Showing papers in "International Zoo Yearbook in 2006"
TL;DR: Asian elephants are managed using traditional and modern methods but progress still needs to be made to improve welfare, training and breeding for these animals.
Abstract: The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is distributed discontinuously across the Asian continent. The total wild population is 38 500-52 500, with a further c. 16 000 in captivity, the majority of which are in range countries. India has 60% of the global population of wild Asian elephants. The species has a multi-tiered social system with ♀♀ living in matriarchal groups of five to 20 individuals that interact with other family units in the area. Adult ♂♂ live alone or in small, temporary groups with weak social bonds. Asian elephants are megaherbivores that spend 12-18 hours per day feeding, and they eat browse and plants depending on availability and season. Home-range size is dependant on the availability of food, water and shelter in the region. Loss and fragmentation of habitat, human-elephant conflicts and poaching are the greatest threats to the species. Asian elephants are managed using traditional and modern methods but progress still needs to be made to improve welfare, training and breeding for these animals.
250 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it is suggested that those responsible for elephant management should not rely on proof of suffering prior to making adjustments to their programs, but in the first instance consider the likely physical and behavioural needs of the elephant.
Abstract: Zoos are duty bound to maintain a high standard of welfare for all animals for which they are responsible. For elephants, this represents a greater challenge than for many other species; their sheer size, sophisticated social life, high level of intelligence and large behavioural repertoire, combined with their origins in tropical and subtropical climates mean that replicating the physical, social and environmental requirements needed for a high standard of welfare in captivity is a significant challenge. This is compounded by the difficulties in measuring welfare generally, and specifically for animals such as elephants within zoo environments. Evidence does exist relating to the longevity, reproductive success and the health status of captive elephants which suggests that their management is not at as high a standard as it is for many other species kept in zoos, and that elephant welfare is likely to be compromised as a result. It is suggested that for as long as elephants remain in captivity that their management should be based around the requirements of the animals themselves taking into account an understanding of their biology and behavioural ecology. Given the difficulties in measuring welfare, it is suggested that those responsible for elephant management should not rely on proof of suffering prior to making adjustments to their programmes, but in the first instance consider the likely physical and behavioural needs of the elephant. As a minimum, facilities should provide for those behaviours and contingencies which are biologically significant in terms of survival and reproduction in the wild, which take up a significant proportion of an elephant's time in the wild and are not necessarily triggered by external stimuli alone. It is suggested that a high standard of captive elephant welfare is theoretically attainable and that significant improvements in welfare are likely to be achieved by addressing inadequacies in the physical environment which predispose captive elephants to trauma and by providing for appropriate social and foraging opportunities.
94 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review threats to elephants, with an emphasis on those resulting from human perceptions of conflict, and suggest some mechanisms for grappling with these threats and suggest that strategies to minimize perceptions of conflicts and the implementation of land-use planning with biodiversity protection as its goal could help to sustain at least some populations of elephants.
Abstract: African elephants face an uncertain future. Politics, war, sustained media campaigns, corrupt, weak or absent institutions supporting conservation, land-use planning or general governance, and greed are all bringing elephants into direct conflict with humans. Although elephant populations have declined considerably relative to their historical size and range, human populations have expanded to occupy and intensively use remaining elephant areas. Strategies to minimize perceptions of conflict and the implementation of land-use planning with biodiversity protection as its goal could help to sustain at least some populations of elephants. Here, we review threats to elephants, with an emphasis on those resulting from human perceptions of conflict, and suggest some mechanisms for grappling with these threats.
83 citations
TL;DR: Current knowledge of elephant reproduction is reviewed and how it is being used to aid species conservation for maximal reproductive efficiency and enhancement of genetic management is reviewed.
Abstract: Elephants possess many unique qualities, including some that relate directly to their reproductive biology. Thus, comparative studies on elephants provide valuable information to the growing biological database for extant mammals. Left undisturbed, Asian Elephas maximus and African Loxodonta Africana elephants reproduce well in the wild. It is ironic then that most captive populations face possible‘extinction'because of historically poor reproductive performance. Some of the problems with breeding elephants in captivity are logistical but others, like ovarian and uterine pathologies and bull infertility, have management-related aetiology. Through advances in endocrine monitoring and ultrasound imaging techniques, we are beginning to understand some of the complex mechanisms controlling reproductive function in elephants. Several reproductive characteristics appear to be unique to the taxon, such as luteal steroidogenic function, follicular development patterns, pituitary gonadotrophin secretion, a 22 month-long gestation and musth (in ♂♂). One example is the‘double LH surge'occurring 3 weeks apart during the follicular or non-luteal phase of the cycle, with only the second surge inducing ovulation. These qualities have at times both enhanced and hampered efforts to understand and control reproduction. We have learned that techniques developed for domestic or laboratory species are not always directly applicable to elephants. However, the recent success of artificial insemination based on new ultrasound and endocrine methodology offers hope that establishing selfsustaining populations is possible. This paper reviews our current knowledge of elephant reproduction and how it is being used to aid species conservation for maximal reproductive efficiency and enhancement of genetic management.
81 citations
TL;DR: The authors summarizes the recent status of rhinoceros species, as provided by IUCN Species Survival Commission's Rhinocero Specialist Groups, and describes some of the current conservation measures.
Abstract: This paper summarizes the recent status of rhinoceros species, as provided by IUCN Species Survival Commission's Rhinoceros Specialist Groups, and describes some of the current conservation measures. At the time of writing there are c. 14 950 rhinoceros remaining in Africa and c. 2850 in Asia. During the last decade conservation initiatives have achieved notable successes; however, numbers of some species and subspecies have declined over this period and three subspecies are close to extinction. The illegal demand for rhinoceros horn and the subsequent poaching this generates continue to pose a serious threat to rhinoceros populations worldwide. However, experience indicates that where anti-poaching efforts are concentrated above minimum threshold levels population losses as a result of poaching can be reduced to a low and sustainable level. However, not all populations receive sufficient protection and declining budgets of range-state governments for field conservation are a major cause for concern. The role of donor support is, therefore, becoming increasingly important. For some subspecies lack of adequate habitat protection rather than lack of suitable habitat is a major constraint for population expansion and growth. Many rhinoceros populations in Africa are managed as part of bigger meta-populations. However, sub-optimal biological management is also reducing population growth rates in a number of populations.
71 citations
TL;DR: Interest in the reproductive physiology of c?
Abstract: Substantial progress in understanding the reproductive physiology of the four rhinoceros species in captivity, White rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum, Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, Indian or Greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis and Suma-tran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, has been achieved over the last two decades largely owing to advances in endocrine and ultrasound techniques, and improved methods of semen collection Primarily through the non-invasive monitoring of hormone metabolites, scientists have studied the reproductive cycle, investigated the effects of season and potential stressors, and diagnosed pregnancy in each species By employing the powerful tool of ultrasonography, more detailed and accurate information regarding reproductive function has been revealed Important findings include anovula-tory cycles, induced ovulation, reproductive tract pathologies, early pregnancy diagnosis and early embryonic loss Interest in the reproductive physiology of c? rhinoceros has lagged behind that of ♀♀ but in recent years data on sperm and semen characteristics, reproductive glands and hormone production have been collected While the reproductive physiology of each rhinoceros species is interesting in its own right, perhaps most fascinating is the significant inter-specific variation in reproductive traits within this taxon
63 citations
TL;DR: A detailed understanding of rhinoceros behaviour is important for survival both in range-country protected areas and captivity, and such knowledge should be used to provide the most appropriate animal care and environments for these species.
Abstract: All species of rhinoceros are, to varying degrees, threatened with extinction because of poaching, habitat loss, human-rhinoceros conflict, hunting and civil unrest. Clearly the threats facing the five remaining species (Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, White rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum, Greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis, Javan rhinoceros Rhinoceros sondaicus and Sumatran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) are anthropogenic. Although many disciplines are important for conservation, understanding the behaviour characteristics of a species should be considered a key component when developing wildlife-management and conservation strategies. A general overview of the behaviour of rhinoceros is presented, addressing ecology and social organization, activity and habitat use, feeding strategies, courtship and reproduction, and anti-predator behaviour. The implications of behavioural studies for successful management and husbandry of rhinoceros in captivity are discussed in sections on group size and composition, enclosure design and enrichment programmes, activity patterns, introductions, reproduction, hand-rearing, and health and stress. Finally, there is some discussion about the implications of this knowledge for in situ conservation in relation to designing protected areas, further aspects of animal health and stress, and reintroduction and translocation. A detailed understanding of rhinoceros behaviour is important for survival both in range-country protected areas and captivity, and such knowledge should be used to provide the most appropriate animal care and environments for these species.
56 citations
TL;DR: This paper highlights two major reviews of the subject but emphasizes those aspects of the feeding regime that seem of particular importance and practical relevance in the captive management of elephants.
Abstract: Considering the low rate of reproduction in Asian elephants Elephas maximus and African elephants Loxodonta africana in captivity, and the critical status of the size of the captive population, nutrition plays an important role in the captive management of elephants. This paper highlights two major reviews of the subject but emphasizes those aspects of the feeding regime that seem of particular importance and practical relevance. Obesity and colic are of major concern and offering good-quality hay as a staple diet item over an extended period of the day is the most important recognized prophylactic measure against these conditions. Fruits, cereals, bread or pelleted feeds are not recommended owing to their high financial cost and contribution to obesity, respectively. The use of pelleted compound feeds may only be warranted to address mineral or vitamin deficiencies in the hay supplied to elephants.
47 citations
TL;DR: Analyses indicate that rhinoceros populations in captivity are achieving variable levels of viability, and improvement is needed and could be achieved through better management.
Abstract: Captive-breeding programmes are important components of conservation strategies for rhinoceros. Rhinoceros in zoos can serve as (1) genetic and demographic reservoirs to reinforce wild populations as the need and opportunity occur, and (2) ambassadors to increase public awareness and support, especially financial, for conservation of wild populations. However, for these functions, rhinoceros in captivity must be managed scientifically and co-operatively to produce viable populations. Population-management programmes for Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, White rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum and Indian rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis are operating in various regions of the zoo world, especially North America [Species Survival Plans (SSP)] and Europe [European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP)]. Analyses indicate that rhinoceros populations in captivity are achieving variable levels of viability. In SSP and EEP populations Black rhinoceros and White rhinoceros are genetically but not demographically satisfactory, while Indian rhinoceros is healthy demographically but limited genetically. Improvement is needed and could be achieved through better management.
42 citations
TL;DR: The efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC) to breed these toads in captivity as an integral part of the Kihansi Gorge conservation plan are discussed.
Abstract: The Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis is a diminutive, ovoviviparous Bufonidae endemic to the Kihansi River Gorge in Tanzania. This region is part of the Udzungwa escarpment of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The species occurs within a c. 2 ha area, one of the smallest geographic ranges of any terrestrial vertebrate. The taxon is listed on Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and as Critically Endangered by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). The Kihansi spray toad is particularly vulnerable to habitat alteration, disease and introduction of competitors or predators, any of which may cause extinction. The biology of this toad and its restricted range also make it especially susceptible to disturbance by humans. This paper discusses the efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC) to breed these toads in captivity as an integral part of the Kihansi Gorge conservation plan.
39 citations
TL;DR: As populations of elephants in zoos metamorphose from those maintained by importation to self-sustaining groups maintained by captive breeding, there will be an increase in the number of bull elephants to be managed, which will require a significant change in elephant-management practices.
Abstract: In Europe and North America the majority of Asian elephant Elephas maximus populations are not self-sustaining nor is the African elephant Loxodonta africana population in North America. About 75% of Asian elephants in North America are wild-caught or from semi-wild logging camps and are presumed to be unrelated to the other Asian elephants in captivity. The genetic potential of these populations is healthy and will remain so if the demographic constraints impinging on them can be resolved. In order to become self-sustaining the primary goal is to increase birth rates in the population, with a secondary goal of reducing infant-mortality rates. As populations of elephants in zoos metamorphose from those maintained by importation to self-sustaining groups maintained by captive breeding, there will be an increase in the number of bull elephants to be managed. This will require a significant change in elephant-management practices.
TL;DR: Issues of oversupplementation of energy and minerals (particularly iron in Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis), outline a diet design that relies on forage as the staple component with a reduction in use of pelleted compound feeds and give suggestions for supplement provision are addressed.
Abstract: Rhinoceros are large herbivores that are adapted for gaining energy from the fermentation of fibrous plant material. In this paper we address issues of oversupplementation of energy (leading to obesity) and minerals (particularly iron in Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis), outline a diet design that relies on forage as the staple component with a reduction in use of pelleted compound feeds and give suggestions for supplement provision. Acquisition of adequate roughage is probably the most important step in the feeding management of large herbivores and should be regarded and organized accordingly. Ration calculation must be an integral part of diet design to avoid the imbalances that are currently observed, especially in relation to mineral provision. The use of grain or grain products in pelleted compound feeds is largely discouraged.
TL;DR: Detailed information is given about the methods used to hand-rear this infant successfully and the health issues encountered, and medical treatments given, during the first few months are described.
Abstract: In August 2001 a Potto Perodicticus potto was born in the Tropical Forest building of Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. The neonate was removed the following day for hand-rearing because its mother, which had a history of providing poor infant care, appeared to be neglecting it. Historically, Pottos in captivity have high rates of neonatal mortality that are frequently associated with maternal neglect. This paper gives detailed information about the methods used to hand-rear this infant successfully. Notes on infant development are presented and the health issues encountered, and medical treatments given, during the first few months are described.
TL;DR: In this paper, the Kenyan 5 year Black Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy has given highest priority to the biological management of the subspecies in order to help achieve and maintain rapid metapopulation growth to increase rhinoceros numbers.
Abstract: At time of writing Kenya holds c. 84% of the remaining in situ population of Critically Endangered Eastern black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis michaeli. The Kenyan 5 year Black Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy has given highest priority to the biological management of the subspecies in order to help achieve and maintain rapid metapopulation growth to increase rhinoceros numbers. Specific training and capacity building in monitoring of rhinoceros, from collection of field data to status reporting, have been implemented. Procedures to assess ecological carrying capacity for Eastern black rhinoceros habitat have been developed to help establish new viable populations and to optimize the management of existing sanctuaries, some of which face loss of suitable habitat owing to competition for resources between rhinoceros and other browsers. The management objective is to maintain rhinoceros populations below the ecological carrying capacity of a reserve in order to increase reproduction in‘donor'populations as well as the trans-location of animals to create new populations with the potential for rapid growth. The conservation value of establishing site-level support relationships is also discussed. Kenya, for the first time since the 1970s, achieved a growth rate of >5% over the period 2004 and 2005 (the national goal is to increase numbers by at least 5%).
TL;DR: The results suggest that observations of prepartal behavioural changes are a useful indicator for predicting parturition, particularly for veterinarians and keepers who are familiar with the usual behaviour patterns of the animals in their care.
Abstract: Reproduction of African elephants Loxodonta africana and Asian elephants Elephas maximus has in the past been poor in European zoos and juvenile survival has been low. A range of potential complications, such as stillbirths or maternal aggression towards the calf, makes it imperative that the date of parturition is predicted as accurately as possible. Behavioural, endocrinological and physiological data were collected from three pregnant elephants for up to 3 months prior to parturition in order to assess their value for predicting the date of birth. Behavioural observations indicated that activity, particularly the frequency of stereotypic behaviour, increased prior to parturition. Pregnant cows grew restless and exhibited frequent excretion, tail beating against the vulva and excessive throwing of hay or sand against the belly. Our results suggest that observations of prepartal behavioural changes are a useful indicator for predicting parturition, particularly for veterinarians and keepers who are familiar with the usual behaviour patterns of the animals in their care. Measurement of luteal activity indicated that luteo-lysis occurred 2-3 days prior to parturition in both elephant species. Thus, endocrinological analysis provides an excellent and accurate prediction of the timing of parturition.
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between maternal behaviour and breeding success (or failure) in great apes is described, focusing on the importance of learning and experience for the development of good maternal skills.
Abstract: In this paper the relationship between maternal behaviour and breeding success (or failure) in great apes is described. Data were gathered from a questionnaire survey returned by 48 zoos and from available studbook data, giving a total sample size of 687 individuals [Gorillas Gorilla gorilla (n= 277), Bonobos Pan paniscus (n= 37), Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes (n= 216) and Orangutans Pongo pygmaeus (n= 157)] born between 1990 and 2000 at 86 institutions. The factors influencing maternal behaviour are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the importance of learning and experience for the development of good maternal skills. The rearing background and social-group circumstances of the breeding ♀ were analysed, including her rearing situation (own mother, conspecific surrogate or hand-reared), opportunity (or not) to observe maternal behaviour in conspecifics during development and previous breeding experience. The effects of maternal training are also analysed. The results show that for a ♀ great ape to demonstrate good maternal skills, the most effective experience is to have been reared by her own mother and to have observed maternal behaviour in a social group comprising mature individuals and infants. This gives ♀♀ the opportunity to observe and learn how to care adequately for their own offspring.
TL;DR: Dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals appears to decrease sperm abnormalities, improving seminal characteristics in the animals studied.
Abstract: In Brazilian zoos wild felids in captivity are generally fed meat. However, considering the basic nutritional needs of the domestic cat Felis catus, beef may be deficient in calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, vitamins A, D and E, thiamin, folic acid and biotin. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of vitamin (A, D, E, B1, B2, folic acid and biotin) and mineral (calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, iodine and manganese) supplementation on the quality of semen in Jaguars Panthera onca. Between August 1998 and August 1999 eight adult ♂ Jaguars were offered red meat (beef) and bovine heart once a day. The vitamin/mineral supplementation used was based on the National Research Council recommendations for the domestic cat F. catus. Semen was collected by electroejaculation at the beginning of the trial and every 2 months thereafter for 1 year (n= 7 collection dates). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon test (for motility, vigour and sperm concentration), the Friedman test (for sperm and testicular volume) and analysis of variance (for sperm morphology). There were no significant differences between collections for semen volume, concentration, motility and vigour (P>0·05) during the trial period. There was also no difference in morphology between samples with respect to secondary defects but the percentage of primary defects decreased (P<0·05) between the means of the third and the seventh collection series. The conclusion is that dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals appears to decrease sperm abnormalities, improving seminal characteristics in the animals studied.
TL;DR: The roles of the ♀, ♂ and juveniles in pup rearing are described and a growth curve was established for P. brasiliensis up to 2 months old.
Abstract: The Giant river otter Pteronura brasiliensis is endemic to South America and is Endangered. Breeding in captivity is one of the strategies for conservation of the species, despite the fact that historically this has not been successful. Between 1999 and 2004 a study into the behaviour and reproductive biology of a pair of Giant river otters was carried out at Cali Zoo. The ♀ gave birth to nine litters, with 14.6.1 pups born, 6.4 (48%) of which survived to > 1 year old. Two litters were reared with older siblings in the family group. Evidence of delayed implantation and pseudopregnancy were observed. The roles of the ♀, ♂ and juveniles in pup rearing are described. Significant features of infant development were recorded and a growth curve was established for P. brasiliensis up to 2 months old.
TL;DR: At Steinhart Aquarium between December 2001 and July 2003 four litters of Whitetip reef sharks Triaenodon obesus were born to two ♀♀ producing at least 13 pups, with average gestation period 387 ± 33·7 days.
Abstract: At Steinhart Aquarium between December 2001 and July 2003 four litters of Whitetip reef sharks Triaenodon obesus were born to two ♀♀ producing at least 13 pups. Mean gestation period, estimated from the first appearance of mating wounds on the ♀ to parturition, was 387 ± 33·7 days (mean ± SD; n= 3). On three occasions, ♀♀ were caught and transferred from the exhibit to an isolation tank for the safety of both the pregnant ♀♀ and neonates. Ultrasound examination was carried out and blood samples taken during two pregnancies: at day 272 and day 288 of gestation for ♀1 and ♀2, respectively. An underwater video-monitoring system recorded the birth of one litter of four pups. The total time from when the first pup's tail was observed emerging from the ♀'s cloaca to the full emergence of the final pup was 51 minutes: time between the full emergence of each pup was 10–13 minutes. Adult ♀♀ were returned to the exhibit on the day they gave birth and the mean time between parturition and next observed mating wounds was 95·7 ± 52·2 days (mean ± SD, range 57–155 days, n= 3).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the development of an operant conditioning program for rhinoceros at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, Dunstable, UK, which was designed to facilitate the treatment of a range of health conditions and to allow husbandry procedures to be carried out without the need of anaesthesia.
Abstract: This paper describes the development of an operant conditioning programme for rhinoceros at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, Dunstable, UK. The programme was designed to facilitate the treatment of a range of health conditions and to allow husbandry procedures to be carried out without the need of anaesthesia. A successful conditioning programme requires good planning, consistency and precise record keeping. Routine management practices can be now carried out within a safe and largely stress-free environment for both rhinoceros and animal-management staff.
TL;DR: Data is presented on a number of factors that relate to elephants, keeping staff, management practices and the circumstances surrounding known injuries and deaths.
Abstract: Injuries to people caused by elephants in zoos can be lethal. Data on incidents of injury to keepers and visitors were collated from newspaper articles, personal communications with zoo directors and keepers, and published information from the European Elephant Group. Although the data were not of consistent quality and detail across the three sources, the causes and frequency of incidents were analysed to see whether analogies could be drawn about how and why accidents occur. The greater our understanding of these factors, the more likely it is that the number of elephant-related injuries and deaths that happen in zoos can be reduced. Data are presented on a number of factors that relate to elephants, keeping staff, management practices and the circumstances surrounding known injuries and deaths.
TL;DR: The Dibbler Parantechinus apicalis is a small, carnivorous marsupial that is Endangered in its natural range and captive-bred animals for a colony introduced to Escape Island, Jurien Bay, Australia.
Abstract: The Dibbler Parantechinus apicalis is a small, carnivorous marsupial. Between 1996 and 1998 a recovery plan was initiated because the species is Endangered in its natural range. In 1997 Perth Zoo started breeding P. apicalis to study the behaviour of the species and to provide captive-bred animals for a colony introduced to Escape Island, Jurien Bay, Australia. By 2001, 83 captive-bred Dibblers and five wild-born founders were released to this site. The husbandry protocols, reproductive behaviour, and birth and development of young P. apicalis are described in this article.
TL;DR: In this article the new Chimpanzee Forest exhibit at Chester Zoo is described and details of the plantings are given.
Abstract: In 2000 an exhibit was altered substantially for Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes at Chester Zoo. A flat grass-covered island was initially planted with over 300 plants of 31 species and a complex climbing structure, made from poles, hammocks, tyres and cargo nets, was erected in the centre of the enclosure. In this article the new Chimpanzee Forest exhibit is described and details of the plantings are given. The ways in which the structure and vegetation have improved the environment and how the Chimpanzees use the redesigned space are also reported.
TL;DR: A new aquarium was designed and constructed in an attempt to simulate natural conditions so more could be learned about the husbandry requirements of the Portuguese man-of-war.
Abstract: Maintaining the Portuguese man-of-war Physalia physalis in captivity, either for display or study, has not been successful to date. A new aquarium was designed and constructed in an attempt to simulate natural conditions so more could be learned about the husbandry requirements of this species. The prototype aquarium increased longevity, up to four to seven times that of previous attempts, and promoted natural behaviours. Inside the aquarium six acrylic containment cylinders, each containing one Portuguese man-of-war, held the animals away from the sides and the force of water being drawn down through the cylinders retained the centred position of the specimens. Detailed information is given on the design of the aquarium in relation to the natural behaviour of the Portuguese man-of-war.
TL;DR: The literature on the benefits of herbs and medicinal plants positioned in and around primate enclosures is reviewed, followed by details of the methods by which the primates have access to the plants.
Abstract: Primates in captivity have been observed eating plants with medicinal properties that grow naturally around their enclosures. In this way they appear to be self-medicating, although this behaviour has not been scientifically proven. This article reviews the literature on the benefits of herbs and medicinal plants positioned in and around primate enclosures. There are some descriptions of the effectiveness of such plants for treating specific ailments, followed by details of the methods by which the primates have access to the plants; for example, within the enclosure, outside the enclosure but within arm's reach or in wiremesh-covered troughs. The properties and active constituents of some herbs and medicinal plants are also given.
TL;DR: For over a decade the behaviours of mothers and newborn calves of Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis michaeli and Reticulated giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata have been observed at Brookfield Zoo during the critical first few weeks postpartum as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: For over a decade the behaviours of mothers and newborn calves of Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis michaeli and Reticulated giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata have been observed at Brookfield Zoo during the critical first few weeks post-partum. Consistent patterns were seen for individuals within species, allowing models of time budgets, including ranges of variability surrounding each behaviour, to be developed. Once the model is created any data collected for neonates can be compared to the mean values in the model so infant development and the adequacy of maternal care can be assessed quantitatively.
TL;DR: Twenty Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus eggs, originating from a flock held at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, UK, were hatched in incubators and successfully translocated to Auckland Zoo, New Zealand at 33–71 days of age.
Abstract: Twenty Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus eggs, originating from a flock held at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, UK, were hatched in incubators. The chicks were hand-reared in a pre-export isolation facility before being successfully translocated to Auckland Zoo, New Zealand, at 33–71 days of age. At Auckland Zoo the flamingos were held in a quarantine facility for 30 days prior to being introduced to an enclosure on view to the public.
TL;DR: The husbandry techniques and courtship for adult Storm's storks, and incubation (both by parents and in incubator), growth and development of chicks are described.
Abstract: The Storm's stork Ciconia stormi is an Endangered Ciconiiforme from the inaccessible peat swamp forests and undisturbed freshwater habitats of Borneo, Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. The species is secretive so there are few published references describing its natural history. Two Storm's storks in 1993 and a further two in 1995 (four in total) were transferred from Zoo Negara, Malaysia, to the Zoological Society of San Diego, California, USA. One pair bred over a 4 year period and produced 34 eggs in 12 clutches: 12 chicks hatched, eight of which survived. This article describes the husbandry techniques and courtship for adult Storm's storks, and incubation (both by parents and in incubator), growth and development of chicks.
TL;DR: The EAZA Rhino Campaign runs from September 2005 until October 2006, with a fundraising target of Euros 350 000, and 100% of the funds raised will be donated to in situ rhinoceros-conservation projects.
Abstract: Each year the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) co-ordinates a year-long fund-raising and awareness campaign, focusing on a particular taxa or conservation issue. Rhinoceros species have been chosen as the subject of the current campaign, which runs from September 2005 until October 2006. A fundraising target of Euros 350 000 has been set and 100% of the funds raised will be donated to in situ rhinoceros-conservation projects. Save the Rhino International, a UK-registered charity, is working jointly with EAZA to develop and run the EAZA Rhino Campaign.
TL;DR: In order to understand better the reproductive activity of Bali starlings at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, small cameras were placed inside the nestboxes of six pairs and behaviour of parents and chicks during hatch and rearing was recorded.
Abstract: The Critically Endangered Bali starling Leucopsar rothschildi is the only endemic avian species on the island of Bali, Indonesia. In 1998 the wild population comprised c. 25 birds, of which only eight to ten were wild born. An international captive-breeding programme to restore a viable and self-sustaining population in Bali was established in 1987. In order to understand better the reproductive activity of Bali starlings at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, small cameras were placed inside the nestboxes of six pairs. Details of egg production and egg turning were recorded for 16 clutches, and incubation data were recorded for 14 clutches. Mean clutch size was 2·8±0·20 SE eggs. Females incubated eggs significantly more than ♂♂ (median 143-6 hours vs 46·8 hours, ♀vs♂). During the day (0500–2100 hours) eggs were turned every c. 13 minutes. At night eggs were incubated by ♀♀ while ♂♂ roosted in the nestbox. The median duration of incubation was 15·5 ± 0·24 SE days. Behaviour of parents and chicks during hatch and rearing was recorded for seven broods. Hatching success was 68% and for each pair the mean brood size was two chicks. Females carried out significantly more brooding (t= 7·08, df=6, P 30 days, of which three were parent-reared and two hand-reared. All parents assisted chicks during hatching. Synchronous hatching was recorded for 45% of chicks. Nutritional requirements of chicks were higher during the first 9 days post-hatch. Chick survival was compromised by parents feather plucking the chicks.