INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2370, 2, '2012-02-03 18:51:35', '2012-02-03 23:51:35', '<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-825" title="enrichment_options" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/enrichment_options.jpg" alt="enrichment_options" width="482" height="189" />\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Enrichment Effects on Lemur Behavior and Exhibit Visibility</em></strong>\r\n<em> Lemur catta and Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>\r\n<em> Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park</em>\r\n<em>Melba Brown, Thomas Morere, Lawrence Anderson and Jane Steil</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nVisitors to The National Zoo’s Lemur Island (photo 1) are treated to a scenic view of plant life and a towering waterfall. The island is a mixed-species exhibit that features 2.2 Ring-tailed Lemurs, <em>Lemur catta</em> (photo 2); 1.1 Red-fronted Lemurs, <em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em> (photo 3); 0.0.100+ Turtles (Red-eared Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta elegans</em>; Yellow-bellied Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta script</em>; and Hybrid Sliders, Painted Turtles, <em>Chrysemys picta</em>; 0.0.3 Box Turtles, <em>Terrapene carolina</em>); 0.0.2 Bullfrogs, <em>Lithobates catesbeiana</em>; Toads, <em>Anaxyrus sp</em>; and 0.0.1 Northern Brown Snake, <em>Storeria dekayi</em>. The indoor facilities include 7 off-exhibit enclosures with a runway along one side and has cross chute capabilities. The lemurs stay indoors in the evening and during harsh weather. When on exhibit, however, the lemurs spend a significant amount of time away from public view on Olmstead Walk, the zoo’s main thoroughfare. The back of the island attracts the lemurs more than the front. Visitor traffic behind the exhibit is low and visitor frustration is often expressed by the question, “Where are the lemurs?”<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2344" title="lemur_island2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur_island2.jpg" alt="lemur_island2" width="604" height="485" />\r\n\r\nTo explore this particular management challenge, this study looked at the effects of gustatory, olfactory, visual and tactile enrichment presented on the island. The research objectives were to determine the activity budgets for the lemurs; determine their exhibit space and surface use; introduce and evaluate enrichment on Lemur Island; and, increase the lemurs’ visibility. This paper presents the results relating to activity budgets and enrichment effects on lemur behavior and exhibit visibility. The exhibit space and surface use results will be published in another publication.\r\n\r\nPrior to this study, when the lemurs were offered food items on the island, they were difficult to shift indoors when needed. Also, due to a previous rodent problem on the island, prepared food is not offered to them while on exhibit. They do, however, forage on a variety of plants growing in and near the exhibit such as Scarlet Curls Willow (<em>Salix matsudana</em> x <em>S. alba</em>), Common Plantain (<em>Plantago major</em>), Ground Ivy (<em>Glechoma hederacea</em>), Crape Myrtle (<em>Lagerstroemia sp.</em>) flowers and dried leaf litter. Of particular note is their preference for new leaf growth on the Scarlet Curls Willow and Common Plantain herb. This tendency towards eating new plant growth has been seen in semi-free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Dierenfeld and McCann, 1999).\r\n\r\nSeveral reasons expressed by staff as to why the lemurs prefer the back of the island include fear of turtles and hawks, presence of trees and shade availability, heated huts, ground cover; and a general anticipation of entering the building for the PM feeding. The entryway into the indoor facility is located at the back of the island. One additional reason for the preference could be that the boulders along the front of the exhibit may get too hot during warmer weather and the lemurs limit their time walking on them.\r\n\r\nInformal preliminary observations revealed that the lemurs, when on exhibit, were motivated to move and explore the island in search of foraging material (leaves, tree buds, small plants and leaf litter). Thick vegetation is concentrated on the back and sides of the island. The front of the island consists primarily of boulders, a waterfall and pool. There is sparse vegetation as well as limited shaded areas along the front of the exhibit. Their basic preference for the back of the island may simply be due to the higher concentration of foliage. The lemurs have been observed along the front of the exhibit but only for relatively short periods of time in comparison to their time spent elsewhere.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2345" title="rtlemur11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur11.jpg" alt="rtlemur11" width="428" height="344" />\r\n\r\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2346" title="lemur1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur1.jpg" alt="lemur1" width="431" height="350" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Animals and Methods</strong>\r\n\r\nLemurs are prosimians that are native to Madagascar and the Comores Islands. They live in varied habitats. They are folivorous and will ingest fruit, insects, soil and other matter (Simmen et al., 2006). One of the main physical characteristics of lemurs is a moist nose and a high level of olfaction. They have scent glands and use chemical communication to transmit specific information between individuals and groups. Ring-tailed lemurs have striking black and white tails. Males and females look similar but closer inspection reveals distinctive features. The Lemur Island ring-tailed lemurs range in age from 12 years to 23 years. Red-fronted Lemurs are a subspecies of Brown Lemur, Eulemur fulvus. Males and females are sexually dichromatic. In photo 3, the male is in the foreground and the female is in the background. The red-fronted lemurs are 19 and 26 years-old.\r\n\r\nThe research objectives were explored by placing 4 forms of enrichment along pre-determined, as well as random locations on the island and quantifying the information gathered by establishing the lemurs’ activity budgets without the enrichment and then comparing this baseline data to their activity budgets once the enrichment items were in place. An emphasis was placed on exhibit location to determine how effective the enrichment was as far as increasing animal visibility. To facilitate island observations and measure visibility, the island was divided into quadrants and coded as Q1 (front left); Q2 (rear left); Q3 (rear right); and Q4 (front right.)\r\n\r\nThe behaviors observed and recorded were Rest, Move, Forage, Groom, Other and Not Visible. For the purpose of this study, we defined ‘Forage’ as the actual act of solid or liquid consumption.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2351" title="ethogram" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ethogram.jpg" alt="ethogram" width="573" height="205" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Enrichment</strong>\r\n\r\nBrowse: Each day, a wheelbarrow full of browse [Maple — <em>Acer platanoides</em> (Norway), <em>Acer saccharinum</em> (sugar), <em>Acer japonica</em> (Japanese red)], Bamboo — <em>Phyllostachys aureosulcata</em> (yellow groove,) <em>Phyllostachys aurea</em> (golden) or <em>Phyllostachys bisettii</em>, <em>Pseudosasa japonica</em> (arrow), Bradford Pear (<em>Pyrus calleryiana</em>) and/or Mulberry — <em>Morus alba</em> (white) and/or <em>Morus rubra</em> (red) was divided and placed in different locations.\r\n\r\n2.) Fresh Rosemary (<em>Rosmarinus officinalis</em>) Sprigs: Each day, 7-9 sprigs were placed in different locations (photo 5). Prior to being put on the island, the sprigs were rubbed to release more of their herbaceous scent. Ring-tailed lemurs have been observed in the wild ingesting herbs (Soma, 2006).\r\n\r\n3.) Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em>) Essential Oil in Cholla Wood: Essential oils are extractions from plant parts (petals, roots, leaves, bark). Cholla wood is the skeletal part of a cholla cactus (<em>Opuntia sp.</em>). Each day, 7-10 drops of essential oil were placed along each piece of cholla wood (photo 6). Eight pieces of wood were used for this phase. The highly-scented wood was placed in different locations on the island. At the end of each day, the wood was collected and placed in a plastic bag and the next day, additional drops were added so that each consecutive day of the study, the scent on the wood became more concentrated.\r\n\r\n4.) Clay-rich Soil: The island soil is dry and very compact and not readily available or attractive to the lemurs as evidenced by preliminary observations. Each day, 31bs of soil was divided into piles and placed in different locations (photo 7). The enrichment soil was collected and processed to remove any unwanted matter. The soil was stored in a refrigerator prior to use. Primates have been heavily documented as engaging in geophagy (Krishnamani and Mahaney, 2000) (Ganzhorn, 1987) (Pinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison, 2006).\r\n\r\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2353" title="rtlemur" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur.jpg" alt="rtlemur" width="429" height="345" />\r\n\r\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2354" title="ginger" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ginger.jpg" alt="ginger" width="427" height="340" />\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-2358 aligncenter" title="lemur2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur2.jpg" alt="lemur2" width="431" height="424" /></p>\r\n\r\nThe Group Scan-sampling Methodology was used for this project. The research team used a stopwatch and data collection sheets for coded entries. For each part of the study, the observers conducted five, 30-minute observations at 3-minute intervals per day for four days between the hours of 10:00am – 2:30pm (1000hr-1430hr). The 3-minute interval was determined to be the best one after conducting preliminary trials with 1-minute and 2-minute intervals. When inclement weather prevented observations, the study continued on the next scheduled day. Temperature and weather conditions were noted on the data sheets: sunny, cloudy, partly sunny or partly cloudy. Four additional observers were involved in data collection to help reduce observer bias. The total observation hours were 50 hours per species. There were 20 observation days. The data were analyzed and entered into histograms with a 5% standard deviation. The information is presented in percentages of time spent engaged in observed activities. The unpaired t test was used to determine significance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Results</strong>\r\n\r\nChart 1 illustrates the activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs. The majority of time was spent resting (51%). In comparison, a field study of Malagasy ring-tailed lemurs reported a similar resting budget result (53.7%) (Simmen et al., 2010). The ring-tailed lemurs had significant movement behavior (23%) and grooming behavior (14%). They were not visible a lower percentage of time (9%). Foraging was the least frequent behavior (3%).\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2364" title="chart1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart1.jpg" alt="chart1" width="641" height="427" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2365" title="chart2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart2.jpg" alt="chart2" width="638" height="417" />\r\n\r\nChart 2 illustrates the activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs. The resting behavior was the dominant behavior (60%). In comparison, a field study of red-fronted lemurs reported a lower resting budget result (47%) (Overdorff, 1996). The 27% increase seen in our lemurs may be a result of the weather and/or age. The red-fronted lemurs were not visible 33% of the time which is more than three times that of the ring-tailed lemurs. This is understandable due to the small sample size: n=2. The movement behavior (3%), grooming behavior (1%), and foraging behavior (2%) results were low.\r\n\r\nThe ring-tailed lemur Chart 3 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. The resting behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result was found to be extremely significant (P = 0.0002); and, the resting behavior and soil enrichment result was very significant (P = 0.0096). The movement behavior with ginger/cholla enrichment resulted in a very significant behavioral decrease (P = 0.0094). The foraging results show some degree of activity increase with the forms of enrichment that could be consumed, namely browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result shows a significant decrease in this behavior (P = 0.0162). The grooming activity and soil enrichment resulted in a significant decrease in the behavior as well (P = 0.0050). There was, however, an increase in the grooming behavior with the rosemary enrichment. The chart illustrates a level of visibility increase with each form of enrichment.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2367" title="graph1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph1.jpg" alt="graph1" width="503" height="348" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2368" title="graph2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph2.jpg" alt="graph2" width="525" height="378" />\r\n\r\nThe red-fronted lemur Chart 4 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. There was an increase in resting behavior in the presence of rosemary (P = 0.618), ginger/cholla and soil. There was a significant increase in the movement behavior (P = 0.0428) with browse enrichment. The chart shows an increase in foraging activity in the presence of browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior with browse enrichment resulted in a significant increase in the behavior (P = 0.0435). The chart shows an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment. Rosemary was particularly effective in increasing visibility (P = 0.0073).\r\n\r\n<strong>Discussion</strong>\r\n\r\nThe activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs were unexpected. One assumption was they were not visible a significant amount of time when on exhibit. The study showed they were not visible 9% of the time. During the summer, the trees on the island have full canopies and when the lemurs are resting in them, they can be difficult to see until they are pointed out by interpreters. Another assumption was they consumed plenty of island vegetation. The results of the study showed a low percentage of time engaged in vegetation consumption. The activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs support the assumption that they were not visible a significant amount of time (33%). They spent most of their time resting (60%) which could have been a factor of weather extremes and/or age. Also, they moved less than expected which could have been explained by the weather as well. Like the ring-tails, the red-fronted lemurs did not spend a significant amount of time foraging (2%). One thing that was noted consistently during the observations was both groups tended to forage most when they were initially released on the island and early in the growing season. They ate fresh buds on trees, consumed dried leaves and nibbled on low-lying new growth.\r\n\r\nThe ring-tailed lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity provided interesting information. The resting behavior increased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, the resting behavior decreased with the rosemary. They were very attracted to the rosemary and they were observed carrying the sprigs around the island. Their movement showed a slight decrease with the browse and rosemary enrichment and more of a decrease in the presence of ginger/cholla and soil enrichment. Their foraging behavior increased with each form of edible enrichment. They were observed eating the enrichment browse. Also, they readily consumed the soil and were observed increasing their intake of island vegetation. These observations support one of the reasons suggested for geophagy which is to detoxify the system by absorbing tannins and other components found in plants (Johns and Duquette, 1991). The grooming behavior decreased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, increased with the fragrant rosemary. As was noted above, the ring-tailed lemurs carried the rosemary around the exhibit and the fresh herb, undoubtedly, left its strong scent on their hands and fur which, most likely, caused an increase in the grooming behavior. The other behaviors showed a slight increase with the browse, rosemary and soil. They were not visibly interactive with the ginger/cholla enrichment, even though the scent was prevalent. There were observed instances of displacement among the lemurs which resulted in less enrichment time for particular individuals. There was an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment, in particular, the soil. The ring-tailed lemurs were most visible with the soil present and they were very engaged in soil consumption.\r\n\r\nThe red fronted lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity results yielded interesting information as well. The chart indicates that they rested less and moved more, foraged more and groomed more with the browse enrichment. They were observed eating the browse. They became more active and were much more visible. A possible reason could be related to an increase in energy levels with the desired foraging matter available. The chart shows an increase in their foraging behavior in the presence of the enrichment forms that were edible, similar to the ring-tailed lemur results. Of note was their increase in other behaviors in the presence of soil. They were observed ingesting the soil. Again, there were instances of lemur displacement and a degree of competition. The red-fronted lemurs did not physically interact with the ginger/cholla enrichment. The strong concentration of scent may have had a repellent effect. Like the ring-tailed lemurs, the red-fronted lemurs were more visible with each form of enrichment offered.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the presence of varietal enrichment offered on Lemur Island can have a measurable impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Seasonality was a significant factor in this study. The project was conducted in May, June and July of 2011 with high temperatures and humidity. At times, the lemurs were less active than expected most likely due to the weather conditions. Noteworthy, though, was their heightened attraction to the clay-rich soil. A further study may take a closer look at the interactions of the lemurs with clay-rich soil and its impact on island vegetation consumption.\r\n\r\n<strong>Acknowledgements</strong>\r\n\r\nSmithsonian’s Access to Opportunities Program: – Krista Flores and Emily Shapiro; Ivymount School – great support from Lu Merrick, Laura Klingler, Donna Morere and John Monti; The Primate Unit for great support: Lisa Stevens for project approval, Megan Anderson for being the back-up organizer, Amanda Bania, Marty Dearie, Laurie Thompson, Heather Harl, Becky Malinsky, Erin Stromberg and KC Braesch for lemur shifting and enrichment placement; Eric Kliebert for digging the soil; Heidi Hellmuth – for enrichment support; Brian McLaren, Melinda Whicher &amp; Suzy Alberts – Lemur Island plant IDs; Department of Nutritional Resources for collecting and delivering varietal browse and fresh rosemary – Mike Maslanska, Bill Clements, Karen Lisi, Lisa Schneider, Albert Olsen, Tyrone Savoy, Eric Smith, Bernard Graham, Deb Grupenhoff, Matt Neff, Laurie Smith and Sara Allison; Polly Lasker – NZP Librarian; Dr. Sara Zehr, Research Manager, Duke Lemur Center for species information; Reptile Department – Matt Evans for IDs; Amma Tabirih and Patrice Payne for administrative support; Anthony Hiza and Greg Ose - sounding boards; The Lemurs – Thank you to the red-fronted lemurs - Red Oak and Flare; and the ring-tailed lemurs - Andromeda, Myrto, Ninna and Gelon!\r\n\r\n<strong>Bibliography</strong>\r\n\r\nDierenfeld, Ellen S. and McCann, Colleen M. 1999. Nutrient composition of selected plant species consumed by semi free-ranging lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) and ring-tailed lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em>) on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, U.S.A. <em>Zoo Biology</em>, 18:481-494.\r\n\r\nGanzhorn, Jorg U. 1987. Soil consumption of two groups of semi-free-ranging lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em> and <em>Lemur fulvus</em>), <em>Ethology</em>, 74, 146-154.\r\n\r\nJohns, Timothy and Duquette, Martin. 1991. Detoxification and mineral supplementation as functions of geophagy. <em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em> 53:448-456.\r\n\r\nKrishnamani, R and Mahaney William C. 2000. Geophagy among primates: adaptive significance and ecological consequences. <em>Animal Behavior</em>, 59, 899-915.\r\n\r\nOverdorff, Deborah J. 1996. Ecological correlates to activity and habitat use of two prosimian primates:(<em>Eulemur rubriventer</em>) and (<em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>) in Madagascar. <em>American Journal of Primatology</em>, 40 :327-342.\r\n\r\nPinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison. 2006 Feeding competition between introduced (<em>Eulemur fulvus</em>) and native (<em>Lemur catta</em>) during the birth season at Berenty Reserve, Southern Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 119-140.\r\n\r\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2010. Total energy expenditure and body composition in two free-living sympatric lemurs. <em>PloS One</em>, Volume 5, Issue 3.\r\n\r\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2006. Plant species fed on by (<em>Lemur catta</em>) in gallery forests of the southern Domain of Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 55-68.\r\n\r\nSoma, Takaya. 2006. Tradition and novelty: <em>Lemur catta</em> feeding strategy on introduced tree species at Berenty Reserve. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 141-160.\r\n\r\n<strong>BHC Comments by Enrichment Options Co-Editor Richard Kotarsky:</strong>\r\n\r\nThanks Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas for sharing your paper with the AAZK membership! This paper is another excellent example of a successful goal-directed enrichment initiative that can be used to solve management issues such as visibility of a popular exhibited species. You did an excellent job with the research into the species’ natural histories and natural behaviors; then designing a plan working towards encouraging a specific behavioral goal such as increased activity and visibility for the zoo visitors. Using the ethogram as a tool for your observations to determine the success of the enrichment and the specific goals for each species is an excellent way to quantify and qualify the results. Lastly, your results clearly show that the presence of goal-based varietal enrichment and something as simple as giving variable choices offered daily on the Lemur Island can have an obvious significant impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Thanks again Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas. I greatly enjoyed your paper.', 'Part II - Lemur Island Enrichment', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2317-revision-36', '', '', '2012-02-03 18:51:35', '2012-02-03 23:51:35', '', 2317, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2317-revision-36/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2371, 2, '2012-02-03 18:51:42', '2012-02-03 23:51:42', '<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-825" title="enrichment_options" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/enrichment_options.jpg" alt="enrichment_options" width="482" height="189" />\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Enrichment Effects on Lemur Behavior and Exhibit Visibility</em></strong>\r\n<em> Lemur catta and Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>\r\n<em> Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park</em>\r\n<em>Melba Brown, Thomas Morere, Lawrence Anderson and Jane Steil</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nVisitors to The National Zoo’s Lemur Island (photo 1) are treated to a scenic view of plant life and a towering waterfall. The island is a mixed-species exhibit that features 2.2 Ring-tailed Lemurs, <em>Lemur catta</em> (photo 2); 1.1 Red-fronted Lemurs, <em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em> (photo 3); 0.0.100+ Turtles (Red-eared Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta elegans</em>; Yellow-bellied Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta script</em>; and Hybrid Sliders, Painted Turtles, <em>Chrysemys picta</em>; 0.0.3 Box Turtles, <em>Terrapene carolina</em>); 0.0.2 Bullfrogs, <em>Lithobates catesbeiana</em>; Toads, <em>Anaxyrus sp</em>; and 0.0.1 Northern Brown Snake, <em>Storeria dekayi</em>. The indoor facilities include 7 off-exhibit enclosures with a runway along one side and has cross chute capabilities. The lemurs stay indoors in the evening and during harsh weather. When on exhibit, however, the lemurs spend a significant amount of time away from public view on Olmstead Walk, the zoo’s main thoroughfare. The back of the island attracts the lemurs more than the front. Visitor traffic behind the exhibit is low and visitor frustration is often expressed by the question, “Where are the lemurs?”<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2344" title="lemur_island2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur_island2.jpg" alt="lemur_island2" width="604" height="485" />\r\n\r\nTo explore this particular management challenge, this study looked at the effects of gustatory, olfactory, visual and tactile enrichment presented on the island. The research objectives were to determine the activity budgets for the lemurs; determine their exhibit space and surface use; introduce and evaluate enrichment on Lemur Island; and, increase the lemurs’ visibility. This paper presents the results relating to activity budgets and enrichment effects on lemur behavior and exhibit visibility. The exhibit space and surface use results will be published in another publication.\r\n\r\nPrior to this study, when the lemurs were offered food items on the island, they were difficult to shift indoors when needed. Also, due to a previous rodent problem on the island, prepared food is not offered to them while on exhibit. They do, however, forage on a variety of plants growing in and near the exhibit such as Scarlet Curls Willow (<em>Salix matsudana</em> x <em>S. alba</em>), Common Plantain (<em>Plantago major</em>), Ground Ivy (<em>Glechoma hederacea</em>), Crape Myrtle (<em>Lagerstroemia sp.</em>) flowers and dried leaf litter. Of particular note is their preference for new leaf growth on the Scarlet Curls Willow and Common Plantain herb. This tendency towards eating new plant growth has been seen in semi-free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Dierenfeld and McCann, 1999).\r\n\r\nSeveral reasons expressed by staff as to why the lemurs prefer the back of the island include fear of turtles and hawks, presence of trees and shade availability, heated huts, ground cover; and a general anticipation of entering the building for the PM feeding. The entryway into the indoor facility is located at the back of the island. One additional reason for the preference could be that the boulders along the front of the exhibit may get too hot during warmer weather and the lemurs limit their time walking on them.\r\n\r\nInformal preliminary observations revealed that the lemurs, when on exhibit, were motivated to move and explore the island in search of foraging material (leaves, tree buds, small plants and leaf litter). Thick vegetation is concentrated on the back and sides of the island. The front of the island consists primarily of boulders, a waterfall and pool. There is sparse vegetation as well as limited shaded areas along the front of the exhibit. Their basic preference for the back of the island may simply be due to the higher concentration of foliage. The lemurs have been observed along the front of the exhibit but only for relatively short periods of time in comparison to their time spent elsewhere.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2345" title="rtlemur11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur11.jpg" alt="rtlemur11" width="428" height="344" />\r\n\r\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2346" title="lemur1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur1.jpg" alt="lemur1" width="431" height="350" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Animals and Methods</strong>\r\n\r\nLemurs are prosimians that are native to Madagascar and the Comores Islands. They live in varied habitats. They are folivorous and will ingest fruit, insects, soil and other matter (Simmen et al., 2006). One of the main physical characteristics of lemurs is a moist nose and a high level of olfaction. They have scent glands and use chemical communication to transmit specific information between individuals and groups. Ring-tailed lemurs have striking black and white tails. Males and females look similar but closer inspection reveals distinctive features. The Lemur Island ring-tailed lemurs range in age from 12 years to 23 years. Red-fronted Lemurs are a subspecies of Brown Lemur, Eulemur fulvus. Males and females are sexually dichromatic. In photo 3, the male is in the foreground and the female is in the background. The red-fronted lemurs are 19 and 26 years-old.\r\n\r\nThe research objectives were explored by placing 4 forms of enrichment along pre-determined, as well as random locations on the island and quantifying the information gathered by establishing the lemurs’ activity budgets without the enrichment and then comparing this baseline data to their activity budgets once the enrichment items were in place. An emphasis was placed on exhibit location to determine how effective the enrichment was as far as increasing animal visibility. To facilitate island observations and measure visibility, the island was divided into quadrants and coded as Q1 (front left); Q2 (rear left); Q3 (rear right); and Q4 (front right.)\r\n\r\nThe behaviors observed and recorded were Rest, Move, Forage, Groom, Other and Not Visible. For the purpose of this study, we defined ‘Forage’ as the actual act of solid or liquid consumption.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2351" title="ethogram" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ethogram.jpg" alt="ethogram" width="573" height="205" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Enrichment</strong>\r\n\r\nBrowse: Each day, a wheelbarrow full of browse [Maple — <em>Acer platanoides</em> (Norway), <em>Acer saccharinum</em> (sugar), <em>Acer japonica</em> (Japanese red)], Bamboo — <em>Phyllostachys aureosulcata</em> (yellow groove,) <em>Phyllostachys aurea</em> (golden) or <em>Phyllostachys bisettii</em>, <em>Pseudosasa japonica</em> (arrow), Bradford Pear (<em>Pyrus calleryiana</em>) and/or Mulberry — <em>Morus alba</em> (white) and/or <em>Morus rubra</em> (red) was divided and placed in different locations.\r\n\r\n2.) Fresh Rosemary (<em>Rosmarinus officinalis</em>) Sprigs: Each day, 7-9 sprigs were placed in different locations (photo 5). Prior to being put on the island, the sprigs were rubbed to release more of their herbaceous scent. Ring-tailed lemurs have been observed in the wild ingesting herbs (Soma, 2006).\r\n\r\n3.) Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em>) Essential Oil in Cholla Wood: Essential oils are extractions from plant parts (petals, roots, leaves, bark). Cholla wood is the skeletal part of a cholla cactus (<em>Opuntia sp.</em>). Each day, 7-10 drops of essential oil were placed along each piece of cholla wood (photo 6). Eight pieces of wood were used for this phase. The highly-scented wood was placed in different locations on the island. At the end of each day, the wood was collected and placed in a plastic bag and the next day, additional drops were added so that each consecutive day of the study, the scent on the wood became more concentrated.\r\n\r\n4.) Clay-rich Soil: The island soil is dry and very compact and not readily available or attractive to the lemurs as evidenced by preliminary observations. Each day, 31bs of soil was divided into piles and placed in different locations (photo 7). The enrichment soil was collected and processed to remove any unwanted matter. The soil was stored in a refrigerator prior to use. Primates have been heavily documented as engaging in geophagy (Krishnamani and Mahaney, 2000) (Ganzhorn, 1987) (Pinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison, 2006).\r\n\r\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2353" title="rtlemur" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur.jpg" alt="rtlemur" width="429" height="345" />\r\n\r\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2354" title="ginger" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ginger.jpg" alt="ginger" width="427" height="340" />\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-2358 aligncenter" title="lemur2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur2.jpg" alt="lemur2" width="431" height="424" /></p>\r\n\r\nThe Group Scan-sampling Methodology was used for this project. The research team used a stopwatch and data collection sheets for coded entries. For each part of the study, the observers conducted five, 30-minute observations at 3-minute intervals per day for four days between the hours of 10:00am – 2:30pm (1000hr-1430hr). The 3-minute interval was determined to be the best one after conducting preliminary trials with 1-minute and 2-minute intervals. When inclement weather prevented observations, the study continued on the next scheduled day. Temperature and weather conditions were noted on the data sheets: sunny, cloudy, partly sunny or partly cloudy. Four additional observers were involved in data collection to help reduce observer bias. The total observation hours were 50 hours per species. There were 20 observation days. The data were analyzed and entered into histograms with a 5% standard deviation. The information is presented in percentages of time spent engaged in observed activities. The unpaired t test was used to determine significance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Results</strong>\r\n\r\nChart 1 illustrates the activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs. The majority of time was spent resting (51%). In comparison, a field study of Malagasy ring-tailed lemurs reported a similar resting budget result (53.7%) (Simmen et al., 2010). The ring-tailed lemurs had significant movement behavior (23%) and grooming behavior (14%). They were not visible a lower percentage of time (9%). Foraging was the least frequent behavior (3%).\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2364" title="chart1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart1.jpg" alt="chart1" width="641" height="427" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2365" title="chart2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart2.jpg" alt="chart2" width="638" height="417" />\r\n\r\nChart 2 illustrates the activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs. The resting behavior was the dominant behavior (60%). In comparison, a field study of red-fronted lemurs reported a lower resting budget result (47%) (Overdorff, 1996). The 27% increase seen in our lemurs may be a result of the weather and/or age. The red-fronted lemurs were not visible 33% of the time which is more than three times that of the ring-tailed lemurs. This is understandable due to the small sample size: n=2. The movement behavior (3%), grooming behavior (1%), and foraging behavior (2%) results were low.\r\n\r\nThe ring-tailed lemur Chart 3 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. The resting behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result was found to be extremely significant (P = 0.0002); and, the resting behavior and soil enrichment result was very significant (P = 0.0096). The movement behavior with ginger/cholla enrichment resulted in a very significant behavioral decrease (P = 0.0094). The foraging results show some degree of activity increase with the forms of enrichment that could be consumed, namely browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result shows a significant decrease in this behavior (P = 0.0162). The grooming activity and soil enrichment resulted in a significant decrease in the behavior as well (P = 0.0050). There was, however, an increase in the grooming behavior with the rosemary enrichment. The chart illustrates a level of visibility increase with each form of enrichment.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2367" title="graph1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph1.jpg" alt="graph1" width="503" height="348" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2368" title="graph2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph2.jpg" alt="graph2" width="525" height="378" />\r\n\r\nThe red-fronted lemur Chart 4 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. There was an increase in resting behavior in the presence of rosemary (P = 0.618), ginger/cholla and soil. There was a significant increase in the movement behavior (P = 0.0428) with browse enrichment. The chart shows an increase in foraging activity in the presence of browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior with browse enrichment resulted in a significant increase in the behavior (P = 0.0435). The chart shows an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment. Rosemary was particularly effective in increasing visibility (P = 0.0073).\r\n\r\n<strong>Discussion</strong>\r\n\r\nThe activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs were unexpected. One assumption was they were not visible a significant amount of time when on exhibit. The study showed they were not visible 9% of the time. During the summer, the trees on the island have full canopies and when the lemurs are resting in them, they can be difficult to see until they are pointed out by interpreters. Another assumption was they consumed plenty of island vegetation. The results of the study showed a low percentage of time engaged in vegetation consumption. The activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs support the assumption that they were not visible a significant amount of time (33%). They spent most of their time resting (60%) which could have been a factor of weather extremes and/or age. Also, they moved less than expected which could have been explained by the weather as well. Like the ring-tails, the red-fronted lemurs did not spend a significant amount of time foraging (2%). One thing that was noted consistently during the observations was both groups tended to forage most when they were initially released on the island and early in the growing season. They ate fresh buds on trees, consumed dried leaves and nibbled on low-lying new growth.\r\n\r\nThe ring-tailed lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity provided interesting information. The resting behavior increased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, the resting behavior decreased with the rosemary. They were very attracted to the rosemary and they were observed carrying the sprigs around the island. Their movement showed a slight decrease with the browse and rosemary enrichment and more of a decrease in the presence of ginger/cholla and soil enrichment. Their foraging behavior increased with each form of edible enrichment. They were observed eating the enrichment browse. Also, they readily consumed the soil and were observed increasing their intake of island vegetation. These observations support one of the reasons suggested for geophagy which is to detoxify the system by absorbing tannins and other components found in plants (Johns and Duquette, 1991). The grooming behavior decreased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, increased with the fragrant rosemary. As was noted above, the ring-tailed lemurs carried the rosemary around the exhibit and the fresh herb, undoubtedly, left its strong scent on their hands and fur which, most likely, caused an increase in the grooming behavior. The other behaviors showed a slight increase with the browse, rosemary and soil. They were not visibly interactive with the ginger/cholla enrichment, even though the scent was prevalent. There were observed instances of displacement among the lemurs which resulted in less enrichment time for particular individuals. There was an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment, in particular, the soil. The ring-tailed lemurs were most visible with the soil present and they were very engaged in soil consumption.\r\n\r\nThe red fronted lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity results yielded interesting information as well. The chart indicates that they rested less and moved more, foraged more and groomed more with the browse enrichment. They were observed eating the browse. They became more active and were much more visible. A possible reason could be related to an increase in energy levels with the desired foraging matter available. The chart shows an increase in their foraging behavior in the presence of the enrichment forms that were edible, similar to the ring-tailed lemur results. Of note was their increase in other behaviors in the presence of soil. They were observed ingesting the soil. Again, there were instances of lemur displacement and a degree of competition. The red-fronted lemurs did not physically interact with the ginger/cholla enrichment. The strong concentration of scent may have had a repellent effect. Like the ring-tailed lemurs, the red-fronted lemurs were more visible with each form of enrichment offered.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the presence of varietal enrichment offered on Lemur Island can have a measurable impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Seasonality was a significant factor in this study. The project was conducted in May, June and July of 2011 with high temperatures and humidity. At times, the lemurs were less active than expected most likely due to the weather conditions. Noteworthy, though, was their heightened attraction to the clay-rich soil. A further study may take a closer look at the interactions of the lemurs with clay-rich soil and its impact on island vegetation consumption.\r\n\r\n<strong>Acknowledgements</strong>\r\n\r\nSmithsonian’s Access to Opportunities Program: – Krista Flores and Emily Shapiro; Ivymount School – great support from Lu Merrick, Laura Klingler, Donna Morere and John Monti; The Primate Unit for great support: Lisa Stevens for project approval, Megan Anderson for being the back-up organizer, Amanda Bania, Marty Dearie, Laurie Thompson, Heather Harl, Becky Malinsky, Erin Stromberg and KC Braesch for lemur shifting and enrichment placement; Eric Kliebert for digging the soil; Heidi Hellmuth – for enrichment support; Brian McLaren, Melinda Whicher &amp; Suzy Alberts – Lemur Island plant IDs; Department of Nutritional Resources for collecting and delivering varietal browse and fresh rosemary – Mike Maslanska, Bill Clements, Karen Lisi, Lisa Schneider, Albert Olsen, Tyrone Savoy, Eric Smith, Bernard Graham, Deb Grupenhoff, Matt Neff, Laurie Smith and Sara Allison; Polly Lasker – NZP Librarian; Dr. Sara Zehr, Research Manager, Duke Lemur Center for species information; Reptile Department – Matt Evans for IDs; Amma Tabirih and Patrice Payne for administrative support; Anthony Hiza and Greg Ose - sounding boards; The Lemurs – Thank you to the red-fronted lemurs - Red Oak and Flare; and the ring-tailed lemurs - Andromeda, Myrto, Ninna and Gelon!\r\n\r\n<strong>Bibliography</strong>\r\n\r\nDierenfeld, Ellen S. and McCann, Colleen M. 1999. Nutrient composition of selected plant species consumed by semi free-ranging lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) and ring-tailed lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em>) on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, U.S.A. <em>Zoo Biology</em>, 18:481-494.\r\n\r\nGanzhorn, Jorg U. 1987. Soil consumption of two groups of semi-free-ranging lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em> and <em>Lemur fulvus</em>), <em>Ethology</em>, 74, 146-154.\r\n\r\nJohns, Timothy and Duquette, Martin. 1991. Detoxification and mineral supplementation as functions of geophagy. <em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em> 53:448-456.\r\n\r\nKrishnamani, R and Mahaney William C. 2000. Geophagy among primates: adaptive significance and ecological consequences. <em>Animal Behavior</em>, 59, 899-915.\r\n\r\nOverdorff, Deborah J. 1996. Ecological correlates to activity and habitat use of two prosimian primates:(<em>Eulemur rubriventer</em>) and (<em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>) in Madagascar. <em>American Journal of Primatology</em>, 40 :327-342.\r\n\r\nPinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison. 2006 Feeding competition between introduced (<em>Eulemur fulvus</em>) and native (<em>Lemur catta</em>) during the birth season at Berenty Reserve, Southern Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 119-140.\r\n\r\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2010. Total energy expenditure and body composition in two free-living sympatric lemurs. <em>PloS One</em>, Volume 5, Issue 3.\r\n\r\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2006. Plant species fed on by (<em>Lemur catta</em>) in gallery forests of the southern Domain of Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 55-68.\r\n\r\nSoma, Takaya. 2006. Tradition and novelty: <em>Lemur catta</em> feeding strategy on introduced tree species at Berenty Reserve. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 141-160.\r\n\r\n<strong>BHC Comments by Enrichment Options Co-Editor Richard Kotarsky:</strong>\r\n\r\nThanks Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas for sharing your paper with the AAZK membership! This paper is another excellent example of a successful goal-directed enrichment initiative that can be used to solve management issues such as visibility of a popular exhibited species. You did an excellent job with the research into the species’ natural histories and natural behaviors; then designing a plan working towards encouraging a specific behavioral goal such as increased activity and visibility for the zoo visitors. Using the ethogram as a tool for your observations to determine the success of the enrichment and the specific goals for each species is an excellent way to quantify and qualify the results. Lastly, your results clearly show that the presence of goal-based varietal enrichment and something as simple as giving variable choices offered daily on the Lemur Island can have an obvious significant impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Thanks again Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas. I greatly enjoyed your paper.', 'Part II - Lemur Island Enrichment', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2317-revision-37', '', '', '2012-02-03 18:51:42', '2012-02-03 23:51:42', '', 2317, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2317-revision-37/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2372, 2, '2012-02-03 19:02:59', '2012-02-04 00:02:59', '<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-825" title="enrichment_options" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/enrichment_options.jpg" alt="enrichment_options" width="482" height="189" />\n\n<strong><em>Enrichment Effects on Lemur Behavior and Exhibit Visibility</em></strong>\n<em> Lemur catta and Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>\n<em> Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park</em>\n<em>Melba Brown, Thomas Morere, Lawrence Anderson and Jane Steil</em>\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nVisitors to The National Zoo’s Lemur Island (photo 1) are treated to a scenic view of plant life and a towering waterfall. The island is a mixed-species exhibit that features 2.2 Ring-tailed Lemurs, <em>Lemur catta</em> (photo 2); 1.1 Red-fronted Lemurs, <em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em> (photo 3); 0.0.100+ Turtles (Red-eared Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta elegans</em>; Yellow-bellied Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta script</em>; and Hybrid Sliders, Painted Turtles, <em>Chrysemys picta</em>; 0.0.3 Box Turtles, <em>Terrapene carolina</em>); 0.0.2 Bullfrogs, <em>Lithobates catesbeiana</em>; Toads, <em>Anaxyrus sp</em>; and 0.0.1 Northern Brown Snake, <em>Storeria dekayi</em>. The indoor facilities include 7 off-exhibit enclosures with a runway along one side and has cross chute capabilities. The lemurs stay indoors in the evening and during harsh weather. When on exhibit, however, the lemurs spend a significant amount of time away from public view on Olmstead Walk, the zoo’s main thoroughfare. The back of the island attracts the lemurs more than the front. Visitor traffic behind the exhibit is low and visitor frustration is often expressed by the question, “Where are the lemurs?”\n\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2344" title="lemur_island2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur_island2.jpg" alt="lemur_island2" width="604" height="485" />\n\nTo explore this particular management challenge, this study looked at the effects of gustatory, olfactory, visual and tactile enrichment presented on the island. The research objectives were to determine the activity budgets for the lemurs; determine their exhibit space and surface use; introduce and evaluate enrichment on Lemur Island; and, increase the lemurs’ visibility. This paper presents the results relating to activity budgets and enrichment effects on lemur behavior and exhibit visibility. The exhibit space and surface use results will be published in another publication.\n\nPrior to this study, when the lemurs were offered food items on the island, they were difficult to shift indoors when needed. Also, due to a previous rodent problem on the island, prepared food is not offered to them while on exhibit. They do, however, forage on a variety of plants growing in and near the exhibit such as Scarlet Curls Willow (<em>Salix matsudana</em> x <em>S. alba</em>), Common Plantain (<em>Plantago major</em>), Ground Ivy (<em>Glechoma hederacea</em>), Crape Myrtle (<em>Lagerstroemia sp.</em>) flowers and dried leaf litter. Of particular note is their preference for new leaf growth on the Scarlet Curls Willow and Common Plantain herb. This tendency towards eating new plant growth has been seen in semi-free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Dierenfeld and McCann, 1999).\n\nSeveral reasons expressed by staff as to why the lemurs prefer the back of the island include fear of turtles and hawks, presence of trees and shade availability, heated huts, ground cover; and a general anticipation of entering the building for the PM feeding. The entryway into the indoor facility is located at the back of the island. One additional reason for the preference could be that the boulders along the front of the exhibit may get too hot during warmer weather and the lemurs limit their time walking on them.\n\nInformal preliminary observations revealed that the lemurs, when on exhibit, were motivated to move and explore the island in search of foraging material (leaves, tree buds, small plants and leaf litter). Thick vegetation is concentrated on the back and sides of the island. The front of the island consists primarily of boulders, a waterfall and pool. There is sparse vegetation as well as limited shaded areas along the front of the exhibit. Their basic preference for the back of the island may simply be due to the higher concentration of foliage. The lemurs have been observed along the front of the exhibit but only for relatively short periods of time in comparison to their time spent elsewhere.\n\n<img class="size-full wp-image-2345 alignleft" title="rtlemur11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur11.jpg" alt="rtlemur11" width="416" height="335" />\n\n<img class="size-full wp-image-2346 alignright" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" title="lemur1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur1.jpg" alt="lemur1" width="427" height="347" />\n\n<strong>Animals and Methods</strong>\n\nLemurs are prosimians that are native to Madagascar and the Comores Islands. They live in varied habitats. They are folivorous and will ingest fruit, insects, soil and other matter (Simmen et al., 2006). One of the main physical characteristics of lemurs is a moist nose and a high level of olfaction. They have scent glands and use chemical communication to transmit specific information between individuals and groups. Ring-tailed lemurs have striking black and white tails. Males and females look similar but closer inspection reveals distinctive features. The Lemur Island ring-tailed lemurs range in age from 12 years to 23 years. Red-fronted Lemurs are a subspecies of Brown Lemur, Eulemur fulvus. Males and females are sexually dichromatic. In photo 3, the male is in the foreground and the female is in the background. The red-fronted lemurs are 19 and 26 years-old.\n\nThe research objectives were explored by placing 4 forms of enrichment along pre-determined, as well as random locations on the island and quantifying the information gathered by establishing the lemurs’ activity budgets without the enrichment and then comparing this baseline data to their activity budgets once the enrichment items were in place. An emphasis was placed on exhibit location to determine how effective the enrichment was as far as increasing animal visibility. To facilitate island observations and measure visibility, the island was divided into quadrants and coded as Q1 (front left); Q2 (rear left); Q3 (rear right); and Q4 (front right.)\n\nThe behaviors observed and recorded were Rest, Move, Forage, Groom, Other and Not Visible. For the purpose of this study, we defined ‘Forage’ as the actual act of solid or liquid consumption.\n\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2351" title="ethogram" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ethogram.jpg" alt="ethogram" width="573" height="205" />\n\n<strong>Enrichment</strong>\n\nBrowse: Each day, a wheelbarrow full of browse [Maple — <em>Acer platanoides</em> (Norway), <em>Acer saccharinum</em> (sugar), <em>Acer japonica</em> (Japanese red)], Bamboo — <em>Phyllostachys aureosulcata</em> (yellow groove,) <em>Phyllostachys aurea</em> (golden) or <em>Phyllostachys bisettii</em>, <em>Pseudosasa japonica</em> (arrow), Bradford Pear (<em>Pyrus calleryiana</em>) and/or Mulberry — <em>Morus alba</em> (white) and/or <em>Morus rubra</em> (red) was divided and placed in different locations.\n\n2.) Fresh Rosemary (<em>Rosmarinus officinalis</em>) Sprigs: Each day, 7-9 sprigs were placed in different locations (photo 5). Prior to being put on the island, the sprigs were rubbed to release more of their herbaceous scent. Ring-tailed lemurs have been observed in the wild ingesting herbs (Soma, 2006).\n\n3.) Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em>) Essential Oil in Cholla Wood: Essential oils are extractions from plant parts (petals, roots, leaves, bark). Cholla wood is the skeletal part of a cholla cactus (<em>Opuntia sp.</em>). Each day, 7-10 drops of essential oil were placed along each piece of cholla wood (photo 6). Eight pieces of wood were used for this phase. The highly-scented wood was placed in different locations on the island. At the end of each day, the wood was collected and placed in a plastic bag and the next day, additional drops were added so that each consecutive day of the study, the scent on the wood became more concentrated.\n\n4.) Clay-rich Soil: The island soil is dry and very compact and not readily available or attractive to the lemurs as evidenced by preliminary observations. Each day, 31bs of soil was divided into piles and placed in different locations (photo 7). The enrichment soil was collected and processed to remove any unwanted matter. The soil was stored in a refrigerator prior to use. Primates have been heavily documented as engaging in geophagy (Krishnamani and Mahaney, 2000) (Ganzhorn, 1987) (Pinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison, 2006).\n\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2353" title="rtlemur" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur.jpg" alt="rtlemur" width="429" height="345" />\n\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2354" title="ginger" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ginger.jpg" alt="ginger" width="427" height="340" />\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-2358 aligncenter" title="lemur2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur2.jpg" alt="lemur2" width="431" height="424" /></p>\n\nThe Group Scan-sampling Methodology was used for this project. The research team used a stopwatch and data collection sheets for coded entries. For each part of the study, the observers conducted five, 30-minute observations at 3-minute intervals per day for four days between the hours of 10:00am – 2:30pm (1000hr-1430hr). The 3-minute interval was determined to be the best one after conducting preliminary trials with 1-minute and 2-minute intervals. When inclement weather prevented observations, the study continued on the next scheduled day. Temperature and weather conditions were noted on the data sheets: sunny, cloudy, partly sunny or partly cloudy. Four additional observers were involved in data collection to help reduce observer bias. The total observation hours were 50 hours per species. There were 20 observation days. The data were analyzed and entered into histograms with a 5% standard deviation. The information is presented in percentages of time spent engaged in observed activities. The unpaired t test was used to determine significance.\n\n<strong>Results</strong>\n\nChart 1 illustrates the activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs. The majority of time was spent resting (51%). In comparison, a field study of Malagasy ring-tailed lemurs reported a similar resting budget result (53.7%) (Simmen et al., 2010). The ring-tailed lemurs had significant movement behavior (23%) and grooming behavior (14%). They were not visible a lower percentage of time (9%). Foraging was the least frequent behavior (3%).\n\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2364" title="chart1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart1.jpg" alt="chart1" width="641" height="427" />\n\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2365" title="chart2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart2.jpg" alt="chart2" width="638" height="417" />\n\nChart 2 illustrates the activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs. The resting behavior was the dominant behavior (60%). In comparison, a field study of red-fronted lemurs reported a lower resting budget result (47%) (Overdorff, 1996). The 27% increase seen in our lemurs may be a result of the weather and/or age. The red-fronted lemurs were not visible 33% of the time which is more than three times that of the ring-tailed lemurs. This is understandable due to the small sample size: n=2. The movement behavior (3%), grooming behavior (1%), and foraging behavior (2%) results were low.\n\nThe ring-tailed lemur Chart 3 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. The resting behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result was found to be extremely significant (P = 0.0002); and, the resting behavior and soil enrichment result was very significant (P = 0.0096). The movement behavior with ginger/cholla enrichment resulted in a very significant behavioral decrease (P = 0.0094). The foraging results show some degree of activity increase with the forms of enrichment that could be consumed, namely browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result shows a significant decrease in this behavior (P = 0.0162). The grooming activity and soil enrichment resulted in a significant decrease in the behavior as well (P = 0.0050). There was, however, an increase in the grooming behavior with the rosemary enrichment. The chart illustrates a level of visibility increase with each form of enrichment.\n\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2367" title="graph1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph1.jpg" alt="graph1" width="503" height="348" />\n\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2368" title="graph2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph2.jpg" alt="graph2" width="525" height="378" />\n\nThe red-fronted lemur Chart 4 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. There was an increase in resting behavior in the presence of rosemary (P = 0.618), ginger/cholla and soil. There was a significant increase in the movement behavior (P = 0.0428) with browse enrichment. The chart shows an increase in foraging activity in the presence of browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior with browse enrichment resulted in a significant increase in the behavior (P = 0.0435). The chart shows an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment. Rosemary was particularly effective in increasing visibility (P = 0.0073).\n\n<strong>Discussion</strong>\n\nThe activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs were unexpected. One assumption was they were not visible a significant amount of time when on exhibit. The study showed they were not visible 9% of the time. During the summer, the trees on the island have full canopies and when the lemurs are resting in them, they can be difficult to see until they are pointed out by interpreters. Another assumption was they consumed plenty of island vegetation. The results of the study showed a low percentage of time engaged in vegetation consumption. The activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs support the assumption that they were not visible a significant amount of time (33%). They spent most of their time resting (60%) which could have been a factor of weather extremes and/or age. Also, they moved less than expected which could have been explained by the weather as well. Like the ring-tails, the red-fronted lemurs did not spend a significant amount of time foraging (2%). One thing that was noted consistently during the observations was both groups tended to forage most when they were initially released on the island and early in the growing season. They ate fresh buds on trees, consumed dried leaves and nibbled on low-lying new growth.\n\nThe ring-tailed lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity provided interesting information. The resting behavior increased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, the resting behavior decreased with the rosemary. They were very attracted to the rosemary and they were observed carrying the sprigs around the island. Their movement showed a slight decrease with the browse and rosemary enrichment and more of a decrease in the presence of ginger/cholla and soil enrichment. Their foraging behavior increased with each form of edible enrichment. They were observed eating the enrichment browse. Also, they readily consumed the soil and were observed increasing their intake of island vegetation. These observations support one of the reasons suggested for geophagy which is to detoxify the system by absorbing tannins and other components found in plants (Johns and Duquette, 1991). The grooming behavior decreased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, increased with the fragrant rosemary. As was noted above, the ring-tailed lemurs carried the rosemary around the exhibit and the fresh herb, undoubtedly, left its strong scent on their hands and fur which, most likely, caused an increase in the grooming behavior. The other behaviors showed a slight increase with the browse, rosemary and soil. They were not visibly interactive with the ginger/cholla enrichment, even though the scent was prevalent. There were observed instances of displacement among the lemurs which resulted in less enrichment time for particular individuals. There was an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment, in particular, the soil. The ring-tailed lemurs were most visible with the soil present and they were very engaged in soil consumption.\n\nThe red fronted lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity results yielded interesting information as well. The chart indicates that they rested less and moved more, foraged more and groomed more with the browse enrichment. They were observed eating the browse. They became more active and were much more visible. A possible reason could be related to an increase in energy levels with the desired foraging matter available. The chart shows an increase in their foraging behavior in the presence of the enrichment forms that were edible, similar to the ring-tailed lemur results. Of note was their increase in other behaviors in the presence of soil. They were observed ingesting the soil. Again, there were instances of lemur displacement and a degree of competition. The red-fronted lemurs did not physically interact with the ginger/cholla enrichment. The strong concentration of scent may have had a repellent effect. Like the ring-tailed lemurs, the red-fronted lemurs were more visible with each form of enrichment offered.\n\nIn conclusion, the presence of varietal enrichment offered on Lemur Island can have a measurable impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Seasonality was a significant factor in this study. The project was conducted in May, June and July of 2011 with high temperatures and humidity. At times, the lemurs were less active than expected most likely due to the weather conditions. Noteworthy, though, was their heightened attraction to the clay-rich soil. A further study may take a closer look at the interactions of the lemurs with clay-rich soil and its impact on island vegetation consumption.\n\n<strong>Acknowledgements</strong>\n\nSmithsonian’s Access to Opportunities Program: – Krista Flores and Emily Shapiro; Ivymount School – great support from Lu Merrick, Laura Klingler, Donna Morere and John Monti; The Primate Unit for great support: Lisa Stevens for project approval, Megan Anderson for being the back-up organizer, Amanda Bania, Marty Dearie, Laurie Thompson, Heather Harl, Becky Malinsky, Erin Stromberg and KC Braesch for lemur shifting and enrichment placement; Eric Kliebert for digging the soil; Heidi Hellmuth – for enrichment support; Brian McLaren, Melinda Whicher &amp; Suzy Alberts – Lemur Island plant IDs; Department of Nutritional Resources for collecting and delivering varietal browse and fresh rosemary – Mike Maslanska, Bill Clements, Karen Lisi, Lisa Schneider, Albert Olsen, Tyrone Savoy, Eric Smith, Bernard Graham, Deb Grupenhoff, Matt Neff, Laurie Smith and Sara Allison; Polly Lasker – NZP Librarian; Dr. Sara Zehr, Research Manager, Duke Lemur Center for species information; Reptile Department – Matt Evans for IDs; Amma Tabirih and Patrice Payne for administrative support; Anthony Hiza and Greg Ose - sounding boards; The Lemurs – Thank you to the red-fronted lemurs - Red Oak and Flare; and the ring-tailed lemurs - Andromeda, Myrto, Ninna and Gelon!\n\n<strong>Bibliography</strong>\n\nDierenfeld, Ellen S. and McCann, Colleen M. 1999. Nutrient composition of selected plant species consumed by semi free-ranging lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) and ring-tailed lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em>) on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, U.S.A. <em>Zoo Biology</em>, 18:481-494.\n\nGanzhorn, Jorg U. 1987. Soil consumption of two groups of semi-free-ranging lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em> and <em>Lemur fulvus</em>), <em>Ethology</em>, 74, 146-154.\n\nJohns, Timothy and Duquette, Martin. 1991. Detoxification and mineral supplementation as functions of geophagy. <em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em> 53:448-456.\n\nKrishnamani, R and Mahaney William C. 2000. Geophagy among primates: adaptive significance and ecological consequences. <em>Animal Behavior</em>, 59, 899-915.\n\nOverdorff, Deborah J. 1996. Ecological correlates to activity and habitat use of two prosimian primates:(<em>Eulemur rubriventer</em>) and (<em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>) in Madagascar. <em>American Journal of Primatology</em>, 40 :327-342.\n\nPinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison. 2006 Feeding competition between introduced (<em>Eulemur fulvus</em>) and native (<em>Lemur catta</em>) during the birth season at Berenty Reserve, Southern Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 119-140.\n\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2010. Total energy expenditure and body composition in two free-living sympatric lemurs. <em>PloS One</em>, Volume 5, Issue 3.\n\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2006. Plant species fed on by (<em>Lemur catta</em>) in gallery forests of the southern Domain of Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 55-68.\n\nSoma, Takaya. 2006. Tradition and novelty: <em>Lemur catta</em> feeding strategy on introduced tree species at Berenty Reserve. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 141-160.\n\n<strong>BHC Comments by Enrichment Options Co-Editor Richard Kotarsky:</strong>\n\nThanks Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas for sharing your paper with the AAZK membership! This paper is another excellent example of a successful goal-directed enrichment initiative that can be used to solve management issues such as visibility of a popular exhibited species. You did an excellent job with the research into the species’ natural histories and natural behaviors; then designing a plan working towards encouraging a specific behavioral goal such as increased activity and visibility for the zoo visitors. Using the ethogram as a tool for your observations to determine the success of the enrichment and the specific goals for each species is an excellent way to quantify and qualify the results. Lastly, your results clearly show that the presence of goal-based varietal enrichment and something as simple as giving variable choices offered daily on the Lemur Island can have an obvious significant impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Thanks again Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas. I greatly enjoyed your paper.', 'Part II - Lemur Island Enrichment', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2317-autosave', '', '', '2012-02-03 19:02:59', '2012-02-04 00:02:59', '', 2317, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2317-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2373, 2, '2012-02-03 18:52:36', '2012-02-03 23:52:36', '<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-825" title="enrichment_options" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/enrichment_options.jpg" alt="enrichment_options" width="482" height="189" />\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Enrichment Effects on Lemur Behavior and Exhibit Visibility</em></strong>\r\n<em> Lemur catta and Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>\r\n<em> Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park</em>\r\n<em>Melba Brown, Thomas Morere, Lawrence Anderson and Jane Steil</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nVisitors to The National Zoo’s Lemur Island (photo 1) are treated to a scenic view of plant life and a towering waterfall. The island is a mixed-species exhibit that features 2.2 Ring-tailed Lemurs, <em>Lemur catta</em> (photo 2); 1.1 Red-fronted Lemurs, <em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em> (photo 3); 0.0.100+ Turtles (Red-eared Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta elegans</em>; Yellow-bellied Sliders, <em>Trachemys scripta script</em>; and Hybrid Sliders, Painted Turtles, <em>Chrysemys picta</em>; 0.0.3 Box Turtles, <em>Terrapene carolina</em>); 0.0.2 Bullfrogs, <em>Lithobates catesbeiana</em>; Toads, <em>Anaxyrus sp</em>; and 0.0.1 Northern Brown Snake, <em>Storeria dekayi</em>. The indoor facilities include 7 off-exhibit enclosures with a runway along one side and has cross chute capabilities. The lemurs stay indoors in the evening and during harsh weather. When on exhibit, however, the lemurs spend a significant amount of time away from public view on Olmstead Walk, the zoo’s main thoroughfare. The back of the island attracts the lemurs more than the front. Visitor traffic behind the exhibit is low and visitor frustration is often expressed by the question, “Where are the lemurs?”<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2344" title="lemur_island2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur_island2.jpg" alt="lemur_island2" width="604" height="485" />\r\n\r\nTo explore this particular management challenge, this study looked at the effects of gustatory, olfactory, visual and tactile enrichment presented on the island. The research objectives were to determine the activity budgets for the lemurs; determine their exhibit space and surface use; introduce and evaluate enrichment on Lemur Island; and, increase the lemurs’ visibility. This paper presents the results relating to activity budgets and enrichment effects on lemur behavior and exhibit visibility. The exhibit space and surface use results will be published in another publication.\r\n\r\nPrior to this study, when the lemurs were offered food items on the island, they were difficult to shift indoors when needed. Also, due to a previous rodent problem on the island, prepared food is not offered to them while on exhibit. They do, however, forage on a variety of plants growing in and near the exhibit such as Scarlet Curls Willow (<em>Salix matsudana</em> x <em>S. alba</em>), Common Plantain (<em>Plantago major</em>), Ground Ivy (<em>Glechoma hederacea</em>), Crape Myrtle (<em>Lagerstroemia sp.</em>) flowers and dried leaf litter. Of particular note is their preference for new leaf growth on the Scarlet Curls Willow and Common Plantain herb. This tendency towards eating new plant growth has been seen in semi-free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Dierenfeld and McCann, 1999).\r\n\r\nSeveral reasons expressed by staff as to why the lemurs prefer the back of the island include fear of turtles and hawks, presence of trees and shade availability, heated huts, ground cover; and a general anticipation of entering the building for the PM feeding. The entryway into the indoor facility is located at the back of the island. One additional reason for the preference could be that the boulders along the front of the exhibit may get too hot during warmer weather and the lemurs limit their time walking on them.\r\n\r\nInformal preliminary observations revealed that the lemurs, when on exhibit, were motivated to move and explore the island in search of foraging material (leaves, tree buds, small plants and leaf litter). Thick vegetation is concentrated on the back and sides of the island. The front of the island consists primarily of boulders, a waterfall and pool. There is sparse vegetation as well as limited shaded areas along the front of the exhibit. Their basic preference for the back of the island may simply be due to the higher concentration of foliage. The lemurs have been observed along the front of the exhibit but only for relatively short periods of time in comparison to their time spent elsewhere.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2345" title="rtlemur11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur11.jpg" alt="rtlemur11" width="428" height="344" />\r\n\r\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2346" title="lemur1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur1.jpg" alt="lemur1" width="431" height="350" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Animals and Methods</strong>\r\n\r\nLemurs are prosimians that are native to Madagascar and the Comores Islands. They live in varied habitats. They are folivorous and will ingest fruit, insects, soil and other matter (Simmen et al., 2006). One of the main physical characteristics of lemurs is a moist nose and a high level of olfaction. They have scent glands and use chemical communication to transmit specific information between individuals and groups. Ring-tailed lemurs have striking black and white tails. Males and females look similar but closer inspection reveals distinctive features. The Lemur Island ring-tailed lemurs range in age from 12 years to 23 years. Red-fronted Lemurs are a subspecies of Brown Lemur, Eulemur fulvus. Males and females are sexually dichromatic. In photo 3, the male is in the foreground and the female is in the background. The red-fronted lemurs are 19 and 26 years-old.\r\n\r\nThe research objectives were explored by placing 4 forms of enrichment along pre-determined, as well as random locations on the island and quantifying the information gathered by establishing the lemurs’ activity budgets without the enrichment and then comparing this baseline data to their activity budgets once the enrichment items were in place. An emphasis was placed on exhibit location to determine how effective the enrichment was as far as increasing animal visibility. To facilitate island observations and measure visibility, the island was divided into quadrants and coded as Q1 (front left); Q2 (rear left); Q3 (rear right); and Q4 (front right.)\r\n\r\nThe behaviors observed and recorded were Rest, Move, Forage, Groom, Other and Not Visible. For the purpose of this study, we defined ‘Forage’ as the actual act of solid or liquid consumption.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2351" title="ethogram" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ethogram.jpg" alt="ethogram" width="573" height="205" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Enrichment</strong>\r\n\r\nBrowse: Each day, a wheelbarrow full of browse [Maple — <em>Acer platanoides</em> (Norway), <em>Acer saccharinum</em> (sugar), <em>Acer japonica</em> (Japanese red)], Bamboo — <em>Phyllostachys aureosulcata</em> (yellow groove,) <em>Phyllostachys aurea</em> (golden) or <em>Phyllostachys bisettii</em>, <em>Pseudosasa japonica</em> (arrow), Bradford Pear (<em>Pyrus calleryiana</em>) and/or Mulberry — <em>Morus alba</em> (white) and/or <em>Morus rubra</em> (red) was divided and placed in different locations.\r\n\r\n2.) Fresh Rosemary (<em>Rosmarinus officinalis</em>) Sprigs: Each day, 7-9 sprigs were placed in different locations (photo 5). Prior to being put on the island, the sprigs were rubbed to release more of their herbaceous scent. Ring-tailed lemurs have been observed in the wild ingesting herbs (Soma, 2006).\r\n\r\n3.) Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em>) Essential Oil in Cholla Wood: Essential oils are extractions from plant parts (petals, roots, leaves, bark). Cholla wood is the skeletal part of a cholla cactus (<em>Opuntia sp.</em>). Each day, 7-10 drops of essential oil were placed along each piece of cholla wood (photo 6). Eight pieces of wood were used for this phase. The highly-scented wood was placed in different locations on the island. At the end of each day, the wood was collected and placed in a plastic bag and the next day, additional drops were added so that each consecutive day of the study, the scent on the wood became more concentrated.\r\n\r\n4.) Clay-rich Soil: The island soil is dry and very compact and not readily available or attractive to the lemurs as evidenced by preliminary observations. Each day, 31bs of soil was divided into piles and placed in different locations (photo 7). The enrichment soil was collected and processed to remove any unwanted matter. The soil was stored in a refrigerator prior to use. Primates have been heavily documented as engaging in geophagy (Krishnamani and Mahaney, 2000) (Ganzhorn, 1987) (Pinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison, 2006).\r\n\r\n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2353" title="rtlemur" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rtlemur.jpg" alt="rtlemur" width="429" height="345" />\r\n\r\n<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2354" title="ginger" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ginger.jpg" alt="ginger" width="427" height="340" />\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-2358 aligncenter" title="lemur2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lemur2.jpg" alt="lemur2" width="431" height="424" /></p>\r\n\r\nThe Group Scan-sampling Methodology was used for this project. The research team used a stopwatch and data collection sheets for coded entries. For each part of the study, the observers conducted five, 30-minute observations at 3-minute intervals per day for four days between the hours of 10:00am – 2:30pm (1000hr-1430hr). The 3-minute interval was determined to be the best one after conducting preliminary trials with 1-minute and 2-minute intervals. When inclement weather prevented observations, the study continued on the next scheduled day. Temperature and weather conditions were noted on the data sheets: sunny, cloudy, partly sunny or partly cloudy. Four additional observers were involved in data collection to help reduce observer bias. The total observation hours were 50 hours per species. There were 20 observation days. The data were analyzed and entered into histograms with a 5% standard deviation. The information is presented in percentages of time spent engaged in observed activities. The unpaired t test was used to determine significance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Results</strong>\r\n\r\nChart 1 illustrates the activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs. The majority of time was spent resting (51%). In comparison, a field study of Malagasy ring-tailed lemurs reported a similar resting budget result (53.7%) (Simmen et al., 2010). The ring-tailed lemurs had significant movement behavior (23%) and grooming behavior (14%). They were not visible a lower percentage of time (9%). Foraging was the least frequent behavior (3%).\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2364" title="chart1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart1.jpg" alt="chart1" width="641" height="427" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2365" title="chart2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chart2.jpg" alt="chart2" width="638" height="417" />\r\n\r\nChart 2 illustrates the activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs. The resting behavior was the dominant behavior (60%). In comparison, a field study of red-fronted lemurs reported a lower resting budget result (47%) (Overdorff, 1996). The 27% increase seen in our lemurs may be a result of the weather and/or age. The red-fronted lemurs were not visible 33% of the time which is more than three times that of the ring-tailed lemurs. This is understandable due to the small sample size: n=2. The movement behavior (3%), grooming behavior (1%), and foraging behavior (2%) results were low.\r\n\r\nThe ring-tailed lemur Chart 3 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. The resting behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result was found to be extremely significant (P = 0.0002); and, the resting behavior and soil enrichment result was very significant (P = 0.0096). The movement behavior with ginger/cholla enrichment resulted in a very significant behavioral decrease (P = 0.0094). The foraging results show some degree of activity increase with the forms of enrichment that could be consumed, namely browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior and ginger/cholla enrichment result shows a significant decrease in this behavior (P = 0.0162). The grooming activity and soil enrichment resulted in a significant decrease in the behavior as well (P = 0.0050). There was, however, an increase in the grooming behavior with the rosemary enrichment. The chart illustrates a level of visibility increase with each form of enrichment.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2367" title="graph1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph1.jpg" alt="graph1" width="503" height="348" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2368" title="graph2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/graph2.jpg" alt="graph2" width="525" height="378" />\r\n\r\nThe red-fronted lemur Chart 4 illustrates their baseline activity as it relates to the enrichment. There was an increase in resting behavior in the presence of rosemary (P = 0.618), ginger/cholla and soil. There was a significant increase in the movement behavior (P = 0.0428) with browse enrichment. The chart shows an increase in foraging activity in the presence of browse, rosemary and soil. The grooming behavior with browse enrichment resulted in a significant increase in the behavior (P = 0.0435). The chart shows an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment. Rosemary was particularly effective in increasing visibility (P = 0.0073).\r\n\r\n<strong>Discussion</strong>\r\n\r\nThe activity budget results for the ring-tailed lemurs were unexpected. One assumption was they were not visible a significant amount of time when on exhibit. The study showed they were not visible 9% of the time. During the summer, the trees on the island have full canopies and when the lemurs are resting in them, they can be difficult to see until they are pointed out by interpreters. Another assumption was they consumed plenty of island vegetation. The results of the study showed a low percentage of time engaged in vegetation consumption. The activity budget results for the red-fronted lemurs support the assumption that they were not visible a significant amount of time (33%). They spent most of their time resting (60%) which could have been a factor of weather extremes and/or age. Also, they moved less than expected which could have been explained by the weather as well. Like the ring-tails, the red-fronted lemurs did not spend a significant amount of time foraging (2%). One thing that was noted consistently during the observations was both groups tended to forage most when they were initially released on the island and early in the growing season. They ate fresh buds on trees, consumed dried leaves and nibbled on low-lying new growth.\r\n\r\nThe ring-tailed lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity provided interesting information. The resting behavior increased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, the resting behavior decreased with the rosemary. They were very attracted to the rosemary and they were observed carrying the sprigs around the island. Their movement showed a slight decrease with the browse and rosemary enrichment and more of a decrease in the presence of ginger/cholla and soil enrichment. Their foraging behavior increased with each form of edible enrichment. They were observed eating the enrichment browse. Also, they readily consumed the soil and were observed increasing their intake of island vegetation. These observations support one of the reasons suggested for geophagy which is to detoxify the system by absorbing tannins and other components found in plants (Johns and Duquette, 1991). The grooming behavior decreased in the presence of browse, ginger/cholla and soil; and, increased with the fragrant rosemary. As was noted above, the ring-tailed lemurs carried the rosemary around the exhibit and the fresh herb, undoubtedly, left its strong scent on their hands and fur which, most likely, caused an increase in the grooming behavior. The other behaviors showed a slight increase with the browse, rosemary and soil. They were not visibly interactive with the ginger/cholla enrichment, even though the scent was prevalent. There were observed instances of displacement among the lemurs which resulted in less enrichment time for particular individuals. There was an increase in visibility with each form of enrichment, in particular, the soil. The ring-tailed lemurs were most visible with the soil present and they were very engaged in soil consumption.\r\n\r\nThe red fronted lemurs’ responses to the enrichment forms compared to the baseline activity results yielded interesting information as well. The chart indicates that they rested less and moved more, foraged more and groomed more with the browse enrichment. They were observed eating the browse. They became more active and were much more visible. A possible reason could be related to an increase in energy levels with the desired foraging matter available. The chart shows an increase in their foraging behavior in the presence of the enrichment forms that were edible, similar to the ring-tailed lemur results. Of note was their increase in other behaviors in the presence of soil. They were observed ingesting the soil. Again, there were instances of lemur displacement and a degree of competition. The red-fronted lemurs did not physically interact with the ginger/cholla enrichment. The strong concentration of scent may have had a repellent effect. Like the ring-tailed lemurs, the red-fronted lemurs were more visible with each form of enrichment offered.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the presence of varietal enrichment offered on Lemur Island can have a measurable impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Seasonality was a significant factor in this study. The project was conducted in May, June and July of 2011 with high temperatures and humidity. At times, the lemurs were less active than expected most likely due to the weather conditions. Noteworthy, though, was their heightened attraction to the clay-rich soil. A further study may take a closer look at the interactions of the lemurs with clay-rich soil and its impact on island vegetation consumption.\r\n\r\n<strong>Acknowledgements</strong>\r\n\r\nSmithsonian’s Access to Opportunities Program: – Krista Flores and Emily Shapiro; Ivymount School – great support from Lu Merrick, Laura Klingler, Donna Morere and John Monti; The Primate Unit for great support: Lisa Stevens for project approval, Megan Anderson for being the back-up organizer, Amanda Bania, Marty Dearie, Laurie Thompson, Heather Harl, Becky Malinsky, Erin Stromberg and KC Braesch for lemur shifting and enrichment placement; Eric Kliebert for digging the soil; Heidi Hellmuth – for enrichment support; Brian McLaren, Melinda Whicher &amp; Suzy Alberts – Lemur Island plant IDs; Department of Nutritional Resources for collecting and delivering varietal browse and fresh rosemary – Mike Maslanska, Bill Clements, Karen Lisi, Lisa Schneider, Albert Olsen, Tyrone Savoy, Eric Smith, Bernard Graham, Deb Grupenhoff, Matt Neff, Laurie Smith and Sara Allison; Polly Lasker – NZP Librarian; Dr. Sara Zehr, Research Manager, Duke Lemur Center for species information; Reptile Department – Matt Evans for IDs; Amma Tabirih and Patrice Payne for administrative support; Anthony Hiza and Greg Ose - sounding boards; The Lemurs – Thank you to the red-fronted lemurs - Red Oak and Flare; and the ring-tailed lemurs - Andromeda, Myrto, Ninna and Gelon!\r\n\r\n<strong>Bibliography</strong>\r\n\r\nDierenfeld, Ellen S. and McCann, Colleen M. 1999. Nutrient composition of selected plant species consumed by semi free-ranging lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) and ring-tailed lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em>) on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, U.S.A. <em>Zoo Biology</em>, 18:481-494.\r\n\r\nGanzhorn, Jorg U. 1987. Soil consumption of two groups of semi-free-ranging lemurs (<em>Lemur catta</em> and <em>Lemur fulvus</em>), <em>Ethology</em>, 74, 146-154.\r\n\r\nJohns, Timothy and Duquette, Martin. 1991. Detoxification and mineral supplementation as functions of geophagy. <em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em> 53:448-456.\r\n\r\nKrishnamani, R and Mahaney William C. 2000. Geophagy among primates: adaptive significance and ecological consequences. <em>Animal Behavior</em>, 59, 899-915.\r\n\r\nOverdorff, Deborah J. 1996. Ecological correlates to activity and habitat use of two prosimian primates:(<em>Eulemur rubriventer</em>) and (<em>Eulemur fulvus rufus</em>) in Madagascar. <em>American Journal of Primatology</em>, 40 :327-342.\r\n\r\nPinkus, Susan, Smith, James N.M. and Jolly, Alison. 2006 Feeding competition between introduced (<em>Eulemur fulvus</em>) and native (<em>Lemur catta</em>) during the birth season at Berenty Reserve, Southern Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 119-140.\r\n\r\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2010. Total energy expenditure and body composition in two free-living sympatric lemurs. <em>PloS One</em>, Volume 5, Issue 3.\r\n\r\nSimmen, Bruno et al. 2006. Plant species fed on by (<em>Lemur catta</em>) in gallery forests of the southern Domain of Madagascar. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 55-68.\r\n\r\nSoma, Takaya. 2006. Tradition and novelty: <em>Lemur catta</em> feeding strategy on introduced tree species at Berenty Reserve. <em>Ring-tailed Lemur Biology</em>, 141-160.\r\n\r\n<strong>BHC Comments by Enrichment Options Co-Editor Richard Kotarsky:</strong>\r\n\r\nThanks Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas for sharing your paper with the AAZK membership! This paper is another excellent example of a successful goal-directed enrichment initiative that can be used to solve management issues such as visibility of a popular exhibited species. You did an excellent job with the research into the species’ natural histories and natural behaviors; then designing a plan working towards encouraging a specific behavioral goal such as increased activity and visibility for the zoo visitors. Using the ethogram as a tool for your observations to determine the success of the enrichment and the specific goals for each species is an excellent way to quantify and qualify the results. Lastly, your results clearly show that the presence of goal-based varietal enrichment and something as simple as giving variable choices offered daily on the Lemur Island can have an obvious significant impact on the activity and visibility of the lemurs. Thanks again Melba, James, Lawrence and Thomas. I greatly enjoyed your paper.', 'Part II - Lemur Island Enrichment', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2317-revision-38', '', '', '2012-02-03 18:52:36', '2012-02-03 23:52:36', '', 2317, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2317-revision-38/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2374, 2, '2010-11-09 15:05:30', '2010-11-09 20:05:30', '<h4><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1602" title="pbi_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_logo-300x247.jpg" alt="pbi_logo" width="144" height="118" />The American Association of Zoo Keepers and Polar Bears International are working together as Conservation Partners towards the conservation of polar bears, the Arctic ecosystem, and spreading our conservation <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1606" title="polar_bears" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/polar_bears-300x194.jpg" alt="polar_bears" width="300" height="194" />messages on the effects of climate change.  Our Associations have developed three key programs towards these goals, Leadership Camp, Acres for the Atmosphere, and Trees for You and Me.  AAZK, PBI, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have also teamed together to create the Polar Bear Forest.  Why are forests so important to polar bears?</h4>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<strong>Reforestation:</strong>\r\n\r\nThough it might not seem obvious at first, planting trees helps conserve polar bear habitat in the arctic. Trees act as "carbon sinks" and absorb carbon out of the air and convert it into plant material. Trees sequester this carbon in roots, trunks, stems and leaves while they grow, and in wood products after they are harvested. That means planting trees, whether in a rural or an urban setting, helps reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Less carbon in the atmosphere means better conditions to retain Arctic ice longer and to improve polar bear habitat and survival.   Reforestation positively affects climate change and provides wildlife habitat, helping all of the species that AAZK members are so passionate to conserve.  Referenced from <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/">http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Zoo Keeper Leadership camp:</strong>\r\n\r\nThis week-long camp brings together a motivated group of keepers who reach a wide audience with AAZK’s  conservation messages.  Keepers carry a unique cachet with zoo guests. Zoo industry research indicates that zoo visitors consider the conservation messages conveyed by<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1768" title="pbi_leadership_camp11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_leadership_camp11.jpg" alt="pbi_leadership_camp11" width="247" height="378" /> Keepers to be the preferred and most credible sources of conservation education.  Through education programs that are current, scientifically-based, fun, informative, retainable, and action-shaping, keepers inspire their public to pitch in to reduce carbon emissions.  This camp is open to keepers affiliated with PBI’s Arctic Ambassador Centers around the world, and professional members of AAZK.  It is designed to inform, inspire, and empower keepers with information and tools to motivate their constituents.  This camp is focused on communication and presentation skills, creative planning, and program execution especially with regard to climate change and its effects on polar bears.  The camp enhances professional skills and promotes networking with peers while providing access to renowned field scientists, educators, and community members.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=kkcxmrdab&amp;v=001Msfh5C4b-aeFh2IiqMjGHJoJfQHI1Y5J8aCz9C_Xl04vgMHlaztDS6BWRlS4may8eQhoEtyd_8A-CaAHNNaVZkl7ZZbK6D4PHoNxykJ7iF1fyZ6alSCdPJlhRdqw92CdcUsM4Ar-As_e0iNUN2z43Q%3D%3D">PBI October 2010 newsletter.</a>\r\n\r\nFor more information, contact <a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp</a>.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1623" title="ASquaredFinal" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/acres_atmos-300x288.jpg" alt="ASquaredFinal" width="180" height="173" /></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Acres for the Atmosphere:</strong><strong></strong></p>\r\n\r\nGraduates of the 2009 Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp in Churchill, Manitoba created the initiative Acres for the Atmosphere (AFTA), both for <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1649" title="marissa1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/marissa1-251x300.jpg" alt="marissa1" width="176" height="210" />conservation education and to take immediate action. With the continued support of PBI and AAZK, we intend to reduce the prevalence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth’s atmosphere. Our initiative is designed around three objectives that will enable us to accomplish this goal. We will increase carbon sequestration by greening areas with vegetative plantings or trees, decrease CO2 emissions within our local communities, and raise awareness in our communities in order to curb our carbon addiction. Our program launches year to year in correspondence with each year’s Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp.  Keepers can get involved on both the individual and AAZK Chapter level.  Join us and lead your communities to a more sustainable future!  Please contact:  <a href="mailto:marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1647" title="nc_group2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/nc_group2.jpg" alt="nc_group2" width="467" height="393" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1656" title="bagbear" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bagbear.jpg" alt="bagbear" width="479" height="396" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1654" title="trees_u_me" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/trees_u_me.jpg" alt="trees_u_me" width="286" height="284" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Trees for You and Me:</strong>\r\n\r\nFor the second year, Trees for You and Me will be challenging AAZK chapters to raise money to plant trees. The initiative is an ongoing effort to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reduce individuals\' carbon footprints, and help polar bears by reversing the effects of global warming.\r\nThe highest-earning AAZK chapter will once again have a tree planted in its zoo or community for winning the competition.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1661" title="brookfield" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/brookfield.jpg" alt="brookfield" width="357" height="535" /> But the heart and soul of the competition is really about the chapters\' dedication to conservation and stewardship. Not only will the funds help polar bears; Polar Bear Forests benefit wildlife habitat in the area and bring beauty to the landscape.\r\nYou can help! This year’s competition runs September 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011, and any DONATION you make will go directly to purchasing seedlings from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Polar Bears International (PBI) and WDNR are working together on the Polar Bear Forest campaign.\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1658 alignleft" title="christy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy-270x300.jpg" alt="christy" width="216" height="240" />This year your $1 donation will actually plant more trees than last year! $1 = 3 seedlings, $5 = 15 seedlings. Planting a single tree can help, but planting a lot of trees can make a big difference. Imagine. You could support the planting of 150 trees for only $50! And on the donation form, you\'ll have the opportunity to identify which AAZK chapter you wish to support. No doubt, it will be the one affiliated with your favorite zoo!  For more information, please contact <a href="mailto:christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\nTo donate or for more information, click here:<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation"> http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.\r\n\r\n“Trees for You and Me” AAZK Chapter Challenge Update\r\n\r\n$1468    Greater Cleveland Chapter AAZK\r\n$207      Brookfield AAZK Chapter\r\n$55         Lincoln Park AAZK Chapter\r\n$50         Roger Williams Park Zoo AAZK Chapter\r\n$50         Greater Baltimore Chapter of AAZK\r\n$50         Phoenix Chapter of AAZK\r\n$10         San Diego AAZK Chapter\r\n\r\n$1890 is the total donations for “Trees for You and Me” as of 31 October 2010\r\nThe AAZK competition runs through 1 March 2011; currently Greater Cleveland Chapter AAZK is winning the competition. Remember for a $1 donation 3 trees will be planted in the Polar Bear Forest in Wisconsin. Let’s help polar bears by planting trees and reducing our carbon footprint. Go to the link on Polar Bears International’s website to make a donation: <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.', 'AAZK and Polar Bears International', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1589-revision-v1', '', '', '2010-11-09 15:05:30', '2010-11-09 20:05:30', '', 1589, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1589-revision-71/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2375, 2, '2012-02-03 19:09:07', '2012-02-04 00:09:07', '<h4><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1602" title="pbi_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_logo-300x247.jpg" alt="pbi_logo" width="144" height="118" />The American Association of Zoo Keepers and Polar Bears International are working together as Conservation Partners towards the conservation of polar bears, the Arctic ecosystem, and spreading our conservation <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1606" title="polar_bears" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/polar_bears-300x194.jpg" alt="polar_bears" width="300" height="194" />messages on the effects of climate change.  Our Associations have developed three key programs towards these goals, Leadership Camp, Acres for the Atmosphere, and Trees for You and Me.  AAZK, PBI, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have also teamed together to create the Polar Bear Forest.  Why are forests so important to polar bears?</h4>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<strong>Reforestation:</strong>\r\n\r\nThough it might not seem obvious at first, planting trees helps conserve polar bear habitat in the arctic. Trees act as "carbon sinks" and absorb carbon out of the air and convert it into plant material. Trees sequester this carbon in roots, trunks, stems and leaves while they grow, and in wood products after they are harvested. That means planting trees, whether in a rural or an urban setting, helps reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Less carbon in the atmosphere means better conditions to retain Arctic ice longer and to improve polar bear habitat and survival.   Reforestation positively affects climate change and provides wildlife habitat, helping all of the species that AAZK members are so passionate to conserve.  Referenced from <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/">http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Zoo Keeper Leadership camp:</strong>\r\n\r\nThis week-long camp brings together a motivated group of keepers who reach a wide audience with AAZK’s  conservation messages.  Keepers carry a unique cachet with zoo guests. Zoo industry research indicates that zoo visitors consider the conservation messages conveyed by<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1768" title="pbi_leadership_camp11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_leadership_camp11.jpg" alt="pbi_leadership_camp11" width="247" height="378" /> Keepers to be the preferred and most credible sources of conservation education.  Through education programs that are current, scientifically-based, fun, informative, retainable, and action-shaping, keepers inspire their public to pitch in to reduce carbon emissions.  This camp is open to keepers affiliated with PBI’s Arctic Ambassador Centers around the world, and professional members of AAZK.  It is designed to inform, inspire, and empower keepers with information and tools to motivate their constituents.  This camp is focused on communication and presentation skills, creative planning, and program execution especially with regard to climate change and its effects on polar bears.  The camp enhances professional skills and promotes networking with peers while providing access to renowned field scientists, educators, and community members.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=kkcxmrdab&amp;v=001Msfh5C4b-aeFh2IiqMjGHJoJfQHI1Y5J8aCz9C_Xl04vgMHlaztDS6BWRlS4may8eQhoEtyd_8A-CaAHNNaVZkl7ZZbK6D4PHoNxykJ7iF1fyZ6alSCdPJlhRdqw92CdcUsM4Ar-As_e0iNUN2z43Q%3D%3D">PBI October 2010 newsletter.</a>\r\n\r\nFor more information, contact <a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp</a>.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1623" title="ASquaredFinal" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/acres_atmos-300x288.jpg" alt="ASquaredFinal" width="180" height="173" /></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Acres for the Atmosphere:</strong><strong></strong></p>\r\n\r\nGraduates of the 2009 Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp in Churchill, Manitoba created the initiative Acres for the Atmosphere (AFTA), both for <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1649" title="marissa1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/marissa1-251x300.jpg" alt="marissa1" width="176" height="210" />conservation education and to take immediate action. With the continued support of PBI and AAZK, we intend to reduce the prevalence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth’s atmosphere. Our initiative is designed around three objectives that will enable us to accomplish this goal. We will increase carbon sequestration by greening areas with vegetative plantings or trees, decrease CO2 emissions within our local communities, and raise awareness in our communities in order to curb our carbon addiction. Our program launches year to year in correspondence with each year’s Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp.  Keepers can get involved on both the individual and AAZK Chapter level.  Join us and lead your communities to a more sustainable future!  Please contact:  <a href="mailto:marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1647" title="nc_group2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/nc_group2.jpg" alt="nc_group2" width="467" height="393" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1656" title="bagbear" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bagbear.jpg" alt="bagbear" width="479" height="396" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1654" title="trees_u_me" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/trees_u_me.jpg" alt="trees_u_me" width="286" height="284" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Trees for You and Me:</strong>\r\n\r\nFor the second year, Trees for You and Me will be challenging AAZK chapters to raise money to plant trees. The initiative is an ongoing effort to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reduce individuals\' carbon footprints, and help polar bears by reversing the effects of global warming.\r\nThe highest-earning AAZK chapter will once again have a tree planted in its zoo or community for winning the competition.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1661" title="brookfield" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/brookfield.jpg" alt="brookfield" width="357" height="535" /> But the heart and soul of the competition is really about the chapters\' dedication to conservation and stewardship. Not only will the funds help polar bears; Polar Bear Forests benefit wildlife habitat in the area and bring beauty to the landscape.\r\nYou can help! This year’s competition runs September 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011, and any DONATION you make will go directly to purchasing seedlings from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Polar Bears International (PBI) and WDNR are working together on the Polar Bear Forest campaign.\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1658 alignleft" title="christy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy-270x300.jpg" alt="christy" width="216" height="240" />This year your $1 donation will actually plant more trees than last year! $1 = 3 seedlings, $5 = 15 seedlings. Planting a single tree can help, but planting a lot of trees can make a big difference. Imagine. You could support the planting of 150 trees for only $50! And on the donation form, you\'ll have the opportunity to identify which AAZK chapter you wish to support. No doubt, it will be the one affiliated with your favorite zoo!  For more information, please contact <a href="mailto:christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\nTo donate or for more information, click here:<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation"> http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.\r\n\r\n“Trees for You and Me” AAZK Chapter Challenge Update\r\n\r\nBattle Creek AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,500.00<span> </span>\r\nMilwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,030.00<span> </span>\r\nBrookfield AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,015.00<span> </span>\r\nTucson AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,000.00<span> </span>\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$845.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Philadelphia AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$750.00<span> </span>\r\nLincoln Park AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$548.00<span> </span>\r\nLion Country Safari AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$500.00<span> </span>\r\nTulsa AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$260.00<span> </span>\r\nOrange County Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$250.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Houston AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$206.00<span> </span>\r\nRoger Williams Park Zoo AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$200.00<span> </span>\r\nSouthern Ontario Zoo Keepers AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$160.00<span> </span>\r\nNorth Carolina AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$100.00<span> </span>\r\nColumbus AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$90.00<span> </span>\r\nPortland AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$55.00<span> </span>\r\nSaint Louis AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$50.00<span> </span>\r\nAAZK-Knoxville Zoo Chapter<span> </span>$30.00<span> </span>\r\nAAZK of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo<span> </span>$25.00<span> </span>\r\nDallas Zoo Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$20.00<span> </span>\r\n\r\n<span> </span>$8,634.00<span> </span> total donated so far.\r\n<div>The AAZK competition runs through 1 March 2012. Remember for a $1 donation 3 trees will be planted in the Polar Bear Forest in Wisconsin. Let’s help polar bears by planting trees and reducing our carbon footprint. Go to the link on Polar Bears International’s website to make a donation: <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.</div>', 'AAZK and Polar Bears International', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1589-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-03 19:09:07', '2012-02-04 00:09:07', '', 1589, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1589-revision-72/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2392, 2, '2009-11-18 06:27:37', '2009-11-18 11:27:37', '<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-845" title="bob-mug2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bob-mug2-150x150.jpg" alt="bob-mug2" width="150" height="150" /> Bob Cisneros<em> - San Diego Zoo</em><em></em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThis committee shall investigate any formal written complaints of violation of the Code of Professional Ethics, Bylaws, or Resolutions as are brought to its attention by the Board of Directors or the membership and make recommendations for action to the Board of Directors. The committee shall consist of four Professional members in addition to and chaired by the Immediate Past President of the Association. Appointments to the Committee shall occur every two years and are made by the Board of Directors.', 'Ethics Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '171-revision-v1', '', '', '2009-11-18 06:27:37', '2009-11-18 11:27:37', '', 171, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/171-revision-6/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2378, 2, '2012-02-03 19:19:17', '2012-02-04 00:19:17', '', 'asag-logo-1', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'asag-logo-1', '', '', '2012-02-03 19:19:17', '2012-02-04 00:19:17', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/asag-logo-1.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2632, 2, '2012-10-01 08:09:07', '2012-10-01 13:09:07', '<strong>October 6, 2012 -</strong> <em><strong>AZH Zoo Horticulturist Certification Program</strong></em> - Three courses will be offered in conjunction with the 2012 AZH Annual Conference in Orlando: Browse and Toxic Plants and two elective courses: Design II and Responsible Water Use. Those who successfully complete the all-day Browse and Toxic Plants course will earn two credits toward the 10 credits required for AZH Certification. Those who successfully complete one of the four-hour elective courses will earn one credit. Electives courses will be offered sequentially, so that participants may choose to register for both of these courses.  For more information visit <a href="http://azh.org">azh.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>October 6, 2012 - <em>Ohio Valley United Malacologists Meeting</em></strong> - Hosted by University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN.  Forum for information sharing on mollusks.  Papers and posters welcome.  For more information go to: <a href="http://ohiovalleyunifiedmalacologists6.blogspot.com/2012/07/6-oct-2012.html">http://ohiovalleyunifiedmalacologists6.blogspot.com/2012/07/6-oct-2012.html</a>.\r\n<div><strong><strong>October 12-15, 2012 - </strong><em><strong><em>From Good Care to Great Welfare: A Workshop Designed for Animal Care Professionals Presented by the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare </em></strong>-</em></strong>Detroit Zoological Society. A unique four-day workshop for animal care staff working with captive exotic animals. The workshop is designed to help participants better understand animals’ perspectives and experiences, address the challenges captivity imposes on animal welfare, and develop the skills necessary to assess and improve overall well-being. Exercises and experiences are immersive and designed to help us understand captivity from the animals’ point of view. Limited scholarship opportunities available.</div>\r\nFor information contact: Elizabeth Arbaugh, Animal Welfare Manager, Detroit Zoological Society, Tel: 248-398-0903 x3643, E-mail: <a href="mailto:Elizabeth@dzs.org">Elizabeth@dzs.org</a> or visit <a href="http://czaw.org">czaw.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>November 2-4, 2012 - <em>New World Primate Husbandry Workshop</em></strong> - The New World Primate Taxon Advisory Group (NWPTAG) and the Palm Beach Zoo are hosting a New World Primate Husbandry Workshop to take place November 2-4, 2012. This will be a combined callitrichid and cebid husbandry workshop, taking the place of the traditional callitrichid workshop held in years past.  Some of the topics to be covered will include general husbandry, training and enrichment, natural history, capture and restraint methods, and mixed species exhibits.  The deadline for registration is August 31, 2012.  For more information including registration forms, please contact Dr. Stephanie Allard at <a href="mailto:sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org">sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org</a> or Michelle Farmerie at <a href="mailto:mrfarmerie@aol.com">mrfarmerie@aol.com</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>November 5-8 2012 - </strong><strong>The </strong><strong><em>Elephant Managers Association Conference</em>.</strong> “Trunks and Palms” will be hosted by the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens in Santa Barbara, CA. The Pre-conference trip will be hosted by the Los Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, November 5th followed by a cocktail party at the contemporary waterfront Cabrillo Art Center that evening. The conference will include two and half days of presentations followed by a Zoo Day at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The conference will conclude with a California cuisine banquet and auction. Beachfront accommodations and presentations will be held at the Hyatt of Santa Barbara: <a href="http://santabarbara.hyatt.com">santabarbara.hyatt.com</a>. To register or submit abstracts please visit: <a href="http://sbzoo.org">sbzoo.org</a> under events-EMA. For additional information please e-mail <a href="mailto:lwilson@sbzoo.org">lwilson@sbzoo.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>December 3 - 7, 2012 - <em>Training and Enrichment Workshop for Zoo and Aquarium Animals</em></strong>. Hosted by Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX, Active Environments and Shape of Enrichment are proud to present the Sixth Training and Enrichment Workshop for Zoo and Aquarium Animals. This unique five-day Workshop is designed for keepers, aquarists, managers, supervisors, curators, and veterinarians working with all species of animals held in zoos, aquariums, rescue centers, and sanctuaries. The Workshop will present an array of topics relating to the behavioral management approach to caring for captive animals, with a focus on environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training techniques, and the problem-solving process. For more information e-mail <a href="mailto:dolsen@moodygardens.com">dolsen@moodygardens.com</a> or go to <a href="http://enrichment.org">enrichment.org</a>.\r\n<h2>2013</h2>\r\n<strong><span>February 27 - March 2, 2013</span><em> - </em></strong><strong><em>21st Annual Conference of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators - </em></strong>Hosted by Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, FL. For more information go to: <a href="http://iaate.org/iaate-annual-conference/2013-conference">iaate.org/iaate-annual-conference/2013-conference</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>April 30 - May 2 2013 -<em>Chimpanzee SSP Meeting and Husbandry Workshop</em></strong> -Please Save the Date: The Chimpanzee SSP and the Houston Zoo are hosting the next Chimpanzee Husbandry Workshop to take place April 30 – May 2, 2013. The Chimpanzee SSP meeting will precede the workshop on April 29, 2013.  Stay tuned for more information.\r\n\r\n<strong>July 8-12, 2013 - <em>Zoos and Aquariums Committing to Conservation (ZACC)</em> -</strong> Hosted by Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, Iowa.  The conference will bring together colleagues from the field and zoos in an informal setting to network, share ideas and support one another in our shared commitment to conservation.  Registration is available at <a href="http://blankparkzoo.com/index.cfm?nodeID=48429&amp;audienceID=1">blankparkzoo.com/index.cfm?nodeID=48429&amp;audienceID=1</a>.  Contact Jessie Lowry with questions at <a href="mailto:jrlowry@blankparkzoo.org">jrlowry@blankparkzoo.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 22-26  2013 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong> - Hosted by the North Carolina Zoo and the North Carolina AAZK Chapter\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AAZK National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\n2013 - Greensboro, NC  - September 22-26\r\n\r\n2014 - Orlando, FL - September 8-12\r\n\r\nFor information on upcoming AAZK conferences, watch the AAZK website at <a href="http://www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AZA National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\nSeptember 7-12, 2013 - AZA 2013 Annual Conference - Hosted by the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO\r\n\r\nFor info on AZA Conferences, see <a href="http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html">http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html</a>.', 'Coming Events October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-10-01 08:09:07', '2012-10-01 13:09:07', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-68/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2546, 2, '2012-07-06 16:03:15', '2012-07-06 21:03:15', '<strong><em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="font-weight: bold;">July 15-21, 2012 - NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>July 25 - 28, 2012 - </strong><em><strong>The 35th International Herpetological Symposium</strong>. </em>Hosted by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo at the Ramada BWI Airport in Hanover, MD.  For more information go to <a href="http://kingsnake.com/ihs">kingsnake.com/ihs</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>July 29 - 30, 2012 - <em>The 2nd Venomous Animal Safety and Husbandry Training Seminar</em></strong>. Hosted by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont, MD.  For more information contact Rick Hahn at <a href="mailto:rickhahn@CWPZoo.com">rickhahn@CWPZoo.com</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>August 7th, 2012 - <em>Florida Animal Care Professionals Development Workshop</em></strong> - Making your veterinarian happy – training aardvark to zebra for A.I. to ultrasound; operant conditioning training for voluntary cooperation in medical procedures. Our inaugural workshop will be held Tuesday, August 7th 2012 from 4-8pm in Riley’s Reserve at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.  Refreshments and a light dinner will be served during each workshop. For registration information please e-mail <a href="mailto:FACPdevelopmentworkshop@gmail.com">FACPdevelopmentworkshop@gmail.com</a> or call 813-935-8552 ext. 247.\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>August 8-14, 2012 - <em>The World Congress of Herpetology</em></strong> - To be held in Vancouver, Canada. For more information see <a href="http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/">http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>August 16-19 - <em>The 10th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles</em> </strong>- Tucson, AZ.  Hosted by the Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.  For more information go to <a href="http://turtlesurvival.org">turtlesurvival.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 9-13, 2012 - <em>4th International Congress on Zookeeping</em> </strong>– To be held in Singapore.  Theme “Many Voices One Calling” Sponsored by Wildlife Reserves Singapore , Singapore Tourism Bureau. For information on sponsorship or exhibition opportunities email <a href="mailto:eo@aszk.org.au">eo@aszk.org.au</a>.  Check the ICZ website <a href="http://www.iczoo.org/">http://www.iczoo.org/</a> for latest news.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 23-27,  2012 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong><em> - </em>Hosted by the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo AAZK Chapter in Syracuse, NY. For more information go to <a href="http://www.rgzaecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.rgzaecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><strong> October 12-15, 2012 - </strong><em><strong><em>From Good Care to Great Welfare: A Workshop Designed for Animal Care Professionals Presented by the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare </em></strong>-</em></strong>Detroit Zoological Society. A unique four-day workshop for animal care staff working with captive exotic animals. The workshop is designed to help participants better understand animals’ perspectives and experiences, address the challenges captivity imposes on animal welfare, and develop the skills necessary to assess and improve overall well-being. Exercises and experiences are immersive and designed to help us understand captivity from the animals’ point of view. Limited scholarship opportunities available.\r\n\r\nFor information contact: Elizabeth Arbaugh, Animal Welfare Manager, Detroit Zoological Society, Tel: 248-398-0903 x3643, E-mail: <a href="mailto:Elizabeth@dzs.org">Elizabeth@dzs.org</a> or visit <a href="http://czaw.org">czaw.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>November 2-4, 2012 - <em>New World Primate Husbandry Workshop</em></strong> - The New World Primate Taxon Advisory Group (NWPTAG) and the Palm Beach Zoo are hosting a New World Primate Husbandry Workshop to take place November 2-4, 2012. This will be a combined callitrichid and cebid husbandry workshop, taking the place of the traditional callitrichid workshop held in years past.  Some of the topics to be covered will include general husbandry, training and enrichment, natural history, capture and restraint methods, and mixed species exhibits.  The deadline for registration is August 31, 2012.  For more information including registration forms, please contact Dr. Stephanie Allard at <a href="mailto:sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org">sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org</a> or Michelle Farmerie at <a href="mailto:mrfarmerie@aol.com">mrfarmerie@aol.com</a>.\r\n<h2>2013</h2>\r\n<strong>September 22-26  2013 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong> - Hosted by the North Carolina Zoo and the North Carolina AAZK Chapter\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AAZK National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\n2012 - Syracuse, NY - September 23-27\r\n\r\n2013 - Asheboro, NC  - September 22-26\r\n\r\n2014 - Orlando, FL - September 8-12\r\n\r\nFor information on upcoming AAZK conferences, watch the AAZK website at <a href="http://www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AZA National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\nSeptember 8-13, 2012 - AZA 2012 Annual Conference - Hosted by Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ\r\n\r\nSeptember 7-12, 2013 - AZA 2013 Annual Conference - Hosted by the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO\r\n\r\nFor info on AZA Conferences, see <a href="http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html">http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html</a>.', 'Coming Events July 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-07-06 16:03:15', '2012-07-06 21:03:15', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-59/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2380, 2, '2011-03-19 18:01:19', '2011-03-19 23:01:19', '<strong>\r\nBOWLING FOR RHINOS\r\nCONSERVATION RESOURCE GRANT\r\n<em>Application Instructions</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>AAZK will only consider complete proposals received no later than June 1st for funding.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<strong>A.    You must submit the following items:</strong>\r\n1.    AAZK Bowling for Rhinos Conservation Resource Grant application form, completed in English (3 pages maximum)\r\n2.    Your resume (3 pages maximum)\r\n3.    Unless you are the executive director, a letter of recommendation from the executive director of your zoo or conservation organization, and/or a letter from an advisor if you are a student\r\n\r\n<strong>B.    Projects should meet criteria in one of the following four categories:</strong>\r\n1.    <em>In-situ Rhino Conservation and Research</em> – field research or conservation project focusing on African or Asian rhino species\r\n2.    <em>In-situ Community, Educational, or Medical Program</em> – community education, school support or medical programs in Africa or Asia\r\n3.   <em> In-situ Species Conservation</em> – field research or conservation project that focuses on any species sharing the same ecosystem with Javan, Sumatran, Black, or White Rhino\r\n4.    <em>Ex-situ Rhino Conservation and Research</em> – zoological research project on a rhino species that partners with a rhino conservation entity operating in Asia or Africa, combined with a tangible benefit to an in-situ conservation project\r\n\r\n<strong>C.    You need not be an AAZK member or affiliated with AAZK in order to apply, however preference may be given to AAZK Members or Conservation Partners. </strong>\r\n<strong>\r\nD.    Award announcements will be made on July 1st.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>E.    The amount of funding requested must be equal to or less than $1,828.41 US dollars.  The amount available is based on a percentage of the annual Bowling for Rhinos funds raised. </strong>\r\n<span style="color: #ff0000;"><em><strong>\r\nSend all application material to:</strong></em></span>\r\n<a href="mailto:amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>\r\nor\r\nAmanda Kamradt\r\nHooves and Horns\r\nFranklin Park Zoo\r\n1 Franklin Park Road\r\nBoston, MA 02121\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_grant_app_2011.doc">Download</a> the application in Word format.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_grant_app_2011.pdf">Download</a> the application in Adobe pdf format.', 'BFR Grant Application Instructions', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1226-revision-v1', '', '', '2011-03-19 18:01:19', '2011-03-19 23:01:19', '', 1226, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1226-revision-10/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2383, 2, '2012-02-02 18:11:42', '2012-02-02 23:11:42', '<h3>Coordinator</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /> Patty Pearthree\r\n<h2><strong>Total Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$4,003,344</span></strong></h2>\r\n<h2><strong><strong>2011 Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$280,014\r\n</span></strong></strong></h2>\r\n"AAZK\'s Bowling for Rhinos" fund  raiser began on a small scale and is now an AAZK-sponsored North American event  raising between $200,000- $300,000 annually. <strong><em>Our goal now is to raise at least $500,000 annually</em>.</strong> In 1990, we began by supporting the Lewa  Wildlife Conservancy (formerly Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary) in Kenya.\r\n\r\nAAZK realized that the zoo keepers of the world were extremely conservation oriented and wanted to help save rhinos and their habitats, yet did not have the financial resources themselves to make any significant impact. That\'s when the idea came to start a national bowl-a-thon called Bowling For Rhinos.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of the idea is that these fundraisers are organized by volunteers, who donate their time and organizational skills to help raise money to send directly to the places in need. Since all the people involved are volunteers, <strong>100% of all donations</strong> are sent directly to these in situ rhino conservation areas!\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aazkbfr.org/images/lewa/slides/blackrhinos_004.jpg"> <img src="http://aazkbfr.org/images/lewa/thumbs/blackrhinos_004.jpg" border="1" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" /></a> In Kenya Africa BFR supports the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/lewa-wildlife-conservancy-lwc/">Lewa Wildlife Conservancy</a> where our donations help protect both black and white rhinos and most of the other species native to East Africa.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aazkbfr.org/images/indonesia/slides/sumatranrhino.jpg"> <img src="http://aazkbfr.org/images/indonesia/thumbs/sumatranrhino.jpg" border="1" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="right" /></a> In Indonesia BFR supports the remaining Javan Rhinos at Ujung Kulon National Park and the Sumatran Rhinos in Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks through the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/international-rhino-foundation-irf/">International Rhino Foundation</a>.\r\n\r\nBFR also supports <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/action-for-cheetahs-in-kenya-ack/">Action for Cheetahs in Kenya</a>. Cheetahs share much of the same habitat as rhinos and by working to conserve cheetahs we are also saving rhinos and the countless other species that call that habitat home.\r\n\r\nMany organizations participate in these events, and have added the Rocking For Rhinos, Rummage For Rhinos, and Recycling For Rhinos projects as other ways to raise funds for this very worthwhile project.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Bowling For Rhinos has broken the $4 million mark and we continue to reach towards attaining our goal of $500,000/year!</strong></em> Together with you AAZK can do it. We have and will continue to make a difference in the conservation world. Please send  your organization\'s contact person/contact info ASAP along with the date of your event to our  national BFR Coordinator. Please  contact Patty Pearthree: <a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information. Reminder, there is a $25 registration fee for BFR events which covers administrative costs so that 100% of all donation can go directly to rhino conservation.\r\n\r\nThere is a new Yahoo groups email for Bowling For Rhino Coordinators. If you would like to be part of this email group, please email Barbie Wilson at <a href="mailto:rhinobarbie@hotmail.com">rhinobarbie@hotmail.com</a>. This will let you communicate with each other on questions about t-shirts, bowling alley prices, how to get more support from your zoo, etc. with other BFR local coordinators.\r\n\r\n<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Links</span>\r\n\r\nIf your chapter would like to check your totals you can do so here: <a href="http://aazkbfr.org/bfrsites">http://aazkbfr.org/bfrsites</a>.', 'Bowling for Rhinos (BFR)', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '168-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-02 18:11:42', '2012-02-02 23:11:42', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/168-revision-39/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2384, 2, '2011-08-03 13:25:58', '2011-08-03 18:25:58', '<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/international-congress-zookeepers/">International Congress of Zookeepers\r\n</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-843 alignnone" title="shane" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shane.jpg" alt="shane" width="145" height="157" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shane Good</div>\r\n<div class="name">Cleveland Metroparks Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n<p class="email"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class="email"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1498" title="norah" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/norah-150x150.jpg" alt="norah" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="email">Norah Farnham</div>\r\n<div class="email">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email">Woodland Park Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/membership-resources/">Membership Resources</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1251" title="jacque1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/jacque1-150x150.jpg" alt="jacque1" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Jacque Blessington</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Kansas City Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/annual-aazk-conferences/">Annual AAZK Conferences</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1504 alignnone" title="ed_hansen" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ed_hansen-150x150.jpg" alt="ed_hansen" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ed Hansen</div>\r\n<div class="title">Conference Program Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/grants-committee/">Grants Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1257" title="shelly-roach" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shelly-roach-150x150.jpg" alt="shelly-roach" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shelly Roach</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Columbus Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/">Bowling for Rhinos</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Patty Pearthree</div>\r\n<div class="title">Coordinator</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/ethics-committee/">Ethics Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-845" title="bob-mug2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bob-mug2-150x150.jpg" alt="bob-mug2" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Bob Cisneros</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">San Diego Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:bob.cisneros@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">bob.cisneros@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bylaws-committee/">Bylaws Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1937" title="rickotarsky" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rickotarsky.jpg" alt="rickotarsky" width="131" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ric Kotarsky</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="title">Tulsa Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title"><a href="mailto:ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/behavioral-husbandry/">Behavioral Husbandry</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-871" title="walz" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/walz-150x150.jpg" alt="walz" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Deana Walz</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/awards-committee/">Awards Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1249 alignnone" title="janmccoy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/janmccoy-150x150.jpg" alt="janmccoy" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Janet McCoy</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/professional-development-committee/">Professional Development Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1260" title="melaina" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/melaina-150x150.jpg" alt="melaina" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Melaina Wallace</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/conservation-committee/">Conservation Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-841 alignnone" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Amanda Kamradt</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Zoo New England</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>', 'Committee Chairs', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '496-revision-v1', '', '', '2011-08-03 13:25:58', '2011-08-03 18:25:58', '', 496, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/496-revision-19/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2385, 2, '2010-04-23 16:03:19', '2010-04-23 21:03:19', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Event Planning\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1413" title="blue_rhino_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo-300x127.jpg" alt="blue_rhino_logo" width="144" height="61" />Blue Rhino logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2010-04-23 16:03:19', '2010-04-23 21:03:19', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-15/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2387, 2, '2012-02-15 17:42:31', '2012-02-15 22:42:31', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Event Planning\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-15 17:42:31', '2012-02-15 22:42:31', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-16/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2388, 2, '2012-02-15 18:44:50', '2012-02-15 23:44:50', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Event Planning\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1413" title="blue_rhino_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo-300x127.jpg" alt="blue_rhino_logo" width="144" height="61" />Blue Rhino logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-15 18:44:50', '2012-02-15 23:44:50', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-17/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2390, 2, '2012-02-03 19:10:02', '2012-02-04 00:10:02', '<h4><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1602" title="pbi_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_logo-300x247.jpg" alt="pbi_logo" width="144" height="118" />The American Association of Zoo Keepers and Polar Bears International are working together as Conservation Partners towards the conservation of polar bears, the Arctic ecosystem, and spreading our conservation <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1606" title="polar_bears" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/polar_bears-300x194.jpg" alt="polar_bears" width="300" height="194" />messages on the effects of climate change.  Our Associations have developed three key programs towards these goals, Leadership Camp, Acres for the Atmosphere, and Trees for You and Me.  AAZK, PBI, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have also teamed together to create the Polar Bear Forest.  Why are forests so important to polar bears?</h4>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<strong>Reforestation:</strong>\r\n\r\nThough it might not seem obvious at first, planting trees helps conserve polar bear habitat in the arctic. Trees act as "carbon sinks" and absorb carbon out of the air and convert it into plant material. Trees sequester this carbon in roots, trunks, stems and leaves while they grow, and in wood products after they are harvested. That means planting trees, whether in a rural or an urban setting, helps reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Less carbon in the atmosphere means better conditions to retain Arctic ice longer and to improve polar bear habitat and survival.   Reforestation positively affects climate change and provides wildlife habitat, helping all of the species that AAZK members are so passionate to conserve.  Referenced from <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/">http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Zoo Keeper Leadership camp:</strong>\r\n\r\nThis week-long camp brings together a motivated group of keepers who reach a wide audience with AAZK’s  conservation messages.  Keepers carry a unique cachet with zoo guests. Zoo industry research indicates that zoo visitors consider the conservation messages conveyed by<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1768" title="pbi_leadership_camp11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_leadership_camp11.jpg" alt="pbi_leadership_camp11" width="247" height="378" /> Keepers to be the preferred and most credible sources of conservation education.  Through education programs that are current, scientifically-based, fun, informative, retainable, and action-shaping, keepers inspire their public to pitch in to reduce carbon emissions.  This camp is open to keepers affiliated with PBI’s Arctic Ambassador Centers around the world, and professional members of AAZK.  It is designed to inform, inspire, and empower keepers with information and tools to motivate their constituents.  This camp is focused on communication and presentation skills, creative planning, and program execution especially with regard to climate change and its effects on polar bears.  The camp enhances professional skills and promotes networking with peers while providing access to renowned field scientists, educators, and community members.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=kkcxmrdab&amp;v=001Msfh5C4b-aeFh2IiqMjGHJoJfQHI1Y5J8aCz9C_Xl04vgMHlaztDS6BWRlS4may8eQhoEtyd_8A-CaAHNNaVZkl7ZZbK6D4PHoNxykJ7iF1fyZ6alSCdPJlhRdqw92CdcUsM4Ar-As_e0iNUN2z43Q%3D%3D">PBI October 2010 newsletter.</a>\r\n\r\nFor more information, contact <a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp</a>.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1623" title="ASquaredFinal" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/acres_atmos-300x288.jpg" alt="ASquaredFinal" width="180" height="173" /></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Acres for the Atmosphere:</strong><strong></strong></p>\r\n\r\nGraduates of the 2009 Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp in Churchill, Manitoba created the initiative Acres for the Atmosphere (AFTA), both for <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1649" title="marissa1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/marissa1-251x300.jpg" alt="marissa1" width="176" height="210" />conservation education and to take immediate action. With the continued support of PBI and AAZK, we intend to reduce the prevalence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth’s atmosphere. Our initiative is designed around three objectives that will enable us to accomplish this goal. We will increase carbon sequestration by greening areas with vegetative plantings or trees, decrease CO2 emissions within our local communities, and raise awareness in our communities in order to curb our carbon addiction. Our program launches year to year in correspondence with each year’s Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp.  Keepers can get involved on both the individual and AAZK Chapter level.  Join us and lead your communities to a more sustainable future!  Please contact:  <a href="mailto:marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1647" title="nc_group2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/nc_group2.jpg" alt="nc_group2" width="467" height="393" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1656" title="bagbear" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bagbear.jpg" alt="bagbear" width="479" height="396" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1654" title="trees_u_me" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/trees_u_me.jpg" alt="trees_u_me" width="286" height="284" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Trees for You and Me:</strong>\r\n\r\nFor the second year, Trees for You and Me will be challenging AAZK chapters to raise money to plant trees. The initiative is an ongoing effort to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reduce individuals\' carbon footprints, and help polar bears by reversing the effects of global warming.\r\nThe highest-earning AAZK chapter will once again have a tree planted in its zoo or community for winning the competition.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1661" title="brookfield" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/brookfield.jpg" alt="brookfield" width="357" height="535" /> But the heart and soul of the competition is really about the chapters\' dedication to conservation and stewardship. Not only will the funds help polar bears; Polar Bear Forests benefit wildlife habitat in the area and bring beauty to the landscape.\r\nYou can help! This year’s competition runs September 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011, and any DONATION you make will go directly to purchasing seedlings from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Polar Bears International (PBI) and WDNR are working together on the Polar Bear Forest campaign.\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1658 alignleft" title="christy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy-270x300.jpg" alt="christy" width="216" height="240" />This year your $1 donation will actually plant more trees than last year! $1 = 3 seedlings, $5 = 15 seedlings. Planting a single tree can help, but planting a lot of trees can make a big difference. Imagine. You could support the planting of 150 trees for only $50! And on the donation form, you\'ll have the opportunity to identify which AAZK chapter you wish to support. No doubt, it will be the one affiliated with your favorite zoo!  For more information, please contact <a href="mailto:christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\nTo donate or for more information, click here:<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation"> http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.\r\n\r\n“Trees for You and Me” AAZK Chapter Challenge Update\r\n\r\nBattle Creek AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,500.00<span> </span>\r\nMilwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,030.00<span> </span>\r\nBrookfield AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,015.00<span> </span>\r\nTucson AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,000.00<span> </span>\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$845.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Philadelphia AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$750.00<span> </span>\r\nLincoln Park AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$548.00<span> </span>\r\nLion Country Safari AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$500.00<span> </span>\r\nTulsa AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$260.00<span> </span>\r\nOrange County Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$250.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Houston AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$206.00<span> </span>\r\nRoger Williams Park Zoo AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$200.00<span> </span>\r\nSouthern Ontario Zoo Keepers AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$160.00<span> </span>\r\nNorth Carolina AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$100.00<span> </span>\r\nColumbus AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$90.00<span> </span>\r\nPortland AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$55.00<span> </span>\r\nSaint Louis AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$50.00<span> </span>\r\nAAZK-Knoxville Zoo Chapter<span> </span>$30.00<span> </span>\r\nAAZK of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo<span> </span>$25.00<span> </span>\r\nDallas Zoo Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$20.00<span> </span>\r\n\r\n<span> </span>$8,634.00<span> </span> total donated so far.\r\n<div>The AAZK competition runs through 1 March 2012. Remember for a $1 donation 3 trees will be planted in the Polar Bear Forest in Wisconsin. Let’s help polar bears by planting trees and reducing our carbon footprint. Go to the link on Polar Bears International’s website to make a donation: <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.</div>', 'AAZK and Polar Bears International', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1589-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-03 19:10:02', '2012-02-04 00:10:02', '', 1589, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1589-revision-73/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2389, 2, '2012-02-17 10:28:51', '2012-02-17 15:28:51', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Marketing</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc3NNEfu0rI">BFR Promotional Video </a>\r\n\r\nChapter Event Media Release template  (Word format)\r\n\r\nFlyer template  (Powerpoint format)\r\n\r\nBLAST template  (Powerpoint format)\r\n\r\n<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Event Planning</span>\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor Letter Mail template  (Word format)\r\n\r\nSponsor Letter Hand Delivered template  (Word format)\r\n\r\nThank You Letter template  (Word format)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Examples</strong></em>\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1413" title="blue_rhino_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo-300x127.jpg" alt="blue_rhino_logo" width="144" height="61" />Blue Rhino logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-17 10:28:51', '2012-02-17 15:28:51', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-18/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2542, 2, '2012-08-01 10:27:45', '2012-08-01 15:27:45', '<em>By\r\nStacy Johnson, Animal Keeper\r\nDisney’s Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida</em>\r\n\r\n<em></em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Abstract</strong>\r\n\r\n“Waterfowl” is a collective term given to the order Anseriformes, consisting mostly of ducks, geese and swans.  There are currently over 150 species represented on every continent except Antarctica.  Most ducks fall in to the categories of dabblers, divers and perchers.\r\n\r\nSeveral species of ducks and swans are represented within the Oasis area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom®.  The largest pond houses red shovelers (<em>Anas platalea</em>), red-crested pochards (<em>Netta rufina</em>), common white-eye (<em>Aythya nyroca</em>), rosybill (<em>Netta peposaca</em>), yellow-billed duck (<em>Anas undulata</em>), black-necked swans (C<em>ygnus melanocorphyus</em>), tufted ducks (<em>Aythya fuligula</em>) and plumed whistling duck (<em>Dendrocygna eytoni</em>).  Despite the size of this large pond, keepers need to get within close proximity to the ducks to conduct health checks and administer medications when needed.  The pond is also an open exhibit, allowing native wildlife (e.g., white ibis and mallard ducks) easy access causing competition for food.  To meet these challenges, we implemented four training behaviors: “come”, hand feeding, scale and chute. To further enhance waterfowl management, the waterfowl enrichment program was also expanded to include sinking feeders, floating feeders and variations of food presentation.  The investment in waterfowl training and enrichment has also allowed us to obtain weights, reduce capture stress, and engage visitors in our daily husbandry.\r\n\r\n<strong>Training</strong>\r\n\r\nAll of the waterfowl in the current collection are captive bred, but like most species, they remained elusive to keepers upon our arrival.  Therefore, our initial training goal was to desensitize all 22 individuals to the close proximity of keepers.  This would help with better management of daily feedings, as well as facilitate physical and behavioral observations. We began the process by pairing the sound of a clicker (in rapid succession) with food.  Birds were cued to come to where the keeper was standing in a designated shallow part of the pond.  Initially, any movement in the keeper’s direction was reinforced.  As the criterion was tightened, closer proximity to the keeper was reinforced and we were able to get close enough to do quick visual assessments of individual ducks.  All of the birds quickly learned that the sound of the cue signaled the availability of food and, within a matter of weeks, all ducks were responding to the come cue (the clicker).  We hoped that, over time, the birds would be comfortable enough around us to remain in the immediate area for longer periods while eating.  Within a few weeks, “Calum” (red crested pochard), “Mallomar” (black-necked swan), “Mr. Snoops” (yellow-billed duck), “Bianca” (rosy-billed pochard), “Tank” and “Titan” (tufted ducks) and “Siren” (red shoveler) all remained in the vicinity of the keeper to eat during the entire feed session.  Little did we know that some would become so comfortable with us, they would start pecking at our boots if we did not get food to them fast enough!\r\n\r\nThe birds’ high level of food motivation prompted us to move on to our next goal of hand feeding.  Once the ducks were cued to the designated feeding area, the keeper used favorite food items (e.g., Romaine lettuce, krill, finch seed, millet, crickets) to entice birds to approach and take the item from the keeper’s hand.  The waterfowl in the collection were fed three times per day.  Hand feeding was attempted at each feed.  Not surprisingly, many of the ducks either swam away or remained just out of reach.  After a few weeks, the most gregarious waterfowl (yellow-billed ducks, black-necked swans, and a rosybill) began to feed from a keeper’s hand. In another two weeks most of the waterfowl in the pond came close enough to quickly grab a bite from the keepers and swim away.  After working on this for another month, most of the waterfowl began to establish preferred feeding locations near the keeper.  However, there were still some extremely shy waterfowl species in the collection, like the common white-eyes, that never attempted to hand feed.  An added benefit to this training was that some individuals began to defend their “feed area” from native birds, facilitating the hand feeding sessions.  The success of hand feeding enabled us to more closely monitor individual food consumption and allowed medication to be administered to specific individuals.\r\n\r\nWith the group well acclimated to the proximity of keepers and hand feeding, our next goal was to start scale and chute training.  We wanted to get monthly weights on all of the ducks to ensure they weren’t being out-competed by native waterfowl in the area.   In addition, we wanted to introduce an exclusionary device: a chute that could minimize the intrusion of native birds in the feed area.  The chute is a very simple design made of box wire (L 96cm x W 43cm x H 42cm) with one hinged side.  The chute allowed collection animals to swim in, get their food, and swim back out.  If a native bird tried to get in, the side could be closed, excluding them from the area.\r\n\r\nAn initial challenge to implementing both scale and chute training was finding a suitable location in the exhibit where both the scale and chute could be introduced.  The original feed area was not ideal due to limited space.  Once we found a level area near the shoreline for the scale with enough water area for the chute, we introduced another sound cue, a castanet, as the training cue for the start of the sessions.\r\n\r\nScale and chute training began with two keepers on the bank, near the shoreline with the small scale (L 32cm x W 28cm x H 3.8cm) and chute (Figure 1).  These training sessions were conducted at least once per week.  The castanet cue was paired with crickets being tossed into the water.  In the first week, none of the waterfowl came closer than five feet from the bank.  We reinforced any orientation to the new designated area.  It didn’t take long for several of the ducks to begin participating in sessions.\r\n\r\nMost of the ducks were easily baited to the scale (Fig. 2).  Acclimation to the chute worked much the same way, using crickets as reinforcement for any movement toward the chute opening.   The swans preferred romaine lettuce to all other items, so this was used for them.  Progress to the completed behavior of stepping on the scale and entering the chute was slow. After a period of five months (with 1 to 2 sessions per week), we were able to get voluntary weights on 10 of the 22 birds (including the swans) (Fig. 3-4).  All of the collection birds in this enclosure would then eat off of the scale, and many more put at least a foot on the scale.  Also, all birds (excluding the swans due to their size) entered the chute and ate within it on the shoreline or hand fed within the chute (Fig. 5-6).  Since the chute added some distance between keepers and the ducks, it allowed more elusive species, like the common white-eyes, to participate in sessions.\r\n<div><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2543" title="yellow_billed_duck" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/yellow_billed_duck-1024x679.jpg" alt="yellow_billed_duck" width="614" height="407" /></div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div>Yellow-billed duck “Mr. Snoops” hand feeding from trainer while stationing on the scale.  <em>Photo courtesy of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.</em></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><strong><em><span>For this and much more every month, see Animal Keepers’ Forum.  AKF is available only by being a member of AAZK. </span><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/join/">JOIN NOW!</a></em></strong></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n</div>', 'Advances in Waterfowl Training and Enrichment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'advances-in-waterfowl-training-and-enrichment-at-disneys-animal-kingdom', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:17', '2013-10-15 22:49:17', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2542', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2393, 2, '2012-02-17 10:29:51', '2012-02-17 15:29:51', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Event Planning\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1413" title="blue_rhino_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo-300x127.jpg" alt="blue_rhino_logo" width="144" height="61" />Blue Rhino logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-17 10:29:51', '2012-02-17 15:29:51', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-19/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2394, 2, '2012-02-26 22:59:50', '2012-02-27 03:59:50', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Marketing</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc3NNEfu0rI">BFR Promotional Video </a>\r\n\r\nChapter Event Media Release template  (Word format)\r\n\r\nFlyer template  (Powerpoint format)\r\n\r\nBLAST template  (Powerpoint format)\r\n\r\n<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Event Planning</span>\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor Letter Mail template  (Word format)\r\n\r\nSponsor Letter Hand Delivered template  (Word format)\r\n\r\nThank You Letter template  (Word format)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Examples</strong></em>\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1413" title="blue_rhino_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo-300x127.jpg" alt="blue_rhino_logo" width="144" height="61" />Blue Rhino logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-26 22:59:50', '2012-02-27 03:59:50', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-20/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2544, 2, '2012-08-01 10:26:25', '2012-08-01 15:26:25', '<em>By\nStacy Johnson, Animal Keeper\nDisney’s Animal Kingdom®, Lake Buena Vista, Florida</em>\n\n<em></em>\n\n<strong>Abstract</strong>\n\n“Waterfowl” is a collective term given to the order Anseriformes, consisting mostly of ducks, geese and swans.  There are currently over 150 species represented on every continent except Antarctica.  Most ducks fall in to the categories of dabblers, divers and perchers.\n\nSeveral species of ducks and swans are represented within the Oasis area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom®.  The largest pond houses red shovelers (<em>Anas platalea</em>), red-crested pochards (<em>Netta rufina</em>), common white-eye (<em>Aythya nyroca</em>), rosybill (<em>Netta peposaca</em>), yellow-billed duck (<em>Anas undulata</em>), black-necked swans (C<em>ygnus melanocorphyus</em>), tufted ducks (<em>Aythya fuligula</em>) and plumed whistling duck (<em>Dendrocygna eytoni</em>).  Despite the size of this large pond, keepers need to get within close proximity to the ducks to conduct health checks and administer medications when needed.  The pond is also an open exhibit, allowing native wildlife (e.g., white ibis and mallard ducks) easy access causing competition for food.  To meet these challenges, we implemented four training behaviors: “come”, hand feeding, scale and chute. To further enhance waterfowl management, the waterfowl enrichment program was also expanded to include sinking feeders, floating feeders and variations of food presentation.  The investment in waterfowl training and enrichment has also allowed us to obtain weights, reduce capture stress, and engage visitors in our daily husbandry.\n\n<strong>Training</strong>\n\nAll of the waterfowl in the current collection are captive bred, but like most species, they remained elusive to keepers upon our arrival.  Therefore, our initial training goal was to desensitize all 22 individuals to the close proximity of keepers.  This would help with better management of daily feedings, as well as facilitate physical and behavioral observations. We began the process by pairing the sound of a clicker (in rapid succession) with food.  Birds were cued to come to where the keeper was standing in a designated shallow part of the pond.  Initially, any movement in the keeper’s direction was reinforced.  As the criterion was tightened, closer proximity to the keeper was reinforced and we were able to get close enough to do quick visual assessments of individual ducks.  All of the birds quickly learned that the sound of the cue signaled the availability of food and, within a matter of weeks, all ducks were responding to the come cue (the clicker).  We hoped that, over time, the birds would be comfortable enough around us to remain in the immediate area for longer periods while eating.  Within a few weeks, “Calum” (red crested pochard), “Mallomar” (black-necked swan), “Mr. Snoops” (yellow-billed duck), “Bianca” (rosy-billed pochard), “Tank” and “Titan” (tufted ducks) and “Siren” (red shoveler) all remained in the vicinity of the keeper to eat during the entire feed session.  Little did we know that some would become so comfortable with us, they would start pecking at our boots if we did not get food to them fast enough!\n\nThe birds’ high level of food motivation prompted us to move on to our next goal of hand feeding.  Once the ducks were cued to the designated feeding area, the keeper used favorite food items (e.g., Romaine lettuce, krill, finch seed, millet, crickets) to entice birds to approach and take the item from the keeper’s hand.  The waterfowl in the collection were fed three times per day.  Hand feeding was attempted at each feed.  Not surprisingly, many of the ducks either swam away or remained just out of reach.  After a few weeks, the most gregarious waterfowl (yellow-billed ducks, black-necked swans, and a rosybill) began to feed from a keeper’s hand. In another two weeks most of the waterfowl in the pond came close enough to quickly grab a bite from the keepers and swim away.  After working on this for another month, most of the waterfowl began to establish preferred feeding locations near the keeper.  However, there were still some extremely shy waterfowl species in the collection, like the common white-eyes, that never attempted to hand feed.  An added benefit to this training was that some individuals began to defend their “feed area” from native birds, facilitating the hand feeding sessions.  The success of hand feeding enabled us to more closely monitor individual food consumption and allowed medication to be administered to specific individuals.\n\nWith the group well acclimated to the proximity of keepers and hand feeding, our next goal was to start scale and chute training.  We wanted to get monthly weights on all of the ducks to ensure they weren’t being out-competed by native waterfowl in the area.   In addition, we wanted to introduce an exclusionary device: a chute that could minimize the intrusion of native birds in the feed area.  The chute is a very simple design made of box wire (L 96cm x W 43cm x H 42cm) with one hinged side.  The chute allowed collection animals to swim in, get their food, and swim back out.  If a native bird tried to get in, the side could be closed, excluding them from the area.\n\nAn initial challenge to implementing both scale and chute training was finding a suitable location in the exhibit where both the scale and chute could be introduced.  The original feed area was not ideal due to limited space.  Once we found a level area near the shoreline for the scale with enough water area for the chute, we introduced another sound cue, a castanet, as the training cue for the start of the sessions.\n\nScale and chute training began with two keepers on the bank, near the shoreline with the small scale (L 32cm x W 28cm x H 3.8cm) and chute (Figure 1).  These training sessions were conducted at least once per week.  The castanet cue was paired with crickets being tossed into the water.  In the first week, none of the waterfowl came closer than five feet from the bank.  We reinforced any orientation to the new designated area.  It didn’t take long for several of the ducks to begin participating in sessions.\n\nMost of the ducks were easily baited to the scale (Fig. 2).  Acclimation to the chute worked much the same way, using crickets as reinforcement for any movement toward the chute opening.   The swans preferred romaine lettuce to all other items, so this was used for them.  Progress to the completed behavior of stepping on the scale and entering the chute was slow. After a period of five months (with 1 to 2 sessions per week), we were able to get voluntary weights on 10 of the 22 birds (including the swans) (Fig. 3-4).  All of the collection birds in this enclosure would then eat off of the scale, and many more put at least a foot on the scale.  Also, all birds (excluding the swans due to their size) entered the chute and ate within it on the shoreline or hand fed within the chute (Fig. 5-6).  Since the chute added some distance between keepers and the ducks, it allowed more elusive species, like the common white-eyes, to participate in sessions.\n<div><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2543" title="yellow_billed_duck" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/yellow_billed_duck-1024x679.jpg" alt="yellow_billed_duck" width="614" height="407" /></div>\n<div></div>\n<div>\n<div>Yellow-billed duck “Mr. Snoops” hand feeding from trainer while stationing on the scale.  <em>Photo courtesy of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.</em></div>\n<div></div>\n</div>', 'Advances in Waterfowl Training and Enrichment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2542-revision', '', '', '2012-08-01 10:26:25', '2012-08-01 15:26:25', '', 2542, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2542-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2395, 2, '2012-02-26 23:43:40', '2012-02-27 04:43:40', 'This page will give you some resources for  holding a Bowling for Rhinos event. If there are things you would like to see added to the page please let us know.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Marketing</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<a href="http://youtu.be/PeEETlgT2xI">BFR Promotional Video</a> (YouTube)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/BFR2012_medium.mp4">medium mp4 format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/BFR2012_720p.mp4">720p</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/BFR2012_1080p.mp4">1080p</a>)\r\n\r\nChapter Event Media Release template  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/chapter_media_release.doc">Word format</a>)\r\n\r\nFlyer template  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/flyer_template.ppt">Powerpoint format</a>)\r\n\r\nBLAST template  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blast.ppt">Powerpoint format</a>)\r\n\r\n<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Event Planning</span>\r\n\r\nHow to hold a BFR Event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.doc">Word format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/holding_an_event.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter\'s presentation on holding an event. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_detroit.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nFinancial form (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/financial_form.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor form  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_sheet.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nReceipt forms (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_receipts.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor Letter Mail template  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_letter_mail.doc">Word format</a>)\r\n\r\nSponsor Letter Hand Delivered template  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sponsor_letter_hand.doc">Word format</a>)\r\n\r\nThank You Letter template  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/thank_you_letter.doc">Word format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Examples</strong></em>\r\n\r\nPersonal letter asking for sponsorship sample. (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_letter.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPersonal thank you letter for sponsorship sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/personal_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation request letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.rtf">rich text format</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/prize_donation_request.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\nPrize donation thank you letter sample.  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.rtf">rich text format</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donation_thanks.pdf">pdf format</a>)\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Artwork</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAll artwork will open in another window. Once it opens you can right click on it to save it.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1408 alignnone" title="bfr_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo-150x150.jpg" alt="bfr_logo" width="54" height="54" /> BFR logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)   (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_logo.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1409 alignnone" title="aazk_logo_color" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color-248x300.gif" alt="aazk_logo_color" width="62" height="76" /> AAZK logo color  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.jpg">jpg</a>)  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_color.gif">gif</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1411" title="aazk_logo_bw" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw-256x300.jpg" alt="aazk_logo_bw" width="92" height="108" />AAZK logo black and white  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/aazk_logo_bw.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1412" title="bfr_cartoon" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon-242x300.jpg" alt="bfr_cartoon" width="87" height="108" />BFR cartoon (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bfr_cartoon.jpg">jpg</a>)\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1413" title="blue_rhino_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo-300x127.jpg" alt="blue_rhino_logo" width="144" height="61" />Blue Rhino logo  (<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/blue_rhino_logo.jpg">jpg</a>)', 'Bowling for Rhinos Resources', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1404-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-26 23:43:40', '2012-02-27 04:43:40', '', 1404, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1404-revision-21/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2543, 2, '2012-08-01 10:25:30', '2012-08-01 15:25:30', '', 'yellow_billed_duck', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'yellow_billed_duck', '', '', '2012-08-01 10:25:30', '2012-08-01 15:25:30', '', 2542, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/yellow_billed_duck.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2541, 2, '2012-08-01 10:20:56', '2012-08-01 15:20:56', '<em>By Leigh Pitsko and Marie Magnuson, Animal Keepers\nSmithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Washington, DC</em>\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nThe giant anteater (<em>Myrmecophaga tridactyla</em>) does not show any obvious physical or behavioral indicators of pregnancy (DeBeauchamp et al., 2005; Patzl et al., 1998; Kusuda et al., 2010).  In reports from zoos around the world, it is not uncommon to hear about “surprise” giant anteater births, where keepers were unaware that the animal was pregnant.  An unexpected birth may yield neonate deaths, as the male is recommended to be separated from the female prior to the birth to prevent potential injury to the pup (Patzl et al., 1998).  Also, preparations need to be made in advance as the pup may require supplemental feeding or special veterinary care if there are any post-birth complications.\n\nI was interested in collecting data during our giant anteater’s pregnancy to determine if there were any behavioral or physical signs of her pregnancy that could be observed by a keeper during normal husbandry practices.  This information could be useful to keepers who are unable to handle or ultrasound their giant anteaters and could be beneficial in preventing unexpected births.\n\n<strong>Methods</strong>\n\nThe following information (food consumption, activity level, and spotting) was collected daily, beginning when our giant anteaters were introduced for breeding in April 2010, through the birth of their pup in December 2010.  The rust-colored spotting is what we believe to be a vaginal secretion that we find in the female anteater’s sleeping crate.  Weight was also recorded on a weekly basis.  These categories were chosen as they are readily observable by keepers on a daily basis, do not require handling the animal, and they require no special equipment other than a scale.  This anteater’s pregnancy was also confirmed via weekly ultrasound as routine practice with this particular animal.\n\n<strong>Results</strong>\n\nFood Consumption: This giant anteater (Maripi) is fed a gruel made of ground Mazuri® insectivore chow mixed with water twice a day.  Her morning food consumption decreased during the months where breeding was seen and then it increased steadily throughout her pregnancy (Graph 1).  At the start of breeding in April she was consuming approximately 25% of her morning diet, which went down to nearly 0% in June when the breeding ended.  By the time of birth in December she was eating about 55% of her morning diet.  Her evening food consumption did not show any significant changes and remained steady at about 85% throughout the entire period of data collection.\n\nActivity Level: For the first three months after breeding, Maripi was more active in the morning and was relatively easy to move for shifting. Approximately two months before the birth, she spent increasingly more time sleeping in the morning and was difficult to wake up for shifting (Graph 2).  Her evening activity level did not change as she was always up and moving around in the late afternoon.\n\n<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2539" title="Giant Anteater" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/anteater-1024x684.jpg" alt="Giant Anteater" width="614" height="410" />\n\nGiant anteater pup, National Zoological Park.    <em>Photo by Mehgan Murphy</em>\n\n<strong><em><span>Want to read the rest of this article?  For this and many more fascinating articles every month, see Animal Keepers’ Forum.  AKF is available only by being a member of AAZK. </span><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/join/">JOIN NOW!</a></em></strong>', 'Determining Pregnancy in the Giant Anteater  (Myrmecophaga tridactyla):  A Case Study at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2538-revision-2', '', '', '2012-08-01 10:20:56', '2012-08-01 15:20:56', '', 2538, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2538-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2535, 2, '2012-08-01 10:13:29', '2012-08-01 15:13:29', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFrom the President<span> </span>\r\n\r\nNew Members<span> </span>\r\n\r\nComing Events<span> </span>\r\n\r\nThe Scoop<span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation and Research for the Western Pond Turtle<span> </span>\r\n\r\nEnrichment Options/Training Tales: Advances in Waterfowl Training and Enrichment <span> </span>\r\n\r\nDetermining Pregnancy in the Giant Anteater <span> </span>\r\n\r\nDesign and Construction of Scale Holder and Weighing Platform <span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation Station: Are Waribashi worth it? <span> </span>', 'August 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'august-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:17', '2013-10-15 22:49:17', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2535', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2536, 2, '2012-08-01 10:13:17', '2012-08-01 15:13:17', '', 'August 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2535-revision', '', '', '2012-08-01 10:13:17', '2012-08-01 15:13:17', '', 2535, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2535-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2537, 2, '2012-08-01 10:14:34', '2012-08-01 15:14:34', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\n\nFrom the President<span> </span>\n\nNew Members<span> </span>\n\nComing Events<span> </span>\n\nThe Scoop<span> </span>\n\nConservation and Research for the Western Pond Turtle<span> </span>\n\nEnrichment Options/Training Tales: Advances in Waterfowl Training and Enrichment <span> </span>\n\nDetermining Pregnancy in the Giant Anteater <span> </span>\n\nDesign and Construction of Scale Holder and Weighing Platform <span> </span>\n\nConservation Station: Are Waribashi worth it? <span> </span>', 'August 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2535-autosave', '', '', '2012-08-01 10:14:34', '2012-08-01 15:14:34', '', 2535, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2535-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2538, 2, '2012-08-01 10:21:14', '2012-08-01 15:21:14', '<em>By Leigh Pitsko and Marie Magnuson, Animal Keepers\r\nSmithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Washington, DC</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nThe giant anteater (<em>Myrmecophaga tridactyla</em>) does not show any obvious physical or behavioral indicators of pregnancy (DeBeauchamp et al., 2005; Patzl et al., 1998; Kusuda et al., 2010).  In reports from zoos around the world, it is not uncommon to hear about “surprise” giant anteater births, where keepers were unaware that the animal was pregnant.  An unexpected birth may yield neonate deaths, as the male is recommended to be separated from the female prior to the birth to prevent potential injury to the pup (Patzl et al., 1998).  Also, preparations need to be made in advance as the pup may require supplemental feeding or special veterinary care if there are any post-birth complications.\r\n\r\nI was interested in collecting data during our giant anteater’s pregnancy to determine if there were any behavioral or physical signs of her pregnancy that could be observed by a keeper during normal husbandry practices.  This information could be useful to keepers who are unable to handle or ultrasound their giant anteaters and could be beneficial in preventing unexpected births.\r\n\r\n<strong>Methods</strong>\r\n\r\nThe following information (food consumption, activity level, and spotting) was collected daily, beginning when our giant anteaters were introduced for breeding in April 2010, through the birth of their pup in December 2010.  The rust-colored spotting is what we believe to be a vaginal secretion that we find in the female anteater’s sleeping crate.  Weight was also recorded on a weekly basis.  These categories were chosen as they are readily observable by keepers on a daily basis, do not require handling the animal, and they require no special equipment other than a scale.  This anteater’s pregnancy was also confirmed via weekly ultrasound as routine practice with this particular animal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Results</strong>\r\n\r\nFood Consumption: This giant anteater (Maripi) is fed a gruel made of ground Mazuri® insectivore chow mixed with water twice a day.  Her morning food consumption decreased during the months where breeding was seen and then it increased steadily throughout her pregnancy (Graph 1).  At the start of breeding in April she was consuming approximately 25% of her morning diet, which went down to nearly 0% in June when the breeding ended.  By the time of birth in December she was eating about 55% of her morning diet.  Her evening food consumption did not show any significant changes and remained steady at about 85% throughout the entire period of data collection.\r\n\r\nActivity Level: For the first three months after breeding, Maripi was more active in the morning and was relatively easy to move for shifting. Approximately two months before the birth, she spent increasingly more time sleeping in the morning and was difficult to wake up for shifting (Graph 2).  Her evening activity level did not change as she was always up and moving around in the late afternoon.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2539" title="Giant Anteater" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/anteater-1024x684.jpg" alt="Giant Anteater" width="614" height="410" />\r\n\r\nGiant anteater pup, National Zoological Park.    <em>Photo by Mehgan Murphy</em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span>Want to read the rest of this article?  For this and many more fascinating articles every month, see Animal Keepers’ Forum.  AKF is available only by being a member of AAZK. </span><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/join/">JOIN NOW!</a></em></strong>', 'Determining Pregnancy in the Giant Anteater  (Myrmecophaga tridactyla):  A Case Study at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'determining-pregnancy-in-the-giant-anteater-myrmecophaga-tridactyla-a-case-study-at-the-smithsonians-national-zoological-park', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:17', '2013-10-15 22:49:17', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2538', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2397, 2, '2012-03-01 11:06:49', '2012-03-01 16:06:49', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors                      <span> </span>\r\n\r\nFrom the President<span> </span>\r\n\r\nThe Scoop<span> </span>\r\n\r\nChapter News<span> </span>\r\n\r\nComing Events<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAAZK Announces New Members<span> </span>\r\n\r\nGeneral Announcements<span> </span>\r\n\r\nCall for Papers for Dedicated Issue of AKF – Chelonians &amp; Diabetic Animals<span> </span>\r\n\r\nWhat’s Black and White and Red All Over?<span> </span>\r\n\r\nThe Myth of Domestic Monkeys: Common Law and Nonhuman Primates<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAn Interview with Marissa Krouse: Chairperson of Acres for the Atmosphere<span> </span>\r\n\r\nResearch in Practice<span> </span>\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: Ideas to Help New Training Programs<span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation/Legislation<span> </span>\r\n\r\nIn Remembrance: Dianna Frisch', 'March 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'march-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:18', '2013-10-15 22:49:18', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2397', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2398, 2, '2012-03-01 11:06:47', '2012-03-01 16:06:47', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors                      <span> </span>\n\nFrom the President<span> </span>\n\nThe Scoop<span> </span>\n\nChapter News<span> </span>\n\nComing Events<span> </span>\n\nAAZK Announces New Members<span> </span>\n\nGeneral Announcements<span> </span>\n\nCall for Papers for Dedicated Issue of AKF – Chelonians &amp; Diabetic Animals<span> </span>\n\nWhat’s Black and White and Red All Over?<span> </span>\n\nThe Myth of Domestic Monkeys: Common Law and Nonhuman Primates<span> </span>\n\nAn Interview with Marissa Krouse: Chairperson of Acres for the Atmosphere<span> </span>\n\nResearch in Practice<span> </span>\n\nTraining Tales: Ideas to Help New Training Programs<span> </span>\n\nConservation/Legislation<span> </span>\n\nIn Remembrance: Dianna Frisch', 'March 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2397-revision', '', '', '2012-03-01 11:06:47', '2012-03-01 16:06:47', '', 2397, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2397-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2399, 2, '2012-03-01 11:07:56', '2012-03-01 16:07:56', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors                      <span> </span>\n\nFrom the President<span> </span>\n\nThe Scoop<span> </span>\n\nChapter News<span> </span>\n\nComing Events<span> </span>\n\nAAZK Announces New Members<span> </span>\n\nGeneral Announcements<span> </span>\n\nCall for Papers for Dedicated Issue of AKF – Chelonians &amp; Diabetic Animals<span> </span>\n\nWhat’s Black and White and Red All Over?<span> </span>\n\nThe Myth of Domestic Monkeys: Common Law and Nonhuman Primates<span> </span>\n\nAn Interview with Marissa Krouse: Chairperson of Acres for the Atmosphere<span> </span>\n\nResearch in Practice<span> </span>\n\nTraining Tales: Ideas to Help New Training Programs<span> </span>\n\nConservation/Legislation<span> </span>\n\nIn Remembrance: Dianna Frisch', 'March 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2397-autosave', '', '', '2012-03-01 11:07:56', '2012-03-01 16:07:56', '', 2397, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2397-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2400, 2, '2012-03-01 11:15:04', '2012-03-01 16:15:04', '<p><em>The Cutest Animal You Will Ever See, a Red Panda of Course.<br />\r\nBy<br />\r\nNicki Boyd<br />\r\nBehavior Husbandry Manager<br />\r\nSan Diego Zoo</em></p>\r\n<p><em></em></p>\r\n<p>If you have ever worked with red pandas then you are probably already agreeing with me, if not take five minutes right now to search a YouTube® video of red pandas and you will instantly fall in love.  That is what happened to me 20 years ago when I began working with them at the San Diego Zoo, and I haven’t stopped adoring them since.  There is a lot of information out there about taking care of red pandas and this article will teach you some of the basics as well as conservation efforts going on.  If you like this information then look for the dedicated AKF issue all about red pandas in 2013. We’ll be making a call out for papers too so if you would like to contribute we’d love to have your help.  Some of you reading this may have come to the workshop in San Diego at the last annual AAZK, Inc. conference in August of 2011.  I really enjoyed the workshop, not only did I get to teach about one of my favorite animals but I learned from all the other red panda keepers out there.  It was a great networking tool and I look forward to more of those in the future.</p>\r\n<p>So, let’s talk about red pandas or the FIRST panda as I like to say.  They were discovered in 1825 about 50 years before the giant panda (<em>Ailuropoda melanoleuca</em>).  There are two sub-species (<em>Ailurus fulgens fulgens</em>) and (<em>Ailurus fulgens re-fulgens</em>) (formerly <em>styani</em>). Red pandas were once classified with Procyonidae and now most agree they should be in Ailuridae. There has been much debate over their family as well, even going as far as some scientist classifying them at one time with pinnipeds, really?? So over the years I have found it difficult to explain to zoo guests and panda enthusiasts what family they are really in.  Our graphics at the zoo still say raccoon relatives even though our general curator and I tried to get the graphics updated before they were finished.  Oh well, I’m sure that has never happened to any of you, right?  A great book that just came out last year is Angela Glatson’s “Red Panda: The Biology and Conservation of the First Panda”.  You can get it for around $70 at Amazon.com®.  This book has a chapter in it that will give you a great historical look at how many different scientists have classified them in so many families and the scientific ways they have determined the two sub-species and most objective classifications to date.</p>\r\n<p><strong>Diet and Medical Husbandry</strong></p>\r\n<p>The diet varies from zoo to zoo but I will give you diet recommendations from our nutritionists and research data from the field.  Our diet for a female weighing around 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds) is as follows.</p>\r\n<p>1<span> </span>LEAFEATER (MarionvZoological®)<span> </span>50 whole<span> </span>300g<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span></p>\r\n<p>2<span> </span>APPLE<span> </span>90g<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span></p>\r\n<p>3<span> </span>GRAPE<span> </span>4 whole<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span></p>\r\n<p>4    BROWSE, BAMBOO, ASST SPECIES  <span> </span>15-1 m branches<span> </span> SMTWRFS</p>\r\n<p>We weigh them once a month and make sure they are staying within their target which can be adjusted by a body score that our nutritionist uses to maintain a healthy weight.  They will check for fat build up on abdomen and back.  If you can get your pandas trained for palpation this really helps.  The fruit is great for training and we free-feed the leafeater biscuits in bowls or enrichment devices. I will talk more about training further down in this article.  The bamboo is offered two to three times per day.   Our horticulture team cuts it fresh and delivers it to the area. On the weekends it is bagged on Friday and put into a cooler then delivered with our daily forage order.  It dries out quickly so you should put it in water right away.  We have created several water containers.  Four-inch PVC tubes with a cap on the end and a hole in the side can easily be hung on a lag bolt drilled into a tree and our newest exhibit  has it on display so we use large sections of bamboo culm that is dried out with a hole drilled in it and that is hung with the bolts drilled into the trees (for a more natural look).  There are many species of bamboo that can be grown in all climates and it grows fast so hopefully if you have red pandas your zoo will support growing fresh bamboo to feed out.  In the wild bamboo can be up to 98% of their diet (99% of the giant pandas’ diet).  Researchers have found they prefer species B. spanostachya. Unlike giant pandas they eat only the leaves.  They also eat berries, fruits, some meat such as birds, eggs and rodents.  They have a rapidly moving digestive tract.  Input versus output is about 4200 grams of food intake while they excrete 2750 grams, thus lots and lots of feces.  Most feces are found up in trees in field studies (57%), so having a high platform (or as I like to call it a poop platform) can help make a latrine for them that you can hopefully set up for easy cleaning and disinfecting.</p>\r\n<p>Pandas can get overweight very easy and that can cause a dystocia for breeding females so our veterinarians and nutritionists keep a close eye on them, and we make sure they stay around their target weight.  We sometimes have had to separate the male and female during feeding if she starts eating his food too, which can be difficult if they don’t want to shift.  We have also had to separate for daily medications.  As they get older dental disease is quite common and a low dose of antibiotics with 3 months on, 3 months off has really kept the gingivitis under control.  Some of the other medical issues you need to stay on top of are skin issues.  Some zoos with a lot of humidity have had an issue with ringworm; another good reason to train them for tactile palpation, their fur is so thick it will hide sores and injury.  We had an issue with hot spots and were able to treat topically with Silvadene but if we didn’t have our hands on the panda we may have missed it until it was a severe sore.</p>\r\n<p>For vaccination recommendations start at 8 weeks, then 3 weeks until 16 weeks, killed rabies vaccine every 3 years after the 1st year.  For animal ambassadors that have public contact we vaccinate against rabies every year and Distemper, Feline Herpes/Calici/Panleukopenia every three years.  They can be trained for hand injections or squeeze trained pretty easily.</p>\r\n<p><strong>Exhibit Design and Nest Box Recommendations</strong></p>\r\n<p>They are an arboreal animal that is built for a cold climate, they need shade, ideally a misting system and air conditioning unit for the warmer regions and hotter months.  High climbing spots with shade, ideally natural trees to climb up and sleep in make better displays.  They have an approximate Four-foot jump distance (not great jumpers but great climbers), so five to six foot walls with a turn back and smooth surface will work fine.  Ideally the exhibit would not be surrounded by visitors, giving them some escape from guests.  While they do warm up to familiar keepers and participate well with training (once comfortable) in many zoos they can still be shy and easily stressed.  If they pace a lot in a warm climate they can quickly overheat with that thick fur coat.  Having access in hot months to air conditioning is highly recommended.</p>\r\n<p>Nest boxes (SSP recommends 3 options, and boxes should not get over 70 degrees Fahrenheit), should be L shaped for females to feel hidden. I have seen many different next boxes, in the wild they would prefer a large hollowed out log or small cave; these have been simulated in some captive exhibits and worked well.  In most zoos I see wooden next boxes, many on legs to get them up off the ground, again with options for the female.  Before giving birth you will find her dragging lots of nesting material in the box.  I have had hay get moldy from getting wet so we prefer pine wood shavings or excelsior (wood wool) and the female tends to drag in a bunch of dried bamboo to make her own. Plants in the exhibit will probably vary greatly so I imagine there are many keepers out there with suggestions (again another great time to share in the red panda issue in 2013).  Many facilities have air conditioning in the denning area; they usually give birth mid-summer so here in the United States most of us are pretty warm so to decrease mortality keeping them cool is highly recommended.</p>\r\n<p><strong>Breeding</strong></p>\r\n<p>Red pandas reach sexual maturity at around 18 to 22 months, the earliest red panda to give birth was about 25 months-old.  They breed in late winter and their parturition is usually in early to mid-summer.  Studies show they are induced ovulators and can delay implantation, so knowing exact birth dates can be tricky.  Gestation is typically 114 days (can be shorter due to time of implantation) and can be anywhere from 98 to 158 days.  The SSP recommends cameras for the den box.  There are many different strategies for successful breeding and they vary so you have to find out what works for your facility.  Some separate the female from the male, others leave them together.  Some fathers have been seen playing with them once they are out of the next box, but normally would have nothing to do with raising offspring.  Experts say that if the pair is very compatible you have a better chance of her tolerating him during birth.  If she is easily stressed it may be best to move him out or at least separate them.  Some facilities lock the female in the back with her cubs for the first month.  We have had to hand-raise youngsters at the San Diego Zoo.  There is a high mortality so a trained female is much more likely to let you get your hands on the cubs, weigh them and check vitality.  If they are not gaining you can supplement feed or pull for hand-rearing.  Aspiration is very common with bottle-fed neonates so a well-developed hand-rearing protocol should be in place in case you need to pull cubs.</p>\r\n<p>Anyone can contact me at the zoo at <a href="mailto:nboyd@sandiegozoo.org">nboyd@sandiegozoo.org</a> and I will get you in touch with the appropriate nursery staff to get you set up with our best practices and formulas.</p>\r\n<p><strong>Training and Enrichment</strong></p>\r\n<p>Goals for training at our facility were prioritized by our veterinary department.  In a perfect world these are the priority behaviors to train in order of importance:</p>\r\n<p>Shift/station</p>\r\n<p>Scale</p>\r\n<p>Crate</p>\r\n<p>Body exam: tactile (topical treatment), mouth open, ears, eyes, genitalia, measurements, ultrasound.</p>\r\n<p>Injection training</p>\r\n<p>Optional leash training as ambassador (male best candidate if in breeding program during non-breeding season).</p>\r\n<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2401" title="red_panda" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/red_panda-1024x751.jpg" alt="red_panda" width="717" height="526" /></p>\r\n<p>There are many successful training programs all over the country, with patience and trust these animals are extremely intelligent and will to learn.  Of course, each individual is different and time and energy allotted toward training may affect the success.  But at minimum you should be able to crate train and/or scale train them.  With such a large tail, use a tub, half crate or platform to make sure all of their tail is being weighed too.  While being overweight is a medical concern they can easily get underweight too and with all that fur it’s difficult to tell, which is another great reason to train palpation.  The SSP would like to collect measurements again from captive pandas and have it sent to the AZA SSP coordinator.  If you have them in your institution your Institutional Representative (IR) should have the 2011 recommendations which have a chart on what measurements they would like such as girth, nose to tail and more.  I can also send you the diagrams and contact information if you’re interested.  Red pandas can be difficult to enrich, but training is enrichment too.  They should be provided fresh bamboo daily (live plants get eaten too quickly).  Also know your bamboo before planting any in…</p>\r\n<div><strong>Want to read the rest of this article?  For this and many more fascinating articles every month, see Animal Keepers’ Forum.  AKF is available only by being a member of AAZK. <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/join/">JOIN NOW!</a></strong></div>\r\n', 'What’s Black and White and Red all Over?', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whats-black-and-white-and-red-all-over', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:18', '2013-10-15 22:49:18', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2400', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2402, 2, '2012-03-01 11:13:24', '2012-03-01 16:13:24', '<em>The Cutest Animal You Will Ever See, a Red Panda of Course.\nBy\nNicki Boyd\nBehavior Husbandry Manager\nSan Diego Zoo</em>\n\n<em>If you have ever worked with red pandas then you are probably already agreeing with me, if not take five minutes right now to search a YouTube® video of red pandas and you will instantly fall in love.  That is what happened to me 20 years ago when I began working with them at the San Diego Zoo, and I haven’t stopped adoring them since.  There is a lot of information out there about taking care of red pandas and this article will teach you some of the basics as well as conservation efforts going on.  If you like this information then look for the dedicated AKF issue all about red pandas in 2013. We’ll be making a call out for papers too so if you would like to contribute we’d love to have your help.  Some of you reading this may have come to the workshop in San Diego at the last annual AAZK, Inc. conference in August of 2011.  I really enjoyed the workshop, not only did I get to teach about one of my favorite animals but I learned from all the other red panda keepers out there.  It was a great networking tool and I look forward to more of those in the future.\n\nSo, let’s talk about red pandas or the FIRST panda as I like to say.  They were discovered in 1825 about 50 years before the giant panda (<em>Ailuropoda melanoleuca</em>).  There are two sub-species (<em>Ailurus fulgens fulgens</em>) and (<em>Ailurus fulgens re-fulgens</em>) (formerly <em>styani</em>). Red pandas were once classified with Procyonidae and now most agree they should be in Ailuridae. There has been much debate over their family as well, even going as far as some scientist classifying them at one time with pinnipeds, really?? So over the years I have found it difficult to explain to zoo guests and panda enthusiasts what family they are really in.  Our graphics at the zoo still say raccoon relatives even though our general curator and I tried to get the graphics updated before they were finished.  Oh well, I’m sure that has never happened to any of you, right?  A great book that just came out last year is Angela Glatson’s “Red Panda: The Biology and Conservation of the First Panda”.  You can get it for around $70 at Amazon.com®.  This book has a chapter in it that will give you a great historical look at how many different scientists have classified them in so many families and the scientific ways they have determined the two sub-species and most objective classifications to date.\n\n<strong>Diet and Medical Husbandry</strong>\n\nThe diet varies from zoo to zoo but I will give you diet recommendations from our nutritionists and research data from the field.  Our diet for a female weighing around 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds) is as follows.\n\n1<span> </span>LEAFEATER (MarionvZoological®)<span> </span>50 whole<span> </span>300g<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span>\n\n2<span> </span>APPLE<span> </span>90g<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span>\n\n3<span> </span>GRAPE<span> </span>4 whole<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span>\n\n4    BROWSE, BAMBOO, ASST SPECIES  <span> </span>15-1 m branches<span> </span> SMTWRFS\n\nWe weigh them once a month and make sure they are staying within their target which can be adjusted by a body score that our nutritionist uses to maintain a healthy weight.  They will check for fat build up on abdomen and back.  If you can get your pandas trained for palpation this really helps.  The fruit is great for training and we free-feed the leafeater biscuits in bowls or enrichment devices. I will talk more about training further down in this article.  The bamboo is offered two to three times per day.   Our horticulture team cuts it fresh and delivers it to the area. On the weekends it is bagged on Friday and put into a cooler then delivered with our daily forage order.  It dries out quickly so you should put it in water right away.  We have created several water containers.  Four-inch PVC tubes with a cap on the end and a hole in the side can easily be hung on a lag bolt drilled into a tree and our newest exhibit  has it on display so we use large sections of bamboo culm that is dried out with a hole drilled in it and that is hung with the bolts drilled into the trees (for a more natural look).  There are many species of bamboo that can be grown in all climates and it grows fast so hopefully if you have red pandas your zoo will support growing fresh bamboo to feed out.  In the wild bamboo can be up to 98% of their diet (99% of the giant pandas’ diet).  Researchers have found they prefer species B. spanostachya. Unlike giant pandas they eat only the leaves.  They also eat berries, fruits, some meat such as birds, eggs and rodents.  They have a rapidly moving digestive tract.  Input versus output is about 4200 grams of food intake while they excrete 2750 grams, thus lots and lots of feces.  Most feces are found up in trees in field studies (57%), so having a high platform (or as I like to call it a poop platform) can help make a latrine for them that you can hopefully set up for easy cleaning and disinfecting.\n\nPandas can get overweight very easy and that can cause a dystocia for breeding females so our veterinarians and nutritionists keep a close eye on them, and we make sure they stay around their target weight.  We sometimes have had to separate the male and female during feeding if she starts eating his food too, which can be difficult if they don’t want to shift.  We have also had to separate for daily medications.  As they get older dental disease is quite common and a low dose of antibiotics with 3 months on, 3 months off has really kept the gingivitis under control.  Some of the other medical issues you need to stay on top of are skin issues.  Some zoos with a lot of humidity have had an issue with ringworm; another good reason to train them for tactile palpation, their fur is so thick it will hide sores and injury.  We had an issue with hot spots and were able to treat topically with Silvadene but if we didn’t have our hands on the panda we may have missed it until it was a severe sore.\n\nFor vaccination recommendations start at 8 weeks, then 3 weeks until 16 weeks, killed rabies vaccine every 3 years after the 1st year.  For animal ambassadors that have public contact we vaccinate against rabies every year and Distemper, Feline Herpes/Calici/Panleukopenia every three years.  They can be trained for hand injections or squeeze trained pretty easily.\n\n<strong>Exhibit Design and Nest Box Recommendations</strong>\n\nThey are an arboreal animal that is built for a cold climate, they need shade, ideally a misting system and air conditioning unit for the warmer regions and hotter months.  High climbing spots with shade, ideally natural trees to climb up and sleep in make better displays.  They have an approximate Four-foot jump distance (not great jumpers but great climbers), so five to six foot walls with a turn back and smooth surface will work fine.  Ideally the exhibit would not be surrounded by visitors, giving them some escape from guests.  While they do warm up to familiar keepers and participate well with training (once comfortable) in many zoos they can still be shy and easily stressed.  If they pace a lot in a warm climate they can quickly overheat with that thick fur coat.  Having access in hot months to air conditioning is highly recommended.\n\nNest boxes (SSP recommends 3 options, and boxes should not get over 70 degrees Fahrenheit), should be L shaped for females to feel hidden. I have seen many different next boxes, in the wild they would prefer a large hollowed out log or small cave; these have been simulated in some captive exhibits and worked well.  In most zoos I see wooden next boxes, many on legs to get them up off the ground, again with options for the female.  Before giving birth you will find her dragging lots of nesting material in the box.  I have had hay get moldy from getting wet so we prefer pine wood shavings or excelsior (wood wool) and the female tends to drag in a bunch of dried bamboo to make her own. Plants in the exhibit will probably vary greatly so I imagine there are many keepers out there with suggestions (again another great time to share in the red panda issue in 2013).  Many facilities have air conditioning in the denning area; they usually give birth mid-summer so here in the United States most of us are pretty warm so to decrease mortality keeping them cool is highly recommended.\n\n<strong>Breeding</strong>\n\nRed pandas reach sexual maturity at around 18 to 22 months, the earliest red panda to give birth was about 25 months-old.  They breed in late winter and their parturition is usually in early to mid-summer.  Studies show they are induced ovulators and can delay implantation, so knowing exact birth dates can be tricky.  Gestation is typically 114 days (can be shorter due to time of implantation) and can be anywhere from 98 to 158 days.  The SSP recommends cameras for the den box.  There are many different strategies for successful breeding and they vary so you have to find out what works for your facility.  Some separate the female from the male, others leave them together.  Some fathers have been seen playing with them once they are out of the next box, but normally would have nothing to do with raising offspring.  Experts say that if the pair is very compatible you have a better chance of her tolerating him during birth.  If she is easily stressed it may be best to move him out or at least separate them.  Some facilities lock the female in the back with her cubs for the first month.  We have had to hand-raise youngsters at the San Diego Zoo.  There is a high mortality so a trained female is much more likely to let you get your hands on the cubs, weigh them and check vitality.  If they are not gaining you can supplement feed or pull for hand-rearing.  Aspiration is very common with bottle-fed neonates so a well-developed hand-rearing protocol should be in place in case you need to pull cubs.\n\nAnyone can contact me at the zoo at <a href="mailto:nboyd@sandiegozoo.org">nboyd@sandiegozoo.org</a> and I will get you in touch with the appropriate nursery staff to get you set up with our best practices and formulas.\n\nTraining and Enrichment\n\nGoals for training at our facility were prioritized by our veterinary department.  In a perfect world these are the priority behaviors to train in order of importance:\n\nShift/station\n\nScale\n\nCrate\n\nBody exam: tactile (topical treatment), mouth open, ears, eyes, genitalia, measurements, ultrasound.\n\nInjection training\n\nOptional leash training as ambassador (male best candidate if in breeding program during non-breeding season).\n\nThere are many successful training programs all over the country, with patience and trust these animals are extremely intelligent and will to learn.  Of course, each individual is different and time and energy allotted toward training may affect the success.  But at minimum you should be able to crate train and/or scale train them.  With such a large tail, use a tub, half crate or platform to make sure all of their tail is being weighed too.  While being overweight is a medical concern they can easily get underweight too and with all that fur it’s difficult to tell, which is another great reason to train palpation.  The SSP would like to collect measurements again from captive pandas and have it sent to the AZA SSP coordinator.  If you have them in your institution your Institutional Representative (IR) should have the 2011 recommendations which have a chart on what measurements they would like such as girth, nose to tail and more.  I can also send you the diagrams and contact information if you’re interested.  Red pandas can be difficult to enrich, but training is enrichment too.  They should be provided fresh bamboo daily (live plants get eaten too quickly).  Also know your bamboo before planting any in…\n<div></div>\n</em>', 'What’s Black and White and Red all Over?', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2400-revision', '', '', '2012-03-01 11:13:24', '2012-03-01 16:13:24', '', 2400, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2400-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2403, 2, '2012-03-01 11:15:04', '2012-03-01 16:15:04', '<em>The Cutest Animal You Will Ever See, a Red Panda of Course.\r\nBy\r\nNicki Boyd\r\nBehavior Husbandry Manager\r\nSan Diego Zoo</em>\r\n\r\n<em></em>\r\n\r\nIf you have ever worked with red pandas then you are probably already agreeing with me, if not take five minutes right now to search a YouTube® video of red pandas and you will instantly fall in love.  That is what happened to me 20 years ago when I began working with them at the San Diego Zoo, and I haven’t stopped adoring them since.  There is a lot of information out there about taking care of red pandas and this article will teach you some of the basics as well as conservation efforts going on.  If you like this information then look for the dedicated AKF issue all about red pandas in 2013. We’ll be making a call out for papers too so if you would like to contribute we’d love to have your help.  Some of you reading this may have come to the workshop in San Diego at the last annual AAZK, Inc. conference in August of 2011.  I really enjoyed the workshop, not only did I get to teach about one of my favorite animals but I learned from all the other red panda keepers out there.  It was a great networking tool and I look forward to more of those in the future.\r\n\r\nSo, let’s talk about red pandas or the FIRST panda as I like to say.  They were discovered in 1825 about 50 years before the giant panda (<em>Ailuropoda melanoleuca</em>).  There are two sub-species (<em>Ailurus fulgens fulgens</em>) and (<em>Ailurus fulgens re-fulgens</em>) (formerly <em>styani</em>). Red pandas were once classified with Procyonidae and now most agree they should be in Ailuridae. There has been much debate over their family as well, even going as far as some scientist classifying them at one time with pinnipeds, really?? So over the years I have found it difficult to explain to zoo guests and panda enthusiasts what family they are really in.  Our graphics at the zoo still say raccoon relatives even though our general curator and I tried to get the graphics updated before they were finished.  Oh well, I’m sure that has never happened to any of you, right?  A great book that just came out last year is Angela Glatson’s “Red Panda: The Biology and Conservation of the First Panda”.  You can get it for around $70 at Amazon.com®.  This book has a chapter in it that will give you a great historical look at how many different scientists have classified them in so many families and the scientific ways they have determined the two sub-species and most objective classifications to date.\r\n\r\n<strong>Diet and Medical Husbandry</strong>\r\n\r\nThe diet varies from zoo to zoo but I will give you diet recommendations from our nutritionists and research data from the field.  Our diet for a female weighing around 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds) is as follows.\r\n\r\n1<span> </span>LEAFEATER (MarionvZoological®)<span> </span>50 whole<span> </span>300g<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span>\r\n\r\n2<span> </span>APPLE<span> </span>90g<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span>\r\n\r\n3<span> </span>GRAPE<span> </span>4 whole<span> </span> SMTWRFS<span> </span>\r\n\r\n4    BROWSE, BAMBOO, ASST SPECIES  <span> </span>15-1 m branches<span> </span> SMTWRFS\r\n\r\nWe weigh them once a month and make sure they are staying within their target which can be adjusted by a body score that our nutritionist uses to maintain a healthy weight.  They will check for fat build up on abdomen and back.  If you can get your pandas trained for palpation this really helps.  The fruit is great for training and we free-feed the leafeater biscuits in bowls or enrichment devices. I will talk more about training further down in this article.  The bamboo is offered two to three times per day.   Our horticulture team cuts it fresh and delivers it to the area. On the weekends it is bagged on Friday and put into a cooler then delivered with our daily forage order.  It dries out quickly so you should put it in water right away.  We have created several water containers.  Four-inch PVC tubes with a cap on the end and a hole in the side can easily be hung on a lag bolt drilled into a tree and our newest exhibit  has it on display so we use large sections of bamboo culm that is dried out with a hole drilled in it and that is hung with the bolts drilled into the trees (for a more natural look).  There are many species of bamboo that can be grown in all climates and it grows fast so hopefully if you have red pandas your zoo will support growing fresh bamboo to feed out.  In the wild bamboo can be up to 98% of their diet (99% of the giant pandas’ diet).  Researchers have found they prefer species B. spanostachya. Unlike giant pandas they eat only the leaves.  They also eat berries, fruits, some meat such as birds, eggs and rodents.  They have a rapidly moving digestive tract.  Input versus output is about 4200 grams of food intake while they excrete 2750 grams, thus lots and lots of feces.  Most feces are found up in trees in field studies (57%), so having a high platform (or as I like to call it a poop platform) can help make a latrine for them that you can hopefully set up for easy cleaning and disinfecting.\r\n\r\nPandas can get overweight very easy and that can cause a dystocia for breeding females so our veterinarians and nutritionists keep a close eye on them, and we make sure they stay around their target weight.  We sometimes have had to separate the male and female during feeding if she starts eating his food too, which can be difficult if they don’t want to shift.  We have also had to separate for daily medications.  As they get older dental disease is quite common and a low dose of antibiotics with 3 months on, 3 months off has really kept the gingivitis under control.  Some of the other medical issues you need to stay on top of are skin issues.  Some zoos with a lot of humidity have had an issue with ringworm; another good reason to train them for tactile palpation, their fur is so thick it will hide sores and injury.  We had an issue with hot spots and were able to treat topically with Silvadene but if we didn’t have our hands on the panda we may have missed it until it was a severe sore.\r\n\r\nFor vaccination recommendations start at 8 weeks, then 3 weeks until 16 weeks, killed rabies vaccine every 3 years after the 1st year.  For animal ambassadors that have public contact we vaccinate against rabies every year and Distemper, Feline Herpes/Calici/Panleukopenia every three years.  They can be trained for hand injections or squeeze trained pretty easily.\r\n\r\n<strong>Exhibit Design and Nest Box Recommendations</strong>\r\n\r\nThey are an arboreal animal that is built for a cold climate, they need shade, ideally a misting system and air conditioning unit for the warmer regions and hotter months.  High climbing spots with shade, ideally natural trees to climb up and sleep in make better displays.  They have an approximate Four-foot jump distance (not great jumpers but great climbers), so five to six foot walls with a turn back and smooth surface will work fine.  Ideally the exhibit would not be surrounded by visitors, giving them some escape from guests.  While they do warm up to familiar keepers and participate well with training (once comfortable) in many zoos they can still be shy and easily stressed.  If they pace a lot in a warm climate they can quickly overheat with that thick fur coat.  Having access in hot months to air conditioning is highly recommended.\r\n\r\nNest boxes (SSP recommends 3 options, and boxes should not get over 70 degrees Fahrenheit), should be L shaped for females to feel hidden. I have seen many different next boxes, in the wild they would prefer a large hollowed out log or small cave; these have been simulated in some captive exhibits and worked well.  In most zoos I see wooden next boxes, many on legs to get them up off the ground, again with options for the female.  Before giving birth you will find her dragging lots of nesting material in the box.  I have had hay get moldy from getting wet so we prefer pine wood shavings or excelsior (wood wool) and the female tends to drag in a bunch of dried bamboo to make her own. Plants in the exhibit will probably vary greatly so I imagine there are many keepers out there with suggestions (again another great time to share in the red panda issue in 2013).  Many facilities have air conditioning in the denning area; they usually give birth mid-summer so here in the United States most of us are pretty warm so to decrease mortality keeping them cool is highly recommended.\r\n\r\n<strong>Breeding</strong>\r\n\r\nRed pandas reach sexual maturity at around 18 to 22 months, the earliest red panda to give birth was about 25 months-old.  They breed in late winter and their parturition is usually in early to mid-summer.  Studies show they are induced ovulators and can delay implantation, so knowing exact birth dates can be tricky.  Gestation is typically 114 days (can be shorter due to time of implantation) and can be anywhere from 98 to 158 days.  The SSP recommends cameras for the den box.  There are many different strategies for successful breeding and they vary so you have to find out what works for your facility.  Some separate the female from the male, others leave them together.  Some fathers have been seen playing with them once they are out of the next box, but normally would have nothing to do with raising offspring.  Experts say that if the pair is very compatible you have a better chance of her tolerating him during birth.  If she is easily stressed it may be best to move him out or at least separate them.  Some facilities lock the female in the back with her cubs for the first month.  We have had to hand-raise youngsters at the San Diego Zoo.  There is a high mortality so a trained female is much more likely to let you get your hands on the cubs, weigh them and check vitality.  If they are not gaining you can supplement feed or pull for hand-rearing.  Aspiration is very common with bottle-fed neonates so a well-developed hand-rearing protocol should be in place in case you need to pull cubs.\r\n\r\nAnyone can contact me at the zoo at <a href="mailto:nboyd@sandiegozoo.org">nboyd@sandiegozoo.org</a> and I will get you in touch with the appropriate nursery staff to get you set up with our best practices and formulas.\r\n\r\nTraining and Enrichment\r\n\r\nGoals for training at our facility were prioritized by our veterinary department.  In a perfect world these are the priority behaviors to train in order of importance:\r\n\r\nShift/station\r\n\r\nScale\r\n\r\nCrate\r\n\r\nBody exam: tactile (topical treatment), mouth open, ears, eyes, genitalia, measurements, ultrasound.\r\n\r\nInjection training\r\n\r\nOptional leash training as ambassador (male best candidate if in breeding program during non-breeding season).\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2401" title="red_panda" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/red_panda-1024x751.jpg" alt="red_panda" width="717" height="526" />\r\n\r\nThere are many successful training programs all over the country, with patience and trust these animals are extremely intelligent and will to learn.  Of course, each individual is different and time and energy allotted toward training may affect the success.  But at minimum you should be able to crate train and/or scale train them.  With such a large tail, use a tub, half crate or platform to make sure all of their tail is being weighed too.  While being overweight is a medical concern they can easily get underweight too and with all that fur it’s difficult to tell, which is another great reason to train palpation.  The SSP would like to collect measurements again from captive pandas and have it sent to the AZA SSP coordinator.  If you have them in your institution your Institutional Representative (IR) should have the 2011 recommendations which have a chart on what measurements they would like such as girth, nose to tail and more.  I can also send you the diagrams and contact information if you’re interested.  Red pandas can be difficult to enrich, but training is enrichment too.  They should be provided fresh bamboo daily (live plants get eaten too quickly).  Also know your bamboo before planting any in…\r\n<div><strong>Want to read the rest of this article?  For this and many more fascinating articles every month, see Animal Keepers’ Forum.  AKF is available only by being a member of AAZK. <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/join/">JOIN NOW!</a></strong></div>', 'What’s Black and White and Red all Over?', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2400-revision-2', '', '', '2012-03-01 11:15:04', '2012-03-01 16:15:04', '', 2400, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2400-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2495, 2, '2012-05-03 10:53:14', '2012-05-03 15:53:14', '<strong><em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>May 6-11, 2012 - <em>ABMA Annual Conference </em></strong>- Hosted by Oakland Zoo, California Academy of Sciences, and CuriOdyssey.  The conference location will be the San Francisco Airport Mariott, Burlingame, CA.  See <a href="http://theabma.org">theabma.org</a> for more info.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 13-16 - <em>Shape of Enrichment Regional Workshop</em></strong> - Hosted by Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, Kent, UK.  For more information go to <a href="http://enrichment.org">enrichment.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>June 4 - 6, 2012 - <em>International Gibbon Husbandry Conference: The Great Lesser Ape</em></strong> - Greensboro, NC. The conference will focus on captive gibbon husbandry and management practices, but will also encompass topics within gibbon conservation and biology.  For more information go to <a href="http://gibbonconference.org">gibbonconference.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>June 11-15, 2012 - <em>International Gorilla Workshop</em></strong> - Apenheul Primate Park and Gaiapark Kerkrade are very excited and proud to invite all Gorilla specialists to join the 8th International Gorilla Workshop.  Includes three days in Apenheul Primate Park and the last day in Gaiapark Kerkrade. For more information go to <a href="http://igw2012.org">igw2012.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>July 15-21, 2012 - NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>August 8-14, 2012 - <em>The World Congress of Herpetology</em></strong> - To be held in Vancouver, Canada. For more information see <a href="http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/">http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>August 16-19 - <em>The 10th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles</em> </strong>- Tucson, AZ.  Hosted by the Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.  For more information go to <a href="http://turtlesurvival.org">turtlesurvival.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 9-13, 2012 - <em>4th International Congress on Zookeeping</em> </strong>– To be held in Singapore.  Theme “Many Voices One Calling” Sponsored by Wildlife Reserves Singapore , Singapore Tourism Bureau. For information on sponsorship or exhibition opportunities email <a href="mailto:eo@aszk.org.au">eo@aszk.org.au</a>.  Check the ICZ website <a href="http://www.iczoo.org/">http://www.iczoo.org/</a> for latest news.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 23-27,  2012 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong><em> - </em>Hosted by the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo AAZK Chapter in Syracuse, NY. For more information go to <a href="http://www.rgzaecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.rgzaecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><strong> October 12-15, 2012 - </strong><em><strong><em>From Good Care to Great Welfare: A Workshop Designed for Animal Care Professionals Presented by the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare </em></strong>-</em></strong>Detroit Zoological Society. A unique four-day workshop for animal care staff working with captive exotic animals. The workshop is designed to help participants better understand animals’ perspectives and experiences, address the challenges captivity imposes on animal welfare, and develop the skills necessary to assess and improve overall well-being. Exercises and experiences are immersive and designed to help us understand captivity from the animals’ point of view. Limited scholarship opportunities available.\r\n\r\nFor information contact: Elizabeth Arbaugh, Animal Welfare Manager, Detroit Zoological Society, Tel: 248-398-0903 x3643, E-mail: <a href="mailto:Elizabeth@dzs.org">Elizabeth@dzs.org</a> or visit <a href="http://czaw.org">czaw.org</a>.\r\n<h2><strong>2013</strong></h2>\r\n<strong>September 22-26  2013 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong> - Hosted by the North Carolina Zoo and the North Carolina AAZK Chapter\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AAZK National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\n2012 - Syracuse, NY - September 23-27\r\n\r\n2013 - Asheboro, NC  - September 22-26\r\n\r\n2014 - Orlando, FL - September 8-12\r\n\r\nFor information on upcoming AAZK conferences, watch the AAZK website at <a href="http://www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AZA National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\nSeptember 8-13, 2012 - AZA 2012 Annual Conference - Hosted by Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ\r\n\r\nSeptember 7-12, 2013 - AZA 2013 Annual Conference - Hosted by the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO\r\n\r\nFor info on AZA Conferences, see <a href="http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html">http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html</a>.', 'Coming Events May 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-05-03 10:53:14', '2012-05-03 15:53:14', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-53/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2404, 2, '2012-02-01 19:29:55', '2012-02-02 00:29:55', '<strong><em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>March 7-9, 2012 - <em>Association of Professional Wildlife Educators</em></strong><em> </em>- Hosted by Happy Hollow Zoo, San Jose, CA. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.apwe.org">www.apwe.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>April 27-30, 2012 and October 12-15, 2012-<em>From Good Care to Great Welfare: A Workshop Designed for Animal Care Professionals Presented by the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare-</em></strong>Detroit Zoological Society. A unique four-day workshop for animal care staff working with captive exotic animals. The workshop is designed to help participants better understand animals’ perspectives and experiences, address the challenges captivity imposes on animal welfare, and develop the skills necessary to assess and improve overall well-being. Exercises and experiences are immersive and designed to help us understand captivity from the animals’ point of view. Limited scholarship opportunities available.\r\n\r\nFor information contact: Elizabeth Arbaugh, Animal Welfare Manager, Detroit Zoological Society, Tel: 248-398-0903 x3643, E-mail: <a href="mailto:Elizabeth@dzs.org">Elizabeth@dzs.org</a> or visit <a href="http://czaw.org">czaw.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 6-11, 2012 - <em>ABMA Annual Conference </em></strong>- Hosted by Oakland Zoo, California Academy of Sciences, and CuriOdyssey.  The conference location will be the San Francisco Airport Mariott, Burlingame, CA.  See <a href="http://theabma.org">theabma.org</a> for more info.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 13-16 - <em>Shape of Enrichment Regional Workshop</em></strong> - Hosted by Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, Kent, UK.  For more information go to <a href="http://enrichment.org">enrichment.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>July 15-21, 2012 - NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>August 8-14, 2012 - <em>The World Congress of Herpetology</em></strong> - To be held in Vancouver, Canada. For more information see <a href="http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/">http://www.worldcongressofherpetology.org/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>August 16-19 - <em>The 10th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles</em> </strong>- Tucson, AZ.  Hosted by the Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.  For more information go to <a href="http://turtlesurvival.org">turtlesurvival.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 9-13, 2012 - <em>4th International Congress on Zookeeping</em> </strong>– To be held in Singapore.  Theme “Many Voices One Calling” Sponsored by Wildlife Reserves Singapore , Singapore Tourism Bureau. For information on sponsorship or exhibition opportunities email <a href="mailto:eo@aszk.org.au">eo@aszk.org.au</a>.  Check the ICZ website <a href="http://www.iczoo.org/">http://www.iczoo.org/</a> for latest news.\r\n\r\n<strong>September 23-27,  2012 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong><em> - </em>Hosted by the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo AAZK Chapter in Syracuse, NY. For more information go to <a href="http://www.rgzaecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.rgzaecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<h2><strong>2013</strong></h2>\r\n<strong>September 22-26  2013 - <em>AAZK National Conference</em></strong> - Hosted by the North Carolina Zoo and the North Carolina AAZK Chapter\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AAZK National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\n2012 - Syracuse, NY - September 23-27\r\n\r\n2013 - Asheboro, NC  - September 22-26\r\n\r\n2014 - Orlando, FL - September 8-12\r\n\r\nFor information on upcoming AAZK conferences, watch the AAZK website at <a href="http://www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk">www.aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<h2><em><strong>Upcoming AZA National Conferences</strong></em></h2>\r\nSeptember 8-13, 2012 - AZA 2012 Annual Conference - Hosted by Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ\r\n\r\nSeptember 7-12, 2013 - AZA 2013 Annual Conference - Hosted by the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO\r\n\r\nFor info on AZA Conferences, see <a href="http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html">http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html</a>.', 'Coming Events February 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-01 19:29:55', '2012-02-02 00:29:55', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-51/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2405, 2, '2012-03-01 11:24:42', '2012-03-01 16:24:42', '<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2481" title="lcs-aazk-logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/lcs-aazk-logo-300x76.jpg" alt="lcs-aazk-logo" width="300" height="76" />\r\n\r\nThe AAZK Lion Country Safari Chapter in West Palm Beach, FL has been focused on increasing fundraising efforts to benefit conservation organizations locally and internationally.  Chapter members have developed a cell phone recycling program on property that encourages guests to bring in used cell phones for recycling.  This program not only helps save valuable wildlife habitats and reduces electronic waste entering landfills, but also helps fund conservation projects sponsored by the chapter.  Last year, the chapter was able to recycle over <strong>1,700</strong> cell phones, placing the AAZK Lion Country Safari Chapter among the top ten collection organizations with recycling partner ECO-CELL.\r\n\r\nSeveral regular fundraisers throughout the year such as a staff art show, bake sale, holiday candy-gram sale, and chili cook-off competition allow the chapter to support a number of conservation initiatives including “Trees for You and Me.”  Each year the AAZK Lion Country Safari Chapter has participated in this chapter challenge campaign and consistently ranks among the top contributors.\r\n\r\nThe chapter’s most successful fundraiser event is “Bowling for Rhinos.”  Last year, an inaugural “Twilight Tour” of the safari with a focus on Lion Country Safari’s white rhinos promoted “Bowling for Rhinos” and helped raise additional funds for rhinoceros conservation.  Since it was such a smashing success, the chapter is expanding the pre-event, night tour this year to allow more people to experience this unique opportunity to see the animals after hours.  We look forward to another year of celebrating the zookeeping profession and commitment to wildlife conservation!\r\n\r\nThe AAZK Board of Directors sends their sincere appreciation to the Lion Country Safari Chapter for sponsoring this month’s issue of the Animal Keepers’ Forum.  The Chapter made a special contribution designated for the AKF with their re-charter materials.  It is the special contributions of our Chapters that allow our Association to continue to grow, expand your professional development opportunities, and reaffirm our commitment to your flagship conservation programs.  Our thanks go out to the Lion Country Safari Chapter for sponsoring this month’s AKF, and to all of the Chapters that support the Association throughout the year.\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2493" title="art-show-2012" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/art-show-2012.jpg" alt="art-show-2012" width="436" height="563" />\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">The three top winners, and Lion Country Safari   Chapter members, holding their art from this year’s AAZK Staff Art Show (from left to right): 2nd Place-Sara Ziegenfuss; 1st Place-Ashleigh Kandrac; 3rd Place-Sean Mallee.\r\n<div></div>', 'June 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'june-2012-2', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:18', '2013-10-15 22:49:18', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2405', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2483, 2, '2012-06-07 14:52:38', '2012-06-07 19:52:38', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFrom the President<span> </span>\r\n\r\nNew Members<span> </span>\r\n\r\nComing Events<span> </span>\r\n\r\nPerspectives on Poaching: A Park Guard Story <span> </span>\r\n\r\nAn Update from the Snow Leopard Trust<span> </span>\r\n\r\nObservations on Eco-tourism and Conservation in India<span> </span>\r\n\r\nEnrichment Options: Feeling Stuck in a Rut?  Ideas on How to Enrich Your Enrichment<span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation Station: Rain Gardens: Bringing Conservation Home <span> </span>\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: Ideas to Help New Training Programs (Part 2)<span> </span>\r\n\r\nResearch in Practice: Moderating Undesirable Behavior in Petting Zoo Animals<span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation/Legislative Update', 'June 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'june-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:17', '2013-10-15 22:49:17', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2483', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2484, 2, '2012-06-07 14:52:24', '2012-06-07 19:52:24', '', 'June 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2483-revision', '', '', '2012-06-07 14:52:24', '2012-06-07 19:52:24', '', 2483, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2483-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2406, 2, '2012-03-01 11:23:11', '2012-03-01 16:23:11', '', 'sd_group', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'sd_group', '', '', '2012-03-01 11:23:11', '2012-03-01 16:23:11', '', 2405, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/sd_group.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2482, 2, '2012-05-03 10:57:33', '2012-05-03 15:57:33', '<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2471" title="sdaazklogo2005small" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sdaazklogo2005small.jpg" alt="sdaazklogo2005small" width="218" height="252" /> <strong>San Diego Chapter of AAZK</strong>\r\n\r\nWith the new year comes changes and new board members for the San Diego Chapter of AAZK. Now that the conference is over, our Chapter has re-visited our goals and decided on positions that will help us accomplish them. We are excited to welcome our new board members and sad to see others leave.  Join me in welcoming our new board members. You can learn more about them and their positions on our website at sdaecetia.net/gws/aazk.\r\n\r\nYvette Kemp, President &amp; Liaison\r\n\r\nMaureen O. Duryee, Vice President\r\n\r\nKym Janke, Secretary\r\n\r\nHali O’Connor, Treasurer\r\n\r\nAnn Knutson, Fundraising Officer &amp; Event Coordinator\r\n\r\nLinda Henry, Public Relations Officer\r\n\r\nChristine Fenwick, Conservation Partner Officer\r\n\r\nLaurie Brogan, Volunteer Coordinator\r\n\r\nTina Hunter, Support\r\n\r\nLindsey King, Support\r\n\r\nMatt Price, Social Media Officer\r\n\r\nThank you to Matt Akel and Aimee Goldcamp for their extraordinary work on the San Diego AAZK board throughout the years, especially during the 2011 National AAZK Conference. Personally, I would not have been able to do it without them! Thank you also to our supporters Holly Border and Lisa Martin. The conference was a big endeavor and they were a huge help. We will definitely miss them but are happy to know they are close by.\r\n\r\nOn another note, we are excited to announce several upcoming projects for the year. We will be working with various local conservation organizations to raise funding and awareness for different causes. We have already paired up with the San Diego River Park Foundation to plant trees from the money raised to offset our carbon footprint during the 2011 National Conference. Visit our Facebook page at <a href="http://Facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-American-Association-of-Zoo-Keepers/224590787467?ref=share">Facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-American-Association-of-Zoo-Keepers/224590787467?ref=share</a> to see the pictures. You can learn about other projects by visiting our website.\r\n\r\nWe do invite you to participate in this year’s 3rd Annual SD AAZK Photo Contest that will be coming up soon. Be sure to watch for that information.\r\n\r\nVisit our website for up to date information on our Chapter and access to our quarterly newsletter.\r\n\r\nYvette Kemp\r\n\r\n<a href="http://sdaecetia.net/gws/aazk">sdaecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>\r\n\r\nLions Tigers &amp; Bears Community Project April 14\r\n\r\nBowling for Rhinos June 2\r\n\r\nNational Zoo Keeper Week July 15 – 21\r\n\r\nAugust Project Wildlife Fundraiser\r\n\r\nSeptember 3rd Annual AAZK Photo Contest\r\n\r\nNovember Golf Tournament Fundraiser\r\n\r\nDecember Humane Society Fundraiser', 'May 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2405-revision-3', '', '', '2012-05-03 10:57:33', '2012-05-03 15:57:33', '', 2405, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2405-revision-3/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2474, 2, '2012-06-07 14:42:54', '2012-06-07 19:42:54', '<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-695" title="hdr_conservation_station" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/hdr_conservation_station-300x114.gif" alt="hdr_conservation_station" width="300" height="114" />\r\n\r\n<em>Mary Ann Cisneros\r\nAAZK Conservation Committee</em>\r\n\r\nSpring has sprung and an early summer planting of a rain garden will not only leave your lawn looking lovely but your “green” conscious clear.  Rain gardens are landscaped areas using native plants that reduce storm water runoff and can provide considerable environmental benefits to your community.  Besides being aesthetically <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2476" title="mac" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/mac-300x200.jpg" alt="mac" width="300" height="200" />pleasing, rain gardens reduce flooding, protect streams and lakes from pollutants carried by urban storm water runoff, and increase the amount of water filtering into the ground to help recharge local aquifers.  An added bonus is that a new habitat is created for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.\r\n\r\nIn 2009, two events at Mesker Park Zoo promoted and celebrated the establishment of rain gardens in our community.  The first event was the installation of a rain garden at our new entrance.  Using a grant from the local Soil and Water Conservation District, MPZ AAZK partnered with several groups to bring this demonstration garden to Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden.  Our own grounds curator and staff, University of Southern Indiana (USI) students and faculty, and the Evansville Zoological Society worked together to provide visitors an example of a way to bring conservation home.   The zoo used the planting day to teach about the mechanics of rain gardens and had volunteers (lucky USI students and MPZ AAZK members) perform the dirty work.  The second event was a dedication a few months after the planting so that visitors could get a look at the garden as it began to establish itself.\r\n\r\nBoth these events also allowed the Soil and Water Conservation District to promote their Backyard Conservation Grant.  This grant provided a cost-share/rebate program for citizens in Vanderburgh County who put in a rain garden.\r\n\r\nThe rain garden at the zoo was and is a success.  It is a beautiful addition to our zoo landscape and an ambassador for backyard conservation that is hard to ignore when<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2475" title="mac2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/mac2-300x200.jpg" alt="mac2" width="300" height="200" />visitors walk through our gates.  It is a happy coincidence that, in order to quench their thirst from our drinking fountains, guests have a great view of it!\r\n\r\nNow for you DIY’s out there! A rain garden can be put in cheaply and, once they become fully established (around two years) little or no maintenance is required of them.  So if you want your yard to be a first defense against flooding in your neighborhood and pollutants getting into local waterways please check out the following websites:\r\n\r\n<a href="http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/rgmanual.pdf">http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/rgmanual.pdf</a>,\r\n\r\n<a href="http://www.meskerparkzoo.com/conservation/garden.php">http://www.meskerparkzoo.com/conservation/garden.php</a>\r\n\r\nThey will give you the nitty gritty on rain garden construction for your yard.  They also provide design plans and plants that will work in your area.  Be sure to look to your local Soil and Water Conservation District to see if there is any financial assistance available for making your yard greener.  Use your resources and let’s start planting for a cleaner environment!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span>For this and much more every month, see Animal Keepers’ Forum.  AKF is available only by being a member of AAZK. </span><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/join/">JOIN NOW!</a></em></strong>', 'Rain Gardens: Bringing Conservation Home', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'rain-gardens-bringing-conservation-home', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:17', '2013-10-15 22:49:17', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2474', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2407, 2, '2012-03-01 11:23:55', '2012-03-01 16:23:55', '<em>A Perfect Day for Tree Planting</em>\n<em>By Hali O’Connor, Sr. Mammal Keeper, SD AAZK Board Member</em>\n\nOvercast skies, light rain, and cool temperatures were forecasted for 21 January 2012...exactly the right conditions for the much anticipated Acres for the Atmosphere tree planting event. Over 60 people signed up...and SHOWED UP, prepared to dig some holes, get a little muddy and help young native cottonwood trees, arroyo willow trees and a few mule fat shrubs get settled in their new home along the San Diego River in the Mission Valley Preserve.\n\n<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2406" title="sd_group" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sd_group-1024x768.jpg" alt="sd_group" width="717" height="538" />\n\nTo recap, the San Diego Chapter of AAZK raised over $2200 while hosting the 2011 National AAZK conference last August. The Acres for the Atmosphere project goal was to encourage delegates to donate money to help offset the carbon produced by travel to and from the conference. With this money, SD AAZK joined forces with The San Diego River Park Foundation to plant trees in two choice locations along our precious San Diego River. The total was 319 trees to be exact!\n\nAnyone interested in helping with the planting project was encouraged to sign up on the SD AAZK website to partake in this fun and important event. Planting native tree species along the San Diego River that stretches from Julian to the ocean has many benefits. Native trees provide needed habitat and foods for many species, some of which are endangered. The native trees also provide erosion control, especially important in restoring wildfire burned areas. And the trees help to restore a natural balance and keep invasive species in check.\n\nThe 21 January 2012 planting included such an amazing group of enthusiastic and efficient tree planters that the 144 trees allotted to the Mission Valley Preserve were all lovingly planted in an hour! We even had time to clear away weeds from some of the existing trails to help encourage visitors to stay on a path instead of wandering off and disrupting the native plants and animals calling the preserve their home. The San Diego River Park staff also treated us to a wonderful trek to the river’s edge where we learned about some of the native and non-native plant species that live along our river.\n\nThe remaining 175 trees will be live oaks to be planted along the El Capitan Reservoir in Alpine on 4 February 2012. Anyone interested in helping with this project may sign up on our website at www.sdaazk.com. Several months ago a group of us went out to this area and collected acorns to produce the trees that will be planted in this area. That way we are sure to plant a species that belongs in the area and is very beneficial to the other species living there.\n\nA big thank you to all those that participated in this wonderful community project! Be sure to check out the pictures from that day on our Facebook® page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sdaazk">http://www.facebook.com/sdaazk</a>.', 'March 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2405-revision', '', '', '2012-03-01 11:23:55', '2012-03-01 16:23:55', '', 2405, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2405-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2411, 2, '2012-03-02 08:49:09', '2012-03-02 13:49:09', '<h2><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/bowling-for-rhinos-conservation-resource-fund-grant/">BFR Conservation Resource Fund Grant</a>: applications due June 1st.</h2>\r\n<h3>Coordinator</h3>\r\n<p><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /> Patty Pearthree</p>\r\n<h2><strong>Total Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$4,003,344</span></strong></h2>\r\n<h2><strong><strong>2011 Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$280,014</span></strong></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<p>"AAZK\'s Bowling for Rhinos" fund  raiser began on a small scale and is now an AAZK-sponsored North American event  raising between $200,000- $300,000 annually. <strong><em>Our goal now is to raise at least $500,000 annually</em>.</strong> In 1990, we began by supporting the Lewa  Wildlife Conservancy (formerly Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary) in Kenya.</p>\r\n<p>AAZK realized that the zoo keepers of the world were extremely conservation oriented and wanted to help save rhinos and their habitats, yet did not have the financial resources themselves to make any significant impact. That\'s when the idea came to start a national bowl-a-thon called Bowling For Rhinos.</p>\r\n<p>The beauty of the idea is that these fundraisers are organized by volunteers, who donate their time and organizational skills to help raise money to send directly to the places in need. Since all the people involved are volunteers, <strong>100% of all donations</strong> are sent directly to these in situ rhino conservation areas!</p>\r\n<p><a href="http://aazkbfr.org/images/lewa/slides/blackrhinos_004.jpg"> <img src="http://aazkbfr.org/images/lewa/thumbs/blackrhinos_004.jpg" border="1" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" /></a> In Kenya Africa BFR supports the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/lewa-wildlife-conservancy-lwc/">Lewa Wildlife Conservancy</a> where our donations help protect both black and white rhinos and most of the other species native to East Africa.</p>\r\n<p><a href="http://aazkbfr.org/images/indonesia/slides/sumatranrhino.jpg"> <img src="http://aazkbfr.org/images/indonesia/thumbs/sumatranrhino.jpg" border="1" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="right" /></a> In Indonesia BFR supports the remaining Javan Rhinos at Ujung Kulon National Park and the Sumatran Rhinos in Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks through the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/international-rhino-foundation-irf/">International Rhino Foundation</a>.</p>\r\n<p>BFR also supports <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/action-for-cheetahs-in-kenya-ack/">Action for Cheetahs in Kenya</a>. Cheetahs share much of the same habitat as rhinos and by working to conserve cheetahs we are also saving rhinos and the countless other species that call that habitat home.</p>\r\n<p>Many organizations participate in these events, and have added the Rocking For Rhinos, Rummage For Rhinos, and Recycling For Rhinos projects as other ways to raise funds for this very worthwhile project.</p>\r\n<p><em><strong>Bowling For Rhinos has broken the $4 million mark and we continue to reach towards attaining our goal of $500,000/year!</strong></em> Together with you AAZK can do it. We have and will continue to make a difference in the conservation world. Please send  your organization\'s contact person/contact info ASAP along with the date of your event to our  national BFR Coordinator. Please  contact Patty Pearthree: <a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information. Reminder, there is a $25 registration fee for BFR events which covers administrative costs so that 100% of all donation can go directly to rhino conservation.</p>\r\n<p>There is a new Yahoo groups email for Bowling For Rhino Coordinators. If you would like to be part of this email group, please email Barbie Wilson at <a href="mailto:rhinobarbie@hotmail.com">rhinobarbie@hotmail.com</a>. This will let you communicate with each other on questions about t-shirts, bowling alley prices, how to get more support from your zoo, etc. with other BFR local coordinators.</p>\r\n<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Links</span></p>\r\n<p>If your chapter would like to check your totals you can do so here: <a href="http://aazkbfr.org/bfrsites">http://aazkbfr.org/bfrsites</a>.</p>\r\n', 'Bowling for Rhinos (BFR)', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '168-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-02 08:49:09', '2012-03-02 13:49:09', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/168-revision-42/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2409, 2, '2012-03-02 08:46:06', '2012-03-02 13:46:06', '<h2><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/bowling-for-rhinos-conservation-resource-fund-grant/">BFR Conservation Resource Fund Grant</a>: applications due June 1st.</h2>\r\n<h3>Coordinator</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /> Patty Pearthree\r\n<h2><strong>Total Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$4,003,344</span></strong></h2>\r\n<h2><strong><strong>2011 Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$280,014</span></strong></strong></h2>\r\n<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" />\r\n\r\n<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" />\r\n</form>"AAZK\'s Bowling for Rhinos" fund  raiser began on a small scale and is now an AAZK-sponsored North American event  raising between $200,000- $300,000 annually. <strong><em>Our goal now is to raise at least $500,000 annually</em>.</strong> In 1990, we began by supporting the Lewa  Wildlife Conservancy (formerly Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary) in Kenya.\r\n\r\nAAZK realized that the zoo keepers of the world were extremely conservation oriented and wanted to help save rhinos and their habitats, yet did not have the financial resources themselves to make any significant impact. That\'s when the idea came to start a national bowl-a-thon called Bowling For Rhinos.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of the idea is that these fundraisers are organized by volunteers, who donate their time and organizational skills to help raise money to send directly to the places in need. Since all the people involved are volunteers, <strong>100% of all donations</strong> are sent directly to these in situ rhino conservation areas!\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aazkbfr.org/images/lewa/slides/blackrhinos_004.jpg"> <img src="http://aazkbfr.org/images/lewa/thumbs/blackrhinos_004.jpg" border="1" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" /></a> In Kenya Africa BFR supports the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/lewa-wildlife-conservancy-lwc/">Lewa Wildlife Conservancy</a> where our donations help protect both black and white rhinos and most of the other species native to East Africa.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aazkbfr.org/images/indonesia/slides/sumatranrhino.jpg"> <img src="http://aazkbfr.org/images/indonesia/thumbs/sumatranrhino.jpg" border="1" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="right" /></a> In Indonesia BFR supports the remaining Javan Rhinos at Ujung Kulon National Park and the Sumatran Rhinos in Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks through the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/international-rhino-foundation-irf/">International Rhino Foundation</a>.\r\n\r\nBFR also supports <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/action-for-cheetahs-in-kenya-ack/">Action for Cheetahs in Kenya</a>. Cheetahs share much of the same habitat as rhinos and by working to conserve cheetahs we are also saving rhinos and the countless other species that call that habitat home.\r\n\r\nMany organizations participate in these events, and have added the Rocking For Rhinos, Rummage For Rhinos, and Recycling For Rhinos projects as other ways to raise funds for this very worthwhile project.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Bowling For Rhinos has broken the $4 million mark and we continue to reach towards attaining our goal of $500,000/year!</strong></em> Together with you AAZK can do it. We have and will continue to make a difference in the conservation world. Please send  your organization\'s contact person/contact info ASAP along with the date of your event to our  national BFR Coordinator. Please  contact Patty Pearthree: <a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information. Reminder, there is a $25 registration fee for BFR events which covers administrative costs so that 100% of all donation can go directly to rhino conservation.\r\n\r\nThere is a new Yahoo groups email for Bowling For Rhino Coordinators. If you would like to be part of this email group, please email Barbie Wilson at <a href="mailto:rhinobarbie@hotmail.com">rhinobarbie@hotmail.com</a>. This will let you communicate with each other on questions about t-shirts, bowling alley prices, how to get more support from your zoo, etc. with other BFR local coordinators.\r\n\r\n<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Links</span>\r\n\r\nIf your chapter would like to check your totals you can do so here: <a href="http://aazkbfr.org/bfrsites">http://aazkbfr.org/bfrsites</a>.', 'Bowling for Rhinos (BFR)', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '168-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-02 08:46:06', '2012-03-02 13:46:06', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/168-revision-41/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2410, 2, '2012-03-02 09:40:49', '2012-03-02 14:40:49', '', 'donate_button', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'donate_button', '', '', '2012-03-02 09:40:49', '2012-03-02 14:40:49', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/donate_button.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2412, 2, '2009-11-06 10:33:59', '2009-11-06 15:33:59', '<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-841" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /> Amanda Kamradt - <em>Zoo New England</em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2009-11-06 10:33:59', '2009-11-06 15:33:59', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-5/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2414, 2, '2012-02-15 17:39:23', '2012-02-15 22:39:23', '<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/international-congress-zookeepers/">International Congress of Zookeepers\r\n</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-843 alignnone" title="shane" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shane.jpg" alt="shane" width="145" height="157" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shane Good</div>\r\n<div class="name">Cleveland Metroparks Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n<p class="email"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class="email"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1498" title="norah" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/norah-150x150.jpg" alt="norah" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="email">Norah Farnham</div>\r\n<div class="email">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email">Woodland Park Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/membership-resources/">Membership Resources</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1251" title="jacque1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/jacque1-150x150.jpg" alt="jacque1" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Jacque Blessington</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Kansas City Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/annual-aazk-conferences/">Annual AAZK Conferences</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1504 alignnone" title="ed_hansen" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ed_hansen-150x150.jpg" alt="ed_hansen" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ed Hansen</div>\r\n<div class="title">Conference Program Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/grants-committee/">Grants Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1257" title="shelly-roach" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shelly-roach-150x150.jpg" alt="shelly-roach" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shelly Roach</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Columbus Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/">Bowling for Rhinos</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Patty Pearthree</div>\r\n<div class="title">Coordinator</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/ethics-committee/">Ethics Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-846 alignnone" title="penny" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/penny.jpg" alt="penny" width="149" height="167" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Penny Jolly</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:penny.jolly@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">penny.jolly@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bylaws-committee/">Bylaws Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1937" title="rickotarsky" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rickotarsky.jpg" alt="rickotarsky" width="131" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ric Kotarsky</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="title">Tulsa Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title"><a href="mailto:ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/behavioral-husbandry/">Behavioral Husbandry</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-871" title="walz" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/walz-150x150.jpg" alt="walz" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Deana Walz</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/awards-committee/">Awards Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1249 alignnone" title="janmccoy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/janmccoy-150x150.jpg" alt="janmccoy" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Janet McCoy</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/professional-development-committee/">Professional Development Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1260" title="melaina" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/melaina-150x150.jpg" alt="melaina" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Melaina Wallace</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/conservation-committee/">Conservation Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-841 alignnone" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Amanda Kamradt</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Zoo New England</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>', 'Committee Chairs', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '496-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-15 17:39:23', '2012-02-15 22:39:23', '', 496, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/496-revision-20/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2417, 2, '2012-03-02 14:50:05', '2012-03-02 19:50:05', '<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-02 14:50:05', '2012-03-02 19:50:05', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-7/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2418, 2, '2012-03-08 08:50:03', '2012-03-08 13:50:03', '<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-08 08:50:03', '2012-03-08 13:50:03', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-8/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2419, 2, '2012-03-08 08:50:22', '2012-03-08 13:50:22', '<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-841" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /> Amanda Kamradt - <em>Zoo New England</em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-08 08:50:22', '2012-03-08 13:50:22', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-9/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2420, 2, '2012-03-02 14:53:54', '2012-03-02 19:53:54', '<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/international-congress-zookeepers/">International Congress of Zookeepers\r\n</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-843 alignnone" title="shane" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shane.jpg" alt="shane" width="145" height="157" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shane Good</div>\r\n<div class="name">Cleveland Metroparks Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n<p class="email"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class="email"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1498" title="norah" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/norah-150x150.jpg" alt="norah" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="email">Norah Farnham</div>\r\n<div class="email">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email">Woodland Park Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/membership-resources/">Membership Resources</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1251" title="jacque1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/jacque1-150x150.jpg" alt="jacque1" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Jacque Blessington</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Kansas City Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/annual-aazk-conferences/">Annual AAZK Conferences</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1504 alignnone" title="ed_hansen" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ed_hansen-150x150.jpg" alt="ed_hansen" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ed Hansen</div>\r\n<div class="title">Conference Program Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/grants-committee/">Grants Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1257" title="shelly-roach" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shelly-roach-150x150.jpg" alt="shelly-roach" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shelly Roach</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Columbus Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/">Bowling for Rhinos</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Patty Pearthree</div>\r\n<div class="title">Coordinator</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/ethics-committee/">Ethics Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-846 alignnone" title="penny" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/penny.jpg" alt="penny" width="149" height="167" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Penny Jolly</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:penny.jolly@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">penny.jolly@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bylaws-committee/">Bylaws Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1937" title="rickotarsky" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rickotarsky.jpg" alt="rickotarsky" width="131" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ric Kotarsky</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="title">Tulsa Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title"><a href="mailto:ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/behavioral-husbandry/">Behavioral Husbandry</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-871" title="walz" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/walz-150x150.jpg" alt="walz" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Deana Walz</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/awards-committee/">Awards Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1249 alignnone" title="janmccoy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/janmccoy-150x150.jpg" alt="janmccoy" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Janet McCoy</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/professional-development-committee/">Professional Development Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1260" title="melaina" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/melaina-150x150.jpg" alt="melaina" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Melaina Wallace</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/conservation-committee/">Conservation Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>', 'Committee Chairs', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '496-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-02 14:53:54', '2012-03-02 19:53:54', '', 496, 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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2421, 2, '2012-03-30 11:39:30', '2012-03-30 16:39:30', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors\r\nFrom the President\r\nLetter to the Editor\r\nThe Scoop\r\nBowling for Rhinos - Helping in the Fight Against Poachers\r\nComing Events\r\nNew Members\r\nGeneral Announcements\r\nA Letter to the AAZK Membership from Anna Merz\r\nWhat’s driving this massive upsurge in rhino poaching?\r\nAn Inside Look at IRF’s Indonesian Rhino Protection Units\r\nThe Rarest Rhinoceroses in Captivity\r\nHope for Rhinos in a World of Trouble\r\nRhino Values\r\nElephant and Rhino Poaching in Kenya\r\nThreats to Cheetah Survival in Kenya\r\nEducating Without Intimidating', 'April 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'april-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:18', '2013-10-15 22:49:18', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2421', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2423, 2, '2012-03-30 11:40:39', '2012-03-30 16:40:39', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors\nFrom the President\nLetter to the Editor\nThe Scoop\nBowling for Rhinos - Helping in the Fight Against Poachers\nComing Events\nNew Members\nGeneral Announcements\nA Letter to the AAZK Membership from Anna Merz\nWhat’s driving this massive upsurge in rhino poaching?\nAn Inside Look at IRF’s Indonesian Rhino Protection Units\nThe Rarest Rhinoceroses in Captivity\nHope for Rhinos in a World of Trouble\nRhino Values\nElephant and Rhino Poaching in Kenya\nThreats to Cheetah Survival in Kenya\nEducating Without Intimidating', 'April 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2421-autosave', '', '', '2012-03-30 11:40:39', '2012-03-30 16:40:39', '', 2421, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2421-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2424, 2, '2012-04-14 10:46:06', '2012-04-14 15:46:06', '<em>By Ian Craig\r\nFounder of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy\r\nNorthern Rangelands Trust, Isiolo, Kenya</em>\r\n\r\nDue to a massive investment of effort, time and money by conservationists worldwide, the past two decades have seen a very positive period for in situ rhino conservation in Africa.  In the mid-80’s when conservationists worldwide came together with the realization that rhino were heading for extinction, this catalyzed a whole new investment in management ideas and new thinking.  Never had the concept of small, fenced sanctuaries to protect rhino been on the agenda; the philosophy was that rhino need large open spaces with no restrictions.  This myth was quickly dismissed with the realization that the only option available was to concentrate animals into small, highly protected areas and this has been the foundation of the growth of Africa’s black and white rhino populations over the past twenty years.  <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2438" title="ian1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ian1-300x217.jpg" alt="ian1" width="300" height="217" />\r\n\r\nThe different approaches across Africa of fenced sanctuaries and intensive protection zones (IPZ’s) have had different levels of success, but with a major factor in the increase of Southern white rhino being the commercial benefits accrued from sport hunting where land owners have seen significant financial benefit  in the hunting of southern white rhino.  The private sector throughout the continent has played an equal role to national governments and in some countries where private public partnerships are national policy, over 50% of a nation’s black rhino population is now on private land.\r\n\r\nThe cost of protecting rhino over this past decade has essentially risen with the cost of inflation and as long as adequate ground coverage by well-trained, motivated rangers was in place, attrition from poaching could be kept at a level below the natural increment.  Most countries look at a minimum 5% growth per annum within their respective rhino populations.  The cost of protecting these animals has been significantly carried by concerned individuals, zoo-based organisations and national governments, specifically in the US and the UK.  These funds have been channeled into both private and government rhino conservation initiatives resulting in this success and steady increase.\r\n\r\nWhereas historically illicit rhino horn would move through a series of middle men before reaching its final destination with the increasing presence of Far Eastern investment into Africa and the accompanying nationals, the routing of this horn has been much more direct and easier.  Accepting that the black market demand is driven by the end-user price, the increasing levels of wealth within the Far East are influencing the spiraling demand of rhino horn in Africa.  With increasing trade between the Far East and Africa, communication, transport and the ease of moving product are all factors contributing to this ever- increasing demand.  In 2010, a series of rhino horns were confiscated in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, hidden amongst avocado pears being air freighted to the Far East.  These horns proved to have originated in Zimbabwe and had been moved to Nairobi over land and were now on direct flights to the Far East from the hub of Nairobi.\r\n\r\nThis situation only stands to get worse; economies and demand for wildlife products in the Far East are growing.  East Asian nationals get more and more integrated into African societies and lines of communication and transport continue to improve.  The inevitable knock on effect of these increasing values is the potential to corrupt government officials responsible for enforcing controls on national borders and within wildlife authorities.\r\n\r\nApart from keeping existing populations safe, the single biggest challenge facing many African governments with a responsibility for rhino conservation is finding safe space for rhino.  Rhino are the most forgiving animals thriving in the most diverse habitats on the continent, yet ensuring that criminals don’t kill them requires the highest levels of 24-hour protection.\r\n\r\nThe year 2012 is now a time to re-focus on what has worked, what has not worked and what are the opportunities of our time.\r\n\r\nWhat has worked; intensive protection zones and fenced sanctuaries are a proven success.  The model is now well-established, the costs clearly identified and minimum standards of ground coverage required are well-documented.  This concept can be expanded into national parks, community areas and private land but with the increasing demand comes an ever increasing cost of protection.\r\n\r\nWhat has not worked; free release areas and community conservancies have proven to be a challenge to keeping rhino safe and at this time are an option that has passed.  The ban on the sale of rhino horn through CITIES; we need to revisit the options.\r\n\r\nOpportunities of our time; with technology changing by the day this is the single most cost-effective tool of our day to protect rhino.  If the relevant military technology used to protect borders and military locations together with the most modern technology to monitor human movement and the protection of assets can be applied to protecting rhino, this has the potential to dramatically change the future of field conservation for rhino.  This is starting to happen in an ever-increasing way and as is normal with such new technology is not being openly discussed through public channels but already is starting to make an impact on how rhino are protected.\r\n\r\nOne can only ask who is killing these rhino, who is moving the horn and who is driving the price?\r\n\r\n<strong>Who’s killing the Rhino? </strong> Every society has its criminals and poverty is rife throughout much of Africa.  In Eastern and Central Africa much of the poaching is undertaken by armed criminals who are essentially opportunists, out to make a quick buck.  In Sothern Africa the dynamic is totally different where professional veterinarians and high level officials using helicopters have been prosecuted for the actual field poaching of rhino.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who’s moving the horn? </strong> Rhino horn, like hard drugs, counterfeit currency, and illicit diamonds is a high-value, black-market product that once it leaves the hand of the poacher is moved through a series of couriers, on to godfathers coordinating these activities across national and international borders.  Rhino horn being such a small article can easily be hidden and moved by a motor bike in a hand bag or hidden in materials being exported.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who’s driving the price?</strong> Clearly the market for rhino horn is based on traditional Chinese medicine and connotations around this myth.  The end-user can be a very humble member of society who genuinely believes the use of powdered rhino horn can save the life of a loved one, and each one of us would spend our last dollar on such cause.  Between the poacher and the end-user the multiplication of value would seem to be four to five times possible more, leaving massive opportunity for middle men to benefit.  With the weakening value of many African currencies against the US Dollar and essentially a dollar-based value on Rhino horn, this is multiplying the in-country value within Africa, further exasperating an already-volatile situation.\r\n\r\nOn one hand, the future of Africa’s rhino could be seen to be extremely bleak, yet on the other hand with plenty of suitable habitat available, the real challenge is to provide cost-effective security using the most modern technology in support of the field operations.  Alongside this, a significant public programme to keep the world, specifically the market of Eastern Asia, fully informed as to the myth of rhino horns’ potency and the impact of buying rhino horn.  A careful assessment is required to look at the effectiveness of the CITIES ban on the trade of rhino products; this clearly has not worked and it is again time to consider the options available to us as conservationists to give rhino a new hope.\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2439" title="black_rhino" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/black_rhino-858x1024.jpg" alt="black_rhino" width="601" height="717" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">Cost-effective security programs, like those provided by our Conservation Partners at Lewa and\r\nIRF, are proven methods of protecting rhinos. (<em>Photo by Patty Pearthree</em>)', 'What’s driving this massive upsurge in rhino poaching  and what is the future for rhino in the wild?', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whats-driving-this-massive-upsurge-in-rhino-poaching-and-what-is-the-future-for-rhino-in-the-wild', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:18', '2013-10-15 22:49:18', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2424', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2425, 2, '2012-03-30 11:43:17', '2012-03-30 16:43:17', '<em>By Ian Craig\nFounder of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy\nNorthern Rangelands Trust, Isiolo, Kenya</em>\n\nDue to a massive investment of effort, time and money by conservationists worldwide, the past two decades have seen a very positive period for in situ rhino conservation in Africa.  In the mid-80’s when conservationists worldwide came together with the realization that rhino were heading for extinction, this catalyzed a whole new investment in management ideas and new thinking.  Never had the concept of small, fenced sanctuaries to protect rhino been on the agenda; the philosophy was that rhino need large open spaces with no restrictions.  This myth was quickly dismissed with the realization that the only option available was to concentrate animals into small, highly protected areas and this has been the foundation of the growth of Africa’s black and white rhino populations over the past twenty years.\n\nThe different approaches across Africa of fenced sanctuaries and intensive protection zones (IPZ’s) have had different levels of success, but with a major factor in the increase of Southern white rhino being the commercial benefits accrued from sport hunting where land owners have seen significant financial benefit  in the hunting of southern white rhino.  The private sector throughout the continent has played an equal role to national governments and in some countries where private public partnerships are national policy, over 50% of a nation’s black rhino population is now on private land.\n\nThe cost of protecting rhino over this past decade has essentially risen with the cost of inflation and as long as adequate ground coverage by well-trained, motivated rangers was in place, attrition from poaching could be kept at a level below the natural increment.  Most countries look at a minimum 5% growth per annum within their respective rhino populations.  The cost of protecting these animals has been significantly carried by concerned individuals, zoo-based organisations and national governments, specifically in the US and the UK.  These funds have been channeled into both private and government rhino conservation initiatives resulting in this success and steady increase.\n\nWhereas historically illicit rhino horn would move through a series of middle men before reaching its final destination with the increasing presence of Far Eastern investment into Africa and the accompanying nationals, the routing of this horn has been much more direct and easier.  Accepting that the black market demand is driven by the end-user price, the increasing levels of wealth within the Far East are influencing the spiraling demand of rhino horn in Africa.  With increasing trade between the Far East and Africa, communication, transport and the ease of moving product are all factors contributing to this ever- increasing demand.  In 2010, a series of rhino horns were confiscated in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, hidden amongst avocado pears being air freighted to the Far East.  These horns proved to have originated in Zimbabwe and had been moved to Nairobi over land and were now on direct flights to the Far East from the hub of Nairobi.\n\nThis situation only stands to get worse; economies and demand for wildlife products in the Far East are growing.  East Asian nationals get more and more integrated into African societies and lines of communication and transport continue to improve.  The inevitable knock on effect of these increasing values is the potential to corrupt government officials responsible for enforcing controls on national borders and within wildlife authorities.\n\nApart from keeping existing populations safe, the single biggest challenge facing many African governments with a responsibility for rhino conservation is finding safe space for rhino.  Rhino are the most forgiving animals thriving in the most diverse habitats on the continent, yet ensuring that criminals don’t kill them requires the highest levels of 24-hour protection.\n\nThe year 2012 is now a time to re-focus on what has worked, what has not worked and what are the opportunities of our time.\n\nWhat has worked; intensive protection zones and fenced sanctuaries are a proven success.  The model is now well-established, the costs clearly identified and minimum standards of ground coverage required are well-documented.  This concept can be expanded into national parks, community areas and private land but with the increasing demand comes an ever increasing cost of protection.\n\nWhat has not worked; free release areas and community conservancies have proven to be a challenge to keeping rhino safe and at this time are an option that has passed.  The ban on the sale of rhino horn through CITIES; we need to revisit the options.\n\nOpportunities of our time; with technology changing by the day this is the single most cost-effective tool of our day to protect rhino.  If the relevant military technology used to protect borders and military locations together with the most modern technology to monitor human movement and the protection of assets can be applied to protecting rhino, this has the potential to dramatically change the future of field conservation for rhino.  This is starting to happen in an ever-increasing way and as is normal with such new technology is not being openly discussed through public channels but already is starting to make an impact on how rhino are protected.\n\nOne can only ask who is killing these rhino, who is moving the horn and who is driving the price?\n\n<strong>Who’s killing the Rhino? </strong> Every society has its criminals and poverty is rife throughout much of Africa.  In Eastern and Central Africa much of the poaching is undertaken by armed criminals who are essentially opportunists, out to make a quick buck.  In Sothern Africa the dynamic is totally different where professional veterinarians and high level officials using helicopters have been prosecuted for the actual field poaching of rhino.\n\n<strong>Who’s moving the horn? </strong> Rhino horn, like hard drugs, counterfeit currency, and illicit diamonds is a high-value, black-market product that once it leaves the hand of the poacher is moved through a series of couriers, on to godfathers coordinating these activities across national and international borders.  Rhino horn being such a small article can easily be hidden and moved by a motor bike in a hand bag or hidden in materials being exported.\n\n<strong>Who’s driving the price?</strong> Clearly the market for rhino horn is based on traditional Chinese medicine and connotations around this myth.  The end-user can be a very humble member of society who genuinely believes the use of powdered rhino horn can save the life of a loved one, and each one of us would spend our last dollar on such cause.  Between the poacher and the end-user the multiplication of value would seem to be four to five times possible more, leaving massive opportunity for middle men to benefit.  With the weakening value of many African currencies against the US Dollar and essentially a dollar-based value on Rhino horn, this is multiplying the in-country value within Africa, further exasperating an already-volatile situation.\n\nOn one hand, the future of Africa’s rhino could be seen to be extremely bleak, yet on the other hand with plenty of suitable habitat available, the real challenge is to provide cost-effective security using the most modern technology in support of the field operations.  Alongside this, a significant public programme to keep the world, specifically the market of Eastern Asia, fully informed as to the myth of rhino horns’ potency and the impact of buying rhino horn.  A careful assessment is required to look at the effectiveness of the CITIES ban on the trade of rhino products; this clearly has not worked and it is again time to consider the options available to us as conservationists to give rhino a new hope.\n<div style="font-style: italic;"></div>', 'What’s driving this massive upsurge in rhino poaching  and what is the future for rhino in the wild?', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2424-revision', '', '', '2012-03-30 11:43:17', '2012-03-30 16:43:17', '', 2424, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2424-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2428, 2, '2012-04-05 16:03:14', '2012-04-05 21:03:14', '', 'christy_poelker', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'christy_poelker', '', '', '2012-04-05 16:03:14', '2012-04-05 21:03:14', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/christy_poelker.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2429, 2, '2012-03-08 08:50:32', '2012-03-08 13:50:32', '<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-841" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /> Amanda Kamradt - <em>Zoo New England</em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-08 08:50:32', '2012-03-08 13:50:32', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-10/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2430, 2, '2012-04-05 16:05:01', '2012-04-05 21:05:01', '<h3>Co-chairs</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-841" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /> Amanda Kamradt - <em>Zoo New England               <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2428" title="christy_poelker" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy_poelker.jpg" alt="christy_poelker" width="136" height="159" /> </em><em>Christy Poelker - <em>Saint Louis Zoo</em></em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-04-05 16:05:01', '2012-04-05 21:05:01', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-11/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2431, 2, '2012-04-05 16:05:59', '2012-04-05 21:05:59', '<h3>Co-chairs</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-841" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /> Amanda Kamradt - <em>Zoo New England </em>\r\n\r\n<em><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2428" title="christy_poelker" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy_poelker.jpg" alt="christy_poelker" width="136" height="159" /> </em><em>Christy Poelker - <em>Saint Louis Zoo</em></em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-04-05 16:05:59', '2012-04-05 21:05:59', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-12/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2432, 2, '2012-04-05 16:06:27', '2012-04-05 21:06:27', '<h3>Co-chairs</h3>\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-841" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /> Amanda Kamradt - <em>Zoo New England </em>\r\n\r\n<em><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2428" title="christy_poelker" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy_poelker.jpg" alt="christy_poelker" width="136" height="159" /> </em><em>Christy Poelker -</em><em> <em>Saint Louis Zoo</em></em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Conservation Committees Mission is to connect AAZK members with opportunities to engage in habitat conservation and in situ wildlife initiatives and to provide educational resources about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Conservation Committee Mission Statement</h3>\r\nTo promote and establish connections between AAZK members and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.\r\n\r\nTo provide educational resources for members and their institutions about environmentally responsible practices.\r\n<h3>Vision Statement</h3>\r\nServe as a resource that will assist members in finding in situ opportunities with local, national, and international conservation projects and to initiate new conservation projects.\r\n\r\nProvide contact information to coordinate educational and development opportunities with conservationists.', 'Conservation Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '182-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-04-05 16:06:27', '2012-04-05 21:06:27', '', 182, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/182-revision-13/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2433, 2, '2012-03-08 08:52:26', '2012-03-08 13:52:26', '<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/international-congress-zookeepers/">International Congress of Zookeepers\r\n</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-843 alignnone" title="shane" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shane.jpg" alt="shane" width="145" height="157" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shane Good</div>\r\n<div class="name">Cleveland Metroparks Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n<p class="email"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class="email"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1498" title="norah" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/norah-150x150.jpg" alt="norah" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="email">Norah Farnham</div>\r\n<div class="email">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email">Woodland Park Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/membership-resources/">Membership Resources</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1251" title="jacque1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/jacque1-150x150.jpg" alt="jacque1" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Jacque Blessington</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Kansas City Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/annual-aazk-conferences/">Annual AAZK Conferences</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1504 alignnone" title="ed_hansen" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ed_hansen-150x150.jpg" alt="ed_hansen" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ed Hansen</div>\r\n<div class="title">Conference Program Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/grants-committee/">Grants Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1257" title="shelly-roach" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shelly-roach-150x150.jpg" alt="shelly-roach" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shelly Roach</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Columbus Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/">Bowling for Rhinos</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Patty Pearthree</div>\r\n<div class="title">Coordinator</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/ethics-committee/">Ethics Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-845" title="bob-mug2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bob-mug2-150x150.jpg" alt="bob-mug2" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Bob Cisneros</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">San Diego Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:bob.cisneros@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">bob.cisneros@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bylaws-committee/">Bylaws Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1937" title="rickotarsky" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rickotarsky.jpg" alt="rickotarsky" width="131" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ric Kotarsky</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="title">Tulsa Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title"><a href="mailto:ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/behavioral-husbandry/">Behavioral Husbandry</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-871" title="walz" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/walz-150x150.jpg" alt="walz" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Deana Walz</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/awards-committee/">Awards Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1249 alignnone" title="janmccoy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/janmccoy-150x150.jpg" alt="janmccoy" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Janet McCoy</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/professional-development-committee/">Professional Development Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1260" title="melaina" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/melaina-150x150.jpg" alt="melaina" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Melaina Wallace</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/conservation-committee/">Conservation Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-841 alignnone" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Amanda Kamradt</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Zoo New England</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>', 'Committee Chairs', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '496-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-03-08 08:52:26', '2012-03-08 13:52:26', '', 496, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/496-revision-22/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2531, 2, '2012-07-06 12:43:02', '2012-07-06 17:43:02', '<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/committee/international-congress-zookeepers/">International Congress of Zookeepers\r\n</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1498" title="norah" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/norah-150x150.jpg" alt="norah" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="email">Norah Farnham</div>\r\n<div class="email">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email">Woodland Park Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">norah.farnham@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n<div class="email"></div>\r\n<div class="email">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-2529 alignnone" title="sara_wunder2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/sara_wunder2.jpg" alt="sara_wunder2" width="150" height="171" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Sara Wunder Steward</div>\r\n<div class="name">Busch Gardens Tampa</div>\r\n<div class="title">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:sara.steward@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">sara.steward@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/membership-resources/">Membership Resources</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1251" title="jacque1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/jacque1-150x150.jpg" alt="jacque1" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Jacque Blessington</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Kansas City Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">jacque.blessington@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/annual-aazk-conferences/">Annual AAZK Conferences</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1504 alignnone" title="ed_hansen" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ed_hansen-150x150.jpg" alt="ed_hansen" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ed Hansen</div>\r\n<div class="title">Conference Program Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ed.hansen@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/grants-committee/">Grants Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1257" title="shelly-roach" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/shelly-roach-150x150.jpg" alt="shelly-roach" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Shelly Roach</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Columbus Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shelly.roach@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bowling-for-rhinos/">Bowling for Rhinos</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-861" title="pearthreejpg" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pearthreejpg-150x150.jpg" alt="pearthreejpg" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Patty Pearthree</div>\r\n<div class="title">Coordinator</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">patty.pearthree@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/ethics-committee/">Ethics Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-845" title="bob-mug2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bob-mug2-150x150.jpg" alt="bob-mug2" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Bob Cisneros</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">San Diego Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:bob.cisneros@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">bob.cisneros@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/bylaws-committee/">Bylaws Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1937" title="rickotarsky" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/rickotarsky.jpg" alt="rickotarsky" width="131" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Ric Kotarsky</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="title">Tulsa Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="title"><a href="mailto:ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">ric.kotarsky@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/behavioral-husbandry/">Behavioral Husbandry</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-871" title="walz" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/walz-150x150.jpg" alt="walz" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Deana Walz</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">deana.walz@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/awards-committee/">Awards Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1249 alignnone" title="janmccoy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/janmccoy-150x150.jpg" alt="janmccoy" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Janet McCoy</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">janet.mccoy@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/professional-development-committee/">Professional Development Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1260" title="melaina" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/melaina-150x150.jpg" alt="melaina" width="150" height="150" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Melaina Wallace</div>\r\n<div class="title">Chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">melaina.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class="committee">\r\n<h3><a href="/committee/conservation-committee/">Conservation Committee</a></h3>\r\n<div class="chairman">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="size-full wp-image-841 alignnone" title="kamradt" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kamradt.jpg" alt="kamradt" width="111" height="134" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Amanda Kamradt</div>\r\n<div class="title">Co-chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Zoo New England</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">amanda.kamradt@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n<div class="email">\r\n<div class="name"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2428" title="christy_poelker" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy_poelker.jpg" alt="christy_poelker" width="136" height="159" /></div>\r\n<div class="name">Christy Poelker</div>\r\n<div class="title">Co-chair</div>\r\n<div class="affiliated_zoo">Saint Louis Zoo</div>\r\n<div class="email"><a href="mailto:christy.poelker@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">christy.poelker@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a></div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>', 'Committee Chairs', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '496-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-07-06 12:43:02', '2012-07-06 17:43:02', '', 496, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/496-revision-24/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2435, 2, '2012-04-06 12:40:39', '2012-04-06 17:40:39', '', 'Zoo keeper WEEK.Logo.Horz 2011', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'zoo-keeper-weeklogohorz-2011', '', '', '2012-04-06 12:40:39', '2012-04-06 17:40:39', '', 1193, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/2012_logo_horz.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2436, 2, '2011-04-01 09:37:33', '2011-04-01 14:37:33', 'As the need to protect and preserve our wildlife and vanishing habitats has increased, our role as educators and wildlife ambassadors has become essential. During the third week of July each year, celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week; both you and your animals deserve the recognition.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1935" title="Zookeeper WEEK.Logo.Horz 2010" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2011-logo-horz-1024x163.jpg" alt="Zookeeper WEEK.Logo.Horz 2010" width="819" height="130" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Need ideas for celebrating this week or graphics. Click below.\r\n</strong><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/National Zoo Keeper Week Ideas.pdf">NZKW ideas</a>\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/NZKW Press release10.doc">NZKW sample press release</a> (Word format)\r\n\r\n<a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/nzkwproclamation.doc">NZKW proclamation</a> (Word format)\r\n\r\n<strong>NZKW graphics (some of these files are large)</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2011 logo horz.jpg">2011  logo horizontal</a> (jpg): For jpgs right click on the graphic to save  once the link has opened in a new window.</li>\r\n	<li><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2011 logo horz.pdf">2011  logo horizontal</a> (pdf)</li>\r\n	<li><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2011 logo vert.jpg">2011  logo vertical</a> (jpg): For jpgs right click on the graphic to save  once the link has opened in a  new window.</li>\r\n	<li><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2011 logo vert.pdf">2011 logo vertical</a> (pdf)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK PROCLAMATION</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>WHEREAS,</strong> worldwide animal populations are declining at an alarming rate with many facing extinction; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, zoological institutions have become the final hope for many endangered species recovery programs through conservation research, release programs, and by being a portal through which the general public can view and appreciate disappearing wildlife; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, zoological institutions are also population managers of keystone and cornerstone species, emphasizing the restoration of not just the endangered species, but a restoration of the delicate balance of nature; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, zoo keepers are the frontline soldiers for conservation, participating in the battle for species survival and preservation of the natural homelands of the animals they care for through public awareness, education, and exhibition; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, zoo keepers have become animal caretakers devoting their lives to caring for these animals; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, zoo keepers have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife, carrying the conservation message of habitat loss, endangered species, and preservation of nature’s threatened wildlands to the public; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, zoo keepers have become animal specialists, as educators, choreographers of animal behaviors through enrichment, behavior managers through operant conditioning, and reproductive specialists through improved observations and husbandry; and\r\n\r\nWHEREAS, to help increase public awareness about the need to preserve our precious habitats and the animals which inhabit them and to recognize the roles that zookeepers play in animal conservation and education, The American Association of Zoo Keepers invites all AAZK chapters to participate in National Zoo Keeper Week.', 'National Zoo Keeper Week', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1193-revision-v1', '', '', '2011-04-01 09:37:33', '2011-04-01 14:37:33', '', 1193, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1193-revision-18/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2434, 2, '2012-02-23 16:54:34', '2012-02-23 21:54:34', '<h4><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1602" title="pbi_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_logo-300x247.jpg" alt="pbi_logo" width="144" height="118" />The American Association of Zoo Keepers and Polar Bears International are working together as Conservation Partners towards the conservation of polar bears, the Arctic ecosystem, and spreading our conservation <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1606" title="polar_bears" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/polar_bears-300x194.jpg" alt="polar_bears" width="300" height="194" />messages on the effects of climate change.  Our Associations have developed three key programs towards these goals, Leadership Camp, Acres for the Atmosphere, and Trees for You and Me.  AAZK, PBI, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have also teamed together to create the Polar Bear Forest.  Why are forests so important to polar bears?</h4>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<strong>Reforestation:</strong>\r\n\r\nThough it might not seem obvious at first, planting trees helps conserve polar bear habitat in the arctic. Trees act as "carbon sinks" and absorb carbon out of the air and convert it into plant material. Trees sequester this carbon in roots, trunks, stems and leaves while they grow, and in wood products after they are harvested. That means planting trees, whether in a rural or an urban setting, helps reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Less carbon in the atmosphere means better conditions to retain Arctic ice longer and to improve polar bear habitat and survival.   Reforestation positively affects climate change and provides wildlife habitat, helping all of the species that AAZK members are so passionate to conserve.  Referenced from <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/">http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/PolarBear/</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Zoo Keeper Leadership camp:</strong>\r\n\r\nThis week-long camp brings together a motivated group of keepers who reach a wide audience with AAZK’s  conservation messages.  Keepers carry a unique cachet with zoo guests. Zoo industry research indicates that zoo visitors consider the conservation messages conveyed by<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1768" title="pbi_leadership_camp11" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pbi_leadership_camp11.jpg" alt="pbi_leadership_camp11" width="247" height="378" /> Keepers to be the preferred and most credible sources of conservation education.  Through education programs that are current, scientifically-based, fun, informative, retainable, and action-shaping, keepers inspire their public to pitch in to reduce carbon emissions.  This camp is open to keepers affiliated with PBI’s Arctic Ambassador Centers around the world, and professional members of AAZK.  It is designed to inform, inspire, and empower keepers with information and tools to motivate their constituents.  This camp is focused on communication and presentation skills, creative planning, and program execution especially with regard to climate change and its effects on polar bears.  The camp enhances professional skills and promotes networking with peers while providing access to renowned field scientists, educators, and community members.\r\n\r\n<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=kkcxmrdab&amp;v=001Msfh5C4b-aeFh2IiqMjGHJoJfQHI1Y5J8aCz9C_Xl04vgMHlaztDS6BWRlS4may8eQhoEtyd_8A-CaAHNNaVZkl7ZZbK6D4PHoNxykJ7iF1fyZ6alSCdPJlhRdqw92CdcUsM4Ar-As_e0iNUN2z43Q%3D%3D">PBI October 2010 newsletter.</a>\r\n\r\nFor more information, contact <a href="mailto:shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">shane.good@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\n<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/pbi-leadership-camps/zoo-keeper-leadership-camp</a>.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\n<em>\r\n</em>\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1623" title="ASquaredFinal" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/acres_atmos-300x288.jpg" alt="ASquaredFinal" width="180" height="173" /></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"></p>\r\n<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Acres for the Atmosphere:</strong><strong></strong></p>\r\n\r\nGraduates of the 2009 Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp in Churchill, Manitoba created the initiative Acres for the Atmosphere (AFTA), both for <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1649" title="marissa1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/marissa1-251x300.jpg" alt="marissa1" width="176" height="210" />conservation education and to take immediate action. With the continued support of PBI and AAZK, we intend to reduce the prevalence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth’s atmosphere. Our initiative is designed around three objectives that will enable us to accomplish this goal. We will increase carbon sequestration by greening areas with vegetative plantings or trees, decrease CO2 emissions within our local communities, and raise awareness in our communities in order to curb our carbon addiction. Our program launches year to year in correspondence with each year’s Zoo Keeper Leadership Camp.  Keepers can get involved on both the individual and AAZK Chapter level.  Join us and lead your communities to a more sustainable future!  Please contact:  <a href="mailto:marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">marissa.krouse@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a> for more information.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1647" title="nc_group2" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/nc_group2.jpg" alt="nc_group2" width="467" height="393" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1656" title="bagbear" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bagbear.jpg" alt="bagbear" width="479" height="396" />\r\n\r\n<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1654" title="trees_u_me" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/trees_u_me.jpg" alt="trees_u_me" width="286" height="284" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Trees for You and Me:</strong>\r\n\r\nFor the second year, Trees for You and Me will be challenging AAZK chapters to raise money to plant trees. The initiative is an ongoing effort to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reduce individuals\' carbon footprints, and help polar bears by reversing the effects of global warming.\r\nThe highest-earning AAZK chapter will once again have a tree planted in its zoo or community for winning the competition.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1661" title="brookfield" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/brookfield.jpg" alt="brookfield" width="357" height="535" /> But the heart and soul of the competition is really about the chapters\' dedication to conservation and stewardship. Not only will the funds help polar bears; Polar Bear Forests benefit wildlife habitat in the area and bring beauty to the landscape.\r\nYou can help! This year’s competition runs September 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011, and any DONATION you make will go directly to purchasing seedlings from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Polar Bears International (PBI) and WDNR are working together on the Polar Bear Forest campaign.\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1658 alignleft" title="christy" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/christy-270x300.jpg" alt="christy" width="216" height="240" />This year your $1 donation will actually plant more trees than last year! $1 = 3 seedlings, $5 = 15 seedlings. Planting a single tree can help, but planting a lot of trees can make a big difference. Imagine. You could support the planting of 150 trees for only $50! And on the donation form, you\'ll have the opportunity to identify which AAZK chapter you wish to support. No doubt, it will be the one affiliated with your favorite zoo!  For more information, please contact <a href="mailto:christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.\r\nTo donate or for more information, click here:<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation"> http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.\r\n\r\n“Trees for You and Me” AAZK Chapter Challenge Update\r\n\r\nBrookfield AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,730.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Cleveland - Cleveland Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$1,525.00<span> </span>\r\nMilwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,512.00<span> </span>\r\nBattle Creek AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,500.00<span> </span>\r\nTucson AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$1,000.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater New Jersey AAZK Alliance Chapter<span> </span>$900.00<span> </span>\r\nDetroit AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$845.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Philadelphia AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$750.00<span> </span>\r\nLincoln Park AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$548.00<span> </span>\r\nGalveston Chapter for the AAZK<span> </span>$500.00<span> </span>\r\nLion Country Safari AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$500.00<span> </span>\r\nTulsa AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$260.00<span> </span>\r\nPortland AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$255.00<span> </span>\r\nOrange County Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$250.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Houston AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$206.00<span> </span>\r\nRoger Williams Park Zoo AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$200.00<span> </span>\r\nSouthern Ontario Zoo Keepers AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$160.00<span> </span>\r\nChesapeake AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$150.00<span> </span>\r\nColumbus AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$115.00<span> </span>\r\nNorth Carolina AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$100.00<span> </span>\r\nNew England Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$94.50<span> </span>\r\nSaint Louis AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$50.00<span> </span>\r\nAAZK-Knoxville Zoo Chapter<span> </span>$30.00<span> </span>\r\nAAZK of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo<span> </span>$25.00<span> </span>\r\nDallas Zoo Chapter of AAZK<span> </span>$20.00<span> </span>\r\nGreater Orlando AAZK Chapter<span> </span>$10.00<span> </span>\r\n\r\n<span> </span>$13,235.50<span> </span> raised so far.\r\n\r\n<span> </span>$8,634.00<span> </span> total donated so far.\r\n<div>The AAZK competition runs through 1 March 2012. Remember for a $1 donation 3 trees will be planted in the Polar Bear Forest in Wisconsin. Let’s help polar bears by planting trees and reducing our carbon footprint. Go to the link on Polar Bears International’s website to make a donation: <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/trees-you-and-me-model-nation</a>.</div>', 'AAZK and Polar Bears International', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1589-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-02-23 16:54:34', '2012-02-23 21:54:34', '', 1589, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1589-revision-74/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2685, 2, '2012-12-28 09:52:05', '2012-12-28 14:52:05', '<h2>2015 Challenge</h2>\r\n<h4>What is “Trees for You &amp; Me”?</h4>\r\n<img class="alignleft" title="trees_u_me" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/trees_u_me.jpg" alt="trees_u_me" width="180" /> Trees for You &amp; Me is a friendly competition among AAZK Chapters.  It was launched by former PBI Ambassadors as a fundraising challenge to plant trees.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How does the Tree Planting Work?</h4>\r\nLocal AAZK Chapters compete with each other to raise funds. Each Chapter then has three options on how to apply the money they raise:\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>They can use the funds in their own communities, by planting on the grounds of their own zoo or aquarium or by supporting a local tree-planting project. (If selected, this option should be coordinated with the <strong>Acres for the Atmosphere</strong> program).</li>\r\n	<li>They can donate the funds to <a href="http://Savenature.org">SaveNature.org</a>, an international tree-planting organization that works with tropical rainforests. With this option, the Chapter should talk about the importance of rainforests in combatting climate change as part of the fundraising process.</li>\r\n	<li>They can donate the funds to Polar Bear International in support of <strong>Acres for the Atmosphere</strong> projects.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhichever option is chosen, the funds must be spent on planting trees or on a related greening effort. The effort must also include an educational event that invites others to take part in additional conservation behaviors that reduce CO². Planting trees in urban areas has distinct benefits, but the most important is that it brings together in a green activity.  Community engagement - c<em>itizens working collaboratively, through inspired action and learning, to create and realize bold visions for their common future</em> - is a critical step in creating movement to stop our dependence on fossil fuels and stop global warming.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How will the Challenge Work?</h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>AAZK Chapters should register between October 1, 2014 and January 1, 2015 by sending the following information to <a href="http://acc@polarbearsinternational.org">ACC@polarbearsinternational.org</a>: the coordinator\'s name, the AAZK Chapter name, the affiliated zoo or aquarium, and the phone number and email address of the coordinator.</li>\r\n	<li>PBI will send communications about the Trees for You and Me effort to each Chapter\'s coordinator throughout the Challenge.</li>\r\n	<li>Chapters will report their results to PBI; periodic emails from PBI will announce the standings.</li>\r\n	<li>Chapters may follow the progress and results on the PBI and AAZK websites.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nFollowing the fundraising effort, Chapters will report on how they used the funds.  This includes sharing the effort with others through PBI\'s SOS Community Page (<a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/saveourseaice">http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/saveourseaice</a>) and by reporting through the Chapter re-chartering process.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>When will Trees For You &amp; Me start?</h4>\r\nThe Challenge will begin October 1, 2014.  The last date to register is January 1, 2015.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>When will Trees For You &amp; Me end?</h4>\r\nThe Challenge will end at midnight MST on March 2, 2015. Results will be reported shortly thereafter when all the donations have been recorded by PBI.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How can chapters raise and gather Challenge funds?</h4>\r\nEach AAZK chapter can determine the way they want to raise money. Projects in the past have included bake sales, polar plunges, miniature golf events, garage sales, silent auctions, fun runs, spaghetti dinners, car washes, recycling programs, a night at a local hangout that allows a 50/50 raffle, and more. The actual cash handling procedures will be the same you follow for other campaigns for your Chapter at your institution.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How will the winners be awarded and announced?</h4>\r\nWe invite teams to report the amount of funds raised to PBI on December 31, and March 2, 2015.\r\n\r\nPBI will report on the status of the different chapters through an email sent to the AAZK Chapters and their coordinator.\r\n\r\nAAZK will report on the status of the different chapters on its website and through social media.\r\n\r\nPBI will provide $25 towards the purchase of a bush for the team leading the charge at the half-way point on December 31, 2014.  PBI will give a $100 prize to the winning chapter to plant a tree. (A plaque is up to the institution.)\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What are the prizes?</h4>\r\nFirst place is awarded to the team with the most funds donated by <strong>Midnight MST</strong> <strong>March 2, 2015</strong>, and were reported to PBI no later than March 4, 2015. The winning team receives a native  tree to plant in a public location with a purchase value from a commercial nursery of no more than $100.\r\n\r\nIn addition,  challenge prize will be awarded to the team with most  funds donated by <strong>Midnight MST December 31, 2014</strong>  and reported to PBI by January 5, 2015, That  will receive a native bush to plant in a public location with a purchase value from a commercial nursery of no more than $25.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How do I start?</h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Find a group and become a champion.</li>\r\n	<li>Make plans for events and strategies to raise the funds over the course of the Challenge, which officially runs from October 1, 2014 - March 2, 2015. (Although the competition begins on October 1, 2014, we\'ll do a second push and close the registration on January 1, 2015 since so many Chapters participate only in the spring.</li>\r\n	<li>Define roles and responsibilities including:</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>procedures for handling donations for your Chapter and Institution</li>\r\n	<li>reporting  to AAZK and PBI during the course of the Challenge.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style="padding-left: 150px;">Good luck on your efforts.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How will reporting work?</h4>\r\nEach participating AAZK Chapter is responsible for following National AAZK National’s requirements for reporting on funds raised for conservation as outlined in the re-chartering packet.\r\nPBI requests that each AAZK Chapter report about the planting activity with a photo and description on PBI\'s new community, the PBI community page, SOS Community Page.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What is an example of an  <a href="http://www.acresfor%20the atmosphere.org">Acres for the Atmosphere</a> project?</h4>\r\nThe Acres program involves tree planting, learning, and FUN! Participants plant trees in local communities and also help educate the public about the benefits of tree planting to counteract a warming climate. Funds donated will support grant money for Acres for the Atmosphere plantings. For more information, contact Heather or Marissa at  <a href="mailto:Acres@pbears.org">Acres@pbears.org</a>.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What other projects are eligible for tree planting?</h4>\r\nYour Chapter or Institution may participate in other conservation programs where tree planting is an important component. Saving tropical rainforest habitat, for example, impacts species and global climate change. AAZK recommends <a href="http://www.SaveNature.org">SaveNature.org </a> for tropical reforestation projects.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How Does  Planting Trees Help Polar Bears?</h4>\r\nTrees act as “carbon sinks” that absorb CO2 from the air. They store this carbon in roots, trunks, stems, and leaves while they grow and in wood products after they\'re harvested.\r\n\r\nReducing the build-up of carbon in the atmosphere is necessary to reverse climate change. Polar bears depend on the sea ice to hunt, breed, and in some cases to den. Less carbon in the atmosphere means better conditions to retain arctic sea ice and improve polar bear habitat and survival.\r\n\r\nConservation actions that reduce the production of greenhouse gases are the most impactful efforts to save polar bears. Planting trees is one of the few tools that we have to sequester carbon. Saving tropical rainforests is even more impactful for sequestering CO2. As an individual and group you can make difference:\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Don’t buy products with palm oil</li>\r\n	<li>Purchase shade-grown coffee</li>\r\n	<li>Eat less meat or purchase local meat rather than meat produced in deforested tropical rain forests</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4>For More Information Contact:</h4>\r\n<strong>Trees for You and Me:</strong>\r\n\r\nChristy <a href="http://christy.mazrimus-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">christy.mazrimas-ott@aecetia.net/gws/aazk </a>or <a href="http://christy.mazrimus-ott@czs.org">christy.mazrimas-ott@czs.org</a>\r\n\r\nAAZK: Wendy Lenhart, Conservation Committee (Oversight) at <a href="http://Wendy.Lenhart@aecetia.net/gws/aazk%20">Wendy.Lenhart@aecetia.net/gws/aazk </a>or <a href="http://lenhart.wendy@phillyzoo.org">lenhart.wendy@phillyzoo.org</a>\r\n\r\nPBI: Marissa Krouse at <a href="http://acc@polarbearsinternational.org">acc@polarbearsinternational.org</a>', 'Trees for You and Me', 0, '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'trees-for-you-and-me', '', '', '2014-08-18 17:18:50', '2014-08-18 22:18:50', '', 12, 'http://aazk.org/?page_id=2685', 0, 'page', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (4575, 2, '2013-11-21 12:40:55', '2013-11-21 17:40:55', '<h2>2014 Campaign</h2>\r\n<h4>What is “Trees for You &amp; Me”?</h4>\r\n<img class="alignleft" title="trees_u_me" alt="trees_u_me" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/trees_u_me.jpg" width="180" /> Trees for You &amp; Me is a friendly competition launched by former PBI Field Ambassadors as a financial campaign to fund tree-planting. This year, the effort has a local focus. Rather than Polar Bears International® gathering the funds for a large tree planting with our partner, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Forestry Division, we believe this year is a good year to draw attention to the benefits of urban tree-planting and the associated educational programming and awareness such events create.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What is the “local effort”?</h4>\r\nPlanting trees in urban areas has distinct benefits, but most important is bringing the community together through engagement. Community engagement—citizens working collaboratively, through inspired action and learning, to create and realize bold visions for their common future, is a critical step in creating a movement to stop our dependence upon fossil fuels and stop global warming.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How will the campaign work?</h4>\r\nTrees for You &amp; Me is still a campaign to raise financial resources to plant trees.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The funding raised will stay in your local community, with your own insititution.</li>\r\n	<li>The funds must be spent on a tree-planting (or appropriate greening effort) and educational event to invite others to join you in additional conservation behaviors.</li>\r\n	<li>The effort should coordinate with Acres with the Atmosphere or it can be part of an international tree planting effort associated with another conservation program.</li>\r\n	<li>And finally, that effort should be shared with others through <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/myplanetmypart" target="_blank">PBI’s My Planet, My Part</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>When will Trees For You &amp; Me start?</h4>\r\nRegistration and campaign begins on October 1, 2013.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>When will Trees For You &amp; Me end?</h4>\r\nThe campaign will end midnight, PST on March 1, 2014.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How can chapters raise and gather campaign funds?</h4>\r\nEach AAZK chapter can determine the way they want to raise money. Projects in the past have included bake sales, polar plunges, miniature golf events, garage sales, silent auctions, fun runs, spaghetti dinners, car washes, recycling programs, and more. The actual cash handling procedures will be the same you follow for other campaigns for your Chapter at your institution and reporting to AAZK similarly to Bowling for Rhinos in the re-charter packet.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How will the winners be awarded and announced?</h4>\r\nWe invite teams to report the amount of funds raised to PBI on January 31, February 16 and March 2. PBI will report on the status of the different chapters by sharing a website with updates at the half- way point and at the end. AAZK will report on the status of the different chapters on its website and through social media. PBI will provide $25 towards the purchase of a bush for the team leading the charge at the half-way point on February 15, 2014.  PBI will give a $100 prize to the winning chapter to plant a tree. (A plaque is up to the institution.)\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What are the prizes?</h4>\r\nFirst place is awarded to the team with the most funds reported to PBI on March 3, 2014, that were donated by Midnight MST March 1, 2014. The team receives a tree to plant in a public location that is a native species to that area with a purchase value from a commercial nursery of no more than $100. A challenge prize is awarded to the team with highest amount of funds reported to PBI by February 16, 2014, that were donated by Midnight MST February 15, 2014. The team receives a bush to plant in a public location that is a native species to that area with a purchase value from a commercial nursery of no more than $25.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How do I start?</h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Form a group and become a champion - Registration begins October 1, 2013.</li>\r\n	<li>Make plan for events and strategies to raise the funds over the course of the two months.</li>\r\n	<li>Define roles and responsibilities including confirming procedures for handling donations for your chapter and Institution and who will report to AAZK and PBI during the course of the campaign.</li>\r\n	<li>Good luck on your efforts.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How will reporting work?</h4>\r\nEach participating AAZK chapter is responsible for following AAZK National’s requirements for reporting on funds raised for conservation in the re-chartering packet.\r\nPBI requires that each AAZK Chapter report about the planting activity with a photo and description on PBI\'s new community, <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/myplanetmypart" target="_blank">My Planet, My Part</a>. Acres for the Atmosphere projects or donations to tropical forests planting should be completed within six months of the campaign fundraiser close. (Reports to My Planet, My Part would occur between April-November, 2014.)\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What is an example of an  Acres for the Atmosphere project?</h4>\r\nThe Acres program involves tree planting, learning, and FUN! Participants plant trees in local communities and also help educate the public about the benefits of tree planting to counteract a warming climate. For more information, contact Heather or Marissa at  <a href="mailto:Acres@pbears.org">Acres@pbears.org</a>.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What is an example of an urban tree planting?</h4>\r\n<em>City of Sparta, Wisconsin</em>\r\nThe primary goal of this project is to plant a diverse mixture of 1.5" caliper saplings before Emerald Ash Borer infestations destroy the city’s tree canopy. This project has a strong educational component. The proposal includes working with the local school\'s Earth Club, the county extension office, and Master Gardeners. City residents and homeowners plan to be engaged in watering and mulching the project trees adjacent to their homes. The hope is this will inspire individuals to plant additional trees on their own personal property. The community is willing to develop and place signage in their city parks highlighting the donor.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>What other projects are eligible for tree planting?</h4>\r\nYour Chapter or Institution may participate in other conservation programs where tree planting is an important component, no matter the taxon, saving tropical forest habitat impacts species and global climate change.\r\n<div class="hr"></div>\r\n<h4>How Does  Planting Trees Help Polar Bears?</h4>\r\nTrees act as “carbon sinks” that absorb CO2 from the air. They store this carbon in roots, trunks, stems, and leaves while they grow and in wood products after they\'re harvested. Reducing the build-up of carbon in the atmosphere is necessary to reverse climate change. Polar bears depend on the sea ice to hunt, breed, and in some cases to den. Less carbon in the atmosphere means better conditions to retain arctic sea ice and improve polar bear habitat and survival. Conservation actions that reduce the production of GHGs are the most impactful efforts to save polar bears. Planting trees in North America is one of the few tools that we have to sequester carbon. For other forestation efforts, saving tropical rainforests is even more impactful for sequestering CO2. As an individual and group you can make difference:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Don’t buy products with palm oil</li>\r\n	<li>Purchase shade-grown coffee</li>\r\n	<li>Purchase local meat rather than meat produced in deforested tropical rain forests</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div id="inner-links"></div>', 'Trees for You and Me', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2685-revision-v1', '', '', '2013-11-21 12:40:55', '2013-11-21 17:40:55', '', 2685, 'http://web3.gowebsolutions.com/~aazook/2685-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2440, 2, '2012-04-14 10:44:54', '2012-04-14 15:44:54', '<em>By Ian Craig\nFounder of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy\nNorthern Rangelands Trust, Isiolo, Kenya</em>\n\nDue to a massive investment of effort, time and money by conservationists worldwide, the past two decades have seen a very positive period for in situ rhino conservation in Africa.  In the mid-80’s when conservationists worldwide came together with the realization that rhino were heading for extinction, this catalyzed a whole new investment in management ideas and new thinking.  Never had the concept of small, fenced sanctuaries to protect rhino been on the agenda; the philosophy was that rhino need large open spaces with no restrictions.  This myth was quickly dismissed with the realization that the only option available was to concentrate animals into small, highly protected areas and this has been the foundation of the growth of Africa’s black and white rhino populations over the past twenty years.  <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2438" title="ian1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ian1-300x217.jpg" alt="ian1" width="300" height="217" />\n\nThe different approaches across Africa of fenced sanctuaries and intensive protection zones (IPZ’s) have had different levels of success, but with a major factor in the increase of Southern white rhino being the commercial benefits accrued from sport hunting where land owners have seen significant financial benefit  in the hunting of southern white rhino.  The private sector throughout the continent has played an equal role to national governments and in some countries where private public partnerships are national policy, over 50% of a nation’s black rhino population is now on private land.\n\nThe cost of protecting rhino over this past decade has essentially risen with the cost of inflation and as long as adequate ground coverage by well-trained, motivated rangers was in place, attrition from poaching could be kept at a level below the natural increment.  Most countries look at a minimum 5% growth per annum within their respective rhino populations.  The cost of protecting these animals has been significantly carried by concerned individuals, zoo-based organisations and national governments, specifically in the US and the UK.  These funds have been channeled into both private and government rhino conservation initiatives resulting in this success and steady increase.\n\nWhereas historically illicit rhino horn would move through a series of middle men before reaching its final destination with the increasing presence of Far Eastern investment into Africa and the accompanying nationals, the routing of this horn has been much more direct and easier.  Accepting that the black market demand is driven by the end-user price, the increasing levels of wealth within the Far East are influencing the spiraling demand of rhino horn in Africa.  With increasing trade between the Far East and Africa, communication, transport and the ease of moving product are all factors contributing to this ever- increasing demand.  In 2010, a series of rhino horns were confiscated in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, hidden amongst avocado pears being air freighted to the Far East.  These horns proved to have originated in Zimbabwe and had been moved to Nairobi over land and were now on direct flights to the Far East from the hub of Nairobi.\n\nThis situation only stands to get worse; economies and demand for wildlife products in the Far East are growing.  East Asian nationals get more and more integrated into African societies and lines of communication and transport continue to improve.  The inevitable knock on effect of these increasing values is the potential to corrupt government officials responsible for enforcing controls on national borders and within wildlife authorities.\n\nApart from keeping existing populations safe, the single biggest challenge facing many African governments with a responsibility for rhino conservation is finding safe space for rhino.  Rhino are the most forgiving animals thriving in the most diverse habitats on the continent, yet ensuring that criminals don’t kill them requires the highest levels of 24-hour protection.\n\nThe year 2012 is now a time to re-focus on what has worked, what has not worked and what are the opportunities of our time.\n\nWhat has worked; intensive protection zones and fenced sanctuaries are a proven success.  The model is now well-established, the costs clearly identified and minimum standards of ground coverage required are well-documented.  This concept can be expanded into national parks, community areas and private land but with the increasing demand comes an ever increasing cost of protection.\n\nWhat has not worked; free release areas and community conservancies have proven to be a challenge to keeping rhino safe and at this time are an option that has passed.  The ban on the sale of rhino horn through CITIES; we need to revisit the options.\n\nOpportunities of our time; with technology changing by the day this is the single most cost-effective tool of our day to protect rhino.  If the relevant military technology used to protect borders and military locations together with the most modern technology to monitor human movement and the protection of assets can be applied to protecting rhino, this has the potential to dramatically change the future of field conservation for rhino.  This is starting to happen in an ever-increasing way and as is normal with such new technology is not being openly discussed through public channels but already is starting to make an impact on how rhino are protected.\n\nOne can only ask who is killing these rhino, who is moving the horn and who is driving the price?\n\n<strong>Who’s killing the Rhino? </strong> Every society has its criminals and poverty is rife throughout much of Africa.  In Eastern and Central Africa much of the poaching is undertaken by armed criminals who are essentially opportunists, out to make a quick buck.  In Sothern Africa the dynamic is totally different where professional veterinarians and high level officials using helicopters have been prosecuted for the actual field poaching of rhino.\n\n<strong>Who’s moving the horn? </strong> Rhino horn, like hard drugs, counterfeit currency, and illicit diamonds is a high-value, black-market product that once it leaves the hand of the poacher is moved through a series of couriers, on to godfathers coordinating these activities across national and international borders.  Rhino horn being such a small article can easily be hidden and moved by a motor bike in a hand bag or hidden in materials being exported.\n\n<strong>Who’s driving the price?</strong> Clearly the market for rhino horn is based on traditional Chinese medicine and connotations around this myth.  The end-user can be a very humble member of society who genuinely believes the use of powdered rhino horn can save the life of a loved one, and each one of us would spend our last dollar on such cause.  Between the poacher and the end-user the multiplication of value would seem to be four to five times possible more, leaving massive opportunity for middle men to benefit.  With the weakening value of many African currencies against the US Dollar and essentially a dollar-based value on Rhino horn, this is multiplying the in-country value within Africa, further exasperating an already-volatile situation.\n\nOn one hand, the future of Africa’s rhino could be seen to be extremely bleak, yet on the other hand with plenty of suitable habitat available, the real challenge is to provide cost-effective security using the most modern technology in support of the field operations.  Alongside this, a significant public programme to keep the world, specifically the market of Eastern Asia, fully informed as to the myth of rhino horns’ potency and the impact of buying rhino horn.  A careful assessment is required to look at the effectiveness of the CITIES ban on the trade of rhino products; this clearly has not worked and it is again time to consider the options available to us as conservationists to give rhino a new hope.\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2439" title="black_rhino" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/black_rhino-858x1024.jpg" alt="black_rhino" width="601" height="717" /></p>\n<p style="text-align: center;">Cost-effective security programs, like those provided by our Conservation Partners at Lewa and</p>\n<p style="text-align: center;">IRF, are proven methods of protecting</p>', 'What’s driving this massive upsurge in rhino poaching  and what is the future for rhino in the wild?', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2424-revision-2', '', '', '2012-04-14 10:44:54', '2012-04-14 15:44:54', '', 2424, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2424-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2441, 2, '2012-04-14 10:45:53', '2012-04-14 15:45:53', '<em>By Ian Craig\nFounder of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy\nNorthern Rangelands Trust, Isiolo, Kenya</em>\n\nDue to a massive investment of effort, time and money by conservationists worldwide, the past two decades have seen a very positive period for in situ rhino conservation in Africa.  In the mid-80’s when conservationists worldwide came together with the realization that rhino were heading for extinction, this catalyzed a whole new investment in management ideas and new thinking.  Never had the concept of small, fenced sanctuaries to protect rhino been on the agenda; the philosophy was that rhino need large open spaces with no restrictions.  This myth was quickly dismissed with the realization that the only option available was to concentrate animals into small, highly protected areas and this has been the foundation of the growth of Africa’s black and white rhino populations over the past twenty years.  <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2438" title="ian1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/ian1-300x217.jpg" alt="ian1" width="300" height="217" />\n\nThe different approaches across Africa of fenced sanctuaries and intensive protection zones (IPZ’s) have had different levels of success, but with a major factor in the increase of Southern white rhino being the commercial benefits accrued from sport hunting where land owners have seen significant financial benefit  in the hunting of southern white rhino.  The private sector throughout the continent has played an equal role to national governments and in some countries where private public partnerships are national policy, over 50% of a nation’s black rhino population is now on private land.\n\nThe cost of protecting rhino over this past decade has essentially risen with the cost of inflation and as long as adequate ground coverage by well-trained, motivated rangers was in place, attrition from poaching could be kept at a level below the natural increment.  Most countries look at a minimum 5% growth per annum within their respective rhino populations.  The cost of protecting these animals has been significantly carried by concerned individuals, zoo-based organisations and national governments, specifically in the US and the UK.  These funds have been channeled into both private and government rhino conservation initiatives resulting in this success and steady increase.\n\nWhereas historically illicit rhino horn would move through a series of middle men before reaching its final destination with the increasing presence of Far Eastern investment into Africa and the accompanying nationals, the routing of this horn has been much more direct and easier.  Accepting that the black market demand is driven by the end-user price, the increasing levels of wealth within the Far East are influencing the spiraling demand of rhino horn in Africa.  With increasing trade between the Far East and Africa, communication, transport and the ease of moving product are all factors contributing to this ever- increasing demand.  In 2010, a series of rhino horns were confiscated in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, hidden amongst avocado pears being air freighted to the Far East.  These horns proved to have originated in Zimbabwe and had been moved to Nairobi over land and were now on direct flights to the Far East from the hub of Nairobi.\n\nThis situation only stands to get worse; economies and demand for wildlife products in the Far East are growing.  East Asian nationals get more and more integrated into African societies and lines of communication and transport continue to improve.  The inevitable knock on effect of these increasing values is the potential to corrupt government officials responsible for enforcing controls on national borders and within wildlife authorities.\n\nApart from keeping existing populations safe, the single biggest challenge facing many African governments with a responsibility for rhino conservation is finding safe space for rhino.  Rhino are the most forgiving animals thriving in the most diverse habitats on the continent, yet ensuring that criminals don’t kill them requires the highest levels of 24-hour protection.\n\nThe year 2012 is now a time to re-focus on what has worked, what has not worked and what are the opportunities of our time.\n\nWhat has worked; intensive protection zones and fenced sanctuaries are a proven success.  The model is now well-established, the costs clearly identified and minimum standards of ground coverage required are well-documented.  This concept can be expanded into national parks, community areas and private land but with the increasing demand comes an ever increasing cost of protection.\n\nWhat has not worked; free release areas and community conservancies have proven to be a challenge to keeping rhino safe and at this time are an option that has passed.  The ban on the sale of rhino horn through CITIES; we need to revisit the options.\n\nOpportunities of our time; with technology changing by the day this is the single most cost-effective tool of our day to protect rhino.  If the relevant military technology used to protect borders and military locations together with the most modern technology to monitor human movement and the protection of assets can be applied to protecting rhino, this has the potential to dramatically change the future of field conservation for rhino.  This is starting to happen in an ever-increasing way and as is normal with such new technology is not being openly discussed through public channels but already is starting to make an impact on how rhino are protected.\n\nOne can only ask who is killing these rhino, who is moving the horn and who is driving the price?\n\n<strong>Who’s killing the Rhino? </strong> Every society has its criminals and poverty is rife throughout much of Africa.  In Eastern and Central Africa much of the poaching is undertaken by armed criminals who are essentially opportunists, out to make a quick buck.  In Sothern Africa the dynamic is totally different where professional veterinarians and high level officials using helicopters have been prosecuted for the actual field poaching of rhino.\n\n<strong>Who’s moving the horn? </strong> Rhino horn, like hard drugs, counterfeit currency, and illicit diamonds is a high-value, black-market product that once it leaves the hand of the poacher is moved through a series of couriers, on to godfathers coordinating these activities across national and international borders.  Rhino horn being such a small article can easily be hidden and moved by a motor bike in a hand bag or hidden in materials being exported.\n\n<strong>Who’s driving the price?</strong> Clearly the market for rhino horn is based on traditional Chinese medicine and connotations around this myth.  The end-user can be a very humble member of society who genuinely believes the use of powdered rhino horn can save the life of a loved one, and each one of us would spend our last dollar on such cause.  Between the poacher and the end-user the multiplication of value would seem to be four to five times possible more, leaving massive opportunity for middle men to benefit.  With the weakening value of many African currencies against the US Dollar and essentially a dollar-based value on Rhino horn, this is multiplying the in-country value within Africa, further exasperating an already-volatile situation.\n\nOn one hand, the future of Africa’s rhino could be seen to be extremely bleak, yet on the other hand with plenty of suitable habitat available, the real challenge is to provide cost-effective security using the most modern technology in support of the field operations.  Alongside this, a significant public programme to keep the world, specifically the market of Eastern Asia, fully informed as to the myth of rhino horns’ potency and the impact of buying rhino horn.  A careful assessment is required to look at the effectiveness of the CITIES ban on the trade of rhino products; this clearly has not worked and it is again time to consider the options available to us as conservationists to give rhino a new hope.\n<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2439" title="black_rhino" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/black_rhino-858x1024.jpg" alt="black_rhino" width="601" height="717" /></p>\n\n<p style="text-align: center;">Cost-effective security programs, like those provided by our Conservation Partners at Lewa and\nIRF, are proven methods of protecting rhinos. (<em>Photo by Patty Pearthree</em>)', 'What’s driving this massive upsurge in rhino poaching  and what is the future for rhino in the wild?', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2424-revision-3', '', '', '2012-04-14 10:45:53', '2012-04-14 15:45:53', '', 2424, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2424-revision-3/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
