Year of the Frog - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria

EAZANEWS
quarterly publication of the european association of zoos and aq u aria
january february march 2008
14
All about geladas
20
A giant panda born
at Vienna Zoo
21
Junior Zoo Directors
23
Assisted reproduction
in a captive rhino
24
Using
biodegradables
26
Green toad PHVA
workshop in Sweden
06 The ‘Year of the Frog’
16 Detecting explosives at Antwerp Zoo
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eaza news 61
2008
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eaza news 61
w h o i s w h o i n e a z a
2008
EAZA News is the quarterly magazine of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
Editorial Board Chair EAZA Bert de Boer Executive Director Harry Schram
Chair Membership & Ethics Committee Lars Lunding Andersen Managing Editor Jeannette van Benthem
(jeannette.van.benthem@eaza.net) Editorial Staff Bart Hiddinga, Catherine King, Danny de Man
Design Jantijn Ontwerp bno, Made, the Netherlands Printing D r u k k e r i j V a n d e n D o o l , S l i e d r e c h t , t h e N e t h e r l a n d s
ISSN 1574-29 97. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.
EAZA Executive Committee
chair Leobert de Boer, Apenheul Primate Park vice-chair S i m o n T o n g e , P a i g n t o n
Zoo secretary Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Lisbon Zoo treasurer R y s z a r d T o p o l a , L o d z Z o o
chair eep committee Bengt Holst, Copenhagen Zoo c h a i r m e m b e r s h i p & e t h i c s
committee Lars Lunding Andersen, Copenhagen Zoo chair aquarium committee
Jürgen Lange, Berlin Zoo chair legislation committee Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo
E A Z A E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r
H a r r y S c h r a m , E A Z A E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e , A m s t e r d a m
EAZA Standing Committees Chairs
eep committee Bengt Holst, Copenhagen Zoo
membership & ethics committee Lars Lunding Andersen, Copenhagen Zoo
aquarium committee Jürgen Lange, Berlin Zoo
legislation committee Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo
EAZA Specialist Committees Chairs
veterinary committee J a c q u e s K a a n d o r p , S a f a r i p a r k B e e k s e B e r g e n
research committee Gordon McGregor Reid, Chester Zoo
conservation committee Pierre Gay, Zoo de Doué
education & exhibit design committee Henk Hiddingh, Emmen Zoo
committee on technical assistance & animal welfare Dominique Tropeano, Colchester Zoo
committee on pr & marketing vacancy
EAZA Council Members 2006 - 2009
austria Michael Martys, Innsbruck Zoo belgium Roland Van Bocxstaele, Antwerp Zoo
croatia Davorka Maljkovic, Zagreb Zoo czech republic Dana Holeckova, Dvur Kralove Zoo ·
Vladislav Jirousek, Jihlava Zoo denmark Henrik Herold, Randers Zoo estonia Mati Kaal, Tallinn
Zoo finland Seppo Turunen, Helsinki Zoo france Françoise Delord, ZooParc de Beauval ·
Pierre Gay, Zoo de Doué · Thierry Jardin, CERZA Lisieux · Michel Hignette, Aquarium de la Porte
Dorée germany Bernhard Blaszkiewitz, Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde and Berlin Zoo · Dieter
Jauch, Wilhelma (Stuttgart) · Achim Johann, NaturZoo Rheine · Thomas Kauffels, Georg von Opel
Zoo (Kronberg) · Ulrich Schürer, Wuppertal Zoo greece Andreas Sioulas, Rhodes Aquarium
hungary Ilma Bogsch, Budapest Zoo ireland Neil Stronach, Fota Wildlife Park israel Shai
Doron, Jerusalem Zoo italy Gloria Svampa Garibaldi, Punta Verde Zoo (Lignano) latvia Rolands
Greizi ,n v s, Riga Zoo lithuania Vaclovas Dumcius, Kaunas Zoo netherlands Leobert de Boer,
Apenheul Primate Park · Wim Verberkmoes, GaiaPark Kerkrade Zoo norway Arne Magne Robstad,
Kristiansand Zoo poland Ryszard Topola, Lodz Zoo portugal Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Lisbon
Zoo russia Vladimir V. Spitsin, Moscow Zoo slovakia Miloslava Savelová, Bratislava Zoo
slovenia Zdenka Barbara Ban Fischinger, Ljubljana Zoo spain José Ignacio Cobo, Zoo Aquarium
Madrid · Agustin Lopez Goya, Faunia (Madrid) sweden Hans-Ove Larsson, Skansen Foundation
(Stockholm) · Bo Kjellson, Boras Djurpark switzerland Christian Stauffer, Wildpark Langenberg
(Langnau) turkey vacancy ukraine Vladimir Topchy, Nikolaev Zoo united kingdom Bryan
Carroll, Bristol Zoo · Mark Pilgrim, Chester Zoo · Simon Tonge, Paignton Zoo · Ken J. Sims, Thrigby
Hall Wildlife Gardens (Great-Yarmouth) · Dominique A. Tropeano, Colchester Zoo
S t a n d i n g C o m m i t t e e C h a i r s c o - o p t e d i n C o u n c i l
Lars Lunding Andersen, Copenhagen Zoo · Bengt Holst, Copenhagen Zoo · Jürgen Lange, Berlin
S p e c i a l i s t C o m m i t t e e C h a i r s a s o b s e r v e r s i n C o u n c i l
Gordon McGregor Reid, Chester Zoo · J a c q u e s K a a n d o r p , S a f a r i p a r k B e e k s e B e r g e n
(Hilvarenbeek) · H e n k H i d d i n g h , E m m e n Z o o
member of
colophon
Deadline EAZA News 62: 1 March 2008 Printed on TREE-FREE paper bleached without chlorine and free from acid
eaza executive office
c/o Amsterdam Zoo, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The Netherlands Website: www.eaza.net e-mail: info@eaza.net
02
FROM THE EDITORS
2008, this is the ‘Year of the Frog’. Frogs, toads, newts,
ceacilians and salamanders are generally small and
shy creatures that often lead a hidden existence.
They are usually not among our main ‘crowd pullers’.
So as zoos and aquariums we are faced with a
challenge. Since dinosaurs went extinct, there has
never been a more serious extinction crisis than
the one currently affecting amphibians.
Today the global conservation community has turned
to us for help. Ever since zoos and aquariums exist,
there has never been a better opportunity for us to
show that we can and will take conservation seriously.
On 31 December 2007 and 1 January 2008, zoos and
aquariums throughout the world participated in a
‘leapfrog’ event, marking the launch of the global
Year of the Frog Campaign. This campaign aims
to raise awareness on the amphibian extinction
crisis and to raise funds for the captive breeding of
threatened amphibian species.
To draw attention to this important campaign, many
activities and events will be organised throughout
the year, also in EAZA member institutions. During
the launch of the campaign at the EAZA Annual
Conference in Warsaw, September 2007, EAZA
symbolically signed a Countdown 2010 certificate,
committing to help achieve the 2010 biodiversity
target; notably through the EAZA Year of the Frog
Campaign. You will find more information on the
contents of this cooperation, the ‘leapfrog’ event and
campaign ideas on pages 6 to 8 of this magazine.
Updates on the campaign will be provided in the
coming issues of EAZA News and on the ‘Campaign’
section of the EAZA website.

9 14 15
photo l’oceanogràfic
photo achim johann photo zindl
c
Colophon · Who is who
Talking about ethics at Copenhagen · EAZA Council will meet at Lisbon Zoo · Welcome to Antwerp · Skopje Zoo in transition
EAZA Breeding Programme Management Course
Amphibian Alarm - EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign 2007/8 · We need your support!
One giant leap for mankind…..one more step to save frogs
Amphibian campaign at Münster Zoo · ALPZA amphibian update
Veterinary issues at L’ Océanografic; problems and projects
Miranda Faye Stevenson
Synergy between national associations and EAZA
The impact of CITES on species management in aquariums
All about geladas; a report on the Gelada Baboon Workshop at NaturZoo Rheine
Wanted: new holders for the Fennec fox ESB
Catch a crab at Living Coasts · Detecting explosives at Antwerp Zoo
Miss(ter) Camel 2007
Observing foxes in their natural environment
Puerto de la Cruz
Duisburg · Vienna Zoo
Cologne
Junior Zoo Directors
Aviaries for birds of Tibet and China
Assisted reproduction in captive southern white rhino; pioneering techniques using formerly frozen sperm
Using biodegradables
A short ZIMS update
The EAZA Plant Conservation Network and Plant Conservation Day
Green toad PHVA workshop in Sweden
The EAZA in situ Conservation Database
Programme updates
Personalia · Addresses and Telephone/Fax numbers
The Latin American Zoo and Aquarium Association 32 alpza
06
cover Heterixalus punctatus
photo gerardo garcia
photo antwerp zoo
contents
02 from the editors
03 contents
04 from the eaza office
05 from the eaza office
06 eaza amphibian campaign
07 eaza amphibian campaign
08 eaza amphibian campaign
09 veterinary
10 interview
11 national federations
12 collection planning
13 collection planning
14 collection planning
15 collection planning
16 education
17 education
18 education
19 births and hatchings
20 births and hatchings
21 births and hatchings
21 marketing
22 new enclosures
23 research
24 sustainability
24 zims
25 conservation
26 conservation
27 conservation
27 collection planning
16
eaza news 61
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27 directory updates | publications
28 books
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eaza news 61
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04
from the eaza office
Talking about ethics at Copenhagen
The EAZA Code of Ethics dates back to 2001 and focuses mainly
on animal welfare topics. However, the Membership and Ethics
Committee recognises that zoos have to deal with much more
diverse ethical topics, e.g. issues relating to education and
sustainable development. Therefore, the committee decided
to embark on a process of revising the current document.
As a first step towards developing a new EAZA Code of Ethics,
Copenhagen Zoo hosted an ethics workshop on 26 and 27
November 2007. A total of 12 people participated, representing
most EAZA Committees. A first outline for the new document
has been put together, and this will be further developed in
close cooperation with all relevant committees, working groups
and other EAZA bodies over the coming months.
EAZA Council will meet at Lisbon Zoo
The EAZA Spring Council Meeting will be hosted by Lisbon Zoo,
Portugal, from 18 to 20 April 2008. The actual council meeting will
be preceded by an EAZA General Meeting, which will focus on the
business and governance aspects of running a zoo or aquarium.
Aspects such as corporate and public funding, leisure industry trends,
outsourcing exhibit planning and construction, and human resources
will be dealt with. Apart from EAZA Council representatives, business
and governance staff of all EAZA member institutions can attend,
but there is a maximum of 100 participants. Be sure to book early if
you want to be a part of this unique new EAZA approach – and if you
want to enjoy springtime in sunny Portugal!
Welcome to Antwerp
The 25 th EAZA Annual Conference will
be hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of
Antwerp, Belgium, from 16 to 20 September 2008.
photo eaza executive office
Preparations are currently underway and all EAZA members have
received conference registration information. As always, information
is also available on the ‘Conference’ section of the EAZA website.
Skopje Zoo in transition
Skopje Zoo in Macedonia was built in 1926 and is located in the city
park, a green lung of over 100 ha. Nowadays, approximately 50% of all
Macedonians live in and around Skopje. Several years ago, actions were
undertaken by several local and external organisations to draw attention
to the bad conditions of the animals at Skopje Zoo, a situation which
was similar to that of other zoos in the region. Thereafter, the EAZA
Technical Assistance and Animal Welfare Committee visited Skopje Zoo
in 2004 and 2005 and plans were made to reconstruct the zoo.
The last renovations in Skopje Zoo took place 25 to 30 years ago. In
2005 the EAZA Technical Assistance and Animal Welfare Committee
conducted a regional workshop on EU zoo legislation and the basic
plans for reconstructing the zoo were discussed. Gerard Baars, current
director of the International Bear Foundation, accepted an invitation
to become the zoo’s mentor early 2006. With a new management, fully
supported by the city council of Skopje and embraced by the government,
a start was made to develop a master plan.
Staff at Skopje Zoo attended the EAZA Zoo Educator Conference in
Budapest, Hungary in spring 2007 and the zoo director was invited
by Pistoia Zoo, Italy, to be trained in the role of a zoo director. The
director’s assistant, also a veterinarian, visited the EAZA Executive Office
and followed a one-month training at Zodiac Zoos, the Netherlands to
learn more about modern zoo management. Furthermore, a zookeepers
training course was initiated, and record keeping systems have been
introduced.
Meanwhile, the new zoo outlines are becoming visible. The zoo received
funds in 2007 for complete renovation of its watering system and a
new monkey house and an enclosure for Barbary sheep have already
been completed. A new bear enclosure, a new site for lynxes and a new
tiger enclosure should be ready in early 2008, as well as a café with an
adjacent playground for children. The zoo budget is fully covered by
income through zoo visitors and donors. The main aim is to steer the
zoo towards an independent financial structure based on a new harmony
with the city of Skopje and the government of Macedonia. The zoo has
recently officially applied to become a Candidate for Membership of
EAZA.

EAZA Breeding Programme Management Courses
Another EAZA Breeding Programme Management Course was organised
from 19 to 23 November 2007; this time in the new EAZA Executive
Office (EEO) in Amsterdam. The course was already fully booked by
Summer 2007. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between
EAZA and ALPZA (Asociacion Latinoamericana de Parques Zoologicos y
Acuarios), two colleagues from the ALPZA region had also been invited
to participate.
The two groups of participants were trained in a wide range of aspects
relevant when managing an EEP or an ESB (e.g. population genetics,
demographics, SPARKS, PM2000, politics and policies).
The following 15 participants successfully completed this basic course:
Ernesto Arbelaez Ecuador ALPZA
Nuria Baylina Lisboa-Ocea Blue-spotted stingray ESB
Andres Bracho Venezuela ALPZA
Piotr Cwiertnia Poznan Dalmatian pelican EEP
Jo Elliott Edinburgh European otter EEP
Peter Galbusera Antwerp Golden-headed lion tamarin EEP
Laura Gardner Leeds/Chester Blue-crowned laughingthrush ESB
Volker Grun Frankfurt Rhinoceros iguana ESB
Jacques Kaandorp Hilvarenbeek Southern cheetah EEP
John Meek Newquay Binturong ESB
Zjef Pereboom Antwerp Bonobo EEP
Tatiana Romanova Rovno Advisor EAZA Bear TAG
Kathleen Standen Edinburgh Warthog ESB
Ewa Trzesowska Poznan Kowari ESB and Pygmy slow loris EEP
Hans van Weerd Amsterdam Polar bear EEP
The next basic course will be held in March 2008.
The first EAZA Academy ‘experiment’
As part of the ongoing discussion about the EAZA Academy and the
possibility to concentrate the activities partly in Jersey (International
Training Centre), the second EAZA Advanced Breeding Programme
Management Course was held in Jersey from 12 to 14 December 2007.
Based on the evaluation of this course, further decisions can be made about
possible future activities in Jersey within the EAZA Academy framework.
The first EAZA Advanced Breeding Programme Management Course took
place in Amsterdam, in January 2006. Both advanced courses aimed at
increasing the membership of EPMAG (EAZA Population Management
Advisory Group). As TAGs are working on updating their Regional Collection
Plans and EEP evaluations, EPMAG receives more and more questions.
By increasing the number of active EPMAG members, better assistance
can be provided to TAGs, EEP coordinators and ESB keepers.
from the eaza office
The following 12 participants successfully completed the advanced course:
David Brunger Chester Dwarf forest buffalo ESB
Marc Damen Overloon Giraffe EEP, West African crowned crane ESB
Aude Haelewyn- St-Aignan Northern and Southern ground hornbill ESBs,
Desmoulins Red handed tamarin ESB, Kinkajou ESB,
Lowland tapir EEP
Warner Jens Apeldoorn Javan langur ESB
Anna Mekarska Krakow Fennec fox ESB, Turkmenian kulan EEP
Vicky Melfi Paignton Sulawesi crested macaque EEP
Kirsten Pullen Paignton White-faced saki EEP
Martina Raffel Munster Persian leopard EEP
Tracy Rehse Pretoria
Frank Rietkerk Apeldoorn Woolly monkey EEP, Western lowland gorilla EEP
Fabian Schmidt Leipzig African dwarf crocodile ESB
photos eaza executive office
Beatrice Steck Basel Somali wild ass EEP, Indian rhinoceros EEP,
Pygmy hippo EEP
The next advanced course, for which the date still has to be set, will be
open for all EEP coordinators and ESB keepers, provided that they have
already completed the basic course.
For questions about (participating in) one of the courses, please
contact William van Lint (william.van.lint@eaza.net). For questions
about EPMAG, please contact Kristin Leus (kristin.leus@eaza.net).
eaza news 61
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eaza amphibian campaign
Amphibian Alarm - EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign 2007/8
The ‘Year of the Frog’ has started! On 1 January 2008, the global Year of
the Frog Campaign officially commenced. Regional contacts have been
appointed on all continents where an amphibian campaign is being
organised, and the Amphibian Ark is coordinating the various Year of
the Frog events. The first global event was the ‘New Year Leapfrog’
campaign launch.
The EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign was started a little bit earlier (in
September 2007) and some EAZA members have already started their
campaign activities. The EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign will be run
like all previous EAZA Conservation Campaigns, the only difference
being that similar campaigns are organised in other regions, creating
WE nEED YOuR SuppORT!
B e n g t H o l s t a n d Q u e n t i n B l o x a m ,
EAZA Amphibian Campaign planning group
At the launch of the EAZA Amphibian Campaign in Warsaw, September
2007, EAZA chair Bert de Boer and Andras Krolopp of Countdown 2010
symbolically signed a certificate confirming the future cooperation in
reaching the Countdown 2010 goals. The real certificate has now been
signed, and the right text as to the commitment of EAZA has been
entered. The text reads as follows:
“EAZA committed itself 1) to support the commitments to halt or signifi-
cantly reduce the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, 2) encourage
decision makers at all levels, in both the public and the private sector, to
contribute to these commitments, and 3) encourage and assist decision
makers and societies in achieving the 2010 biodiversity target, notably
through the EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign. These activities will generate
public awareness and understanding of the amphibian extinction crisis,
raise funds for implementing the ex situ aspects of ACAP (Amphibian
Conservation Action Plan), encourage further EAZA member participation
in amphibian ex situ conservation, raise awareness and funds to support
and supplement the activities of the EAZA Amphibian Ark, further
position IUCN and the zoo community as leaders in global conservation.”
This is the formal part of the cooperation. But no certificate is worth more
than the actions lying behind it. So, it is now up to all zoos and aquariums
to put actions to the words. And the first thing we can all do is to register
for the EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign. As was mentioned during the
launch, the goal is to have a 100% participation among EAZA members.
That is an optimistic goal, but should by far not be unrealistic, seen in the
light of the serious threats that the amphibians are facing and the call for
help that has been directed to the zoo community from all major conservation
bodies. Our chair, Bert de Boer, said it very clearly during his speech:
“This, however, also puts a great responsibility on us, the members of
EAZA. We have to show the world that we are worth our reputation in
campaigning for conservation. Therefore, I urgently call on all EAZA
members to participate in this campaign. Each and every zoo and
aquarium in Europe can and should play a role in this great endeavour.
possibilities for global campaign events. All participating EAZA
members will be kept informed of global activities and reports from
other continents during the year.
As usual, campaign updates will be published in EAZA News and
on the EAZA website. All participating EAZA members are invited
to send pictures and reports of their activities to Martijn Los
(martijn.los@eaza.net) at the EAZA Executive Office.
The campaign planning group has worked hard on compiling
an excellent information package, presenting a great variety of
suggestions for EAZA members’ campaign activities. Even members
without frogs, toads or salamanders in their collections will find ways
to successfully take part. However, as previous campaigns have shown,
the eventual success will greatly depend on each participating member’s
individual enthusiasm, creativity and effort.
So, let us show the world that we can do it again! Let us
grasp this unique chance to demonstrate that EAZA zoos
and aquariums do not only preach conservation in words,
but that we also actually are able to make a difference….”
60% to follow!
Until now 117 EAZA members (just 40% of all EAZA members) have registered
for the campaign. That is a good sign since we know from earlier

campaigns that most participants do not register until early spring.
However, we would urge those of you who have not yet registered, to do so
as soon as possible, in order for EAZA to send the right signal to the outside
world; that we do care, and that we are willing to take on the responsibility
that we have mentioned so often when talking about our tasks. The earlier
we can show the world that we have 100% support for the campaign, the
stronger we can make our campaign efforts and the better the result!
So, a total number of 189 EAZA member institutions has not yet registered
for the EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign and/or Amphibian Ark activities.
The Global 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign got
off to a ‘leaping’ start on 31 December 2007 and
1 January 2008. Zoos and aquariums throughout
the world participated in the leapfrog event that
marked the launch of the 2008 Year of the Frog.
The children’s game ‘leapfrog’ is well known in
many countries and several zoos invited their
(young) visitors to join in this global game of
leapfrog. Several EAZA member institutions
joined the event as well.
eaza amphibian campaign
To reach the target we urge these EAZA members to register as soon as
possible. The campaign registration form can be found in the Campaign
Info Pack (page 19) or on the EAZA website member area.
Alternatively, you can contact Martijn Los (martijn.los@eaza.net) at the
EAZA Executive Office to register. If your institution cannot participate in
the campaign for whichever reason, please think of other ways how your
institution can get involved in amphibian conservation (and share your ideas).
EAZA zoos and aquariums have to act now and contribute to saving the
world’s amphibians!
OnE gIAnT lEAp FOR MAnkInD…..OnE MORE STEp TO SAvE FROgS Lesley Dickie, global Year of the Frog Campaign manager
photo zsl
Following Münster Zoo’s large involvement in
the EAZA Shellshock Campaign, it was decided
to make an even bigger effort for the EAZA Year
of the Frog Campaign with zoo director Jörg
Adler being member of the EAZA Campaign
Planning Group. Consequently, the zoo has set
an ambitious fundraising target of €50,000.
Although the campaign at Münster Zoo will
not necessarily be limited to the formal running
time of the campaign, i.e. one year.
Münster Zoo has already organised the first event
in support of the campaign, even before the official
Children in the participating zoos and aquariums
formed ‘teams’ to leapfrog over a certain distance
sometimes making ‘ribbit’ noises at the same
time. Specially prepared Amphibian Ark/Year
of the Frog masks were handed out to the
participating children. In many zoos the activity
was started by a celebrity, or someone at the
zoo, blowing a whistle or sounding a claxon.
After successfully completing their leapfrog
challenge, many zoos distributed momentos to
the children, including inflatable frogs and Year
of the Frog masks.
With the New Year moving across the globe from
East to West, a wave of staged leapfrog events took
place around 11 am New Year’s Eve local time, with
one zoo symbolically handing the game to the
next zoo in the timeline or the next country in the
timeline. Thereby creating one giant ‘leap’ across
the globe launching the 2008 Year of the Frog.
AMpHIbIAn CAMpAIgn AT MünSTER ZOO Martina Raffel, Münster Zoo, Germany
launch of the EAZA Year of the Frog Campaign
2007/8. During the autumn school holidays,
from 27 until 29 September 2007, children were
invited to make frog ponds and frog pictures
from Quadratologo ® canvas, to paint wooden
frogs or to make their own frog buttons. While
the children were busy and creative, their parents
were informed about the amphibian extinction
crisis at a ‘frog booth’.
Several means of promotion were developed and
a local sponsor was found. An attractive logo with
the slogan of the local campaign ‘Kiss a frog’ was
The giant leap took off in Auckland, New
Zealand, moving westwards to Australia,
Japan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.
Leaving Asia, the leap continued on through
the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and on
into Europe.
EAZA member zoos in Russia, Hungary, Latvia,
Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom
joined in the event. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean,
the giant leap arrived in the Americas, with zoos
in Mexico, Panama, Colombia and the United
States ‘hopping’ for frogs.
With this giant leap the 2008 Year of the Frog
created a lot of publicity throughout the
world on TV, radio and in print. More global
events are planned for the Year of the Frog
and hopefully many zoos will participate again.
Many thanks to all who took place and who
received their leapfrog participation certificate.
photo münster zoo
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eaza news 61
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08
eaza amphibian campaign
AlpZA AMpHIbIAn upDATE Diana Sarmiento, ALPZA Executive Director
Obviously, zoos in South and Central America
are involved in the Amphibian Ark and Year of
the Frog as well. Many of the species we are
trying to save naturally occur in this part of
the world. Therefore the Latin-American Zoo
Association (ALPZA) jumped in to join the
efforts to save amphibians worldwide. With the
help of ALPZA several amphibian conservation
workshops have so far been carried out.
COlOMbIA - A Colombian amphibian
prioritisation workshop was successfully
organised and facilitated by Luis Carrillo from
CBSG Mexico and Diana Sarmiento from
ALPZA. Fifteen people, representing Colombian
zoos, amphibian experts and researchers
from universities and NGOs, attended this
two-day workshop (11 and 12 November 2007)
in Bogotá. The workshop was organised by
ALPZA in cooperation with the Colombian Zoo
and Aquarium Association (ACOPAZOA).
pROJECT ECOFOnDO - At the end of the
workshop in Bogotá, Mariela Osorno of project
Ecofondo showed the preliminary results of a
project in the Magdalena River and Amazonas.
In this area Ecofondo is working together with
local communities to develop awareness and
interest for amphibian conservation and water
protection.
vEnEZuElA - On 17 and 18 November
2007, a workshop for prioritising Venezuelan
amphibians was organised in Rancho Grande.
Twenty-five people attended the workshop,
mainly researchers and experts from different
created, and this logo was printed – together
with information on the campaign – on postcards
that are distributed for free at more than 100
locations in Münster. The logo was also used on
buttons, fridge magnets and posters, which are
being sold in the shopping arcade and offered for
donations at the zoo. Finally, the little ‘frog king’
from the logo was produced as a pin, which has
already proven to be a big seller. Ideas to create
a silver ring in limited edition (symbolising a
life-saver for the frog king) are on the way.
parts of the country and a number of zoo
representatives. The workshop was facilitated
by Luis Carrillo (CBSG Mexico) and Diana
Sarmiento (ALPZA) and was organised by the
Venezuelan Zoo and Aquarium Association
(AVZA) and ALPZA.
AMpHIbIAn TRAInIng COuRSES -
The fourth course in amphibian management
and conservation was organised in Valencia,
Venezuela. Eighty people from universities, zoos
With Jörg Adler ‘marketing’ the Year of the
Frog campaign in numerous presentations for
financially strong businessmen and addressing
the amphibian crisis in several newspaper
interviews and local TV appearances, the demand
for means of promotion as well as the readiness
to donate has been amazing, so far resulting in
an incredible €14,703 already!
photo mariela osorno
and NGOs attended this course. National and
international lecturers shared their knowledge
with the participants during five days, finishing
with a field trip in National Park Henri Pittier.
Important topics for amphibian conservation
were discussed, including initiatives for the
international Year of the Frog Campaign.
Support from the World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (WAZA), Sea World and national
organisations and the hard work of AVZA made
it possible to organise this course.
photo luis fernando navarrete

veterinary issues at l’ Océanografic;
photo l’oceanogràfic
problems and projects
Daniel García-Párraga, L’ Océanografic, Valencia, Spain
L’ Océanografic, Valencia, open since February 2003, is considered the largest
aquarium in Europe, with a water volume of 42,000 m3 and a 110,000 m2 surface.
This aquarium hosts more than 25,000 animals comprising 350 species, ranging
from beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) to sunfish (Mola mola). This
project has been quite challenging so far, also from a veterinary point of view.
Founding a ‘green team’
The veterinary department of L’ Océanografic is
involved in rehabilitation work, conservation and
research. The veterinary area includes a clinical
section with pre-surgery, surgery and necropsy
rooms, and a water and food quality section. There
is equipment for humid and dry bio-chemistry,
coagulometry and microbiology. There are laser
cell counters, an endoscope column, an ultrasound
machine and a portable X-Ray machine.
Healthy fish
The first concern regarding the health of fish is
avoiding pathogens entering the exhibit tanks,
e.g. skin and gill parasites and certain insidious
bacteria such as Mycobacterium sp. Although all
newly-arrived animals are kept in strict quarantine
before transfer to exhibit tanks, some problems
occur; primarily Cryptocarion irritans (marine
itch) and Neobenedenia sp. infections. Other
problems have resulted from lack of information
on the requirements of an unusual species that
has arrived, such as swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
and blue sharks (Prionacea glauca).
Routine clinical check-ups are carried out during
quarantine, including taking samples of blood,
urine, faeces and blowhole secretions.
Ultrasonographs and endoscopies are also
routinely performed. Training animals to
cooperate during medical examinations is
therefore a priority at L’ Océanografic.
Other challenges
One of the most severely injured marine
mammals that has been treated by the veterinary
department was a bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops
truncatus) with a pneumothorax caused by a
broken rib. The animal has completely recovered
after long-term hands-on therapy, including
restricted exercise during two months of
antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment.
Some of the other major incidents in dolphins
that have been successfully treated include
transport hypocalcaemia, severe anaemia after
con-specific aggression, and severe pneumonia.
A very remarkable challenge was the attempt
to hand rear the first beluga whale calf born in
captivity in Europe. As the mother rejected the
calf and it was not possible to collect enough
colostrums, the neonate never developed passive
immunity and died at the end of its first month
due to an Aeromona hydrophila septicaemia.
Walruses are possibly the most complicated
animals from the veterinary department’s standpoint.
Foreign body ingestion is commonly seen,
as almost no material is walrus-proof; walruses
can even suck out pieces of the tank walls and
decorations. They are also very sensitive to changes
in their diet, and colic episodes are not unusual
and can even be lethal. Skin dermatofites (fungus)
and candidiasis (yeast infection) are also commonly
seen and fractures and infections of tusks
are frequent complications. To minimise fractures
and infections, the tips of the tusks are therefore
protected with a chrome-cobalt alloy. However,
even these protection cups have to be replaced
quite often and the tusks eventually have to be
removed when the globular dentine in the core of
the tusk is exposed, allowing bacteria to migrate
into the pulp cavity causing an infection.
Rehabilitation
An important task of L’ Océanografic is the reha-
veterinary
bilitation of marine fauna. Approximately fifty
marine turtles arrive at the institution each year.
Foreign body ingestion, pneumonia, entanglement
in fishing gear and fish hooks are the main
causes for admission. Marine mammals have
also been brought in, including a young Risso’s
dolphin (Grampus griseus) with a severe pneumonia
and a juvenile striped dolphin (Stenella
coeruleoalba) with a fracture of the rostrum.
Despite intensive care for several weeks, both
animals died. The collected data will however be
useful in case of future admissions.
Conservation and research
The veterinary department is also involved in
in situ conservation projects, including a project
coordinated by the Complutense University of
Madrid and the Spanish Army. This project aims
to determine the health status of Antarctic
pinnipeds, as well as the impact of tourism and
scientific stations on local fauna. Preliminary
results of this research will be available early 2008.
Other research projects are carried out in collaboration
with the Biology College of Valencia
University, and include parasite control, mainly
focusing on Cryptocarion sp. and fish trematodes,
and the testing of new anti-parasitic drugs.
L’ Océanografic has also developed an underwater
gun used for remote injection of anaesthetics and
proper fish handling in large tanks. Furthermore,
a protocol for use of Low Level Laser Therapy
(LLLT) has been designed to improve and
accelerate the healing of wounds on dolphins.
Most research results are presented to the rest
of the scientific community through different
forums and conferences. •
eaza news 61
2008
09

eaza news 61
2008
interview
10
Please describe your career path. I have always been
interested in conservation, animals and zoos. I was brought
up in Dublin, Ireland and after graduating from Trinity
College with a degree in genetics, I became a zoo keeper
at Chester Zoo. While there, I developed an interest in
primate behaviour and ecology. I also started to realise
that zoos had huge potential, but a long way to go. After
two years I moved to Aberystwyth (Wales), to work in
a plant breeding station, but was lucky enough to get a
PhD post in the zoology department; my thesis was on the
play behaviour of marmosets and I also carried out some
field work in Brazil. In 1979 I moved to Edinburgh Zoo as
animal curator, becoming a deputy director in 1996. I spent
19 years at Edinburgh, moving to Marwell Zoo as director
in 1998. After two years, I resigned and did a lot of freelance
work, which was a great experience and widened
my horizons. I started as director of the British and Irish
Association of Zoos and Aquariums, BIAZA in 2003 (then
the Federation of Zoos).
What is the main challenge for you as director of BIAZA?
Like EAZA, it is shortage of resources, mainly staff and
time. So we have to prioritise, which means that there are
always things that we should be doing more of, like PR,
promotions and liaising with other businesses. It has been
a lot of work getting the aquariums on board and making
sure that we can represent them, but we are seeing light
at the end of that tunnel now. Another challenge is getting
the information that we need from our members!
Animal rights and anti-zoo movements – from mainstream to
radical – recently seem to have widened their approach from just
animal welfare to targeting our conservation commitments as
well. How do you feel the zoo and aquarium world should react
to this? Fundamentally, I think all organisations benefit from
having opponents. Zoos and aquariums ought to be able to
justify what they do and there is no excuse for poor welfare.
The fact that the anti-zoo people are now challenging our
conservation work is interesting as they must now regard
this as a threat, and it puts us in a stronger position. The
attacks in the United Kingdom (UK) this year were received
positively by most of our members who said it gave them a
chance to publish their work. However, I cannot stress too
strongly that zoos must have easily accessible data so that
they can demonstrate the conservation work that they do.
This interview has been abridged. For the original full version, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section of the EAZA website.
Miranda Faye Stevenson
Position Director of BIAZA Other zoo world activities Member of
the Zoos Forum, zoo inspector under the Zoo Licensing Act and
member of the EAZA Legislation and Veterinary Committees and the
WAZA Welfare and Ethics Committee Hobbies Going out to eat, to
the theatre and to other events, walking, reading and gentle cycling.
Favourite colour Varies each year, into silver at present Last book
read ‘Our inner ape’, by Frans de Waal Last movie seen at the
cinema ‘The Singer’ with Alain Depardieu
In more general political terms, the UK is not the most European
oriented EU member state. Yet when it comes to zoo, wildlife
and veterinary legislation, we often find UK proposals in the
forefront, also within EAZA. Are UK zoos more European oriented
than the national average as reflected in UK media and politics?
I think the main problem, as in many areas, is language and
culture. We are notoriously bad at learning other languages.
However, many people own homes in mainland Europe
and love it there. They just do not want to have all these EU
rules forced on them (but then who does?!). Because the
government(s) are rather too efficient at transposing EU
legislation into UK law we have to be up-to-speed on all
these issues.
British and Irish people love animals, wildlife and zoos and
aquariums. Zoo people have always loved visiting zoos in
other countries, particularly those in other European countries,
so we love being part of the European zoo community.
Are zoo people more European than the average? You would
need a wiser person than I to answer that one.
“
All organisations benefit from
having opponents. I cannot stress
too strongly that zoos must have
easily accessible data so that they
can demonstrate the conservation
work that they do.”
EAZA is refining its ethical standards. Issues like management
culling or dolphin shows or even public feeding are interpreted
very differently across the European (EAZA) community. Do you
think it will be possible to reach a European consensus?
I believe that everything is possible, as was shown by the
recent EAZA elephant guidelines. That was a tough one but
it worked out in the end, much of it due to the hard work
of the TAG. Management culling is an issue we have to
be braver about and grasp more nettles. This might benefit
from more discussion in EAZA and we are actually currently
reviewing the BIAZA guidelines, so yes, we need to be
braver about this one and make efforts to reach more
consensuses. •

Currently, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(BIAZA) has 86 full and provisional members. Of these, 38 are members
of EAZA, leaving nine EAZA members in the United Kingdom that are
not BIAZA members. In the ideal world all would benefit from being
members of both associations, but for some, especially the smaller
collections, there is a cost issue. BIAZA and EAZA would both benefit
by working more closely together on membership issues, and indeed
this is starting to happen. BIAZA could assist its members in applying
for EAZA membership and in explaining EAZA policies and structures.
Strengthening relationships
In the past BIAZA had its own managed species programmes, but BIAZA
recently underwent a revolution and these programmes all became
subsumed into EAZA programmes (EEPs/ESBs). Thus, collections either
have to be members of EAZA or given permission by the EEP Committee
to participate in some EEPs. This has probably helped to strengthen the
relationship between BIAZA and EAZA.
Another step forward was the formation of the EAZA National Zoo and
Aquariums Associations Group. The purpose of this group is to liaise
with each other and EAZA, synergy being the word! This group could be
particularly effective in checking EU legislation and its transposition into
the laws of member states. EAZA has a hugely difficult job, trying to be
the lead organisation for zoos in countries with people speaking so many
languages and having such diverse cultural differences. Although EAZA
does a great job it just cannot be expected to handle all within country
issues with the number of staff it has.
national federations
Synergy between national associations and EAZA
Miranda F. Stevenson, British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), London, United Kingdom
Early on, there was no cooperation between zoos, simply competition; those were the days of the stamp collector. Then
directors scored points not because they had a breeding group of something of conservation importance, but because
they had something new. Many of the species held then are no longer seen in zoos, the populations died out. The most
exciting thing about this modern age of zoos and aquariums is that we have moved on to become effective conservation
organisations. But we have to keep ahead of the game and this is where national associations, working with EAZA,
can make a real difference. The road is long and there is still much to do.
From 16 to 19 April 2008, the
EAZA Small Mammal TAG meeting
and the EAZA Small Carnivore
TAG meeting will be hosted by
Parco Natura Viva, Bussolengo, Italy.
For more information on this meeting,
please contact Klaus Rudloff
(kdrudloff@t-online.de).
Exchanging information
BIAZA already assists in promoting the EAZA Conservation Campaigns
and getting non-EAZA but BIAZA members to come on board each year.
BIAZA could do more regarding training, for example undertaking EAZA
approved coordinator and species management training and of course
aiding with ZIMS. It would also be useful for the national associations to
exchange information on training courses that they run and to perhaps
have some of these under the EAZA Academy. Political lobbying and
awareness-raising can be carried out by EAZA on an EU basis, but it is
up to the national associations to do this within their own boundaries.
BIAZA has spent much time getting a political presence and making
the decision makers in Ireland and Britain aware of the work of zoos
and aquariums. This year the ‘All Party Zoo and Aquarium Group’ was
launched at Westminster, and BIAZA hopes to increase awareness and
its profile through this group
Synergy will work
At the beginning of this article it was mentioned that the road is long
and there is still much to do. One of the most important nettles that
have to be grasped is that of climate change and the role of zoos and
aquariums in trying to communicate this recent extinction threat to the
public. This means more active public communication and interpretation
programmes, attached to real measurable evaluation methodology to
test the crucial question: are we really making a difference? Synergy
between EAZA and the national associations will help with this and the
many other challenges facing zoos and aquariums in Europe in the 21st Century. •
Cricetus cricetus photo klaus rudloff
eaza news 61
2008
11

eaza news 61
2008 collection planning
12
The impact of CITES on species
management in aquariums
Heather Koldewey and Rachel Jones, Zoological Society of London, United Kingdom
Public aquariums trade in relatively small numbers of animals, particularly when compared to commercial
food fisheries or even the hobbyist trade. However, a number of species that are kept in public aquariums are
increasingly threatened by international trade and aquariums have a responsibility to support any measures
that contribute to conservation of these species in the wild.
The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)
seeks to regulate international trade to ensure that this trade is not
threatening wild populations. Zoos and aquariums have worked with
CITES listed species for many years and are familiar with the process of
dealing with CITES paperwork as an intrinsic part of many international
animal moves. This has been a smaller element of the work of public
aquariums that is now changing, with a growing list of species that are
kept in public aquariums coming under international trade regulation
(see table 1).
Large group of customs confiscated Hippocampus reidi
Starting with seahorses
In November 2002, seahorses became the first fully marine fish species
of commercial value to be listed on CITES Appendix II. With millions
of seahorses being traded on an annual basis, it appeared likely that
international trade was contributing to the observed population declines.
CITES was a widely recognised mechanism to monitor the apparently
expanding trade and its impacts on wild populations, although it had
not previously been utilised for marine fish.
Traditionally, marine fish came under fisheries management, so this
represented a major shift in policy. Having achieved the result for
seahorses, other marine fishes were also listed in the same CITES 12th Conference of the Parties (CoP) (e.g. basking sharks and whale sharks).
In the 14th CoP in The Hague in June 2007, the entire family of sawfishes
were listed under Appendix I, with the specific exception of Pristis microdon.
Catalaphyllia jardenei photos rachel jones
This species was listed on Appendix II for the exclusive purpose of
allowing international trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable
aquariums for primarily conservation purposes. Public aquariums supported
this proposal, with the European Union of Aquarium Curators sending a
letter to endorse the proposed Appendix I listing of the entire sawfish
family and actively campaigning alongside conservation non-government
organisations.
Complex coral taxonomy
Marine invertebrates also receive extensive protection under CITES with
all hard coral species (over 2,000) listed on Appendix II – the last genus to
be added was the pink coral Corallium spp. which joined the list in 2007.
The international trade in live coral for the hobbyist market constitutes
millions of animals moved across the globe each year – the biggest
exporter is Indonesia and the biggest importer is the United States of
America, although the European Union is a rapidly growing market.
Collection pressures may be intense locally where many more colonies are
discarded than are selected for distribution by the dealers. Particularly
popular species in the market include the large-polyped corals and these
are precisely the species with the highest mortality rates from the transit
process. The complex taxonomy of corals can make it very difficult for customs
authorities to identify the incoming shipments and public aquarium
professionals can play a role in assisting them with this important task.
A sustainable trade
CITES Appendix I species can be traded for non-commercial purposes
as part of managed conservation breeding programmes. It is the role
of the EAZA Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate TAG (FAITAG) to develop
appropriate programmes for these species. This is currently being planned
for the species of sawfish in European aquariums (Pristis zijsron).
CITES seeks to achieve sustainable international trade in Appendix II
species by requiring exporting parties to restrict trade in Appendix II
species to levels that are not detrimental either to species’ survival or to
their role within the ecosystems in which they occur (known as the ‘nondetriment
finding’). Non-detriment findings must be filed prior to being
granted an export permit as they certify that the exports will not threaten
the survival of the species in the wild.

Table 1: Marine and freshwater species listed under CITES Appendix I and II
Aquatic species CITES Held in
Appendix aquariums
Sharks and rays
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) II Y
Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) II Y
Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) II N
Sawfish (Pristidae spp.) [except Pristis microdon] I Y
Pristis microdon [For the exclusive purpose of
allowing international trade in live animals
to appropriate and acceptable aquaria for
primarily conservation purposes] II Y
Bony fish
Acipenseriformes spp. [paddlefishes,
sturgeons – except those in AppI below] II Y
Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) I
Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) I Y
Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) II Y
Asian bonytongue (Scleropages formosus) I Y
Congo blind barb (Caecobarbus geertsi ) II Y?
Isok barb, (Probarbus jullieni ) I N?
Cui-ui, (Chasmistes cujus) I N
Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) I Y
European eel (Anguilla anguilla) II Y
Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) II Y
Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) II Y
Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi ) I Y?
Coelacanth (Latimeria spp.) I N
Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri ) II Y
Invertebrates
Giant clams (Tridacnidae spp.) II Y
Queen conch (Strombus gigas II Y
Freshwater mussels, pearly mussels, Unionidae I [26 species] Y [some]
II [3 species]
Date mussel (marine) (Lithophaga lithophaga) II N?
Blue corals, Helioporidae spp.
[Includes only the species Heliopora coerulea] II Y
Organ-pipe corals (Tubiporidae spp.) II Y
Black corals (Antipatharia spp.) II Y
Stony corals (Scleractinia spp.) II Y
Fire corals (Milleporidae spp.) II Y
Lace corals (Stylasteridae spp.) II Y
collection planning
In the case of seahorses, ‘Project Seahorse’ worked with the CITES
Animals Committee and developed a minimum size limit of 10 cm height
for the genus Hippocampus as a tool to make non-detriment findings
(Foster and Vincent, 2005). This was formally adopted by CITES as an
official recommendation in 2004.
In addition to filing a non-detriment finding, there are two more
requirements under CITES before an export permit can be issued for an
Appendix II listed species: the specimens must be legally obtained and if
live, the individuals must be prepared and shipped as to minimise the risk
of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. Information from public
aquariums contributed to the transportation guidelines for seahorses
(Koldewey, 2005).
permits for captive bred animals
While the intention of CITES is to ensure persistence of wild populations,
listing a species on CITES Appendix II has consequences for captive bred
animals as well. Animals that were bred in captivity also require permits.
However, where a management authority of the country of export is
satisfied that any specimen of an animal species was bred in captivity
(F2 generation or greater), a certificate by that authority to that effect
will be accepted in lieu of any of the permits or certificates required
under Article IV (Foster, 2005).
Implementing controls on international trade
Some public aquariums are working closely with their CITES management
authorities to help implement the controls on international trade. The
Zoological Society of London has been working with HM Customs to
reduce the number of illegal imports of both seahorses and corals in
the live trade (Jones, in press). The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is
currently reviewing the status of Indo-Pacific coral species which may
have future implications for the trade.
Public aquariums have a valuable role to play in supporting CITES
legislation and in educating the general public about the need for
sustainability in the marine ornamental trade. By identifying unsuitable
species and by promoting initiatives such as the Marine Aquarium
Council (see EAZA News 60, p. 28), aquariums can help to mobilise
consumer pressure on the industry to achieve ever higher standards. •
Corallium for sale on Korean market photo tim luffman
This article has been abridged and the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version of the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section of the EAZA website.
eaza news 61
2008
13

eaza news 61
2008 collection planning
14
All about geladas;
a report on the gelada
baboon Workshop
at naturZoo Rheine
Achim Johann, NaturZoo Rheine, Germany
NaturZoo Rheine has coordinated the gelada baboon
(Theropithecus gelada) breeding programme (EEP)
since its inception in 1989. Meetings of gelada
holders regularly take place during the EAZA Annual
Conferences and updates are given annually during
the Old World Monkey Taxon Advisory Group (TAG)
sessions. Nevertheless, it was felt that there was a
need for a more comprehensive meeting to update all
EEP participants on the current knowledge of biology
and husbandry of geladas, to discuss relevant topics
and to define the future goals and actions for the EEP.
Thus NaturZoo Rheine hosted the Gelada Baboon
Workshop from 29 to 31 October 2007.
All zoos in Europe keeping geladas have participated in the EEP from the
start. Initially, the programme included 56 animals kept in six institutions.
Over the years, intensive husbandry research, behavioural studies and
publication of the findings have resulted in improvement of the management
and propagation of this primate species; the EEP population grew
to 165 animals in 18 institutions by the end of 2006.
‘Close encounters’
The Gelada Baboon Workshop was attended by 22 people representing all
but four EAZA institutions keeping or due to receive geladas. The gelada
keeper of the Bronx Zoo (New York, United States of America) where
12 of the remaining 14 geladas in North American institutions are being
kept, was also present. The workshop started with presentations by the
participants on the individual husbandry and facilities in the relevant zoos.
There was no formal presentation given on the geladas of NaturZoo Rheine,
as the workshop participants had a guided tour through the enclosures and
a ‘close encounter’ with some of the 45 geladas present. Further discussions
covered subjects as hand-rearing, reproduction problems and managing
all-male-groups.
The participants’ reports showed a common-knowledge on the general
husbandry of these baboons. The quality of space provided by the current
EEP participants offers a capacity for at least 300 animals and there is
potential to even increase this space capacity. The interest in geladas
is ongoing within EAZA institutions (and in other regions). There are no
photo p. nienhaus
other (recommended) primate species in the Regional Collection Plan of
the Old World Monkey TAG competing for space with geladas.
Defining the goal and necessary actions
Most of the participants volunteered to work on topics revealed to be in need
of research, such as reviewing post mortem findings and health-protocols,
feeding-practices, feasibility of keeping geladas in mixed-species exhibits
and management of all-male-groups. The workshop participants continued
formulating general statements on hand-rearing geladas and on the educational
value of this unique species. Most importantly, the goal of the gelada
EEP was defined, as well as the essential actions to achieve this goal.
The goal of the Gelada EEP is to have a growing healthy zoopopulation
in order to build up close to naturally structured
social groups for educational purpose (as defined) and for possible
linking to in situ research and in situ conservation activities.
Finally, all participants went through the ‘zoo-by-zoo’ and even ‘animal-
by-animal’ list in order to evaluate the current situation and the needs
for transfers of geladas. While doing so, the situation in North American
institutions was also discussed. It was concluded that, to achieve the set
goal, it is necessary to:
- Further improve husbandry (through research and editing husbandry guidelines).
- Primarily follow the social behaviour and structure of groups when
deciding on transfers and the formation of new groups, instead of
focusing on genetic aspects.
- Currently have no breeding restrictions.
- Consider surplus males growing up and retired males; there is a need for
more ‘all-male’ group holders and current holders also have to provide
additional space for surplus males.
- Keep the EEP concentrated in (central) Europe and continue communication
with the Bronx Zoo.
- Exclude the Bronx Zoo from the EEP, but offer them surplus males for
exhibit purposes.
The Gelada Baboon Workshop was very useful. The active participation was
proof of the great interest that zoos have in these primates, and the serious
passion for this species from all colleagues involved. The Gelada EEP has
always been able to build on the close cooperation of its participants. •

Anna Mekarska, Krakow Zoo, Poland
Approximately eighty fennec foxes are now housed in 34 EAZA institutions. This
fox species – the smallest in the world - does not seem to be too difficult to
manage in captivity, although problems exist regarding reproduction, especially
in rearing the pups. According to data collected during the last decade, ten
to thirty births have occurred annually, but the mean puppy mortality rate
has been 53% in this period. The highest mortality rate (83%) was in 2000.
Management versus breeding results
These bad breeding results have been considered an indicator for inappropriate
welfare conditions and, consequently, research has been carried out to
determine the influence of fennec management on reproduction. Since 2003,
data have been collected by 25 European zoos, focusing on enclosure
dimensions, enrichment, feeding quality and methods, as well as
behavioural characteristics of the fennec foxes. All aspects have been
analysed and compared to breeding results from the Fennec fox ESB,
which contains about 780 animals.
Fennec foxes are reported to be nocturnal in the wild. However, the
obtained data showed that in the zoo setting, they seem to be much
more comfortable in an outdoor enclosure than in a nocturnal house
(Mekarska, 2006). The possibility to access an outside enclosure was
compared with breeding results; 80% of the zoos breeding fennecs
provide access to an outdoor enclosure. In zoos not breeding fennecs,
this percentage is lower, namely 70%. No statistical analysis was run.
It may be that the animals have more space and more hiding places
outdoors, and that they may experience less stress caused by visitors and/
or keepers. These results are similar to a study comparing the influence of
environmental conditions on stereotypic behaviour of fennec foxes in the
United States of America (Carlstead, 1991).
A diverse diet is important
Fennec foxes are omnivores. In the wild, they hunt for insects, small
rodents, birds and lizards, but they also eat eggs, fruit and some tubers.
The research results showed that the diet offered in European zoos has an
influence on the fennecs’ reproduction. Zoos that have successfully bred
fennec foxes feed them a very diverse diet, which is rather similar to that
collection planning
Wanted: new holders for the Fennec fox ESb
Fennec foxes (Fennecus zerda) have been kept in European zoos for approximately 150 years. The early zoo population
mainly consisted of animals donated by private people who had kept them as pets. The first zoo-born fennec fox
was reported by Mulhouse Zoo, France in 1969 and breeding in captivity has since become more common. In order to
steer the size and genetics of the fennec fox population, a European studbook (ESB) was established in 2001.
photo d. maszczyk
in the wild. Furthermore, research results showed that the consumption
of living insects seems to positively influence behaviour and digestion.
Though behaviour was only addressed through a short questionnaire, the
results confirm that fennec foxes, like many other species, breed better
when they are not exposed to stress. Because there are multiple stress
factors that can influence reproduction in captivity (e.g. the quality of
contact between the animal and its keeper or the presence of other
species in the neighbourhood) research on this subject will continue.
The main target is to publish husbandry guidelines in the near future to
assist zoos with breeding fennec foxes.
Assuring population growth
As a result of the research findings, which were distributed to fennec
fox holders, the percentage of successfully reared puppies has been
increasing (47% in 2005, 53% in 2006 and 82% in 2007). Consequently
there are now eight to ten young fennec foxes available for transfer
every year. Transfer recommendations have been made each year since
September 2003, and because of the very good cooperation among
programme members, currently there are several new potential breeding
pairs. In order to achieve the goal of the Regional Collection Plan of the
EAZA Canid TAG, which is to assure growth of the fennec fox population
in EAZA institutions, new holders are of course always welcome!
For more information, please contact fennek@zoo-krakow.pl •
To expand or not to expand, that’s the question!
Are you updating your institutional collection plan or seeking to add more EEP or ESB species to your collection? Many programmes are in need
of additional participating institutions. There are also several EEP and ESB programmes that specifically wish not to expand. Please refer to the
member area of the EAZA website (TAG section) for an up to date overview of these wishes per breeding programme.
This article has been abridged and the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version of the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section of the EAZA website.
eaza news 61
2008
15

eaza news 61
2008
16
education
Catch a crab at Living Coasts
Clare Davies, Living Coasts, Torquay, Devon, United Kingdom
Torquay’s coastal zoo uses eight Caribbean land hermit
crabs (Coenobita clypeatus) to give visitors a close up
animal experience and inform them about a different
habitat and a different type of animal; the invertebrate.
Land hermit crabs are found throughout Caribbean and Arabian waters as
well as southern Florida, Venezuela and Bermuda. They need dry land to
survive, unlike their cousins, the sea hermit crabs. They have modified gills
that require a humid environment to stay moist. Also known as treeclimbing
crabs or purple pincher crabs, these hermit crabs have two purple
different-sized claws; the small one is used for collecting and eating food
and the large one for climbing, balance and defence. They are quite friendlynatured
though and rarely use their claw to pinch. Hermit crabs are very
social, living in large colonies and communicating via a rasping and clicking
noise. They are nocturnal omnivorous scavengers in the wild, feeding on
a range of fruit and vegetables, as well as on meat, fish and decaying
wood. The hermit crabs at Living Coasts receive a range of fruit, vegetables,
seeds, nuts, meat and fish – and are especially fond of peanut butter.
Sander Hofman, Antwerp Zoo, Belgium and Bart Weetjens, APOPO, Tanzania
photo living coast
A land hermit crab is a decapod crustacean, with a very soft abdomen.
When in its shell, normally a marine snail shell, it is not possible to
distinguish gender. As hermit crabs moult and grow, they have to find
larger shells, so they are on a continuous look-out for new shells. The
crabs are kept off show at Living Coasts and are generally handled by
staff, but during public talks they are shown to small groups of general
visitors and school children. Sitting on the floor with cushions – to protect
the crab if it is dropped – children are also allowed to handle them.
In July 2007, Living Coasts invited visitors to come and decorate shells
for the hermit crabs, thereby aiming to inform them about the hermit
crab as a coastal species, its role as a scavenger in the food chain and
illustrating the menace of beach litter, as the crabs will use plastic
containers instead of shells. The shell painting event was very popular
and afterwards most of the children wanted to take the shells home.
Although non-toxic paints were used to paint the shells, in the end they
were not presented to the crabs for use, to prevent animal welfare
issues. •
Detecting explosives at Antwerp Zoo
Antwerp Zoo opened a new exhibit housing giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) in Spring 2007. The exhibit and
educational display serve as a signpost to draw attention to the magnificent work currently being undertaken in Africa,
where this extraordinary species of rat is being deployed to detect explosives and disease using its acute sense of smell.
A unique project
Annually, 15,000 to 20,000 people in Southern Africa step on a landmine.
Landmines, remaining in the ground long after wars have ended, form
a structural barrier to any development. Southern Africa is the most
heavily affected region worldwide. APOPO, registered as an NGO and
accredited and licensed for continued research in Mozambique, aims
to save the lives of vulnerable men, women and children by teaching
Africans how to train giant pouched rats for detection of buried landmines.
After successful preliminary tests, APOPO moved to Tanzania in 2000
and set up facilities, trained staff, bred animals and continued product
development of an appropriate landmine detector in the African context.
In 2003, ‘HeroRATS’ for the first time entered a minefield in the south
of Mozambique. After years of research, these APOPO rats are now part
of the national de-mining effort. In 2004, HeroRATS were accredited
according to the International Mine Action Standards and in 2006, the
technology was endorsed by 11 governments in Africa, for replication
in the volatile Great Lakes Region, where most countries struggle with
a landmine problem on their common borders.
Detecting pulmonary Tuberculosis
Over two million people in Southern Africa die from pulmonary
Tuberculosis (TB). The Tuberculosis pandemic is growing out of control
because of HIV/AIDS co-infection. Thus APOPO has set priorities for
the deployment of trained rats (HeroRATS) to detect TB as well. In a
test detection setup (a ‘line cage’) trained rats can screen forty samples
of human sputum in seven minutes. In comparison; a lab technician
needs a whole day to diagnose the same forty samples by means of a
microscope. This ability provides the promising perspective of using
HeroRATS in an active case-finding strategy to detect TB in an early
stage, so that suspected patients can be referred to hospitals for
confirmation and early treatment.
Collaboration
Both APOPO and the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp have a connection
with the University of Antwerp through scientific work. As a result,
the link between the two was easily made. An educational exhibition at
Antwerp Zoo provides APOPO with a new method of raising awareness

photo axel gebauer
The Naturschutz-Tierpark Görlitz has organised
beauty contests with animals since 2000. This idea
was born from the great media attention given to
the human beauty contest ‘Miss Germany 2000’.
The aims of the animal beauty contests held at the zoo is to give extra
attention to domestic animals and – in a comical way – show that these
animals are beautiful and interesting too. Consequently, contests have
already been held for pigs, goats, geese, donkeys, sheep and horses. Zoo
visitors can choose their favourite animal during a beauty contest, but
to give the contest some more content, additional information on the
contestants is provided. A competent presenter informs the zoo visitors
about special facts and peculiarities of the animals concerned. The
contest jury consists of both atypical ‘experts’ like a wool dealer, and
real experts such as a veterinarian or animal breeder. The zoo organised
‘Miss(ter) Camel 2007’ in September 2007, as the new Bactrian camel
(Camelus bactrianus) enclosure had been finalised approximately a
month earlier. This new enclosure is part of a village that has been
for its cause in Africa, and Antwerp Zoo with a unique opportunity to
show the versatility of the nature of these rats, and at the same time
support an amazing initiative. Which zoo visitor would expect that these
giant pouched rats could make this world a better place?
Exhibit design
The naturalistic enclosure of the rats is situated at the entrance of the
nocturnal house of Antwerp Zoo. An educational display gives visitors
a chance to test their own sense of smell; e.g. they can experience
the scent of a flower, a skunk, scent markings of lion tamarins and of
course the scent of TNT and TB (which cannot be detected by humans).
Furthermore, it is shown how a giant pouched rat detects TNT infected
soil samples in a line cage, using positive reinforcement; when an
animal points out a suspected sample it hears a click and gets a treat.
A wide-screen TV shows a short film about the development of the
APOPO project, the problems of civil wars in parts of Africa and actual
footage of the animals in action in a real mine field.
Demonstrations
The two rats at Antwerp Zoo came from the Sokoine University of Agriculture
in Morogoro, Tanzania. This is where the APOPO training centre is
based. After the arrival of the rats from Tanzania the animals needed some
time to acclimate to their new environment. The rats in Africa work during
daytime, but at Antwerp Zoo the animals are situated in the nocturnal
house, which has a reversed light cycle. While the rats were fully trained to
detect TNT in a laboratory environment, TNT cannot be used at the zoo.
Luckily, however, it took ‘Nelly’ the male only a few days of training to
Axel Gebauer, Naturschutz-Tierpark Görlitz, Germany
education
Miss(ter) Camel 2007
under construction since 2005, designed after the architecture and landscape
of eastern Tibet (the Kham area in Sichuan).
For the contest, zoos and private camel keepers in West Saxony were asked
to put forward a potential participant. There were many positive reactions,
and finally ten candidates were selected: four Bactrian camels, four
llamas (Lama glama) and two alpacas (Vicugna pacos). When bringing
in contestants from outside of the zoo, instructions of the veterinary
authorities were followed and health certificates were requested.
After a presentation on camel training results by the zoos’ camel keeper,
all animals were presented by their owners. Via a ballot, zoo visitors
could vote for their favourite contestant. The jury judged the animals’
body build, health status, hair quality (especially that of the alpacas,
because their hair is used commercially), nature and special behaviours.
The final winner of the ‘Miss(ter) Camel 2007’ contest was the male
alpaca ‘Pablo’, belonging to Andrea Reinhardt from Nasenberg, West
Saxony. •
understand that he had to detect a syrup (used to make sweet beverages),
instead of TNT from now on.
There is a demonstration every afternoon for the visitors at Antwerp
Zoo. A table resembling the line cage used in Tanzania contains ten
holes with a sample inserted; nine samples contain water and one
contains the syrup, which can easily be recognised by visitors by its red
colour. During the demonstration children can choose where to put the
syrup so Nelly can try to detect it. While the visitors are amazed by his
detecting skills, they are informed about the achievements of Nelly’s
counterparts in countries like Mozambique. At the end of the demonstration
a folder about the project is handed out. Via this folder people
are also encouraged to adopt one of the HeroRATS.
For more information on the activities of APOPO, please visit
www.apopo.org or www.herorat.org. •
photo apopo
eaza news 61
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eaza news 61
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education
Observing foxes in their
natural environment
The population of the red fox (Vulpus vulpus) has been increasing rapidly in Switzerland. The population
g r e w f o u r f o l d b e t w e e n 1 9 8 5 a n d 1 9 9 5 . T h e u r b a n l a n d s c a p e i s a n i d e a l e n v i ronment f o r t h i s w i l d a n i m a l ;
there is an ample supply of food and there are many places to hide and rest. Though many people think
i t i s g r e a t t o h a v e ‘ R e y n a r d t h e F o x ’ i n t h e i r n e i g h b o u r h o o d , c l o s e p roximity o f f o x e s i s n o t w i t h o u t
p r o b l e m s . A s f o x e s a r e f r e q u e n t l y b e i n g f e d b y ‘ a n i m a l l o v e r s ’ t h e y b e c o m e t a m e r , w h i c h i n c r e a s e s
the likelihood of passing on disease, e.g. through the fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) .
C o n s e q u e n t l y , W i l d p a r k L a n g e n b e r g h a s l a u n c h e d a n i n f o r m a t i o n c a m p a i g n a b o u t f o x e s .
18
The City of Zürich, together with several partners, participated in an
interdisciplinary research and communication project focusing on the
increasing wild population of red foxes. One of the project aspects was
the information and awareness campaign called ‘INFOX’.
A new fox enclosure
An important milestone for the INFOX campaign was the opening of a
new fox enclosure at Wildpark Langenberg in the autumn of 2007.
Previously, five years of research was carried out, with four foxes kept in
a test enclosure. Their behaviour was observed, aiming to develop a method
of keeping foxes in a way appropriate to their nature. The most important
results of this research (still to be published) seem to be that foxes in
captivity need a lot of diversified structures and a varied feeding system.
Following the study, the new fox enclosure is constructed to resemble
an agricultural landscape in order to present human-fox interactions
typical for an agricultural setting. The enclosure covers an area of 3,900 m2 and provides several options for the foxes to hide: a chicken shed, woodpiles,
rootstocks and bushes. Feeding via a feeding machine encourages
the foxes to actively search for food; small portions of fruit, meat and
nuts are distributed over the enclosure throughout the day. Initial
observations show that the structures provided fulfil their function as
cover and hiding spaces; the foxes have become more active since their
move to the new enclosure and make full use of the diverse structures.
learning about foxes
Visitors can observe the foxes from a small barn next to the enclosure
without disturbing them. This seems to have a positive influence on
the foxes’ activity. Furthermore, it is hoped that the shelter provided
by the barn will encourage zoo visitors to stay a little longer to observe
the foxes than they would without a shelter.
The information campaign that is presented with the new fox enclosure
focuses on the urban fox in general and on human-fox interactions in
particular. It includes detailed education panels, the use of animal-
U r s u l a D ü r s t , G r ü n S t a d t
Zürich, Wildpark Langenberg,
Switzerland
ambassadors (see EAZA News 59, p.15) on days with many visitors, as
well as workshops for school classes. The education panels are lively,
eclectic, varied and aim to make use of all senses. There are various
interactive elements which encourage visitors to actively join in and to
observe the foxes. Visitors can also see what it is like to be a fox by
looking in a fox-den under the barn.
As with all other animals at Wildpark Langenberg, the most interesting
aspects are provided and the information includes:
- Nutrition in three different environments (town, country, forest).
- Animal development and social behaviour.
- Important habitat structures.
- How can you recognise the presence of a fox (e.g. through its call,
smell, signs, tracks, droppings).
- Behaviour of people towards the fox.
- Fox diseases (rabies, fox tapeworm).
photo lukas handschin/grün stadt zürich
Although the fox may not seem as attractive as other, rarer, animals and
all children already know about it, staff at Wildpark Langenberg are
convinced that the new enclosure will raise more interest in foxes. Through
the new enclosure and the educational elements, visitors will be stimulated
to think about their behaviour towards this predator and about how
they can contribute to a peaceful cohabitation between foxes and humans.
For more information on Wildpark Langenberg and the INFOX project,
refer to www.stadt-zuerich.ch/wildpark and www.swild.ch/fuchsprojekt
respectively. •

Puerto de la Cruz spain
In November 2006, the Loro Parque Fundación (LPF), Tenerife (Spain),
joined an international breeding programme for Lear’s macaws
(Anodorhynchus leari). Two eight-year-old pairs were received from the
Brazilian environment agency IBAMA. At that time, 43 specimens were
registered in the studbook, most of them kept in Brazilian institutions.
The world’s first captive breeding of Lear’s macaws occurred in the early
1980’s in Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, in the United States of America.
The next successful breeding did not happen until 2006, at Al Wabra
Wildlife Preservation in Qatar.
Following quarantine, the new birds at LPF were moved to the breeding
centre, each pair to its own aviary measuring 11 m x 2 m and 3 m high.
An artificial breeding cliff constructed at the end of each aviary resembles
the cliffs in which Lear’s macaws breed in their natural habitat, the Caatinga
in Brazil. Each cliff has two cavity entrances leading to two external
wooden boxes outside the cliffs and, to provide the birds with additional
options, two extra wooden nest-boxes had been added to each aviary.
A substrate of sand and small pebbles was added to the cliff boxes.
Soon after arrival in the aviary the first pair started to inspect the two
wooden boxes and the cliff cavities. After a couple of weeks the birds
clearly decided on their favourite cliff cavity. The provision of palm fruits
stimulated the pair’s breeding activity.
The birds are normally fed twice a day, at 8 am and 2 pm, with a special
seed mixture for macaws (Versele-Laga), including a rich quantity of nuts,
fruits and vegetables. In the wild the Lear’s macaw feeds predominantly
on fruits of the Licuri palm (Syagrus coronatus). As these are not available
in Tenerife, fruits of other local palm species are fed each afternoon.
The first egg (4.55 x 3.43 cm) was laid on 13 April 2007, but as it was
damaged the contents leaked out. A second egg (4.40 x 3.44 cm), weighing
29 g, was laid on 18 April. This was also slightly damaged, but it was
removed and glued with Uhu. Afterwards, the egg was placed with an
experienced breeding pair of green-winged macaws (Ara chloroptera).
The chick hatched on 14 May, after an incubation period of 27 days.
Since then, it has successfully been raised by its foster parents.
births and hatchings
s o u r c e
matthias reinschmidt and david waugh
photos matthias reinschmidt/loro parque fundación
The pair of Lear’s macaws had another clutch around mid June, this
time with three eggs. The first egg was again damaged and the same
reparation procedure was followed, ater which the egg was placed with
another pair of green-winged macaws. The young hatched on 16 July
and has also successfully been raised. The second egg of the clutch was
too damaged to be saved and no further nest inspections were made.
However, the Lear’s macaws showed continued breeding behaviour,
and after two weeks, when both parents left the nesting cavity for a
short time, a third egg was found. The exact laying date was unknown,
but the birds seemed to be incubating the egg.
During the incubation period, both adults always left the nesting cavity
during feeding time. However, on 23 July this behaviour changed suddenly,
with only the male coming out to get food and directly returning to the
nesting cavity. After an inspection, hatching of the third egg could be
confirmed. The full crop of the young indicated that it was well taken
care of. On the 13th day after hatching, when both parents left the nest,
the chick was removed for a short time for weighing and photographing.
With its amply filled crop it weighed 172 g. To avoid further disturbance
of this first European natural parent rearing, the chick was not removed
from the nest again. The chick was briefly inspected through the nestbox
door once a week.
Finally, on 27 October, 97 days after hatching, the young Lear’s macaw
fledged after showing-up at the nest entrance more frequently every
day. It was well-cared for by its parents after fledging. The young bird
has now lost its timid post-fledging behaviour and has become used to
people passing the aviary during inspection rounds. As a precaution
however, when entering the aviary, people have to keep a safe distance
of 2 m. The LPF hopes to maintain successful breeding results in the
future, to contribute to the establishment of a genetic reserve of the
Lear’s macaw in captivity.
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eaza news 61
2008 births and hatchings
20
Duisburg germany
Zoo Duisburg has long been associated with the husbandry and
management of cetaceans. Seven different species of whales and
dolphins have been kept at the zoo since Germany’s first dolphinarium
opened in 1965 at Zoo Duisburg. This dolphinarium is still one of the
most modern facilities for dolphins within Europe. It consists of a main
show pool and an off-show quarantine section, which is primarily used
for rearing young dolphins. Today, the two species displayed are the rare
Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and the common bottle-nosed
dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).
There were four adult bottle-nosed dolphins at Zoo Duisburg in early
2007: 28-year-old male ‘Ivo’ and females ‘Pepina’, ‘Delphi’ and ‘Daisy’.
Delphi was born and raised at Zoo Duisburg in 1992 and Daisy in 1996,
while Ive and Pepina were taken from the wild in the 1980s. Following
a period without any breeding success, both Delphi and Pepina gave
birth to a healthy female calf in September 2007. While Pepina is an
experienced mother who has previously raised Daisy and another
youngster, Delphi was a first-time mother. Accordingly, great care was
taken to assist Delphi in raising her youngster.
Similar to the situation in the wild, where female dolphins commonly
leave their family group prior to giving birth, both Delphi and Pepina
Vienna Zoo austria
Vienna Zoo has housed a pair of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
since 2003. Both pandas (‘Yang Yang’ and ‘Longhui’) were born in 2000
and came to the zoo from the Wolong Research and Breeding Center in
Sichuan, China. They reached maturity in 2006 and mated for the first
time that same year. Unfortunately, breeding was unsuccessful and
resulted in a pseudopregnancy.
The pandas mated again in April 2007. Female Yang Yang began carrying
nesting material into one of the outside caves of the enclosure on
12 August 2007. However, on 23 August she made a last-minute decision
photo vienna zoo
s o u r c e
regina pfistermüller
to give birth in the cubbing box in the inside den instead. This was a
fortunate move for the staff, since the cubbing box was equipped with a
surveillance camera.
Yang Yang gave birth to twins. The first-born looked healthy, but the
second-born panda was considerably smaller and unfortunately died.
The dead cub, a female weighing 88 g, was removed by the keepers
one day after birth. Although the staff was prepared to hand raise the
surviving cub, this turned out to be unnecessary as the female is taking
care of it herself.
A black-and-white skin pattern was already visible on the cub on
s o u r c e
achim winkler
photo zoo duisburg
were separated from the other dolphins before parturition so that they
could give birth in the secluded quarantine section. Underwater cameras
allowed the keepers to continuously monitor the behaviour of both mothers
and youngsters from an observation deck for the first few weeks after the
births. General behaviour, as well as breathing and drinking intervals
were all recorded in standardized formats. In order to strengthen the
development of the immune system of the baby dolphins, which is largely
inefficient in new-born dolphins and only slowly develops during
the first few weeks of life, the youngsters were regularly handled for
prophylactic veterinary treatments. Both youngsters are thriving well,
with the older one already being integrated into the main group.
2 September, and its fur became denser each week. Its mother carried
it out of the cubbing box several times, but brought it back after a few
hours. Soon direct visual observations could be made, and on 9 November
the cub was handled by the keepers for the first time to check its gender
and weight. The cub turned out to be a male and weighed 3.29 kg.
Naming a young giant panda is traditionally carried out by Chinese
officials. This time, Austrian people were able vote for their favourite of
four possible Chinese names. The cub’s name ‘Fu Long’ (Lucky Dragon)
was officially announced during a ceremony on 4 December 2007 when
he was 100 days old. Fu Long left the cubbing box around mid-December,
and is now visible to the public. The cub will stay at Vienna Zoo for at
least two years; Chinese officials will decide on his future thereafter.

Cologne germany
Cologne Zoo opened its new elephant enclosure ‘Elefantenpark’ for
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in September 2004 (see EAZA
News 49, page 22). The zoo manages the elephants using protected
contact (hands-off) and as a social group and there have been three
births in the 2.5 years since the exhibit opened.
The first elephant ever born at the Cologne Zoo was ‘Marlar’ in March
2006. She is the daughter of ‘Khai Luin Too’, a 25-year-old female that
arrived from Emmen Zoo in 2004, and of forty-year-old male ‘Radsch’
from Emmen Zoo. The first bull calf ‘Ming Jung’ was born on 16 April
2007. His 23-year-old mother ‘Tong Koon’ came to the zoo from Thailand
in September 2006, where she had become pregnant. The father is
unknown. The female ‘Maha Kumari’ was born on 9 May 2007. Her
27-year-old mother ‘Thi Ha Phyu’ also came from Emmen Zoo and her
Junior Zoo Directors
Besides having adult management personnel, the
15 Dutch zoos affiliated with the Dutch Zoo Association
(NVD) all annually appoint a junior director, aiming
to get children involved with nature and nature
conservation. Another objective of this project,
which was initiated in 2006 within the context of the
longstanding Dutch tradition to annually launch ‘Zoo
Month’ in June, is to increase the Zoo Month’s ambience
and, in particular, to promote the zoos’ activities.
photo dutch zoo association
The elections for becoming a Junior Zoo Director are open for children
aged between six and 12 years and are organised through the internet;
the children are tested on their knowledge and, ultimately, one suitable
Junior Zoo Director is chosen for each zoo. In 2006 and 2007, a total of
some 40,000 children took part in the competition, of whom 15,000 went
through to the last round, in which the 15 Junior Zoo Directors are elected.
Collecting fans for conservation
A Junior Zoo Director can attend a general meeting for all Junior Zoo
Directors, visit other zoos, organise a birthday party at the zoo, write for
their zoo’s magazine or attend other special events in their zoo. The position
of Junior Zoo Director is given somewhat more content by assigning the
births and hatchings
marketing
children personal species conservation projects that also emphasise the zoos’
nature-conservation role. Each Junior Zoo Director endeavours to collect
supporters (fans) for their own projects, which are assigned to them by the
Dutch Zoo Conservation Fund (DZCF). Some children seek fans at their local
football club or their school, whilst others make use of campaign posters. All
fans can register on the website to support the project. The project with the
most fans receives a cash donation from the Dutch Zoo Conservation Fund.
Appealing to the media
The promotional activities prior to and during the competition and the
elections, and during the winners’ one-year ‘term of office’ are ideally suited
for PR campaigns. These campaigns can be organised at a national level, but
can also readily be tailored to each zoo’s regional media; the project is of great
interest to children and their families and additionally is highly appealing
to the media. The children are offered a role of their dreams, which can
readily be communicated in words, by photos and – in particular – by videos.
This Junior Zoo Director project has now been launched two times since
2006. So far, the issues associated with the role of Junior Zoo Director
received comprehensive attention in both the zoos’ communications and
the Dutch media. The Junior Zoo Directors have been assigned a website
(weblog) which they can use to provide information about their experience
at their zoo. A docusoap explained their role as Junior Zoo Directors, and
they were regularly requested to carry out opening ceremonies, take part
in juries – and even welcome the Dutch Queen.
The project’s combination of education and communications has
proven a great success. For more information, please refer to
www.nvddierentuinen.nl •
s o u r c e
theo pagel
photo hans feller
father is 39-year-old ‘Bindu’, who arrived from Port Lympne Zoo in 2004.
All three births took place within the herd. All elephants currently are
together, even the bulls, and use the entire enclosure.
Mariëlle van Aggelen, Dutch Zoo Association (NVD),
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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22
Each of the aviaries is occupied by a bird
species typical of the concerned region
and altitude; the very interesting group of
gallinaceous birds (pheasants) is particularly
well represented. When developing and
arranging the aviaries, the actual biotopes of
the birds served as a model; thus visitors can
observe the birds in their authentic vegetation
and topography. It is as if the visitors really
are walking through the diverse and beautiful
landscape of Tibet and China.
So what views will the visitors have?
The ‘Himalayas’ aviary
This walk-through aviary resembles the peaks
and alpine valleys of the Himalayas (4,000 –
5,000 m above sea level). The most striking
pheasant that can be found here is the
Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus),
and the red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocorax) is very interesting because of
its vocal displays. Rhododendrons and irises,
typical for this region, are also found.
The ‘plateau of Tibet’ aviary
This aviary resembles the Tibetan mountains
(3,000 to 4,000 metres above sea level), having
both flat as well as undulating landscapes
with typical vegetation of rhododendrons and
azaleas. This vegetation serves as a shelter for
the rare white-eared pheasant (Crossoptilon
crossoptilon) and provides space for little owls
(Athene noctua).
The ‘Szechuan bamboo’ aviary
Typical Szechuan bamboo vegetation (2,000 to
3,000 m above sea level) can be found in this
aviary, inhabited by Temminck’s tragopans
(Tragopan temminckii) and red-billed blue
magpies (Urocissa erythrorhyncha).
The ‘Junnan – mixed forest’ aviary
The forest vegetation of Junnan (1,000 to
2,000 metres above sea level) is occupied by the
rare Hume’s pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae).
The upper tree layer is colonised by the spotted
dove (Stigmatopelia chinensis) and the greenwinged
dove (Chalcophaps indica). The shrub
layer is home to the black-breasted thrush
(Turdus dissimilis), and northern lapwings
(Vanellus vanellus) inhabit the forest edge of
the wide open spaces.
The ‘lowlands of east China’ aviary
South-eastern China (up to 1,000 m above sea
new enclosures
Aviaries for birds of Tibet and China
Jiri Novák, Ostrava Zoo, Czech Republic
>
Ostrava Zoo opened a new exhibit and breeding facility for birds from Tibet and China in 2007.
A complex consisting of five aviaries provides a view into the homelands of the presented bird
species. As visitors travel through the individual aviaries, they imaginarily descend from the river
bed of the highest slopes of the Himalayas down to the lowlands of eastern China.
photos p. vlcek
level) is very densely populated by people,
which causes changes to the environment.
Whereas certain animals have adapted to these
circumstances, others became very rare or
endangered. This aviary resembles the lowland
areas, which are inhabited by the rare baikal
teal (Anas formosa). The more common species
present are the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), the
noisy azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus
cyanus) and the unobtrusive Chinese bamboo
partridge (Bambusicola thoracicus), which live
in the shrubs. •

Assisted reproduction
in a captive southern
white rhino;
pioneering techniques
using formerly frozen sperm
Clive Barwick, Colchester Zoo, United Kingdom
Semen had been collected from Simba (then 35 year old) a few years
earlier and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C at the Institute for Zoo and
Wildlife Research (IZW). In June 2007, a team from IZW including Thomas
Hildebrandt, Robert Hermes and Frank Goeritz, visited Budapest Zoo to
carry out an artificial insemination (A.I.) procedure in their white rhino
‘Lulu’. Lulu had recently given birth to a healthy calf also conceived by
A.I., however, on that occasion fresh semen from Budapest Zoo’s own
male white rhino was used. This was a world’s first successful birth of a
white rhino using A.I. (see EAZA News 58, page 13).
Due date
As the post partum oestrus is supposedly very fertile, and it is then
technically easy to perform A.I., the team from IZW planned to carry out
the A.I. procedure during this period.
Earlier analysis had shown that Simba’s sperm, collected via the use of
electro ejaculation, was indeed highly vital, despite his senior years.
Simba’s sperm was thawed from its storage temperature of -196°C and
the cells were then placed deep into Lulu’s uterus, using a non-surgical
procedure developed at IZW. Faecal hormone analysis on Lulu, carried
out at the Veterinary University of Vienna, Austria, had shown signs of
pregnancy. An ultrasonography examination was performed on Lulu by
Robert Hermes approximately four months from the date of the A.I.
procedure. This revealed that the insemination was indeed successful and
confirmed that a foetus was developing, with a November 2008 due date.
benefits for conservation
This is the first case in which previously frozen sperm has successfully been
used in an A.I. procedure in a rhinoceros, and as such, may have wide ranging
benefits for assisted reproduction in both ex situ and in situ conservation
programmes. The southern with rhino is neither an abundant or widespread
species and is currently listed as ‘Near Threatened’ (IUCN, 2007).
Increased poaching pressure on this species could elevate it to a higher level
of concern, as is current with the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis),
research
photo colchester zoo
Colchester zoo has been working cooperatively with the Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin for several
years, mostly regarding assisted reproduction in its African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and southern white
rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum). The zoo was pleased to be asked for permission to use stored semen from its
white rhino male ‘Simba’ for an artificial insemination procedure in a female white rhino in Budapest Zoo, Hungary.
which is endangered, and the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinos
sumatrensis), black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the Javan rhinoceros
(Rhinoceros sondaicus); all listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (IUCN, 2007).
Therefore, any advancement in assisted reproduction that is applicable
for use in these species can be viewed as a positive step forward in the
conservation of highly vulnerable taxa. The northern white rhinoceros
(Ceratotherum simum cottoni ) is critically endangered with fewer than
five wild living individuals surviving in the Garamba National Park in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (International Rhino Foundation, 2007).
This northern race went into a dramatic decline during the 1970’s and
1980’s due to heavy poaching pressure, particularly during the civil war
years, but made a slight recovery during the 1990’s and into 2003.
However, renewed poaching activities in this region during the past few
years has brought this vulnerable population to the brink of extinction.
Saving valuable genetic material
With only eight individuals known to be surviving in the world’s zoos, the
future survival of the northern white rhinoceros may be more likely with
the assisted reproductive techniques developed by IZW. It may be possible
to collect sperm from the remaining free ranging individuals and deepfreeze
it using the same methods employed for Simba’s sperm samples.
The sperm could be used in A.I. procedures in the ex situ population of
northern white rhinoceros. It will mean that valuable genetic material is
not lost forever, should the remaining wild living individuals succumb to
the same fate as many of their predecessors. •
photo izw berlin
eaza news 61
2008
23

eaza news 61
2008
24
sustainability
using
biodegradables
Solenn Marzin, Zoo de Trégomeur, France
The Zoo de Trégomeur opened its doors in April 2007, after
spending two years completely renovating the old zoo (see
EAZA News 60, page 5). Since this new beginning, the zoo has
focused on preserving its remarkable site and has taken into
account its thirty species of animals and 100,000 visitors and
their impact on the environment. The zoo set up a strategy to
limit pollution of its environment and as the zoo is built close
to a river, water treatment is a very important issue.
Water circuits
To avoid negatively influencing the environment, Zoo de Trégomeur uses a biological
sewage plant allowing filtration of all wastewater. There are two quite distinct water
circuits: a water basin circuit including the ponds located in the paddock (e.g. waterfalls,
ponds, water surrounding islands), and a wastewater circuit. The water basin is aerated
by waterfalls and it is filtered by two sand filters and a reed bed. The wastewater
consists of water from the restaurant (e.g. toilets, sinks, catering), water from the park
toilets and water that has been used to clean buildings and animal enclosures.
All wastewater is transported back to a water station and passes through a sieve.
A strainer filters out the largest elements. Once sifted, sewage is discharged into an
aerated lagoon, where micro-organism scrubbers can consume the organic matter
still present. Following this, the water is transported to another lagoon, where the
sludge settles to the bottom. The water is then filtered by a sand filter planted with
macrophytes, which retains the remaining elements by assimilation of organic matter
and by mineral absorption through a reedbed. Once filtered by the macrophyte roots,
the water seeps back into the environment.
biodegradables
As part of its sustainable strategy, Zoo de Trégomeur also uses fully biodegradable
cleaning products. These products are not chemically dangerous as they are 100%
organic and therefore do not provide a risk to the health of zoo staff and animals. There
are only a few suppliers that are able to provide products that are fully biodegradable
and non-toxic but are still effective. Most products are based on essential oils that have
a degreasing function, but are not necessarily useful for disinfection. Nevertheless, the
zoo found a provider that delivers a cleaning product which fulfils all needs: disinfection
(bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal), degreasing and deodorising. This concentrated detergent
disinfectant cleans and disinfects in a single operation. The active ingredients are
essential oils, which are 100% pure and natural (organic). The product is a bactericide
according to EN 1040 and EN 1276 and is a fungicide according to EN 1275. It is acceptable
under the legislation on cleaning products that may be in contact with foodstuffs.
Through the use of its water treatment system and the biodegradable products,
Zoo de Trégomeur is confident that no chemical products are being released into the
environment and that the water quality of the river is ensured. •
zims
A short ZIMS update
Jaime Meyer, ISIS, Minnesota, United States of America
ISIS extends its thanks to the staff of EAZA
who helped host many ‘TRY ZIMS’ sessions
at the EAZA Annual Conference 2007 in
Warsaw. Approximately 150 people received
an introduction and some basic coaching
from Hassan Syed and Sander Cozijn and
then were set loose to play with ZIMS during
several sessions throughout the conference
week. As people begin seeing what it will do,
the excitement around ZIMS continues to
build.
ISIS is currently negotiating with CGI, the ZIMS developer,
over a finalised testing and deployment schedule.
Testing of the ZIMS application continues. At the end
of September 2007, ZIMS hosted a pre-UAT (User
Acceptance Testing) session at its headquarters in
Minnesota. A testing session for aquariums was held at
the South Carolina Aquarium at the end of November.
The purpose of these sessions is to continue deep testing
of all the elements of ZIMS and to prepare for formal
User Acceptance Testing (UAT). During UAT, 21 institutions
and more than eighty staff members will be testing
ZIMS for several weeks, making sure that ZIMS functions
properly for ISIS members. ISIS extends its profound
thanks to the many volunteer testers and their institutions
for continuing a remarkable global collaboration to build
ZIMS.
Veterinarian in residence
It is critical to have specific expertise from the zoo and
aquarium world closely involved in ZIMS. Since mid
August 2007, ISIS has been fortunate to have Tracy L.
Clippinger, senior veterinarian at the Zoological Society
of San Diego, in residence at the ISIS headquarters. Tracy
reviewed the functionality for ‘clinical medicine’ modules
in ZIMS and provided oversight for the final stages of
software development related to health. ISIS intends to
invite a series of wildlife veterinarians to offer guidance
in specific areas, such as pathology and veterinary
epidemiology. With this kind of continued help from
ZIMS stakeholders, ISIS developers continue to refine
ZIMS as it gets ready for final testing and deployment. •

The EAZA Plant Conservation Network (EPCN) is a subgroup of the EAZA
x
Sergio Pacinotti, chair EAZA Zoohorticulture Group, Aalborg, Denmark
Zoohorticulture Group (EZG) that has been set up to help promote and
develop plant conservation work within zoos. Officially launched at the
EZG Conference in Zürich, May 2007, the new network aims to:
1. Promote and encourage participation in relevant plant/habitat
conservation activities such as those contained in the World Zoo and
Aquarium Conservation Strategy (WZACS), Global Strategy for Plant
Conservation (GSPC), Convention of Biological Diversity and the IUCN
Countdown 2010 targets.
2. Help integrate animal and plant conservation and research within zoos.
3. Assess and add credibility to plant conservation funding applications
by setting up a group endorsement procedure. Note: this could be in
partnership with other organisations.
4. Network and aid networking between zoos and botanic gardens and other
plant conservation organisations, both nationally and internationally.
5. Promote zoo participation in international plant conservation initiatives
such as Plant Conservation Day.
6. Maintain an EAZA register of plant conservation projects that could be
monitored, encouraged, guided towards the realisation of the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD, 18/07/07).
When writing these aims assistance was received from Suzanne Sharrock
of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and Peter Wyse
Jackson, director of Glasnevin Botanic Garden, Dublin. Suzanne Sharrock
and Pierre Gay, chair of the EAZA Conservation Committee, have enlisted
as advisory executive members of the EPCN Steering Committee.
EZg Horticulture Survey 2007
The agreed need for urgent action has resulted in a number of actions. To
get some baseline information on horticulture in zoos, a snapshot survey
was conducted at the EZG Conference in Zürich. The survey was completed
by zoo horticulturists from 31 EAZA member institutions, after which
the results were compiled by Bristol Zoo Gardens (see fig. 1). The main
conclusion was that many participants are already working with plants
and that this may increase in the future.
conservation
The EAZA plant Conservation network
and plant Conservation Day
Fig. 1. Some results of the EZG Horticulture Survey 2007
84% of the respondents said that plants are interpreted in their zoos
68% said that they have a plant record system
52% said that they help protect threatened plant habitats
45% said that they grow threatened native plants
23% said that they sponsor plant research or botanical surveys
77% said that they could grow plants to help realise Target 8 of the GSPC
94% said that they have plans to interpret plants in their zoos in the future
These findings may seem surprising, but not when you consider the move
that many zoos have already made towards ecosystem and habitat displays
and conservation (in addition to animal species conservation), as with the
EAZA Madagascar Campaign.
An effective communication and infrastructure
The EPCN has a small committee consisting of members having individual
skills that were considered necessary to set up the network. The committee
now needs to expand slightly, so that all the areas covered by EAZA and
the EZG can be supported. The obvious way forward is to communicate
through the EZG’s national and regional networks and representatives,
which results in a much more effective communication.
Whether the EAZA Conservation Database can be used to register and share
information on plant conservation work is now being investigated. There is
no guarantee that this will work, but details of individual projects have already
been provided through the EZG Horticultural Survey 2007. If necessary,
this survey can annually be repeated in order to collect the data required.
promoting plant Conservation Day
If serious about animal conservation, it is vital that zoos look after the
ecosystems in which their animals live. The primary conservation and
education focus in zoos is usually on animals, not on plants.
Consequently, all EAZA member institutions are encouraged to take part
in Plant Conservation Day, which is annually organised on 18 May and is
a recent initiative of the Association of Zoological Horticulture and BGCI.
Plant Conservation Day provides the opportunity to focus on plants and
their importance as part of the ‘web of life’. For example, a zoo can highlight
a rare plant on its grounds or invite speakers to talk about a plant
conservation project. A zoo can also cooperate with botanical gardens or
universities by providing them with a venue to promote their work to a new
audience. Furthermore, a zoo can contribute to national or international
plant conservation action plans such as the GSPC or CBD.
What next?
As the EAZA Plant Conservation Network evolves, some issues will be
resolved and new ones will appear. Therefore, the network needs to be
dynamic in order to remain effective. For the short term, it is hoped that all
EAZA member institutions will start participating in Plant Conservation
Day, and that in the future zoos will cooperate more and more with
botanical gardens and other plant conservation organisations and increase
their capacity to contribute to plant and animal conservation work.
For more information, please refer to www.bgci.org and
www.plantconservationday.org. • 25
eaza news 61
2008

eaza news 61
2008
26
conservation
green toad pHvA
workshop in Sweden
Bengt Holst and Kristin Leus, CBSG Europe, Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark
What makes twenty people from Sweden, one person from Denmark and one from Belgium meet from
4 to 8 November 2007, at Nordens Ark, Hunnebostrand (Sweden). It could have been because Nordens Ark is a
great place to visit, but the actual reason for these people to meet was their dedication to the conservation
of the Swedish population of the green toad (Bufo viridis). This species needs serious help in order to survive.
The green toad is considered critically endangered in Sweden according
to the IUCN Red List criteria. Captive breeding and reintroduction has
proven to be a successful conservation approach for a few endangered
amphibian species like the fire-bellied toad (Bombina sp.), but for the
green toad however, the situation still is very troublesome. So far it has not
been possible to establish self-sustaining wild populations despite habitat
restorations, large scale captive rearing and reintroduction efforts. More
knowledge about the biology and habitat demands of the green toad,
as well as the threats to its future existence is needed. All conservation
efforts need to be coordinated, and relevant in situ and ex situ measures
need to be taken. In short, there is a serious need for an overall, realistic,
integrated and scientifically based conservation action plan for this species.
CbSg stepping in
This is where the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, CBSG Europe,
has stepped in. CBSG has specialised in the development of scientifically
based conservation action plans, be it for elephants, orchids or amphibians.
Thus the green toad PHVA (Population Habitat Viability Assessment)
workshop was discussed almost a year ago, and a briefing book including
all relevant data was developed and distributed to the workshop participants:
maps, data from previous reintroductions, existing action plans
and articles describing the biology of the toad.
The first day of the workshop started with a short introduction session,
covering the workshop process and its preliminary outline. Some participants
were very sceptical towards the process, as they did not understand why
four days would be needed to discuss things they thought they were already
familiar with. Nevertheless, they stayed, and work started. The first task
was to identify the actual problems regarding the conservation of the green
toad, which resulted in four working groups:
- Population modelling; through VORTEX simulations
- Population management; including ex situ rearing, reintroductions and
translocations
- Habitat; including environmental demands of the species and general
biology
- The human factor; including legislation, organisational matters,
education and awareness
During the rest of the workshop, these working groups developed
problem statements, goals and actions for their own field of expertise.
Running different scenarios
photo claes andrén/nordens ark
All workshop days ended rather late. The third day even ended past
midnight, in order to get everything ready for the presentation of the
actions to be included in the conservation action plan on day four.
There was a number of plenary sessions in between the working group
sessions where the various groups presented their progress and asked
the necessary questions to be able to proceed. The population modelling
group, working with VORTEX simulations, used most of the time to
enter all necessary data into the computer model, in order to be able
to run the different scenarios provided by the other groups. The group
could present the first simulation results on day three. Bad news, as
a number of populations was doomed to extinction within the next
hundred years, unless specific actions would be taken. So the next
step in the process was to try and change one factor after the other, in
order to see whether there would be any possible effects and thereby
to identify the most critical factors for green toad conservation. This
process will continue in the next couple of months, based on specific
questions from the other working groups. Results will later be discussed
and necessary actions will be identified.
The ‘groan-zone’
As always happens during a PHVA process, on the second workshop day,
most participants entered the so-called ‘groan-zone’, a phase where
they did not see any light at the end of the tunnel and where all efforts
seemed worthless. But a little later things started clearing up again and
people started seeing results. Sceptical participants also began seeing
the light and some of them even asked whether the workshop could be
extended (!). At the end of day four a nicely drafted action plan was ready.
It is now up to an editorial group, consisting of the CBSG Europe team
(facilitator and modeller) and a number of participants, to prepare a final
conservation action plan. This is due to be available as of early March
2008. The network that was established during the workshop will persist
during the years to come, which should form the right framework for
following up on the action plan. •

conservation
The EAZA in situ
Conservation Database
Katrine Garn, Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark
The EAZA in situ Conservation Database has been in use
since 2001, with the aim of providing reports, analyses and
synthesis of the zoo community to increase networking
between EAZA members and encourage them to get
(more) involved in conservation. Previously, the data were
collected via the more cumbersome CD-ROMs, but as of
20 September 2007, the database is now available online.
Before its online launch, the EAZA in situ Conservation Database contained
426 projects involving 92 EAZA institutions in 22 countries. By the end of
November 2007, the database included 659 projects involving 99 EAZA members,
which was an impressive increase of 233 projects in just over two months.
Watching trends
Nevertheless, there are still many EAZA institutions that have not yet updated
or even added their conservation projects. Please note that lots of interesting
information can be found in the EAZA in situ Conservation Database and that
the available data shows many trends. For example, geographically, conservation
projects in the African region are most popular to support. However, if looking
at country level, Brazil is the country with most projects supported. The highest
scorer in project type is still species type projects.
The importance of feedback
Since the updating period, the database administrator has received several
e-mails, mainly with questions on how to log on or about general support issues.
However, there have also been some programming bugs which could luckily be
solved due to user feedback. User feedback is very important and therefore
welcomed, as through this, the database can be improved. The number of ideas
and suggestions that have been received during the updating period are also
much appreciated. This ensures that by the time the database goes global
(hopefully during 2008), it is a working tool which at least meets the needs of
EAZA members.
log on soon!
It is hoped that increasingly more EAZA members will update and add their
conservation projects so that the database will provide a more precise picture
of the conservation projects which EAZA members are involved in. Edits and
updates can be made until 28 February 2008 at the very latest, so please log on
to www.conservation-db.net as soon as possible.
In case of questions, do not hesitate to contact the database administrator
(support@conservation-db.net). •
collection planning
programme updates
As approved by the EEP Committee
CHANGES TO
EXISTING TAGs
EAZA penguin tag
Pierre de Wit (vice-chair),
Emmen
28 November 2007
EAZA pelecaniformes
tag
Bjarne Klausen (chair), Odense
13 September 2007
EAZA Canid tag
Raymond van der Meer
(vice-chair), Amersfoort
Wim Verberkmoes
(vice-chair), Kerkrade
25 October 2007
NEW EEPs
visayan warty pig eep
(Sus cebifrons negrinus)
Angela Glatston, Rotterdam
29 October 2007
CHANGES TO
EXISTING EEPs
Ruffed lemur eep
(Varecia variegata)
Alexander Sliwa, Koln
19 December 2007
CHANGES TO
EXISTING ESBs
nubian ibex esb
(Capra nubiana)
Martin Krug, Bratislava
28 December 2007
The EAZA Executive Office received ten studbooks
in the period between October and December 2007.
We are very grateful to all who have contributed to
these valuable publications and are happy to have
received these in printed format. For a full list of
received publications of interest, please refer to
the EAZA website (‘Magazine’ section).
Please continue to send us your printed publications, so
we can incorporate these in the online publications list.
directory updates
—————————————————————————— -——
personalia
——————————————————————————— -—
As per end November, Mr. Roland Van Bocxstaele from
Antwerp Zoo, Belgium, retired from his position as director.
Mr. Rudy Van Eysendeyk is the new EAZA contact person.
——————————————————————————— -—
The new EAZA contact person for VDZ (see below) is
Dr. Gisela von Hegel.
——————————————————————————— -—
As per February 2008, Dr. Neil Stronach resigned from his
position as director of Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland.
—————————————————————————— -——
addresses and telephone/fax numbers
——————————————————————————— -—
The new address of Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, Germany, is:
Am Zoopark 1, 99087 Erfurt.
——————————————————————————— -—
The new contact details for Verband Deutscher
Zoodirektoren (VDZ), Germany, are:
c/o WAZA Executive Office, PO Box 23, CH-3097,
Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland.
Phone: +41 313002030, Fax: +41 313002031
eaza news 61
2008
publications
27

eaza news 61
2008
28
books
In EAZA News announcements are published of books that have relevance to zoo staff and other people with a professional
interest in zoos. On the EAZA website more information can be found on these books, as well as on the publishers.
f.a. fisken (eds.; 2007)
International Zoo Yearbook; volume 41
This volume of the ‘International Zoo Yearbook’ covers various aspects of the conservation of captive and free-ranging species,
biosurveillance, regional management planning, re-introductions, disease risk assessment and non-invasive faecal steroid monitoring,
and the current situation regarding amphibian chytrid fungus and avian influenza. There is also an article on the approach of the
Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project to health, and other articles include reviews on reproduction of scleractinian corals and medicinal
leeches, hand-rearing and re-introductions of white-crowned and cherry-crowned mangabeys and drills, behavioural adaptation of an
orphaned bonobo and hand-rearing Roe deer. Detailed descriptions of how to establish priorities for conservation programmes for
European rodents and how to develop a rainforest ecosystem are also presented. Furthermore, reports are included on surveys carried
out on husbandry practices for lion-tailed macaques, factors impacting zoo attendance and visitors perceptions.
Pages: 468 ISSN: 0074-9664 (pb). Price: UK£96
To be ordered from: Blackwell Publishing (www.blackwell-synergy.com)
d. egan (eds.; 2007)
Snakes of Arabia; a field guide to the snakes of the Arabian Peninsula and its shores
This field guide to the snakes of the Arabian Peninsula and its shores provides comprehensive and nicely illustrated descriptions of
all 55 species and subspecies indigenous to the peninsula and its waters. With detailed information on how to identify snakes and
distinguish them from similar species, treatment of snakebite, and natural history, this book is essential to anyone active in the Arabian
outdoors.
Pages: 208 ISBN: 978 1 86063 239 6 (pb). Price: AED55 (€10.15)
To be ordered from: Motivate Publishing (www.booksarabia.com)
d. jarofke (eds.; 2007)
Jarofkes Elefantenkompendium
As a veterinary surgeon working for Zoo Berlin, Dietmar Jarofke has collected many references and literature on biology, management
and diseases of elephants. His manual is a comprehensive composition of this material. Though the main part of the book focuses
on veterinary aspects, the author, being a veterinarian and zoologist, also included other chapters. For example, there are chapters
focusing on the capture and transport of elephants and on handling elephants in captivity. The book also reports on the different
management systems as well as legal regulations which affect the management of elephants. Furthermore, anatomy and physiology of
the animals are described.
Pages: 270 ISBN: 978 3 86523 085 0 (pb). Price: €35
To be ordered from: Schüling Verlag (www.tiergarten.com)
j. del hoyo, a. elliott, d.a. christie (eds.; 2007)
Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12; Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees
This book is part of a series expected to include 16 volumes, which will deal with all the species of birds in the world. This twelfth
volume of the handbook covers fifteen families in the order Passeriformes (from picathartes to tits and chickadees). As in previous
volumes the extensive information on the birds is well illustrated by colour plates, maps and photographs. An index and bibliographical
references complete the text.
Pages: 816. ISBN-13: 978-84-96553-42-2 (hc) Price: €205
To be ordered from: Lynx Edicions (www.hbw.com)
International Journal of Heritage Studies (IJHS)
The International Journal of Heritage Studies is the academic, refereed journal for scholars and practitioners from many disciplines with
a common involvement in the heritage. Heritage varies from the aesthetic object conserved in a museum to wildlife conserved within a
nature reserve. Articles concern museum studies, tourism studies, heritage theory and history, conservation and restoration techniques
and law, cultural studies, interpretation and design.
ISSN: 1352-7258 (pb). Price: €178 (6 issues/year)
To be ordered from: Routledge (www.informaworld.com)

alpza
t h e l a t i n a m e r i c a n z o o a n d a q u a r i u m a s s o c i a t i o n
WHO
The Latin American Zoo and Aquarium Association (ALPZA) is a transnational and non-profit organisation, with currently 64 members from 13 countries.
This includes 39 institutions, 16 individuals and nine associated members, i.e. national associations and organisations that support ALPZA’s efforts.
WHAT
ALPZA was founded in 1990 in Venezuela and promotes the development of a national association in every country in Latin America. It also stimulates
and promotes the development of ALPZA members as educational institutions and scientific research-, conservation-, recreation- and cultural centers.
The association promotes professional operation standards and focuses on facilitating training and building capacity through exchange of knowledge,
implementation of high ethical standards and professional development.
WHY
ALPZA aims to bring together zoological institutions and aquariums across Latin America, to promote a common philosophy, active cooperation,
institutional development and to encourage conservation of the species and ecosystems in Latin America.
HOW
ALPZA is increasing its international activities and is developing cooperation agreements with other international organisations. At the 2005 EAZA Annual
Conference in Bristol, ALPZA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EAZA, which facilitates the development of a strong relationship between the
two regional zoo associations and their member zoos and aquariums.
ALPZA manages different regional programmes and has started to work with studbooks, supported by EAZA. A database for in situ and ex situ projects
is being developed, as well as strategies to actively exchange information among the ALPZA region. The association has also launched an amphibian
campaign and several amphibian conservation programmes. Furthermore, ALPZA annually organises a conference. This year it will be held from 5 to 9 May
in Quito, Ecuador.
WHERE
ALPZA Executive Office | Calle 115 N° 54-85 apto 203 | Bogota, Colombia | South America
Phone: +57 3134306106 | Fax: +57 1 7580673/4 | E-mail: alpza@alpza.com | Website : www.alpza.com
Vicugna vicugna photo rob doolaard (izp)/rotterdam zoo
eaza news 61
2008