SECTION 17 DEVELOPMENT OF THE HEALTH STATUS OF FEMALE DELHI 19 BACTRIAN CAMEL HUSBANDRY 21 REARING OF BORNEAN ORANGUTANS 23 REARING OF RED PANDA 26 ANIMAL NUMBERS AS PER 31. 12. 2007 29 REARINGS 39

The Economic Department 41 ACTIVITIES OF THE ECONOMIC DEPARTMENT 42

The Technical Department 44 ACTIVITIES OF THE OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 45

The Education and Promotion Department 51 ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION DEPARTMENT 52 VISITOR SERVICES 68 ANIMAL OF THE YEAR 2006 71

Personal Staff 73

Provider Information 75 ObsahIntroduction Introduction

Dear Friends of Ústí nad Labem Zoo, It is my pleasure in duty, as the Director of Ústí nad Labem Zoo, to make some introductory notes to this Annual Report and give a short summary of the major events that took place at our zoo in the last year. In our day-to-day business, my colleagues and me always put a question concerning the expectations of our customers - which means our visitors - concerning their visit of the zoo. The answer will not be so easy as it may seem. The range of the zoo visitors is heterogeneous and varied as well as their expectations. One may come to the zoo to take a rest and clean up his or her head after an exhausting working week; another one may actively quest for knowledge, while some people feel curi- ous to learn which species arrived in the collection from their last visit. Some may not be attracted by the most valuable animal species; the others may enjoy even a rather common animal in a well-designed exhibit. In my opinion, anticipation of a friendly environment, comfort, and general quality of services can serve as a common factor for the range of visitor notions. I can recall how I was envious to see the comfortable catering services, the friendly children playgrounds and the state-of-the-art premises for education programmes developed by the colleagues besides the most diverse ‘zoo rarities’ when walking around on my business journey. Without question, all of these things belong to a modern zoo. That was why our forces and funding was stre- amed especially to this sector in the year 2007. The aim of our efforts was to move Ústí Zoo another few steps beyond; now, let me claim that we made it, which may sound somehow immo- destly, but there is a great pleasure in it. On 1 July, a new restaurant operated all the year round was opened at Ústí nad Labem Zoo. The fashionable gastronomy facility with its outdoor sheltered terrace was developed based on an extensive and technically difficult re- design of former administration premises of the Operation and Technology Department. Currently, it provides all-season quality services to our visitors. Yet other capital investment actions in 2007 were implemented for the benefit of our visitors and their comfort. Thanks to a major financial support of the Ministry for Regional Development, the outworn building of the upper zoo entrance was reconstructed, a major part of the roads up the hill was repaired, a fresh new children playground from natural materials was developed, and former premises of the staff dining room were rebuilt to the Dr. Heinrich Lumpe Zoo School. You may feel that we omitted the needs and well-being of the animals in 2007 when reading these lines; well, contrary is the case. I can assure you that our animals are no less important for us than the visitors. In 2007, we commenced the work on our new South American tapir exhibit involving the construction of a new housing facility, and we systematically developed the design of our future projects. You will surely read about the implementation of the plans the next year when browsing our Annual Report 2008. As every year, I must not forget to express our thanks to all of those who share the everyday operations of Ústí nad Labem Zoo as well as its development. Therefore, I thank to all of my co-workers, who do not get discouraged by some particular failures, and who together believe in our future. A zoological park is a never- -ending story; a story which tells about our respect to nature, and love for all living creatures. To conclude, I also thank the management of the Statutory Town of Ústí nad Labem for counting with us, and joining us in writing the story of Ústí nad Labem Zoo.

Tomáš Kraus Director of Ústí nad Labem Zoo

4 The Animal Husbandry Department ACTIVITIES OF THE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT Ing. Petra Padalíková

Unfortunately, the year 2007 most significant event of the year. In the previous year, a one-year did not bring completion of any The male Budi was born after six old female from Antwerp called new animal exhibit. The capital long consequent years of waiting, Geena was imported to join our development was aimed at which once again brought a lot male Sole, who was older than improvement of the visitor services of excitement into our orangutan she was. Despite starting problems sector (the new restaurant family. Òuninka the female is with pairing of the animals, when operated all the year round, the already an experienced mother; the female successfully tried children playgrounds, or the Zoo that was why we did not observe to escape from the enclosure Train). Nevertheless, the animal any major problems in course of several times, both animals began breeding did not stop, which the breeding. Conversely, it was cooperate, and Geena delivered resulted in breeding of several the six-year male Ámos, who just two males in July 2007. rare species in 2007. entered the age of adolescence There was the first birth of the The number of held species and became a problematic Asian small-clawed otter we did not change compared to member of the group. It was shown experienced in the zoo history the previous year; as per 31- through rejecting the submission, (Pict. 1). In spite of the fact that 12-2007, our zoo held total 218 especially when the animals were there are usually no problems with

animal taxons. The numbers of closed into their bedrooms, as well breeding of the species in captivity, specimens reduced a little bit; as through offending of the rest the attempts to set up a breeding 1,040 specimens were held by of the family including little Budi. pair were still not successful at our the end of the year. In frame of That is why we started discussion zoo. In August, a single male cub international cooperation, our zoo with the Coordinator, as the time was found in the box and toughly participated on 34 EEPs (European of Ámos’s departure to one of the defended by the parents against Endangered Species Breeding male groups in frame of the pan- every intruder. The otter enclosure Programmes); in addition, 16 ESB European breeding programme underwent small rearrangements (European Studbook) species was here. in the year 2007 to meet the needs were held. The second most important of the animals better. A male Without question, the birth of breeding event of the year 2007 Prevost squirrel was also bred in the Bornean orangutan was the was the red panda offspring. the Bornean House in 2007; the

6 exhibit of these attractive squirrels was supplemented with a pair of 2. crested wood partridge. We were forced to reduce the number of the species held in the Old World Primate House in order to provide sufficient space to the rest of the animals. The issue of insufficient space for the animals was to have been resolved by the construction of a so-called Asian House in the upper part of the zoo. However, the implementation of the project remains in clouds. Thus, we stopped the holding of mona monkey and lion-tailed macaque in the existing house. Thanks to this measure, more space could be offered to the Hanuman langur group, which is more perspective. During the last months there were many hassles in the group, which many times resulted to even bloody injuries of the animals. The available space young one in the row was finally one born in 2006 suddenly died for the animals was doubled by successfully bred by the young in the end of the year. The post- penetrating the dividing wall primate pair in 2007, following the mortem examination showed a between two outdoor enclosures, last year’s infanticide. In addition, tumour of its spleen. The breeding which stabilized the situation in the silver leaf monkeys bred a young male in the black-and-white group. In the Primate House, one one. However, the breeding male colobus group also died, which male bonnet macaque was bred of the group unfortunately died was due to his high age. Lukáš successfully in 2007. The macaques due to colitis in course of the year. the male lived up to respectable breed on a regular basis at our zoo, Veterinary treatment had to be 20 years; he belonged to the and belong to the most attractive applied in case of blue monkey – founders of our collection. inhabitants for the visitors. Despite the old breeding female suffered Several events occurred in the it is a common member of South chronical inflammatory disease of white-cheeked gibbons. The Indian fauna, we keep the species her sexual apparatus; in the last aggressiveness of the breeding as the only zoo in Europe (Pict. 2). weeks of her life, her status was male against his oldest son was De Brazza’s monkey was another so critical that we had to select so unsustainable that we had to breeding species. The second euthanasia. In addition, the young proceed to the separation of the animals. The young male was separated to the facility located 3. the next door together with his sister. The female had been reserved for Ostrava Zoo a long time ago, but placing the male was a big problem as there is a high surplus of males in frame of EEP. Eventually, transfer into the famed gibbon sanctuary in California was recommended by the Coordinator. Negotiations with the sympathetic director of the centre were trouble-free, and we started the necessary paperwork and transport planning, with the date scheduled to autumn 2007. However, the health situation of the gibbon did not develop well following his separation from

7 the group. The animal seemed We transferred both animals to a entered a massive oestrus even to be stressed very much, and screened private breeder upon despite the measure above, and stopped receiving any food agreement with the Coordinator. At mating was observed. Our only subsequently. Even separating the same time, setting up of a new hope was that the female would him outside the house to avoid pair was recommended. A young not become pregnant. However, any sound contact with his father, male was imported from Tierpark it became obvious in April that as the stressor did not help. When Berlin (Pict. 3). He will be paired our concerns were real, and the all the transport paperwork was with a female from Port Lympne, first marks of the coming birth done, the young gibbon died. The U.K. The transport of the female were recorded on 31 May 2007 in post-mortem examination shown was postponed for the beginning the morning. Leon the male was unspecific inflammatory disease of 2008. In frame of cooperation immediately separated to the of pericardium. The young female among the UCSZ membership, box the next door. However, both was then moved to Ostrava Zoo a young male Geoffroy cat animals became nervous, and the immediately. was located at Jihlava Zoo. The birth was paused. Therefore, we Unsatisfactory breeding facilities caracal breeding was terminated decided to re-couple the animals affect our small cat breeding in an unplanned manner, when and let the process go on without strategy as well. The so-called the sole representative (a male) restraints. We made sure that pheasantry remained our key died due to acute renal failure. Ronja would stay in quiet and the premises. As its name indicates, the Although we still plan the holding house was closed. In the evening, facility had been designed to hold of caracal in future, it will not be the last (third) cub was forced out. pheasants. The structure as such recovered for the time being Ronja performed like a typical first- is in very bad technical situation. with regard to the circumstances time mother. Even when she was Thus, the small cat species kept above. interested in the cubs, licking them, here are largely represented In the Carnivore House even there were no signs of milking. The by old animals that are not multiple events occurred. The male stayed calm over the whole perspective breeders. As soon as first one was an unscheduled period of the birth, ignoring the the most residents of this miniature birth delivered in the Southwest young ones. The next day the house end their lives in dignity, we African lion siblings. Both animals interest of the female decreased. are going to take the whole facility reached their sexual maturity Considering the kinship breeding, down and build new enclosures already in summer 2006; however, which was the base for the cubs, for 1 to 2 small cat species. There propagation of the animals we did not want to make any were major changes in three was not desired, as they were hand-raising attempts. In addition, taxons. In the spring, our old pair close relatives. Accordingly, the hand-raised offspring of of fishing cat that was on loan to the recommended hormonal non-domesticated animals lack Dìèín Zoo returned. All breeding contraception was immediately natural behaviour patterns, efforts performed by our keepers applied to the female. However, which make any subsequent as well as Dìèín colleagues failed. in February 2007, the female locating and breeding of such

8 unviable individuals more than Gara suddenly died in February; decided to adapt the enclosure problematic. Therefore, we let the the post-mortem exam shown a just for these small carnivores female continue in expressing her bacterial pulmonary infection. attractive for visitors (Pict. 5). The maternity behaviour. However, the We established co-operation with fencing was supplemented by an cubs were found dead third day Prague Zoo, and brought a seven- electric fence overhang, and we in the morning. Immediately after year old female Zoe in June; her could only hope that this barrier the birth, the contraception (this origin was Hilvarenbeek Zoo. The would be sufficient. The breeding time a different type) was applied female had not delivered any trio was set up from a male from to Ronja, which has still worked offspring so far, and rejected Jihlava Zoo, and two females until now. every male in Prague. Zoe was from Olomouc Zoo. The animals got used to the new exhibit as well as the enclosure, and they fully 5. respected the electric fencing. The young ruffed lemurs, who lived in this enclosure formerly, reached the sexual maturity; consequently, frequent hassles began in the group located behind the scenes. In course of the year, we managed shipping of all three females from the group to Novosibirsk and Kyriat Motzkin (Israel) zoos. The remaining individuals that formed a single- sex group will be sent to Prague Zoo the year after. Breeding of both parent pairs of the ruffed lemur had been stopped due to A positive development was paired with Inong in the end of the surplus of animals within EEP. A recorded in our irbis collection. July; however, she was very shy in breeding measure was also taken In the autumn 2007, the female the contact with the male, and no in the group of another diurnal became show her first intense mating occurred. We tried to pair prosimian species, the ring-tailed oestrus (Pict. 4). However, the the animals once again several lemur. Since 2003, there was no male Makan still did not reach times, but without any result. In reproduction in the group, which his maturity due to his early October, we decided to make a was probably due to the high separation from his mother. The full examination of the female’s age of the breeding male. Upon next heavy oestrus occurred at health status. The sonograph agreement with the colleagues the end of the year, and even examination shown polycystic from Prague, the breeding male first indications of breeding were ovaries, and the results of blood and his son were placed in the observed. Therefore, we wait with tests clearly indicated high thyroid Prague Zoo’s bachelor group. expectance, what will be brought gland hormones levels. Everything Then we brought a new male, by the next year. indicated that her infertility had who joined the females in the rest The situation in Amur leopards been caused by the thyroid gland of group. remained the same. Breeding disease. Following consultations Another successful capital was stopped, and we still wait for with Prague colleagues, the breeding occurred in two-toed the results of genetic analyses to female was returned in December sloth. The female delivered her see if our breeding female Kiara 2007. Unfortunately, we have to fifth young one in the row. The is a carrier of the short-tail genus conclude that neither the events young female born in 2005 left for or not. This also the reason why of the year 2007 resulted in setting Olomouc Zoo. Another breeding her yearling female, Kaila, was up a new breeding pair. We species in the Exotic House was the phased out from the breeding, contacted the EEP Coordinator variable flying fox. Unfortunately, and remained at our zoo. once again, and wait for his there is only a single breeding In May, we had to take leave opinion. female in the group; the rest are of our old male Sumatran tiger, Concerning the Exotic House, we males. Kampar. The Brno Zoo’s breeding launched the summer season by Three callitrichid species out of male had died, thus Kampar ceremonial opening of the South the four that we hold reproduced was returned there to produce American Coati Exhibit. Following in 2007. We bred two pygmy offspring for the last time with their the last year’s failure concerning marmosets and two golden- young female. the open enclosure for the ruffed handed tamarins (a pair). Other major changes occurred lemurs on the solitary oak tree One of the tamarin breeding in the cheetah house. The female close to the Exotic House, we females delivered by means of

9 6.

Caesarean operation; despite of and oviduct. The tumour was the milk snake reproduced: the this, she managed to raise one successfully removed by our Honduran milk snake (6 young of the young ones. However, we veterinary doctors, however, the animals), and the Sinaloan milk considered the repeated inclusion reconvalescence failed due to snake (19 young ones). In frame of the female into the reproduction such a big intervention into the of international cooperation, a as potential failure, thus we sent organism. young pair of the Cuban iguana the mother and the young one on The terrarium section was was sent to Wroclaw, Poland. loan to a private breeder. In the expanded by a beautifully In the hoofed animals section in end of the year, we obtained two coloured male panther the upper part of the zoo, almost young females from Prague Zoo chameleon (Pict. 6) in 2007. every held species reproduced. based on exchange, and a new The bird spider collection was In January, a young Rothschild’s breeding pair was set up. Currently enlarged by the female goliath giraffe was born. The young male two sound pairs are held: the first bird-eating spider. The red-bellied was named Vladimír after his is placed in their exhibit, while the short-necked turtle offspring godfather. The female Jenny is other in the background of the from Jihlava Zoo was another already an experienced mother, Carnivore House. The first birth new species. These attractively so that the raising was trouble- was experienced in cotton-top coloured short-necked turtles are free. However, the last week of tamarins. The female delivered expected to inhabit the small lake the year 2007 delivered sadness. triples, which were however in the red-footed tortoise exhibit. Vladimír was found dead in his found dead in the substrate of the The Chinese water dragon indoor facility; the post-mortem exhibit. This is common in the first- terrarium underwent a generation exam shown an inherent defect time mothers, while pairs will learn exchange – the old breeding pair of heart, i.e. incomplete opening how to raise the young ones only was relocated to Dìèín Zoo, and between the chambers (persistent in the subsequent litters. This year nine young animals born in 2006 foramen ovale). Obviously, the the golden lion tamarin pair was were released into the exhibit. defect did not cause any major moved from the exhibit that was Out of the six king snake taxons complications; however, it had shared with the pygmy marmoset that we hold, two subspecies of fatal consequences in the one- into the sloth facility. From this room, the animals could access the outdoor enclosure, which 7. apparently made them good. We were waiting with anticipation, if such change of settings would evoke any reproducing activity. Unfortunately, the female stopped accepting food before anything could happen. A strange formation in her abdominal cavity was identified by palpation. The subsequent operation revealed an almost 40g tumour of ovary

10 year-old animal. In 2007, the are lacked by our native female Concerning cervids, five young youngest of the breeding females camels. This way we already Vietnamese sika deer and two called Syrenka reached her managed to set up a breeding nice females white-lipped deer sexual maturity, and her mating herd after a long time, which were born. The third doe out of was observed. consisted of sound and tough the four breeding does joined the Nilgai antelopes bred two animals with uninhibited maternal reproduction process; however, young ones. However, moving of instincts. In the section of camels it produced a stillborn. Another these antelopes into their winter facilities was problematic as well as every year. Nilgai belong 8. to the species, which can be immobilized only with great difficulties; unfortunately, one of the breeding females did not survive the narcotisation. We are going to construct a simple stable right in their summer enclosure in the following year to avoid any further moving of these animals. The breeding herd of the defassa waterbuck, which shares the exhibit with the giraffes in the summer, was completed. Two unrelative females were imported from Dvùr Králové Zoo. Unfortunately, we lost one of them and llamas, young llamas (1.2.) sad event was the dead of one very soon, as it ran over the fencing and alpacas (3.2) were bred. of the breeding bucks. The male of the enclosure, hurt herself and Concerning equids, the year aggressiveness in this species is so died. 2007 was especially successful in much distinctive that one of the Offspring from each of the three the African wild ass breeding. bucks penetrated the fencing of Kafue lechwe females (Pict. 7) Two foals were born (1.1), both of the side exhibit, and wounded the was delivered; two females were them were descendants of the other buck to death. The first birth bred in the blackbucks. genetically valuable stud Achmed. in the zoo history was recorded The breeding herd of the The number of the females in the in the Reeves muntjak, the small Bactrian camel was enlarged primary herd was increased to deer species (Pict. 8). by another breeding female of three by means of exchange with In frame of international Kazakhstan origin. The previous Liberec Zoo. Our female born the cooperation we managed to year, both of the imported females previous year was exchanged for pair several animal species. For gave births to young ones, and a mare from Liberec of the same example, the female wolverine delivered excellent maternity age. Xala lived to see her partner. qualities during the raising, which The situation in our Hartmann’s A male older than the female mountain zebra collection is arrived from Bern, Switzerland. not very pleasant. Our new From Amsterdam, a female 9. stallion imported from Austrian maned wolf named Consuela Herberstein in 2006 did not proved arrived. Immediately upon pairing a good stud. He rejected each of with the male both animals got the mares in our herd, showing an along well and we lived to see increased aggressiveness towards their descendant by the end of the keeper. The perspective of the year. obtaining a new stallion is recently The blue tongue disease in the clouds, as there is a big lack expanding as an avalanche of adult studs in frame of EEP. In complicated transports in the end addition, we had to say goodbye of the year. Thus, the importation to one of our mares due to the of the female lowland tapir from Coordinator’s recommendation. de la Flèche Zoo became an The animal was relocated to issue. The male Pepa got the new Nordhorn, Germany. Two one- female after three year of waiting year-old stallions left for Landau (Pict. 9). In the end of the year Zoo where they joined a bachelor we also started development of a group. new tapir facility. The history of this

11 species at Ústí Zoo dates back to favourable; a liquid was detected Concerning other bird species, 1999, however, the tapirs used to in the uterus, and her oestrus did we achieved the success be outsiders among the animals, not occurred periodically. After especially with owls. Ural owls travelling around the animal having undergone a hormonal hatched two young ones, and houses without any concept. The treatment, Delhi’s status improved snowy owls raised four young new house should finally meet very well. Her oestrus became birds. In 2007, the common barn all requirements for keeping of periodical again, and we began owls hatched two yields of eggs these remarkable creatures. The consider the possibility of another for the first time; all six hatched date of completion had been artificial fertilization. birds were transported into the scheduled to the spring months of The year 2007 in our parrot AVES Sanctuary by Kladno, which the following year. breeding centre was also performs reintroductions of the We made several modifications successful. We managed to species. The saker falcon (0.1) inside the Elephant House. In breed 0.1 Goffin’s cockatoo; was also successfully hatched the beginning of the year, we 0.0.1 Jardin parrot; from the large after four years. performed a total reconstruction macaw species it was 0.1 military In frame of expert activities, the of one of two aviaries fenced by macaw, and 2.1 blue-and-yellow animal husbandry staff members strings. The main reason was an macaw. The birds nest behind participated on the following invasive outbreak of Norwegian the scenes, and the offspring meetings of UCSZ specialist rat. All of the residents of the aviary of the large parrots are placed groups in 2007: primates and felids had to be caught and removed to in the large aviary by the Exotic (Prague Zoo), ungulates (Dvùr alternative premises. Subsequently, House (Pict. 10). In addition, our Králové Zoo), cervids (Ostrava we proceeded to an intensive collection was enlarged by a pair Zoo), elephants (Prague Zoo, deratization action. New trunks of green-winged macaws, which Liberec Zoo), and animal record and plants were installed into were obtained by purchase from keeping (Kostelec nad Èernými the aviary. Following completion a private breeder. A breeding lesy). In addition, our zoo hosted of the treatment, the Victoria male salmon-crested cockatoo a practical part of workshop crowned pigeons were returned arrived from Dìèín Zoo. Pairing of of elephant keepers from East to the aviary, joined by the pair of yellow-bibbed lory, who had been kept behind the scenes. An exhibit 10. of several tortoises was installed in the dry moat that separates the visitors from the elephants, which was not used before. We divided the existing moat into segments by means of trunks and stones; at the same time, the risk of escape of the tortoises, either into the elephant stall or into the technology floor with vents open into the moat, was eliminated. Ten Horsfield’s tortoises, which were obtained from Wroc³aw Zoo, became the first inhabitants of the moat. The moat also became home to several seized specimens of other tortoises: Herman’s tortoise, and spur-thighed tortoise. These tortoises are wintered right in the visitors hall of the house. To enable this, a cooling counter display was purchased; visitors can watch the hibernating tortoises through the the birds, which is always awaited European zoos in September glazed doors of the box. with apprehension, was performed 2007. The theoretical part that A very pleasant change in the end of the year. Like in the took place at Dvùr Králové Zoo occurred concerning the health most of cockatoo species, the was joined by our two elephant status of Delhi the female. Delhi male may suddenly kill the female keepers. The Head of the Animal underwent total four sonograph during the pairing; however, this Husbandry Department attended examinations. However, the was fortunately not the case, and the EAZA Annual Conference that first two of them were not very both birds were harmonized. was held at Warsaw Zoo in 2007.

12 VETERINARY CARE MVDr. Václav Poživil

laboratory), Soukromá mikrobio- 1. logická laboratoø RNDr. A. Vesel- ské (microbiology), and IZW Berlin (hormonal analyses). The veterinary sanitation services for the zoo were performed by VAPO Podboøany. The zoo owns and operates a rendering facility with a detached section serving exclusively for the purposes of the zoo, and a detached section serving for third parties (police, fire services, animal sanctuary, veterinary surgery) as well as for the public. Rodent and insect control services were performed based on a contract with 3D, s. r. o., which delivered the services as scheduled by the DDD plan (disinfection, di- sinsection and deratization), ensuring them depending on actual status at the zoo. The Ústí nad Labem Zoo is operated under the standing veterinary supervision by the Státní ve- terinární správa ÈR – Inspektorát Ústí nad Labem (State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Re- public - Ústí nad Labem Agency), which supervises the epizootolo- gy situation of the zoo husbandry as well as the compliance with all

The precautionary veterinary and treatment services for the 2. Zoo Ústí nad Labem, p. o. were ensured based on a contract, and guaranteed by MVDr. Václav Poživil. In addition, the following doctors were involved in the veterinary care: MVDr. Renata Poživilo- vá (Pict. 1), MVDr. Jana Matouško- vá, and MVDr. Barbora Brázdová. Cooperating laboratories included Státní veterinární ústav Pra- ha (post-mortem examinations, serology, histology, microbiology, parasitology), Diagnostika, s. r. o. (biochemy and haematolo- gy), Genservice, s. r. o. (analyses based on DNA), Výzkumný ústav veterinárního lékaøství Brno (TBC

13 veterinary acts and regulations in ints in frame of the blue tongue animal transfers. None of the or- force concerning zoos. protective zone, which occurred dered examinations confirmed Throughout the year 2007, Ústí in Germany (Pict. 2). All this time the infection, either serologically Zoo did not register any infection, the zoo had to follow the extraordi- or virologically, in any of the ani- which would fall under diseases nary veterinary measures ordered mal at the zoo. No vaccination as to be reported, compared to the by the Státní veterinární správa, currently discussed in frame of EU preceding years. However, the which meant several complica- will be considered by the zoo un- zoo was affected by the constra- tions in frame of the scheduled less upon order of the state veterinary care authority or agreement on EAZA’s level (of which our zoo 3. is the member) is concluded concerning a full-area vaccination in the framework of European zoological parks. The precautionary veterinary care was performed based on the guidelines concerning the check of health status in zoos determined by Státní veterinární správa (Pict. 3). More than 260 laboratory examinations were performed, and 78 post-mortem examinations were carried out in Státní veterinární ústav Praha (Sta- te Veterinary Institute) and/or at the zoo. 256 animals left the zoo, which also involved minor sales to animal shops; 20 animals left in frame of reintroduction programmes, or they were native animal species released in the wild after rehabilitation at the zoo. 41 new animals arrived in the zoo. 78 animals including aquarium fish died. From surgery treatments, let us mention the removal of an ovary tumour and adnex in the golden lion tamarin. The tumour was most probably caused by surplus of hormones from the previously applied contraception implant. Contraception agents are a frequently discussed issue in the field of zoo breeding. In my opinion, application of contraceptive preparations and/or treatments should be considered more thoroughly than it used to be; it should be used solely in case of health or short-term breeding indications, or to avoid propagation of relative individuals. Such surgery treatments should be restricted to minimum due to the non-return status of the solution, and other al- ternatives should be used unless there are health indications.

14 DIET AND FEEDING Anna Hrudková

of live rabbits for the feeding from The diets mainly consist of car- 1. Nymburk, who delivered about rots, apples and turnips. Every 80–100 animals per month. The year about 42 tonnes of turnips rest of suppliers remained. Of are purchased, stored in two pits course, we would like to thank all at the zoo, and systematically fed of the suppliers for their coopera- throughout the winter and spring- tion. time, when no green forage is The consumption per commo- available. In 2007, our animals dity throughout the year always consumed 21.6 tonnes of apples, changes depending on the sup- and 16.8 tonnes of carrots. Luckily, ply and prices, considering the these commodities were supplied requirements on diversity of ani- by our standing suppliers for prices mal diets. Some of the raw mate- that were principally lower than rials can be replaced by similar in wholesale stores. The average food, while some not. The latter consumption of other fruits (Pict. includes rice, of which 5 tonnes is 2) and vegetables reached the boiled yearly for CZK 52,500. The same level. Concerning the struc- main consumers involve the fe- ture of diets, we strived to keep The Ústí Zoo’s 2007 budget for ani- male elephants Kala and Delhi the diversity and quality; however, mal feeding and diets amounted or also tapirs and primates; minor the price was also a key deci- to 3 million crowns. However, we quantities of rice as well as boiled sion-making factor. Considerable exceeded this amount by about meat and vegetables are also savings were also possible thanks a half million despite every saving consumed by the sun bears. Ba- to Tesco Všeboøice and Hyper- effort, without even reducing the nanas are another unique com- nova Severní Terasa hypermar- food quality. The main reason modity; taking the species struc- kets, from which we collected was increase in numbers of kept ture of our animals into account, write-offs twice or three times a animals, which was due to the over 9 tonnes of bananas are week; another thanks go to In- breeding success as well as due fed every year, which represents peko Company, the bakery in Ústí, to obtaining of new specimens. a considerably high amount with from which we took pastries that As for the suppliers of food for the average price of CZK 22 per were dried and used for feeding our animal residents, there were kilo. of hoofed animals. several major changes from either financial or especially quality reasons. In May 2007, we 2. replaced the existing supplier of feeding meat by Váša – Mimoò Company, which delivers desired quantity of beef meat and beef hearts in the human consumption quality weekly (Pict. 1). Although it is true that the price level of the delivered meat is higher than before, which makes the meat one of the biggest items of the feeding budget, the quality of the meat apparently reflected on the health status of the nursed animals. Another change occurred in the field of supplies of fruit and vegetables. Since April 2007, we picked this assortment from Hoka Company, Teplice, which delivered the goods periodically twice a week. We have a new supplier

15 Recently, the most expensive commodity is the beef meat, of which 12.36 tonnes were fed in course of the year 2007. 4.8 tonnes of poultry meat (an increase by 3 tonnes compared to 2005), and 1, 923 rabbits (an increase by 1,156 animals compared to 2005) were consumed. 5.4 tonnes of fish were consumed by our pinni- peds, which is roughly our annual average (Pict. 3). Another pro- tein components of the diets included eggs (24,870 pieces fed), curd cheese (255 kg), hard curd (144 kg), and yoghurt (31.25 kg). Considerable amounts were 3. also paid for feeding rodents and feeding insects compared to the previous year. Due to was possible. The last year, 842.5 q It is understood that our animals the reconstruction of the exist- of hay for CZK 93 thousand were must also receive vitamin sup- ing rodent breeding facility, the purchased. plements outside the standard breeding had to be stopped for Feeding mixtures and pellet foods and pellets, unless there is two months; subsequently, the foods are of course the integral a sufficient level of supplements newly purchased rodents needed part of diets (Pict. 4). Its consump- already included in the mixtures some time to begin reproduction; tion depends on the number of and pellets. In total, 5.03 q of vari- that was why we had to purchase consumers. We currently take all ous vitamins were consumed the the rodents from outsourcers of the feeding mixtures for hoofed last year. throughout this four-month period. stock from Sehnoutek a synové, There is also a parrot breeding We quitted the breeding of the v. o. s.; the company cooperates centre based in the zoo premises, feeding insects for the time being very well, and has not even any which, however, is closed for the due to the inconvenient premi- problems concerning our requests public to provide the birds a quiet ses; recently only mealworms to modify the composition of the nesting place. The visitor con- feeding mixtures. The largest part cerns must be satisfied by the exo- of the feeding mixtures involved tic bird exhibits in the lower part 4. the ZOO – smìs (ZOO - Mixture), of of the zoo. Nevertheless, even the which 180.2 q for CZK 117,180 were feather creatures hidden out of fed the last year; another mixtures sight of the public have their spe- included the ZOO – žirafa (ZOO cific feeding requirements as well - Giraffe) mixture with the con- as a certain level of grains consumption of 71.5 q for CZK 82,582, sumption. The largest item was the ZOO – danìk (ZOO - Fallow the large striped sunflower seed, Deer) mixture, of which 62 q for of which almost 4.3 q for about CZK 53,382 were consumed, and CZK 9,000 were cracked by our the ZOO – konì (ZOO - Horses) parrots the last year; the birds also mixture, of which 60.75 q pur- consumed 3.7 q of small sunflower chased for CZK 40,824 were fed. seed (for CZK 5,439), 1.7 q of buck- A major part of pellets consumed wheat (CZK 3,213), and 1.12 q of at our zoo included pellets for om- hemp seed (for CZK 4,483). It is just are bred. Locusts and crickets nivorous and herbivorous (leaf- a list of basic items for the parrots. were purchased from outsour- eating) primates from Rácio Com- Of course, there are much more cers as well. The same was done pany. The omnivorous primates types of grains fed at our zoo, with concerning hay. It partially came consumed 1.6 q of pellets, while primates, hoofed animals, and from our own production; the rest leaf-eating primates consumed other small birds being the ma- was purchased. Of course, the 1.4 q of pellets; however, it should jor consumers. All kinds of work quantity of the hay purchased be noted that this does not form concerning handling the food, and the hay from our own produc- the major part of their diets. Other preparation and distribution to tion depended on the weather as major items included the Lundi different sections of the zoo were well as on the length of the pe- pellets for flamingo, of which 3.6 q ensured by two permanent staff riod, when feeding green forage for CZK 15,687 was consumed. members.

16 REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF THE ELEPHANT HOUSE SECTION Jan Javùrek, Petr Kiebel

sites were prepared in coopera- 1. tion with the Technical Depart- ment. Lighting units containing heating lamps and one special unit containing UV spectrum were placed in selected trunks. A cooling counter display was supplied and visitors could watch the hibernating tortoises through its glazed door. Elephants – Due to the repeat- ing problems with nails in both of the elephant females, we proceeded to bathing of their feet. We asked for construction plastic buckets, in which we always prepared a solution of formaldehyde, Betadine salve and agrimony tea. Only the front feet were subject to bath (Pict. 2); the whole procedure lasted about 30 minutes. The

The year 2007 brought many House were replaced by yellow- changes to the Elephant House. bibbed lories, who usefully occu- In the beginning of the year, all pied the upper floor of the aviary. birds living in two aviaries fenced A female Bali mynah from Dìèín by strings had to be caught and Zoo arrived in the second string- removed, and the aviaries com- fenced exhibit with the rainfall pletely cleaned up due to an to complete the pair following invasive outbreak of Norwegian the dead of the former female. rat. Subsequently, deratization We waited to see the lories and and disinfection was performed, crowned pigeons laying eggs, which lasted about 14 days. In unfortunately, none of them was parallel with this action, the un- successful. suitable concrete sculpture in the An exhibit of several tortoises Victoria crowned pigeon aviary was set up in the dry moat that was destructed, which brought separates the visitors from the ele- more light into the area. This also phants, which was not used be- females endured the treatment provided a new space for trunks. fore (Pict. 1). We divided the exist- very well. We brought new soil and the avi- ing moat into segments by means In Delhi, some problems ap- ary was replanted in cooperation of trunks and stones; at the same peared with a liquid in her uterus, with zoo gardeners. At the same time, the risk of escape of the tor- which is discussed in another arti- time, both aviaries were flood- toises, either into the elephant stall cle of this annual report. lighted with halogen lights. The or into the technology floor, vents Enrichment – In the beginning crested wood partridges that had of which are open into the moat, of the year, we utilized a hollow been removed to the Bornean was eliminated. Several heated post of the shade structure in the

17 was visited by disabled children 3. after closing time. A plentiful programme was prepared for them, which included a visit behind the scenes in our Elephant House as well as a contact with the elephants. In the week from 18 to 24 June, the Elephant Week was held in frame of celebration of the 20th anniversary of Delhi the female stay at Ústí Zoo. A display of children paintings of elephants was developed for visitors, who could enjoy visiting the house including keeper’s narration that took place every day following the routine training The females were given a cake. and the visitors could bring gifts for them in form of fruits, vegetables, and hard bread or pastry. It was for the first time that a formal wedding took place in the house (this was the first wedding at the zoo in the history). The wedding pair and guests as well as the registrar were standing right in the Elephant House, in the area of the females, who were also watch- ing under the surveillance of their enclosure, and had a winder in- tion of enrichment in the Elephant keepers. Of course, all happened stalled in it, thanks to which en- House (Pict. 4). under the attention of media. richment items can now be hung In 2007, we joined two routine In addition, several birthday in different heights. At the same meetings of the UCSZ Elephant parties were held in the elephant time, a ball was produced by the Committee, where we informed enclosure. The funding obtained same company from stainless our colleagues on the news in our through such events was utilized round steel with a diameter of 1 collection. for various purposes such as pur- metre, which we can fill with hay, On 1 June 2007, the second chase of a fruit sapper to enrich grass or small twigs (Pict. 3). An- Noc snù (Dreamnight At The Zoo) the lory diet. other new item was a modified event in the row was held. Our zoo bowling ball that we obtained, which can be used for hiding of food. Unfortunately, our highest efforts to enforce development of a new pool or at least a drinker in the enclosure failed. Other – In the middle of Sep- tember, Dvùr Králové nad Labem Zoo organized an international workshop focused on artificial in- semination in elephants, where we presented as well. In frame of the hands-on part, the workshop participants visited our zoo. Dur- ing the meeting, we presented a daily schedule of the elephants, birth, and examination using a thermal imager; accordingly, we 4. presented practical demonstra-

18 DEVELOPMENT OF THE HEALTH STATUS OF FEMALE DELHI Jan Javùrek, Petr Kiebel

In Delhi, some 3 litres of clear liquid were found following UV 1. examination already in 2006. Un- fortunately, we failed to perform additional checking due to over- loading of the IZW team despite our efforts. In 2007, several phases of the development of the health status in Delhi occurred. Blood samples from Delhi were taken weekly; afterwards, hormonal levels were determined. As the negative status of her ovulation had persisted, we proceeded to launch a radical treatment following consultations with IZW experts. 15 February 2007 – The first check of Delhi in the year was carried out. By means of sonograph examination, the liquid in the uterine horn was found again, as well as a minor cyst. The status of the ovaries was good as well as the corpus luteum. After a long search for proper medicaments and determining the right quantities, it was decided to continue in the following way. We performed rinsing of rectum twice a day in three consequent days (12, 13 and 14 June 2007). Then we mixed crushed Cytotec pills in a sonograph gel and embrocated everything into the rectum’s mucosa. Although a part washing of the medica- Cytotec may cause certain unde- 19 June 2007 – The IZW staff ment by the rinsing water that is sired effects, Dr. Poživil decided performed a sonograph exami- discharged may be an issue in to progressively increase the me- nation (Pict. 1). Unfortunately, its application via rectum, on the dicament doses (see the figure), new water was found even in the other side, absorption of the me- where any behaviour deviation second uterine horn, as well as dicament via rectum’s mucosa would mean an immediate inter- another cyst in the uterine tube, is relatively a fast procedure. As ruption of the treatment. and, in addition, a closed uterine neck. We all hoped that the DATE MORNING AFTERNOON medicaments might not have started to operate so the next 12. 6. 2007 8 pills 8 pills date of examination in about one month was set. The following ac- 13. 6. 2007 12 pills 12 pills tions concerning the female elephant were planned: narcotisa- 14. 6. 2007 16 pills 16 pills tion, hanging, and rinsing of her uterus by a serum obtained from

19 her blood, which was accompa- contentment, any narcotisation two cycles running, and then take nied with the need to sample se- and hanging was cancelled. another examination; however, it veral litres of blood. 1 August 2007 – Oxytocine injec- was obvious that the status was 31 July 2007 – The next ultrasou- tion was given. getting better, coming to the stan- nd check (Pict. 2), which was per- 29 November 2007 – The last dard status. formed by the IZW experts again, visitation of IZW Berlin staff. Fol- The IZW team confirmed the ended much better. Some of the lowing performance of the UV analyses of the duplicate blood cysts disappeared, some had check, we could relatively relax. samples, which was supplemen- been reduced substantially (main- It was found that the uterus was ted by examining of other hormo- ly in the uterus), the liquid in the calm, without any liquid, the ova- nes. On 3 October 2007, the first lu- left uterine horn was gone, while ries worked well, and the cycle teal phase occurred in Delhi, and in the right horn only a minimum was normal. However, the hormo- on 29 November 2007, the second persisted. The general status of the nal levels were getting low, which luteal phase occurred. This means uterus was much better, the uteri- was not very standard. Due to this that everything is in perfect order ne wall was strong, and the uterus fact, also duplicate samples were with Delhi having an adequate itself could reject the liquid. It was taken during the periodical blo- oestrous cycle. The reason for all of recommended that Oxytocine be od sampling, and then shipped the discrepancies was based on given to assist a complete evacua- to Berlin to perform check analy- the fact that only progesterone le- tion of the uterus. To our highest ses. They recommended us to let vel had been analysed by our lab.

20 BACTRIAN CAMEL HUSBANDRY Ing. Pavel Král

animals used to be closed for five 1. months (the whole winter and a part of spring) in the night; they stayed in their house, where food was served and bedding main- tained. The fact that such way of keeping is not natural for camels was shown by decrease in animal fitness and frequent diarrheas. In 2006, we shifted to an outdoor keeping all the year round, where the animals can only hide under a shelter (Pict. 2). Even births take place and young camels are raised outdoor. The fitness of all animals has been excellent and free of any intestinal or other problems. The camels are held in a grass enclosure with an area of about 3,500 m2 for the major part of the The beginning of the recent his- the group (8.8). After the death year. The enclosure is 42 m wide tory of the husbandry dates back of the female Fay (2002) and the and 81 m long; it is fenced by a into the start of 80’s, when the ca- male Kraken (2006), and long- wire mesh 1.1 m high, eye size mels Abdul, Fatima and Fatma -term infertility of the female Len- 15 x 15 cm, and by electric fen- arrived. Some years later, Abdul ka, the collection was recovered. cing. In the lower part, there is and Fatima were sent to Hanoi, The male Chorchoj (Matìj) and a shelter with an area of 49 m2, Vietnam, in frame of animal ex- three females Kara, Kuma (Pict. three wood trays, and a drinker. change, while Fatma became a 1), and Salma originating from the Under the shelter, there is also a founder of the collection. In 1987, Russian Astrachaò Region were portable feeding ring for hay, Fatma delivered a female called imported in the period 2006–2007. diameter 160 cm, height 120 cm, Fay, who established the core This means that the total status of which is made of pipes, diameter (1.3) of the new breeding herd adult animals by the end of 2007 4 cm. An UNC-060 loader is used together with the male called Kra- was 1.5 (see the table). for bringing rounded bales of hay ken imported from Olomouc Zoo, The period of 2006/2007 was and placing them in the feeding female Lenka from Ostrava Zoo, the breaking point not only con- ring. The animals draw hay from and female Fatima 2, who was cerning the imports of the new the unwrapped bale placed in born later at our zoo. Until the year animals, but also the new kee- the feeding ring. This prevents the 2006, 16 young ones were born in ping methods. In former years, the animals damaging of the hay

Status of Bactrian camel collection at Ústí nad Labem Zoo as per 31-12-2007

Name Sex Born Place of birth Arrival Number of young ones at UL ZOO

Chorchoj (Matìj) 1,0 1997 unknown 30. 5. 2006 0

Fatima 2 0,1 9. 8. 1993 Ústí n. L. 6

Lenka 0,1 20. 3. 1989 Ostrava 15. 2. 1991 3

Kara 0,1 2003 Russia 28. 4. 2006 1

Kuma 0,1 2003 Russia 28. 4. 2006 1

Salma 0,1 2001 Russia 4. 9. 2007 0

21 out any help. With the new fema- 2. le camels (Kara and Kuma), both of the young ones born in 2007 were vital, the females showed an excellent care of them, and any keeper’s assistance became unnecessary (Pict. 3). In the recent years, there were two deaths. The female Fay died due to the liver and kidney failure in 2002, while the male Kraken died due to the chronical kidney failure with subsequent infection in 2006. From the veterinary as- pect, all animals are dewormed twice a year (spring – autumn) using Panakur, Sulfacox, and Ivo- mec, checks of faeces are performed from time to time outside this schedule. Streptonamid is served in case of persistent diarrheas. The and makes the work connected necessary. The females used to animals are vaccinated against with handling the forage easier. repel the offspring; some young clostridia (including tetanus) with In addition, a place compacted ones could not even stand up. Miloksan and Covexin 8. Once a by grounded panels designed Therefore, the female had to be year, blood is sampled to exami- for serving the green forage in given a halter and had to be tied ne the herd concerning infection the enclosure is available. The up; accordingly, the young one diseases. Concerning accidents, camels are moved to a partially had to be pushed to the female’s there was a case of fracture of a roofed concrete yard for 2 or 3 udder and its mouth had to be lower jaw on the level of canine months (from the middle of Janu- guided directly to the nipples. The teeth in a young male. Ostheosyn- ary to March) mainly because of feeding was performed every 1.5 thesis of the jaw was carried out saving the enclosure and recove- hours on the first day after the bir- and the male was healed without ry of the growth. th (including the night); and eve- any durable effects. The diet per a single animal ry 2 up to 2.5 hours on the day 2 The young camels were not and day consists of a pellets or 3. The young one got stronger, trained; concerning the adults, (1.4 kg) and pastries (0.4 kg); in stood up by itself, but still was not only the female Fatma and later the winter, we include fodder accepted by the female. On the on Lenka were able to manage beet (3 kg) and hay (6 kg), while day 4, the feeding was performed any basic commands (lie, up), in the summer they get green fo- every 3 hours, with about 5-hour and carry a rider. We took Lenka rage (24 kg). A mineral and vita- break in the night. This was already to several promotion operations min mixture Vitamix is served daily enough so that the female could outside the zoo area; she even and the mineral lick is available accept the young one and the played a part in the Akumulátor (LIZ-N in the winter, LIZ-MG MIKRO young one started sucking with- (Accumulator) movie. in the summer). Browse is ensured by means of trunks brought in the enclosure; they also get twigs from 3. time to time. Until the end of 2007, 18 camels were born with balanced ratio of sexes (9.9). The main birthing period involves March and Ap- ril, total number of births: 12 (i.e. 67 %). Other births occurred in January (1), February (3), May (1), and August (1). In case of former females (Fay, Fatima 2, Len- ka), the birth always used to be accompanied with problems in the first days after the birth, and keeper’s assistance was always

22 REARING OF BORNEAN ORANGUTANS Mgr. Eva Mikolášková

The orangutan house at Ústí sed, which caused apprehension ins in close contacts (unity) with Zoo is inhabited by a family of if they would be able to form a the mother. Nevertheless, he usu- the Bornean orangutan, and by functional pair, and if they would ally begins to play with the young a hybrid of the Bornean and Su- reproduce in a natural way. Such one later on. He also behaves matran orangutan named Ferda. concerns became baseless as very kindly so that he makes no Due to his high age (38 years) as the orangutans began periodi- harm to the young animal. well as long isolation, Ferda is a ty- cal mating after they reached The female Raja born on 20 De- pical solitary. He is the least active their sexual maturity, delivering cember 1998 was the first descen- dweller in the house. Compared their first descendant in the end dant of our orangutans. The ani- with him, the four-member oran- of 1998. The female Òuninka pro- mal was very active, and showed gutan family represents a highly ved to be a very good and caring a very promising development, dynamical element of our zoo. It mother, who did not need any as- but, unfortunately, it suddenly was founded by a pair of Borne- sistance by humans when raising died three days after its first birth- an orangutans that arrived in Ústí her young one. The male Òuòák is day due to a virus disease. Never-

nad Labem in 1989 after having completely trouble-free and kind theless, very soon after this, Òunin- been confiscated to smugglers concerning his offspring, making ka became pregnant again, and when they were one-year old. the situation much easier, as the- the second orangutan baby (the After their arrival to the zoo, the re is no need for any separation male Ámos) was born exactly two young animals required a special from the female after the birth. years after Raja (and nearly one and standing care of keepers and This behaviour, which is unusual year after Raja’s death) on 20 instant contact with humans, who for a male orangutan, may be a December 2000. To our big plea- compensated them for their lost result of human care in the early sure, he has been enjoying good mother. This means that although stage of his life. The father keeps health and remains a member of both primates came from the his neutrality and does not care our group, although he is already wild, they have been hand-rai- about the young one until it rema- fully independent (Pict. 1). He is

23 act to such change, we enabled 2. them to enter the playroom from the bedroom and vice versa in the night as well, which is otherwi- se not allowed in the night. The day four, Òuninka with the baby was allowed to enter the playroom where Òuòák and Ámos stayed. The group was reunited without any problems. Only Ámos paid attention to the young. Òu- òák was attracted by the female, trying to examine the status of her genitals despite her displeasure. However, he did not repeat this in the following days. No intervention by the keepers was necessary as Òuninka enforced the respect towards the young one using thre- atening mimics of her face, while ensuring a peace at the same time. From this moment on, a daily routine was re-established in the currently seven years old, which first three days, the mother rested house; the members of the group means that he goes through his with the baby in her bedroom and spent the day together, while se- adolescent age. This not only remained separated from both parated into their two bedrooms brings changes in his appearan- male members of the group. They in the night (Pict. 3). This schedu- ce, but also forms his personality were held in the playroom during le persisted until the end of June, and produces efforts concerning the day, spending the night in the when a separated bedroom was establishment of his own position father’s bedroom; however, as we reserved for Ámos. in the group. did not know how they would re- After a long break (the orangutan’s non-breeding period between two births is the longest 3. in primates), third young one in the row was born to our orangutans on 20 January 2007 (Pict. 2). According to the fact that the male Òuòák was daily separated from the female in the night (each of them has its own bedroom), we did not need to solve the issue of separating the male pri- or the expected birth. The young one was a male and was born early in the morning. When the keeper arrived, he still had a rem- nant of the chord. The female allowed the keeper to cut the chord so that it could be shortened, as we were afraid of breaking. The young Ámos was present during the birth as he still shared the bedroom with his mother at that time. He was interested in the newborn very much and had to be driven off by the mother. Therefore, he was expelled right in the morning; from this time on, he used to go into his father’s bedroom. In the

24 Although the mother paid the were found three weeks after. Sin- highest attention to the young ce June, the young one began 4. one since its birth, protecting him to ask pre-chewed food from his all the time, Ámos tried to ca- mother. ter his sexual appetence on the On 6 October 2007, the young small orangutan since the begin- was given a name Budi (Pict. 4). ning, using him to show a copu- Recently, the young one moves lation; subsequently, he started to far from the mother, climbing with mate the four-month baby into its a bigger confidence and playing rectum. In the first months, the mo- with his older sibling Ámos, who is ther reacted very negatively; later relatively regardful to him in play. on, she posed more and more The young can grip the food by flegmatically to Ámos’s behavi- his upper limbs and put it to his our. Fortunately, the young one’s mouth. After getting the food, he skills have improved, as he gets escapes from the mother trying older so that he can escape bet- not to allow her to take anything ter and handling him becomes from him. Even despite the ability impossible. of the young one to enforce cer- In April, the young orangutan tain quantity of food, he still must began catching items in his clo- be given some extra food. sest surrounding, moving close to As for the relationships of the mo- the female, and trying climbing ther to both of the descendants, it the bars and ropes. In his fourth is interesting that Òuninka did not month of age, he already climbed reject Ámos, who is older and ne- the nets without any support of his arly adult, with the arrival of Budi. mother. The little male showed She is still protecting Ámos when us his teeth (lower incisors) in the in danger, and he is allowed to middle of May; the upper incisors do almost anything to her.

Comparison of the after-birth situations and developments of the three descendants of Òuòák and Òuninka Raja Ámos Budi Birth – Time 20. 12. 1998 (Afternoon) 20. 12. 2000 20. 1. 2007 – Location Playroom (Early morning) (Early morning) Bedroom Bedroom Chord Bitten by mother Cut The rest cut Placenta Eaten Group re-united for the first 11. 3. 1999 29. 12. 2000 23. 1. 2007 time after the birth First mating of the parents 19. 3. 1999 1. 1. 2001 23. 1. 2007 (Trial) after the birth YOUNG ONE: First lower incisors 6. 4. 1999 26. 2. 2001 14. 5. 2007 Climbing assisted by mother 14. 4. 9. 4. - gripping the bars 5. 4. - gripping the bars (Instant contacts with mother) 29. 4. - climbing the net Upper incisors 16. 4. 10. 6. 5. 6. Climbing alone 26. 4. 7. 5. 26. 4. - hanging alone on with no assistance by mother the net 4. 5. - climbing the net Tasting the mother’s food 3. 5. 17. 4. 7. 6. (taking food from her mouth) Another types of teeth 31. 5. - third lower incisor ? 15. 6. - four lower incisors 14. 6. - first molars Other activities 13. 12. - active, inquiring 7. 12. - running alone 6. 7. - taking food alone, around the playroom nibbling it 10. 12. - father is playing with Ámos 14. 12. - Ámos serving food by himself

25 REARING OF RED PANDA Ing. Petra Padalíková

same year. The 2007 numbers 1. (source: www.isis.org) are more positive; 16 zoos raised the young ones successfully, and recently 24 surviving young animals are registered. It is obvious based on the data above that the red panda belongs to the species that are very difficult to breed. The beginnings of the red panda collection at Ústí Zoo dates back to 1996, when two females from Barcelona Zoo arrived. In 1999, one of the females died; we managed to get a male to the remaining female in the end of 2000; it was three-year old Sole from Bussolengo Zoo. The pairing was effective, and a single cub was born to the newly established pair in June 2001. The rearing of the descendant was successful, thus it became the first rearing of the species in frame of UCSZ (Unie èeských a slovenských zoologic- kých zahrad/Union of Czech and Slovak Zoos) in its history. Unfor- tunately, a tragedy affected the Ústí’s collection one year later. The breeding female suddenly died, followed by the cub in course of a single month. The post-mortem examination found a bacterial in- The red panda belongs to the ce. On the other hand, the Euro- fection in both animals. rare species kept in zoos. Current- pean population of the nominal The male Sole did not get a new ly, the collections in the European sub-species counts total 231 spe- partner sooner than after four zoos are under a central manage- cimens found in 96 institutions, years (Pict. 1). In May 2006, the ment; an international studbook is according to the 2006 studbook. young female Geena was brou- published every year, which also Even despite such relatively fa- ght in from Antwerp, Belgium. At registers animals in other zoos in vourable numbers, reproduction the very start, Geena had big pro- other parts of the world. In frame has not been so successful so that blems to adapt to her new enclo- of Europe, the western red panda the captive red panda popula- sure as well as to her new partner. sub-species Ailurus fulgens fulgens tion could be labelled as stable During the first month, she tried to is kept almost exclusively. This ta- on a long-term basis; there is a escape several times, out of which xon ranges in the Himalayan foot- long waiting list of institutions wil- two actions were successful. We hills in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and ling to hold the species. Accor- hold the red pandas in a natura- North Eastern India. The home- ding to the studbook data, red listic enclosure, where grown aca- land of the other sub-species, the panda was bred in mere 17 insti- cia trees pre-dominate. The fen- much larger Ailurus fulgens styani, tutions in Europe in 2006, out of cing of the enclosure consists of involves North Eastern Burma, and which only 8 reared the offspring a wood palisade, which is com- the Chinese Yunnan and Sichuan successfully. This means that the plemented by glass in the front provinces. Only a sole individual pan-European collection increa- part. Animals are prevented to of the sub-species has been held sed by only 12 young animals in climb the palisade by two electric in Europe, at Touroparc Zoo, Fran- 2006, while 26 adults died in the fence lines in its lower and upper

26 parts. A standard strand wire with to the infertility limit, so nobody a timing of the birth so that the strings of electric wire was used could warranted if Geena would offspring can enter an ideal sea- as a conductor. We could watch be mated successfully even de- son of the year or enabling the one of the Geena‘s escapes by spite the activities observed in the female to reach an ideal nouris- ourselves; the animal climbed the spring. The pregnancy period in hing condition before the coming palisade without any problem, the red panda persists 90 to 140 birth. The red panda delivery

but no visible stroke by the power days. Such large interval is associ- period falls into June and July. In was observed even despite its di- ated with the fact that the deve- total, six dens were developed to rect contact with the electric fen- lopment of the fertilised egg may provide shelters for possible birth ce. Thus, we suspected that the be withheld over the period of and raising of cubs. They invol- thick hair on the contact surface 20 to 70 days. This phenomenon ved a stone den, a shelter formed of the panda paw was a perfect is called latent pregnancy, and from concrete rings, and four insulator. That was why the panda the main purpose thereof is either wood boxes of different shapes. enclosure was enforced with one more row, which was the central row of electric fencing made of 3. steel wire, which conducts the electric pulses much more effe- ctively. This measure was found sufficient, and Geena did not overcome the enclosure fencing since that time. In the beginning of the spring 2007, an increased moving activity in both pandas as well as frequent territorial marking by the male was observed. However, no mating was registered. The male Sole completed his tenth year at that time. The literature states that the red panda may be at most fertile until twelve years. This means that Sole was coming near

27 A feeding bowl was put in one of ration resembled the adults; the removed to the background im- the wood boxes. facemask of one of the animals mediately, and we proceeded On 8 July 2007, the keepers was much lighter. to intense supporting treatment. found two cubs in one of the On 26 September 2007, the first In the wild, the cubs will normally wood boxes. An interesting fact material check of the offspring stay with the female until the next was that Geena had chosen the was performed, as well as dewor- mating season or possibly until the same box to give birth as the fe- ming and application of chips next litter occurs. Nevertheless, we male in 2001 did. The cubs had a (Pict. 3). The animals showed a had to separate our cubs at the coffee colour. As it was the first bir- good nutrition status; their exter- age of four months. Therefore, va- th of this female, we implemented nal sexual marks indicated that rious types of milk mash and Ca- strict measures; only the keepers they could be two males. Subse- lopet (a vitamin cream) was were were allowed to enter the enclosu- quently, the cubs began leaving included in their diet. The small re. In the first weeks, the enclosure their shelters in the evening by red panda cubs went through was not cleaned, only food was themselves, and we could obser- this pre-mature weaning without brought in to avoid any distur- ve them playing in the enclosure. problems. Their father took over bance of the female as much From the end of November, the the role of active parent (Pict. 4), as possible. With regard to the cubs were active even in the day. spending the night with both of tropical temperatures, a sprinkler Their movements got much more the cubs in a single box, or playing was installed in the enclosure, skilful. In the month 4, we saw the with them in the enclosure. which was really enjoyed by the small pandas eating bamboo for Both young ones enjoyed a gre- red pandas. Geena proved to the first time. at attention at the zoo. Their future be a good example of mother. On 16 November 2007 in the was determined by the pan-Eu- She used to carry the young ones morning hours, we noticed ropean collection coordinator: among the boxes throughout the Geena’s reduced coordination of one of the males would aim for enclosure. Having reached the- movements. The check catching Kronberg Zoo (Germany), while ir first month, the cubs had their revealed she was in a bad nut- the other for Prague. Let us hope eyes open, they moved around rition status. The first raising had that the breeding pair will repeat their box, and their fur got dark exhausted the female too much the successful raising in the subse- step-by-step (Pict. 2). At the age despite every possible effort and quent years. of about two months, their colou- care from our side. Geena was

28 NUMBERS OF ANIMALS TO 31. 12. 2007

Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Mammals (Mammalia)

Addax 3.1 1.0 0.1 2.0 Addax nasomaculatus EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I Alpaca 3.8 3.2 1.0 2.0 3.1 2.9 Vicugna pacos Amur Leopard 1.2 1.2 Panthera pardus orientalis EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I Amur Leopard Cat 1.0 1.0 Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura RDB=LC Angola Lion 1.1 1.1 Panthera leo bleyenberghi RDB=VU Babyrusa 1.1 1.1 Babyrousa babyrussa EEP,ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Banded Mongoose 1.3 1.3 Mungos mungo RDB=LR Baringo Giraffe 1.3 1.3 Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi EEP,RDB=LR Bengal Elephant 0.2 0.2 Elephas maximus bengalensis EEP,RDB=EN,CITES=I Black and White Ruffed Lemur 5.2 0.1 5.1 Varecia variegata EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Blackbuck 7.3 1.2 1.0 7.5 Antilope cervicapra RDB=NT Blue Monkey 2.2 1.1 1.1 Cercopithecus mitis RDB=LR Bonnet Macaque 2.3 1.0 3.3 Macaca radiata RDB=LR Bornean Orangutan 2.1 1.0 3.1 Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Brazilian Tapir 1.0 0.1 1.1 Tapirus terrestris EEP,RDB=VU Californian Sea Lion 1.0 1.0 Zalophus californianus ESB,RDB=LR Capybara 0.1 0.1 Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris RDB=LR Caracal 1.0 1.0 Caracal caracal ISB,RDB=LC,CITES=I Central American Agouti 1.1.1 0.0.1 1.1 Dasyprocta punctata RDB=LR Collared Peccary 1.2 1.2 Pecari tajacu RDB=LR

29 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Mammals (Mammalia)

Common Squirrel Monkey 1.1 1.1 Saimiri sciureus EEP,RDB=LC Cotton-top Tamarin 2.3 1.0 1.3 Saguinus oedipus EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Crab-eating Raccoon 2.1 1.0 1.1 Procyon cancrivorus RDB=LR De Brazza´s Monkey 1.2 1.0 2.2 Cercopithecus neglectus ESB,RDB=LR Defassa Waterbuck 1.2 0.2 0.1 1.3 Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa RDB=LR Diana Monkey 1.1 1.1 Cercopithecus diana diana EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Domestic Bactrian Camel 1.4 1.1 0.1 1.1 1.5 Camelus bactrianus RDB=CR Domestic Dog 1.0 1.0 Canis familiaris Domestic Goat 1.2 2.1 1.0 2.1 0.2 Capra hircus Domestic Goat 3.11 8.6 7.10 4.7 Capra hircus Domestic Sheep 5.6 0.2 1.0 3.0 1.8 Ovis aries aries Eastern Grey Kangaroo 1.0 1.0 Macropus giganteus ESB,RDB=LR Fishing Cat 2.1 1.1 1.0 Prionailurus viverrinus EEP,ISB,RDB=VU Fosa 1.1 1.0 2.1 Cryptoprocta ferox EEP,ISB,RDB=EN Geoffroy´s Cat 2.1 1.0 1.1 Oncifelis geoffroyi EEP,RDB=NT,CITES=I Golden Lion Tamarin 1.1 0.1 1.0 Leontopithecus rosalia EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Guanaco 0.2 0.2 Lama guanicoe RDB=LR Harbour Seal 1.1 1.1 Phoca vitulina RDB=LR Hartmann´s Mountain Zebra 3.9 2.0 2.1 3.8 Equus zebra hartmannae EEP,ISB,RDB=EN Cheetah 1.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.1 Acinonyx jubatus EEP,ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Japanese Serow 0.1 0.1 Naemorhedus crispus ESB,ISB,RDB=LR Javan Langur 1.3 0.1 1.0 0.4 Trachypithecus auratus RDB=EN

30 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Mammals (Mammalia)

Jungle Cat 1.0 1.0 Felis chaus RDB=LC Kafue Lechwe 1.3 2.1 3.4 Kobus leche kafuensis ISB,RDB=VU Kilimanjaro Colobus 1.4 1.0 0.4 Colobus guereza caudatus ESB,RDB=LR Larger Hairy Armadillo 1.1 1.1 Chaetophractus villosus RDB=LC Lion-tailed Macaque 3.0 3.0 Macaca silenus EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Llama 2.3 1.2 1.0 2.5 Lama glama Lowland Anoa 3.2 3.2 Bubalus depressicornis EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Mandrill 1.4 1.4 Mandrillus sphinx EEP,RDB=VU Maned Wolf 1.0 0.1 0.1 1.2 Chrysocyon brachyurus EEP,ISB,RDB=NT Meerkat 3.1 3.1 Suricata suricatta RDB=LR Mona Monkey 1.0 1.0 Cercopithecus mona RDB=LR Nilgai 2.6 2.0 0.1 1.4 3.1 Boselaphus tragocamelus RDB=LC Northern Plains Grey Langur 1.4 1.4 Semnopithecus entellus ESB,RDB=LR,CITES=I Northern White-cheeked Gibbon 2.2.2 1.0 0.1 1.1.2 Nomascus leucogenys leucogenys EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Ocelot 1.1 0.1 1.0 Leopardus pardalis RDB=LC,CITES=I Orangutan 1.0 1.0 Pongo pygmaeus EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Oriental Small-clawed Otter 1.1 1.0 2.1 Amblonyx cinerea ISB,RDB=NT Patagonian Mara 2.1.1 0.0.1 2.1.2 Dolichotis patagonum RDB=LR Persian Leopard 1.0 1.0 Panthera pardus saxicolor EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Pony 1.4 1.1 0.2 2.3 Equus caballus Prevost´s Squirrel 1.1 0.0.1 1.1.1 Callosciurus prevostii RDB=LR Pygmy Marmoset 1.1 0.0.2 1.1.2 Callithrix pygmaea RDB=LC

31 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Mammals (Mammalia)

Red Panda 1.1 2.0 3.1 Ailurus fulgens fulgens EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Red Ruffed Lemur 2.3 0.2 2.1 Varecia rubra EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I Red-handed Tamarin 2.2 1.1 0.2 1.2 2.3 Saguinus midas midas ESB,RDB=LC Reeves´ Muntjac 1.1 0.0.1 1.1.1 Muntiacus reevesi RDB=LR Ring-tailed Lemur 2.2 1.0 2.0 1.2 Lemur catta ESB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Silvered Leaf Monkey 0.2 0.2 Trachypithecus cristatus Snow Leopard 1.1 1.1 Uncia uncia EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Somali Wild Ass 3.3 1.1 0.1 0.1 4.4 Equus africanus somalicus EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I South American Coati 1.2 1.2 Nasua nasua RDB=LR Southern Two-toed Sloth 1.2 0.0.1 0.1 1.1.1 Choloepus didactylus ESB,RDB=LC Southern White Rhinoceros 1.2 1.2 Ceratotherium simum simum EEP,ISB,RDB=NT Sumatran Tiger 1.0 1.0 Panthera tigris sumatrae EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I Sun Bear 2.5 2.5 Helarctos malayanus ESB,RDB=DD,CITES=I Thorold´s Deer 2.4 0.2 1.0 1.6 Cervus albirostris RDB=VU Variable Flying Fox 5.2 0.0.1 5.2.1 Pteropus hypomelanus RDB=LR Vietnamese Sika Deer 2.6 1.4 2.4 1.6 Cervus nippon pseudaxis EEP,ISB,RDB=CR Wolverine 0.1 1.0 1.1 Gulo gulo sibirica EEP,RDB=VU

Birds (Aves) Alexandrine Parakeet 1.1 0.0.3 0.0.3 1.1 Psittacula eupatria RDB=LC Australian King-Parrot 2.2 2.2 Alisterus scapularis RDB=LC Black-necked Aracari 1.1 1.1 Pteroglossus aracari RDB=LC Blue-and-yellow Macaw 3.5 2.1 1.2 4.4 Ara ararauna RDB=LC

32 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Birds (Aves)

Blue-fronted Amazon 0.0.1 0.0.1 Amazona aestiva RDB=LC Budgerigar 0.0.63 0.0.42 0.0.80 0.0.25 Melopsittacus undulatus RDB=LC California Quail 3.1 3.1 Lophortyx californica RDB=LC Cockatiel 3.1 0.0.4 0.0.4 3.1 Nymphicus hollandicus RDB=LC Common Barn-owl 1.1 0.0.6 0.0.6 1.1 Tyto alba CROH=SOH,RDB=LC Crested Pigeon 1.1 1.1 Ocyphaps lophotes RDB=LC Crested Wood-partridge 1.1 1.1 Rollulus rouloul RDB=NT Egyptian Goose 1.1 1.1 Alopochen aegyptiacus RDB=LC Egyptian Vulture 0.1 0.1 Neophron percnopterus percnopterus ESB,RDB=LC Emu 1.1 1.1 Dromaius novaehollandiae RDB=LC Eurasian Eagle-Owl 1.1 1.1 Bubo bubo CROH=OH,RDB=LC Flamingos 0.1 0.1 Phoenicopterus sp. Great Currassow 1.2 0.1 1.1 Crax rubra RDB=NT Great Kiskasee 1.0 1.0 Pitangus sulphuratus RDB=LC Greater Rhea 0.1.5 0.1.5 Rhea americana RDB=NT Grey Parrot 1.1 1.1 Psittacus erithacus RDB=LC Himalayan Griffon 1.1 1.1 Gyps himalayensis RDB=LC Indian Peafowl 3.6 3.6 Pavo cristatus RDB=LC Java Sparrow 0.0.2 0.0.2 Padda oryzivora RDB=VU Mandarin Duck 1.0 1.0 Aix galericulata RDB=LC Marabou 1.1 0.1 1.0 Leptoptilos crumeniferus ESB,RDB=LC Mealy Amazon 2.1 2.1 Amazona farinosa RDB=LC

33 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Birds (Aves)

Military Macaw 3.3 0.1 1.1 2.3 Ara militaris ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Raven 1.1.1 0.0.1 1.1 Corvus corax CROH=OH,RDB=LC Red-and-green Macaw 1.1 1.1 2.2 Ara chloroptera RDB=LC Red-fronted Parrot 1.1 0.0.1 0.0.1 1.1 Poicephalus gulielmi RDB=LC Red-lored Amazon 2.2 2.2 Amazona autumnalis RDB=LC Rose-ringed Parakeet 1.1 0.0.2 0.0.2 1.1 Psittacula krameri RDB=LC Rosy Flamingo 0.0.10 0.0.10 Phoenicopterus ruber roseus RDB=LC Rothschild´s Mynah 1.0 0.2 0.1 1.1 Leucopsar rothschildi EEP,RDB=CR,CITES=I Saker Falcon 2.2 0.1 2.3 Falco cherrug CROH=KOH,RDB=EN Salmon-crested Cockatoo 1.1 1.0 2.1 Cacatua moluccensis EEP,RDB=VU,CITES=I Scarlet Macaw 1.0 1.0 Ara macao RDB=LC,CITES=I Snowy Owl 1.1 2.2 2.2 1.1 Nyctea scandiaca RDB=LC Spot-sided Finch 13.7.3 1.0.3 12.7 Taeniopygia guttata RDB=LC Tanimbar Corella 1.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.2 Cacatua goffini RDB=NT,CITES=I Tawny Eagle 1.2 1.2 Aquila rapax RDB=LC Tawny Owl 1.1 1.0 0.1 Strix aluco RDB=LC Ural Owl 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 Strix uralensis liturata CROH=KOH,RDB=LC Victoria Crowned-Pigeon 1.1 1.1 Goura victoria ESB,ISB,RDB=VU Violet Turaco 1.2 1.2 Musophaga violacea ESB,RDB=LC Wrinkled Hornbill 3.2 2.1 1.1 Aceros corrugatus EEP,RDB=NT Yellow-bibbed Lory 1.1 1.1 Lorius chlorocercus RDB=LC

34 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Reptiles (Reptilia)

African Rock Python 0.1 0.1 Python sebae American Alligator 1.1 1.1 Alligator mississippiensis Asian Leaf Turtle 0.0.7 0.0.7 Cyclemys dentata RDB=LR Ball Python 1.1 1.1 Python regius Boa Constrictor 0.1 0.1 Boa constrictor Central Asian tortoise 0.0.10 0.0.1 0.0.9 Testudo horsfieldii RDB=VU Common Snake-necked Turtle 1.2 1.2 Chelodina longicollis Corn Snake 0.0.1 0.0.1 Pantherophis guttatus Cuban Boa 2.2.5 0.0.5 2.2 Epicrates angulifer EEP,RDB=LR Cuban Iguana 1.2 1.2 Cyclura nubila nubila ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Dwarf Crocodile 1.0 1.0 Osteolaemus tetraspis ESB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Eastern Kingsnake 1.0 1.0 Lampropeltis getula getula False Water Cobra 1.0 1.0 Hydrodynastes gigas Florida Kingsnake 1.0 1.0 Lampropeltis getula floridana Green Tree Python 0.2 0.2 Morelia viridis Greer‘s Kingsnake 0.0.2 0.0.2 Lampropeltis mexicana greeri Hermann´s Tortoise 2.0 1.0 1.0 Testudo hermanni RDB=LR Honduran Milk Snake 1.2 0.0.6 1.2.6 Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis Horn´s Monitor 1.1 1.0 0.1 Varanus panoptes horni Chinese Softshell Turtle 1.0 1.0 Pelodiscus sinensis RDB=VU Inland Bearded Dragon 1.2.4 0.0.1 1.2.3 Pogona vitticeps Oriental Water Dragon 1.1.9 1.1 0.0.9 Physignathus cocincinus

35 Depar- Status to Status to 1. 1. 2007 Birth Arrival Death ture 31. 12. 2007

Reptiles (Reptilia)

Panther Chameleon 1.0 1.0 Furcifer pardalis Pueblan Milk Snake 1.1 1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli Red-bellied short-necked turtle 0.0.3 0.0.3 Emydura subglobosa RDB=LR Red-eared Slider 5.8.21 0.0.3 0.0.17 5.8.1 Trachemys scripta elegans RDB=LR Reticulated Python 1.1 1.1 Python reticulatus Schneider´s Skink 1.0.3 1.0.3 Eumeces schneideri Sinaloan Milk Snake 2.2 0.0.19 0.0.1 0.0.18 2.2.2 Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae Smooth-fronted Caiman 1.2 1.2 Paleosuchus trigonatus South American Red-footed Tortoise 6.1.8 0.1 0.0.4 6.2.4 Chelonoidis carbonaria Southeast Asian Box Turtle 0.0.3 0.0.3 Cuora amboinensis ESB,RDB=VU Spur-thighed Tortoise 1.0 1.0 Testudo graeca RDB=VU Travancore Tortoise 1.0 1.0 Indotestudo travancorica RDB=EN

36 Status to Status to 31. 12. 2007 31. 12. 2007

Amphibians (Amphibia) Fish (Pisces) Aplash-backed Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.2 African Butter Catfish 0.0.1 Dendrobates galactonotus RDB=LC Schilbe mystus RDB=VU Asian Common Toad 0.0.5 Angelfish 0.0.2 Bufo melanosticus RDB=LC Pterophyllum scalare Blue Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.4 Bala Shark 0.0.8 Dendrobates azureus ESB,RDB=VU Balantiocheilos melanopterus RDB=EN Dyeing Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.5 Black Ruby Barb 0.0.6 Dendrobates tinctorius RDB=LC Puntius nigrofasciatus RDB=LR Golden Poison Frog 0.0.12 Blind cave tetra 0.0.10 Phyllobates terribilis RDB=EN Astyanax jordani RDB=VU Golfodulcean Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.7 Bristlenose catfish 0.0.22 Phyllobates vittatus RDB=EN Ancistrus cirrhosus Green And Golden Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.26 Bronze Cory 0.0.14 Dendrobates auratus RDB=LC Corydoras aeneus Ground Toads 0.0.4 Carptooth catfish 0.0.3 Bufo sp. Clarias gariepinus Malayan Bullfrog 0.0.2 Cichlid 0.0.8 Kaloula pulchra RDB=LC Aulonocara sp. Mission Golden-eyed Trefrog 0.0.11 Clown Loach 0.0.2 Phrynohyas resinifictrix RDB=LC Botia macracantha Orange-legged Leaf Frog 0.0.7 Featherfin Squeaker 0.0.14 Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis RDB=LC Synodontis eupterus Oriental Fire-bellied Toad 2.4.1 Giant Gourami 0.0.3 Bombina orientalis RDB=LC Osphronemus goramy Ribbed Newt 0.0.10 Golden mbuna 0.0.6 Pleurodeles waltl RDB=NT Melanochromis auratus RDB=LC Smooth Clawed Frog 1.1.9 Goldfish 0.0.40 Xenopus laevis laevis RDB=LC Carassius auratus Sri Lanka Whipping Frog 0.0.8 Iridescent Shark 0.0.8 Polypedates cruciger RDB=LC Pangasius hypophthalmus Three-striped Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.3 Iridscent Mystus Cat 0.0.3 Epipedobates trivittatus RDB=LC Mystus vittatus Tschudi´s African Bullfrog 1.2 Kennyi mbuna 0.0.10 Pyxicephalus adspersus RDB=LC Metriaclima lombardoi White´s Treefrog 0.0.18 Kingsley´s Ctenopoma 0.0.5 Pelodryas caerulea RDB=LC Ctenopoma kingsleyae Yellow-banded Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.8 Knifefish 0.0.10 Dendrobates leucomelas RDB=LC Xenomystus sp. Yucatecan Shovel-headed Treefrog 0.0.6 Lemon Tetra 0.0.15 Triprion petasatus RDB=LC Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis Lyretail cichlid 0.0.10 Neolamprologus brichardi RDB=LC Maylandia 0.0.16 Pseudotropheus zebra

37 Status to 31. 12. 2007

Fishobojživelníci (Pisces) (Amphibia) Odessa Barb 0.0.3 Puntius sp. Penguin Tetra 0.0.6 Thayeria boehlkei Red Bellied Piranha 0.0.8 Pygocentrus nattereri Red Hook Myleus 0.0.5 Myloplus rubripinnis Red Pacu 0.0.4 Piaractus brachypomus Redfin Shark 0.0.4 Epalzeorhynchos frenatum Serpae Tetra 0.0.9 Hyphessobrycon eques Siberian Sturgeon 0.0.2 Acipenser baerii RDB=VU Spotted Hoplo 0.0.13 Megalechis thoracata Spotted talking catfish 0.0.6 Agamyxis pectinifrons Spotted Tilapia 0.0.1 Tilapia mariae Sterlet 0.0.3 Acipenser ruthenus RDB=VU Stinging Catfish 0.0.3 Heteropneustes fossilis Tiger Botia Loach 0.0.1 Botia hymenophysa Tinfoil Barb 0.0.7 Barbodes schwanenfeldii White Skirt Tetra 0.0.10 Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Zebrafish 0.0.2 Danio rerio

Invertebrates (Evertebrata)

Curly hair tarantula 0.0.1 Brachypelma albopilosum Mexican flame knee 0.0.1 Brachypelma auratum Emperor scorpion 0.0.5 Pandinus imperator Goliath tarantula 0.1 Theraphosa blondi

38 Rearings

Birth Birth

Mammals (Mammalia) Mammals (Mammalia)

Alpaca 3.2 Red-handed Tamarin 1.1 Vicugna pacos Saguinus midas midas Blackbuck 1.2 Reeves´ Muntjac 0.0.1 Antilope cervicapra Muntiacus reevesi Bonnet Macaque 1.0 Somali Wild Ass 1.1 Macaca radiata Equus africanus somalicus Bornean Orangutan 1.0 Southern Two-toed Sloth 0.0.1 Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus Choloepus didactylus De Brazza´s Monkey 1.0 Thorold´s Deer 0.2 Cercopithecus neglectus Cervus albirostris Domestic Bactrian Camel 1.1 Variable Flying Fox 0.0.1 Camelus bactrianus Pteropus hypomelanus Domestic Goat 2.1 Vietnamese Sika Deer 1.4 Capra hircus Cervus nippon pseudaxis Domestic Goat 8.6 Capra hircus Domestic Sheep 0.2 Ovis aries aries Hartmann´s Mountain Zebra 2.0 Equus zebra hartmannae Javan Langur 0.1 Trachypithecus auratus Kafue Lechwe 2.1 Kobus leche kafuensis Llama 1.2 Lama glama Maned Wolf 0.1 Chrysocyon brachyurus Nilgai 2.0 Boselaphus tragocamelus Oriental Small-clawed Otter 1.0 Amblonyx cinerea Patagonian Mara 0.0.1 Dolichotis patagonum Pony 1.1 Equus caballus Prevost´s Squirrel 0.0.1 Callosciurus prevostii Pygmy Marmoset 0.0.2 Callithrix pygmaea Red Panda 2.0 Ailurus fulgens fulgens

39 Birth

Birds (Aves)

Alexandrine Parakeet 0.0.3 Psittacula eupatria Blue-and-yellow Macaw 2.1 Ara ararauna Budgerigar 0.0.42 Melopsittacus undulatus Cockatiel 0.0.4 Nymphicus hollandicus Common Barn-owl 0.0.6 Tyto alba Military Macaw 0.1 Ara militaris Red-fronted Parrot 0.0.1 Poicephalus gulielmi Rose-ringed Parakeet 0.0.2 Psittacula krameri Saker Falcon 0.1 Falco cherrug

Snowy Owl 2.2 Nyctea scandiaca Tanimbar Corella 0.1 Cacatua goffini Ural Owl 1.1 Strix uralensis liturata

Reptiles (Reptilia)

Honduran Milk Snake 0.0.6 Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis Sinaloan Milk Snake 0.0.19 Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae

Amphibians (Amphibia)

Golfodulcean Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.1 Phyllobates vittatus

40 The Economic Department ACTIVITIES OF THE ECONOMIC DEPARTMENT Jana Èerná

In 2007, our zoo employed 57.83 employees (FTE).

Assessment of economic situation

ITEM THOUSAND CZK Material purchased 2.290,48 Food purchased 3.046,79 Fuel consumption 404,09 Electric power 2.615,07 Water consumption, incl. sewerage charge 1.332,69 Repairs of long-term assets 911,57 Wages 12.450,63 Transfers from wages 4.351,80 Depreciation of long-term assets 2.000,00 Other costs 7.044,18 Total costs 36.447,30 Revenues from entrance fees 7.790,21 Other returns (donations…) 617,22 Profit from the additional activities (sales, advertising, rental…) 1.837,06 Inclusion of funds 0,00 Contribution of founder 23.563,97 Contribution of MoE for operations 2.644,27 Total returns 36.452,73

Profit/Loss (profit) 5,43

1. The food was another big item sumption and sewerage charge (Pict. 1). Compared to the prece- have increased because of price ding year, these costs increased growth. The sea lions and seals because of arrival of new ani- were the largest animal consu- mals into the zoo and increase mers of water (Pict. 2). In total, in prices. For your information, in roughly 24,000 m3 of water were 2007 our animals consumed over consumed. 9 tonnes of bananas, 4.8 tonnes The zoo operation budget me- of poultry meat, 12.36 tonnes of ans for the repairs of the long-term beef meat, 5.4 tonnes of fish, and assets were spent on the following 36,584 mice. purposes: repairs of motor vehic- The electric power costs in les, the repair of the Carnivore 2007 have been separated, in- House, the repair of the adminis- volving the electric power costs tration building, cooling, minor re- for the common consumption pairs in the orangutan house and (CZK 1,366.29 thousand), and the repairs of apartments in the zoo. electric power costs for the heat The assets from Founder’s pumps used for heating of the budget for investment and re- Wages and transfers were the zoo (CZK 1,248.75 thousand). pairs formed a significant item as major cost items of the organiza- Considering the volume, the well. The former technical depart- tion. The average salary amoun- water consumption has been ment’s building was rebuilt to a re- ted to CZK 18,186 per employee in the same in five recent years. staurant; the train was purchased 2007. However, the costs for water con- to transport visitors from the lower

42 tickets, etc.), while the average 2. costs per ticket amounted to CZK 220.58. The balance was covered from the profit from the additional activities of the zoo (rental, advertisements, donations, etc.) amounting to CZK 11.12, from the Foun- der’s contribution (CZK 146.36), and from the contribution of the Czech Ministry of Environment (CZK 16.12). MoE partially supports the costs on the keeping of the endangered animal species and handicapped animals located at the zoo. The MoE funding was used to partially cover the costs on food, energy, and veterinary care of the animals; the zoo membership in the world zoo unions and associ- ations; and on the education and part of the zoo to the top point of the park (Pict. 3), and reconstruc- 3. tion of the babirusa indoor and outdoor exhibit to tapir indoor and outdoor facility was started. Organization’s returns from own activities consisted of income from entrance fees, rental, advertisements and gifts from donors. In 2007, there was a further increase in the visitor numbers (Pict. 4), with the attendance reached 165,235; which is by 25,879 visitors more compared to the year 2006. The average price of a ticket into the zoo, which has been paid by a visitor in 2007 amounted to CZK 46.98 (adults, children, children up to 3 years, disabled, permanent

world fauna biodiversity conserva- 4. tion projects that were developed and endorsed by UCSZ. Concerning the additional activities in 2007, the revenues consisted of revenues from rental of apartments and non-residential premises amounting to CZK 708.04 thousand; revenues from advertisements amounting to CZK 1,606.08 thousand; revenues from sales of goods amounting to CZK 332.24 thousand; and other revenues amounting to CZK 681.16 thousand (revenues from operation of a jumping tower, sales of animal food in the children playground, commission from supplier of goods, etc.).

43 The Technology Department ACTIVITIES OF THE OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Jiøí Hanzlík

playgrounds, which were deve- 1. loped by an outsourcer, Tomovy parky, s. r. o.; – Completion of the second part of the Dinosaur Trail in the lower part of the zoo (Pict. 2); – Completion of reconstruction of the former upper part of the Operations and Technology Department to an African restaurant; – Repair of a part of the zebra facility roof; – Mowing and delivery of green food right to each animal house and enclosure; – Servicing machines and vehic- les of the car park with regard As every year, the Operations – Full maintenance of electric in- to the needs of the zoo opera- and Technology Department had stallations; tions; a significant impact on the opera- – Repair of the metal fencing and – Repairs of fallen, weather-worn tion of Ústí Zoo through its mainte- round timber around the white- and damaged parts of facade nance, transport, and horticulture -lipped deer enclosure; of the buildings that mostly ser- centres; be it a constant removing – Reconstruction of the guest ve as a technical background of common defects, disorders or room in the office building; for animal houses or as stores; even major accidents and break- – Mounting of information and – Separating, storing, and removal downs, which occur daily in such interpretation panels by the ex- of communal and animal was- vast area of 26 hectares; or co- hibits in cooperation with the te produced based on operati- operating when ensuring major Promotion and Education De- on of the zoo and the lessees; outsourcing capital investments partment; – Periodical inspection of electric and repairs. Last but not least, – Final gardening and landsca- tools and low-voltage distributi- the transport and mechanization ping work in three new children on systems in accordance with centre served for cooperation with outsourcers as well in case of temporary aid (replacement and 2. transfer of soil and other materials, see (Pict. 1), including washing by our street flusher). The minor maintenance included namely workshop services (carpentry, joinery, masonry, wi- ring, locksmith and plumbing work). For instance, our in-house staff performed the following work and tasks: – Minor masonry and joinery work when maintaining the exhibits and houses; – Installation of automatic filling system in frame of the potable water reservoir in the lower part of the zoo;

45 the schedule of inspection for of the Technical Section building outdoor wood terrace. In terms each zoo facility; was reconstructed to the Trappo- of building, the most essential – In cooperation with VaMa la ZOO restaurant; a small motor operations included pulling down Agency, a 24-hours guarding train (Zoo Train) was purchased the existing partition walls, stati- of the zoo and cleaning was to ensure visitor transport, and put cal securing of the panel ceiling ensured, with two public toilets into service in the end of April. above the 1st overground floor, and rendering box operated for The major funding resources in- and building inner bricked parti- the purposes of both the City of cluded capital grants of the Ma- tion walls according to the inner Ústí nad Labem and the zoo; gistrate of Ústí nad Labem, and layout of the planned premises as – In cooperation with the out- the Zoo Property Reproduction designed. sourcing manager of housing Fund (referred to PRF), which was New self-levelling concrete resources (Mìstské služby Ústí filled up with property depreciati- floors were cast, and were tiled nad Labem, s. r. o.), all neces- ons and non-capital grants provi- with ceramic tiling including the

sary repairs on the residential ded by OMOS MmÚ in course of necessary finish. Furthermore, a buildings and facilities were the year. new water-proofing of the roof performed (seven active sub- was made, and all inner and -lease contracts); CONSTRUCTION WORK - THE outer surfaces like stuccos, whi- – In November, the former zoo RESTAURANT te earthenware facing, antiskid quarantine facility in Strádov In the lower part of the zoo, the paving, etc. were treated accor- was transferred based on a Trappola ZOO restaurant was de- ding to required parameters. Du- one-year lease contract to a veloped by reconstructing the first ring the reconstruction, all fillings lessee intending to keep horses floor of the former Technical Secti- of the openings were replaced in the premises. on’s administration building. The (plastic windows and new doors reconstruction was performed by including the new entrance into OVERVIEW OF MAJOR REPAIRS JAPIS Building Company following the 2nd overground floor of the exi- AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTS the project documentation pro- sting building via the wood terra- In course of the year 2007, a duced by IDP, s. r. o. The scope of ce). The wood terrace for visitors major work named Expansion of the reconstruction enabled laun- was performed separately, and Visitor Tourist Infrastructure in the ching of the operation for the visi- constructed largely from beech Area of Ústí nad Labem Zoo – Re- tors as of 1 July 2007. The capacity wood. It is a self-supporting wood vitalization of a Part of Facilities of the restaurant was designed for structure built on new single fo- and Premises was completed in 70 visitors, with 40 persons sitting otings; it is carried by wood co- the zoo premises, the upper part inside and 30 persons using the lumns made from treated oak logs

46 (Pict. 3), the floor is made from lessee plans to purchase an oven in the northern part of the area oak floor planks. The wooden rail for pizza. The reconstructed facili- were totally reconstructed. Even and roofing underline the resulting ty was successfully approved on the steel welded framed structure effect of this airy and state-of-the- 22 June 2007. filled with plexi-glass lenses under- -art roofed wooden structure for went the reconstruction, being the visitors. In frame of connection Total costs: CZK 9,504,862 (ex. replaced with a modern mate- of civil engineering systems, the VAT). rial (polycarbonate). The bearing main sewer was equipped with steel structure as such was clea- an oil separator to collect fat and EXPANSION OF VISITOR TOURIST ned up, blasted and coated (Pict. grease. In course of completion of INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AREA 4). In frame of the general modifi- the reconstruction, a new entran- OF ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM ZOO cation of the upper entrance, the ce from Drážïanská Street to ser- – REVITALIZATION OF A PART OF corrupted outdoor stairway was ve for the guests of the restaurant FACILITIES AND PREMISES removed, and all ceramic tiling was developed, and the commu- This was the largest operation the entrance terrace, ticket nication linking with the zoo area on of the year 2007, without any office, and in the in-going section solved by means of two turnstiles doubts, which by its scope affec- of the upper entrance was cut and a small gate. The entrance ted the entire area of the zoo. It off. Based on a detailed analysis also includes a non-barrier access was structured into five building of technical and statical situati- for disabled visitors. A self-contai- sections as listed below in accor- on of the part of this building, the ned elevator was made for these dance with the project documen- glazed structure on the entrance persons close to the western ga- tation produced by STAVEX MM terrace, which was considered ble of the reconstructed building Company. It was implemented by to have been used as a sales ki- to overcome the wood stairway. an outsourcer building company, osk for drinks, was removed. All

The lessee of the new premises, JAPIS, s. r. o., and financed directly horizontal and vertical surfaces in Trappola Ústí nad Labem Com- from the budget of the City of Ústí the entrance area were repaired pany, ensured all gastronomy nad Labem. and heat-insulated. New facings and technology equipment con- and pavements were performed sidering the planned operation of Part 01: Revitalization of the including improving the drainage the restaurant, as well as the final Upper Entrance – Expansion of of all areas. During the recon- graphic application of coatings Visitor Services struction, a new railing combining and paintings using the African In frame of this section, the pre- steel and wood was installed. The motifs. In the following year, the mises of the upper zoo entrance surfaces of the main in-going pa-

47 building close to the western ga- 5. ble was used to form a new entrance. The building can now be accessed via a wood bridge. The social facility was reconstructed, the kitchen part was left in the original scope and equipment. The attic premises were exposed, and a beam ceiling established from the view of the visitors of the zoo school. Walls and ceilings were lined with plasterboard, and the entire area of the class heat-insulated by inserting the insulation behind the lining and above the ceilings. The entrance was constructed by carpentry modificati- on of the truss of the saddle roof (Pict. 5), and partly insulated. Significant attention was paid to the technology of the centre, vement as well as two access pa- wood climbing structures, swings, inner lighting, and structured ca- ths into the inner premises of the and roundabouts were removed. bling for communications instal- buildings were paved with grani- In addition, the implementation lations. Launch of the education te cubes laid into concrete. The of the replica of Vìtruše deman- programmes and periodical acti- upper ticket office was also re- ded some groundwork. In the clo- vities in the field of conservation constructed and modified within se neighbourhood of the existing education are scheduled for the the context of the material mo- Children’s Zoo, prefabricated ele- spring months of the year 2008. dification of the entire entrance ments of the children apparatu- building. This time, the constructi- ses and toys, benches, the replica Part 04: Three Zoo Train Stations on work was focused only on the of Vìtruše, and Zoo Train stations and Parking Place for Bikers outer part of the upper entrance were installed. The newly develo- This part affected several locati- building, but the reconstruction of ped furnishings and toy units fol- ons at the zoo. A roofed departure the whole building can only be lowed the unified architectural station of the Zoo Train made from completed if also the inner part is and aesthetic expression of the acacia wood was constructed by rebuilt, including the former main three formerly produced children the main entrance from Drážïan- exchanger room and all inner pre- playgrounds, which included the ská Street, under the plane trees, mises except the fifth heat station, technical construction from aca- close to the concrete fencing of which was developed during the cia wood. the zoo. The entrance area was switch-over of the zoo to the new equipped with four wood stands heating system in recent years. Part 03: Conservation Educati- for visitor bikes. A wood model of a The new area below the upper on Centre – Dr. Heinrich Lum- railway traffic light completed the entrance was adapted to a re- pe’s Zoo School design of the departure station. sting terrace by installing five ben- Transforming the staff dining The second station was develo- ches with tables. The terrace also room into state-of-the-art premi- ped in front of Cukrárna U gepar- serves as an exit station of the Zoo ses, which would be used for da (Cheetah Confectionery); at Train; it will mainly serve to visitors presenting of environmental pro- the same time, it created a sitting in summer months as it provides a grammes, photographs and mo- place for the visitors consuming view of the upper part of the zoo vies, for lectures, conferences, the confectionery’s products. This as well as of the Elbe River valley and education for school classes, location was equipped with a in the direction of Dìèín. was the main intention concer- new fence, stylish sitting sets, and ning this part. Considering the a grid for climbing plants towards Part 02: Vìtruše, a Playground bad statics of the existing access the zebra enclosure. It was cove- for the Smallest Visitors of the to the 2nd overground floor in form red with a pergola from acacia Zoo of a stairway, the structural engi- wood. The revitalization also affected neer decided to remove the two- The third station was developed the part known as the Children -armed advanced outer stairway by the Children’s Zoo, and con- Contact Zoo for the smallest visi- with a pace from reinforced con- ceptually, it is a part of the wood tors. Partly disrupted and unsa- crete in course of reconstruction model of Vìtruše. The station was tisfactory in terms of safety, the of the dining room. The part of the designed as a wood station with

48 6.

track requisites (switch, locomo- southern face between the sun the visitor path (Pict. 7). Following tive funnel for water, gates, etc.). bear and South African lion ex- the completion of the building, This set was developed separa- hibits will be enlarged. A project the visitors will be enabled to en- tely in front of the Vìtruše facility documentation was produced in ter the flat roof of the new animal (Pict. 6). 2007, which plans to move the exi- house. The new house will also sting base wall, which is cranked include a reconstructed enclosu- Part 05: Revitalization – Modifi- following the top view, to the level re containing a pool with a new cation of the Backbone Com- of the existing pavement. At the shape and fencing; the existing munication at the Zoo same time, a new full-area gla- wood palisades will be removed, In time of reparation of the zing of the front walls separating and gardening as well as visitor backbone communication, we the visitors from the animals will be premises will be completed. The determined the most damaged performed as well as a new con- ceremonial opening of the exhibit sections, which were then com- figuration of level of the ground will be associated with the launch pletely repaired, new curbs were surrounding the visitor path and of the summer season in 2008. The installed, shaft tops and gulleys existing exhibits, with the enclo- work is funded from the Property redesigned and a new bitumi- sures divided in new three large Reproduction Fund of the zoo. nous surface of the road laid in outdoor enclosures. This complex The operation is ensured by the the end. The same procedure will be covered by a net as well Operations and Technology De- was applied to the entrance part as in the case of the irbis exhibit. partment’s own staff members. of the area serving as a car park The roofing will be carried by two below the planned zoo school. In main posts made from closed hol- PURCHASE OF THE ZOO TRAIN frame of this part, another selec- low profiles accompanied with To make the moving of the visited slip roads from the backbone fourteen supporting posts around tors around the steep ground of communication, pavements and the perimeter of all three outdoor the zoo with the elevation of ne- local communications were re- exhibits. arly 100 metres easier, the mana- constructed as well. gement of the zoo decided that Total planned costs: CZK a transport means is ensured to CONSTRUCTION WORK 3,000,000 (ex. VAT). carry the highest number of visi- CONCERNING THE OUTDOOR tors as possible from the entrance ENCLOSURES OF THE TAPIR HOUSE ticket office up to the top point, CARNIVORE HOUSE In the second half of the year, which is the upper entrance into In accordance with the plan works on the new tapir house in the zoo. Based on a tender, a of completion of the total recon- the lower part of the zoo (the for- sightseeing train from the produ- struction of the Carnivore House, mer babirusa exhibit) were laun- cer Peterka & synové, Batòovice which had been performed for ched. The single-storey bricked v Podkrkonoší, was considered as several years phase by phase, building will be integrated into the the most competitive, and subse- the outdoor felid enclosures in the existing ground configuration of quently purchased. The train con-

49 7.

sists of a special towing vehicle ber 2007, based on the request of ber 2007 (Pict. 8). This meeting of (the machine), and three special Ústí nad Labem Town. colleagues, engineers from other trailers (wagons) to carry 36 per- Total costs: CZK 1,299,000 (ex. Czech and Slovak zoos was well- sons. The operation testing shown VAT). -integrated into the preparation of that the machine was capable of the celebration of the 100th anni- safe and trouble-free towing of all OTHER versary of the beginnings of acti- three wagons including passen- The Operations and Technolo- ve preservation of animals in the gers in the steep area of the zoo. gy Department organized a ses- area of our zoo; according to the The approval of the set had been sion of the UCSZ Development response of each of the partici- ensured by the manufacturer; it Committee from 14 to 16 Novem- pants, it was extremely successful. was assigned a registration plate and the zoo was certified to operate it on every road inside the City 8. of Ústí nad Labem. The Transport and Road Management Depart- ment of the Regional Municipality of Ústí nad Labem issued its approval concerning the operating of occasional inland personal transport in light of the Road Act; subsequently, the Trades Licensing Office of the Magistrate of Ústí nad Labem Town issued a concession to operate a „personal road motor transport – occasional, inland, operated by bus or by other road vehicle designed for personal transport“. The Zoo Train became very popular in the visitors; it was even utilized in the Christmas Mar- ket Fair organized by the Magistra- te in the Mírové Square in Decem-

50 The Education and Promotion Department ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION DEPARTMENT Ing. Vìra Vrabcová

VISITOR NUMBERS third highest annual attendance Visitor Numbers in 1955–2007 The year 2007 has confirmed since 1955, when the monitoring Year Children Adults Total the tendency of ever-growing po- and recording of the numbers 1955 - - 56 443 pularity of the zoo as a tourist de- began. There have been two thre- 1956 - - 40 307 stination, which has been evident sholds, which have not been over- 1957 - - 57 151 in several recent years. The Ústí come yet: 1988 (178,143 persons) 1958 - - 70 977 nad Labem Zoo was visited by to- and 1986 (173,693 persons). The 1959 34 940 40 696 75 636 tal 165,235 visitors including 87,240 150,000th visitor was welcomed by 1960 36 525 39 110 75 635 adults and 77,995 children. It is the zoo at the end of September 1961 46 495 36 521 83 016 25,879 persons more when com- (Pict. 1). The increase in the adult 1962 42 883 47 139 90 022 pared to 2006, which represents visitors numbers is particularly inte- 1963 40 483 44 027 84 510 a record increase of the visitors resting, as it exceeded the num- 1964 45 265 44 734 89 999 number in the history of the zoo. bers of the children’s visitors after 1965 39 888 48 349 88 237 At the same time, it is historically 14 years. Compared to the year 1966 39 635 46 716 86 351 1967 38 912 44 252 83 164 2006, we have recorded an incre- 1968 30 110 42 039 72 149 ase of 22,168 adult persons, i.e. 1. 1969 35 523 38 174 73 697 about 80 % out of the total incre- 1970 29 352 33 248 62 600 ase of the attendance; while the 1971 22 550 45 931 68 481 increase in the children‘s visitors 1972 21 600 51 303 72 903 totalled 3,711 persons „only“. For 1973 32 942 42 255 75 197 better illustration and overview, 1974 42 947 37 356 80 303 we give beside a table containing 1975 45 433 43 277 88 710 development of the visitor num- 1976 70 044 30 303 100 347 bers since 1955 (Table 1) as well 1977 79 909 30 425 110 334 as a chart concerning the deve- 1978 59 298 51 756 111 054 lopment of the visitor number per 1979 56 544 53 680 110 224 recent 10 years (Chart 1). 1980 60 865 54 047 114 912 1981 70 129 73 978 144 107 A special software was deploy- 1982 74 300 66 911 141 211 ed in each ticket office that can 1983 70 755 71 547 142 302 monitor incoming visitors not only 1984 73 686 76 964 150 650 by category, but also by many 1985 79 585 77 778 157 363 other criteria after entering the in- 1986 89 148 84 545 173 693 put data; for example, how each 1987 83 662 80 987 164 649 discount is utilised, how many per- 1988 85 759 92 384 178 143 sons participate on each event, 1989 76 072 83 415 159 487 1990 61 999 65 302 127 301 Visitor Numbers in 1998–2007 1991 54 183 58 410 112 593 1992 63 777 63 691 127 468

180000 1993 62 688 63 297 125 985 1994 61 645 53 938 115 583 160000 1995 65 824 57 668 123 492 140000 1996 74 511 62 220 136 731 1997 73 959 64 451 138 410 120000 Children 1998 74 555 64 258 138 813 100000 1999 81 911 70 794 152 705 Adults 80000 2000 81 532 67 456 148 988 Total 2001 74 995 60 615 135 610 60000 2002 72 938 56 365 129 303 40000 2003 65 484 60 725 126 209 2004 64 233 60 053 124 286 20000 2005 74 275 60 153 134 428 0 2006 74 284 65 072 139 356 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 77 995 87 240 165 235

52 Místo bydliště Procento differentiationÚstí nad as Labem per place44% of residence, Tepliceetc. 71 % visitors were13% Composition of visitors per place of residence willing to disclosePrague and their surroundings ZIP codes;12% 29 % remainLitoměřice unknown. We used6% Děčín 5% Ústí nad Labem 44% this type ofMost data in order to keep3% 44% 13% Teplice 13% track of mostChomutov frequent locations1% others (less than 1%) 16% Prague and surroundings 12% from which the visitors come to 12% us; for results, please see the table Litoměřice 6% and chart listing the key locations 6% Děčín 5% 5% by percent (Chart 2). 16% 1% 3% Most 3% Beside the favourable weather, Chomutov 1% the increasing popularity of the others (less than 1%) 16% zoo also reflected the long term philosophy of improvement of comprehensive visitor services at Out of this number, there were different media, and posted the the zoo (such as transporting the 18 events organized by ourselves information on varied information visitors by the Zoo Train to the up- and focused especially on chil- servers. per part of the zoo, construction dren, 4 similar events co-organi- of the new children playgrounds zed with other persons in the zoo OVERVIEW OF OUR OWN and opening of the new restau- area, and four events included EVENTS AND SHOWS rant). We should not omit the de- long-term displays organized in January 1 to February 4: Free veloping of new state-of-the-art the zoo premises. In addition, a Entry For Full Marks! – All children exhibits and keeping of species traveller’s lecture for the public, a graded with full marks could en- that are attractive for the visitors ceremonial launch of a photogra- ter the zoo free and watch a spe- so that the incomers may reaso- phic publication, and a children’s cial show of Moritz, the California nably feel that there is always so- day organized for a closed party sea lion. mething new at the zoo and they upon order was held. We used March 10 to 18: Spring Holiday can be surprised during every mainly posters in the city mass At The Zoo – A full-week program- new visit. transport means, media e-mailing me for families with children that and information at the zoo’s web- took place in the Exotic House EVENTS FOR THE PUBLIC site to promote the events. Con- with focus on topical EAZA cam- Total of 27 events and shows for cerning our own events, we also paign on conservation of Mada- children and adults took place. made use of partnerships with gascar fauna and flora (Arovako i Madagasikara). In the house, various competitions were prepa- 2. red using moving skills as well as knowledge; all was connected to the given subject as well as the Madagascar species on show (Pict. 2). 328 family groups participated on this event. April 1: Ceremonial Launch Of The Summer Season – Results of the first year of the Animal Of The Year poll were announced and awards handed to the winners. The new South American coati group that was introduced to their outdoor enclosure for the first time was presented to the visitors. Furthermore, an introduction of zoo-bred macaws into their summer aviary and opening Sun Bear Honey Tree Show in the newly reconstructed enclosure took place. The programme also included ceremonial name-giving party with a young Rothschild’s giraffe and the Zoological Quiz, on which 123 families participated.

53 April 5 to 9: Easter At The Zoo the final point of the programme Children’s Zoo, where they could – The established Win Nandu Egg was taken by the African rhythms touch ponies, llama, sheep and Easter Quiz with Easter and zoo- performed by the group of drum- goats. Subsequently, a program- logical themes. The participation mers. me located near the Koliba Re- at the quiz was included in the May 26: The Cat Day – A day staurant followed, including a fai- entrance fee, which was used by that was focused on breeding of ry tale of Divadýlko Ulièník (Urchin 146 family groups. felid carnivores at Ústí nad Labem Theatre), children’s discotheque, face painting and buffet. Then the participants divided in groups 3. joined the train and left into the central part of the zoo, where a tour of the Exotic House and the Carnivore House followed. Here, several competitions and quiz- zes employing the human senses prepared in cooperation with Y.M.C.A. were waiting; another site offered a chance of a close viewing and touching different skins, skulls and other specimens (Pict. 4). In the Exotic House, the children could closely view and even touch various terrarium animals. The evening was closed by a ceremonial show of Moritz, the California sea lion. June 18 to 24: The Elephant Week – The week was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Delhi, April 22: The Earth’s Day At The Zoo. The programme included a the popular elephant female, co- Zoo – The programme, partici- ceremonial name-giving party ming into Ústí Zoo, and was laun- pation on which was offered to with Geoffroy cats in the presence ched with a small celebration at all of the visitors , focused on the of their adoptive parent, cat face the occasion of the anniversary. In World Earth’s Day and the pan- painting (Pict. 3), a joint visit to the addition, a display of children pa- -European AROVAKO I MADAGA- large cat exhibits, and a concert intings created by pupils from Ús- SIKARA (SAVE MADAGASCAR) of a children singing choir in the tí’s schools and kindergartens was campaign. Children from several Carnivore House. The programme installed in the Elephant House. A primary schools developed their was completed by celebration new poster for sale presenting our own activities and projects, which of the fifth birthday of Jane, the elephants was launched, and an were presented at selected sites cheetah. around the zoo. Every visitor could June 1: Dreamnight At The buy a product or actively partici- Zoo – The event was organized 4. pate on production and contri- for chronically ill and disabled bute by a financial gift, where the children. It was launched by Rot- return was fully donated to the To- terdam Zoo eleven years ago; mato Frog Conservation Project. the number of participating zoos In the meadow near the Koliba have grown to over 100 zoos Restaurant, competitions ran for around the world. Ústí Zoo joined children with prizes for everyone the event already for the second present, while the terrace of the time. The event took place after restaurant hosted Divadlo V pytli the visiting hours from 7 p.m. to (In the Bag Theatre) with its origi- 10 p.m.; a rich programme was nal show, in which even volunteers waiting for the children and ac- from the audience were involved. companying persons. Each of the Afterwards, a competition for se- participants received gifts and an condary schools concerning the honorary certificate. The guides best MS PowerPoint presentation took the participants by groups to was evaluated and awarded (all the Elephant House, where they works were projected in the Car- could meet and pet our elephant nivore House all day long), and females; than they went to the

54 5.

elephant quiz took place. There and held her autograph show his autograph show. In addition, was an attractive offer of visiting in the Carnivore House later on. Coca-Cola participated with its the Elephant House behind the A bear’s quiz took place all day attractions and a lottery, where scenes, which took place every long, and bear face painting for everybody could win. On this very day following the routine training the children. The programme was day, the children accompanied at 2:30. Furthermore, the event closed by the concert of the Med- with an adult received 50% off Gift For Gift was launched, whe- vìd 009 (Bear 009) rock band, the ticket price as a gift of the zoo re everybody bringing a courtesy members of which formally ado- on the start of the school year. for Delhi in form of any allowed pted Bibi, the female bear, before September 9: Let’s Shake Our food (such as fruits, vegetables, the show; Bibi was chosen out of Hands – Third year of a festival for sponge biscuits, hard bread/past- another five bears of Ústí Zoo by disabled fellow citizens; this time ry, rice, etc.) could get an original the band’s fans through an onli- it took place under the sponsor- souvenir at the ticket office: a card ne poll. The programme included ship of Mgr. Petr Gandaloviè, the with an elephant hair ‘for good original inflatable attractions of Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Gan- luck’. The top of the week came Coca-Cola. daloviè launched the event by on Saturday, June 23, with Tomáš September 1: The Monkey Day himself, and gave the name to Matonoha, the popular actor and At The Zoo – The event at the oc- the young Vietnamese sika deer moderator, presenting himself as casion of the 20th anniversary of quintuple. Sheltered workshop cli- an elephant keeper. keeping gibbons. The gibbons ent products were on sale throu- June 29 to July 1: Free Entry For got a cake, goodies, and gifts. gh the sale stalls around the zoo Full Marks! – All children graded An original sketch was performed (Pict. 5); shows of hobby groups with full marks could enter the zoo by Divadlo V pytli, and face pain- based in social care institutions or free of charge. ting was organized for the partici- other specialized facilities as well July 22: The Bear’s Day – The pants concerned. The program- as theatre show took place in the event was organized at the oc- me included a name-giving party premises of the Koliba Restaurant. casion of the 20th anniversary concerning four young primates. All day long, there was a presen- of keeping the sun bears at Ústí- Stanislav Hložek, the popular sin- tation of health diet and compe- -nad-Labem Zoo. Lucie Vondráè- ger, became their godfather and titions organized by the Partner of ková, the singer and actress, pre- the guest of the day. He also sang the event. In the very end, all par- sented herself as a bear keeper, several songs and organized ticipants together gave names to

55 the offspring of the white-lipped including a refreshment in the carve monsters from a pumpkin deer. Every disabled person pre- new Trappola ZOO restaurant. or create a mask in form of an senting his/her ZTP or ZTP-P card October 19 to 20: The Wild He- animal. 192 persons participated. could enter the zoo free. arts – A ceremonial launch of an December 4: Hiking Around September 28: The Wenceslas exclusive photo publication Divo- Tanzania – The traveller’s lecture Day At the Zoo – An afternoon ká srdce (The Wild Hearts) that and projection accompanied held on the St. Wenceslas Nati- was published on the occasion with sales of traditional folk pro- onal Holiday, where every man of upcoming 100th anniversary ducts from this African country or woman with this name could of foundation of Lumpepark. The took place in the premises of the enter the zoo free of charge. The author of the book, photographer Trappola ZOO restaurant. programme consisted of a cere- Petr Slavík recorded the animals December 27: Christmas Sin- monial name-giving party con- of Ústí Zoo in a unusual way. In the ging At The Zoo – The establis- cerning the young two-toed sloth first evening, a launch for invited hed programme in the Christmas in the presence of popular imita- guests took place in the presen- mood that took place in the Car- tor, face-painting, and accordio- ce of Mgr. Jan Kubata, the Mayor nivore House. It contained a musi- nist’s show. of Ústí nad Labem Town; Petra cal show of a children’s ensemble October 6: The Day Of the Ani- Voláková, moderator; and other and a theatre show that prece- mals and Their Adoptive Parents honorary guests (Pict. 6). The pro- ded a ceremonial name-giving – The established event designed gramme included the display of party concerning young red pan- as saying thanks to the donors Petr Slavík’s photographs in the das in the presence of popular supporting our animals in form of Carnivore House, Divadlo V pytli’s actresses. The young ones were joint ride in the train around the performance, and shows of histo- named Pat and Mat. zoo, focusing on the news of the ric swordsmen and African drum- OVERVIEW OF EVENTS CO-ORGANIZED WITH OTHER 6. PERSONS May 1: The May Day At The Zoo with Èeský rozhlas Sever (Czech Radio North) – The main part of the programme took place on the terrace of the Koliba restaurant, and contained many competitions for children and children’s discotheque. The highlight was the concert of Maxim Turbulenc, the popular band. In the end, the members of the band named the young two-humped camels together with Èeský rozhlas Sever and Ústecký deník representatives, the names of the camels were selected based on listener competition of ÈRo Sever. In addition, the established quiz under the name Láska v pøírodì (Love In The Wild) ran from 29 April. June 3: The Children’s Day With Hitrádio FM Labe – A rich programme on the terrace of the Ko- ending season. It included a na- mers. The next day an event for liba restaurant. Under the guidan- me-giving party concerning the the public took place, which was ce of experienced moderators, young Bornean orangutan with accompanied with Petr Slavík’s competitions for prizes alternated attendance of Tomáš Jankù and autograph show. with children’s discotheque and Kateøina Baïurová, the famous October 25 to 28: Walk On The theatre. At the same time, the Day athletes; a historical swordsmen Zoo Trails – 14th year of traditional With The Czech Police event was show, a music band show, ope- knowledge quiz concerning the taking place in the meadow near ning of a Tanzanian art exhibit animals in our zoo. On 28th Octo- the upper ticket office, which in- including a lecture, awarding of ber, the event was concluded volved presenting training of ser- golden certificates to our long-ye- by the Fairytale Sunday event, in vice dogs and showing modern ar adoptive parents, and a party course of which children could technology. Everyone had the

56 opportunity to test the technolo- Zoo, which was then under deve- premises of the Koliba Restaurant gy. The programme was closed lopment. (children’s discotheque, and Pim- with a name-giving party concer- May 5 to 28: The Lidé a Zemì pula a Bimbula theatre show). The ning two young Hartmann’s ze- (People and Earth) Magazine’s programme was closed by visi- bras. There was a jumping tower Photographs Exhibit – A travelling ting Kala and Delhi, the elephant placed near the Children’s Zoo display of prestigious Czech pho- females, including a joint photo- free of charge, which was a spe- tographs, partners of the Lidé a graph. cial gift for the smallest ones. Zemì traveller’s magazine, which May 12: Tracking The Fox – Third had its premiere in the Carnivore CONSERVATION EDUCATION year of a show organized by Junák House of Ústí Zoo. Subsequently, it All types of schools can select – the union of Czech scouts. Sites continued in another 12 locations from our menu of conservation were placed around the zoo, which throughout the Czech Republic. education programmes using the contained different tasks that the June 20 to 22: The Cacti Display zoo premises. During 2007, the children’s visitors could perform; a – The established display organi- menu of our Promotion and Edu- Zažíháme svìtýlko (We Dim Up The zed by Èeský svaz kaktusáøù (The cation Department consisted of Light) display was developed in Czech Union of Cacti Growers) 15 different education program- the Carnivore House showing the with a long tradition, which took mes, out of which some were handwork of ‘svìtlušky’ (The Fire- place in the lower part of the zoo. available in multiple options de- flies; which titles small girl scouts) The items on show could be also pending on the age of the parti- and ‘vlèata’ (The Small Wolves; purchased (Pict. 7). cipants. Guided tours focused on which titles small boy scouts). October 6 – December 4: Gra- rare animal species conservation September 29: Mummy, Daddy, phic Art of Tanzania – A sales dis- issues are another activity of this Please Don’t Smoke – A com- play of Tanzanian artists’ pictures, kind. This offer was used in May, posed programme of the Axias which was run inside the Trappo- June, and September. The activi- agency focused on ‚how to stop la ZOO restaurant. The part of the ties described above were perfor- smoking‘ education. return was donated for the bree- med 81 times, including 68 education programmes and 13 guided tours. In total 2,224 children and 7. students participated. Another activity in the field of conservation education included participating and tutor work on project days organized by school institutions and other persons en- gaged in the environmental education. Our participation on the environmental conference organized by the Primary School Most, which involved our active presentation focused on cooperation of the zoo and school institutions was also very important. By the end of the year, an environmental workshop for teachers organized by Støedisko ekologické výchovy Sever, Litomìøice (‚Sever‘ Environ- mental Education Centre) took place in the Carnivore House. The OVERVIEW OF DISPLAYS ding of rare and endangered ani- programme also included pre- May 1 to 13: Display Of Petr Sla- mal species at Ústí Zoo. sentation of our zoo concentra- vík’s Photographs – The display ted on international conservation took place in the Elephant House, COMMERCIAL EVENTS programmes. and presented the profile of au- June 20: The Day For Children A lecture for seniors, which took thor’s work. It was accompanied From Krupka – An event upon place in the Domov pro seniory with projection of a Jak vzniká order for children from Krupka (Senior’s Home) in May, may also kniha (How A Book Develops) Town. A joint guided tour inclu- be assigned to this field. document, which introduced the ding showing feeding of seals, Letní univerzita juniorù, LUJ (The author’s publication titled Divoká enrichment for orangutan and Summer University of Juniors) or- srdce (The Wild Hearts) contai- training of the sea lion. A ride in ganized by the Støedoevropská ning photos of the animals of Ústí the Zoo Train, a programme in the asociace pøátel zoo (Central Euro-

57 8.

pean Association of Zoo Friends, plynárenská (the gas distribution racteristics of animals and/or clo- CEAF) that took place at our zoo company). se contacts with them have be- already for the third time between In the beginning of the year, an come an established way of our 4 and 12 July was another signifi- art competition titled Naše zoo work. The major popular events cant activity of that type. This sum- (Our Zoo) was organized by Dùm of this type include the training of mer holiday event was joined by dìtí a mládeže Ústí nad Labem Moritz, the male sea lion, which is total 18 children from around the (The House for Children and You- accompanied with comments by Czech Republic (Pict. 08). th) under the active assistance our keepers. The training takes A really outstanding activity was of our department. The winning place three times a day (the sum- the creation of a computer game works were on show in the Ele- mer season), and it is much sou- for children named Jonáš a zví- phant House during the Elephant ght-after by the visitors; in winter, øátka (Jonah And The Animals), Week. the number of sessions is limited. which is designed for pre-school For the third consecutive year, The Elephant Walk takes place children. The main role is played one of our department members once a day at a fixed time, when here by Jonah the Dwarf who has been acting as a co-chair the keepers lead the elephants guides the children around the of Poradní sbor EVVO pro Ústec- from their house to their enclosu- zoo in twelve single games. Under ký kraj (the Advisory Panel for re, and make use of the attrac- his guidance, the children can Environmental Education of the tive way of presentation of the adopt basic knowledge and skills Regional Municipality of Ústí nad animals. For the visitors, meeting of future first grades. The illustrati- Labem). the elephant is an unforgettable ons were created by Lucie Dvoøá- experience. ková, and the entire project was ANIMAL SHOWS The elephant training in their developed especially thanks to The animal shows that make enclosure takes place once a financial support of Severoèeská use of natural features and cha- day as well, being essentially a

58 demonstration of keepers working roam around the enclosure, sear- rable forms of help and coopera- with the animals in frame of a so- ching for the hidden food. Actu- tion – sponsorship, financial and -called contact keeping system. ally, the honey is presented them material donations, advertising The training is always accompa- only from time to time; mostly they in the zoo premises and barter nied with a pre-prepared narra- get varied kinds of fruits or pastries. contracts. This way we obtained ting underlined with music; it is The attraction is accompanied total CZK 2,832,690 in 2007, which closed by the keeper answering with a spoken narration. is CZK 972,389.50 more compared visitor questions. Piranha feeding in the Exotic to 2006. The biggest sub-amount The seal feeding takes place House takes place only once a relates to advertising, totalling CZK twice a day in the summer; it is week, while the more often the 1,676,779; the financial gifts inclu- also accompanied with keeper fish were fed in the past, the less ding the yield from the money- comments (Pict. 9). interest in the food they had. -boxes in the zoo premises make Bornean orangutan feeding In the summer season, pony ri- CZK 433,821; and adoptions make and enrichment takes place once des are highly attractive for the total of CZK 722,090. Concerning a day; an interesting feeding me- smaller children. They usually take the adoptions, the online adoption thod is presented. The aim is to place once a day during the sum- system that was developed on the make searching for food more dif- mer holidays; in the beginning or website becomes more and more ficult for the orangutans using va- end of the season, they take place useful. The numbers of the adopti- rious hides, thus encouraging their at weekends only. For the urban ve parents grown by 43 contracts activity. This develops their intel- children, meeting with a small hor- compared to the previous year, lectual and moving abilities and se always means a strong experi- thus increasing the numbers from skills. The feeding is accompanied ence. 142 up to 185 adoptive parents. In with a pre-prepared narrating; a financial terms, the growth means movie about an orangutan family ADOPTION, FINANCIAL CZK 310,240, which is even more is projected in the Bornean House DONATIONS, ADVERTISEMENT than one third. This confirmed the all day long, which is just focused The adopt-an-animal system, welcome tendency of the increa- on the environmental enrichment. which has been practising by the se in the interest in adopting the The Sun Bear Honey Tree makes zoo since 1990, is a very important more ‘expensive’ animals. use of natural skills of the animals; way of financial support. In addi- bears climb the large trunks or tion, there are also other conside-

59 COOPERATION WITH MEDIA Radio The news from the zoo ted periodically, the information The cooperation with the me- were presented in various radio on the zoo have appeared on dia has been stabilized for seve- stations, such as Èeský rozhlas Se- various information websites and ral years; each of the editors are ver, Hitrádio FM Labe, Rádio Blaník, servers (Magistrát mìsta Ústí nad very well informed on every news Èeský rozhlas 1 – Radiožurnál, Èes- Labem/The Magistrate of Ústí nad and event that takes place at the ký rozhlas Leonardo, Frekvence 1, Labem, Deliteus, etc.). zoo by means of e-mail; in case of and North Music. The main media major events, they get printed in- partner that has periodically been In addition to those common vitations. The cooperation covers publishing the caption spots con- types of communication, the me- not only the whole region, but also cerning any zoo’s cultural events is dia were informed on special even the whole country. Hitrádio FM Labe; in some specific events on briefings. There were events, the media partner beca- three briefings in 2007. In April, Television Several reports (Pict. me Èeský rozhlas Sever; the more the media were presented a new 10) were broadcasted in the na- extensive cooperation has been train to serve for transport of visi- tion-wide news of TV Nova, TV Pri- established with the North Music tors from the lower entrance to the ma, ÈT 1 and ÈT 24; in frame of radio station. upper part of the zoo (the elevati- regional news, the reports from Press The residents of the Ústí on of 96 metres). The briefing also the zoo have been mostly broad- region have been informed espe- included the first trial ride for the casted by TV Lyra. The intensive cially by means of Ústecký deník, pressmen. cooperation with TV Lyra conti- or by the regional pages of other In May, a briefing aimed at the nued; an agreement concerning daily newspapers; concerning the Pesisir Balikpapan project (Pict. elaborating of captions and invi- rest of the regions, the news have 11) took place in the premises of tations to major events as well as been delivered by means of ÈTK Magistrát mìsta Ústí nad Labem. subsequent shooting of reports (Czech Press Agency). A lot of The project concerns foundation was concluded. In the start of attention regarding Ústí Zoo has of a reserve in the Indonesian part February, the zoo staff became also been paid by the magazines of the Borneo Island, and in-situ guests of the periodical talk show (monthly/bi-monthly, regional, or conservation of animals species of TV Lyra Zeptejte se (Ask), where nation-wide magazines). (directly in their native habitats). the new website competition, Zvíøe Internet Besides the two web- In the end of May, a briefing ac- roku 2006 (The Animal Of The Year sites (i.e. www.zoousti.cz and companied with congratulation of 2006), was the main topic. www.choboti.cz) that were upda- the President of the Region of Ústí

10.

60 11.

nad Labem to the hockey players meetings, where firstly organizati- In the start of November, our of the HC Slovan Ústeètí lvi hockey onal matters are discussed, and department’s staff participated at club on the occasion of their secondly a special lecture conta- the meeting of Asociace vzdìlá- advance into the Extraliga (Extra ining a projection of colour slides vacích a propagaèních pracov- League) took place by the Car- or digital presentations is produ- níkù Unie èeských a slovenských nivore House. Kanceláø hejtmana ced (the titles of this year’s events: zoologických zahrad (Association Ústeckého kraje (The Region of Faces Of The Sea, Through Ma- of Education and Promotion Staff Ústí nad Labem President’s Offi- dagascar’s Forests And Caves, To of the Union of Czech and Slo- ce) organized the briefing. The Table Mountain With A Geolo- vak Zoological Gardens) in Dvùr gist, and Across Winter Victoria). Králové nad Labem (Pict. 12). ZOOLOGICKÝ KLUB The main focus of the meeting (THE ZOOLOGICAL CLUB) OTHER ACTIVITIES was EAZA/WAZA campaigns, the The Zoologický klub to Ústí Zoo UCSZ (Union of Czech and Slo- UCSZ’s annual reports, and other was formed in 1973; since 1992, vak Zoos) issues, especially the zoo marke- its activities are performed under the auspices of Dìèín Zoo and Podkrušnohorský zoopark Chomu- 12. tov (Chomutov Zoological Park). As of 1976, a journal of special pa- pers titled Fauna bohemiae sep- tentrionalis has been published yearly. In 2007, Tomus 31 was released. Thanks to our donor, P-EKO, s. r. o., a supplement dedicated to the representatives of three little known beetle species in the territory of the Region of Ústí nad Labem could be published as well. It was written by Mr. Václav Vysoký, the long time member of the club. The journal as such has been funded by the Ministry of En- vironment since 2001. Every three months, the members meet at the club’s general

61 ting. In the framework of the mee- In addition to the events above, the ‘assistance’ of both elephant ting, presentations concerning a ceremonial launch of a book tit- females (Pict. 13). The wedding the Zvíøe roku and Divoká srdce led Tiger Shark, hyena moøí (Tiger event also included a ceremonial events was given by one of our Shark: The Hyena of the Sea) by a ride in the specially decorated department’s staff members. photograph and diver Richard Ja- Zoo Train, and a wedding feast in In the middle of November, a ronìk took place in November in the Trappola ZOO restaurant. meeting of staff members of the the presence of the world-known In May, the staff of Ústí nad La- Czech and Slovak zoo technolo- film-maker, producer, director bem joined a thematic trip to gy and operations departments and diver Steve L. Lichtag. The Halle Zoo; the participating was associated in the UCSZ Technical closed programme that ran in the also offered to the zoos in Pra- Committee was organized by our premises of the Trappola ZOO re- gue, Plzeò, and Chomutov, to the zoo. staurant also included projecting members of the Zoologický klub Ústí Zoo periodically contributes of the Tiger Shark – Relax Don’t as well as other potential persons to the Yearbook and Annual Re- Do It and Stopaøi (The Hitchhikers) interested. port of the Unie èeských a sloven- movies. In the half of June, the team of ských zoologických zahrad by de- Another activity included parti- Ústí nad Labem Zoo participated tailed inputs surveying the whole cipating on the Ústecké vánoce on the 10th year of the Zoologické preceding year (animal numbers, event (The Christmas in Ústí nad hry bez hranic (Zoological Games breeding and exhibit news, pub- Labem), which was organized by Without Frontiers) competition lic events, etc.). The zoo has also Magistrát mìsta Ústí nad Labem. that was organized by Brno Zoo. actively participated on the joint In course of the rush days, every Our seven-member team placed UCSZ’s activities (Magazín Èes- Ústí’s inhabitant could take a ride seventh in the competition of 15 kých drah/Czech Railroad Ma- in the Zoo Train (which is otherwi- zoological parks. gazine, joint promotion materials, se ran in the zoo premises only) In the autumn, the Divoká srd- news on the UCSZ’s website, etc.). through the city streets. The event ce book was released. It is an ex- also included presenting of live clusive photograph publication Trade fairs, exhibits, and other animals – a temporary pen with of photograph Petr Slavík, which presentation events Cameroon sheep was placed in captures Ústí Zoo’s animals in an The Promotion and Education the square close to the ‚Bethle- unusual way. Department’s staff members par- hem‘ exhibit. In the middle of December, a ticipated on the Go Regiontour meeting of directors of budge- Brno, Sachsen Reisen Dresden Other tary organizations founded by (Germany), and Euroregion Tour There was an interesting attrac- the Town of Ústí nad Labem took Jablonec nad Nisou trade fairs. tion: the first wedding at the zoo place in the Carnivore House with In addition, the zoo presented in its history. A young pair from Tá- about 60 directors and Ústí nad itself by its promotion materials at bor said their ‘yes’ to each other Labem Town representatives par- the Èlovìk v pøírodì (Man In The right in the Elephant House under ticipating. Nature) exhibit in Louny, at every exhibit, which was organized by Výstavištì Litomìøice, as well as 13. at the exhibits/trade fairs, where Magistrát mìsta Ústí nad Labem and/or the Deliteus association were presented. In August, the department’s staff members actively participated on the Labské léto musical festival, which took place in the premises of Letní kino (Open Air Cinema) in Ústí nad Labem. An information stand presenting the zoo was established for the visitors of the festival, and a poll closed with drawing of winners was organized. The organizer of the festival, which was North Music, s. r. o. (radio station), handed a part of the returns amounting to CZK 30,000 to the zoo as a financial donati- on.

62 VISITOR SERVICES Ing. Vìra Vrabcová

In the recent years, there was a systematic improvement of the 1. visitor services sector, which had been our long-term debt. In 2006, three children playgrounds were erected at the zoo premises; this development has continued also in 2007. In the course of construction, the zoo cooperated with Tomovy parky, s. r. o. again that printed its specific style to its products. The lower station and the upper station of the Zoo Train used as the assembly and resting points for those wishing to use the service were constructed. The stations also include different items for children such as structures for structure that we developed. The petted and fed by the children. swinging that may fill up the wai- playground replaced the set of All the resting points including the ting time of the small visitors. The children adventure playground play elements met a high popu- same design was used to com- structures upon the so-called larity among the visitors; the same plete the terrace of the Cukrárna Children’s Zoo that already were has been achieved by the new U geparda (The Cheetah Con- in bad conditions and did not Zoo Train that was ceremonially fectionery), which is utilised for comply with the safety regulati- launched in April 2007 (Pict. 2). resting and eating by the visitors ons. Instead of the structures, a The reason for the purchase of (Pict. 1). The site had been selec- system consisting of small towers, the train was the hilly landscape ted with regard to the proximity of a tiny castle and miniature hou- of our zoo, which had caused the existing children playground, ses grown. Children can climb problems especially to the elderly which ideally combines the area here and play at their pleasure. visitors, mothers with their children for the adult visitors and their chil- In addition, the playground as and the disabled. The super ele- dren. The playground designed such was interconnected with the vation between the lower and as the famous Ústí’s scenic re- petting Children’s Zoo containing upper entrances makes 96 met- staurant, the Vìtruše, is the largest sheep and goats, which can be res, which is the highest rate of all zoos in the Czech Republic. The majority of the travellers can have 2. the Zoo Train drive them to the upper part of the zoo, and then go down the hill, which is much more comfortable. The set contains a locomotive and three open-sided wagons that may altogether take 36 persons. In the start and at the end of the summer season, the train was operated at weekends only, while during the holidays it was ran daily. The only limitati- on was the break about half an hour from the safety reasons - our elephant females used to go for walk around the zoo, and they might not have stood well a meeting with such unusual traffic means. This convenient way of transport using the Zoo Train was

63 appreciated not only by children, ge. The visit to the restaurant in- 102 visitors (236 visits). Furthermo- but also by adults; 19, 444 adults cluding the sitting at the terrace re, the zoo cooperated with other and 20,978 children visitors used was made available even to di- organizations, such as Dìèín Zoo, the service in 2007. sabled on their carts thanks to the Teplice Aquapark etc. (the visitors At the end of June, thanks to self-service elevator. In 2007, the could enjoy attractive entrance the opening of the new Trappola restaurant area was also used for fee discounts, e.g. 50 % discount ZOO restaurant, the catering servi- special events, such as a ceremo- and/or a free ticket to each ticket ces for our visitors were expanded nial launch of Petr Slavík’s book purchased etc., if they presented and improved as well. The restau- named Divoká srdce (The Wild a ticket from other partner orga- rant has the capacity of about Hearts) or the Day of the Adoptive nization). In the time with bad 100 seats, and is open all the year Parents. weather, such as November and round. When sitting there in the The visitors were offered many December, the schools were of- warmer periods of the year, the vi- benefits in 2007. These included fered 50% discount, while even a sitors can also enjoy the wood ter- the established permanent tickets free entrance fee was granted to race (Pict. 3), from which there is of various types (adult, children, social care institutions, children’s a good viewpoint over the South and family) with the validity for one homes and retirements homes. American tapir enclosure (under year, which gives the advantage The City of Ústí nad Labem at- development); the sea lion trai- to the visitors that come to the zoo tempted to contribute to the tou- ning can be also watched from more often. Their prices were cal- rism by a very attractive offer: from here in a very convenient way. A culated to provide all of the zoo June to August, a special city bus smart interior in an African style is visits following the sixth visit free of line was operated, connecting completed by photos of Petr Sla- charge, where family tickets were the zoo and Vìtruše, the domina- vík, who is the ‘photographer of advantaged even more. This offer ting point of the town. The bus line

the court’ of our zoo. The menu will was used by 187 adults (6,593 vi- ran on Friday afternoon and du- satisfy everyone, be it a fast-food sits), 78 children (381 visits), and 93 ring weekends; it could be used lover or a real gourmand. The re- families (629 visits). The ‘2+1’ ticket by the visitors wishing to see both staurant can be accessed via a was a brand new product. The tourist attractions comfortably wi- separate entrance from Drážïan- holders can use it for the three thin one day. Maybe the people ská Street, and its opening times visits whenever throughout the may have required some time to can be extended up to the eve- year: once again, the third visit get used to it, as the line was not ning hours when the zoo already of the zoo is free of charge. This utilised very frequently. closes, which is a great advanta- type of ticket was bought by mere

64 In the second half of the year, to furnish every new exhibit with sources; the above actions could the former dining room was re- education panels and interactive be carried thanks to them. A big constructed to a new learning items. In 2007, we successfully de- thank you must go to the supervi- and education facility, Dr. Hein- veloped and carried out the fol- sing body of the zoo, the Statutory rich Lumpe’s Zoo School. It will lowing three projects: the resting Town of Ústí nad Labem, which be especially reserved for schools place close to the Exotic House, granted a major financial support and different hobby groups that dedicated to the new South Ame- in many fields. Based on the out- make use of our offer of program- rican coati exhibit; interpretation standing financial contribution, mes, lectures and talk shows. The panels and observation point by the Zoo Train could be purchased; specialized learning room has the the South American tapir exhibit another help involved a capital capacity of some 40 seats; it has (Pict. 4); and last but not least, a grant, thanks to which the new been equipped by audiovisual ‘promenade’ around the outside resting points and children play- technology, and it may even host enclosures of big cats. grounds could be developed, the all-day-long workshops thanks to In addition, the upper zoo en- upper ticket office reconstructed, its background (i.e. kitchen, so- trance underwent a comprehen- and the Zoo School rebuilt. Signi- cial facility, and catering at the sive reconstruction. Even that it ficant amounts that are earmar- restaurant). The Zoo School got was closed one month earlier ked to specific purposes, mostly its name after the founder of the than usually due to the construc- for education items by the exhi- bird wildlife reserve, PhDr. Heinrich tion work, the visitors have been bits, are obtained by the zoo from Lumpe, who in 1908 bought out offered a much more aesthetic the Ministry of Environment based the land of the former brickworks background than before. Further, on applications submitted eve-

from the town. A park designed a reconstruction of the Dinosaur ry year. The rate of success was for small birds was established on Trail continued throughout the relatively high in 2007; thanks to that land. Heinrich Lumpe was a year, when the whole trail was re- this, the Dr. Heinrich Lumpe’s Zoo highly enlightened person consi- placed and concentrated in the School could be partly equipped dering his time: tirelessly devoted lower part of the zoo already one with audio and video technology, to awareness raising and learning year before. in addition to the ‘exhibit-interpre- of not only school youth, but of the When improving the visitor servi- tation’ linking described above. coming visitors. ces, funding is always an essential To make transfer of information criterion. In 2007, we managed to visitors more attractive, we try to obtain funding from several

65 ANIMAL OF THE YEAR 2006 Roman Nešetøil

An online poll named Zvíøe roku animals as candidates for the with successfully applied artifi- 2006 (Animal Of The Year 2006) ‚Animal Of The Year 2006‘: cial joint in the world; became our new effort in 2007. – Ámos, the male Bornean oran- The idea of organizing this event – Xala, the female wolverine, as a gutan, who just reached 6th was based on the fact that a gre- representative of a new speci- year; this member of an extre- at attention to such polls is always es in the zoo; Xala became the mely popular animal species, paid by the public, which could first animal in the history that which belongs to the closest raise an interest in Ústí Zoo, thus es- was adopted even before its relatives of man, reached the tablishing a new means of increa- arrival at the zoo; age, when the „human young sing the visitor numbers. To achie- – Geena, the female red panda, ones“ enter the school; ve the highest possible attractivity who joined the breeding male – Dan, the male white rhino, who of the poll, we managed to get after four years of waiting, so was the oldest animal in Ústí partners, who together with our that we could set up a bree- Zoo; in 2006, Dan achieved zoo provided interesting prizes for ding pair again; in addition, ‘rounded’ 40th birthday, thus the final draw of votes (Pict. 1). Geena became famous for its the nominating team could not Our first step involved was no- escaping soon after she had miss him either;

minating six of our animals. These been released into the panda – Kaila, the female of the rare included individuals, who some- enclosure; Amur leopard, who was born how attracted the public in cour- – Jane, the female cheetah, who on 18 April 2006, and was ap- se of the year 2006. In the end, a underwent her third difficult pointed as a representative of committee consisting of the Pro- operation in the year 2006, whe- newly born animals. motion and Education and Ani- re an inherent defect of her hip mal Husbandry departments staff joint was removed once for all; The poll was launched on 15 members selected the following Jane became the first cheetah January and persisted exactly

66 two months. It could be acces- to the competition was designed large format photograph of the sed from the official website of via a distinctive banner placed animal winner from photograph the zoo only (www.zoousti.cz). In on our home page. Ten winners Petr Slavík, a voucher for con- cooperation with our web desi- were drawn every week, and ob- summation at the Trappola ZOO gner, a sub-page was developed tained two free tickets and our restaurant, and a travel bag from Olympia Teplice Shopping Cen- tre. 2. Since its very beginning, the poll was in the centre of attention of not only website visitors, but also of the media that provided additional free publicity of the zoo. To ensure regularity, every partici- pant could forward just one vote to its favourite animal per week. The pages were secured against any abuse, and all received votes including complete contact details were stored. This created a unique database of our zoo friends. In the start, Jane the cheetah occupied the first place, but later was replaced by Ámos the orangutan. Ámos and the young Kaila leopard exchanged the lead several times (Pict. 2). In the second half of the poll, Kaila established a sufficient edge over the others, and became the ‚Animal Of The Year 2006‘ with relatively large odds against the rest. This confirmed that the ‚lovely young animals‘ constitute the greatest attraction for the public. The results of the poll were announced during the programme of the ceremonial opening of the summer season 2007, which took place in early April. At the same time, prizes were handed to the five main winners of the draw in the presence of representatives of our partners (Olympia Teplice, Trappola ZOO Restaurant, Petr Slavík). Kamil Støihavka, the singer, who is a godfather and adoptive parent of the winner Kaila as well as her mother with profiles of the nominated ani- printed zoo guide. As soon as the Kiara, was our honorary guest. mals, where one could constantly poll was closed, the above men- 1,191 respondents participated monitor the chart, and forward a tioned draw took place, with 50 at the poll; such interest surpas- vote by means of a voting ticket. prizes prepared. The ultimate fe- sed our expectations, as well as To adhere to the rules, a rate of male winner carried off a „Day Of the interest of the media. Therefo- success was published instead of Met Wishes At The Zoo“, annual re, it was decided to hold this poll the number of votes. The access permanent ticket for 2 persons, a every year.

67 Personal Staff STAFF MEMBERS Executive Management Mgr. Tomáš KRAUS – Director Jana ÈERNÁ – Deputy Director and Head of Economic Department Ing. Petra PADALÍKOVÁ – Head of Animal Husbandry Department Jiøí HANZLÍK – Head of Operations and Technology Department Ing. Vìra VRABCOVÁ – Head of Promotion and Education Department

Specialist staff MVDr. Václav POŽIVIL – Veterinary Doctor Pavel PALIÈKA – Curator Ing. Pavel KRÁL – Curator Bc. Tereza LIMBURSKÁ – Marketing Specialist Mgr. Stanislav LHOTA – Researcher

Other senior staff František TRIEBL – Head of Transport Services Hana ROHÁÈKOVÁ – Head of Horticulture Section

Executive Management – 5 persons Animal Husbandry Dept. – 32 persons Economic Dept. – 6 persons Operations and Technology Dept. – 12 persons Promotion and Education Dept. - 2 persons

TOTAL as per 31-12- 2007 – 57 persons

69 Provider Information INFORMATION ON THE ZOO

Zoologická zahrada Ústí nad Labem Drážïanská 23 400 07 Ústí nad Labem Czech Republic

Legal form: Budgetary organization with lump sum budget contribution ID: 00081582 VAT ID: CZ-00081582 Tel.: +420 475 503 354 Tel./Fax: +420 475 503 421 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.zoousti.cz, www.choboti.cz Formal name: Zoologická zahrada Ústí nad Labem, pøísp. org. Seat: Drážïanská 23, 400 07 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic

Founder: Statutární mìsto Ústí nad Labem (The Statutory City of Ústí nad Labem) Seat: Velká hradební 8, 400 01 Ústí nad Labem ID: 00081531 Mayor: Mgr. Jan Kubata

Chief Executive Officer: Mgr. Tomáš Kraus

71 The ZOO is a member of: