Sustainable...

Found this the other day...

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/09/oregon_zoo_constructs_innovati.html

Oregon Zoo in the United States, has decided to make their polar bear enclosure a sustainable system to transfer heat to the elephants enclosure. 

I think this is a great idea, even though polar bears and elephants come from completely different places on the planet, it will help both species stay comfortable within captivity living in a different environment from their natural habitat. I generally do think this is a great idea, as it will reduce emissions, allow each species to display more natural behaviours and it will also help with conserving energy. 

(Oregon Zoo)

They will construct a geothermal loop that links heat generated from the polar bears cooling system in their pool and will then transfer it to the elephants new indoor enclosure. By installing this loop, it is predicted that it will reduce green house emissions and cut down the elephants land energy. It is believed that other renewable sources will be fed into this system later on when this is successful or not. 

Africa and Peru....

As you might know, I have been on two conservation study tours with my University, and So reading back through my journals I made when in South Africa in Botswana and South America in Peru, I have decided to make a post on these experiences!

South Africa

Well what can I say.. it was one of the best experiences of my life!

We got the plane from London Manchester airport then had a small layover in Dubai (well small, only had 45 minutes to get from one terminal to the other) but we managed to get the next plane which was to Johannesburg.

From Johannesburg, we drove to the border of Botswana (stopping on the way as it was about 5/6 hours drive), where we got our passports checked and where we had to get two trucks (one very large to accommodate the luggage and the other a small jeep) on the other side of the river across the border.

From the border of Botswana, we then started our journey to the camp (from this point on no proper roads around, all mainly dirt tracks), by this time it was 5/6 o'clock local time and the journey will be about 1 1/2 to the camp site where we will be based at for the next two weeks. We arrived at the campsite and it was very dark by this time, we collected our bags from the trucks and then headed to our tents. We were allowed to choose our tents and the people who we bunked with, which was great!

The first few days we were just getting used to our surroundings and the heat, then the rest of the days were going out in the jeep in the morning early like at 6am and then come back to have lunch at the hottest part of the day (and I mean Hot!) and during this time back at the camp we were allowed to do anything we wanted (within reason) and then back out for another drive at 4pm until dark. The animals we would see on the jeep drives were Elephants, Zebras, Warthogs, Lots of species of birds, Lions and many more!

On some nights we would come back from the afternoon drive and then have dinner, then we would go out on a night drive! Going out to see if there are any nocturnal animals we can spot (which I particularly enjoyed!). 

Once we finished our days at the camp, we headed back to Johannesburg, but via Pretoria, as we had an overnight stay. In Pretoria, we went to the Cheetah Sanctuary and the Bush Baby Sanctuary! (which were both enjoyable). Both were good except the cheetah sanctuary could be improved as they provide the animals with dog and cat food and provide them out of bowls (which shouldn't be happening), but I guess that is how it works out there.

We then drove back to Johannesburg airport and got the plane to Dubai and then to London Manchester.

Peru 

Well what can I say.. it was another one of the best experiences of my life! (Completely different to South Africa of course!)

We got the plane from London Heathrow airport then had a small layover in Madrid only about 2/3 hours (can't remember the actual times). We then got the plane to Lima and then had a layover there for about 4 hours, then we got the plane to Cusco.

In Cusco we stayed in a hotel for a couple of nights to acclimatize and see the area of Cusco, which was nice! Then from Cusco, we drove in two mini buses to the cloud forest lodge (stopping on the way as it was a long drive) where we stayed over night for one night then in the morning headed off to the port near the Manu Learning Centre. The cloud forest lodge was basic, but the views in the morning were amazing! There was a massive river that flowed past the lodge which had great views and we could even see some primates in the trees across the river which was one of our first sightings! 

We arrived at the boat port, we had to wait a while for the boats to arrive then we could board them for the 40/50 minute ride to the Manu Learning Centre lodges.

The boat ride was amazing! It was raining at the time, so it was pretty choppy, but a great ride. Near the entrance to the Manu Learning Centre (MLC), the boats had to turn around to get to the entrance as it was by the side of the river near the jungle. As our boat turned (as a group we had two boats), the one I was on, rock bottomed, so we hit the bottom of the river bed and we couldn't move the boat. The guides ended up out of the boat in the river to push the boat over a little (we felt like we were going to capsize!) and then they managed to move the boat and ride over to the entrance of the MLC. 

The next day, which was our first day at the MLC, we were just training to be able to go out into the jungle as we needed to learn health & safety and needed to learn about how we would carry out the survey the primates.

We had a schedule for the week, what and where we were going to be during the week and the activities we were going to do. We would go out everyday (except a Sunday as that's the day off), on a walk into the jungle, surveying reptiles, amphibians and primates (and even surveying the macaws at the clay lick where the birds get their nutrients from). Everyday on the walks, we saw amazing views and even got up close to small primates! Everyday the walks were interesting and very different, even if we sometimes went up the same path. Some of the walks were absolutely exhausting by the end of it, but it was worth walking! Sometimes we were walking all day and sometimes just the morning, depending on weather, and what surveys we were going to complete!  

On the last few days, we went to the lagoon to have some swimming and relaxing time (where it was safe to swim), that was amazing! Just to be out in the jungle, relaxing with all the sounds around you!

When it was time to leave after the week we had at the MLC, we said our goodbyes and had a small presentation on how we have contributed to their research and their company. We left and got back on the boats to head back to Cusco (at this time it was raining again). The boat ride back to the port was much quicker and then the drive back through the mountains to Cusco was also quicker, not sure why though, maybe because we didn't stop as much?! Ah well, both the ride and the drive was still amazing though!

We arrived in Cusco, we stayed at the same hotel for one night this time though! We again, got to look around the area of Cusco town for a couple of hours. From Cusco main city centre, we drove to the airport. From the airport we boarded the plane to Lima. We then arrived in Lima and we had a 11 1/2 hour layover so we decided we needed to do something rather than just sit and chill at the airport. We decided to go to the Peruvian zoo (which I must say, is not up to high standard- small enclosures, live feeds and food bowls rather than enrichments) and then we decided to go to the main city centre of Lima and have a look around (which was rather nice, and lovely buildings!). We then boarded the plane to Madrid (which was a long flight) and had a layover for about 4/5 hours then boarded the plane to London Heathrow.  

Overall these two trips were amazing and both life changing experiences!!

Safari....

For a day trip out, I went to Longleat Safari Park and adventure Park in Wiltshire. So I'm going to write a review similar to the one I wrote on ZSL London Zoo a couple of weeks back. 

Longleat is owned by the 7th Marquess of Bath and has over 900 acres including the big Longleat estate house. It was the first safari park that opened outside of Africa and the first one in the UK, opened to the public in 1966.   

It has many attractions which include the House, the safari park, many children's rides, the big maze and animal adventure with jungle kingdom (which have the immersive exhibits and are outside the safari park, still in the estate though but just by the house). Animal adventure and Jungle kingdom have lots of small animals such as meerkats, porcupines and tamarins, also including rabbits, goats, butterfly's and the chance to interact with reptiles and amphibians. This is a great way to include the public, educating them in different ways, learning about the species that are on display. Mainly for small children but adults can learn and interact too!

Longleat House (taken by author at Longleat)

Animal adventure signage (Taken by author at Longleat)

Recently the park has opened penguin island and stingray bay which I think is a great interactive exhibit, as you can (at certain times) walk with the penguins. The penguin island enclosure walk through gives public the chance to learn about and interact with these animals where they wouldn't get the chance to in the wild.

Penguin walk-through
(Taken by  author at Longleat) 

Penguin island signage
 (Taken by author at Longleat)

Penguin island enclosure 
(Taken by author at Longleat)

Penguin walk-through exhibit 
(Taken by author at Longleat)

The safari park however I feel is much better, purely because the animals have much more space to roam free (even if they are still enclosed). The safari park gives the public the opportunity to get closer with these larger animals which they may not have the chance to get when at a zoo.

Park signage (Taken by author at Longleat)

Once through the toll booths on the safari, there is the African village where the public can stop and have a break before starting the safari. There is a shop, cafe, toilets (oh and also the Giraffes and the walk through lemur exhibit). At certain times the public can feed the giraffes (which us a great interactive way to get the public involved with learning about this species). Then back into the car, and on the safari again. With the zebras, rhinos, tapirs, elephant, tigers, lions, cheetahs and wolves. The safari also has a monkey enclosure where cars can drive through- you can bypass if wanted (but from my past experience, I do not suggest going into this enclosure and I do suggest by passing, purely because the monkeys will damage your car and it may cost you money to replace items, so if you decide to go into this enclosure- obviously totally up to you whether you decide but if you do- please be aware you may come out with a damaged car!!).  

All these enclosures on the safari have a double gate system (where cars  go through one gate and then wait inside an enclosed area, at the other gate until the one behind is fully closed and secure and then the front one opens). This double gate system is great and effective, because it keeps the public safe from any dangerous animals and also keeps the animals inside their enclosures away from any other species.  

Double gate system
(Taken by author at Longleat)

The safari park has many precaution signs all around to warn the public about safety which is a good way of ensuring both the public and the animals are at less risk of any problems occurring. The safari park also have jeeps and tractors in every enclosure with qualified staff, rangers and keepers watching the animals and public to ensure all safety is at high and no problems occur, if anything does happen then the longleat vehicles are at a short distance to assist and resolve the problem. I recommend listening to the CD that the toll booth admissions team gave you, as it allows you to listen and learn about the species you are seeing.

Warning sign
(Taken by author at Longleat)

Longleat Jeep
(Taken by author at Longleat)

Warning sign (Taken by author at Longleat)

Warning sign (Taken by author at Longleat)

Where the house, the animal adventure and the jungle kingdom is situated; there are many rides, cafe and a shop for souvenirs, which are great for everyone providing a variety of choice in foods, drinks and souvenirs! There is also places around to sit outside and inside for picnics and/or foods from the cafe!
  
So overall this safari park, is great for all the family as it includes lots of attractions for children, adults and the older generations. This safari park and adventure park has grown so much in the last few years, and is continuing like many other parks and zoos, continuing to grow and improve! 

I recommend trying to go around all the enclosures (including the safari) as you will then get the chance to interact and learn about the different species that are around the world you may not get a chance to see! 

Zoo keeping - What we actually do....

Zoo keeping isn't just all about "bunny hugging" as some people say. It isn't all about hugging, stroking or touching the animals. 
It's all about caring for the animals so... some of the day to day husbandry duties a zoo keeper entails (not in order of course):

• Preparing feeds and feeding the animals
• Cleaning- window cleaning, poo (faeces) pick up, change water bowls (empty and refill with fresh water),weeding, sweeping etc... 
• Enriching the animals (To stimulate the animals in their environment) -there are many ways, some of which are below: 
• Giving foods in different ways (boxes, ropes, platforms, burying, scatter etc...)
• Providing novel items such as boomer balls, chew toys, hammocks etc..
• Scent trails 
• Blood ice blocks
• Enclosure design 

Gelada Baboon feeds
 (Taken by author at Colchester zoo)

Blood Ice Blocks as enrichment for smooth coated otters
 (Taken by author at Colchester zoo)

Feeding African Crested Porcupine for scale training
(Taken by Carl Tidy at Reaseheath Zoo)

We have to make sure the animals in our care get the right high standard welfare they need. The Animal Welfare Act (2006) states that the five animal welfare needs (or freedoms as the Zoo Licensing act 1981 states) needs to be complied with. Those are:

1. Suitable environment 
2. Suitable diet 
3. Able to exhibit natural behaviours  
4. Able to be housed with or apart other animal individuals
5. Protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease  

Above are just the day to day duties, other duties of a zoo keeper include research studies with strategically designing diets based upon nutritional components of each food type and we also have the knowledge and understanding of each animal in our care, so we can observe behaviours, illnesses and injuries within our animals.

Enrichment plan for Gelada Baboons, Meerkats,
Smooth Coated Otters and Colobus Monkeys
(Taken by author at Colchester Zoo)

Meerkat Diet sheet
 (Taken by author at Reaseheath Zoo)

Weighing of a Snake Necked Turtle 
(Taken by author at Reaseheath Zoo)

Some other duties (other than the above) include training some of our animals (this is purely for the sake of veterinary procedures, transportation, weighing and health checks), enclosure design- to the best of our ability to mimic the natural environments, Public encounters (presentations) and tours, animal experiences with the public (keeper for the day, shadow a keeper etc..) and much more!  

Target training a Serval Cat 
(Taken at Reaseheath Zoo)

Enclosure design for a meerkat enclosure
 (Taken by author at Reaseheath Zoo)

Colobus Monkey enclosure design
(Taken by author at Colchester Zoo)

Although some of the perks of being a zookeeper is the fact you can get so close to the animals (dangerous animals as well as small animals), you get closer than the public does at a zoo but there are health and safety precautions of course!! 

So as you can see, a zookeeper does not just "hug" animals all day everyday! We do many other duties that educate people, research and conserve these species, also taking care and responsibility for our animals, making sure our animals have a high standard welfare!

(Author unknown)

How it works...

How it works World of Animals magazine...

World of animals cover (Taken by author)

This magazine is absolutely amazing!
You can learn about so many species within this small magazine, it is packed with so many interesting facts just about any animal you can think of!

Inside the magazine

 (Taken by author)

It shares almost anything about the animal kingdom with discounts, competitions and advertisements all that involve animals (of course!) 

There are many questions and answers, fascinating facts with so many brilliant pictures to be shared with anyone who loves animals!

Facts  about the Macaws in Peru (Taken by author)

Facts about the Leopard (Taken by author)

Quotes from imagine shop website about the magazine include:

Wonders of the animal kingdom
- Discover the fastest, smartest, deadliest, stealthiest and weirdest animals in the world.
Sea life
- Get to grips with octopus tentacles and regenerating starfish, and find out how to stun a great white shark.
Spiders & insects
- From life under the microscope to the world’s biggest bugs, discover exactly what makes these invertebrates tick.
Reptiles & amphibians
- See how snakes bite, smell and shed their skin, and get right up close to the most powerful jaws on the planet.
Mammals
- Take a wild tour of the planet’s forests, oceans and plains and meet the incredible creatures living there.
Birds
- Explore life in the skies and learn how a bird works, from breathing and flying to grabbing snacks on the fly.

Crocodile Hunter...

Today marks the day of the 8th year of when Steve Irwin (known as the "wildlife warrior" or "the crocodile hunter") passed away. 

Steve Irwin was my ultimate hero! You are gone but never forgotten! 

He died in 2006, following an attack by a stingray, just of the coast of the Great Barrier Reef! R.I.P Steve!! 

Two months ago this time 8 years ago, I had the chance of seeing one of his crocodile shows in his zoo in Australia! He was my inspiration, on how he cares and protects animals (even if he did sometimes do crazy things!) Steve Irwin was one great man! He educated and shared his enthusiasm for animals and wildlife with millions of people! 
Nadilyn Beato (A wildlife Illustrator) wrote:

"We can definitely honor him and continue his legacy by educating others, to learn and appreciate the beauty of all creatures we share our planet with!"

This quote is definitely too true!

He made many programmes about wildlife and animals including the world famous "crocodile hunter".

Steve grew up loving all wildlife (in particular reptiles, hence the nick name!) He took over his family business which was a wildlife park named "Queensland reptile and fauna park" but when he took over he renamed it "Australia Zoo", which is probably one of the most best known international zoos. 

His children and wife, have grown the zoo so much in the last 8 years! It has changed- the layout, the enclosures, the animals and even added an animal hospital onsite! I literally cannot wait to see all these changes that have been made in those last few years! Steve will be proud of what has been and what they have achieved!

Australia Zoo Map (Taken by author)

Australia Zoo Map front cover (Taken by author)

Some good memorable quotes of his are below:

"I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala, kangaroo or a crocodile or a snake, mate, I will save it!"

"My job, my mission, the reason I've been on this planet.. Is to save wildlife!"

"My life resolves around conservation. That is my work. That is my life, and I'll die doing that!"

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/

http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au/crocodile_hunter/about_steve_terri/

Steve Irwin and his family in the Australia Zoo map
 (Taken by author)

R.I.P Steve Irwin- (1962-2006)

BBC's Our Zoo...

Well, what can I say...

As some people might know, the BBC have decided to do a series on Chester Zoo's history throughout the years (which is now one of the most popular zoos in the UK). It documents how the zoo first came around, documenting from 1930 to present day, and so the BBC has made the history into a small drama series. Below is two links to two articles written about this series, but there is a twist to it, the fact that the BBC have now been accused of animal cruelty for using wild animals on set.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2736611/EXCLUSIVE-BBC-accused-animal-cruelty-using-wild-animals-new-six-series-revolutionary-zookeeper-vowed-abolish-cages.html#ixzz3BxYtDU6n

http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2014/08/bbc-fire-leading-animal-charities-performing-wild-animal-use

I feel that the second article is absolute rubbish!! Purely because an organisation (which I dislike) that is called CAPS (Captive Animals Protection Society) together with Born Free Foundation and Wild Futures have made the accusations and all CAPS generally want to do is "protect animals" by closing down all zoos, circuses and Film/TV sets that use animals, and train wild animals for entertainment but.. what they don't understand is the time, money and effort it takes for conservation and real protection of these animals. There is much more I can say about CAPS but that is for another time when it becomes necessary!  

I know the campaign is all about the fact they use wild animals in the programme, but isn't that the point? It is documenting how it became a zoo and how conservation has changed over time to protect these animals. A spokes person from the BBC have told the press that an RSPCA performing animals advisory service was contacted before the filming began and the BBC programme have followed all guidelines at all times, also stated was that there was a vet onsite all the time whenever animals were filmed and stated there there were no incidences that happened. This I think is a reasonable answer for the BBC to use wild animals (even if they are trained, but to be honest, some animals in zoos are trained anyways and only generally for health checks, transportation and veterinary treatments).   

Some statements in the article explain that this might affect the pet trade and the use of animals in circuses. Yes; it could affect these trades, purely because whilst people like me and other keepers, who understand the needs of these animals and their wild behaviours, other people dont understand, however; I feel that by using these animals for this particular programme will not affect the trades (well not as much anyways) as it could educate how valuable these animals actually are, and how conservation is needed to protect these animals.

Most of these animals have been captive bred and therefore have no knowledge of being in the wild even though they do obviously still possess their wild behaviours. These articles are not saying about the way the animals are treated, they are merely stating the reasons for using wild trained animals for entertainment.

I for one, can't wait to watch! I love reading and watching about the history of zoos, and how much zoos have changed overtime (even if it has been made into a drama series!). I think it shall be interesting to watch, especially as I love Chester Zoo! The first episode airs on BBC 1 on Wednesday 3rd September 2014.

Below is the link to BBC's IWonder, it features the present Chester Zoo and is all about what zoos are for! Its worth a watch, very interesting videos!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/ztkpn39#zsjyvcw

This post is just my opinion, so I do hope I haven't offended anyone (if I have please do say, and I do say I'm sorry!) and please feel free to comment below!  

Jungle Style....

I found an article that the ZooNewsDigest found and posted on their Facebook page the other day.. It's about a zoo in India called Vandalur Zoo which has incorporated into an enclosure "Cooperative feeding".

Below is the link to the article:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/junglestyle-feeding-introduced-at-zoo/article6363309.ece

Cooperative feeding is inspired by the wild behaviours. In the wild, the most dominant animal of the species would get the food first and then it would let the others in the group feed afterwards.

However, in captivity because the individual animals come from different places, so to be able to observe the best possible wild behaviours in captivity; the cooperative feeding technique becomes a valuable technique to try.

I feel that this technique will be much better for groups that share feeds like this, purely because it will encourage more natural behaviours and then it gives the opportunity for the less dominant individuals to have the right amount of food, to be enriched and have the attention from others that they need and then with this technique as natural behaviours will be observed they should become less fearful with the group. 

As stated in the article, this technique would probably then increase the chances of the public being able to see the behaviours that would be seen in the wild when the public wouldn't necessarily get the chance to see. It would also decrease aggressiveness in the groups as each individual would get the right amount of food they need.

What I have just said is basically all in the article, but I agree with the article that it can be much better for groups and should increase natural behaviours. 

What do you think about this "cooperative feeding" in a zoo environment? Feel free to discuss, debate and comment on this below!