“Lorikeets” Exhibit at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Takes Flight

Posted on May 23, 2013 by
Visitors have the chance to get up close and personal with lorikeets. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium.

Visitors have the chance to get up close and personal with lorikeets. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium.

It’s going to be a very special summer at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

Beginning Saturday, May 25, guests at this popular Connecticut destination will be able to visit the summer exhibit, “Lorikeets,” where families can step into a lush aviary to share a laugh and a squawk with beautiful tropical birds that will sip food right out of their hands.

“Lorikeets” will be open from May 25 through September 2 outside on the Aquarium’s riverfront courtyard.

The exhibit will feature more than 50 free-flying lorikeets, which are colorful medium-sized parrots native to the south Pacific (southeast Asia, eastern Australia and Polynesia). The birds come in a dazzling rainbow of colors – with feathers that almost radiate an iridescent glow when seen in full sunlight. Lorikeets are naturally found in rainforests and woodlands but also in wooded urban areas, where they primarily feed on the nectars of various blossoms and fruits.

“In The Maritime Aquarium exhibit, our visitors will provide the nectar,” said Judith Bacal, the Aquarium’s exhibits director. “You can purchase a small cup of nectar before you go into the exhibit, and the lorikeets may land on your hand, or your arm, or even your head to get to your nectar. We like to say you can ‘Get Close’ at The Maritime Aquarium. Well, you can’t get closer than having a bird on your shoulder.”

Entry into “Lorikeets” will be free with Aquarium admission. Nectar cups will cost $3.

The Maritime Aquarium's "Lorikeets" exhibit opens on May 25th. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium.

The Maritime Aquarium’s “Lorikeets” exhibit opens on May 25th. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium.

Jennifer Herring, president of The Maritime Aquarium, said “Lorikeets” will further enhance the Aquarium’s reputation for close and affordable family fun in Connecticut, as well as from nearby New York and New Jersey.

“The interactions that kids will have with the birds will be so memorable and inspiring,” she said. “By the end of summer, just try to imagine how many pictures and videos will be posted on Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube of our visitors hand-feeding these beautiful birds.”

Lorikeets are specially adapted to their sweet nectar diet through their specialized tongue. Tiny hair-like appendages called papillae form a U shape on the end of the tongue. When the tongue is extended, these papillae stand up like bristles on a brush, expanding the tongue’s surface area and allowing the birds to easily soak up nectar. Unique to lorikeets, these papillae have earned the birds the nickname “brush-tongued parrots.”

The 1,800-square-foot Maritime Aquarium exhibit will boast about a dozen varieties of lorikeets.

With the purchase of a small nectar cup, lorikeets feed right out of visitors' hands. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium.

Visitors may purchase of a small nectar cup for the opportunity to feed the lorikeets. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium.

Some other important items to note about “Lorikeets”:

  • It will be handicapped-accessible but strollers are prohibited.
  • Visitors will be asked to sanitize their hands before entering.
  • To encourage the birds to rest, the exhibit will close for a half-hour at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
  • Viewing of the lorikeets will also be possible from outside the aviary.

Contributing writer: Dave Sigworth, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Jennifer Fields

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Mountain Lion Cub Makes Debut at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Posted on May 21, 2013 by
The new mountain lion at Arizona-Sonora desert Museum peeks around the entrance to his exhibit. Copyright Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

The new mountain lion at Arizona-Sonora desert Museum peeks around the entrance to his exhibit. Copyright Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum traditionally adopts orphaned mountain lions, which have not been suitable for release into the wild, including the Museum’s newest addition, a five and a half-month-old male cub found in San Jose, Calif., in March weighing only 15 pounds. Rescued and nursed back to health by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but unsuitable for reintroduction into the wild, its adoption by the Desert Museum was arranged through the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

“Once the cub was in good health suitable for transport, California departmental agents traveled nine hours to rendezvous with Desert Museum staff in Blythe, California,” states Shawnee Riplog-Peterson, the Museum’s Curator of Mammalogy & Ornithology. “After arrival at the Museum, the cub was quarantined in the exhibit’s night-holding area at which time veterinarians and keepers monitored its well-being and began training efforts,” she continued.

Initial training consists of teaching the animal to respond to keepers’ cues to safely move from one area to another upon request. All training is conducted with positive reinforcement techniques. “He is thriving,” relates Riplog-Peterson “and we are pleased now to share him with visitors who will appreciate his energy and youthful curiosity.”

After delighting visitors for over 13 years, the Desert Museum recently retired its two aging mountain lion siblings. “The mountain lions previously in the exhibit needed a residence which could better suit their physical limitations brought on by arthritis,” states Craig Ivanyi, Executive Director. “A new behind-the-scenes habitat has been designed where the lions will spend their much deserved retirement years.” Each sibling was weighed and received a full health evaluation prior to retirement. Mountain lions in the wild have an average life expectancy of thirteen years.

The mountain lions’ retirement area is not open to the public. The new habitat offers comfortable and safe surroundings, where animal keepers can provide a variety of enrichment options to keep them psychologically engaged. The new quarters include a resting platform and indoor/outdoor areas with cooling and heating systems when needed. The retired animals are 13+ years old.

Tim Lewthwaite

 

Posted in Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Education, Enrichment, Exhibits, Mountain Lion, Wildlife | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

AFRICA EXHIBIT SET TO OPEN AT BLANK PARK ZOO

Posted on April 30, 2013 by

Blank Park Zoo KianoIowa’s Blank Park Zoo will open phase one of the first major expansion of the Zoo since 2001 in early May. The exhibit name, Jaama Kwa Africa, means ‘your connection to Africa’ and Zoo officials hope visitors will connect to not only the animals and the culture of Africa but also the immediate conservation need that many animals, especially the rhinoceros, face. According to the International Rhino Foundation, there are less than 5,000 black rhinos left in the wild.

“The highlight of the exhibit is the Prairie Meadows Rhino Savanna,” said Mark Vukovich, CEO. “Not only will you be able to see rhinos, you’ll learn why they are highly endangered and how you can help protect them. We want to raise awareness about this because it’s possible that within our lifetime these animals will be extinct in the wild.” 

Sinage at Blank Park Zoo's new Africa exhibit help to educate people about the continent, its people and the wildlife that inahbit the region. Copyright Blank Park Zoo.

Sinage at Blank Park Zoo’s new Africa exhibit help to educate people about the continent, its people and the wildlife that inahbit the region. Copyright Blank Park Zoo.

The three-acre, $4.5 million exhibit features an indoor area for rhino viewing during cooler seasons. In addition to the rhinos, the exhibit is home to an antelope species called eland, spurred tortoise, the Tim & Toni Urban Aviary, ostrich, and kori bustards, one of the largest birds that can fly. Original artwork by Chris Vance and James Bearden will also be on display.

“Without the help of many generous donors, we would not have been able to come this far with this exhibit, and we would like to thank Prairie Meadows, Principal Financial Group and DuPont Pioneer for their help in this part of our expansion efforts,” said Vukovich.

“Prairie Meadows has worked hard over the years to fund many excellent programs in our community,” said Gary Palmer, Prairie Meadows President/CEO, “and we are pleased to partner with Blank Park Zoo in bringing the African Exhibit and the Prairie Meadows Rhino Savanna to central Iowa. This educational and cultural resource is just another way that we fulfill our mission of giving back as Prairie Meadows has given more than $1 billion in taxes, grants and charitable donations. We are proud of our company’s heritage, and we are pleased to help our community and the Blank Park Zoo in so many ways.”

“As a global business, we support the development of different cultural and environmental learning opportunities and are excited to help build the Gateway to Africa exhibit at the Blank Park Zoo,” said Michelle Gowdy, Director of Community and Academic Relations for DuPont Pioneer. “These experiences are integral to getting more kids interested in science and thinking about how they can use science to change their world.”

The past few years have brought about a number of changes to the Zoo. In 2011, the David Kruidenier Australia Adventure opened. Last year, the Hub Harbor seal and sea lion pool opened and features daily animal demonstrations, stroller accessible observation deck and underwater viewing.

In the Africa exhibit, construction continues on the Principal Pavilion, an educational and viewing area that will give a new view to the giraffe exhibit that will open later this summer. In other areas of the Zoo, construction is continuing on a new holding and winter viewing building for the penguins and Aldabra tortoises, and construction will soon to begin on a Bactrian camel exhibit that will be located just north of the Zoo in Blank Park.

About Black Rhinoceros (source: International Rhino Foundation)

The black rhinoceros has two horns, with the front one being the larger of the two. They can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and be 5.5 feet tall at shoulder height and up to 12.5 feet long if you include the head and body. The black rhino has a prehensile lip that is well-suited for grasping branches, leaves and shrubs. This is the species’ most distinguishing characteristic. The black rhino lives in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. Female rhinos reach maturity at four to seven years of age while males reach maturity at seven to ten years. Between 1970 and 1992, the wild population of this species has decreased by 96 percent. The term ‘black rhino’ is believed to come about because of the color of the soil the rhino covers itself with while wallowing in the mud. Unlike the white rhino, black rhinos are only semi-social and do not live in herds.

Tim Lewthwaite

 

 

Posted in Black Rhinos, Blank Park Zoo, Enrichment, Exhibits, International Rhino Foundation, Zoo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Brace Fit For a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Komodo Dragon

Posted on April 26, 2013 by
Komodo (Enam) with Brace 3378 - G. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Komodo dragon, Enam, is exploring his exhibit again thanks to a brace that was designed just for him. Photo Credit: Grahm Jones/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

This spring, Enam the Komodo dragon is looking forward to something far better than warmer weather–being mobile once again.

A young spirit at heart, 7-year-old Enam has arthritis in his left wrist that caused him to drag his foot, slowing him down and causing pain. To ease his discomfort and increase his mobility, staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium worked with the Columbus-based Hanger Clinic location to outfit him with a custom removable foot brace. The United States’ leading provider of prosthetics and orthotics, Hanger Clinic has been helping make people as well as animals like Enam mobile for 150 years.

“As you can imagine, placing a brace on the front leg of a Komodo dragon presents some challenges, but the folks at Hanger are resourceful and Enam’s caretakers are very patient,” said Dr. Randy Junge, vice president of animal health at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “We were able to get the apparatus properly placed. He walks very well with the brace and doesn’t seem to notice it. And his girlfriend, Audrey, doesn’t seem to object either.”

“My colleague Phil Terry and I enjoyed this opportunity to give back to the community and, in conjunction with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, work with Enam,” said Nicholas J. Igel, Hanger Clinic Certified Orthotist. “This terrific experience gave us the opportunity to look at the tasks we do on a daily basis in a different light.”

According to Igel, Hanger Clinic used many of the same methods for providing care to Enam as they typically use on their human patients. For example, the team cast Enam to create an impression and then used that impression to fabricate a custom-designed brace to help Enam walk more effectively.

“While there were many similarities, there were, of course, some differences in working with an animal,” said Igel. “It was refreshing to leave our comfort zone to problem solve and provide care to this unique patient.”

In addition to Enam, Hanger Clinic has fit a variety of species, including llamas, donkeys, dolphins and sandhill cranes.

Inhabiting only a few Indonesian islands, Komodos, the world’s largest lizards, have a fearsome reputation. Their diet includes rotting meat, which produces bacteria that stays in their mouth and makes their bite deadly. Despite this characteristic, which may seem to be less-than-endearing, Komodos play an important role in the ecosystem as a top predator. Due to poaching, human encroachment, and natural disasters, Komodo dragons are endangered in their native range. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of 35 zoos in North America that cares for Komodo dragons like the 7-foot-long, 90-pound Enam, and is continually working to support efforts to conserve them in the wild, as well as increase their quality of life in human care.

Jennifer Fields

Posted in Aquarium, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Komodo Dragons, Zoo | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Birch Aquarium at Scripps’s Lecture Series is UCSD-TV’s Most-Watched Science Programming With Milestone 10 Million Online Views

Posted on April 10, 2013 by
Scripps Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard Somerville delivers a lecture titled "Global Warming: The Latest Word on the Best Science" during the May 14, 2007 Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Scripps Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard Somerville delivers a lecture titled “Global Warming: The Latest Word on the Best Science” during the May 14, 2007 Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Sharks, Medicines From the Sea, Exploring 1,000 Years of Earthquake History Along the San Andreas Fault, Genetics and Gray Whale Behavior, New Insights into the Early History of the Earth and Moon, 135 years on Climate Change … these are just a few of the dynamic monthly topics featured by the Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Ever-increasing in popularity, the series has now reached 10 million online views, a milestone that underscores the wide appeal of Scripps research and the impact of Birch Aquarium’s outreach programs.

“As the exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Perspectives on Ocean Science series is Birch Aquarium’s most important public science program,” Aquarium Executive Director Nigella Hillgarth said. “This incredible body of knowledge is available worldwide via the Internet, extending our educational outreach far beyond the podium.”

More than 130 videotaped lectures about the cutting-edge research from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego can be accessed online through UCSD-TV’s website as well as UCTV’s system-wide YouTube and iTunes channels. Perspectives on Ocean Science is UCSD’s longest-running and most popular science series. Out of more than 350 UCTV series, it is the 14th most watched.

The programs also air through the UCSD-TV and UCTV broadcast networks to five million homes in California and 20,000 Roku subscribers nationwide.

“Birch Aquarium’s dedication to this program is helping to deepen society’s understanding and support of science,” said Catherine Constable, interim director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Vice Chancellor of Marine Sciences at UC San Diego, as well as a previous Perspectives presenter. “Viewers all over the world are exposed to the breadth and importance of Scripps discoveries—research that is significant for the health of the planet and its people.”

The lecture series, originally called “The Birch Aquarium Presents,” was launched in February 1996 as intimate presentations held monthly in the mornings before the aquarium opened to the public. The series expanded into a popular evening program in 2001 when Scripps marine biologist Jeffrey B. Graham, interim director of Birch Aquarium, wanted to better connect society with the discoveries of Scripps researchers. Graham, for whom the series is now named, died in 2012.

In addition to its online viewership, more than 12,000 people have attended monthly Perspectives lectures.

 

Scripps Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard Somerville delivers a lecture titled "The Scientific Case for Urgent Action to Limit Climate Change" during a Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture at Birch Aquarium at Scripps, March 11, 2013. Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Scripps Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard Somerville delivers a lecture titled “The Scientific Case for Urgent Action to Limit Climate Change” during a Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture at Birch Aquarium at Scripps, March 11, 2013. Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

 

The most popular Perspectives topics range from climate science to leopard sharks to marine protected areas. At more than 375,000 views, the most-watched lecture is “The American Denial of Global Warming” from fall 2007, featuring UC San Diego scientist and historian Naomi Oreskes. Oreskes’s talk, which has received more than 51,000 viewer comments on YouTube, revealed the history of organized campaigns designed to create public doubt and confusion about climate science and scientific consensus. Also popular is “A New Imperative for Deep-Ocean Stewardship” featuring Scripps biological oceanographer Lisa Levin, which has received more than a quarter-million views.

“Presenting in the Perspectives series is an excellent way for Scripps researchers to broaden the impact of their research,” said Cheryl Peach, director of Scripps Educational Alliances and Perspectives curator. “As people increasingly turn to the Internet for access to information, this series promises to increase its reach into the next decade and beyond.”

For information about ways to support the series, please visit aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Contributing Writers:

Jessica Crawford and Addie Eure, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Jennifer Fields

Posted in Aquarium, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Conservation, Education, Wildlife | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Red Panda Arrives at Chattanooga Zoo

Posted on April 3, 2013 by
Wen-Dee who will arrive at the Chattanooga Zoo on April 3, 2013.

Wen-Dee who will arrive at the Chattanooga Zoo on April 3, 2013.

The Chattanooga Zoo  welcomes another red panda, 13-year old Wen-Dee, to her new home in the Himalayan Passage exhibit. Wen-Dee hails from the Kansas City Zoo where she was recommended for relocation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP). Possessing the country’s largest indoor red panda exhibit and a staff specifically trained in geriatric care, the Chattanooga Zoo was the first choice for placement of the red panda.
Despite being of advanced age and struggling with both seasonal and psychogenic alopecia, Wen-Dee is in good health and is intended to serve as a companion animal to the Zoo’s current 15-year old male red panda, Nigalya. AZA’s Red Panda SSP Coordinator and Knoxville Zookeeper, Sarah Glass notes “we are grateful for Chattanooga Zoo’s willingness to provide a home for an aging red panda with alopecia. Our SSP has placed several red pandas in the Chattanooga Zoo’s care and we feel confident in their ability to provide a healthy and compassionate environment for Wen-Dee.”
Chattanooga Zoo CEO, Darde Long, adds that “all of us here at the Zoo feel honored and privileged to add Wen-Dee to our collection.” When asked about Wen-Dee’s alopecia, Ms. Long replied “Wen-Dee’s sporadic hair loss is not a concern; we all have bad hair days. Wen-Dee is a healthy 13-year old red panda for which our staff is uniquely qualified to care.”

Tim Lewthwaite

Posted in Animal Health, AZA, Chattanooga Zoo, Exhibits, Kansas City Zoo, Red Pandas, Species Survival Plan, Zoo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Smithsonian’s National Zoo Opens New Home for Asian Elephants

Posted on March 21, 2013 by
Smithsonian National Zoo's new Elephant Trails opened in late March. Copyright Smithsonian National Zoo.

Smithsonian National Zoo’s new Elephant Trails opened in late March. Copyright Smithsonian National Zoo.

The commitment at the National Zoo to save Asian elephants from extinction and ensure a future for this endangered species spans more than 50 years. In keeping with the best practices for elephant management, the Zoo has invested in a state-of-the-art exhibit: Elephant Trails. This innovative and expanded home will enable the Zoo to provide the best possible care for its elephants: females Ambika, 65, and Shanthi, 38, and Shanthi’s 11-year-old male offspring, Kandula. The public opening of the Elephant Community Center March 23 will mark the completion of Elephant Trails, which was a seven-year, $56 million project.
“As a leader in Asian elephant care, management and research, the National Zoo has already made great strides in conserving these magnificent creatures,” said Zoo Director Dennis Kelly. “Elephant Trails goes above and beyond these investments. We’ve maximized space for our animals to roam, maximized our ability to administer care and maximized the connection visitors can make with our herd.”

The National Zoo's Elephant Trails exhibit. Copyright Smithsonian National Zoo.

The National Zoo’s Elephant Trails exhibit. Copyright Smithsonian National Zoo.

Elephant Trails invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of being close to the Zoo’s Asian elephants. In addition, the interactive exhibits teach visitors about elephants’ physical characteristics, social behaviors, intelligence and the commitment it takes to care for them.
“Every day our elephants become more comfortable in their new surroundings,” said Tony Barthel, curator of Elephant Trails. “We hope our visitors’ experience with Ambika, Shanthi and Kandula helps them feel connected to the Zoo’s herd and inspires them to help protect Asian elephants in the wild.”
The Elephant Community Center was built within the walls of the Zoo’s historic 1930s Elephant House. The renovated indoor exhibit provides the Zoo’s elephants with space for socializing, training and playing while providing the elephant staff a safe and well-designed facility to access the animals and administer excellent care. In keeping with the Zoo’s conservation mission, both the Elephant Community Center and Elephant Barn use environmentally friendly elements such as geothermal wells, operable skylights and on-site water filtration, among others. The buildings were designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold standards. LEED certification takes place about six months after the exhibit opens.
In order to ensure the Zoo’s elephants had ample room both indoors and outdoors, design firm VITETTA and Zoo staff consulted scientific studies that looked at the amount of space wild Asian elephants use on a daily basis. Altogether, Elephant Trails contains 29,333 square feet (8,943 square meters) of elephant space, which is large enough to house between eight and ten adult Asian elephants and their young. From an animal management perspective, it can accommodate up to three separate groups of elephants, including a matriarchal herd and individual bulls. The indoor exhibit is 4,041 square feet (1,232 square meters); the outdoor exhibit is 25,292 square feet (7,711 square meters).
The Zoo built Elephant Trails to best manage and care for its elephants. The facility includes living space covered in substrates that are gentle on the elephants’ feet, such as sand, rubber and dirt. Elephant Trails also facilitates enrichment opportunities that stimulate the animals mentally and physically. Permanent exhibit enrichment includes elevated terrain, pools and sand piles that encourage the animals to exercise, forage and socialize. In addition, keepers can introduce novel objects like scratch trees, tractor tires and boomer balls to stimulate the elephants’ curiosity.

Asian elephant enjoying a stroll in Elephant Trails. Copyright Smithsonian National Zoo

Asian elephant enjoying a stroll in Elephant Trails. Copyright Smithsonian National Zoo

Elephant Trails also highlights 50 years of Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute elephant research – both at the National Zoo and in native habitats. The Zoo’s National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory is the principal resource for herpesvirus information, testing and research for the global elephant community. In addition, SCBI’s Endocrine Research Lab is the only facility in the United States providing extensive monitoring services for tracking the reproductive health of zoo elephants. The findings from these kinds of research projects are applied to wild Asian elephant conservation efforts and to captive management of elephants in zoos.

Tim Lewthwaite

Posted in Animal Health, Asian Elephants, Conservation, Education, Enrichment, Exhibits, Smithsonian National Zoo, Wildlife, Zoo | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Red Wolf Graphic Novel

Posted on March 12, 2013 by
Red Wolf Graphic Novel.

Red Wolf Graphic Novel.

Red wolves are one of the most critically endangered animals in the world, and education efforts have been identified by the US Fish & Wildlife Service as vital to the future of this animal.

One unique and innovative education project is the graphic novel Return of the Red Wolf, a collaboration between the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Education Advisor and a local artist. This novel, targeted towards 7th grade science students, tells the story of these animals, as narrated by Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium’s own red wolf Graham, through bright and compelling images. Free copies of the novel and an associated curriculum will be available in 2013 for Tacoma schools and SSP facilities thanks to generous funding by the Point Defiance Zoological Society and the Tacoma Artists Initiative Program.

Tim Lewthwaite

Posted in Aquarium, Education, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife, Wolves, Zoo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

AZA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums to Celebrate International Polar Bear Day on February 27

Posted on February 27, 2013 by
Celebrate International Polar Bear Day on Wednesday, February 27! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

Celebrate International Polar Bear Day on Wednesday, February 27! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

On Wednesday, February 27, 2013, you’re invited to join zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in celebrating International Polar Bear Day. Initiated by AZA conservation partner, Polar Bears International (PBI), this event takes place every year to help spread the message of what steps we can take to help save the species, which is being negatively impacted by the loss of sea ice caused by climate change.

In May 2008, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service listed the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, making it the first animal species to receive protection due to threats from climate change. In Canada, polar bears are listed as a “Species of Special Concern,” and in Russia, polar bears are listed as a “Species of Concern.”

Biologists estimate there are only 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears left in their natural range. The bears rely on sea ice in order to hunt their main diet of ringed seals. When the sea ice melts earlier in the year and re-freezes later, this means that there is less time for the polar bears to feed on the seals’ rich blubber, which helps sustain them through the summer months as well as enables them to nourish their young until the next feeding season. In 2012 alone, summer ice losses in the Arctic were larger than the size of the United States. Without the sea ice, polar bears cannot survive.

Scientists also predict that the world will lose 2/3 of its polar bear population in the next 40 years if we stay on our current path and do not make any changes in reducing greenhouse gases to help slow the loss of Arctic ice.

Polar bears need sea ice in order to survive. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

Polar bears need sea ice in order to survive. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

To help bring awareness to this very important conservation issue, a number of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are hosting events in recognition of International Polar Bear Day. To find out if your local facility is participating, please be sure to call the zoo or aquarium in advance for more information about event details. For a list of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in your area, please visit http://www.aza.org/findzooaquarium/

Here are some examples of International Polar Bear Day activities taking place at AZA-accredited facilities:

North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo is teaming up with Polar Bears International (PBI), the world’s leading polar bear conservation group, to celebrate International Polar Bear Day on Wednesday, February 27.

As a member of PBI’s Arctic Ambassador Center network, the N.C. Zoo is asking the Piedmont area to take part in the “Thermostat Challenge” to help raise awareness of how our daily actions impact the polar bear’s sea ice habitat.

In support of the effort on February 27, N.C. Zoo polar bear keepers will staff an information table from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Seal Exhibit to inform visitors about the plight of wild polar bears whose icy hunting grounds are being lost due to climate change.

The zoo is also partnering with Progress Energy for the second annual “Energy Efficiency Campaign.” Area families can fill out a home energy report available on the Progress Energy website at www.progress-energy.com and be entered to win a one-year family membership from the N.C. Zoological Society good for a year’s free zoo admission and other benefits. The Energy Efficiency Campaign will kick off on International Polar Bear Day and run until Earth Day, April 22.

PBI and the N.C. Zoo are also inviting families, schools and businesses to “Bundle Up For Polar Bears” and join them in adjusting their thermostats a few degrees on February 27 to lower carbon emissions and help save polar bears. The public is also encouraged to purchase and install programmable thermostats or take additional steps to help conserve energy.

As a member of PBI’s Arctic Ambassador Center network, the North Carolina Zoo is one of more than 50 leading zoos, museums, science centers and aquariums that conduct programs to educate the public about polar bears and climate change and that play a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.

Louisville Zoo

Renowned polar bear scientist Andrew Derocher, PhD, is making a special trip to the Louisville Zoo in celebration of International Polar Bear Day on February 27.  A leading polar bear researcher and author of “Polar Bears: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior,” Dr. Derocher will offer a free captivating and inspiring talk on the fate of an Arctic icon, the polar bear, at Bellarmine University on February 27 at 7 p.m. in Frazier Hall. His book will be available for $20 in the Zoo’s gift shop prior to the event. Lecture attendees can make a minimum donation of $20 to The Louisville Zoo for its animal conservation fund and receive a copy of Dr. Derocher’s book.

Dr. Derocher recently released a synopsis of an urgent paper he co-authored with 11 other international authors titled “Rapid Ecosystem Change and Polar Bear Conservation.” The paper urges policy makers to be ready with conservation and management plans for polar bears in a worst-case climate change scenario. Dr. Derocher and the others have studied the effect of climate change on polar bear populations. The paper points out that one bad ice year could leave hundreds of Hudson Bay polar bears stranded on land and says that “such an event could erase half of a population in a single year.”

Dr. Derocher is a professor of biology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada and a longtime scientific advisor to Polar Bears International (PBI). He holds a B.S. from the University of British Columbia (1983), M.S. from the University of Alberta (1987), and a PhD from the University of Alberta (1991). His field research focuses on polar bears in the Canadian Arctic and the polar bears of Hudson Bay. He has also worked with polar bears in Svalbard, Norway through the Norwegian Polar Institute. Over the course of more than 20 years studying polar bears, Dr. Derocher’s research has focused on the limiting and regulating factors of polar bear populations including habitat use, harvest effects, and predator-prey relationships. His current work includes assessment of the effects of climate change and toxic chemicals on polar bears.

Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo

The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which manages Brookfield Zoo, encourages guests to visit the Zoo on Wednesday, February 27, to reflect on the threatened status of polar bears and learn how to help protect their environment. The event, which takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is in honor of International Polar Bear Day and will highlight the effects that climate change has on these magnificent creatures.

As guests enter the Great Bear Wilderness underwater viewing area and Hamill Family Play Zoo, they can write a pledge to reduce their carbon footprint on life-size polar bear statues. The first 300 people to make their pledge will receive a compact fluorescent light bulb, donated by the Consumer Utility Board.

Children will also be able to participate in polar bear-themed activities at Hamill Family Play Zoo, including tracing and decorating their carbon footprint. Additionally, youngsters will be able to engage in hands-on and minds-on learning in an activity that features helping miniature polar bear figures navigate ice floes in a sensory bin filled with water.

Zookeepers will be on hand to host a special Zoo Chat at 11:30 a.m. and share interesting facts about Brookfield Zoo’s polar bears, including Aussie, a 27-year-old male. Also, Zoo guests who purchase an item from any of the Zoo’s gift shops will receive a free reusable bag. Additional reusable bags will be available for purchase.

Participate in polar bear themed activities at the Brookfield Zoo, and learn what you can do to help protect this species. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

Participate in polar bear themed activities at the Brookfield Zoo, and learn what you can do to help protect this species. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

CZS will also take part in the Thermostat Challenge, an effort to raise awareness about how daily actions impact polar bears and their sea ice habitat. CZS will participate by lowering the temperature of the Zoo’s indoor non-animal buildings by two degrees in order to reduce carbon emissions. The Thermostat Challenge is sponsored by Polar Bears International (PBI), the world’s leading polar bear conservation group.

Zoo guests are also encouraged to join the Thermostat Challenge. Additional activities that could help slow the pace of climate change and its impact include swapping out incandescent (regular) light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs, buying food grown locally to reduce the need for transporting food thousands of miles, and driving a fuel-efficient car to help reduce air pollution.

Contributing writers: Rod Hackney, North Carolina Zoo; Kyle Shepherd, Louisville Zoo; and Sondra Katzen, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo

Jennifer Fields

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Casanova Arrives at Adventure Aquarium

Posted on February 15, 2013 by
Casanova the African black-footed penguin chick on his media debut at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J. Copyright Adventure Aquarium.

Casanova the African black-footed penguin chick on his media debut at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J. Copyright Adventure Aquarium.

Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J., announced the hatching of an African black-footed penguin, appropriately named Casanova in honor of its media debut on Valentine’s Day.  Casanova was hatched on 11 January 2013 to parents Kali and Tyson.

Casanova, whose gender is unknown, is doing very well. When the chick first hatched, it was the approximate weight and size of a golf ball, but has already grown to weigh over three pounds.

“We’re thrilled to report that this African penguin chick is very strong,” said Pagel, curator of birds & mammals at Adventure Aquarium, who has overseen the African penguin population since 1998.  “It is gaining weight by leaps and bounds, vocalizing and is already starting to walk and learning to eat on its own.”

Much like human newborn babies, when chicks are first hatched, they are very dependent on their parents. Their eyes are closed, and their bodies are developing muscles that will eventually allow them to hold their head up and walk (or waddle). The only difference is that penguin growth happens quickly.  In fact, in a year, Casanova will be the size of a fully grown African penguin.

This is the first hatchling for Kali and Tyson, who were paired back in 2009 through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA’s) African Penguin Species Survival Plan® (SSP). Since it began working with the program in 1998, the Aquarium has successfully bred and raised fourteen African black-footed penguin chicks.

Tim Lewthwaite

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