2/11 Japan Tsunami Disaster | p2 - WAZA
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May
2011
2/11
Japan Tsunami Disaster | p2
Insight from Prince Albert II of Monaco:
Save the Bluefin Tuna | p5
Year of the Bat | p15
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). | © Monterey Bay Aquarium / Randy Wilder
WAZA news 2/11
Gerald Dick
Contents Editorial
Tsunami, Thanks to Donors....... 2
Save the Bluefin Tuna................ 5
Seaworld’s ART
of Marine Animal Research........ 6
Aqua City and International
Aquarium Symposium............... 7
Arabian Oryx............................ 9
Desert Antelopes at Al Ain....... 10
Book Reviews......................... 10
Announcements..................... 12
Year of the Bat........................ 15
Update
International Studbooks.......... 18 © Meyer Etienne de Kock / WAZA
Workshop: Gerald Dick and cheetah at Al Bustan Zoological Centre.
Population Management......... 18 Dear WAZA Members!
WAZA Projects
Rodent Conservation.............. 19 I wish to thank all of you who have agreed to contribute, he also is in sup-
Zambia Red Caps.................... 20 contributed to help our colleagues in port of the Monaco Aquarium to join
Programa SADA......................21 Japan after the horrible earthquake WAZA. A second focus is on the Middle
Red Panda Conservation..........22 and tsunami and all the consequences. East, a region where we are hoping
White-footed Tamarin..............23 Many members have decided to direct- to get new members soon, well in ad-
Attwater’s Prairie Chicken....... 24 ly send their financial contributions to vance of our Annual Conference in 2015
Giant Anteater........................ 25 JAZA while others and many individual in Al Ain. Last but not least, the WAZA
Giraffe Conservation............... 26 donors chose the option to channel branded projects number passed the
Recent Updates.......................27 funds through WAZA. Up to now 200 threshold and we are introducing
New Member Applications....... 29 WAZA received more than 50,000 $US eight of the latest projects.
which were transferred to JAZA in In May all voting members will receive
order to help the affected institutions a mail ballot for the 2011 Council elec-
immediately and in an unbureaucratic tions, please make use of your demo-
way. In those difficult days it is hoped cratic rights and send back the ballots
that the funds contribute to relieve in time.
the distress.
This edition of the NEWS has a focus Gerald Dick
on marine species and it is a great WAZA Executive Director
honour that Prince Albert II of Monaco
Imprint Edition: 550 copies
© WAZA 2011
Editor: Gerald Dick,
WAZA Executive Office
IUCN Conservation Centre This edition of WAZA News
Rue Mauverney 28 is also available on
CH-1196 Gland www.waza.org (members’ area).
Switzerland
Founding
phone: +41 22 999 07 90
Member fax: +41 22 999 07 91 WAZA is a registered
interest representative with
Layout and typesetting: the European Commission,
michal@sky.cz ID number 30556573017-18.
Print:
Agentura NP, Staré Město, Printed on FSC paper.
Czech Republic
ISSN: 1662-7733
WAZA news 2/11 1
Mark Penning
The President’s Page
© Ryszard Topola
Mark Penning at Colombo, Council meeting.
As I write, the members of the WAZA The activities pursued by the Execu- with WAZA. We hope that he will
Council are travelling to Switzerland tive Office and WAZA Committees continue to work with us in the years
for the mid‑year meeting of Council, are in line with the outcomes of the ahead, and we wish CBSG well as it
the first to be held at the new WAZA WAZA Vision and Corporate Strategy seeks to find an able replacement.
Executive Office at the IUCN head- Planning Workshop that was held in
quarters in Gland. The move to Gland January 2009 at the Bristol Zoological Finally, we applaud the issuing of
has certainly given WAZA a far higher Gardens, and the WAZA Corporate a directive by the Chinese govern-
profile in the world of conservation Strategy which was launched the ment ministry responsible for the
NGO’s, and opened up a host of new previous year in St. Louis. The WAZA management of zoos, banning
opportunities. Corporate Strategy suggests a stra- potentially abusive animal perfor-
tegic review every three years, and mances like bears on bicycles, tigers
The Council meeting will take place the Council will be devoting a full day and lions jumping through hoops of
against the backdrop of devastation to a strategic workshop immediately fire, and elephants made to perform
caused by earthquakes and tsunamis after the Council meeting. head stands. This has come about
that have affected members of WAZA thanks to the work of the Chinese
and JAZA. The Fukushima Aquarium Several important meetings are Association of Zoological Gardens
was one of those hardest hit, and life linked to the meeting of WAZA Coun- (CAZG), and we extend our sup-
support systems have been all but de- cil to make best use of the gathering port and encouragement to them
stroyed by the surging waters. We are of several key individuals. The ISIS in promoting compliance with this
relieved to hear that Mr. Yoshitaka Board of Trustees will meet, and directive. It is certainly a positive step
Abe and his team managed to get out welcome Paula Brock, chief financial for animal welfare in that country and
safely, and we sincerely hope that officer of the Zoological Society of the region.
they will be able to salvage some- San Diego (ZSSD) as Treasurer of the
thing of what was a very reputable ISIS Board. Lena Lindén has stepped
aquarium. Abe‑san and his team are down as treasurer, but will remain on
famous for their research work on the ISIS Board to help with the transi- …contributed to the
old Fourlegs, the Coelacanth, and tion. The CBSG will also meet, and
we hope they are able to resume news is that Dr. Bob Lacy has decided Japan emergency
these important studies soon. Other to begin the process of finding the
institutions affected include Sendai next chair of the CBSG – Bob believes relief fund – we are
Marinpia Matsushima Aquarium, Sen- that he can serve conservation and
dai Yagiyama Zoo, Akita Omoriyama the work of CBSG most effectively if most grateful for
Zoo, Morioka Zoo, Asamushi Aquari- he devotes his energy to specific pro-
um and Hitachi Kamine Zoo. We wish jects in the future. Bob has been a tre- your assistance…
them all well. I must extend a sincere mendous asset to the CBSG, and has
thank you to all those who responded built up a strong working relationship
to the call for help and contributed to
the emergency relief fund – we are
most grateful for your assistance.
2 WAZA news 2/11
Shigeyuki Yamamoto – JAZA Chair
Donate to
Tsunami
Thanks for Donating in Support
of Affected Japanese Institutions!
14 out of our 156 member institutions Facilities Damaged
見舞金のお願い
experienced damages due to the mas- (as of March 14, 2011)
sive earthquake and resulting tsunami
on March 11, 2011. The worst damage Zoos Aquariums
occurred at the institutions that are
located on the coast of Tohoku area, • Akita Omoriyama Zoo (Akita, • Chitose Salmon Museum (Chitose,
the region that has become the center Akita) | There was no damage on Hokkaido) | They got damage on
of attention on most international enclosures. They have the difficulty a part of their facilities. A part of
news programs due to the nuclear for its lifeline including blackout. It fishes died.
crisis. The Aquamarine Fukushima is difficult for them to get the feed. • Aomori Prefectural Asamushi
and Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium • Morioka Zoological Park (Morioka, Aquarium (Aomori, Aomori) | They
experienced critical damage which Iwate) | There was no damage temporally got blackout.
includes structural, electrical, and on enclosures and animals. The • Oga Aquarium GAO (Ojika, Akita) |
environmental damages. electricity is cut off. Also they are They are under blackout.
without water. It is difficult to them • Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium
Due to the inability to distribute to get the fuel and feed. (Miyagi, Miyagi) | The first floor
resources including food, water, • Yagiyama Zoological Park (Sendai, of their building was flooded by
electricity, and other basic necessities, Miyagi) | There is no damage on tsunami and the machine room
the zoo and aquariums have suffered animals. They need to fix a part of and electric room were submerged
greatly in their ability to acquire the buildings and parking lot. They have completely. This caused huge dam-
proper commodities for the ani- the difficulty for its lifeline. It is dif- age. All of the staff and animals
mals. JAZA, in cooperation with our ficult for them to get the food. are fine. They have in‑house power
member institutions, has already • Nasu Animal Kingdom (Nasu, generation.
been cooperating in supplying as Tochigi) | They got the damage on • Aquamarine Fukushima (Iwaki,
many resources as possible to those its hot spring facility. They need to Fukushima) | There were no human
members affected. close temporally, but there is no casualties including staff, volunteers,
damage at zoo. visitors who were there when tsu-
JAZA has received urgent transfer • Kiryugaoka Zoo (Kiryu, Gunma) | nami came. The tsunami made their
permission under the Act for Conser- They got the cracks and damage on facility flooded in first floor, and un-
vation of Endangered Species of Wild the street inside of zoo. The glasses derground installation and electric
Flauna and Flora of all live species of office building were broken. system was damaged. There was
including the walrus (Odobenus ros- • Hitachi City Kamine Zoo (Hitachi, massive damage on animals. The
marus), Steller sea lion (Eumetopias Ibaraki) | They are under blackout animals alive were already trans-
jubatus), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), without water and temporally ferred to other institutions including
Common murre (Uria aalge), and closed. There was no damage on its Ueno zoo (Tokyo) and Kamogawa
the tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) facilities and animals. They don’t Sea World (Kamogawa, Chiba).
from the Ministry of Environment. have enough stock of food materi- • Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquar-
JAZA is proud to announce the trans- als. ium (Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki) |
fers from Aquamarine Fukushima • Tobu Zoological Park (Minami- They are under blackout, but they
were completed on March 17th, 2011 saitama, Saitama) | There was no have in‑house power generation.
damage on animal facilities. They Four parts of plumbing system
JAZA also completed the urgent got the damage on the play equip- are broken. A part of parking lot is
transfer of food to our institutions in ments. completely flooded. All of the staff
the affected areas which included the are fine.
Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai, Note: The institutions in blue don’t have the • Epson Aqua Stadium (Tokyo) |
the Morioka Zoological Park in Iwate, way to get the feed for animals, they There were no human casualties.
and the Akita Omoriyama Zoo in Akita. requested JAZA to ensure it for them. A part of artificial rocks in the tube
We continue to get the updates about tank was broken.
the damage they have incurred.
Note: The institutions in blue got
the damage by tsunami.
WAZA news 2/11 3
»
© JAZA
Spotted Seal (Phoca largha), new born baby on April
7th at Kamogawa Seaworld.
© JAZA
Damaged life support system and tanks at Aquamarine Fukushima (top).
Aquamarine Fukushima after earthquake.
Support provided
(as of March 30, 2011)
The first emergency The third emergency The fifth emergency
transportation transportation transportation
• Date: March 18–19 • Date: March 25 • Date: March 26
• Destination: Yagiyama Zoological • Destination: Yagiyama Zoological • Destination: Yagiyama Zoological
Gardens (Miyagi), Morioka Zoolog- Gardens (Miyagi) Gardens (Miyagi) and Aquamarine
ical Park (Iwate) and Akita Omoriy- • Contents: Feeds and materials Matsushima Aquarium (Miyagi)
ama Zoo (Akita) • Contents: Frozen fishes
• Contents: Feeds and materials The fourth emergency
transportation The sixth emergency
The second emergency • Date: March 25 transportation
transportation • Destination: Yagiyama Zoological • Date: March 28
• Date: March 23 Gardens (Miyagi) and Aquamarine • Destination: Morioka Zoological
• Destination: Hitachi City Matsushima Aquarium (Miyagi) Park (Iwate) and Yagiyama Zoo-
Kamine Zoo (Ibaraki) • Contents: Fresh vegetables logical Gardens (Miyagi)
• Contents: Feeds and materials • Contents: Feeds and materials
To find out more:
www.jaza.jp | www.facebook.com/jaza.jp
4 WAZA news 2/11
»
Giving animals
immediate protection:
• The marine mammals and birds
in Aquamarine Fukushima were
transferred to Kamogawa Sea
World, Ueno Zoo, Kasai Sea Life
Park, Enoshima Aquarium, Izu
Mito Sea Paradise.
• Establishment of the donation
system for the affected area and
affected institutions:
• We established the way
of information sharing for inside
and outside of Japan. We update © JAZA
Walrus (Odobenus
the information on our website,
also opened our official Facebook rosmarus) rescue
account. transport at
Fukushima.
Ongoing Support
and Future Plans
We will continue to do our best for
the emergency situation included 1)
Comprehending the details of dam-
age, 2) Planning and implementation
of the transfer of the required food
and material continuously, 3) Plan-
ning of the appropriate physical sup-
port for the details of damage, and
urgent protection of animals.
The operation of all of the JAZA
member institutions will be affected
for a long term. In Japan we don’t
have governing agencies for zoos
and aquariums. We need to approach
the national government and to pro-
mote public action for the survival of
zoos and aquariums. JAZA
will DO its best. © JAZA
The material transported from Sapporo Maruyama Zoo to affected
area by aircraft (in cooperation with Japanese Airlines).
…within the first month after the tsunami
WAZA was able to collect and transfer 55,450 $ US.
Thanks to all donors!
WAZA news 2/11 5
H. S. H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
Save the Bluefin Tuna!
One of the most endangered species
After decades of overfishing, the • Third point: in the light of the dif-
bluefin tuna is threatened with ex- ficulty in developing global political
tinction. Irresponsible fishing prac- solutions, we must not be afraid to
tices over the last fifteen years have implement an increasing number
dramatically reduced the populations, of complementary initiatives. I am © Gerald Dick
Prince Albert II of Monaco at
to such an extent that the survival thinking, for example, of the crea-
of the species is now in jeopardy. tion of a greater number of more NATUR fair Basel, 11 February 2011
2010, the year of biodiversity, was extensive marine protected areas,
conducive to raising awareness and on which I am focussing my efforts,
implementing action to protect the whilst at the same time fighting to comforts and habits, beyond our
most endangered species, some stop the industrial overfishing of the national egoism, and beyond our
emblematic, such as the bluefin tuna. bluefin tuna. These marine pro- usual anthropocentrism. There is no
Such mobilisation has taught us tected areas have already proved denying that our knowledge is de-
several things: their effectiveness. This is one of the veloping, evidence of man’s irrevers-
most pertinent tools for the protec- ible impact is becoming increasingly
• The first is the crucial importance tion of biodiversity, but it is one that obvious, even the contrast between
of the work done by scientists. Any is still in an embryonic state. I would short‑term interests and long‑term
serious and efficient action must be like to do whatever I can to increase interests is becoming outdated.
based on the work of the scientific the areas concerned. The commit-
community and on its objective and ment made in Nagoya to reach Like all radical changes, this move-
pedagogical presentation, capable a figure of 15% is an encouraging ment is economic, philosophical,
of genuinely helping in the decision step. For the bluefin tuna, the crea- moral, social and political. The efforts
‑making process. tion of sanctuary areas, especially needed are proving to be difficult and
• The second concerns the need to those identified as spawning areas, complex. The task will be long, but
mobilise public opinion; consumers is essential. I continue to believe that it is still pos-
have a capital role to play here. It • The last is the need to consider sible, since it is essential.
is up to them whether they eat this our immediate interests in a dif-
animal or not. Informing them and ferent way, beyond short‑sighted
raising their awareness must there- economic interests, beyond our
fore be priorities.
Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) at Tokyo Sea Life Park, Japan.
© Tokyo Sea Life Park
6 WAZA news 2/11
Brad Andrews – SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s “ART”
of Marine Animal Research
Wild whale and dolphin populations erinarians at the SeaWorld and Busch In addition, the SeaWorld and Busch
have uncertain futures in the face of Gardens Reproductive Research Cent- Gardens Reproductive Research
shifting climate conditions and the er, ART has helped with the manage- Center is the only zoological organiza-
continued encroachment of their ment and conservation of wildlife and tion in the world to have successfully
habitats by humans. Conservation ef- improved genetic diversity in captive applied preferential sex‑selection
forts that focus on habitat protection populations throughout the world. reproductive research to exotic ani-
and understanding the natural ecol- This research has added immeasur- mals. The most notable story, Sofi, an
ogy of a species are essential for the ably to the scientific understanding of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, was born
continued existence of viable in situ marine mammal biology and repro- in October 2005 using artificial insemi-
populations. However, species that ductive physiology; an understanding nation and sperm sexing technologies.
are pushed to the brink, despite con- that may eventually help prevent the This birth was a milestone for the
servation efforts, may require ex situ extinction of endangered cetaceans zoological community: It marked the
management strategies to prevent and other marine mammals. birth of the first sex‑selected animal in
their eventual extinction. Success of a zoological setting.
ex situ breeding programs is maxi- The results of this work have led to
mized when reproductive research several notable research milestones Sperm sexing, an XY Inc. technol-
can be conducted on viable popula- for SeaWorld. SeaWorld San Diego ogy, involves separating sperm that
tions prior to them reaching a critical was the first zoological institution in carry a female‑producing X chromo-
population status. This research must the world to successfully conceive some from sperm that carry a male
focus on gaining a comprehensive marine mammals through artificial ‑producing Y chromosome. Following
understanding of the target species’ insemination, marked by the birth of separation into female and male popu-
basic physiology. the killer whale Nakai Sept. 1, 2001. lations, sperm are frozen and stored
Her mother, Kasatka, was impreg- for future insemination. The sexing
With these goals in mind, SeaWorld nated from the semen of a male procedure does not involve genetic
has committed more than 30 years killer whale, Tilikum, at SeaWorld modification – it simply separates the
to basic research, which has led to Orlando. Following this success in female – and male‑producing sperm
advances in the care of animals in May 2003 were the first births of to permit structuring of population sex
both zoological facilities and wild bottlenose dolphins conceived ratios when used in conjunction with
populations. Most notable is Sea- through artificial insemination
World’s work with Assisted Reproduc- using frozen‑then‑thawed semen.
tive Technology (ART). Pioneered by
reproductive physiologists and vet-
This Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Nakai, born Sept. 1 2001,
born Nov. 28, 2008 at SeaWorld San Diego, is one of at SeaWorld San Diego was the first marine
14 sex‑selected dolphin calves born at the park and other collaborating institutions. mammal conceived through artificial insemination.
© Seaworld Parks &Entertainment © Seaworld Parks &Entertainment
WAZA news 2/11 7
Suzanne Genderon – Hong Kong Ocean Park
Opening of Aqua City »
and the International
artificial insemination and sperm
preservation technologies. High
Aquarium Symposium
accuracy of the sexing procedure is
demonstrated by recent births at
SeaWorld and collaborating institu- On Jan 27, 2011, Hong Kong Ocean During the first day of the sympo-
tions of 14 dolphin calves, all of the Park launched a new flagship marine sium, the representatives spent time
predicted sex. ‑themed zone – Aqua City – to further in local waters viewing the Chinese
conservation advocacy through a new white dolphin in its natural habitat to
None of this success would be Grand Aquarium. Chief Executive of gain a better understanding of this
possible without the help of the the Hong Kong Special Administra- important marine mammal and learn-
parks’ animal inhabitants. SeaWorld tive Region Donald Tsang attended ing about local and regional efforts to
maintains one of the largest animal the unveiling ceremony. protect them.
collections in the world – more than
60,000 animals, including 200 endan- The newly opened Grand Aquarium The experts spent the second day at
gered, threatened and at‑risk species. features a diverse collection of Ocean Park experiencing the visitors’
SeaWorld is a global leader in animal 5,000 marine animals of over 400 spe- view of the Park’s educational and
husbandry, veterinary care and cies of Indo‑Pacific sharks, rays and conservation programmes before
training. Animals under SeaWorld’s fishes that will reconnect guests with joining in the gala celebration of the
care help educators and zoological nature and inspire conservation ac- new Grand Aquarium.
professionals entertain and educate tion. The guests’ journey takes them
millions of guests each year, and from sea shore to sea depths; past On the final day of the symposium,
provide scientists with a controlled tide pools, night creatures and under these leaders from some of the
environment for marine research. the world’s largest aquarium viewing world’s leading aquariums discussed
This allows for the collection of data dome before ending in front of the the impact of climate change on the
at a frequency that would not be pos- impressive floor‑to‑ceiling viewing marine environment. They shared
sible to obtain in the wild. panel. With the theme of aquatic con- their views and expertise on the cur-
nections and sustainability, the Grand rent and future role of aquariums. The
Knowledge gained from SeaWorld’s Aquarium highlights the plight of issue of climate change in Asia was
thriving breeding programs – more blue fin tuna and hammerhead sharks examined, and speakers shared their
than 80 percent of the marine mam- whilst allowing guests to learn more experiences in both the Copenhagen
mals in SeaWorld parks were born about sustainable seafood offerings and Cancun Conferences as well as
in the parks’ care – has also been and how their choices make a differ- highlighted potential environmental
instrumental in generating scientific ence. issues on the horizon. In particular,
insights. Studies of animals under the representatives were urged to
SeaWorld’s care across various Conservation begins with people reduce emissions through enhanced
scientific disciplines including repro- caring but it also requires education. energy efficiency, clean fuel and
duction, growth and immunology To explore ways in which aquariums waste‑to‑energy projects. They were
also complement and strengthen can strengthen the role that they also encouraged to assess the effects
research efforts in the field. play in the protecting the oceans and of climate change on the aquarium
celebrate the opening of the Grand business with regards to the species
Scientific progress toward an Aquarium, a group of aquarium collected and displayed, and the
understanding of reproductive biol- directors from all over the world operation of their facilities.
ogy and the development of ART is gathered together in Hong Kong for
contributing to the sustainable man- the International Aquarium Sympo-
agement for several species. In the sium hosted by the Park. The three
future, these advancements may ‑day symposium brought together
also be applied to the conservation aquarium professionals from Main-
of such species in the wild through land China, Canada, Japan, Korea,
re‑population and re‑introduction South Africa, the Philippines, United
programs. States of America, and Hong Kong,
for informal and formal discussions.
8 WAZA news 2/11
»
© Hong Kong Ocean Park
Aqua City at Hong Kong
Ocean Park.
© Hong Kong Ocean Park
The
Bluefin tuna and Mackerel tuna at Aqua City in Hong Kong.
The symposium culminated with
the symposium passing a resolution
Participating aquariums
of International Aquarium
Resolution
which committed the aquariums Symposium We, as a global community of
to addressing the environmental aquariums, recognize there are
problems facing the oceans and to • Aquamarine Fukushima serious environmental problems
collaborating on research to improve • Kagoshima Aquarium threatening the natural world
animal care, and the sustainability • Kamo Aquarium that as a unified community
of marine animal collections, as well • Shimonoseki Kaikyokan we should address. We believe
as further conservation through • Marine World Fukuoka through stronger cooperation we
research and education. • Manila Ocean Park will strengthen our best practices
• Beijing Aquarium of animal care, education and
Finally, the important role played by • Fuzhou Zuohai Aquarium conservation. We remain com-
aquariums in educating the public • Beijing Pacific Underwater mitted to strengthen our conser-
was acknowledged. A resolution World Museum vation education through inspir-
was passed to address the issues of • Shenzhen Xiaomeisha Sea World ing passion to help our societies
concern and for the aquariums to col- • Guangzhou Ocean World become part of the solutions.
laborate with each other on research. • Zhuhai Chimelong Investment With the recognized challenges
The symposium concluded with a tour & Dev Co. Ltd. to our environment, we resolve
to the new Grand Aquarium which • Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park to “walk the talk” through
was applauded by representatives, • Dalian Sun Asia Ocean World reducing our carbon footprints
especially for Ocean Park’s role in • Institute of Hydrobiology, and leading by best practices in
introducing hammerhead sharks and The Chinese Academy of Sciences the sustainable use of natural
tuna as conservation ambassadors for • Wuhan East Lake Ocean World resources.
the new facility. • Taiyuan Yingze Park
Underwater World Lastly through collaborative
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium research, we will expand the
• Shanghai Chang Feng Oceanworld body of understanding about our
• Qingdao Underwater World animals, ecosystems and human
• Hefei Andover Oceanarium impacts to continually improve
• Nanjing Underwater World our animal care, conservation,
• Underwater World (Hunan) education and the sustainability
• National Aquatic Wildlife of our collections.
Conservation Association
• Ocean World Development Co. Ltd.
• Bayworld Port Elizabeth
• 63 Seaworld
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Georgia Aquarium
• Vancouver AquariumWAZA news 2/11 9
Gerald Dick – WAZA Executive Office
Arabian Oryx:
A Flagship for Zoo‑based Conservation Success
When we talk about zoo‑based con- According to the IUCN red list and Wadi Rum
servation success stories, the Arabian based on a review which was carried
oryx is definitively a species which has out in 2008, wild populations of oryx Wadi Rum, an area with sand dunes,
to be on that list. After having reached are restricted to Oman (approximate- desert, mountains and valleys, meas-
the status of extinct in the wild, the ly 50), Saudi Arabia (approximate- ures about 720 km² and is the largest
Arabian oryx has been re‑introduced, ly 950) and Israel (90–100). Together, protected area in Jordan. The area
persecuted again, protected, these contain more than 250 mature is also home of grey wolf, caracal,
re‑introduced again, and has recently individuals, but well below 1,000 (all striped hyena and wild cat. In 2002,
been downlisted from endangered other populations are managed and after the reduction of oryx numbers
to vulnerable, as envisaged for 2011. do not qualify as wild). The population in Shauarmi, an oryx reintroduction
Based on a historical overview which in Oman reached a high point of 450 program started in Wadi Rum and
has been put together by Richard Fit- before illegal live capture began and in 2009 a reintroduction program was
ter for IUCN, the IUCN red list, David severely reduced numbers. Now only conducted in cooperation with the En-
Mallon and some recent informa- males remain. The sanctuary on the vironment Agency of Abu Dhabi as an
tion from Jordan, kindly provided by Jiddat Al Harasis was consequently attempt to establish a captive breed-
Dr. Salim M. Al‑Moghrabi, this article delisted as World Heritage site. Oil and ing herd. The population should be in
tries to provide a brief overview of the gas exploitation was authorized and a secure ex situ location and serve also
situation of this fascinating and char- the sanctuary reduced in size from educational purposes in order to edu-
ismatic species. After the reintroduc- 27,000 km² to less than 3,000 km². Re- cate the public. In the first phase of the
tion programs in Oman, Saudi Arabia, introduction is again planned for this project a release site within Wadi Rum
UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria and Jordan year in a newly fenced area. In Saudi Protected Area was defined, as well as
the question is legitimate: how is the Arabia, numbers are roughly stable pre‑release facilities constructed and
Arabian oryx doing? in Uruq Bani Ma’arid, but declining in animals translocated to the these facil-
Mahazat As Sayd, which is completely ities. For the monitoring programme
In the early 1960s oryx were down to fenced and where animals have latest technologies such as satellite
100–200 animals in the Rub al Khali exceeded carrying capacity. There has and GSM monitoring techniques were
desert in the emty quarter (border been a slow, but steady increase in the applied. The integration of the local
between Oman and Yemen). In 1962, Israeli population. Based on the as- community is a very important aspect
FFI and WWF helped to set up a breed- sumption that the overall situation is of the project, while for this year
ing stock together with London, still improving, the threat category en- a special focus is on awareness raising,
Kuwait and Riyadh zoos. The herd was dangered was planned to be changed public participation, law enforcement,
established at Phoenix zoo and called to vulnerable in 2011. and research and development.
the world herd. In 1972 the wild oryx
was exterminated in the wild. Other An estimated 6000–7000 animals are The actual downlisting in the red list
zoos consequently joined the effort: held in captivity worldwide, mostly reflects the increasing numbers of
San Diego, Brownsville zoo and Los within the region. Some of these are oryx in reintroduction sites, three sites
Angeles zoo. Oryx returned to Jordan maintained in large fenced enclosures, in Israel now hold over 100 and the
and Israel and in 1983 the Jordanian including those in Syria (Al Talila), Bah- UAE about 200 oryx. It is hoped to see
herd of 31 animals was released in rain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. this being now a sustainably evolving
a fenced area at Shaumari. In 1980 San development of populations in blurred
Diego sent the first animals back to ex situ and in situ situations.
Oman and in 1984 a second herd was
established.
© Jonas Livet – www.leszoosdanslemonde
H. E. Sheikh Butti Maktoum’s Wildlife Center (Murquab location) in Dubai.10 WAZA news 2/11
Nabil Zakhour – AWPR Gerald Dick – WAZA Executive Office
Desert Antelopes at Book Reviews
Al Ain Wildlife Park Zoology in the Middle East
Edited by Max Kasparek
and Ragnar Kinzelbach
& Resort Kasparek Verlag Heidelberg,
3 issues per year, each 120 pp
ISSN 0939-7140
2010 year marked one of Al Ain Wild- The Arabian oryx at AWPR are Zoology in the Middle East
life Park & Resostr’s (AWPR) best re- being utilized by the Environment Supplementum 3
corded year for antelope births, with Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) for their Mike Knight, David Mallon,
a record number of young antelopes regional oryx conservation projects, Philip Seddon (Editors) (2011):
raised, including 16 Scimitar‑horned with animals from AWPR being used Biodiversity Conservation
oryx, 27 Arabian oryx, ten Beisa for reintroduction in the UAE and in the Arabian Peninsula
oryx, four Addax, three Chad dama Jordan. AWPR veterinarians work
gazelles, six Mhorr dama gazelles and with EAD to support the manage- Zoology in the Middle East is a journal
six Speke’s gazelles. ment of reintroduced animals and which publishes original papers and
have recently worked with herds in review papers on ecology, zoogeog-
UAE, Jordan and Syria. raphy, animal biology, biodiversity,
faunistics, systematics and morphol-
ogy of the Middle East. It seeks to
Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) at Al Ain Animal Park and Resort.
further the understanding of the Mid-
© AWPR dle East as a zoogeographic unit and
aims at improving the interchange of
knowledge and ideas between spe-
cialists on different subjects and taxa.
This journal puts a spotlight on
a region which is great in biodiversity
but possibly has been neglected in
the past. Different classes of ver-
tebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians and fishes) are covered
regularly as well as invertebrates
such as insects, molluscs and others.
Contributions are often about feeding
behavior, faunistics and taxonomic
classification. Geographically, the last
issues contained contributions from
Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, Paki-
stan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Egypt.
A strong conservation relationship
was mentioned in an article about
the Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius
monachus) when the dependence on
livestock carcasses was analyzed. The
potential of drugs which are used for
livestock (eg Diclofenac) to negative-
ly affect vulture populations, leading
to their decline is addressed.
Recently, a special edition, called sup-
plementum 3 was published on“ Bio-
diversity Conservation in the Arabian
Peninsula”. This special issue of Zool-
ogy in the Middle East was compiled
as part of the recognition and cel-
ebration of a decade of successful an-
nual conservation workshops hostedWAZA news 2/11 Books 11
»
Marine Mammal Ecology
and Conservation,
a Handbook of Techniques
edited by Ian L. Boyd, W. Don
Bowen & Sara J. Iverson
Oxford University Press,
Oxford, New York, 2010 | 450 pp
ISBN 978-0-19-921657-4
Fortysix contributing authors coming
from the Scottish Oceans Institute,
NOAA, the Chicago Zoological Soci-
ety, the New England Aquarium, Uni-
versities and research centers from
around the world have put together
this unique text on marine mammals.
Apart from one attempt in 1993 by certain species as well as the meth-
Laws there is no book that sum- ods used in research projects. An
marizes techniques in an aspect of introduction to conservation biol-
mammalogy. This book is a successful ogy, which one would expect at the
product aiming at producing a higher beginning of such a book is the very
level description of methods in a sin- last chapter and is really just to get
by the Sharjah Environment and Pro- gle volume. Ethical aspects, espe- a taste of what this branch of science
tected Areas Authority (EPAA). Topics cially when capturing and handling is about.
included reviews of Important Bird marine mammals are woven into
Areas, Important Plant Areas, WWF the book throughout although the The book tries to cover a huge area
Ecoregions, application of the Hot- first chapter is only dedicated to this of interest, reaching from pure
spot concept, regional conservation issue. The editors say that it was not methodology to population status
agreements, protected area networks, their intention to produce a manual, and management as well as to policy
progress towards the development of but rather a longer lasting overview, like the IWC (International Whaling
Trans‑Boundary Conservation Areas, pointing out generic methods. It Commission), a quite sensitive and
and the first results of a systematic might be rather both of it, addressing complex forum. Conservationists
conservation assessment for the generic methods and approaches but from outside Western Europe, North
peninsula. The role of captive breed- at the same time pinpointing at very America, Australia, New Zealand and
ing as part of an overall species action concrete procedures. Chapters are Japan will profit from the proceeds of
plan as well as re‑introductions in dealing with marking and captur- this book, as they can get a copy for
the Arabian peninsula as a sanctuary ing, estimating the abundance of free. This will help to make this valu-
and crossroads for species from three marine mammals, morphometrics, able information more widely avail-
major neighbouring biological realms, age estimation and growth, popula- able. A model for other conservation
and the potential refuge in the face tion dynamics, diseases, measuring publications!
of climate change is discussed. Other individual and population energetics,
topics include habitat restoration, diet, telemetry as well as studying
and taxonomic reviews including social systems and a huge chapter
freshwater and marine fish, Arabian on long‑term studies. In this chapter
leopard, migratory birds, including examples of studies are provided on
the houbara bustard, carnivores and grey seal, Hawaiian monk seal, Wed-
small mammals. dell seal, Antarctic fur seal, bottle-
nose dolphin, orcas and others. Those
It is hoped that the zoological knowl- case studies describe the situation of
edge of this region can be increased
and will lead to further scientifically
based conservation work.
The contributions as PDF: To find out more:
www.kasparek‑verlag.de www.nhbs.com/Conservation/gratis‑books.php12 Announcements WAZA news 2/11
Gerald Dick – WAZA Executive Office
» Book Reviews
An Illustrated History of Bris- zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the world
tol Zoo Gardens and the book addresses certain pe-
by Tim Brown, Alan Ashby & riods on the way from the very early
Christoph Schwitzer days till 2011. The menagerie era is
published by the Independent Zoo well presented and leads the reader 2011 International
Enthusiasts Society, Todmorden, onto a journey through the last centu-
UK, 2011. | 192pp. ry without omitting quite critical parts Elephant and Rhino
ISBN 978-0-9563831-3-6 of the history. For instance, between
29th July and 1st August 1839 the fa- Conservation
The team of authors unites various mous lion tamer Isaac van Amburgh
skills and shares the passion for zoos. performed at Bristol zoo, he got to and Research
Tim Brown, zookeeper and music be known as the first animal trainer
journalist is now chairing the Inde- to put his head into a lion’s mouth! Symposium
pendent Zoo Enthusiasts Society and At the time special events, known as
strongly believes that the sociological fêtes and carnivals were important The Rotterdam Zoo in association
impact of zoos is as yet rather under- revenue generating events. The book with the International Elephant
valued. Alan Ashby is a professional also portrays famous animals like Foundation (IEF) would like to
graphic designer and an art editor Alfred, the second gorilla in European invite you to participate in the
whereas Christoph Schwitzer is a zo- zoos in 1930, Rudolph the orang‑utan 2011 Elephant and Rhino Research
ologist with field experience and used who was believed to have been the and Conservation Symposium
to work at Cologne zoo before joining largest specimen of his kind in Europe scheduled for October 10–14, 2011
Bristol zoo. in 1928. Also the history of keeping in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
white tigers is openly described. This
As a pupil in Clifton college John started in 1963, when a pair arrived This year IEF welcomes to the
Cleese spent many hours in Bristol from India, the Maharaja of Rewa. elephant symposium our colleagues
zoo and remained a close friend Subsequently in 1986 the white tigers working with all species of rhinos,
since then. In his foreword, he notes who also successfully bred in the zoo both in human care and in the wild.
“Another transformation has been the had to leave and empty the space for Elephants and rhinos face similar
growing awareness of the importance breeding endangered species. problems in the wild (habitat loss and
of conservation, and Bristol zoo now poaching), and many animal manag-
plays its part in this by working to en- It is great fun reading this book and ers, field conservationists, veterinar-
sure that many species which would looking at more than 360 images ians and researchers work with both
otherwise become extinct will still illustrating the long way from amuse- rhino and elephant.
be here for our great‑grandchildren ment and cages to conservation and
to marvel at.” The book sometimes education, a journey worth taking! Registration fees will be 250 €
seems to be a history of zoos‑book which will include congress fee,
rather than only a book ice‑breaker, lunches, beverages
about the Bristol zoo. offered during the congress, dinner
With 175 years Bristol at the Zoo (Wednesday night).
Submissions for oral presentations
and posters on all aspects of elephant
conservation and research are now
being accepted.
For more information about the
meeting please contact:
• Martin van Wees, Rotterdam Zoo,
m.van.wees@rotterdamzoo.nl
• Dr. Harald Schwammer, Zoo Vienna,
hschwammer@ zoovienna.at
• Deborah Olson, International
Elephant Foundation,
dolson@elephantconservation.orgWAZA news 2/11 Announcements 13
WAZA Executive Office
Announcements dings
Procee65th e
of the l Conferenc
Annua
WAZA WAZA Conference
Council Proceedings
Elections Published
2011 The complete version of the pro-
Proce
of the edings
Annu 65 th
al Con
ceedings of 65th Annual Conference
ersity
ference
President Jörg Junhold, Cologne/Köln 2010 is available on Biodiv
Leipzig Zoo | Germany the member area of www.waza.org. is Life
and Papers and the congress only
President-elect Lee Ehmke, version (technical papers) is avail- /Köln
Cologne tober 2010
Minnesota Zoo | USA able on the open accessible part of
Oc
17–21
have to be ratified as officers the website: button on homepage.
of Council The complete proceedings contain
260 pages, being the most compre-
Nominations hensive volume ever published.
as Council members
Biod
Region I: (3 seats) Colog
17–21 ne/Köln
is Lifeiversity
Rick Barongi,
Octobe
1.
r 2010
ss
gre
on ly
Houston Zoo | USA c h
al C on
nic ions
Te tat
2. Joanne Lalumière, ZA sen
WA Pre
Zoo de Granby | Canada
3. Kevin Bell,
Lincoln Park Zoo | USA
4. Rich Block,
Santa Barbara Zoological Fifth
Gardens | USA
International
Region II: (3 seats)
1. Olivier Pagan,
of Basel Zoo | Switzerland
Tapir Symposium
2. Lena Lindén, IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group (TSG)
Nordensark | Sweden Hotel Flamingo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Cesare Avesani,
Parco Natura Viva | Italy October 16–21, 2011
4. David Field,
Zoological Society London | UK Organizers
• IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group (TSG)
Region III: (1 seat) • Department of Wildlife
1. Chris West, Adelaide Zoo – and National Parks (DWNP), Malaysia
Zoos South Australia • Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
2. Mauricio Fabry, National Zoo Tapir Taxon Advisory Group (TAG)
Santiago de Chile • European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA)
3. Fanny Lai, Wildlife Tapir Taxon Advisory Group (TAG)
Reserves Singapore • Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark
The ballots will be sent out in Registration is now available online!
May 2011 by mail, however WAZA www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=216008
members are notified – according
to the bylaws – that WAZA Council
decided that future elections will To find out more:
be carried out electronically. www.tapirs.org14 Announcements WAZA news 2/11
WAZA Executive Office
Announcements
Gerald Dick Visits
Members in UAE
At the occasion of a planning meeting
for the 2015 WAZA Annual Confer-
ence at Al Ain Wildlife Park and
Resort, Abu Dhabi, 27 February to
2 March 2011, two more recent mem-
bers of WAZA were visited: Al Bustan
Zoological Centre in Sharjah and
Kids Park in Abu Dhabi. Just when
arrived at Kids Park, the Pakistan
goat gave birth to triplets – one of
the focus species in the big domestic
animals’ section. While enlarging
the zoo, the existing part is perfectly © WAZA
Gerald Dick and Meyer Etienne de Kock, Director of Al Bustan Zoological Centre.
placed to host several hundreds of
kids per week. In Al Bustan, a private
enterprise, the collection of gazelles,
antelopes, Arabian tahr and various
species of carnivores, like Arabian
leopards and cheetahs and many oth-
ers was quite stunning.
© WAZA
Gerald Dick, Pakistan goat and Kids Park Director Mark Wright (left to right).
© Gerald Dick / WAZA © WAZA
Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri), also Waller’s Mike Maunder, Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General AWPR, Gerald Dick, Jamie Ivy
Gazelle at Al Bustan Zoological Centre. and Bob Wiese of San Diego Zoo (left to right).WAZA news 2/11 Recent Updates 15
Supporting
Activities
Ambassador’s Message | Statement by Dr. Merlin Tuttle regarding Year of the Bat Celebration
I’m delighted to serve as Honor- Fruit and nectar-eating bats are moving in, public health officials
ary Ambassador for the 2011–2012 equally important in maintaining warned that they were diseased and
Year of the Bat campaign and wish whole ecosystems of plant life. In fact, dangerous--potential attackers of hu-
the very best of success to all who their seed dispersal and pollination mans. Yet, through Bat Conservation
participate. Education regarding services are crucial to the regen- International, we educated people to
the essential roles of bats in main- eration of rain forests which are the simply not handle them, and 30 years
taining healthy ecosystems and lungs and rain makers of our planet. later, not a single person has been at-
human economies has never been tacked or contracted a disease. Fear
more important. Bats are found Many of the plants which depend on has been replaced by love as these
nearly everywhere and approximately such bats are additionally of great bats catch 15 metric tons of insects
1,200 species account for almost a economic value, their products nightly and attract 12 million tourist
quarter of all mammals. Neverthe- ranging from timber and tequila to dollars each summer.
less, in recent decades their popula- fruits, spices, nuts and even natural
tions have declined alarmingly. Many pesticides. It is now well demonstrated that peo-
are now endangered, though they ple and bats can share even our cities
provide invaluable services that we Scary media stories notwithstanding, at great mutual benefit. As we will
cannot afford to lose. bats are remarkably safe allies. Where show through varied Year of the Bat
I live, in Austin, Texas, 1.5 million activities, bats are much more than
Simply because they are active only bats live in crevices beneath a single essential. They’re incredibly fascinat-
at night and difficult to observe and downtown bridge. When they began ing, delightfully likeable masters of
understand, bats rank among our our night skies.
planet’s most misunderstood and in-
tensely persecuted mammals. Those
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e16 WAZA news 2/11
Louise Gordon |
Johannesburg Zoo – South Africa
The international Year of the Bat good look at these tiny bats until
holds great promise for a group of they were released to join the rest
animals feared and misunderstood. of the colonies. The Zoo has 3 bat
All kinds of myths and beliefs sur- boxes on display with information
round bats from all of them being posters and some of the enclo-
vampires, or getting tangled in your sures that have thatch roofs make
hair, spreading rabies and the pets of excellent habitats for bats.
anything evil, very few people actu-
ally like bats. A number of exciting events awaits us © Johannesburg Zoo
Information poster at Johannesburg Zoo.
for the rest of the year apart from the
Being an urban Zoo, our first job is to ideal Howlo’ween event we celebrate
raise awareness as there are many in October every year. On 25 April
spots within the city to observe bats. we will in conjunction with our sister The value
In our zoo you will find at least 5 dif- company, City Parks, be exhibiting at of bats and farming
ferent free‑living species from the one of the parks to educate learners
72 South African species. All of the spe- about bats – their conservation status, Every day, a bat eats much of its
cies in JHB Zoo are insect eating spe- their role in nature and how to attract body weight in insects, many of
cies and we have Neoromicia capensis and observe them, a travelling exhibi- them harmful to crops. A group of
(Cape serotine bat), Pipistrellus rusticus tion will be used so that the exercise scientists led by Thomas Kunz at
(Rusty pipistrelle) and Scotophilus will be repeated at different venues. Boston University calculated how
dinganii (African yellow‑bellied much more money cotton farm-
bat). Other bats highly likely to occur The Zoo has just recently received ers in one region of Texas would
are Taphozous mauritianus (Mauri- a consignment of Seba bats. This is spend on pesticides if bats weren’t
tian tomb bat), Tadarida aegyptiaca for the new ‘Temple of Ancients” ex- present. Extrapolating from those
(Egyptian free‑tailed bat) and Nycteris hibit, based on a Mayan temple. The numbers, they estimated that bats
thebaica (Common slit‑faced bat). launch of this enclosure will be in the save American farmers some-
second half of 2011. The public will be where between $3.7 billion and $54
At a recent bat evening held on very excited to see such large bats on billion a year, most likely about
November 2010, a group of enthusi- display. $22.9 billion.
asts attended a presentation on bats
by the Gauteng Bat Interest Group. A bat conservation walk is planned for The New York Times, 4 April 2011
It was an introductory talk on their 30th October and a bat evening on 26
characteristics and the classification November. Our conservation walks
of bats. The high frequency sounds have reached new audiences that
that bats make were illustrated by would not normally attend conserva-
means of a computer programme – tion talks, but use the Zoo mainly for …bats save
if you are older, your ability to hear exercise. The walks have enabled us
high frequency sounds diminishes – to talk to them about conservation American farmers
I am afraid I heard nothing. We went and to raise funds for our conserva-
on a tour to monitor the sounds of tion projects. most likely about
the bats in the zoo with ultrasonic
bat detectors/recorders. This was We are very excited about the Year $ 22.9 billion…
a fascinating experience as none of of the bat and have added it on our
us could hear the bats without the email signature.
sound enhancing equipment. The Bat
interest group had managed to catch
a few bats the previous evening by
putting up mist nets. We had a very To find out more:
www.yearofthebat.orgYou can also read
