Captive Breeding in Zoos

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Captive Breeding in Zoos CAPTIVE BREEDING IN Destructive Programs in Need of Change BY DR. JOHN W. GRANDY n recent years, The HSUS has strongly that the ultimate goal of these pro­ of maintaining wild animals in captivity. become increasingly concerned with grams must always be the release of Professionally managed captive-breeding the practice of captive breeding of resulting animals into their natural habitats. programs do not exist at most zoos. Indeed, animals by zoos. At first glance, it We question whether this is truly a goal for the majority of zoos only breed animals seems that captive breeding would be most zoos or merely a carefully constructed because managers fail to control breeding, a productive program, if animals are rationalization that is little more than a or to provide income, or so there will be to be kept in zoos. If animals are go­ public-relations ploy. baby animals born each year. The births are ing to be kept in zoos, they should not It is important to realize that, while the often planned as a tourist attraction so that be taken from wild, unacclimated AAZPA's SSPs are designed to be profes­ zoo visitors can see young animals in nurs­ populations but rather from captive, sionally managed breeding programs, there eries and being hand-raised by humans. self-sustaining populations. Captive­ are probably more than 1,000 different Young animals that are pulled from their breeding programs, however, create their animal species in the 139 zoos accredited mothers and hand-raised create another ma­ own set of problems-unwanted zoo animals by the AAZPA-with only about 50 differ­ jor problem. Such animals have no oppor­ and animal auctions that dispose of surplus ent species involved in these SSP programs. tunity to learn parenting from their own zoo stock, among them. To evaluate the Examples of species involved in SSPs are species and are, therefore, not fit candidates seriousness of such problems, The HSUS, the golden lion tamarin, snow leopard, for release programs. Unfortunately, most some time back, began a comprehensive white rhino, scimitar-homed oryx, and bali animals bred in captivity cannot and will evaluation of captive-breeding programs in mynah. Of the 50 species, only about 6 never be released into the wild. roadside zoos, zoological parks, and similar (depending on who is counting) have had Most of the breeding taking place at the institutions. any individuals released into their native approximately 1,400* so-called zoos in the First, it should be noted that there is a habitats. If you include all the animals main­ United States is the result of animals simply tremendous difference between professional tained and bred in the more than 1,400 being housed together. These are unplanned captive-breeding programs, with a written menageries, zoos, and zoological parks, the births which offer nothing to conservation policy or goal of stipulating eventual release small percentage of animals that are in­ of wildlife. After animals grow out of the of animals into the wild, and the in­ volved in the SSPs is even further dimin­ "cute" stage, they are cast off indiscrim­ discriminate breeding that occurs at most ished. The HSUS does not question the inately by large, small, and even accredited zoos in the United States. There is, as well, captive-breeding efforts used to save these AAZPA zoos. These castoffs become can­ a difference between managed breeding of species. However, we are deeply concerned didates for disposal as surplus or for endangered species and the production of about the often indiscriminate production of euthanasia. surplus animals, either incidentally or for surplus exotics hidden behind the legitimate Frequently, those indiscriminately bred ommercial purposes. breeding of endangered species. surplus zoo animals end up in horrendous The goal of the American Association of Captive breeding is a two-edged sword. situations. They may change hands at an Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZ­ A few zoos are doing it right and for the exotic-animal auction where they endure P.-\f s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for right reasons. Most zoos, however, whether transport to and from the auction site in 2Teeding specific species in captivity with roadside, municipal, or other, use the ex­ of introducing them into the wild, istence of some captive breeding of endan­ * The 1,411 licensed and registered animal exhibitors -::-- HSCS believes, is admirable. We be­ gered or other species in a very misleading include the 139 AAZPA facilities, roadside zoos, uch professionally managed menageries, petting zoos, aquaria, and traveling animal way: breeding is used to justifY the existence shows such as circuses, etc. Numerous otber unlicensed _ ~ ::-:... ....... · ~ programs certainly have a of zoos to a public that is increas­ facilities exist as well. Virtually all, to one degree or - -' em zoos. However, we feel ingly concerned with the ethics and propriety anotber, are involved in captive breeding. The Humane Society News • Summer 1989 irths for popular species, includ­ Bing the hippo- potamus, are often planned by zoos as tourist attractions so that visitors can see baby animals in dis­ play cages, such as this one, or in zoo nurseries. The Humane Society News • Summer 1989 9 substantial and well beyond that which most zoos can offer. Neither of these breeding facilities is open to the general public. In order for animals to develop the natural behaviors leading to successful breeding, the rearing of young, and introduction of individuals in the wild, space and seclusion are mandatory. Space and seclusion are the very elements that most zoos can never hope to provide their animals. While we recognize that contributions to true conservation can be, and have been, made by the breeding of endangered species at places such as St. Catherine's Survival Center and the Conservation and Research Center, we question the overall feasibility of these programs in most other places. Even if space were not a limiting factor, monetary resources would be, because a successful professional program requires space and money to implement short- and long-term goals. In most cases, the camel tied to a livestock trailer awaits sale at the exotic-animal auc­ resources spent on captive breeding would tion in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Zoo cast offs that find their way to be better spent on other, more achievable A such auctions often face grim futures. programs, such as improvement of captive animal care or conservation education. cages that can cause injuries. They are then professional care for surplus exotic animals. The truth is that most zoos are commer­ sold to the highest bidder with no regard to It is irresponsible and unfair for entrepre­ cial ventures and are not concerned with the quality of care they will receive. For in­ neurs, breeders, or others to try to shift the maintaining large breeding areas not open stance, it has been estimated that between responsibility for maintaining surplus zoo to the general public. They cannot make 50-80 percent of all large animals found in animals onto charitable organizations, money from such facilities . Therefore, most roadside menageries originated in the breed­ which have many other demands upon their zoos are not involved with, or interested in, ing programs of major zoos. They may be resources. operating them. sold to game ranches where they are hunted Even large zoos often claim that the most as trophies. (Surplus lions from a United important benefit derived from keeping States zoo recently ended up at a Texas game animals in captivity is the breeding of en­ ranch where hunters paid $3,500 to kill each dangered, threatened, protected, and of these animals and then take them home diminishing animal species. Zoos proudly as trophies.) They may end up in roadside claim that they are the "arks" of the future. zoos, where they are neglected or abused and They mention the reintroduction of Pere maintained in wretched conditions. They also David's deer and a few other species as may end up with private individuals who evidence of their role in species preserva­ have no experience in keeping exotic animals. tion. Such successes are not widespread. Frequently, these animals die or go from one Based on the numbers of animals needed miserable situation to another; from circuses to maintain the genetic diversity of a species to performing animal acts to shopping-center and the amount of space needed to breed photo exhibits. Recently, a well-respected these animals, the potential for success of major zoo sold orangutans to a pet dealer, such "arks" is extremely limited. At least who bred some and sold others to a travel­ two American zoo directors have admitted ing circus. Animals may even end up in that zoos should be honest with the public research institutions, utilized for as to the potential for release of zoo and experimentation. aquarium specimens back into the wild. At Finally, private owners, zoos, or other best, relatively few species can ever be institutions may offer these unwanted rehabilitated through captive breeding. animals to local or national animal­ There are very few places in the United protection groups. Humane societies and States where successful professional SPCAs have neither the monetary resources breeding of endangered species can occur. nor the facilities for exotic animals. These The St. Catherine's Survival Center, the animals are not the responsibility of humane New York Zoological Society's breeding ieries, SPCAs, or the concerned facility on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia, -;: · li - they are the responsibility of those and the National Zoological Park's Conser­ -_ n o m them or those responsible for vation and Research Center in Front Royal, -::.· g t:hem into the world. We must de- Virginia, conduct professional programs, parties provide humane and but the amount of space they occupy is The Humane Society News • Summer 1989 e feel that zoos, which entertain Assuming a generous placement rate of 50 recognition of the problems caused by • -;;ill ions of visitors a year, would be better percent each month, this figure translates tive breeding of wildlife and its surplus o­ ...
Recommended publications
  • Management and Breeding of Birds of Paradise (Family Paradisaeidae) at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation
    Management and breeding of Birds of Paradise (family Paradisaeidae) at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. By Richard Switzer Bird Curator, Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. Presentation for Aviary Congress Singapore, November 2008 Introduction to Birds of Paradise in the Wild Taxonomy The family Paradisaeidae is in the order Passeriformes. In the past decade since the publication of Frith and Beehler (1998), the taxonomy of the family Paradisaeidae has been re-evaluated considerably. Frith and Beehler (1998) listed 42 species in 17 genera. However, the monotypic genus Macgregoria (MacGregor’s Bird of Paradise) has been re-classified in the family Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters). Similarly, 3 species in 2 genera (Cnemophilus and Loboparadisea) – formerly described as the “Wide-gaped Birds of Paradise” – have been re-classified as members of the family Melanocharitidae (Berrypeckers and Longbills) (Cracraft and Feinstein 2000). Additionally the two genera of Sicklebills (Epimachus and Drepanornis) are now considered to be combined as the one genus Epimachus. These changes reduce the total number of genera in the family Paradisaeidae to 13. However, despite the elimination of the 4 species mentioned above, 3 species have been newly described – Berlepsch's Parotia (P. berlepschi), Eastern or Helen’s Parotia (P. helenae) and the Eastern or Growling Riflebird (P. intercedens). The Berlepsch’s Parotia was once considered to be a subspecies of the Carola's Parotia. It was previously known only from four female specimens, discovered in 1985. It was rediscovered during a Conservation International expedition in 2005 and was photographed for the first time. The Eastern Parotia, also known as Helena's Parotia, is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of Lawes's Parotia, but differs in the male’s frontal crest and the female's dorsal plumage colours.
    [Show full text]
  • THE CASE AGAINST Marine Mammals in Captivity Authors: Naomi A
    s l a m m a y t T i M S N v I i A e G t A n i p E S r a A C a C E H n T M i THE CASE AGAINST Marine Mammals in Captivity The Humane Society of the United State s/ World Society for the Protection of Animals 2009 1 1 1 2 0 A M , n o t s o g B r o . 1 a 0 s 2 u - e a t i p s u S w , t e e r t S h t u o S 9 8 THE CASE AGAINST Marine Mammals in Captivity Authors: Naomi A. Rose, E.C.M. Parsons, and Richard Farinato, 4th edition Editors: Naomi A. Rose and Debra Firmani, 4th edition ©2009 The Humane Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. All rights reserved. ©2008 The HSUS. All rights reserved. Printed on recycled paper, acid free and elemental chlorine free, with soy-based ink. Cover: ©iStockphoto.com/Ying Ying Wong Overview n the debate over marine mammals in captivity, the of the natural environment. The truth is that marine mammals have evolved physically and behaviorally to survive these rigors. public display industry maintains that marine mammal For example, nearly every kind of marine mammal, from sea lion Iexhibits serve a valuable conservation function, people to dolphin, travels large distances daily in a search for food. In learn important information from seeing live animals, and captivity, natural feeding and foraging patterns are completely lost.
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainability of Threatened Species Displayed in Public Aquaria, with a Case Study of Australian 1 Sharks and Rays 2 3 Kathryn
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-017-9501-2 1 PREPRINT 1 Sustainability of threatened species displayed in public aquaria, with a case study of Australian 2 sharks and rays 3 4 Kathryn A. Buckley • David A. Crook • Richard D. Pillans • Liam Smith • Peter M. Kyne 5 6 7 K.A. Buckley • D.A. Crook • P.M. Kyne 8 Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, 9 Australia 10 R.D. Pillans 11 CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia 12 L. Smith 13 BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Building 74, Monash University, 14 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia 15 Corresponding author: K.A. Buckley, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin 16 University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia; Telephone: +61 4 2917 4554; Fax: +61 8 8946 7720; e-mail: 17 [email protected] 18 https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/sustainability-threatened-species-displayed-public-aquaria-case-study-australian-sharks-and https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-017-9501-2 2 PREPRINT 19 Abstract Zoos and public aquaria exhibit numerous threatened species globally, and in the modern context of 20 these institutions as conservation hubs, it is crucial that displays are ecologically sustainable. Elasmobranchs 21 (sharks and rays) are of particular conservation concern and a higher proportion of threatened species are 22 exhibited than any other assessed vertebrate group. Many of these lack sustainable captive populations, so 23 comprehensive assessments of sustainability may be needed to support the management of future harvests and 24 safeguard wild populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Learning About Nature at The
    Original citation: Jensen, Eric. (2014) Evaluating children's conservation biology learning at the zoo. Conservation Biology, 28 (4). pp. 1004-1011. Permanent WRAP URL: http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/67222 Copyright and reuse: The Warwick Research Archive Portal (WRAP) makes this work by researchers of the University of Warwick available open access under the following conditions. Copyright © and all moral rights to the version of the paper presented here belong to the individual author(s) and/or other copyright owners. To the extent reasonable and practicable the material made available in WRAP has been checked for eligibility before being made available. Copies of full items can be used for personal research or study, educational, or not-for profit purposes without prior permission or charge. Provided that the authors, title and full bibliographic details are credited, a hyperlink and/or URL is given for the original metadata page and the content is not changed in any way. Publisher’s statement: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Jensen, E. (2014), Evaluating Children's Conservation Biology Learning at the Zoo. Conservation Biology, 28: 1004–1011. doi:10.1111/cobi.12263, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12263. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. A note on versions: The version presented here may differ from the published version or, version of record, if you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher’s version. Please see the ‘permanent WRAP url’ above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription.
    [Show full text]
  • General Services Big Creek
    WILDERNESS TREK Asian ENTRANCE Highlands PARKING Bear Lot Unlock adventure and learn more about your favorite animals. Rosebrough Tiger Passage General Services Big Creek First Aid Lost & Found Restrooms Family Restroom Deckwalk Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter Sarah Allison Water Fountains Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine Stroller & Wheelchair Rental Restaurants/Snacks Shopping/Souvenirs ATM Yagga Train Playground Tree Station Daniel Maltz Lorikeet Rhino Reserve Nursing Room Feeding Sensory Inclusive Check-In Complimentary cell phone charging station Reservable Picnic Areas 1 Palava Hut Pavilion 2 Tucker Court Pavilion 3 Wild Wonder Pavilion 4 Nature Nook Pavilion 5 Waterfowl Lake Tent PARKING 6 Primate Picnic Canopy Lion Lot KeyBank ZooKey Locations Purchase Total Experience Pass Pass powered by CPP Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Pass Includes: Welcome Pavilion • KeyBank Zoo Key The Zoo is a smoke-free environment for the safety • Unlimited Boomerang Train, PARKING Zoo Tram Service to: Stork Lot of our animals and the comfort of our guests. Primate, Cat & Aquatics Circle of Wildlife Carousel and Tram routes and times subject to change. 4-D Theater Recycling stations located throughout the Zoo. • Plus $1 off giraffe feeding and lorikeet feeding PARKING Habitats and attractions are subject to change. Tiger & Otter Lots The RainForest Main Entrance Lower Level PUBLIC ANIMAL ACCESS EXHIBITS KAPOK TREE STAIRS REPTILES ELEVATOR LEAF-CUTTER VIDEO BATS ANTS THEATER SPIDERS & AFRICAN INSECTS POND TROPICAL RAINSTORM PORCUPINE AMPHIBIANS TO 2ND GHARIAL LEVEL TURTLES MEDICINE TRAIL SMALL PRIMATES JUNGLE CASCADE TO ORCHID ROOM & JUNGLE LAB MAIN ENTRANCE Together we can Upper Level secure a future for wildlife. KAPOK TREE STAIRS Join our conservation community AGOUTI, PORCUPINE & BINTURONG ELEVATOR Fifty cents from every admission fee RESEARCH helps support Zoo conservation HUT programs to secure a future for wildlife.
    [Show full text]
  • Captive Breeding Genetics and Reintroduction Success
    Biological Conservation 142 (2009) 2915–2922 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Biological Conservation journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon Captive breeding genetics and reintroduction success Alexandre Robert * UMR 7204 MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, Conservation des Espèces, Restauration et Suivi des Populations, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CRBPO, 55, Rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France article info abstract Article history: Since threatened species are generally incapable of surviving in their current, altered natural environ- Received 6 May 2009 ments, many conservation programs require to preserve them through ex situ conservation techniques Received in revised form 8 July 2009 prior to their reintroduction into the wild. Captive breeding provides species with a benign and stable Accepted 23 July 2009 environment but has the side effect to induce significant evolutionary changes in ways that compromise Available online 26 August 2009 fitness in natural environments. I developed a model integrating both demographic and genetic processes to simulate a captive-wild population system. The model was used to examine the effect of the relaxation Keywords: of selection in captivity on the viability of the reintroduced population, in interaction with the reintro- Reintroduction duction method and various species characteristics. Results indicate that the duration of the reintroduc- Selection relaxation Population viability analysis tion project (i.e., time from the foundation of the captive population to the last release event) is the most Mutational meltdown important determinant of reintroduction success. Success is generally maximized for intermediate project duration allowing to release a sufficient number of individuals, while maintaining the number of generations of relaxed selection to an acceptable level.
    [Show full text]
  • Legal Status of Zoos and Zoo Animals.Pdf
    TOWARD A MORE APPROPRIATE JURISPRUDENCE REGARDING THE LEGAL STATUS OF ZOOS AND ZOO ANIMALS By GEORDE DUCKLER* I. INTRODUCTION Zoo animals are currently regarded as objects by the state and federal courts and are perceived as manifesting the legal attributes of amusement parks. The few tort liability cases directly involving zoos tend to view them as markets rather than preserves; the park animals are viewed as dangerous recreational machinery more akin to roller coasters or Ferris wheels than to living creatures.' Courts typically treat zoo keepers and owners as the mechanics and manual laborers responsible for the mainte- nance of these dangerous instrumentalities. 2 Disputes concerning the pos- session, sale and care of exotic animals, as well as'the administration of the habitats in which such animals are housed, have also been treated by the courts in terms of control of materials for public exhibit and entertainment.3 Since zoos do in fact operate primarily as centers of entertainment, it is not surprising that they are characterized as such by the judiciary. Moreover, animals in general have historically been considered the prop- erty of humans, and that courts consider them as such is a topic well ex- plored by authors from many disciplines, including those published in earlier issues of this journal.4 With regard to animals as property, most discussions have focused on one of three specific groups: domesticated animals, animals used in scientific experimentation, or wild animals found on public lands. Zoo animals, on the other hand, occupy a peculiar place in the prop- erty law hierarchy;, a position not as easily or as regularly assessed as * Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • State City Zoo Or Aquarium Reciprocity Contact Name Phone
    Updated February 6th, 2020 State City Zoo or Aquarium Reciprocity Contact Name Phone # CANADA Calgary -Alberta Calgary Zoo 50% Stephenie Motyka 403-232-9312 Granby - Quebec Granby Zoo 50% Mireille Forand 450-372-9113 x2103 Toronto Toronto Zoo 50% Membership Dept. 416-392-9101 If the zoo or aquarium to which you Winnipeg - Manitoba Assiniboine Park Zoo 50% Leah McDonald 204-927-6062 belong has 50% in the Reciprocity MEXICO León Parque Zoológico de León 50% David Rocha 52-477-210-2335 column, you can expect to receive a Alabama Birmingham Birmingham Zoo 50% Patty Pendleton 205-879-0409 x232 50% discount on admission at all the zoos and aquariums on this list Alaska Seward Alaska SeaLife Center 50% Shannon Wolf 907-224-6355 (except, of course, those that are Arizona Phoenix Phoenix Zoo 50% Membership Dept. 602-914-4393 FREE TO THE PUBLIC ). Tempe SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium 50% Membership Dept. 877-526-3960 ALWAYS CALL AHEAD* Tucson Reid Park Zoo 50% Membership Dept. 520-881-4753 If the zoo or aquarium to which you Arkansas Little Rock Little Rock Zoo 50% Kelli Enz 501-371-4589 belong has 100% and 50% in the Reciprocity column, you can expect California Atascadero Charles Paddock Zoo 100% & 50% Becky Maxwell 805-461-5080 x2105 to receive free admission to the Eureka Sequoia Park Zoo 100% & 50% Kathleen Juliano 707-441-4263 zoos and aquariums that also have Fresno Fresno Chaffee Zoo 50% Membership Office 559-498-5921 100% and 50% in the Reciprocity column and those that are FREE TO Los Angeles Los Angeles Zoo 50% Membership Dept.
    [Show full text]
  • News Release
    News Release Contact: Sondra Katzen, Chicago Zoological Society, 708.688.8351, [email protected] John Bradley, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 505.248.6279, [email protected] Regina Mossotti, Endangered Wolf Center, 636.938.5900, [email protected] Tom Cadden, Arizona Game and Fish Dept., 623-236-7392, [email protected] October 24, 2016 Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Finds Evidence of Cross-Fostering Success Phoenix, AZ.— In their native habitat of the southwestern United States, the success of cross- fostered pups among the Mexican wolf population is being documented due to dedicated and collaborative efforts among several agencies and organizations, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), the Endangered Wolf Center (EWC), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The organizations are working together to reintroduce the species to its native habitat in the American Southwest and Mexico. In April 2016, five Mexican wolf pups were born at Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. As part of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, two of the pups were placed in the den of the Arizona-based Elk Horn Pack of wild wolves with the intention that the pack’s adults would raise the two with its own litter. In this process, known as “cross-fostering,” very young pups are moved from a captive litter to a wild litter of similar age so that the receiving pack raises the pups as their own. The technique, which has proven successful with wolves and other wildlife, shows promise to improve the genetic diversity of the wild wolf population.
    [Show full text]
  • State City Zoo Or Aquarium Reciprocity Contact
    Updated March 25th, 2021 State City Zoo or Aquarium Reciprocity Contact Name Phone # CANADA Calgary -Alberta Calgary Zoo 50% Katie Frost 403-232-9386 Granby - Quebe Granby Zoo 50% Mireille Forand 450-372-9113 x2103 Toronto Toronto Zoo 50% Membership Dept 416-392-9101 Winnipeg - ManiAssiniboine Park Zoo 50% Leah McDonald 204-927-6062 If the zoo or aquarium to which MEXICO León Parque Zoológico de León 50% David Rocha 52-477-210-2335 you belong has 50% in the Reciprocity column, you can Alabama Birmingham Birmingham Zoo 50% Patty Pendleton 205-879-0409 x232 expect to receive a 50% discount Alaska Seward Alaska SeaLife Center 50% Shannon Wolf 907-224-6355 on admission at all the zoos and Arizona Phoenix Phoenix Zoo 50% Membership Dept 602-914-4393 aquariums on this list (except, of course, those that are FREE TO Tempe SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium 50% Membership Dept 877-526-3960 THE PUBLIC). Tucson Reid Park Zoo 50% Membership Dept 520-881-4753 ALWAYS CALL AHEAD* Arkansas Little Rock Little Rock Zoo 50% Kelli Enz 501-371-4589 If the zoo or aquarium to which California Atascadero Charles Paddock Zoo 100% & 50% Becky Maxwell 805-461-5080 x2105 you belong has 100% and 50% Eureka Sequoia Park Zoo 100% & 50% Kathleen Juliano 707-441-4263 in the Reciprocity column, you can expect to receive free Fresno Fresno Chaffee Zoo 50% Membership Office559-498-5921 admission to the zoos and Los Angeles Los Angeles Zoo 50% Membership Dept 323-644-4759 aquariums that also have 100% Oakland Oakland Zoo 50% Membership Dept 510-632-9525 x160 and 50% in the Reciprocity column and those that are FREE Palm Desert The Living Desert 50% Elisa Escobar 760-346-5694 x2111 TO THE PUBLIC; and a 50% Sacramento Sacramento Zoo 50% Membership Dept 916-808-5888 discount on admission to the San Francisco Aquarium of the Bay 50% Jaz Cariola 415-623-5310 zoos and aquariums that have 50% in the Reciprocity column.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners Starting Captive Breeding Program in Race Against Time to Prevent Extinction of Florida Grasshopper Sparrows
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners Starting Captive Breeding Program In Race Against Time to Prevent Extinction of Florida Grasshopper Sparrows Vero Beach, Fla. -- In an effort to prevent extinction of the Florida grasshopper sparrow, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and many partners are establishing a captive breeding program for this species. Many believe that if current population trends continue the species could go extinct in three to five years. The Rare Species Conservatory Foundation and the Service will be collaborative leaders of this captive breeding effort. The captive breeding program will consist of trained volunteers and staff from the Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Department of Environmental Protection going into the field during April, May and June at specified locations looking for eggs in nests. When and if eggs are found, some of them will be collected and taken to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Loxahatchee, Fla. There, they will be placed in incubators, where the hope is hatchlings will emerge in 11-13 days, after which around-the-clock care will be provided to facilitate their survival. Ultimately, the hatchlings will be kept in captivity in the hopes that they will mate and breed. “Captive breeding is labor intensive and challenging. It is generally done as a last resort and there are no guarantees. But we have to try,” said Larry Williams, the Service’s Florida State Supervisor of Ecological Services. “This is an emergency and the situation for this species is dire. This is literally a race against time.” “The FWC is working closely with the Service and other partners to prevent the disappearance of the Florida grasshopper sparrow,” said Thomas Eason, Director of the FWC’s Habitat and Species Conservation Division.
    [Show full text]
  • Gray-Headed Chickadee Captive Flock and Propagation a Scoping Report
    Gray-headed Chickadee Captive Flock and Propagation A Scoping Report Aaron Lang Dr. Rebecca McGuire Wildlife Conservation Society, Arctic Beringia Program 3550 Airport Way, Suite 5 Fairbanks, AK 99709 Photo Credit: Aaron Lang [email protected] A report to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) in fulfillment of cooperative agreement 19-054 under State Wildlife Grant T-33 Project 10.0, April, 2020. ADF&G and the Wildlife Conservation Society have co-ownership of all content. Recommended Citation: McGuire, R. 2020. Gray-headed Chickadee captive flock and propagation: A scoping report. A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, in fulfillment of cooperative agreement 19-054, Fairbanks. Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 TRIGGERS FOR MOVING FORWARD ................................................................................ 2 3.0 REVIEW OF SELECT (PRIMARY) LOCATIONS OF CAPTIVE CHICKADEES OR SIMILAR SPECIES ........................................................................................................................ 3 4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF A CAPTIVE FLOCK FACILITY, INCLUDING CAPTIVE PROPAGATION ........................................................................................................... 7 5.0 OPTIONS FOR LOCATION OF CAPTIVE HOUSING ....................................................... 14 6.0 INITIAL STOCKING ............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]