Annual Report 2008 Contents

The Animal Husbandry Department 3 ACTIVITIES OF THE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT 4 VETERINARY CARE 11 DIET AND FEEDING 14 THE HISTORICAL SUCCESS IN THE GIRAFFE BREEDING 16 ALPACA HUSBANDRY AT ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM ZOO 19 LAST GOODBYE TO THE RHINOS 22 NURSING THE MEALY AMAZON AT ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM ZOO 26 100 BIRD NEST-BOXES PROJECT 29 PESISIR BALIKPAPAN PROJECT: 2007—2008 ACTIVITY REPORT 32 NUMBERS OF ANIMALS TO 31. 12. 2008 42 REARINGS 53

The Economic Department 55 ECONOMY 56

The Technical Department 59 TECHNICAL SERVICES 60

The Education and Promotion Department 66 ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION DEPARTMENT 67 ALIES TO ALLIES PROJECT: CZECH RECORD BROKEN AT ÚSTÍ ZOO 78 100 YEARS FROM LUMPEPARK TO THE ZOO 84

Personal Staff 87

Provider Information 89 The Animal Husbandry Department

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Ing. Petra Padalíková

In 2008, development of two new animal facilities that signifi- 1 cantly helped to raise the quality of the given animal species was successfully completed. In the early spring, all working efforts concentrated on the completion of the South American tapir house inc. redesigning the related enclosure (Picture 1). Formally opened on the occasion of launching the main season, this facility became a home for the newly completed breeding pair of tapirs as well as two capybaras. In the second half of the year, construction of an out-of-scene facility for the nil- the number of species in the The most important events of gai was launched. These giant collection increased by two the year 2008 included the de- Asian antelopes dwelling in one taxons. As per 31/12/2008, the parture of the Bornean orang- of the grassy enclosures in the zoo held total 220 animal spe- utan to Apenheul. The seven- upper part of the zoo had to cies. The number of individuals year-old male Amos entered his be moved to the Rhino House decreased a little bit with 1,036 adult age and could not stay in every winter. Such operation animals held towards the end of the Ústí group any later. Apen- was always accompanied with the year. The zoo’s international heul is a word meaning a safe troublesome narcotisation and cooperation involved participa- haven for monkeys in Dutch as animal stress, and subsequent tion in 32 European Endangered well as a zoo in Apeldoorn, the health complications could not Species Breeding Programmes Netherlands, dedicated solely be fully avoided. The new facil- (EEP) and registration of 15 spe- to primates, and being among ity was finished in time, which cies in the European Studbooks the best zoos in Europe in this means that moving the ante- (ESB). regard. Amos was acclimatized lopes from the summer enclosure was unnecessary for the 2 first time. The terminal carnivore house reconstruction period was a major capital development project in 2008. This involved construction of new outdoor enclosures for leopards and tigers. The first half of the year was dedicated to finishing the design documentation; the construction work as such was launched in Octo- ber. The carnivores might see the three natural exhibits in the spring 2009. Compared to the previous year, in the new environment very rently held in Europe. The Malay- the EEP co-ordinator following quickly (Picture 2). This male is to an tiger is to become a key spe- two long years. The two-year-old replace the existing male that is cies for the newly redesigned daughter Kaila was moved to already coming out of age. part of the house. Nesles Zoo, France, which pro- The Carnivore House produced In 2008, the Persian leopard vided the space required for several major events as well. Due breeding was terminated. The the animals to pair; now we can to the expected reconstruction, male Ánre died 21 years old. await new increase. the Malayan sun bear female A very welcome update oc- Efforts were made to avoid called Cindy had to be moved curred in the Amur leopard. breeding in the Southwest Afri- to Děčín Zoo. In the framework Reproduction of the young pair can lion sibling pair in 2007 by of international co-operation, had been suspended as the application of hormonal contra- the zoo managed to obtain breeding female called Kiara ception. Despite the treatment, a young female Malayan tiger was indicated as a potential the lioness gave birth, but failed (Picture 3) from Halle Zoo. Cur- bearer of a short-tail gene. This to look after the cubs. In 2008, rently, only twenty individuals of suspicion was eventually not a subcutaneous implant appli- this tiger subspecies that was confirmed and a recommenda- cation method was opted for. only described in 2003 are cur- tion to breed again arrived from Unfortunately, natural forces pre- vailed, Ronja delivered four vital 3 cubs (Picture 4), but this time she took an excellent care of the young. On week six, a health examination of the cubs was carried out, which focused namely on any presence of inherited defects. Three cubs – females – were absolutely healthy, but a significant retardation was found in the fourth cub, which was a male, compared with his sisters, with his eye retina showing development abnormalities. Therefore, it was decided that the male would be euthanised. The remaining lion cubs became a great visitor attraction. Thanks to the well-working co- operation with Jihlava Zoo, snow leopard males could be exchanged. All efforts to make the young animals in Ústí nad Labem, the male Makan and the female Nima, breed always failed over two mating periods. The low level of experience of both animals might have been the case. Thus, upon the agreement with Jihlava colleagues, Makan left for training by the Jihlava female in 2008, and in turn Salwin, a well-tested breeding male from Jihlava arrived in Ústí. The only hope is that the animals will achieve harmony very soon. 4 A setback occurred in the Chee- tah House. The health status of Jane, the contact cheetah female famed with its unique surgery of hip joint, was visibly dete- riorating throughout the summer period. The blood examination clearly showed renal failure in progress. Sadly, this status could not be fought; therefore, euthanasia in November was the only option leaving the old male Inongo alone in the house. Un- fortunately, obtaining any new female will depend on development of a separation facility for male so a young male Hobit 5 from Prague Zoo was added into the exhibit (Picture 5). As this male’s parents are wild-born in the Republic of South Africa, the animal is of a high genetic value for the European population. In future, the male will from a base for creating a new breeding pair. In the small cat collection changes occurred as well. Early in 2008, a female arrived from Port Lympne, UK, introduced to the young male fishing cat. Three vital Geoffroy’s cat cubs were born. As the three remaining small cat species are currently held in old facilities, the most of these animals are kept for exhibit purposes only. In the Old World Primate House, we have been fighting space problems in almost every species. In future, cutting down the numbers of held species will be unavoidable. The De Brazza’s monkey is to become one of the strategic species included in the zoo’s long-term collection plan. The young pair reproduced again in 2008, however, the two- month-old infant died as a result of head trauma. Concerning the white-cheeked gibbon group, nated to Prague and Bratislava 6 Zoos. Both of the breeding pairs delivered the young again in 2008. A new male group was formed from the reared animals to leave for Romagne Zoo, France, in 2009. In the late 2008, the two-toed sloth female gave already its sixth birth in the row. The newly set up South American coati trio raised total seven young. The South American coatis inhabit a corner exhibit in the first floor of the house. A footbridge con- nects this indoor facility with a near solitary oak-tree outdoors, which could be used by the animals for free ranging. Unfortu- nately, the tree was damaged by the coatis by breaking termi- the breeding male Tod died, a pair with the male golden lion nal twigs during the vegetation leaving a female that delivered tamarin failed. Despite several period to such extent that this a posthumous birth towards reminders, no female was rec- had to be stopped. Therefore, the end of the year (Picture 6). ommended by the coordinator. electric collars were attached Therefore, any new male can- As the animal clearly suffered to the oak-tree to prevent the not be added before the infant from being alone, it was decid- animals to access the termi- reaches weaning age. ed at the end of the year that nals. This measure proved ef- In the Exotarium, three callitri- the male would leave for Olo- fective and the exhibit became chid species out of total four mouc Zoo who had also been even more attractive than be- reproduced. In the golden- a holder of a single male. fore, with the animals spending handed tamarins and pygmy The ring-tailed lemur trio was much more time by ranging on marmosets, two young in each supplemented with three pro- trunks and dead logs and even group arrived. The young cot- spective females from Jihlava on the ground; everything could ton-top tamarin pair was also Zoo towards the end of the year. be watched by the visitors from successful. Unfortunately, at- The young ruffed lemurs born immediate neighbourhood (Pic- tempts to get a female to make the year before last were do- ture 7). The terrarium section was expanded with several new spe- 7 cies. The knight anole, another South American herpetofauna member, is to be added to the red-footed tortoise exhibit. Four young were already obtained from a private breeder. They are still placed behind the scenes and move into the exhibit once they reach a proper size. The freshwater hog-nosed turtle became another new species. It can be viewed by the visitors in one of the water tanks (Picture 8) accompanied by several fish species. The turtle and tortoise collection was expanded with 8 two species at a time. The first one, Chelodina siebenrocki, settled in the aquatic exhibit of the Elephant House. Three young specimens of the African spurred tortoise, which is the largest African dry land tortoise species, were obtained from Bussolengo Zoo through an animal exchange transaction. Some changes happened in the large boid snakes collection as well. Sadly, the reticulated python pair died in a quite short time range. With its impressive vidual held at Ústí zoo. The spe- replenished with an old new length of five metres, the female cies structure in the exhibit was species, the Burmese python. Anežka was the largest indi- Other terrarium species that reproduced in 2008 included the 9 rare Asian leaf turtle, emperor scorpion – after a long time, Amazon milk frog, green and black poison dart frog, and two milk snake subspecies. Within the ungulate section, the most of the held species reproduced as usually. With no doubt, the most notable success occurred in the Rothschild’s giraffe. For the first time in the history of the collection based on a single female that used to give birth, all three breeding females reproduced, enlarging the zoo’s herd with one male and two females (Picture 9). As for the female Syrenka, it was at the same time her first mater- nity experience, which added value to its trouble-free raising of her calf. Births also occurred in lechwe and waterbuck, blackbuck, two-humped camel, and llama herds. The female Hart- mann’s zebra Unita gave birth to a sound female. The male of the foal called Balduin is a stud of a high genetic value imported from Herberstein, Austria, in the preceding year. However, Uni- ta is the only attractive female from the herd for Balduin. The the Indian elephant female, 10 was monitored all the year round. We had been fighting the liquid in the female’s uterus produced in association with the birth in 2004, and affecting the hormonal cycle. During the recent UV examination that took place towards the end of 2007 (Picture 11), full hormonal cycle recovery could be announced. Thus, a possibility of the next assisted insemination could be considered six years after the last attempt. As the positive development was confirmed by the blood sample analysis in Hartmann’s zebra European- Unfortunately, we could not January 2008 as well, intensive wide status is still not favourable avoid one very sad incident in training of the female neces- for a lack of adult stallions with- 2008. In the course of a single sary for any artificial insemina- in EEP, thus, any perspective of March week, two southern tion attempt to be successful obtaining a new male remains white rhinos died because of was started. Follow-up monitor- unclear. The herd of the rare age. The female Saša and the ing sonographic examination African wild ass was expanded male Dan were among the dis- took place at the end of March with a male. tinctive animals held by the zoo. and revealed a minor amount In the deer species, we enjoyed Both rhinos originated from Afri- of the liquid again. But there offspring in each of the held can Umfolozi National Park; they was still some hope. The second species – the white-lipped deer arrived in the zoo in 1980. Saša check was carried out in July, (Picture 10), the Vietnamese sika and Dan successfully produced with Delhi found fully healthy; deer, and the Reeves‘s muntjac. three calves, which placed the one of the ovaries was shortly In the sika deer herd, the breed- zoo among the few successful upon ovulation. Routine blood ing male died, thus, the group white rhino breeders. sampling was launched to al- was completed with two young In the partnership with IZW Ber- low for analysing the hormonal males imported from Hilvaren- lin, the hormonal cycle and sta- level. The next oestrus was esti- beek, the Netherlands. tus of reproductive tract in Delhi, mated to occur at the break of October and November. The 11 male Emmet was planned to become a sperm donor again; a support was promised by the colleagues from England. Unfor- tunately, any LH level increase that would indicate the ovulation did not take place in the planned time, which made any insemination impossible. The next comprehensive examination is to take place in the beginning of 2009. This will have to explain why the recent cycle did not occur. 2008 was a successful year even in parrot breeding. The Goffin’s cockatoos, military macaws, for re-introduction. For the birds male Geena alone; a new male 12 of prey, a repeated breeding will have to be recommended success occurred in the saker by the EEP co-ordinator. falcon pair. The first chicks were Within the zoo’s professional ac- obtained from the newly set up tivities, the animal husbandry group of the greater rhea. The staff members participated on first offspring in the zoo’s his- the following meetings of UCSZ tory was recorded in the Victo- specialist groups in 2008: pri- ria crowned pigeon dwelling in mates and felids (Pilsen Zoo), one of the string-fenced aviar- ungulates (Dvůr Králové Zoo), ies in the Elephant House. Sadly, elephants (Lešná Zoo), and ani- the chick died when it was six mal record keeping (Kostelec weeks old. The post-mortem pro- nad Černými lesy). tocol revealed obscure coli in- fection. In the framework of the In addition, the zoo hosted the co-operation within the UCSZ deer committee meeting in Jan- membership, the male great uary (Picture 13). The Head of curassow was moved to Brno the Animal Husbandry Depart- Zoo. One Egyptian vulture left ment attended the EAZA Annu- and Jardin’s parrots raised for Lešná Zoo as an exchange al Conference held at Antwerp a single chick each. Two chicks for a scarlet macaw. Zoo. were raised in the African grey Changes occurred in the red The routine operations of the de- parrots, and the mealy ama- panda. Both young males Pat partment were affected by the zons. The mealy amazons bred and Mat raised in 2007 left for departure of one from the two the first chicks in the history of Prague Zoo and German-based curators. The situation became Ústí nad Labem Zoo. In the end Kronberg Zoo. In the summer, the stable at the end of the year by of the year, video cameras were breeding male Sole, who was hiring a new staff member. installed in several nest boxes to a father of all panda cubs born allow for full detailed overview at Ústí Zoo, died, leaving the fe- of what was going on during the nesting. As the video sur- 13 veillance system can be easily connected to online interface, watching the nesting of certain species online will be available on the zoo web site in 2009. Oth- er bird species that reproduced included three owl species – the barn owl, the Ural owl (Picture 12), and the snow owl. All of the raised young barn owls were transferred to AVES Wildlife Res- cue Centre near Kladno Town

10 VETERINARY CARE

MVDr. Václav Poživil

1 cal fauna animals cannot be not only born; they also die. The avoided, the city sanctuary for larger is the creature that has abandoned dogs and cats was passed away, the bigger pain transferred under the manage- is perceived from the loss. How- ment of Ústí nad Labem Zoo, ever, losing two such animals at thus forming the base for setting once seems to be a worse case. up the new Animal Rescue Cen- The latter was the case of zoo’s tre (Picture 1). Only some minor southern white rhinos that had arrangements will be required lived at the zoo since 1980. First, to form a background facility for 41-year-old female Saša had the local fauna animals without to be euthanised due to renal affecting the zoo operations. and blood circulation failure. Nevertheless, it is the author’s A week after, 42-year-old male opinion that despite the mea- Dan passed away (Picture 2) – it sures above the zoo will remain was the oldest white rhino held All veterinary prophylactic and the contact point for receiving in the Czech Republic that died medical services were provided the handicapped animals from a natural death. These animals by the veterinary doctors from the local wildlife anyway. successfully produced three Veterinární ordinace MVDr. Vác- Sadly, animals at the zoo are calves at Ústí nad Labem Zoo; lava Poživila (EN: MVDr. Václav Poživil’s Veterinary Surgery). All prophylactic services were 2 carried out under the agreed scheme titled Veterinární péče v Zoo Ústí nad Labem. (EN: Vete- rinary Care at Ústí nad Labem Zoo.) (See Annual Report 2004.) In 2008, the periodical inspection under the zoo-licensing act took place; the zoo passed without any objections. Du- ring the previous inspection, the practice of accepting injured and handicapped local wildlife brought into the zoo for treatment was criticised by the State Veterinary Administration. There was a fear of introducing infec- tion by these animals into the zoo grounds. The problem was successfully resolved in terms of technical support and animal health security. As for the fact that the city development plans did not involve construction of any new facility to provide care for the local wildlife and bringing the handicapped lo- 11 their progeny now continues to preserve the lineage in other zoological parks. The same pain as with the large animals can be felt in case of death of any individual, to which keepers and visitors had been fixed too much. The cheetah female Jane became a media star thanks to the unique and pioneered replacement of her hip joint; this not even made her life longer, but namely more enhanced. The first surgery was made in 2002, while the other (total endoprothesis) followed four years later. Despite every effort and use of the most ad- vance diagnostic and treatment techniques, the status of con- stant pain had to be terminated in this animal. Amyloidosis, the chronic digestive problems, the colics, the chronic renal disor- ders, and the subsequent renal failure resulted in euthanasia. Decision-making process is not that easy in such cases; in the wild, this issue would be resolved by predators, and death of an 3 animal like this would merely complete a food chain. Luckily, we do have possibilities to help, Veterinary Clinic, MVDr Zdeněk ing of two lion siblings were if life of such animal is unsustain- Vepřek.) overcome by Mother Nature. able and associated with ex- But let us turn over a new leaf. The breeding instinct was so po- cessive suffering. (Picture 3 - CT In 2008, our efforts and attempts werful that even a double dose examination of Jane in Mimoň to prevent any unwanted mat- of contraceptives, well-tested in other zoos, failed, and could not avoid the delivery of three 4 beautiful lion cubs. It was such incredible event that even the veterinary specialist was sus- pected of administering pla- cebo. The more the author was reassured by other colleagues saying this may and did hap- pen elsewhere. (Picture 4 - Im- planon application). 2008 can be termed as a year without any extraordinary veterinary actions and no infec- tion was recorded. So, when we were in the middle of this happy period, even AI-free, a tiny critter 12 crawled discreetly over the bor- eradication of the disease. It veterinary medical care, the der. A small, but a smart one, this is a sincere hope of everyone following actions were carried guy delivered a disease called that none of those influenzas out in 2008: 586 prophylactic blue tongue. Within the frame- and blue tongue matters stroll- examinations under the health work of the European-wide con- ing around and frightening all test scheme, 274 surgeries and servation breeding programme, Europe will be followed by any operations (Picture 5 – Blood every animal from the zoo’s bigger nightmare, for instance, sampling in the mandrill), 46 collection of sheep and goats bubonic plague. post-mortem examinations, 6 was vaccinated, thus assisting Within the prophylactic and above-standard examinations at specialist workplaces (CT, gastroscopy and enteroscopy, 5 fibroscopy, 3D sonography, and andrology), two tests of water sources, 84 tests of animal-based feeds, 6 inspections of operations under the zoo rat control scheme, and 14 inspections by the State Veterinary Administra- tion including those under the zoo licensing act.

Overview of organizations and institutions co-operating within the programme of veterinary care in 2008: - The Regional Department of the State Veterinary Admin- istration for Ústí nad Labem Region - State Veterinary Institute Prague - Veterinary Research Institute Brno - The Clinic of Canine and Fe- line Diseases, FVL VFU Brno - Diagnostika s.r.o., Ústí nad Labem - Private Laboratory of Micro- biology RNDr A. Veselská - Mimoň Veterinary Clinic - IZW Berlin - Genservice s.r.o., Brno

13 ANIMAL NUTRITION

Bc. Anna Hrudková

The Ústí Zoo’s 2008 animal nutri- any changes in this aspect. coming from moderate climatic tion budget amounted to CZK The whole range of fruits and zones (except for apples), and 3,2 million, however, this figure vegetables (Picture 1) was still 11 t of bananas. was exceeded by about one purchased from Teplice-based Apples as well as carrots were million. The main reasons for this HOKA Company, with the artic- taken very rarely from HOKA, included an increase in the VAT les supplied routinely twice as these articles were provided rate and rising numbers of ani- a week as agreed by phone. by other entities much cheap- mals held, be it the individuals The 2008 supplies totalled to CZK er than by the wholesale busi- raised at the zoo or new arri- 1,076,071. The quantities con- nesses. A total of 27 t apples and vals. sumed by the animals included 14.3 t carrots were fed, which is Compared to 2007, when some 8,596.9 kg of leaved vegetables, an increase by 6 t and a decre- suppliers had to be replaced 2,924.82 kg of roots vegetables ase by 0,5 t, respectively, com- by others due to financial and (except for carrots), 9,816.12 kg pared to 2007. namely quality reasons, the of other vegetables, 14,152.2 kg Also, the fodder meat (Pictu- year 2008 was almost without of tropical fruits, 4,677.5 kg of fruits re 2) was still purchased from Mimoň-based VÁŠA Company with deliveries once a week and 1 quantities as required and agreed by phone. In 2008, there was a slight decrease in the beef meat by about 3 t compared to 2007, with the quantity reduced from 12 t to some less than 11 t. The meat quality still complied with that for human use. The chicken meat was supplied by a different company, with 4.5 t consumed in 2008, which is the same level as in 2007. Concern- ing herrings, the 2008 quantity increased by 3.5 t compared to 2007, i.e. total 8.9 t. The main reason for this was the loan of the sea lion females from Prague Zoo. The only change in the supplier structure included Mr Drba from Roudnice nad Labem Town, who became a supplier of live rabbits for animal feeding, replacing the former supplier from Nymburk Town due to a lesser distance. About 3.3 t of rabbits were delivered to the zoo’s carnivores, with total costs of some CZK 188,000. Feed rodents present an essential part of diet structure not only 14 sized crickets, and 14.5 l micro- 2 sized crickets were fed in 2008. Pelleted food forms another major item in the feedstuffs budget. As in the preceding year, this commodity was also supplied by Sehnoutek a synové v.o.s., Voleč. The largest portion of the pellets supplied in 2008 included ZOO-směs pro přežvý- kavce (pellets for zoo ruminants), with 2.1 t used for CZK 130,130; 11.5 t of special giraffe pellets for CZK 133,402; 6 t of ZOO-da- něk (fallow deer pellets) for CZK 52,320; 7.6 t of ZOO-koně (equid pellets) for CZK 53,048; and 2.5 q of rodent pellets for the feed rodents bred at the zoo for CZK in small carnivores, but also in at the zoo, but purchased from 3,025. predatory birds. 9,606 brown rats outsourcers. It is understood that sufficient and 44,910 mice were fed; this The feed insects are supplied quantity of vitamin preparations involved the zoo-based stock by a standing vendor; the zoo must be supplied to the animal and animals purchased from only operates a small stock of diet in addition to the common outsourcers. In addition, 7,967 mealworms. For the insects, feedstuffs and pelleted food. hamsters were consumed; the- 6,830 locusts (Picture 3), 85.5 l A large part of such articles has se feed animals are not bred of mealworms, 41 l of medium- been purchased from Prague- based Bio-faktory company 3 a number of years. A total of 7.2 q of varied vitamin preparations was spent for all animals at the zoo. We thank all the vendors and suppliers for their co-operation and top level of services. In the field of operation, there was a change in the staffing of the animal kitchen section, where three employers inc. two permanent staff members are to be responsible for handling all feedstuffs including processing, arrangement, and distribution to each workplace around the zoo.

15 THE HISTORICAL SUCCESS IN THE GIRAFFE BREEDING

Ing. Pavel Král

Rothschild’s giraffe (Girafa ca- However, difficult births, when tal six animals were imported to melopardalis rothschildi) breed- some of the calves had to be Ústí nad Labem from other zoo- ing at Ústí nad Labem Zoo has delivered by hand, were serious logical parks. (Chart 1.) had a long tradition. In 2008, we problems in this female. The female Etna gave birth to its could review 25 years since the In 1994, a female Jenny ex- first calf in June 2006; however, zoo’s stock of these outstanding changed for the female Tracy the young died within a few animals was set up. On the top arrived from Liberec Zoo. In 1995, days. In primiparas, there is of it, 2008 was important for the the male Set died of acute car- a higher mortality rate; the calf zoo from a breeding point of ditis. In 1996, a male Atbar two was unable to suck, which was view, with three calves born for years and two months old was also caused by the unskilled the first time in the zoo‘s history imported from Olomouc Zoo. mother. In the second half of raising the animal number to to- The year after, the zoo lost the the year 2007, it was already tal seven individuals (Picture 1). female Tena during a difficult clear that each of the three The Rothschild’s giraffe stock at birth. Until 2000, the zoo held females was pregnant; the ex- Ústí nad Labem Zoo was started only a single breeding female, pected dates of births were also on 20 June 1983 with a giraffe except for the 1994-1997 period. known. Everyone was a little bit pair consisting of the male Set In the recent years, the zoo de- worried thinking of the births, and female Tena that arrived cided to expand its breeding namely with the first days after. from Dvůr Králové Zoo. Both ani- herd by first importing a female Aside from the experienced mals were about 15 months old. Etna from Dvůr Králové Zoo in female Jenny, there was also This made Ústí nad Labem the 2001, which was 20 months old at Etna, who was to deliver its se- fifth zoo in the then Czechoslo- the time of the arrival. Four years cond calf and no one could be vakia that became a Rothshild’s later, a 19-month-old female Sy- safe whether the same result as giraffe holder. The period of wait- renka arrived from Warsaw Zoo. two years before could be ex- ing for the first calf took 4.5 years, Both females were obtained as pected or not. On the other side, until 20 December 1987, when an exchange for animals raised the female Syrenka expected a female Tereza was born. Later at Ústí Zoo. This increased the her first calf. Based on the previ- on, the female Tena gave birth founder herd to a single male ous experience, it was decided to another six young at the zoo. and three breeding females. To- not to separate a female prior the birth, but rather let her give birth in the group. In the period 1 of several days before and after each birth, the giraffes were checked several times during the day and night and also in early morning hours. On 3 March 2008 in the night, the female Etna gave birth to a male. When keepers arrived in the morning, the calf was already up, and within a few minutes, sucking could be observed as well. The male’s birth height was 190 cm. The female with the young was separated from the rest of the giraffes for a week. On 3 June 2008, the second 16 Chart 1. Overview of the giraffes imported to Ústí nad Labem.

No. of Name Sex Born Arrival From Death calves Tena 0,1 6. 4. 1982 22. 6. 1983 Dvůr Králové 7 21. 11. 1997 Set 1,0 26. 3. 1982 22. 6. 1983 Dvůr Králové 7 19. 3. 1995 Jenny 0,1 29. 2. 1992 31. 10. 1994 Liberec 8 Atbar 1,0 11. 2. 1994 11. 4. 1996 Olomouc 11 Etna 0,1 15. 9. 1999 14. 5. 2001 Dvůr Králové 2 Syrenka 0,1 4. 1. 2004 17. 8. 2005 Varšava 1

previous years when the zoo 2 held two or four animals, both the group and each of the animals generally calmed down. It could be clearly seen in releas- ing the animals out and closing as well as in cleaning the stall in the winter period when any re- leasing into the outdoor enclosure was limited. As the air quality in the stall de- teriorated, two following re-arrangements had to be made to resolve the situation: the forced ventilation was switched on several times per night, and wood shavings that absorb urine better were applied in addition to young in the row was born to On 28 September 2008, a party straw and hay. Jenny. The birth occurred during on the occasion of naming all Over the period of 25 years, 18 the day and lasted 1.5 hours. The three calves was arranged. The young giraffes were born at the calf was a 170cm high female. giraffes were named Enid (the zoo (Chart 2). Jenny and her young were se- male), Jonka (the first female), The sex ratio in the animals born parated; sucking was seen the and Sotiba (the other female.) is ten females to eight males. same day in the evening. This (Picture 2) The dominance of the females time, the entire group was re- Both young females, in which (55.5%) is rather exceptional, united already in four days. troubles had been expect- The third female, Syrenka, de- ed concerning handling the 3 livered her young on 24 Au- care for the calves, eventually gust 2008. The birthing process proved to be excellent mothers. started in the enclosure, after Subsequently, the calves were the entire herd was closed and observed to drink from diffe- the female giving birth sepa- rent mothers, with some cases rated. Within some three hours, of even two infants sucking from a 165cm high female was born. a single female (Picture 3). We made sure that the house This way the animal numbers was as quiet as possible. In the increased to seven individuals. early morning the day after, suck- An additional positive effect of ing could be observed. Syrenka this increase in giraffe numbers was still left aside, and re-united could be observed on the ani- with the herd nine days after. mals as such. Compared to the 17 Chart 2. The giraffe calves born at Ústí nad Labem Zoo.

No. Sex Name Born Dam/Sire Departure/Death 1 0,1 Tereza 20. 12. 1987 Tena/Set 29 Mar 1992 - France 2 1,0 Titan 26. 5. 1989 Tena/Set 3 Mar 1992 - France 3 1,0 20. 2. 1991 Tena/Set 20 Feb 1991 – at birth 4 0,1 Tracy 29. 6. 1992 Tena/Set 3 Nov 1994 – Liberec 5 1,0 29. 1. 1994 Tena/Set + 1 Feb 1994 – low vitality 6 1,0 Tamiru 30. 6. 1995 Tena/Set 2 Sep 1997 – La Boissiere, France 7 0,1 Jess 21. 5. 1996 Jenny/Set 10 Nov 1997 - Hamburg 8 1,0 21. 11. 1997 Tena/Atbar + 21 Nov 1997 – at birth 9 0,1 Tejla 21. 4. 1998 Jenny/Atbar 14 May 2001 – Lešná 10 1,0 Joshua 2. 2. 2000 Jenny/Atbar 27 Jul 2001 – Madrid 11 0,1 Tena 2 9. 1. 2002 Jenny/Atbar 17 Mar 2004 – Leipzig 12 0,1 Julie 8. 5. 2003 Jenny/Atbar 16 Aug 2005 - Warsaw 13 0,1 4. 3. 2005 Jenny/Atbar + 3 Apr 2005 – low vitality 14 0,1 18. 6. 2006 Etna/Atbar + 21 Jun 2006 – low vitality 15 1,0 Vladimír 25. 1. 2007 Jenny/Atbar + 27 Dec 2007 – heart disease 16 1,0 Enid 3. 3. 2008 Etna/Atbar 17 0,1 Jonka 3. 6. 2008 Jenny/Atbar 18 0,1 Sotiba 24. 8. 2008 Syrenka/Atbar while in the Czech zoos males experiences, there are also se- may occur in future, when such usually prevail to some extent veral commitments for the next arrangements will be useful. – 50.6% (n=306). The age at the period. This namely involves All of the three calves will leave first birth in years varied in the improving of husbandry condi- the zoo once they are weaned Ústí Zoo’s females as follows: tions, with the most important to enlarge breeding groups in Tena 5.7, Jenny 4.2, Etna 5.7, and measures including extension other zoos. At the time of pro- Syrenka 4.5. The mean age of of indoor facilities and increas- ducing this paper, each of the a giraffe at first birth in the Czech ing the number of separation females was pregnant again, zoos is 4.64 years (n=40). The dis- boxes up to two. This may not with expected dates of births tribution of births throughout the only result in enlargement of somewhere in the first quarter year (Chart 3) reveals the fact the indoor area available to 2010. We can only wish that the that births rather occur in the the animals, but even in more future of giraffe breeding would first half of the year (83.3%). possibilities of separating the be as successful as in 2008. Despite the success in 2008 and animals in situations like oestrus, the number of new breeding birth, etc. Emergency situations

Chart 3. Distribution of births throughout the year.

Month January February March April May June July August September October November December

Total 3 3 1 1 3 4 0 1 0 0 1 1

18 ALPACA HUSBANDRY AT ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM ZOO

Ing. Pavel Král

Alpacas (Lama guanicoe f. pacos) held at Ústí nad Labem 1 Zoo are of the Huacaya type. The alpaca is already an established species at the zoo with the stock founded in 1967 (Veselský, Voženílek, 1976), when an adult pair was imported by Müller, Germany. Over a long time, total numbers ranged from 2 to 4 individuals, until three females were imported from Hoyerswerda Zoo in the mid 1980’s, (Moudrý, 1992), and female numbers was fixed on a level of 8 to 10 animals, which has persisted until today. In ear-

Chart 1: List of animals held as per 31/12/2008

Reg. No. Sex Born Place of birth Arrival Colour 002 0,1 1993 UL 1993 Apricot 003 0,1 1996 UL 1996 Black 005 0,1 1997 UL 1997 Black 015 0,1 31. 3. 2000 Ostrava Zoo 7. 1. 2001 White 016 0,1 9. 6. 2001 UL 9. 6. 2001 Aprikot 019 0,1 10. 8. 2002 UL 10. 8. 2002 Brown 034 0,1 13. 7. 2006 UL 13. 7. 2006 Grey&brown&white 041 0,1 13. 11. 2007 UL 13. 11. 2007 Grey&brown&white 044 1,0 23. 9. 2003 Olomouc Zoo 19. 5. 2008 Brown 045 1,0 11. 6. 2007 Anden – Alpakas 1. 5. 2008 Light brown 047 0,1 8. 7. 2008 UL 8. 7. 2008 Brown ly 1990’s, declining vitality of the was added to the herd. When Group 1 young began to develop and the male from Olomouc died additional feeding of the infants in 2007, it was decided that two Group 2 had to be ensured. (Mikulicová, males would be imported – one Kökert 1994.) The situation was male from a German farm, and groups, where the first compri- resolved once an unrelated the other again from Olomouc ses six females and the male male was imported from Olo- Zoo. Both males were brought No. 044, and the other is com- mouc Zoo. Usually, no additio- in 2008. In the near future, one posed of three females raised in nal care for the infants following more breeding male is to be recent years and the male No. the birth was required, and the imported from a foreign breed- 045 (Picture 1). Altogether, this survival rate was excellent. One er. Currently, the alpacas are made total 2.9 (Chart 1) as per more female from Ostrava Zoo held in two separate breeding the end of 2008.

19 boxes in the facility allowing for 2 separation of the animals like in case of health problems. If housed in these boxes, the animals can enter only concrete outdoor yards. One of the major activities in caring for alpacas is shearing, which takes place in April or May. Until 1996, alpacas used to be shorn from time to time, with long intervals between the shearing. Following the year above, co-operation began between the zoo and Mr Horst Tichay from Teplice Town, who shears the animals periodically. As customers required longer wool at that time, the alpacas were shorn every other year. Shearing is carried out using electric shears. An animal to be shorn must be fixed by two or three keepers (Picture 2), while another keeper is picking the wool from the ground. The entire In the period from April to ding shelter. fleece is stored in a paper bag. November, both herds are kept In winter, the alpacas are hous- Shearing time for a single alpa- outdoors in two grassy enclo- ed in boxes inside their facility. ca is some 10 minutes. Wool sures. In the first enclosure of The animals are closed in order about 1.5 cm short is left on the 3,500 m², the alpacas are held to save the grassy enclosures. body of the animal. The shorn in the company of two-hump- The bigger herd is housed in wool is usually forwarded to fur- ed camels. The boundary of a double box of total 25 m², whi- ther processing or used for en- the enclosure is formed from le the lesser group resides a stall richment in Southwest African a mesh fence 1.1m high com- of 14.4 m². There are two more lions. As from 2008, the animals bined with electric fence, mesh diameter 15 x 15 cm. There is a shelter with the area of 49m² 3 roofing a place for feeding grains and a drinker. The roofed facilities include a portable device for feeding large round- ed bales of hay. Other feeding place is found in the lower part of the enclosure; it namely serves for green fodder. The exhibit includes an area filled with sand. In addition, two trunks are routinely placed there to provide browse. Fencing of the second enclosure with the area of about 600 m² consists of five pipes and is 150 cm high. There is a spreading walnut tree provi- 20 are to be shorn every year due Trees supplied namely include presence of infectious diseases to high temperature in the sum- fruit trees, willows, birch, and in the herd. mer time as well as low interest poplar; for coniferous trees, this in the wool. mainly involves pine-tree. No Literature Caring for animal teeth is overgrowing of hooves has oc- Veselský J., Voženílek P., 1976: another point of importance. curred in the animals held at Lama alpaka (Lama pacos) The tooth formula in the alpaca Ústí zoo. a její chov v ústecké zoo. Fauna is 1/3 | 1/1 | 2/1 | 3/3, with lower As the new male was imported, Bohemiae Septentrionalis, Tomus incisors presenting the teeth a check UV examination was 1, page 11-14. with indefinite growth. Any over- carried out in several females Moudrý L., 1992: Současný stav growing occurs only exceptio- to find out whether any of them chovu lam a alpak a perspekti- nally in certain animals and must was pregnant (Picture 4). In one vy jeho rozvoje v ČSFR a ve svě- be subject to correction. In 2008, animal pregnancy was con- tě; thesis. the tooth correction was carried firmed. Mikulicová E., Kökert P., 1994: out in the male imported from The entire herd is usually Lama alpaka - Lama guanicoe Olomouc as well as in one of the dewormed using Panakur, Ivo- pacos. Historie rozšíření. Proble- females born at the zoo (Picture mec, or Sulfacox twice a year matika jejich chovu v Zoo Ústí 3). The overgrowing is related to (spring, autumn). During the nad Labem, Fauna Bohemiae the availability of browse. In the year, several check examina- Septentrionalis, Tomus 19, page past period, browse was served tions of faeces are normally 11-16. from time to time; currently, we performed. Blood samples are strive to supply browse daily. taken once a year to test any

21 LAST GOODBYE TO THE RHINOS

Ing. Pavel Král

In March 2008, maybe the worst thing I could ever experience 1 during my long-term work in animal husbandry happened. Two rhinos died within a single week: first, it was the female Saša, secondly, the male Dan passed away. Even though my mind was telling me they had already come out of age and anything like this could be expected, writing such an article is very hard for me even a year after. I spent eight years with rhinos as a keeper and I have to say this was really a nice period of life. To refresh memories, I wish to make a few words on the history of rhino husbandry. 31/05/1972. At Dvůr Králové Zoo, translocated to other zoos. A person responsible for the ma- nine animals remained. The Both females, i.e. Saša and Zam- jority of the southern white rhino male Dan mated or attempted ba, came to Ústí nad Labem on stock in Czech zoos can was Ing to mate several females, i.e. 19 November 1980, followed by Josef Vágner, who imported 13 Faith, Tessa, Saša, and Zamba. Dan a few days later, on 4 De- (4.9) animals coming from Um- The first calf was born to Faith cember 1980 (Picture 1). The ani- folozi Reserve, the Republic of in 1976; however, it died due to mals were of the best age when South Africa, in 1970-73. These an inner trauma. Two years later, they arrived, with Dan 14, Saša individuals were brought in the the same female gave birth to 13, and Zamba 10 years old. country namely for the Dvůr the first rhino raised in the Czech From the very beginning, Dan’s Králové Zoo’s collection. The Republic. The same year, the fe- behaviour indicated he was male Dan arrived on 15/10/1970 male Tessa delivered a young as a territorial male. In August 1981, when he was four years, and well. The male Dan was the sire a female Lotzi from Tierpark Ber- Saša followed on 23/06/1970 of all the young. As the northern lin was added, which was very as a three-year-old animal. The white rhinos were preferred, the useful. Lotzi, then 14 years old, second female held in Ústí, two- very promising stock was can- was an animal of great impor- year-old Zamba, arrived on celled in 1979-1980 and animals tance within the group; she was

22 always splitting the herd, thus the male three days upon birth, legs following defecation, and serving as Dan’s counterpart. still with its umbilical chord). frequent teasing of females. Saša became cycling and mat- As soon as the young male The above include the typical ing occurred (Picture 2), always grown up, Dan was introduced marks for an alpha male, which preceded by some 15 to 20 at- to Saša again. This time Saša be- is the male that can mate fe- tempts of the male jumping on came pregnant already after males. The male Dan mated the female. In 1985, the female her second oestrus. The preg- the female Zamba several times became pregnant. On 18 No- nancy period lasted 517 days; as well, with Zamba’s oestrus vember 1986, a male Sagan, the on 10 December 1993, a male evoked artificially, however, this first calf in Ústí Zoo was born fol- Dino was born (Picture 4 – one never resulted in Zamba being lowing 502 days of pregnancy. year old male with Saša). pregnant. In September 1988, Lotzi’s loan The calves used to be weaned was terminated, which still did To sum up, Dan and Saša were in different times. Sagan was not affect Saša‘s periodical cycl- the parents of all three calves weaned in month 24, while ing and mating by the male. born at Ústí Zoo (Chart 1). Doran in month 20 due to the It became apparent that even Each of the rhinos born pre- forthcoming birth, and Dino in a group consisting of a male sented a big success for the month 17 due to its departure and just two females is able to zoo. The outstanding value of from the zoo. On 3 May 1993, Sa- reproduce. The lasting inability the sire, the male Dan, should gan left to Spain-based Cabar- of Saša to become gravid was be considered. The male was ceno Nature Park, where they the major issue. Following sharp a father of all animals born in hold a group of two females changes in diet, a success ar- the Czech Republic. As a mem- and two males. Doran now lives rived in autumn 1989. After a 510- ber of the stock, he was always with one female in Belo Hori- day pregnancy period, another showing distinctive territorial zonte, Brazil, where he arrived male called Doran was born on behaviour like spray urinating, on 3 August 1996. Lastly, Dino 13 January 1991 (Picture 3 shows smashing dung piles by his hind has been held at Poznan Zoo,

3 4

Chart 1. Overview of the young rhinos born in the Czech Republic

Name Sex Born Dam Sire Place of birth Dam’s Sire’s age age Fali 1,0 15. 8. 1976 Faith Dan Dvůr Králové nad Labem 6 10 Fatty 0,1 4. 4. 1978 Faith Dan Dvůr Králové nad Labem 8 12 Teny 1,0 16. 12. 1978 Tessa Dan Dvůr Králové nad Labem 8 12 Sagan 1,0 17. 11. 1986 Saša Dan Dvůr Králové nad Labem 19 20 Doran 1,0 13. 1. 1991 Saša Dan Ústí nad Labem 24 25 Dino 1,0 10. 12. 1993 Saša Dan Ústí nad Labem 26 27 23 Poland, since 1 June 1995, also paired with a female. 5 The animals used to have an outdoor enclosure of 620 m² at their disposal; it was rectangle- shaped and covered with asphalt and concrete. Next to this large enclosure, there was also a concrete yard of 189 m² used for separation. In summer 1994, the entire outdoor area for rhinos was reconstructed, which enlarged the area of the greater enclosure by 543 m² to the existing 1,164 m² with the major action including replacing a part of the asphalt and concrete cover with sand and fine gravel. In addition, a solid shelter was erected in the enclosure with a protecting wall. In the lower part of the area, a mud wallow was set up and widely used by the animals (Picture 5). Further- more, connecting the rhino enclosure with the grass outdoor area for the giraffes became possible. This improved the stay of the animals outdoor. In the 1998-2000 periods, a female Kathi loaned from Salzburg was Chart 2. Overview of rhinos held at Ústí nad Labem Zoo.

Studbook Place of Arrived in Name Born From Departure Destination No. birth UL 111 Dan 1966 Umfolozi 4. 12. 1980 Dvůr Králové 22. 3. 2008 Death

114 Saša 1967 Umfolozi 19. 11. 1980 Dvůr Králové 28. 3. 2008 Death úhyn

209 Zamba 1970 Umfolozi 19. 11. 1980 Dvůr Králové Tierpark Tierpark 179 Lotzi 1967 Umfolozi 4. 8. 1981 8. 9. 1988 Berlin Berlin 362 Kathi 1972 Hluhluwe 30. 6. 1998 Salcburk 31. 8. 2000 Salcburk Cabarceno 865 Sagan 18. 11. 1986 Ústí n. L. 18. 11. 1986 3. 5. 1993 (Spain) Belo 970 Doran 13. 1. 1991 Ústí n. L. 13. 1. 1991 3. 8. 1996 Horizonte (Brazil) Poznaň 1029 Dino 10. 12. 1993 Ústí n. L. 10. 12. 1993 1. 6. 1995 (Poland) 24 added to the rhinos; at that time, she was 26 years old. How- 6 ever, this combination did not bring any results. The oncoming period could be outlined for the rhinos as a period of quiet and routine life, without any major hassles. In 2006, Dan’s sperm was collected and examined, which was associated with narcotisation of the male. The entire operation took place in co- operation with Berlin’s IZW team. The tests revealed that Dan was still fertile despite the fact he was 40 years old. The collected sperm was frozen and remains available for assisted insemination.

To conclude, there have been total eight southern white rhinos held in the history of Ústí nad Labem Zoo (Chart 2). It was my daily effort of a rhino keeper to make the life of the rhinos at the zoo as much diverse as possible, which included a routine cleaning of the animals using a wire brush From spring to autumn, rhinos made them out of use. every morning, thus improving used to be showered inside the Following the death of the two blood circulation in the skin house. In summer, they were rhinos in March 2008, only the and removing the old skin, and also sprinkled, but only out- female Zamba was left (Picture cleaning the skin folds in the doors. Different kinds of trunks 6). Despite her age, the condi- area of eyes, front legs, and and branches for playing and tion of the animal is still good, underbelly, namely in hot sum- horn grinding were served in which makes me hoping that mers. Such areas were attacked the outdoor enclosure. Outside she, may stroll around the en- by flies, which always resulted in their diet, the animals used to closure a few years more. oedemas and open wounds. be given whole loaves of dry On 19 November 2003, a female Caring for legs and checking bread and whole fodder beets Duma, which is a daughter of feet was also an essential part to provide enrichment. The rhi- Dino, was born at Poznan Zoo. of keeper’s activities. Practically, nos were able to crush these This successfully nursed female there were no problems with items, breaking them into small was moved to French-based certain kinds of veterinary treat- pieces and eating them up with Safari de Peaugres on 28 June ment such as blood collection, a real pleasure. In the young 2006, where she raised their rhi- handling wounds and affected animals that could walk through no numbers to recent 1.4. I am areas, removing grits from feet the gaps between the posts in happy to see the blood of Dan and curing contact surfaces, the fence, thus dwelling around and Saša circulating in another measuring rectal temperature, the house, the enrichment items generation. Rhinos still seem to and the like. The animals were included raw brushes, wooden have a chance. used to this daily contact, which cubes, textiles, diverse balls, etc. Thank you, Dan and Saša. in turn related to maintaining Unfortunately, most of the balls the animals sound and healthy. ended up in Saša box, which 25 NURSING THE MEALY AMAZON AT ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM ZOO

Andrea Gruntová

The mealy amazon (Amazona a female of this species proved resulted in purchasing a sound farinosa farinosa) arrived at to be a difficult issue. In 1999, female from Mr Ježdík, Vsetín Ústí nad Labem Zoo as early as one of the males departed on Town, one of the exhibitors. After 1980’s; however, this involved loan to a private collection. The a trouble-free quarantine peri- a few specimens that did not remaining males lived alone in od and mandatory blood tests, stay at the zoo for a long time. the zoo’s bird breeding centre the female was brought into the Only in 1996, two birds were ac- until 2004, when the zoo man- zoo. By this time, the males had quired, expected to be a breed- aged to obtain two females, been separated for the territo- ing pair. However, no activity which was again from a private rial behaviour of the dominat- that would result in nesting was collection. Sadly, one of the fe- ing male chasing the other sub- observed in the course of two males suddenly died during missive male from every feeder years. Therefore, blood samples the quarantine period and as and perch. In February 2006, the were collected and tested, the post mortem examination amazon triple was removed to which made clear the amazons revealed psittacosis, a serious a large common room. Pairing were of the same sex, i.e. males. infectious disease, the other took place very quickly with the The next pairing attempt in 1998 female had to be euthanised. dominating male appropriating also failed, when another male A great luck did not arrive be- the female at once, so the two was acquired from a private fore 2005, when visit to Exota birds were turned back to the breeder. Unfortunately, finding Olomouc (an exotic pet fair) bird breeding centre (Picture 1), 26 a male, was soon flying around 2 the aviary, asking the parents for food. The other chick (female) was hand-fed for about 14 days; from that moment on, it started to feed alone, first taking soft fruits like bananas, grapes, etc., and later on mixed grains as well. A month later, when blood samples were taken for DNA tests and the birds were micro chipped, the bird’s wing was found in good order. At the end of September, both young birds were placed in a separate room and seemed to do well. For the winter period, a red- where they inhabit a 6.5 m x 3 m ercised by the male; the female lored amazon pair was added; x 1.5 m (length x height x width) left the nest box only two times. the birds tolerated each other outdoor aviary and a 2 m x 2 m The incubation period could without problems. x 2 m indoor cage. Indoors, they not be established exactly, nev- With its length of 38 cm, the had two nest boxes available: ertheless, the resources provide mealy amazon is one of the one was a hollow trunk 80 cm 24 - 27 days. About 6 June, the large amazon species. Its high with a diameter of 0.5 m, consumption of feedstuffs in- colouration is not very distinc- while the other was an upright creased; by inspecting the box tive compared to other ama- nest box 80 cm high with the two days later, two chicks about zons. These green parrots ob- area of 25 x 25 cm. Outdoors, 3 to 4 days old were found. The tained the species name for the an additional upright box was third egg was not impregnated. grey tint occurring namely on its installed, with the area of 25 x The author was greatly surprised back. This is the only subspecies 25 cm and the height of 60 cm. by the non-aggressive behav- out of total four boasting the The first season the birds spent iour of the birds when entering yellow spots of different size on together (2006), they started to the aviary and even check- the head. The carpal tip of their feed each other. The male kept ing the box. This made taking wing is red as well as the mir- on trying to mate the female, of some pictures of the chicks ror. On the tip of their tail, there but the female was chasing possible as early as they were is a band of yellow and green. him away. They did not seem to three weeks old (Picture 2). The The fledglings only differed from show any interest in the boxes, parents took a top-quality care their parents by the colour of yet their harmonic behaviour of the offspring, and the chicks their iris, which was brown, and looked very promising for the were growing very fast. Around that of their beaks, which was season to follow. day 60, one of the chicks was black, while in adult birds, the The following year in April, mu- already looking out of the box, iris is orange-brown and the tual feeding as well as mating and three days after it flew out. beak is mat yellow blended with was observed. The female was At that time, the parents were dark grey. In addition, the young in the process of choosing an showing aggressive behav- male was much lighter than the appropriate box out of the two iour towards the neighbouring young female. upright boxes; no interest in the blue and yellow macaws and In the wild, mealy amazons oc- hollow trunk was shown. In the the military macaws; they kept cur from Mexico through Colum- late April, both birds were visiting on attacking each other and bia, Guyana, Venezuela as far the outdoor upright box, where pinching each other’s feet. The as Brazil. They range in lowland the female laid 3 eggs some second chick flew out from the tropical evergreen forests up to time about 6 May 2008. As of 12 box two days later. Unfortunately, the altitude of 1,500 m above May, the female definitely sat on the bird injured its wing so it had sea level. They feed on seeds, the eggs. Throughout the nesting to be removed and nursed by legume seeds, palm fruit pulp, period, an excellent care was ex- hand. The first chick, which was 27 and also flowers and semi main milk ripeness, boiled chicken, busy with nibbling and picking ture fruits of wood species. In the sponge biscuits, nuts like wal- something from the ground. zoo situation, there are different nuts, hazelnuts, and peanuts, Nursing was running smoothly types of diet in winter and sum- and boiled eggs. During the and without any aggressive be- mer. In winter, the birds get dry time of feeding the young, they haviour unlike in the red-lored mixed seeds containing grey also get an egg-based mixture. amazons that were raised at and white sunflower, hempseed, The amazons are known to en- the zoo as well, but any enter- safflower, buckwheat, wheat, joy browse, therefore, fresh twigs ing their aviary could only take maize, and glumeless oat. From of trees like willow, hazel-tree, as place with protective aids. The March to the end of October, well as other trees or wood spe- adult birds were always showing a mixture of germs with added cies are served every week. The an excellent and trouble-free legumes – lentils and beans – is nesting season is also a reason care when nursing the young. served. Three times a week, cut to supply more vitamins in form I am very happy that the zoo fruits and vegetables of all kinds of Nutrimix EX-A and Superhit D. could join the few breeders that are offered (Picture 3), but even In winter, Optimin E and Acido- have managed to raise the spe- exotic fruits like pomegranates or mid E are added roughly once cies. also seasonal berries like rowan- a month. berries, elder-berries, hips, etc. The mealy amazons held at Ústí Used resources can be included. In the other Zoo are very smart parrots that Amazoňané – R. Low weekdays, the parrots get maize like showering and are always Exota 2/2006

28 100 BIRD NEST-BOXES PROJECT

Mgr. Eva Mikolášková

Since the times of Heinrich only some of them preferred the Lumpe – the early 20th cen- 1 boxes to natural shelters, so only tury, the territory on which Ústí 34% of the nest boxes were oc- nad Labem Zoo extends today cupied. The starling boxes with could be referred to as a nature 8 out of 10 installed featured the refuge in the middle of the in- highest rate of occupancy, 80%; dustrial town. In addition to the in all cases, the European star- exotic wildlife held at the zoo, it ling (Sturnus vulgaris) was the provides habitat to many wild nesting bird. species. The character of the On the other side, the lowest landscape reflects the look of rate of success was found in 15 the original park. Trees, grow- half open nest-boxes designed ing either as solitary giants or especially for the common red- cover-making groups are inter- start (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) connected with bio-corridors that is a bird commonly found formed from lines of shrubs in the zoo grounds. Sadly, only bordering the waving lawns a single half box was occu- and flower spots. This is just an the roof of several buildings (Pic- pied; the species involved was environment for asylum-seeking ture 2). All boxes were manufac- the house sparrow (Passer do- birdlife. To help conserve the tured and donated by Kuchyně mesticus). For the tits, the com- local wild avifauna and at the Pokorná Company. Each nest mon local species appeared same time to build on the activi- box was numbered to allow for in some of total 60 tit boxes: the ties of Dr Lumpe, who founded periodical checks of the nesting blue tit (Picture 3) and the great a birdlife preserve in the park process. The following data were tit. The blue tit (Cyanistes cae- in 1908, the 100 Bird Nest-Boxes found in the course of the first ruleus) settled in seven boxes, Project was launched. nesting season in 2008, which while the great tit (Parus major) In the spring 2008, eleven differ- was rather a testing season for occupied two boxes more. As ent types of nesting boxes (Pic- the birds that showed interest in tits show great species-specific ture 1) were installed around the the boxes. The artificial hollows differences in size, the purpose zoo, which is the area of almost attracted the birds in the given of installing tit boxes with diffe- 30 ha. The boxes can be used territories very soon, however, rent sizes of openings was to de- by up to 21 bird species nesting in hollows, cracks, and slits. The 2 boxes were installed in different habitats depending on the intended species. The majority of the boxes – total 60 – included tit nesting boxes that can be further classified as boxes with a slot entrance, and boxes for lesser or greater tit species. Other types comprised starling boxes, flycatcher boxes with oval entrance, half-open nest boxes for redstarts and wagtails, and several types of owl nest boxes. Five special elongated boxes for swifts were placed on 29 When selecting proper nesting The house sparrow’s nest fea- 3 conditions, availability of mate- tured the typical disarranged rials for nest building is typically pattern, with the base including considered by birds (Picture dry grass and feathers with add- 4). In most cases, about one ed mix of strings, polythene bits third of the box was filled with and various packages, alike the nesting materials, but in some nests of starlings based on straw, boxes, even over one half of dry grass, and larger feathers of the inner space was full. Blue peafowls, parrots, etc. including tits used a thick moss layer for flight feathers. In an advanced nest building, with a soft and stage of nesting, such nest pro- warm nesting well made of duced a specific bad smell hairs – especially undergrowth, coming from the accumulated filoplumes, and down feathers. excrements of the young. A very The great tit nests were similar intriguing material found around to those of the blue tit; they dif- the nest was used for bedding crease the inter-species compe- fered in a thinner hair layer and in a black redstart box located tition related to nesting cavities. twigs added only sporadically. in a small groove. The base was Observing distribution of the tits set up from a thick layer of cat- in varied types of tit boxes was kins covered with another layer a very interesting activity. Blue tits 4 of birch leaves with a nesting clearly preferred lesser tit boxes well bedded with feathers in the with openings that could pre- middle. vent any larger bird species to The reproduction phases var- enter. In the lesser tit boxes, five ied per nest-box: in some boxes, pairs raised their offspring. Only egg incubation was only start- one pair opted for a tit box for ed, while in others there were al- larger tit species, which seemed ready fledglings ready to leave to have been defended against the nest (Picture 5). Even when the great tit. In addition to the the parents were not present, tit boxes with round opening, the egg owners could be identi- ten trial small tit boxes with slot fied by the appearance of the entrance were installed. Out of clutch. The unicolour eggs of these boxes, only two were oc- light blue to greenish were man- cupied by a blue tit and great aged by the black redstart; the tit pair. Besides the above-mentioned tits, one of the boxes with the slot also hosted a pair 5 of the black redstart (Phoenicu- rus ochruros), which somehow compensated the overall lack of interest shown by Phoenicurus genus. The occurrence of nesting great tits exclusively in the large tit boxes confirmed that limiting the size of the box opening in the boxes designed for lesser tits really worked. What’s more, one of the great tit pairs nested in a flycatcher box that is even more comfortable for birds thanks to the shape of its opening.

30 bluish colour was an identifica- blue tits did not stay behind with is subject to the type of the tion mark for the eggs of the Eu- their nine eggs. box and ranges from CZK 500 ropean starling as well. Tit eggs After the nesting season, the through 1,000 up to 1,500, the featured brown spots on a white boxes had to be cleaned and donor can receive a nest-box base alike those of the house repaired. We found that the adoption agreement, certifi- sparrow that used brown-grey boxes became a target of locate, and annual report on the spots as a camouflage. As for cal woodpecker community, as occupancy of the specific box numbers of raised young, clear openings of about every fourth and the nesting success. differences not only existed be- tit box were damaged to such In the 2009 season, the nesting tween species, but even be- extent that the boxes could not monitoring project is to continue. tween pairs. Three chicks were work anymore (Picture 6). Based Plans are already in place to ex- hatched in a redstart’s neck. on this finding, the openings had pand the research into the area In starling boxes, the number to be lined with sheet metal. of ringing in young birds, which of young ranged from two to Through financial donations may improve the knowledge three. In tits that are well-known used for the maintenance of of migration of the populations for their good-sized clutches, the boxes, the 100 Bird Nest- around the zoo and the level of a mean clutch size was 7.4 eggs Boxes project can be supported loyalty to the place of hatching a pair. The largest clutch of ten by the members of public by in young birds. eggs was found by the author in adopting a box. Upon payment one of the great tit nests, yet the of a selected amount, which

31 PESISIR BALIKPAPAN PROJECT: 2007—2008 ACTIVITY REPORT

Mgr. Stanislav Lhota, Ph.D.

An overview of field activities carried out by Mgr Stanislav Lhota, PhD, Ústí nad Labem Researcher, and his team made of students, local assistant, and colleagues in the Balikpapan Gulf Basin, Eastern Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, from October 2007 up to October 2008.�

Proboscis monkey research. search in this species presents boat always took place in the The proboscis monkey (Na- a virtual backbone to the pro- morning and late afternoon salis larvatus) was selected in gramme focused on conserva- during the time of primates rou- 2007 as a flagship species of tion of the species as such, its tinely gathering in sleeping trees the coastal mangrove and habitat – coastal mangroves, on the riverbanks. As the gulf rainfo-rest conservation proj- and also other animal and basin consists of watersheds of ect in the Balikpapan Gulf ba- plant taxons found in this envi- some 54 lesser rivers where any sin (Picture 1), as this is species ronment. detailed survey was impossible, was not only a threatened spe- Determining population distri- an option was to concentrate cies of interest to scientists, but bution and size. The first stage on a specific area – Kariangau, also a highly attractive crea- of the research lasted over two and attempt to carry out a total ture for local authorities, NGOs, months and concentrated on count of the proboscis popula- public media, donors, and the survey of the proboscis popu- tion there. Applying the found also the local population for its lation distribution and size along number of 400 animals to the intriguing appearance and in- the Balikpapan Gulf coast. The total area of coastal mangroves ternational attention. Thus, re- counting using a small motor determined from satellite pic- 32 proboscis population, dam- 2 age to the habitat of the species (mangroves) caused by diverse human activities was located and recorded. The main threats identified include founding shrimp and bandang fish culture ponds, mangrove logging and backfilling due to industrial development, setting oil palm plantations along river banks, producing charcoal from mangrove wood (Picture 2), and illegal logging of timber in the close neighbourhood of mangroves. The data obtained were consulted with a legal ad- visor, Muhamad Nasir from Uni- versitas Balikpapan, to establish tures produced total estimated the crab-eating macaque and formally sustain the nature size of population 1,400 indivi- (Macaca fascicularis), but any of each activity. In parallel, the duals. It is one of the world’s six existence of the third primate information was forwarded to largest counted populations of species known from other Bor- responsible representatives of the species. This result became nean mangroves, which is the governmental agencies, non- an important argument for the silvered leaf monkey, still has not governmental organizations in- regional conservation as such. been documented. The survey volved, and public media. Assessing a degree of isola- carried out by the team even- Identifying the most appropria- tion of the population. To assess tually produced an evidence te area for high-intense conser- a degree of genetic isolation of for the occurrence of this spe- vation. Any declaring the Ba- the Balikpapan Gulf proboscis cies on a single site around the likpapan Gulf mangroves with population, which is a serious gulf area as well as on two ad- a total area of 170 km2 a fully problem in terms of the popula- ditional localities within 50 km. preserved territory will be impos- tion’s viability, efforts were made However, the viability of these sible even in future. A zoning to locate other closest popula- small isolated populations still system should be designed and tions as well. Existence of addi- remains uncertain. In light of the strict protection of at least the tional 3-4 small populations with- recent disputation concerning most valuable part of the area in 120 km around Balikpapan exact classification of this lan- recommended. The process was eventually documented, gur species dwelling in Borneo, of selecting such area was un- with sizes ranging from 50 to 150 the presence of this primate is derway based on inspecting animals. The fact they live close interesting not only in terms of the satellite images of the entire to each other indicates that conservation, but also taxono- territory, thorough terrain survey, possibility of occasional trans- mically. As recently suggested, and communication with both locations of animals among the species inhabiting the Ba- local residents and governmen- these populations exist, suggest- likpapan Gulf could be in fact tal officials to assess their re- ing they may not be fully ge- the Javan langur (Trachypithe- ceptiveness to protection of the netically isolated. However, any cus auratus). Nevertheless, pho- specific zones. Finally, two areas quantitative assessment would tographs the team managed were specified: first, the man- require a DNA study, which is to obtain revealed that this is groves in the Pemaluan and considered in future. not true and the species rang- Maridan districts presenting the Evidence for the occurrence of ing within the location above is best preserved and the most ex- the silvered leaf monkey. In ad- really the silvered leaf monkey tensive stands; at the same time, dition to the proboscis monkey, (Trachypithecus cristatus). these regions posed a minimum the Balikpapan Gulf mangroves Identifying anthropogenous level of potential conflicts be- host a quite common species, threats. While counting the 33 ence of researchers and assis- 3 tants. This will require hiring of new researchers. For the 2009- 2010 periods, this will involve Ondřej Kott, a graduate student from the University of South Bo- hemia České Budějovice, who had already spent 2 months on the locality by developing a pilot study, accompanied by a magisterial student from Uni- versity of Yogyakarta, Johanes Wibiono.

Research programme in the Sungai Wain Forest Preserve. Before the proboscis monkey became a flagship species for our activities in the Balikpapan tween conservation and local te proboscis monkeys, which Gulf, the nearby Sungai Wain interest groups; second, the means getting them used to the Forest Preserve was central to mangroves in the Kariangau presence of observer in order the team’s work. In the 2005- and Mentawir districts, which to collect data on their beha- 2006 periods, habitation of the are the only areas that are still viour when undisturbed have white-fronted surilli (Presbytis interconnected with the prima- not been successful so far; only frontata), an almost unknown ry rainforest in the Sungai Wain a short-term attendance of the primate species, as well as that Forest Preserve through green observer was tolerated by the of other mammal species was corridors. Both territories feature primates. Nevertheless, invalu- underway. The work during the altogether some 2/3 of the area able experiences obtained du- 2007-2008 season was more or of the mangroves in the Balikpa- ring the recent efforts will allow less a follow-up of the activities pan Gulf. for a new habituation metho- above, at least to a limited ex- Setting up a research centre dology to be developed for the tent. and assistant training. A re- next season, primarily based Monitoring programme and search centre was set up in the on habituating from a boat as staff training. The fact that the middle of the Pemaluan district, well as standing on-site pres- management of the Forest which is one of the two priority areas specified. An abandoned orchard located on an islet in 4 the middle of vast mangroves was purchased, two local bun- galows refurbished (Picture 3), and a harbour restored. Reco- very of the mixed dipterocarp forest on the island was enabled, and any development limited to essential minimum. Two assistants possessing good motor boat using and maintaining skills were hired with previous several month experience with the primate research in the field. Developing habituation methodology. Attempts to habitua- 34 Preserve employed two of former team’s assistants, Fitriadi 5 and Muhalir, who had been involved in team’s previous programme, thus received proper training, constituted a key mile- stone. This enabled the team to develop a new programme of long-term monitoring of the forest and populations of specific mammals in the partnership with the management of the preserve. Stanislav Lhota became a temporary manager of the programme, which was successively assigned to Rusdiant, a graduate of the University of Mulawarman Sa- marinda, who was another new of the Czech photographer Petr cies returning into the part of the preserve employee. In addition Slavík. This included sweeping preserve that had burned down to maintaining the research the fallen leaves in the transects, through the period of the ca- camp, roads, and other infra- making the paths available for lamity fires in 1998 was another structure, the scope of work of survey of very shy mammals as important finding made in 2008. Fitriadi, Muhalir, and Rusdiant well. The 2008 activities included (Picture 5 – A brown coal seam also comprises monitoring of a first systematic habitation sur- burning underground.) Two spe- weather (temperature, rainfall, vey of night mammal species cies were recorded in the area and air humidity), phenology in addition to diurnal mammals for the first time: the greater slow (production of leaves, flowers, like primates, tree shrews, squir- loris (Nycticebus coucang) and and fruits in specific areas in rels, and some of the ungulate the orang-utan (Pongo pygmae- the forest), and populations mammals. Noteworthy findings us), which means that at least of specific mammal species included occurrence of the eight species out of the nine pri- using a line transect method. pen-tailed tree shrew (Ptilocer- mates known to have inhabited The programme outputs will in- cus lowii), painted tree shrew the preserve already returned to volve annual reports, with the (Tupaia picta), and several the burnt forest. To make a more first report to be published at the more small mammal species lo- detailed record of the mammal end of 2008. cated only for the first time in this population recovery in the burnt Primate and other mammal part of Borneo. Based on 2008 forest, a programme of periodi- species survey. A major part of and earlier findings, a material cal monitoring of diurnal and the mammal survey in Sungai was produced listing all mam- mammal species was imple- Wain takes place along the mal species ranging in the terri- mented within 4 km of transects transects (Picture 4), which re- tory of Balikpapan Town, which in the unburnt section, and within fers to straight narrow paths cut includes the Sungai Wain Forest 4 km of paths in the burnt forest. through the forest in the com- Preserve. This overview compri- Fitiadi and Muhalir are to record pass direction – usually from ses 95 mammal species, which the mammals ranging along 8 east to west. As the transects nor- may make Balikpapan Town km of transects every morning mally overgrow with vegetation a city with the largest number of and night twice a month. and are filled with dead wood wild mammal species around Renewing phenology areas. and leaves very fast, they have the world. Thus, the publica- 10 years ago, 10 phenology to be renewed in routine periods tion became one of the tools areas were set up inside Sungai of time. The last recovery was we have used to prove the ex- Wain with a total area of 1 ha carried out in 2006, when 46.5 traordinary diversity and value comprising over 500 trees out km of transects were recleared of Sungai Wan. The increasing of total 200 species. This land thanks to the financial support numbers of the mammal spe- serves to long-term monitoring 35 6

of leaf, flower, and fruit produc- termined. The data collection tats. Preliminary results have in- tion, which has been carried still continues using the same dicated that diversity of insects out every month throughout methodology, but the data are was rather low in contrast with the ten years. Unfortunately, no to be subject to annual analysis that of vertebrates, which was data have been processed and the results included in the found to be very high. The loss in recent 6 years, and about annual report published by the of species seems to be evident one quarter of them has been preserve management. in ants rather than in dragonflies totally lost. Upon the arrival of Insect diversity survey. Within and may relate to the type of the new research programme the biodiversity documentation the forest, which is a relatively staff members, it was decided process, entomologists Milan less humid dipterocarp forest that the monitoring of the phe- Janda, Aleš Dolný, and Daniel on soils with good permeability, nology areas should be made Bárta were invited to pay a short but also factors called island ef- more effective. The older data visit to Sungai Wain. Milan Jan- fects, i.e. loss of species in minor were tabulated in a digital form da from the University of South isolated ecosystems could be and backed up. The data on Bohemia was documenting di- involved; this might be the case trees located on the phenology versity of ants, training the proof extinction of terrestrial tiger areas were updated. Aluminium ject assistants in the ant popula- leeches, to name a few. Thus, plates were installed on trees tion and activity data collection this result provides further argu- with a trunk diameter above 10 methodology, and looking for ments for the necessity of pro- cm, height and perimeter was potential subjects for student tecting the green corridors con- measured, and the percent- projects. Aleš Dolný from Ostra- necting Sungai Wain with other age of trees that had died in va University together with Da- remnants of tropical forest. the preceding period as well as niel Bárta were recording the those that had reached exactly diversity of dragonfly species Conservation. 10cm diameter of trunk was de- within several Balikpapan habi- Conservation activities present 36 the local population for a num- 7 ber of purposes, out which some seem to be sustainable, like fishery, crab hunting, collecting palm leaves to make roofing or fuel timber for own use, while others speed up the mangrove destruction, such as setting up fish ponds (Picture 7), commercial charcoal burning, structural timber logging, etc. The team’s objective is to distinguish and support sustainable activities, and to establish and maintain friendly relationships with the village people making use of them. Likewise, efforts are made to keep periodical contacts with a substantial part of team’s work, well as with many non-govern- the majority of local inhabitants becoming still more preferred to mental organizations in the terri- that have used mangroves in the research. The conservation tory of the Balikpapan Gulf or in neither positive nor negative work takes place partly in the the East Kalimantan province’s sense, and may therefore be field, such as monitoring and capital Samarinda. A number intact to the fate of the coastal informal patrolling, partly within of governmental and non-go- growth under normal circum- local populations – socialization vernmental officials involved stances. The support of the ma- and campaigns, and partly at were kept informed on specific jority of the villagers thus gained the local offices in Balikpapan, cases of violation associated is a key tool to advocate conser- Penajam, and Samarinda. with habitat destruction found vation efforts either in the field or Making contacts with authori- within the team’s daily routine in on the level of negotiating with ties. The Balikpapan Gulf territo- the field (Picture 6) on a perio- the local government. ry has been governed by two di- dical basis, including follow-up Monitoring and patrolling. Pe- stricts: the Balikpapan Town and evaluation and monitoring of riodical monitoring of human the PPP (Penajam Paser Utara) their actions and frequent dis- activities that are underway in district. While the co-operation cussing any problems. In order the most valuable part of the between conservationists and to present some of the issues Balikpapan Gulf presents the the local government in Balik- to the general public, frequent focus of team’s recent field con- papan have lasted for about 10 contacts were maintained with servation activities. The assis- years, any relationships within several local newspapers. The tants monitor the situation once PPU had to be first established, team’s strategy was present- a month even when the team which was made with success ing the conservation work in management is absent. Any during the last period. A new a positive manner; therefore, data concerning new and po- conservation agency was set reports and updates concern- tentially illegal activities are sent up in PPU, with a working pro- ing interesting results of the re- to the team management and gramme based to a significant search were provided to the forwarded to the responsible extent on the information and newspapers every month. Any local authorities. However, the recommendations supplied by public solving of conservation team’s powers within the moni- the team. The team established issues through the media was toring only include data col- personal contacts with a num- only sought when negotiations lection, not any action against ber of local government repre- with local authorities and NGOs the violators. Therefore, efforts sentatives from a district level failed to bring the desired re- are underway to enforce a pro- through sub-districts and villa- sults. gramme of periodical patrolling ges to the lowest administrative Socialization with local inhabi- accompanied with detaining level called neighbourhoods as tants. Mangroves are utilized by the violators and transferring 37 Industrial development issues. 8 Specific problems that must be solved include developing ports and industrial plants without assessment of environmental impacts (EIA) or even violating conditions of building permits. Considering the rapid industrial development of the area as such, this is a big and still growing issue (Picture 8 – Brown coal mine), which is moreover com- plicated by the corruption of governmental officials and by the fact that industrial companies have often quite big funds available. Typically, a small lot of mainland is purchased by an enterprise, from which soil them to police. The team’s part- Such kind of organisation was is bulldozed to cleared man- ners that could get such powers already established in 2000 and groves, which extends the avail- from the government include still formally exists, however, with- able area multiple times. In this the management of the Sungai out any staff and funding: Ba- manner, 100 ha of mangroves Wain Forest Preserve, and the likpapan Gulf Authority, BPTB. in one of the few virgin areas of Central Board of Original Youth Efforts are underway to restore Balikpapan were destroyed by Kalimantan Movement, GEPAK. the BPTB operations in the part- a Javan palm oil-processing en- Still, it should be mentioned that nership with local governments terprise MBA. This not only results informal patrolling is a by-prod- – Balikpapan and PPU, non-go- in loss of mangroves, but also uct of the research programme vernmental organizations, and reduces the esthetical value that is underway in the Pema- the Ministry of Environment; how- of the coast and thus its attrac- luan district. Supported by the ever, the negotiations proceed tiveness for future conservation traditional chief, the team mem- very slowly, which is among efforts. Any similar cases are bers dislocated plates in the others due to the fact that sev- solved by intense negotiations mangroves around the district eral high governmental officials with authorities on all levels of informing on the fact that the are too busy. the local government as well as area was under chief’s protection. Accompanied by the chief and GEPAK members, the team 9 visited the families burning charcoal illegally and setting up ponds in this area, asking that they stop any such activity. As a result, the mangrove logging to produce charcoal ceased and no fishpond was established in the district without any sharp conflict over the period of one year. Developing organizational structure. To ensure any long- term protection of the Balikpa- pan Gulf, founding an institution responsible for the management of the territory is essential. 38 extreme level of sedimentation 10 with soil washed from several thousand hectares of the defor- ested area. Establishing the plantations along the river banks is deemed an illegal action, however, no control exists on the side of the authorities. In addition, conflicts arise between agricul- tural enterprises and local people to which the companies are seizing the land, often without any compensation. The team members joined the protests of the affected minor farmers and the demonstrations eventually resulted in ceasing the activities of the major enterprise, PT Agro Indomas, in three districts; unfor- disclosing in the media. Unfor- local governments of Balikpa- tunately, this did not include the tunately, the success rate of the pan and PPU, East Kalimantan Pemaluan district where man- conservation efforts is very low government, and the Ministry groves of the highest value are for the high corruption level. of Transport of the Indonesian located. Discussion is underway Road development problems. Republic failed to agree on with PPU’s Forest and Plantation The difficult accessibility of the any of the alternatives, and the Authority concerning withdra- coastal mangroves in the Ba- province government launched wal of PT Agro Indomas at least likpapan Gulf is one of the rea- the road construction in 2008. a few tenths of meters from the sons why they are still well-pre- Currently, campaign to stop the river banks within the Pemaluan served. Fundamental changes construction process continues, district as well and following re- may occur subject to construct- however, activities of the com- covery of the banks by forest ing a province road leading panies and individuals that al- stands. along a major part of the gulf. ready count with opening of Fish culture pond establishing Such road would expose the the area, rapidly buying land problems. Farming ponds for mangroves as well as the Sun- and developing roads as well shrimps and the bandang fish gai Wain Forest Preserve along as other infrastructure for future pose a threat not only to man- the border of which the road industrial plants must be faced groves due to complete clear- would lead to a number of at the same time. ing or perishing upon flooding uncontrollable legal, legalis- Oil palm plantation problems. of the area, but even to the lo- able, and illegal activities. In The PPU district has concen- cal fisheries as the decline of addition, it would cut all the trated on the oil palm as the the sea fish as a result of loss of corridors between Sungai Wain key farm crop; growers of this habitat that is essential for many and the coast. The project has plant are responsible for one of species to reproduce exceeds been subject to protests by the main cases of destruction total revenues from the ponds. conservationists a long time. In of Indonesian tropical forest. In addition, fish culture makes 2006, the project team mem- This has resulted in clearing the the economical differences be- bers participated on environ- forests along the most of the ri- tween the villagers much sharp- mental impacts assessment vers in the PPU‘s part of the Ba- er, as maintaining the ponds is (EIA) procedure, and in 2007 likpapan Gulf basin (Picture 9) a financially consuming pro- they attended a meeting con- in recent three years. Although cess, which leads to bankruptcy cerning the alternative solu- mangroves remained undam- of the poor, while the rich pond tion for the transport across the aged, they were completely farmers profit. Therefore, any es- Balikpapan Gulf, which was isolated from other forest eco- tablishing of additional ponds a bridge between Balikpapan systems, and exposed to an in the Balikpapan Gulf was and Penajam towns. Sadly, the 39 11

prohibited by both local go- recently. Unfortunately, this has groves in the Pemaluan district vernments, i.e. Balikpapan and changed with the availability of and mine the wood from other PPU. Nevertheless, there is no powerful tools like power chain stands of lower value has so far supervision in the field, so ponds saws and motor boats as well been the most successful effort, are established illegally. In this as the wealthy investors arriving which still will be subject to pe- case, violation of the law can from the cities, which turned the riodical monitoring if it is to be be documented very easily, the groups of poor charcoal burners respected at all. presence and the contacts with into well-organised mafias with Illegal logging problems. Like- the authorities are sufficient to connections to the governmen- wise, loggers mining timber from prevent developing any further tal and police offices. However, the forests closely neighbour- ponds. However, there are still as the poorest are still involved, ing the rivers and mangroves conflicts with the land owners this trade has been tolerated serving as the roads of access who had obtained the pond by both the government and are frequently associated in mi- building certificate either from NGOs for sentimental reasons nor mafias. However, no poor the previous government or il- alone. Plans exist to reduce the are involved in this case unlike legally on sub-ordinate levels of charcoal production and com- in charcoal burning: timber is the current government. Thus, pensate the charcoal burners a much-sought article (Picture the project team always try to with a possibility of alternative 11) and revenues from selling use one of the two available earnings. However, such proj- the timber are quite high. At alternatives to resolve the land ects demand a lot of funding the same time, this activity is not conflict, which is either financial and have never been made very much tolerated by the gov- compensation or a lawsuit. real. Paradoxically, the agree- ernmental authorities, and raids Charcoal burning. Clearing ment made by the project team of police pose a serious risk to mangroves for charcoal pro- according to which the char- the logging companies. Unfor- duction (Picture 10) has always coal burners were to leave the tunately, the problems of the been a sustainable process until area of the most valuable man- forests in the Balikpapan Gulf lie 40 in the absence of forest rangers lopment of a botanical park. 122(1):9-18. and remoteness of the coastal This project will not only result in forests for navy police troops loss of valuable habitat, but also Havlicek J, Saxton TK, Roberts that rather concentrate on har- in problems of introducing po- SC, Jozifkova E, Lhota S, Valen- bours and industrial zones. With- tential invasive plants, tunnelling tova, J & Flegr J. (2008). He sees, in the framework of the negotia- the money allocated for opera- she smells? Male and female tions between the team and the tion of the protected area, and reports on sensory reliance in authorities, efforts exist that the failure of the authorities to care mate choice and non-mate illegal logging inspection be for the protected forest that will choice contexts. Personality integrated in the proposed pro- be in turn shaded by the botani- and Individual Differences. 45: gramme of patrolling around cal park. Any such problems are 564-569 the gulf. In addition, this makes too hard to resolve, as it means the programme more important facing our own colleagues who Papers accepted: from the aspect of the autho- are necessary for cooperation Lhota S, Junek T and Bartos L rities as illegal logging is current- in other much more serious con- (in press): Patterns and lateral- ly felt as a nation-wide problem servation issues. ity of hand use in free-ranging in Indonesia. aye-ayes (Daubentonia mada- Abuse of power in conserva- Scientific papers and publica- gascariensis) and comparison tion. Sadly, corruptive and profit tions. with captive studies. Journal of seeking behaviour of local The last year, three scientific Ethology. conservationists alone presents reports were published in inter- a highly awkward issue for In- national journals with relevant Konečná M., Lhota S, Weiss A, Ur- donesian conservation. Advo- impact factor, other two reports bánek T, Adamová T, Pluháček cating inadequate projects by were accepted for printing in J (in press): Personality in free- officials responsible for conser- 2009 or the year after, and a re- ranging Hanuman langur (Sem- vation seeking financial resour- view of another paper is now nopithecus entellus) males: Sub- ces that can be misappropriat- underway. All papers relate to jective ratings and recorded ed is common. Wasting funding the previous research in Mada- behavior. Journal of Compara- that may be not available for gascar, India, and in zoological tive Psychology. reasonable programmes is usu- parks in Europe. ally the better case, but mostly Papers under review: any such activity has additional Papers already published: Petru M, Charvatova V, Spinka negative effects. Most of the Lhota S, Junek T, Kubena AA M, Lhota S (revised version cases, where repeated protests and Bartos L (2008): Specialized sent): Revisiting play elements are necessary include refores- use of two fingers in free-ranging and self-handicapping in play: tation, be it mangroves or the aye-ayes (Daubentonia mada- A comparative study of five old burnt mainland forest as refores- gascariensis). American Journal world monkey species. Journal tation, which is mainly termed as of Primatology 70(8):786-795. of Comparative Psychology. planting a forest in the forest, will often only disturb the process Petru M, Spinka M, Lhota S, Si- Authors of the photographs: of natural growing and reco- pek P (2008): Head rotations in Petr Čolas (Picture 1 and 4) very of the forest. Unfortunately, the play behaviour of Hanu- Ondřej Kott (Picture 3) the most frustrating example of man langurs (Semnopithecus Archive UP HLSW (Picture 5) a misreckoning project is the entellus): A description and an Stanislav Lhota (Picture 2, 6, 7, 8, 5% of the Sungai Wain Forest analysis of their function. Jour- 9, 10, and 11) Preserve expended for deve- nal of Comparative Psychology

41 NUMBERS OF ANIMALS TO 31. 12. 2008

State in 1. 1. 2008 Birth Arrival Death Depar- State in ture 31. 12. 2008 Mammals (Mammalia) Addax 2.0 2.0 Addax nasomaculatus EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I Alpaca 2.9 0.1 1.0 1.1 2.9 Vicugna pacos Amur Leopard 1.2 0.1 1.1 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 0.3 1.4 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 0.0.3 1.3.3 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 5.1 2.0 4.0 3.1 Varecia variegata EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Blackbuck 7.5 0.2 1.0 1.0 7.7 Antilope cervicapra RDB=NT Blue Monkey 1.1 1.1 Cercopithecus mitis RDB=LR Bonnet Macaque 3.3 3.3 Macaca radiata RDB=LR Bornean Orangutan 3.1 1.0 2.1 Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Brazilian Tapir 1.1 1.1 Tapirus terrestris EEP,RDB=VU Californian Sea Lion 1.0 1.0 Zalophus californianus ESB,RDB=LR Capybara 0.1 1.0 1.1 Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris RDB=LR Central American Agouti 1.1 1.1 Dasyprocta punctata RDB=LR

42 State in 1. 1. 2008 Birth Arrival Death Depar- State in ture 31. 12. 2008 Mammals (Mammalia) Collared Peccary 1.2 1.2 Pecari tajacu RDB=LR Common Squirrel Monkey 1.1 0.1 1.0 Saimiri sciureus EEP,RDB=LC Cotton-top Tamarin 1.3 0.0.1 0.1 1.2.1 Saguinus oedipus EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Crab-eating Raccoon 1.1 1.0 0.1 Procyon cancrivorus RDB=LR De Brazza´s Monkey 2.2 0.0.1 2.2.1 Cercopithecus neglectus ESB,RDB=LR Defassa Waterbuck 1.3 1.1 2.4 Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa RDB=LR Diana Monkey 1.1 1.1 Cercopithecus diana diana EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Domestic Bactrian Camel 1.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 Camelus bactrianus RDB=CR Domestic Dog 0.1 0.1 Canis familiaris Domestic Goat 0.2 2.0 2.0 0.2 Capra hircus Domestic Goat 4.7 7.1 1.0 6.3 4.5 Capra hircus Domestic Sheep 1.8 2.4 2.1 1.11 Ovis aries aries Eastern Pygmy Marmoset 1.1.4 0.0.2 0.0.2 1.1.4 Callithrix pygmaea niveiventris RDB=LC Fishing Cat 1.0 0.1 1.1 Prionailurus viverrinus EEP,ISB,RDB=VU Fosa 2.1 2.1 Cryptoprocta ferox EEP,ISB,RDB=EN Geoffroy´s Cat 1.1 1.2 2.3 Oncifelis geoffroyi EEP,RDB=NT,CITES=I Golden Lion Tamarin 1.0 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 3.8 0.1 3.9 Equus zebra hartmannae EEP,ISB,RDB=EN

43 State in 1. 1. 2008 Birth Arrival Death Depar- State in ture 31. 12. 2008 Mammals (Mammalia) Cheetah 1.1 1.0 0.1 2.0 Acinonyx jubatus EEP,ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Japanese Serow 0.1 0.1 Naemorhedus crispus ESB,ISB,RDB=LR Javan Langur 0.4 0.4 Trachypithecus auratus RDB=EN Jungle Cat 1.0 1.0 Felis chaus RDB=LC Kafue Lechwe 3.4 0.1 1.1 2.4 Kobus leche kafuensis ISB,RDB=VU Kilimanjaro Colobus 0.4 0.4 Colobus guereza caudatus ESB,RDB=LR Larger Hairy Armadillo 1.1 1.1 Chaetophractus villosus RDB=LC Llama 2.5 1.1 0.1 2.2 1.3 Lama glama Lowland Anoa 3.2 1.0 2.2 Bubalus depressicornis EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Malayan tiger 0.1 0.1 Panthera tigris jacksonii ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Mandrill 1.4 1.4 Mandrillus sphinx EEP,RDB=VU Maned Wolf 1.2 1.2 Chrysocyon brachyurus EEP,ISB,RDB=NT Meerkat 3.1 0.0.1 3.1.1 Suricata suricatta RDB=LR Nilgai 3.2 0.1 1.1 2.2 Boselaphus tragocamelus RDB=LC Northern Plains Grey Langur 1.4 1.1 0.3 Semnopithecus entellus ESB,RDB=LR,CITES=I Northern White-cheeked Gibbon 2.1.1 0.0.1 1.0 1.1.2 Nomascus leucogenys leucogenys EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Ocelot 1.0 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 2.1 0.0.4 1.0 1.1.4 Amblonyx cinerea ISB,RDB=NT Patagonian Mara 2.1.2 0.1 2.0.2 Dolichotis patagonum RDB=LR

44 State in 1. 1. 2008 Birth Arrival Death Depar- State in ture 31. 12. 2008 Mammals (Mammalia) Persian Leopard 1.0 1.0 Panthera pardus saxicolor EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Pony 2.3 1.2 2.0 1.5 Equus caballus Prevost´s Squirrel 1.1.1 0.0.1 1.1 Callosciurus prevostii RDB=LR Red Panda 3.1 1.0 2.0 0.1 Ailurus fulgens fulgens EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Red Ruffed Lemur 2.1 2.1 1.0 3.2 Varecia rubra EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I Red-handed Tamarin 2.3 0.0.2 1.1 1.1 2.3.2 Saguinus midas ESB,RDB=LC Reeves´ Muntjac 1.1.1 0.0.1 1.1.2 Muntiacus reevesi reevesi RDB=LR Ring-tailed Lemur 1.2 0.3 1.5 Lemur catta ESB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Silvered Leaf Monkey 0.2 0.2 Trachypithecus cristatus RDB=NT Snow Leopard 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 Uncia uncia EEP,ISB,RDB=EN,CITES=I Somali Wild Ass 4.4 1.0 1.0 4.4 Equus africanus somalicus EEP,ISB,RDB=CR,CITES=I South African Fur Seal 0.2 0.2 Arctocephalus pusillus RDB=LR South American Coati 1.2 3.4 3.4 1.2 Nasua nasua RDB=LR Southern Two-toed Sloth 1.2 0.0.1 0.1 1.3.1 Choloepus didactylus ESB,RDB=LC Southern White Rhinoceros 1.2 1.1 0.1 Ceratotherium simum simum EEP,ISB,RDB=NT Sun Bear 2.5 0.1 2.4 Helarctos malayanus ESB,RDB=DD,CITES=I Thorold´s Deer 1.6 1.0 2.6 Cervus albirostris RDB=VU Variable Flying Fox 4.2.1 4.2.1 Pteropus hypomelanus RDB=LR Vietnamese Sika Deer 1.6 0.1 2.0 1.0 2.7 Cervus nippon pseudaxis EEP,ISB,RDB=CR Wolverine 1.1 1.1 Gulo gulo sibirica EEP,RDB=VU

45 State in 1. 1. 2008 State in Birth Arrival Death Depar- 31. 12. 2008 ture Birds (Aves) Alexandrine Parakeet 1.1 0.0.3 0.0.3 1.1 Psittacula eupatria RDB=LC Blue-and-yellow Macaw 4.5 1.0 1.0 1.1 3.4 Ara ararauna RDB=LC Blue-fronted Amazon 0.0.1 0.0.1 Amazona aestiva RDB=LC Budgerigar 17.12 0.0.86 2.3 0.0.76 15.9.10 Melopsittacus undulatus RDB=LC California Quail 2.1 2.1 Lophortyx californica RDB=LC Cockatiel 3.1 0.0.4 0.0.4 3.1 Nymphicus hollandicus RDB=LC Common Barn-owl 1.1 0.0.2 0.0.2 1.1 Tyto alba CROH=SOH,RDB=LC Crested Pigeon 1.1 1.1 Ocyphaps lophotes RDB=LC Crested Wood-partridge 1.1 0.1 1.0 Rollulus rouloul RDB=NT Egyptian Goose 1.1 1.1 Alopochen aegyptiacus RDB=LC Egyptian Vulture 0.1 0.1 Neophron percnopterus percnop- ESB,RDB=LC terus 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 2.1 1.0 1.1 Crax rubra RDB=NT Great Kiskasee 1.0 1.0 Pitangus sulphuratus RDB=LC Greater Rhea 0.1.5 0.0.3 0.0.1 0.0.1 0.1.6 Rhea americana RDB=NT Grey Parrot 1.1 0.2 0.2 1.1 Psittacus erithacus RDB=LC Himalayan Griffon 1.1 1.1 Gyps himalayensis RDB=LC Indian Peafowl 3.6 0.1 1.1 2.4 Pavo cristatus RDB=LC 46 State in 1. 1. 2008 State in Birth Arrival Death Depar- 31. 12. 2008 ture Birds (Aves) Java Sparrow 0.0.2 0.0.2 Padda oryzivora RDB=VU Mandarin Duck 1.0 1.0 Aix galericulata RDB=LC Marabou 1.0 1.0 Leptoptilos crumeniferus ESB,RDB=LC Mealy Amazon 2.1 1.1 1.0 2.2 Amazona farinosa RDB=LC Military Macaw 2.3 1.0 1.1 4.4 Ara militaris ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I Raven 1.1 0.1 1.0 Corvus corax CROH=OH,RDB=LC Red-and-green Macaw 2.2 2.2 Ara chloroptera RDB=LC Red-fronted Parrot 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 Poicephalus gulielmi RDB=LC Red-lored Amazon 2.2 2.2 Amazona autumnalis RDB=LC Rose-ringed Parakeet 1.1 1.1 Psittacula krameri RDB=LC Rosy Flamingo 0.0.10 0.0.10 Phoenicopterus ruber roseus RDB=LC Rothschild´s Mynah 1.1 0.1 1.0 Leucopsar rothschildi EEP,RDB=CR,CITES=I Saker Falcon 2.3 0.2 2.5 Falco cherrug CROH=KOH,RDB=EN Salmon-crested Cockatoo 2.1 2.1 Cacatua moluccensis EEP,RDB=VU,CITES=I Scarlet Macaw 1.0 0.1 1.1 Ara macao RDB=LC,CITES=I Snowy Owl 1.1 2.1 2.1 1.1 Nyctea scandiaca RDB=LC Spot-sided Finch 12.7 0.0.51 0.0.51 12.7 Taeniopygia guttata RDB=LC Tanimbar Corella 1.2 0.1 0.1 1.2 Cacatua goffini RDB=NT,CITES=I Tawny Eagle 1.2 1.2 Aquila rapax RDB=LC Tawny Owl 0.1 0.1 Strix aluco RDB=LC

47 State in 1. 1. 2008 State in Birth Arrival Death Depar- 31. 12. 2008 ture Birds (Aves) Ural Owl 1.1 1.0 2.1 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 1.1 1.1 Aceros corrugatus EEP,RDB=NT Yellow-bibbed Lory 1.1 1.1 Lorius chlorocercus RDB=LC

State in 1. 1. 2008 State in Birth Arrival Death Depar- 31. 12. 2008 ture Reptiles (Reptilia) African Rock Python 0.1 0.1 Python sebae African Spurred Tortoise 0.0.3 0.0.3 Centrochelys sulcata RDB=VU American Alligator 1.1 1.1 Alligator mississippiensis Asian Leaf Turtle 2.1 2.1 Cyclemys dentata RDB=LR Ball Python 1.1 1.1 Python regius Black-bridged Leaf Turtle 1.2.1 0.0.2 1.2.3 Cyclemys pulchristriata Boa Constrictor 0.1 0.1 Boa constrictor Burmese Python 0.1 0.1 Python molurus bivittatus RDB=LR California Kingsnake 1.2 1.2 Lampropeltis getula californiae Central Asian tortoise 4.4.1 4.4.1 Testudo horsfieldii RDB=VU Common Snake-necked Turtle 1.2 1.2 Chelodina longicollis Cuban Boa 2.2 2.2 Epicrates angulifer EEP,RDB=LR Cuban Iguana 1.2 1.2 Cyclura nubila nubila ISB,RDB=VU,CITES=I

48 State in 1. 1. 2008 State in Birth Arrival Death Depar- 31. 12. 2008 ture Reptiles (Reptilia) 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 Fly River turtle 2.0 2.0 Carettochelys insculpta RDB=VU Green Tree Python 0.2 0.2 Morelia viridis Greer’s Kingsnake 0.0.2 0.0.2 Lampropeltis mexicana greeri Grey-banded King Snake 1.1 1.1 Lampropeltis alterna Hermann´s Tortoise 1.0 0.0.1 1.0.1 Testudo hermanni RDB=LR Honduran Milk Snake 1.2.6 0.0.8 0.0.1 0.0.15 1.2 Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis Horn´s Monitor 0.1 0.1 Varanus panoptes horni Chinese Softshell Turtle 1.0 1.0 Pelodiscus sinensis RDB=VU Inland Bearded Dragon 1.2.3 0.2 1.0.3 Pogona vitticeps Knight Anole 0.0.4 0.0.1 0.0.3 Anolis equestris Oriental Water Dragon 0.0.9 0.0.1 0.0.2 0.0.8 Physignathus cocincinus Panther Chameleon 1.0 1.0 Furcifer pardalis Pueblan Milk Snake 1.1 1.0 0.1 Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli Red-bellied short-necked turtle 0.0.3 0.0.3 Emydura subglobosa RDB=LR Red-eared Slider 5.8.1 1.4 4.4.1 Trachemys scripta elegans RDB=LR Reticulated Python 1.1 1.1 Python reticulatus 49 State in 1. 1. 2008 State in Birth Arrival Death Depar- 31. 12. 2008 ture Reptiles (Reptilia) Schneider´s Skink 1.0.3 1.0.3 Eumeces schneideri Siebenrock´s Snake-necked Turtle 0.0.1 0.0.1 Macrochelodina rugosa RDB=LR Sinaloan Milk Snake 2.2.2 0.0.11 0.0.1 0.0.12 2.2 Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae Smooth-fronted Caiman 1.2 0.1 1.1 Paleosuchus trigonatus South American Red-footed Tortoise 6.2.4 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

State in State in 31. 12. 2008 31. 12. 2008 Amphibians (Amphibia) Amphibians (Amphibia) Aplash-backed Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.2 Orange-legged Leaf Frog 0.0.5 Dendrobates galactonotus RDB=LC Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis RDB=LC Asian Common Toad 0.0.2 Oriental Fire-bellied Toad 2.4.1 Bufo melanosticus RDB=LC Bombina orientalis RDB=LC Blue Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.3 Ribbed Newt 0.0.11 Dendrobates azureus ESB,RDB=VU Pleurodeles waltl RDB=NT Dyeing Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.3 Smooth Clawed Frog 1.1.9 Dendrobates tinctorius RDB=LC Xenopus laevis laevis RDB=LC Golden Poison Frog 0.0.8 Sri Lanka Whipping Frog 0.0.2 Phyllobates terribilis RDB=EN Polypedates cruciger RDB=LC Golfodulcean Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.6 Three-striped Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.1 Phyllobates vittatus RDB=EN Epipedobates trivittatus RDB=LC Green And Golden Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.28 * Tschudi´s African Bullfrog 0.1 Dendrobates auratus RDB=LC Pyxicephalus adspersus RDB=LC Ground Toads 0.0.4 White´s Treefrog 0.0.17 Bufo sp. Pelodryas caerulea RDB=LC Malayan Bullfrog 0.0.1 Yellow-banded Poison-arrow Frog 0.0.5 Kaloula pulchra RDB=LC Dendrobates leucomelas RDB=LC Mission Golden-eyed Trefrog 0.0.9 * Yucatecan Shovel-headed Treefrog 0.0.3 Phrynohyas resinifictrix RDB=LC Triprion petasatus RDB=LC

50 State in State in 31. 12. 2008 31. 12. 2008 Fish (Pisces) Fish (Pisces) African Butter Catfish 0.0.3 Red Bellied Piranha 0.0.6 Schilbe mystus RDB=VU Pygocentrus nattereri Angelfish 0.0.2 Red Hook Myleus 0.0.4 Pterophyllum scalare Myloplus rubripinnis Bala Shark 0.0.8 Red Pacu 0.0.2 Balantiocheilos melanopterus RDB=EN Piaractus brachypomus Black Ruby Barb 0.0.14 Red Phantom Tetra 0.0.10 Puntius nigrofasciatus RDB=LR Hyphessobrycon sweglesi Bristlenose catfish 0.0.22 Redfin Shark 0.0.12 Ancistrus cirrhosus Epalzeorhynchos frenatum Bronze Cory 0.0.14 Serpae Tetra 0.0.6 Corydoras aeneus Hyphessobrycon eques Carptooth catfish 0.0.3 Siberian Sturgeon 0.0.2 Clarias gariepinus Acipenser baerii RDB=VU Clown Loach 0.0.2 Spotted Hoplo 0.0.7 Botia macracantha Megalechis thoracata Featherfin Squeaker 0.0.13 Spotted talking catfish 0.0.6 Synodontis eupterus Agamyxis pectinifrons Giant Gourami 0.0.3 Sterlet 0.0.3 Osphronemus goramy Acipenser ruthenus RDB=VU Golden mbuna 0.0.6 Stinging Catfish 0.0.3 Melanochromis auratus RDB=LC Heteropneustes fossilis Goldfish 0.0.40 Sumatra Barb 0.0.10 Carassius auratus Puntius tetrazona Iridescent Shark 0.0.8 Sumatra Barb 0.0.10 Pangasius hypophthalmus Puntius tetrazona Iridscent Mystus Cat 0.0.1 Tiger Botia Loach 0.0.1 Mystus vittatus Botia hymenophysa Kennyi mbuna 0.0.10 Tinfoil Barb 0.0.7 Metriaclima lombardoi Barbodes schwanenfeldii Kingsley´s Ctenopoma 0.0.5 White Skirt Tetra 0.0.7 Ctenopoma kingsleyae Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Knifefish 0.0.10 Zebrafish 0.0.11 Xenomystus sp. Danio rerio Lemon Tetra 0.0.12 Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis Maylandia 0.0.16 Pseudotropheus zebra Penguin Tetra 0.0.2 Thayeria boehlkei

51 State in 31. 12. 2008 Invertebrates (Evertebrata) 0.0.1 Brachypelma albopilosum 0.0.1 Brachypelma auratum 0.0.5 Pandinus imperator 0.1 Theraphosa blondi

Census of animals 2008 Status to 1. 1. 2008 Status to 31. 12. 2008

Species Specimens Species Specimens

Mammals (Mammalia) 75 291 75 306

Birds (Aves) 45 171 43 174

Reptiles (Reptilia) 36 122 41 118

Amphibians (Amphibia) 20 159 20 129

Fish (Pisces) 39 303 37 301

Invertebrates (Invertebrata) 4 8 4 8

Total 219 1054 220 1036

52 REARINGS

Mammals Birth Mammals Birth Mammalia Mammalia Oriental Small-clawed Otter 0.0.4 South American Coati 3.4 Amblonyx cinerea Nasua nasua Blackbuck 0.2 Northern White-cheeked Gibbon 0.0.1 Antilope cervicapra Nomascus leucogenys leucogenys Eastern Pygmy Marmoset 0.0.2 Geoffroy´s Cat 1.2 Callithrix pygmaea niveiventris Oncifelis geoffroyi Domestic Bactrian Camel 2.0 Domestic Sheep 2.4 Camelus bactrianus Ovis aries aries Domestic Goat 2.0 Angola Lion 0.3 Capra hircus Panthera leo bleyenberghi Domestic Goat 7.1 Red-handed Tamarin 0.0.2 Capra hircus Saguinus midas De Brazza´s Monkey 0.0.1 Cotton-top Tamarin 0.0.1 Cercopithecus neglectus Saguinus oedipus Thorold´s Deer 1.0 Meerkat 0.0.1 Cervus albirostris Suricata suricatta Vietnamese Sika Deer 0.1 Red Ruffed Lemur 2.1 Cervus nippon pseudaxis Varecia rubra Somali Wild Ass 1.0 Black and White Ruffed Lemur 2.0 Equus africanus somalicus Varecia variegata Pony 1.2 Alpaca 0.1 Equus caballus Vicugna pacos Hartmann´s Mountain Zebra 0.1 Equus zebra hartmannae Baringo Giraffe 0.0.3 Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi Southern Two-toed Sloth 0.0.1 Choloepus didactylus Defassa Waterbuck 1.1 Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa Kafue Lechwe 0.1 Kobus leche kafuensis Llama 1.1 Lama glama Reeves´ Muntjac 0.0.1 Muntiacus reevesi reevesi

53 Birds Hatched Aves Mealy Amazon 1.1 Amazona farinosa Military Macaw 1.0 Ara militaris Tanimbar Corella 0.1 Cacatua goffini Saker Falcon 0.2 Falco cherrug Budgerigar 0.0.86 Melopsittacus undulatus Snowy Owl 2.1 Nyctea scandiaca Cockatiel 0.0.4 Nymphicus hollandicus Red-fronted Parrot 1.0 Poicephalus gulielmi Alexandrine Parakeet 0.0.3 Psittacula eupatria Grey Parrot 0.2 Psittacus erithacus Greater Rhea 0.0.3 Rhea americana Ural Owl 1.0 Strix uralensis liturata Spot-sided Finch 0.0.51 Taeniopygia guttata Common Barn-owl 0.0.2 Tyto alba

Reptiles Birth Reptilia Black-bridged Leaf Turtle 0.0.2 Cyclemys pulchristriata Honduran Milk Snake 0.0.8 Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis Sinaloan Milk Snake 0.0.11 Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae Oriental Water Dragon 0.0.1 Physignathus cocincinus

54 The Economic Department ECONOMY

Jana Černá

In 2008, Ústí nad Labem Zoo employed 60.83 employees (FTE).

Analysis of the economic situation

ITEM THOUSAND CZK

Materials used 3,375.38 Feedstuffs used 4,250.31 Fuel used 490.52 Electric power 3,064.26 Water used and sewerage 1,441.55 Repairs of long-term assets 823.28 Payroll costs 12,825.48 Payroll taxes 4,480.50 Depreciation of long-term assets 2,360.00 Other costs 6,802.43 Total costs 39,913.71 Revenues from entrance fees 8,928.27 Other revenues (donations, etc.) 565.61 Inclusion of the profit from the additional activities (sales, advertising, rental fee, etc.) 1,328.32 Inclusion of funds 0.00 Allocation from founder’s budget 23,705.93 MoE Grant for operations 2,537.95 Others 2929,2 Total revenues 39,995.28 Profit/loss (profit) 81.57

Costs 1 Payroll inc. payroll taxes were the most costing items of the organization. In 2008, the average salary amounted to CZK 17,570 per employee. The feedstuff costs repre- sented another major cost item. There was an increase in feedstuff costs compared to the previous year; this was caused by the growth of prices. Interesting 2008 figures concerning the quantity of feed consumed by the animals include 11,566 kg of bananas, 28,755 kg of apples, 16,329 kg of carrots (Picture 1), 43,132 kg of fodder 56 In addition, funding allocated 2 from founder’s budget and zoo resources presented a significant amount used for the following investment and repair operations: - Reconstruction of Carnivore House fencing was launched, with a deadline planned for spring 2009; - The babirusa house was re-designed for a facility serving for the South American tapir inc. reconstruction of the enclosure; - Roads in the zoo grounds were repaired and re-constructed; - Nilgai indoor facility construc- beet, 4,585 kg of poultry meat, age increased; so did the costs tion was launched; 11,068 kg of beef, 8,996 kg of fish, compared to the year 2007, with - Children playgrounds were and 44,910 mice. the largest consumers including built near the train stations in The electric power costs in 2008 the sea lions and seals. About both upper and lower part of comprise the power for com- 26,000 m3 of water were used in the zoo, and a replication of mon use (CZK 1,845.18 thou- 2008. Větruše was constructed (a fa- sand), and the power used by The financial resources spent vourite city picnic site inc. a res- heat pumps within the zoo’s from the operational budget on taurant, Picture 3); heating system (CZK 1,595.81 servicing long-term assets of the - The upper entrance was re- thousand). zoo were used to repairing mo- constructed. The volume of water used at the tor vehicles, service apartments, zoo increased in 2008 by open- zoo office, rented premises, Revenues ing the reconstructed South changing rooms and showers Zoo’s own revenues consisted American Tapir House, with for personnel, and servicing the of incomes from entrance fees, a new outdoor pool (Picture 2). orang-utan and camel houses. rental fees, advertising, and do- The price for water and sewer-

57 nations. In 2008, there was a slight de- 4 crease in visitor numbers, with total attendance of 164,497 persons, which are 738 persons less compared to 2007. The decrease occurred especially in March 2008, when the weather was very cold and rainy. The average price of a zoo ticket paid per visitor in 2008 amounted to CZK 54.28 (adult fee, children fee, a fee for children under 3 years, a fee for disabled, permanent tickets, etc.), while the average costs per ticket amounted to CZK 242.64. The balance was covered as follows: CZK 8.08 from the profit produced through zoo’s additional activities like rental fees, advertising, donations, etc., CZK 164.86 from the founder’s contribution, and CZK 15.42 from the contribution of the Czech Minis- try of Environment (MoU). MoU’s contribution was used to cover a part of the costs of caring for endangered animal species and injured or handicapped wildlife. The MoE resources were used to cover a part of the costs of feedstuffs, energy, and veterinary services, costs of zoo’s involvement in the international zoo unions and associations; merchandise, and CZK 802.56 payroll costs (CZK 415.2 thou- and education and world fau- thousand from other activities, sand), payroll taxes (CZK 145.32 na biodiversity conservation such as operation of a rubber thousand), feedstuff and mate- projects developed by the zoo trampoline (Picture 4), sales rial costs (CZK 477.38 thousand), and supported by UCSZ. of animal food in the children energy costs (CZK 45.0 thou- The incomes from the addition- playground, commission from sand); repair costs and vet- al activities in 2008 comprised suppliers of merchandise, etc. erinary costs amounted to CZK the following revenues: CZK As from 1 May 2008, a sanc- 143.78 thousand. 83% of SAA 872.32 thousand from rental of tuary for abandoned animals operational expenses were cov- apartments and non-residential (SAA) was transferred under the ered by the founder, i.e. the Sta- premises, CZK 2,169.22 thou- zoo operations by the founder. tutory Town of Ústí nad Labem; sand from advertising, CZK The major cost items during the 17% included own SAA revenues 436.40 thousand from sales of seven months in 2008 included and donated material.

58 The Technology Department TECHNICAL SERVICES

Jiří Hanzlík

As well as in the preceding years, each section of the De- 1 partment of Technical Services (DTS) got fully involved in repairs, maintenance, preven- tion of failures and all other activities at the zoo also in 2008. Through outsourcing companies, the department also managed surveillance and guarding of the zoo grounds, and operated the dead box, where a separate section is used by Ústí nad Labem Town for the purposes of collection of car- casses (i.e. dead, struck or ran over animals), and managed by the city policemen. The department also warranted keeping records on collection of any type of waste produced within the zoo operation. As from May 2008, when the dog rescue centre located in Severní Terasa (a city quarter) was transferred under the zoo management, the department took its part in the necessary repairs of this facility. During the second half of the year, project documentation was developed for general reconstruction of the house; in the meantime, the centre be- the events organised by the zoo es as well as other zoo depart- came an animal sanctuary and for the visitors as well as events ments as from September. The was fully integrated in the oper- for the general public outside employment of these workers ations of the zoo. Developed as the zoo’s area, which was es- was granted from the govern- a high-profiled and fully work- pecially the involvement in the mental unemployment funding ing team throughout the recent events held by the Magistrate scheme under the Labour Of- years, the horticulture section of Ústí nad Labem, such as the fice programme. The number has been successfully serving in Ústí nad Labem Christmas proof these public work staff mem- putting the finishing touch to the gramme held throughout De- bers will be extended by 10-15 zoo grounds that serve as a rec- cember in the Mírové náměstí workers involved in the work of reational zone in the centre of (square). A very specific task several departments. the town, leaving the marks of was hiring employees in the its work on the arrangement framework of the public works The minor day-to-day mainte- around the zoo with its area of programme that entered the nance work namely included 26 ha (Picture 1). Department of Technical Servic- workshop services, like carpen- The team always took its part in 60 by replacing the roofing and 2 completing arris gutters; - Arrangements in the elephant enclosure in the summer: replenishment of sand and excavation of a natural pool waterproofed by means of clay (Picture 3); - Coating of frameworks, palisade fences as well as facades throughout the year, with the largest operations being full coating of the Gi- raffe House and the panel fence in the lower part of the zoo along Drážďanská Street; the latter was coated try, joinery, masonry, electrics, - Construction of a new llama from the outside; locksmithery, and plumbery shelter; - Green fodder was cut and work, provided by the depart- - Repair of the camel shelter supplied to each house and ment members inc. selection and supplies of any materials required. The services provided 3 by the department personnel included: - Minor masonry maintenance work in exhibits and houses; - Joinery work in animal houses; - Full range of maintenance of electric installations; - Launching a construction of a new fence in enlarging the outdoor enclosures and yards for ponies (Picture 2); - Overhaul of roof of the Orang-utan House; - Installation of 8 information panels along exhibits and visitor paths in cooperation with the Promotion and Edu- cation Department; - Full reconstruction of the raven aviary, with the old wooden structure taken down and a new partly bricked aviary built up; at the same time, a new shelter for stor- age of wooden saw-dust and shavings attached to the Giraffe House was constructed; - Gardening work around the historical Dwarf Castle; 61 stallations throughout the 4 zoo grounds inc. periodical inspection of electric tools and low-voltage wiring in accordance with inspection schedule for each building and structure around the zoo; - In co-operation with an out- sourcer company, the department managed 24/7 guarding services in the zoo grounds as well as cleaning services in two visitor toilets and the dead animal box; - In cooperation with the out- sourcer managing the hous- enclosure 6 times a week ex- ons; ing resources – seven active cept Sundays by the horticul- - An additional Ford Transit sub-lease contracts, all nec- ture section; T280 was purchased to cater essary repairs on the residen- - Continuous servicing of ve- for supplies for the depart- tial buildings and structures hicles and machines inc. ment as well as for other zoo were ensured; preparations and arrange- facilities; - In the framework of the on- ments for successful passing - Fallen, weather-worn, and dam- going project celebrating in case of formal technical aged parts of facades of the one hundred years from foun- inspections of service vehi- buildings serving mostly as dation of the bird sanctuary, cles by the transport services a technical background for the most extensive repairs of section; in addition, the sec- animal houses or as stores the Dwarf Castle in recent tion managed the opera- were repaired or renovated; 10 years took place and the tions of the much-favoured - The department participated Heinrich Lumpe’s education zoo train carrying the visitors on launching the waste sort- trail was developed; from the zoo entrance up ing system (Picture 4), and - The visitor premises of the to the most elevated point also in storing and disposal of Koliba Restaurant were re- of the zoo, overcoming the garbage and animal waste; paired. elevation of almost 100 m - The maintenance sec-tion with three fully loaded wag- serviced the electrical in- Overview of major repairs and capital building projects 5 Redesigning the fencing of the Carnivore House

Redesigning the exhibits along the southern front of the Carni- vore House presents building work that is to complete the long-term reconstruction of the house launched in 2003. The work started with the general redesigning all indoor exhibits inc. the visitor hall, with subsequent re-arranging the large outdoor lion enclosure in 2005 and the 62 6

snow leopard enclosure on different levels to make up the outdoor lion enclosure. This will the northern side of the house terminal roofing (Picture 6). The be glazed as well to separate together with the sun bear construction work will include the visitor area and develop enclosure in 2006. The last mo- full pavement of the visitor paths two new points of viewing into dernisation period involves re- and roofing above a newly de- the lion enclosure. Full comple- designing the outdoor enclo- veloped and attractive place tion of the construction work is sures for tigers and leopards. with added central seating planned for the end of March These exhibits along the south- area. The preparation phase in- 2009. ern face of the house will be cluded redesigning the existing enlarged by moving the existing substructure under the outside metal fencing (Picture 5). At 7 the same time, all main viewing areas will be glazed by use of a 3m high glass. Three exhibits of different sizes will be developed through constructed par- tition walls. The inner habitat will be completed using stones, trunks, vegetation, oak-wood lin- ing, and finishing along all outer surfaces. In the largest outdoor exhibit, a pool with a waterfall will be set up under an artificial rock made of large stones. The enclosures will be roofed by the mesh stretched using ropes attached to the bearing posts in

63 using interlocking pavement. 8 In addition, a switchboard was installed near this paved area and a decision was made to use the place for a giant giraffe-shaped inflatable rubber trampoline to serve as an attraction for kids, thus completing the nearby seating area for visitors by the refreshment kiosk. This new place has provided a good supplement to the lower part of the paved area around the zoo office, and more fun for the children visitors. The building was fully implemented by the zoo personnel, with no building South American Tapir House sion of the new exhibit was en- permit required. hanced by means of finishing In the second half of the year, landscaping and gardening Total costs: CZK 48,222 (ex. VAT). work was launched on a new work as well as components like tapir house in the lower part of the roof integrated in the sur- the zoo (Picture 7) replacing rounding ground and the view Nilgau indoor facility the former babirusa exhibit. The of the enclosure from two per- house was completed in 2008. spectives. Together with com- This capital project involved The single-storey bricked build- pletion of the exhibit, the sur- construction of a new indoor ing has been integrated into rounding environment was also facility for the nilgai herd to re- the existing ground configura- arranged including vegetation solve the issue of moving the tion of the visitor path. Inside and greenery, visitor paths, and animals to the Rhino House the new house, three boxes for namely the surface of the solid every winter, with the associated tapirs were constructed. The roads around the house. The troublesome process of anaes- central box contains a pool completion process included thetizing these large antelopes. with a volume of less than installation of education items. The construction was almost 2 m3. A box for capybaras was The final approval of the build- fully implemented using the zoo also constructed; the animals ing that was fully implemented resources with assistance of Pila have already settled in the new by the zoo personnel took place Union Chabařovice (a lumber exhibit as well. A new operation in the second half of March. mill). In terms of design, this is room was set up in the house. a ground-floor building without The completion of the build- Total costs: a basement, with rather a small ing enabled the visitors walk- CZK 1,694,631 (ex. VAT). loft and saddle roof. One of the ing on a part of the flat roof indoor boxes will serve for cap- of the new house. In addition, turing the animals or separat- the new house includes a fully Roads and paths at the zoo: ing young males. The facility is redesigned outdoor enclosure phase 2 a wooden structure installed on containing a re-shaped pool a substructure 1m high erect- and a new fence; the former During the process of finished on a base plate (Picture 9). wood palisades were removed, ing the paths and roads, the This wooden house has electric and landscaping as well as visi- hard surface visitor area on the panel heating and a heat-in- tor premises completed (Picture northern side of the zoo office sulated wooden cladding. The 8). Grand opening of the exhibit was completed. A part of the structure was connected to LV took place on the occasion of slope was removed and fixed power supply system; inside the launching the summer season by a retaining wall. The area boxes, water pipes opens in au- on 5 April. The overall impres- obtained this way was covered tomatic drinking bowls. When 64 9

winter arrived, the work had to in case of the existing fence be- The way back from the meeting be paused, but the building tween the elephant and nilgai included a visit to the smallest had been finished and could enclosures. Slovak zoo, Spišská Nová Ves. be used to house the antelopes. In the upcoming period, The completion inc. final build- Total planned costs: increasing the quality of the ser- ing approval is expected to CZK 1,000,000 (ex. VAT). vices provided in the framework take place in the first two years of routine zoo operations, thus of 2009. Aside from the indoor Conclusion supporting the efforts to raise facility, plans exist to construct The staff members of the Tech- the visitor numbers, and main- a yard used for the animals in nical Service Department at- tain the animal husbandry stan- winter. The yard will be sepa- tended the conference of the dards will be the priority for all rated from the main grass en- UCSZ Development Committee department members. closure by a wooden palisade in 2008. This time the meeting of erected on a supporting metal engineers of all Czech and Slo- structure as it had been done vak Zoos was held at Košice Zoo.

65 The Education and Promotion Department ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION DEPARTMENT

Ing. Věra Vrabcová

Attendance est visitor number in zoo’s his- in the majority of Czech zoos In 2008, Ústí nad Labem Zoo re- tory; the records still unmatched in 2008 with only four zoos ceived total 164,497 visitors (Pic- belong to the year 1988 with reporting an increase should ture 1), which included 83,597 178,143 visitors, and 1986 with also be mentioned. adults and 80,900 children. 173,693 persons. On the top of Compared to the year 2007, the it, the decreased attendance number was almost equal - the decline made only 738 visitors, 2 which is a good proof of the fact that the level of zoo’s attrac- tiveness was maintained. The slight decrease in 2008 can be still considered a success compared to the previous years as the 2007 year on year increase in visitor numbers was extreme. In addition, as the number of new exhibits and visitor services in the preceding periods was much higher compared to the last year, the 2008 figures are much more valuable. What’s more, this is the fourth high- 67 EAZA 2007/2008 Amphibian Ark 3 Campaign focused on amphibian conservation. In the animal house called Exotarium, various competitions using motional skills as well as knowledge were in place (Picture 4), all related to the given subject as well as the amphibian species on display. Total 428 family groups participated on this programme.

March 20 to 24: Easter At The Zoo The usual Win a Rhea’s Egg quiz dedicated to Easter and animal-related themes. The participation in the quiz was includ- Partnership with media nad Labem Region‘s Authority ed in the entrance fee, which The liaison with the media has formally presented. The briefing was utilised by 128 families. had a stable level for many was held in Zooškola Heinricha years. Personal communication Lumpeho, EN: Heinrich Lumpe’s 5 April: Grand Opening of the with each editor and reporter Zoo School (Picture 3). 2008 Season Launch of the via email, which kept everyone anniversary series 100 Years updated concerning all zoo- Events for the public from Lumpepark to the Zoo related news and events, has 26 shows and events for chil- celebrating founding of the first worked very well. This not only dren and adults were held facility in the zoo grounds was involves the partnership network in the zoo grounds; this in- the primary focus of this event. throughout the region, but even volved zoo’s own events, shows The programme included in- around the country. TV (Picture organised by other partners troduction of a logo and key 2) and radio channels as well as and special programmes like project activities, a book titled personnel from press are con- displays, or quizzes. The zoo pro- 100 Years from Lumpepark to tacted each time. In more im- moted its own events namely the Zoo and other promotional portant cases, printed invitation by billposting services in the city materials dedicated to the an- cards are also distributed. mass transit system, emailing to niversary and designed for sale, Aside from this routine commu- the media, and posting on the and the 100 Bird Nest-Boxes nication, briefings were used to zoo’s web site. In case of own project, involving an opportu- inform the media on two special events, media partners, diverse nity of adopting one of the bird events below in 2008. online gateways, and promo- nest-boxes installed around the 26 March: Alies to Allies Pro- tional articles in most of daily zoo. A new breeding facility for ject (in Czech: Padíky pro alíky) newspapers were used. the South American tapir (Pic- presented to the media. This ture 5) and a new education was a competition involving Overview of events facility Heinrich Lumpe’s Zoo collecting 50-heller coins to be January 31 to February 3: Free School were opened. Results of withdrawn in August 2008. The Entry with Full Marks All children the Animal of the Year 2007 poll objective was to try to beat the graded with full marks could (year 2) were announced and existing Czech record and use enter the zoo free of charge and prizes handed over to the win- the revenue for the zoo’s alliga- watch a special show of Moritz, ners during the programme, tor breeding facility reconstruc- the California sea lion. which was accompanied with tion. The event took place in the the Clarinet Society band and Carnivore House near a new in- March 10 to 18: Spring Holiday Divadlo Na nitích (a Czech the- stalled giant moneybox. At The Zoo A full-week pro- atre company) shows. 8 September: The Family Pass- gramme for families with chil- port Project organised by the Ústí dren dedicated to the current 68 with their jumping boots. 4 1 May: May Day at the Zoo with Český rozhlas Sever (Czech Na- tional Radio North) The main part of the programme with many contests and dancing for kids took place on the terrace of the Koliba Restaurant. The event ended by naming the young two-humped camels with all of the kids around becoming formal camel godfathers. In addition, every visitor could join the established quiz named Love in the Wild.

26 April: The Earth’s Day at the tests produced by Ave Compa- 17 May: Tracking the Fox Year 4 Zoo A programme that was ny were underway in the grass of a show organised by Junák – available for every active visitor area near the upper zoo gate. the Union of Czech Scouts. Chil- focused on the Earth’s Day and At the same time, everybody dren could fulfil diverse tasks at the associated European-wide could watch the company’s 15 sites placed around the zoo. Amphibian Ark Campaign de- waste handling methods (Pic- A display of pictures, photos, and dicated to amphibian conser- ture 6). The terrace of the Ko- 3D items named Animals in Our vation. Children from selected liba Restaurant hosted Divadlo Neighbourhood was arranged primary schools presented their V pytli (a Czech theatre compa- in the Carnivore House. The all own pre-arranged activities and ny) with its original show inclu- day long programme included projects at various sites around ding involvement of volunteers a sale of ceramic frogs, with the the zoo. Each visitor could buy from the audience. Afterwards, revenue to be transferred to the a product or join the manufac- a competition for secondary Amphibian Ark Campaign. turing process or also support school students for the best MS the campaign by donating. The PowerPoint presentation was 28 May: The Children’s Day With revenue was designated to the evaluated and awarded. A true Hitrádio FM Labe (a local radio) amphibian in situ conservation. frog atmosphere could be tast- A variegated programme guid- Environmental education con- ed thanks to the Poweriser team ed by skilled speakers was tak-

69 touch some of them (Picture 6 7). A grand exercise of Moritz, the California sea lion, closed the evening. As the attendance was extreme, one half of the participants had to pass the programme in a reverse order.

15 June: Take Your Old Appli- ance and Enter the Zoo Free An event arranged by an organization called Elektrowin. For every old and fully used electric household appliance presented for collection and environmentally-friendly disposal at the zoo entrance, the donor could ing place on the terrace of the was a programme by the Koliba obtain a free ticket into the zoo. Koliba Restaurant, where con- Restaurant including a fairy tale The programme involved the tests for prizes alternated a kid’s theatre show, kid’s discotheque, opportunity of getting more de- discotheque, and a show of face painting, and refreshment. tails on environmentally-friendly Sandra, a young female pop- A newly installed giant trampo- disposal of wastes. singer and a winner of a po- line was also available. After- pular Czech musical contest. wards, the participants could 8-20 June: The Cacti Exhibit An A naming party with a young enter the zoo train taking them established event organised by Hartmann’s zebra and added to the middle part of the zoo, Český svaz kaktusářů (EN: Czech supporting events around the where they could pay a visit to Union of Cacti Growers) took zoo that focused namely on kids the Exotarium and Carnivore place in the lower part of the closed the programme. House. In the Carnivore House, zoo. Grown cacti could also be competitions employing all hu- purchased. At the same time, 1 June: Dreamnight at the Zoo man senses were available as anyone interested in cacti grow- An event organised for chroni- well as a special display of vari- ing could get the information on cally ill and disabled children. ous skins, skulls and other ani- how to do it properly. Launched by Rotterdam Zoo mal-related specimens. In the twelve years ago, this project Exotarium, the children could 27-29 June: Free Entry with Full has grown, expanding to over see different terrarium animals Marks All children graded with 100 zoos around the world. Ústí from face to face and even full marks could enter the zoo Zoo joined the network already for the third time. A programme crowded with events took place 7 after the closing hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and was arranged for the children and accompanying persons. Upon arrival, each participant received a gift and honorary certificate. Then they went to the Elephant House accompanied by guides, where the elephant females could be met and pet- ted, which was followed by visiting the Children Zoo, where everyone could pet a pony, llama, sheep or goat. The next point 70 8

free of charge. gramme including contests for 3 September: Let’s Shake Our prizes and various presentations Hands A year 4 of a festival for 13 July: Farewell Party with Amos focused on amphibians. disabled fellow citizens orga- A programme arranged on the nised under the sponsorship of occasion of Amos, a much- 24 July – 31 August: Tingatinga Mgr Petr Gandalovič, the Mi- favoured male orang-utan, at Trappola A commercial dis- nister of Agriculture. Products leaving to Apenheul Zoo, Apel- play of paintings produced by made by clients of assisted doorn, the Netherlands. Amos interpreters of the authentic Tin- workshops were sold at the sales received a grand farewell cake ga-tinga art coming from Tanza- points around the zoo (Picture and gifts brought by the visitors nia was held inside the Trappola 9); presentations of hobby clubs (Picture 8). Children could enjoy ZOO Restaurant. based in different social wel- face painting and monkey trail fare institutions and other spe- racing. 12 August – 30 September: Petra cial facilities of this kind as well „Velryba“ Nevečeřalová – Wild as theatre and musical shows 19 July: Porta at the Zoo Africa A display of African pho- were underway inside the Ko- A concert show of the finalists tographs in the Exotarium. liba Restaurant. There was an all for Porta, the oldest Czech mu- day long presentation of health sic festival, took place on the 19 August: Autograph Show with diet titled the Day of Safe Food. terrace of the Koliba Restaurant. FK Teplice An autograph show At the very end, festival partici- Five artists from Czech and Slo- performed by the complete pants named a baby alpaca. vakia one by one performed team of FK Teplice, the national Disabled people presenting their songs for the visitors. league football club. Every visi- their ID card could enter the zoo tor had the opportunity to take for free. 19 July: A Day of the Frog at the a photograph with the football Zoo A composed programme players and meet their new mas- 27 September: Fireman Volun- dedicated to the European-wide cot with a design according to teer Day at the Zoo An event EAZA Amphibian Ark Campaign zoo’s cheetahs. A joint partner- arranged in the partnership be- currently underway. The terrace ship of FK Teplice and Ústí nad tween the zoo and the Firemen of the Koliba Restaurant hosted Labem Zoo was announced. Association. The participation on the key part with a diverse pro- the programme was available 71 Zoo Trails A year 15 of the estab- 9 lished knowledge quiz with 108 families involved.

1 November: Closing the Anni- versary Season A programme bringing the celebration of 100 years from Lumpepark to the zoo to an end. The grand opening of the Lumpepark Edu- cation Trail with ten information points mapping the most attractive places in the former park. Inside the Carnivore House, kids could join a creative workshop, watch short animated fairy tale movies, carve their jack-o’- lan- not only to invited children, but party with three Rothschild’s gi- tern, and enjoy a show of a chil- also to any other kid attending raffe calves; in the lower part of dren singing choir. The highlight the zoo. Several sites with con- the zoo, a basketball show of BK of the programme featured tests were available around the Ústí nad Labem, the Czech na- a name-giving party with lion zoo where various companies tional league team, as well as cubs. could present their activities. The Poweriser jumping boot show programme was topped with took place. 24 December: Christmas Day a big clown show at the stage at the Zoo A Christmas pre- near the Koliba Restaurant. 4 October: The Day of Animals sent for visitors that could watch and Animal Adoptive Parents unusual feeding of orang-utans, 28 September: St Wenceslas’s The traditional event of saying sun bears, and elephants ar- Day of Records at the Zoo thanks to the donors that sup- ranged by zoo keepers. The A grand holiday programme ported our animals in form of attractively looking packages dedicated to the registration of a collective tour around the zoo containing food and goodies the record number of collected dedicated to the news of the became the most attractive Czech fifty-heller coins. Under current season as well as to the the supervision of Dobrý den 100 Years from Lumpepark to Pelhřimov Agency, the yield of the Zoo anniversary project. The 10 the Alies to Allies Project was participants visited the newly registered with the Czech sec- opened Heinrich Lumpe’s Zoo tion of Guinness World Records. School, where memorial cer- Prizes for the main winners of tificates were handed over to each level of the contest were long-term adoptive parents, handed on the terrace of the and people sponsoring the Koliba Restaurant, followed by highest-cost animals obtained a concert of Kliďánko, a Czech large photographs of Petr Slavík music band. Presentation of (Picture 10). In addition to meet- unusual records was available ing several terrarium animals around the Carnivore House; face to face, everyone could in addition, a group of big see the Elephant House be- eaters tried to match the sun hind the scenes. As usually, bear group in consuming bears’ the programme included his- daily batch. Jiří Žaloudek, a mus- torical swordsmen show, and cle man, tried to beat Kala, the accordionist’s songs played dur- elephant female, in a tug-of-war ing the refreshment. competition. The programme included a grand name-giving 25 to 28 October: Walking on 72 gelista Purkyně Ústí nad Labem, 11 the Life Science Faculty) This unique ceremony took place in the Carnivore House. During two rounds of the ceremony, the house could see nearly 40 brand new graduates in magis- ter or bachelor studies coming for their diplomas (Picture 13) with over 250 family members and friends standing by - an un- usually high amount compared with the number of the graduates.

23 May: The National Theatre A unique chance of attending point of the programme. Christ- a waste sorting contest on the Cyrano de Bergerac played by mas trees were also available. following levels: Town/Village – the National Theatre Prague for Glass Dust Bin, School/Students everyone participating in the 27 December: Christmas Songs – Sorting at School, and a SMS 1,000 Elephant Footprints Proj- at the Zoo The traditional Christ- competition for individuals – Is ect of Ústí nad Labem Zoo that mas programme that took that You? The second part of the had been in place for three place in the Carnivore House. It programme comprised waste years, providing inconsiderable contained a music and theatre disposal-related contests and financial resources to the zoo. show. The programme included games; arranged by EKO-KOM Upon arrival, everybody was a creative workshop for kids (Pic- Company, the event was taking given a historical book named ture 11) as well as the possibility place at the zoo and concen- 100 Years from Lumpepark to of giving something to the ani- trated on students of Ústí nad the Zoo; their help was then mals under a special Christmas Labem schools, who could en- appreciated by Zoo Director tree placed inside the house. ter the zoo free of charge on the Mgr Tomáš Kraus (Picture 14) given day (Picture 12). who thanked everybody prior Participation on the Christmas in the play. Ústí nad Labem event organised 1 July: A graduation ceremony by the Magistrate of Ústí nad of Přírodovědecká fakulta UJEP Conservation education Labem was another activity of (EN: The University of Jan Evan- All types of schools could make the zoo. During the peak of the Christmas time, Ústí nad Labem residents could take a ride in 12 the zoo train through the city. The event included presenting live Cameroon sheep placed in a temporary pen.

Special events 11 April: Glass Dust Bin This event organised by the Region of Ústí nad Labem was advertised as a „day for everyone sorting wastes“. The program consisted of two levels. Invited persons could join the formal announcing the results and winners of

73 As from April, the new Heinrich 13 Lumpe’s Zoo School was in use for education programmes. This state-of-the-art facility employs computer and projecting technology, which contributes to improving all conservation education-related activities. On 1 February, an event titled the Project Day was held by Ekocen- trum Sever Litoměřice (a Czech conservation education NGO), focused on children 14 to 16 years old. The programme also included presentation of the zoo dedicated to international their own choice from zoo’s range of conservation educa- 14 tion programmes making use of the zoo grounds. Currently, the Promotion and Educa- tion Department can offer 16 different education programmes, out of which some are available in multiple options depending on the age of the participants. Other related activities include guided tours focused on interesting facts related to the animal collection or also trips combining a ride in the zoo sight-seeing train and visits to the animal houses. This offer was mainly used in May, June, 82 activities described above conservation programmes. and September. The increase were performed with total 2,320 On 20 June, a workshop for pri- of the interest in November and children and students partici- mary school teachers was or- December was very promising. pating. ganised by Ekocentrum Sever Litoměřice in the Carnivore House and the Heinrich Lumpe’s 15 Zoo School (Picture 15). The event included presentation of zoo’s education programmes as well as practical demonstrations of the programmes. On 22 and 23 April, the department members pro-actively participated at the Project Day related to the Earth’s Day; the event was organised by the Joint Primary School and Kinder- garten in Povrly. On 30 June, the Education and 74 16

Promotion Department mem- sea lion Moritz training, the ele- that all information on animal bers were involved in the pro- phant walk around the zoo and adoption is available on the gramme related to the Chil- training in their outdoor exhibit, zoo’s web site, where anyone dren’s Day in the premises of the honey tree for sun bears, can find the financial amount Demosthenes Ústí nad Labem the Bornean orang-utan feed- or availability of desired ani- - Severní terasa (a Czech NGO). ing and enrichment, seal or mals. The animal adoption can The facility that has been serv- piranha feeding, or also the also be booked using a contact ing disabled children arranged pony riding being one of the form. The amount collected a diverse programme including top attractions for the small- within the animal adoption a space for presenting live pets est. Many of the shows contain scheme totalled to CZK 600,517. and contact animals from the added narration performed ei- Other forms of money support zoo and simple contests for any- ther live by the keepers or using included financial donations one attending the event. speakers and a pre-narrated (CZK 841,916) and advertising in On 29 November, the depart- text. the zoo grounds (CZK 2,169,218), ment members pro-actively which comprises the unique participated on the Day of Chil- Adoption, financial donations, 1,000 Elephant Footprints Project dren Books held by Severočeská advertising (Picture 16). vědecká knihovna Ústí nad The adopt-an-animal system Labem (a regional public li- presents one of the most attrac- Fairs and exhibits brary). Besides a zoo informa- tive ways of financial support. The zoo was present at the tion point, contact animals and This schedule has been in use fairs and exhibits either on site a display of diverse natural since 1989, working well without through involvement of the specimens were presented. any major change to the rules. zoo personnel, such as Go Re- It is a financial contribution that giontour in Brno, or through Animal keeper talks helps to cover feeding costs that distri-buting its promotional The keeper talks that make use can be donated to the zoo by materials within the following of a close contact with animals an individual, company, group, events: Člověk v přírodě (EN: and animal features have al- or any other entity. In 2008, the Man and The Nature) exhibit in ready become a routine part of number of adoptive parents Louny, the exhibits organised by the education work; in 2008, total reached 210, which are 30 more Výstaviště Litoměřice (a trade eight various kinds of talk were persons compared to the pre- fair organization), and the available to visitors. The much- ceding year. Such an increase exhibits and fairs attended favoured parts include the can be assigned to the fact by the Magistrate of Ústí nad 75 17

Labem. In November, the zoo the meeting of education and underway online on the of- pro-actively participated on the promotion personnel (15-17 Oc- ficial site www.zoousti.cz from Exotika 2008 exhibit in Výstaviště tober 2008). 15 January through 15 March Lysá nad Labem (a trade fair fa- In addition, the zoo contributed 2008. Six animals that raised the cility), where the zoo personnel to the UCSZ Yearbook and An- highest awareness of the public used information panels and nual Report through detailed in 2007 were nominated. Total a display of terrarium animals reports summarising the pre- 1,361 respondents attended the in a very attractive manner (Pic- ceding year in terms of animal poll, which was an increase of ture 17). numbers, husbandry news, new nearly 200 compared to the first exhibits, events for the public, year. The red panda cubs Pat Involvement in UCSZ activities etc. and Mat were selected as the Within the 100th anniversary winners of the poll. Thanks to the from Lumpepark to a modern Animal of the Year 2007 zoo’s partners, attractive prizes zoo, the zoo arranged two ma- Following the success of the pre- could be ensured for the re- jor meetings for other zoo col- ceding year, the poll titled the spondents selected by lots. The leagues: it was the UCSZ Annual Animal of the Year took place formal announcement of the re- Meeting (13-15 May 2008), and again in 2008. The contest was sults and handing the main pri-

76 19

zes took place within the grand employees of Ústí nad Labem for closed groups was recorded opening of the 2008 season. Zoo as well as personnel from throughout the main season, other Czech zoos, Zoological which means April to October. Zoological Club Club members, and other per- During the summer holidays, The Zoological Club members sons interested. a visitor poll was underway. It meet at their plenary meetings In the middle of June, the team focused on the visitors coming every three months. The proof Ústí nad Labem Zoo partici- to the zoo with their dogs. The gramme of each meeting usu- pated on the year 11 of the Zoo- poll indicated that the possibility ally includes discussing organi- logical Games without Frontiers of taking a dog companion to zational matters, and a special event organised by Jihlava Zoo. the zoo was very welcome, and lecture with showing colour In the first mid-year, a giant in- in many cases even a crucial slides or electronical presenta- flatable trampoline was put in point determining the decision tions. In 2008, this involved four service. Placed near the Koliba whether to visit the zoo or not. In lectures (Picture 18). The Fauna Restaurant, the attraction re- addition, the poll produced sug- Bohemiae Septentrionalis edi- ceived is much-favoured by kids gestions for improving the qua- tion continued by publishing (Picture 19). lity of services for dog visitors. another volume numbered 32 Other attractions included (2007) and Supplementum 5 another series of wedding (Draft methodology of evaluat- ceremonies. In 2008, not only ing the quality of natural habi- the Elephant House, but also the tats using analysis of butterfly Carnivore House was in use as taxocenosis) with 500 copies per a new wedding feast venue. each. The publication is always On 2 December, a meeting distributed to diverse scientific of city institutions founded by institutions in the Czech Repub- the Ústí nad Labem Town took lic and abroad. place in the Carnivore House, attended by about 60 persons Other activities comprising the directors and An excursion to Tierpark Erfurt Ústí nad Labem Town represen- organised by the department tatives. members took place on 11 June. A high level of interest in special The trip was attended by the narrated tours using the zoo train 77 ALIES TO ALLIES PROJECT: CZECH RECORD BROKEN AT ÚSTÍ ZOO

Roman Nešetřil

On Wednesday 26 March, the were addressed. The winner A giant money collection box is operation called Alies to Allies will obtain an excursion to the already placed in the Carnivore was launched. local brewery accompanied House, where any collected with tasting and barbecue in coins will accumulate. The box The objective is to try to beat the the zoo grounds, and the other has the volume of 2,352 l, which existing Czech record number four in the row will win a barrel means it will contain one mil- of collected fifty heller coins. The of beer for its restaurant and will lion of koruna if full. The revenue operation has been announced have the opportunity of visiting from this operation will be allo- because 50 heller coins are the zoo free of charge including cated to the reconstruction and to be withdrawn in August this a ride by the zoo train. The visitor roofing of the outdoor alligator year. The project follows the level winners will be enabled to enclosure at Ústí nad Labem operation called All of that Small visit the zoo behind the scenes, Zoo; this is also the reason why Money for Baby Elephant per- while the other will win entrance the project was titled ALIES TO formed in 2003 on the occasion and a ride by the zoo train free ALLIES. of withdrawing ten and twenty of charge. heller coins. The zoo managed to collect CZK 229,840, which 1 was 1,082 kg of coins. The Dobrý den Pelhřimov Agency, the manager of the Czech edition of the Guinness World Records, is a formal partner of the project. On a visitor level, the operation is to continue until 28 September, when official registration of the vy Czech record will take place kolekti ro tøídní within the programme of the St outìž p yhlašuje s " Wenceslas’s Day of Records at V KY the Zoo event. A very attractive PRO ALÍ and unique agenda is under ADÍKY development, involving a tug-of- "P war match between a famous Shromáždìte co nejvìtší poèet padesátihaléøových mincí muscle man and a zoo’s ele- (platnost do konce srpna 2008) a pøispìjete k pokusu phant female. o èeský rekord a zápis do Guinessovy knihy rekordù!!! The Alies to Allies operation is to Shromážděné mince odevzdávejte za Vaši třídu run on three levels designed for do ústecké zoo (oddìlení propagace) do 15. záøí 2008. school classes (Picture 1), bar Vyhodnocení proběhne 28. září 2008 v rámci "DNE REKORDŮ V ZOO". flies, and zoo visitors. Within the school class level, classes from Výtìžek bude vìnován na výstavbu nové expozice aligátorù Ústí nad Labem, Teplice, Most, Libora a Elišky. and Litoměřice are now getting Ceny: 1. - 5. místo involved. The winning collectives sportovní potřeby pro Vaši třídu + společná návštěva zoo will receive sports equipment s projížďkou zoovláčkem + dort and sweet compensation donated by our partners; entrance VÍCE INFORMACÍ NA WWW.ZOOUSTI.CZ NEBO TEL. 731 506 227 to the zoo including a ride by the zoo train free of charge is natural. Within the bar fly level, nearly one thousand restaurants 78 Czech Republic. 2 The operation was not projected as a public collection; the coins were transferred by those who joined as a cash donation. Any- one wishing to participate in any of the announced levels could present the coins at the zoo’s entrance office, where the money were weighed and formally registered, as the competition was not about the numbers, but about weight. Any anonymous donor could put their contribution right to the giant collection box placed in the Carnivore House (Picture 3). With more The late March 2008 media re- twice a year (Picture 2), which and more money raised under lease above launched an op- naturally involves certain prob- the competition, the content of eration, which ended up with lems and risks. Even prior this op- the glass case was growing very results that no one could even eration, the Statutory Town of Ústí fast. The co-operation with the dream about. The upcoming nad Labem, the zoo’s founding Dobrý den Pelhřimov Agency, withdrawal of 50-heller coins body, came to help with a cap- who is a manager of the Czech scheduled for August 2008 was ital grant amounting to CZK 1.5 edition of the Guinness World a clear encouragement for the million earmarked exactly for Records and a registrar of for- zoo to follow the All of that Small the reconstruction of the gator mal Czech records proved to be Money for Baby Elephant oper- exhibit. Thinking of the name an excellent choice. From the ation that proceeded five years was not that long. The title that very beginning, the operation ago, bringing an unexpected read Alies to Allies was accept- was registered as an attempt to response as well as a financial ed by everyone and proved to overcome a record concerning benefit that covered the ac- be a lucky choice in the course a number of collected 50-heller quisition costs of the camera of time. The fact that they collect coins. The agency’s inspectors monitoring system designed for 50-heller coins at Ústí nad Labem got excited about the idea, start- the elephant house, which was Zoo became very well-known ing promoting the operation, then under development. The not only in the close surround- and even launching a separate experiences with this kind of op- ing of Ústí nad Labem Town, sub-level of the collection in the eration clearly indicated that but even anywhere around the south of the Czech Republic; any such action will need two basic conditions to be successful: setting out a specific capital 3 project for which the revenue would be used associated with an attractive species, which is at the same time an ’’animal in need’’, and deriving a striking and catching name based on it. Out of the available options, reconstruction of the American alligator exhibit was selected, focused namely on roofing and heat insulation of the building. The reason for this is the fact that the alligators must be moved

79 4

the revenues of this sub-level porations, and other institutions, settled on the top of the overall were handed at the end of the which resulted in another level chart. They took a bus to bring operation. The zoo got many for companies. This eventually their contribution to the zoo, contributions from distant plac- doubled the starting number of combining this with their school es via surface post; sometimes levels declared, and prizes for trip (Picture 4). The second from this involved quite heavy and the new levels were fortunately the periods above arrived in the bulky parcels. added by the partners. After- mid-September, when schools At the commencement, the fol- wards, an interesting event was and restaurants were finish- lowing levels were announced: pre-arranged for first two school ing their collection. Afterwards, school classes, visitors, and bar level winners: it was a mutual everybody could only contrib- flies. A great attention was paid excursion with our sports part- ute as a visitor, which lasted until by the media; thanks to this, ners, the national league foot- 28 September, when the entire the number of levels had to be ball team of FK Teplice, and the operation was to culminate by soon extended by several more. basketball team of BK Ústí nad the official registration of the re- The school level was set sponta- Labem. Thus, we were able to cord. In the middle of Septem- neously, as some of the schools award all the winners not only ber, the bar flies were the most were collecting the coins alto- with the usual free tickets and active participants. They were gether, refusing splitting the total promotional materials of the leaving their backdoor open for sum to individual classes. Any zoo. their contribution until the last consolidating under a single Namely two periods of time pro- moment in order to contribute level would be clearly unfair, duced the sharpest increase as much has possible. Neither so an additional school level in the number of collected schools nor classes were lacking was announced. Immediately, coins. The first peak occurred behind. There were participants the least kids joined, so the only towards the end of the school bringing their contributions in way ahead was announcing year, which of course involved multiple stages to achieve the one more level of kindergartens. efforts of schools and school best possible place. At the very The fifty-heller coins were col- classes. For a long time, the Tep- end, the Ústí nad Labem Town lected by many businesses, cor- lice Town U Nových lázní School Elišky Krásnohorské School out- 80 5

done everyone. Their contribu- cess on the visitor level conti- and re-counting would not be tion weighing almost 46 kilo- nued in the meantime, thus, the necessary. grams could not be overcome empty money box was being A Day-D finally arrived: an event by anybody, which made this filled again. These fifties were titled the Day of Records at the school a winner not only for its already waiting for re-counting Zoo was organized on the St own level, but even for the com- by an inspector of the Dobrý Wenceslas’s Day. The inspec- petition as such. den Agency. A special sensitive tor of the Dobrý den Pelhřimov 16 September was a day of scale was required to make re- Agency, Mr Luboš Rafaj, arrived a big transfer. The collection counting and weighing of one early in the morning accompa- box in the Carnivore House was of the available bags possible. nied with his staff. The bags filled vacated. Firstly, ten large plastic If the other bags were of the with re-counted coins were trans- containers were supplied; how- same weight, any unpacking ferred back to the Carnivore ever, as these turned out to be insufficient, more containers had 6 to be provided (Picture 5). The fifty-heller coins filled the entire Ford Transit load area and were transferred to the economy department at the main office. Hard times began for the zoo’s accountant clerks as they had to run all of the coins through a counting machine, sorting them and put them in the bags, 20,000 coins per each, to make the upcoming registration of the record as short as possible. Of course the collection pro- 81 7

House; the attendants included tractive competition involved was counted and weighed, and Zoo Director Mgr Tomáš Kraus, a match with the Malayan sun everyone involved already knew who then also assisted with the bear group. A daily diet for this the result. It was announced registration of the record. Visi- group was pre-arranged in the to the public within the main tors could still keep on bringing bear outdoor enclosure and di- programme by the Koliba Res- their coins until 11 a.m., when vided in four parts, as the group taurant. The remaining items the registration was launched. consisted of four animals as included a tug-of-war match Luboš Rafaj added the yield of well headed by the male Imro. between the Strong Man and the South Bohemian collection Near the walkway around the the Indian elephant female and the final stage could begin enclosure, identical batches Kala. Kala had been training for on the stroke of eleven (Picture were placed on tables for four this sports show already from the 6). Will the new record be estab- volunteers; as soon as the bears spring. In the beginning, only her lished? Everyone then knew it arrived in the enclosure, the keepers used to assist; however, would, but the only thing to do match could be started. Fruits, in the final stage of the training was waiting for the final result vegetables, boiled rice, yoghurt, process, everybody from the and seeing the financial effect cakes, and honey: who could male part of the zoo personnel for the gators. In the meantime, resist? It turned out that no one had to be involved and pull the a programme was underway could fight the appetite of the rope as much as they could. in the co-operation with the bears. The first animal eating up But even seventeen guys were Dobrý den Agency, who had its batch, and the winner, was unable to beat the female’s arranged a show around the the female Kubula greatly sup- power, and each training end- Carnivore House, which in- ported by the male Imro. The ed up with the female running volved display of unusual re- sweet choicy bear was running around her enclosure, dragging cords and contests for visitors. up and down from one batch the whole group of men by the An exhibition was performed by to another, tasting everything he rope. The famous muscle man a Strong Man; his formal name had found; he was sure to have crowned with titles from interna- was Jiří Žaloudek, a city police- consumed the most of the food. tional contests did not perform man from Čáslav Town. An at- In the meantime, everything any better (Picture 7), revealing 82 that even a train set was nothing the record.“ This fact shocked Carnivore House. For the main compared with the elephant. everybody around. Converting partner of the operation, the Next, one more event of nam- this figure means that unbe- Ústí nad Labem department of ing the three giraffes born in the lievable 536,026 Czech koruna the Czech National Bank, the year had to take place before have been collected until 28 major portion of the work was the moment everybody had September. At the time when still about to start (Picture 8). been longing for arrived, when this operation was under deve- The staff of the bank was sure Luboš Rafaj took a microphone, lopment and later announced, to look very happy to see all the saying: „With the greatest plea- no one would dare to hope for collected coins delivered for re- sure I can declare that a Czech a result like this. The declaration counting. record in the number of collect- of the record was then followed Everybody from the zoo person- ed coins of a common nominal with announcing the results on nel was highly pleased with the value has been achieved at Ústí each level and handing prizes Alies to Allies operation, but not nad Labem Zoo today. This re- to the winners. The programme only for the financial part, which cord reads 1,072,052 fifty-heller was topped up with a music will eventually bring the most coins and is about to be regis- show of the fancied country benefit to the zoo’s alligators. tered so with the Czech edition band from Ústí nad Labem. Even now, the Ústí nad Labem of the Guinness World Records. But the operation continued un- Zoo’s personnel are thinking of I would like to congratulate Ústí til the end of 2008. Visitors could what should be arranged when nad Labem Zoo and thank all still contribute to the money box the country will switch to Euro. of you who helped to achieve that was retained inside the

83 100 YEARS FROM LUMPEPARK TO THE ZOO

Ing. Věra Vrabcová

tablished exactly 100 years ago, Lumpepark to the Modern Zoo 1 the whole year 2008 proceeded produced by the zoo’s Promo- in the name of activities dedi- tion and Education staff mem- cated to this round anniversary. bers in co-operation with Martin A formal title 100 Years from Lum- Krsek, a historian, was presented pepark to the Zoo was selected to the public. Introduction of the and an official logo was creat- 100 Bird Nest-Boxes project ac- ed for this occasion, which not companied with grand instal- only reflected the new corpo- lation of the 100th bird nest-box rate identity of the zoo, but also near the historical castle was an- at the same time referred to the other event of the programme. history by means of the silhou- Actor Karel Fiala (Picture 3), the ette of the only preserved struc- doyen of the Czech film arts, was ture – the Dwarf Castle. In the responsible for this task. The 100 beginning of April, the logo was Bird Nest-Boxes project follows formally presented to the public the activities of Heinrich Lumpe (Picture 2) on the occasion of exactly in compliance with the the grand opening of the 2008 primary focus of the area with Ústí nad Labem Zoo can boast season as well as other activities the objective to provide nesting an unusual and interesting story. closely related to the anniversa- opportunities to the birdlife. Total In 1908, Heinrich Lumpe (Pic- ry. Heinrich Lumpe’s Zoo School 100 nesting boxes of seven ba- ture 1), one of the major Ústí’s that was developed based sic types were installed through- businessmen as well as an orni- on a costly reconstruction of out the zoo grounds, which can thology enthusiast, purchased a former staff dining room was provide nesting opportunities a lot of six hectares from the formally opened. It is a modern to as many as 21 bird species. city, and founded a private and very well-equipped edu- The project includes the pos- birdlife reserve there. His plan cation facility used not only for sibility of adopting a nest-box, was to provide songbirds with education programmes, but where symbolical contribution nesting opportunities and suffi- also for presentations, lectures, of CZK 500, 1,000 or 1,500 will cient space, so in the beginning, and talks. Next, a brand new be used for periodical checks this area became a quiet refuge book named 100 Years from and maintenance of the boxes. with plenty of feeding places and nesting hollows. Mr Lumpe was a very enlightened person 2 for his time, thus, he made the park available to the public after several years, as his intention was making every visitor familiar with the life of Lumpe’s beloved feathered creatures. Through- out the years, the beauty of the park was enhanced step by step thanks to horticulture arrangements, development of attractive structures and fairy- tale sceneries designed to raise the interest of namely children visitors. For the bird park was es- 84 where the given attractive at- 3 tribute was once found, but unfortunately, only a small part of it has been preserved. The production of the trail also involved a main information board located at the outset of the trail, and an information flyer. This trail was developed in co-operation with historian Martin Krsek again, who in addition participated on shooting a historical document titled ‘‘Po stopách ptačího el- doráda‘‘ (EN: Retracing the Bird Paradise). The shooting and production of the film was underway all the year round through the Videoreport Company. This document presents interesting historical facts accompanied with memories of contempo- raries, and is dedicated to the facts and affairs from the distant as well as more recent history of the zoo. The movie presents a triple of explorers searching for a rare motion picture material about Lumpepark that was once filmed. The launch of the film and the first presentation to the public is scheduled for late February 2009. Throughout the year, several promotional items were produced to recall the anniversary above, Every adoptive parent will obtain an adoption certificate and a report on the species that had 4 been dwelling in the nest-box and any nesting success. Development of the Lumpepark Education Trail was another important action. Ten sites were selected, each of them containing an information stand designed as an open book, presenting basic facts, contemporary photographs, and clips from the newspapers related to the given place of the former Lumpepark (Picture 4). Each site is located at the closest point to the place, 85 5

such as a historic postcard participants including zoo di- panying persons. The second and a drip mat with a historical rectors and other colleagues event, a meeting of zoo educa- castle theme. On the zoo’s web from each of the UCSZ member tion and promotion colleagues, site, a special section called 100 zoos around the Czech and Slo- took place in the autumn from Years was developed, present- vak Republic was the first one. 15 to 17 October (Picture 6). The ing each activity focused on the The meeting of the zoo direc- sessions were held in the Hein- round anniversary. tors was held in the Heinrich rich Lumpe’s Zoo School and In association with the anniver- Lumpe’s Zoo School (Picture attended by total 46 colleagues sary, two notable events related 5), while the economists as- from all Czech and Slovak UCSZ to the Union of Czech and Slo- sembled in the zoo staff meet- member zoos except for Košice vak Zoos were held at the zoo: ing room in the main office; the and Spišská Nová Ves. the UCSZ Annual Meeting from rest of the parti-cipants could 13 to 15 May, attended by 64 join a programme for accom-

86 Personal Staff STAFF MEMBERS

Zoo management Mgr Tomáš KRAUS – Director and CEO Jana ČERNÁ – Deputy Director, Head of Economical Department Ing Petra PADALÍKOVÁ – Head of Animal Husbandry Department Jiří HANZLÍK – Head of Technical Services Department Ing Věra VRABCOVÁ – Head of Education and Promotion Department

Specialist personnel MVDr Václav POŽIVIL – Veterinary doctor Pavel PALIČKA – Curator (up to 31/03/2008) Ing Pavel KRÁL – Curator Bc Tomáš ANDĚL – Curator (as of 01/09/2008) Bc Tereza LIMBURSKÁ – Marketing specialist Mgr Stanislav LHOTA – Researcher

Other senior staff František TRIEBL – Head of Transport Services Hana ROHÁČKOVÁ – Head of Horticulture Section Jaroslava DOBROVOLNÁ – Head of Animal Rescue Centre operated by Ústí nad Labem Zoo

Zoo management: 5 persons Animal Husbandry Department: 33 persons Economical Department: 5 persons Technical Services Department: 13 persons Promotion and Education Department: 2 persons Animal Rescue Centre operated by Ústí nad Labem Zoo: 3 persons Public works staff: 6 persons

TOTAL as per 31-12-2008: 67 persons

88 Provider Information PROVIDER INFORMATION

Zoologická zahrada Ústí nad Labem, allowance organization Drážďanská 23 400 07 Ústí nad Labem Česká republika

Legal form: příspěvková organizace (EN: a non-profit municipal organization) ID: 00081582 VAT ID: CZ00081582 Tel.: +420 475 503 354 Tel/Fax: +420 475 503 421 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.zoousti.cz, www.choboti.cz Formal name: Zoologická zahrada Ústí nad Labem, přísp. org. Place of business: Drážďanská 23, 400 07 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic

Founder: statutární město Ústí nad Labem (Statutory Town 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

90 The ZOO is a member of: