INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2606, 2, '2012-10-02 08:02:53', '2012-10-02 13:02:53', '<a href="http://www.ncaazk.com/2013nationalconference.htm"><img class="size-full wp-image-2602 alignnone" title="2013_logo_small" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2013_logo_small.jpg" alt="2013_logo_small" width="173" height="88" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href="http://www.ncaazk.com/2013nationalconference.htm">Greensboro, NC</a>\r\n\r\n22-26 September 2013', '2012 AAZK National Conference', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2144-revision-10', '', '', '2012-10-02 08:02:53', '2012-10-02 13:02:53', '', 2144, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2144-revision-10/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2550, 2, '2012-08-29 10:22:15', '2012-08-29 15:22:15', '', 'melaina3', 0, ' Melaina Wallace - <em>Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</em>', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'melaina3', '', '', '2012-08-29 10:22:15', '2012-08-29 15:22:15', '', 178, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/melaina3.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2551, 2, '2011-05-13 19:03:57', '2011-05-14 00:03:57', '<h3><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1132" title="pdc_color_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pdc_color_logo-155x300.jpg" alt="pdc_color_logo" width="155" height="300" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Chair</h3>\r\n<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" /> Melaina Wallace - <em>Disney\'s Animal Kingdom</em>\r\n<h3>Purpose</h3>\r\nThe Professional Development Committee\'s Mission is to provide continual resources for professional growth through leadership  and educational opportunities for all National AAZK members.\r\n\r\n<strong>2010</strong>\r\nThe 2010 AAZK National Conference in Philadelphia was an interesting and busy time for the Professional Development Committee.   The committee again hosted two continuing education workshops.   The workshops presented were a Passerine Husbandry Workshop and a Rotating Exhibits Workshop.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1814" title="pass_workshop" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pass_workshop-225x300.jpg" alt="pass_workshop" width="225" height="300" />\r\n\r\nThe Passerine Husbandry Workshop was taught by Dr. Robert Webster from the Toledo Zoo and was sponsored by Marion Zoological, Mazuri, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.   This was a 6 hour workshop that focused on allowing keepers being able to share their own personal or their own facilities advancements in the care of these small birds.   On top of that it gave a host of other talks that focused passerine bird biology, husbandry, and behavioral husbandry. PDF\'s from this workshop can be found in the <a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/members/login.php">Member\'s Only</a> section of the website.\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1815" title="robert_webster" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/robert_webster-300x225.jpg" alt="robert_webster" width="300" height="225" />\r\n\r\n<em>Dr. Robert Webster giving one of many bird husbandry talks</em>\r\n\r\nThe Rotating Exhibit Workshop was an evening workshop that was hosted by keepers from the Denver Zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Philadelphia Zoo, and Point Defiance Zoo.   This type of animal exhibitry is starting to become a new direction and method of revitalizing old exhibits while staying in existing footprints and addressing the ever rising expectations of animal welfare and behavioral husbandry.  This two hour workshop focused on the daily opportunities and challenges associated with this type of exhibit with emphasis on enrichment, safety, guest experience, along with the flexibility, freedom, and limitations that one might face if considering a change in this style of animal exhibitry. PDF\'s from this workshop can be found in the <a href="../members/login.php">Member\'s Only</a> section of the website\r\n\r\n<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1816" title="predator_ridge" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/predator_ridge-300x225.jpg" alt="predator_ridge" width="300" height="225" />\r\n\r\n<em>Andrew Rowan and Mike Murray talk about their rotating exhibit Predator Ridge</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Future</strong>\r\n\r\nOne of the other main focuses of the committee at this conference was to meet about the new direction of the professional development committee and their increasing role in the future of the AAZK.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>2010 Professional Development Committee Members</strong></em>\r\nMelaina Wallace – Chair                                  Bob Cisneros- Liaison to Board\r\nDisney’s Animal Kingdom                                   San Diego Zoo\r\n\r\nKelly Wilson                                                  Victor Alm\r\nDetroit Zoo                                                  Oakland Zoo\r\n\r\nBandy Hicks                                                                                            Leann Blinco\r\nBoat Club Road Animal Hospital                          Disney\'s Animal Kingdom\r\nWhitetail Veterinary Services\r\n\r\nMike Murray                                                Aaron Jesue\r\nDenver Zoo                                                                                              North Carolina Zoo\r\n\r\nDawn Sohr                                                                              Andrew Rowan\r\nBrookfield Zoo                                                                       Denver Zoo\r\n\r\nEllen Vossekuil                                             Amanda Hall\r\nUtah’s Hogle Zoo                                       Zoo New England\r\n\r\nEunice Hui                                                                              Anthony Nielsen\r\nCuriOdyssey                                                Lincoln Park Zoo\r\n\r\nT’Noya Thompson Gonzales\r\nMoody Gardens\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong></strong>', 'Professional Development Committee', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '178-revision-v1', '', '', '2011-05-13 19:03:57', '2011-05-14 00:03:57', '', 178, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/178-revision-17/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2552, 2, '2012-07-06 12:46:14', '2012-07-06 17:46:14', '<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">\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="email">Sara Wunder Steward</div>\r\n<div class="email">AAZK representative</div>\r\n<div class="email">Busch Gardens Tampa</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 12:46:14', '2012-07-06 17:46:14', '', 496, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/496-revision-26/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2648, 2, '2012-11-02 18:10:15', '2012-11-02 23:10:15', '<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 14-19, 2013 - <em>ABMA Annual Conference</em> - Toronto, Canada.</strong> Hosted by the Toronto Zoo at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto. For more information, go to <a href="http://theabma.org">theabma.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>April 30 - May 2 2013 -<em>Chimpanzee SSP Meeting and Husbandry Workshop</em></strong> -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.  Please visit <a href="https://houstonzoo.doubleknot.com/event/chimp-husbandry-workshop-registration/1250219">https://houstonzoo.doubleknot.com/event/chimp-husbandry-workshop-registration/1250219</a> for more information.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 5-9, 2013 - <em>Eighth Biannual Rhino Keepers’ Workshop</em> -</strong> Hosted by San Diego Zoo Global.  For Call for Papers and more information contact <a href="mailto:laubery@sandiegozoo.org">laubery@sandiegozoo.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 20-23, 2013 - <em>World Crocodile Conference</em></strong> - “Living with Crocodilians” 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN — SSC, Crocodile Specialist Group. For more information and registration, go to: <a href="http://csgsrilanka.com/">csgsrilanka.com/</a>.\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\r\n<strong>October 13-17, 2013 - <em>WAZA Annual Conference</em></strong> - Hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For more information go to: <a href="http://waza.org">waza.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>October 15-18, 2013 - <em>ICEE ─ International Conference on Environmental Enrichment</em></strong><em> </em>- Hosted by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa at the Kwalata Game Ranch,   South Africa.  For more information, go to <a href="http://nzg.ac.za/icee2013">nzg.ac.za/icee2013</a>.\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 November 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-11-02 18:10:15', '2012-11-02 23:10:15', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-69/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2598, 2, '2012-10-01 08:07:25', '2012-10-01 13:07:25', '<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\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 October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-10-01 08:07:25', '2012-10-01 13:07:25', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-67/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2577, 2, '2012-08-29 10:59:04', '2012-08-29 15:59:04', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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\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><em>April 30 - May 2 2013 - </em><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>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 August 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-08-29 10:59:04', '2012-08-29 15:59:04', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-63/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2557, 2, '2012-08-01 10:37:36', '2012-08-01 15:37:36', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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\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>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 August 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-08-01 10:37:36', '2012-08-01 15:37:36', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-60/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2558, 2, '2012-08-29 10:56:19', '2012-08-29 15:56:19', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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\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><em>April 30 - May 2: 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>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 August 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-08-29 10:56:19', '2012-08-29 15:56:19', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-61/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2559, 2, '2012-08-29 10:58:06', '2012-08-29 15:58:06', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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\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><em>April 30 - May 2 2013: 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>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 August 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-08-29 10:58:06', '2012-08-29 15:58:06', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-62/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2560, 2, '2012-08-31 19:29:50', '2012-09-01 00:29:50', '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\nCall for Papers: Multi-species Bird/Ungulate Habitats\r\n\r\nDietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee<span> </span>\r\n\r\nGood Catch - Monitoring Fish Consumption/Waste in Order to Reduce Food Fish\r\n\r\nWaste at the Penguin and Puffin Coast<span> </span>\r\n\r\nPlanning and Implementing a Herp Survey<span> </span>\r\n\r\nEnrichment Options: Safer Enrichment — It’s as Easy as 1,2,3<span> </span>\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: You want to Stick What? Where?:  Redirecting Focus to Facilitate\r\n\r\nInjection Training of Mongoose Lemurs<span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation Station: Express Crisis Relief<span> </span>\r\n\r\nResearch in Practice: Spending Time Evaluating Enrichment – How Much is Enough?', 'September 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'september-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2560', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2562, 2, '2012-08-31 19:30:55', '2012-09-01 00:30:55', '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\nCall for Papers: Multi-species Bird/Ungulate Habitats\n\nDietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee<span> </span>\n\nGood Catch - Monitoring Fish Consumption/Waste in Order to Reduce Food Fish\n\nWaste at the Penguin and Puffin Coast<span> </span>\n\nPlanning and Implementing a Herp Survey<span> </span>\n\nEnrichment Options: Safer Enrichment — It’s as Easy as 1,2,3<span> </span>\n\nTraining Tales: You want to Stick What? Where?:  Redirecting Focus to Facilitate\n\nInjection Training of Mongoose Lemurs<span> </span>\n\nConservation Station: Express Crisis Relief<span> </span>\n\nResearch in Practice: Spending Time Evaluating Enrichment – How Much is Enough?', 'September 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2560-autosave', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:30:55', '2012-09-01 00:30:55', '', 2560, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2560-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2563, 2, '2012-08-31 19:46:33', '2012-09-01 00:46:33', '<em>By Jennifer Ireland, Animal Management Supervisor\r\nand Terry Webb,  Former Curator of Mammals*\r\nNorth Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC\r\n*currently Collections Manager at WCS/Prospect Park Zoo</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Abstract:</strong>\r\n\r\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a healthy infant.  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing.  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life, the mother was anesthetized and the infant was allowed to nurse.  On Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed through caging without the mother interfering.  On Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing as bottle feeding through the cage front became unreliable and required considerable cooperation from the mother.\r\n\r\nThe infant chimpanzee was put on a scheduled feeding regime consisting of human infant formula.   Consumption, fecal output, and daily weights were recorded.  Adjustments to the amount and type of formula offered were made based on consumption, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and behavioral milestones.\r\n\r\nTraditionally, hand-reared chimpanzee infants are introduced to adults between six and 18 months of age.  With the permission of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP®) of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), plans were made for introduction at approximately four months.   Physical development and mobility of the infant were the two factors that determined if the infant was ready.   Traditional methods for food introduction and feeding schedules were accelerated.\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nChimpanzees have frequently been hand-reared (i.e. reared by humans) in research facilities and/or zoological institutions, though the frequency of hand-rearing has greatly reduced over the past 50 years due to improved husbandry practices (Porton and Niebruegge, 2006).   Historically, hand-rearing has occurred for various reasons including: maternal incompetence, medical concerns, aggression towards the infant by the mother or conspecifics, death of the mother, rearing so that the animal was tractable for shows, educational presentations, or research, and the popularity of nursery exhibits with the public.\r\n\r\nIn AZA, accredited zoos’ female chimpanzees are given every opportunity to raise their offspring.  Only in the cases of maternal incompetence, aggression, or significant health issues are infants pulled for hand-rearing.   If total neglect or abuse is not present, institutions are encouraged to allow the mother and infant to stay together for 72 hours prior to making the decision to hand-rear (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).  Infants can survive these 72 hours without nursing (Rogers and Davenport, 1970).  Maternal care is learned and can improve with practice, so this time allows the mother and infant time to develop proficiencies.\r\n\r\nResearch has shown that even chimpanzees hand-reared in socially and environmentally complex nursery settings show higher levels of abnormal behaviors (Maki, Fritz, and England, 1993; Bloomsmith and Haberstroh, 1995) and a greater chance of developing non-breeding behaviors or maternal incompetence as adults (King and Mellen, 1994).  In order to encourage the development of a normal behavioral repertoire, chimpanzees that cannot be mother-reared should be peer-reared and/or integrated with conspecifics at an early age.  The SSP® Care Manual for Chimpanzees suggests that socialization back to the mother should occur within six months or to a surrogate by 18 months (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\r\n\r\nIn developing a hand-rearing plan for chimpanzee infants it is therefore necessary to take both behavioral and nutritional factors into account.  When the North Carolina Zoo was recently faced with the task of hand-rearing a chimpanzee infant we carefully considered the need to socialize the infant with conspecifics.  The high degree of similarity between humans and chimpanzees allows for the relatively straight forward adaptation of human infant diets to the raising of chimpanzees.  However, given the need to integrate the infant with adult chimpanzees at an early age, we accelerated some of the traditional timelines for diet presentation in order to prepare the young chimp for reintroductions to the troop.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hand-rearing Nutrition Overview</strong>\r\n\r\nChimpanzees are humans’ closest, living relative, with similarities in physiology as well as growth and development.  As a result nutritional and feeding recommendations for humans can be adapted to chimpanzees with relative ease.  In fact, prior to 2003 it was recommended that the human recommended daily allowance (RDA) tables be consulted when approximating chimpanzee nutritional requirements (Fulk, Loomis, and Garland, 1992). Currently, the specific nutrient requirements for chimpanzees are defined and are available in the book Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates (National Research Council, 2003)\r\n\r\nIn 1985, Fritz, Ebert, and Carland outlined the nutritional management of hand-reared chimpanzees at the Primate Foundation of Arizona in Tempe, AZ. This information is used as the basis for current recommendations for the feeding of infant chimpanzees that are being hand-reared (Porton, 1992).   These recommendations provide suggestions on the frequency of feeding, volume, supplements, when to introduce solids, and weaning, which closely match dietary recommendations for human infants.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hand-rearing and Dietary Practices at the North Carolina Zoological Park</strong>\r\n\r\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a full-term, healthy infant (242 days after conception).  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing (Photo I).  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life no bouts of nursing were observed and the infant appeared weak. The mother was anesthetized on both days and the infant was allowed to nurse.  Through cooperation with the mother, on Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed the infant through the mesh caging.  During these feeding sessions the mother brought the infant to the cage front and zoo keepers used a nipple extension to offer it Pedialyte® and/or a human infant formula.  Unfortunately, cooperation with the mother declined during Days 4 through 5 preventing reliable feeding.  The mother also began leaving the infant on the floor and unattended for prolonged periods of time.  As a result of the inappropriate maternal behaviors, on Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing.\r\n\r\nOnce the decision to hand-rear was made, a team of trained neonatal volunteers was assembled to assist zoo staff in caring for the infant chimpanzee.  It is the practice of AZA zoos to mimic natural mother-infant behavior as closely as possible during hand-rearing.  Hand-rearing therefore involves almost 24-hour body-to-body contact between the infant and the caretaker, species-specific handling of the infant (including feeding the infant in a ventro-ventral position (Photo II), and exposure to<img class="size-full wp-image-2566 alignright" title="pic22" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pic22.jpg" alt="pic22" width="419" height="572" />\r\nconspecifics (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\r\n\r\nThe hand-rearing team recorded food offered and consumed, daily weights and temperatures, urination frequencies, fecal output and its consistency, and any behavioral or developmental data.  Dietary changes, including frequencies and amounts, were approved by the area supervisor, the Curator of Mammals, and the attending veterinarian.  Factors for diet changes were: total diet consumption, consumption at certain periods of the day, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and developmental needs.\r\n\r\nScheduled feeding was instituted, rather than on-demand feeding, due to the large number of individuals caring for the infant.  We chose a fixed schedule to avoid reliance on different individuals’ subjective judgment of hunger cues from the infant and the desire not to over or under feed.\r\n\r\nFor the first six weeks the infant was fed using a preemie bottle and nipple from Enfamil®.  At six weeks we changed to Evenflo® Classic™ bottles and silicone nipples (3-6 month, medium flow) due to issues with the preemie nipples flowing too fast.  We were concerned with aspiration and bloating due to rapid consumption.\r\n\r\nInitially the infant was provided the human infant formula Similac® Advance® Early Shield® with iron (see Table I for dietary offerings).  At just over two weeks of age the formula was changed to a soy formula (Enfamil® Prosobee® Infant Formula for Sensitive Tummy Soy formula with iron) due to several days of diarrhea and possible lactose intolerance.  The infant remains on this formula to date. When bouts of diarrhea occurred, the infant was taken off formula and offered Pedialyte® solution at 100% for 1-5 feeds (depending on length and frequency of diarrhea), then switched back to 100% formula over the course of three feeds.\r\n\r\nRice cereal was offered at eight weeks.   Novel fruits and vegetables in the form of baby food were introduced at 13 weeks.  Each item was offered for four consecutive days before offering a new item.  This was done to monitor for food allergies or adverse effects of each new food.   At each feeding cereal and/or fruits/vegetables were supplemental foods.  Formula was and continues to be the primary source of nutrition….\r\n<div style="font-style: italic;"><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></div>', 'Dietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at the North Carolina Zoological Park', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'dietary-practices-for-hand-rearing-of-an-infant-chimpanzee-pan-troglodytes-at-the-north-carolina-zoological-park', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2563', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2567, 2, '2012-08-31 19:45:02', '2012-09-01 00:45:02', '<strong><em>By Jennifer Ireland, Animal Management Supervisor\nand Terry Webb,  Former Curator of Mammals*\nNorth Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC\n*currently Collections Manager at WCS/Prospect Park Zoo</em></strong>\n\n<strong></strong>\n\n<strong>Abstract:</strong>\n\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a healthy infant.  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing.  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life, the mother was anesthetized and the infant was allowed to nurse.  On Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed through caging without the mother interfering.  On Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing as bottle feeding through the cage front became unreliable and required considerable cooperation from the mother.\n\nThe infant chimpanzee was put on a scheduled feeding regime consisting of human infant formula.   Consumption, fecal output, and daily weights were recorded.  Adjustments to the amount and type of formula offered were made based on consumption, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and behavioral milestones.\n\nTraditionally, hand-reared chimpanzee infants are introduced to adults between six and 18 months of age.  With the permission of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP®) of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), plans were made for introduction at approximately four months.   Physical development and mobility of the infant were the two factors that determined if the infant was ready.   Traditional methods for food introduction and feeding schedules were accelerated.\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nChimpanzees have frequently been hand-reared (i.e. reared by humans) in research facilities and/or zoological institutions, though the frequency of hand-rearing has greatly reduced over the past 50 years due to improved husbandry practices (Porton and Niebruegge, 2006).   Historically, hand-rearing has occurred for various reasons including: maternal incompetence, medical concerns, aggression towards the infant by the mother or conspecifics, death of the mother, rearing so that the animal was tractable for shows, educational presentations, or research, and the popularity of nursery exhibits with the public.\n\nIn AZA, accredited zoos’ female chimpanzees are given every opportunity to raise their offspring.  Only in the cases of maternal incompetence, aggression, or significant health issues are infants pulled for hand-rearing.   If total neglect or abuse is not present, institutions are encouraged to allow the mother and infant to stay together for 72 hours prior to making the decision to hand-rear (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).  Infants can survive these 72 hours without nursing (Rogers and Davenport, 1970).  Maternal care is learned and can improve with practice, so this time allows the mother and infant time to develop proficiencies.\n\nResearch has shown that even chimpanzees hand-reared in socially and environmentally complex nursery settings show higher levels of abnormal behaviors (Maki, Fritz, and England, 1993; Bloomsmith and Haberstroh, 1995) and a greater chance of developing non-breeding behaviors or maternal incompetence as adults (King and Mellen, 1994).  In order to encourage the development of a normal behavioral repertoire, chimpanzees that cannot be mother-reared should be peer-reared and/or integrated with conspecifics at an early age.  The SSP® Care Manual for Chimpanzees suggests that socialization back to the mother should occur within six months or to a surrogate by 18 months (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\n\nIn developing a hand-rearing plan for chimpanzee infants it is therefore necessary to take both behavioral and nutritional factors into account.  When the North Carolina Zoo was recently faced with the task of hand-rearing a chimpanzee infant we carefully considered the need to socialize the infant with conspecifics.  The high degree of similarity between humans and chimpanzees allows for the relatively straight forward adaptation of human infant diets to the raising of chimpanzees.  However, given the need to integrate the infant with adult chimpanzees at an early age, we accelerated some of the traditional timelines for diet presentation in order to prepare the young chimp for reintroductions to the troop.\n\n<strong>Hand-rearing Nutrition Overview</strong>\n\nChimpanzees are humans’ closest, living relative, with similarities in physiology as well as growth and development.  As a result nutritional and feeding recommendations for humans can be adapted to chimpanzees with relative ease.  In fact, prior to 2003 it was recommended that the human recommended daily allowance (RDA) tables be consulted when approximating chimpanzee nutritional requirements (Fulk, Loomis, and Garland, 1992). Currently, the specific nutrient requirements for chimpanzees are defined and are available in the book Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates (National Research Council, 2003)\n\nIn 1985, Fritz, Ebert, and Carland outlined the nutritional management of hand-reared chimpanzees at the Primate Foundation of Arizona in Tempe, AZ. This information is used as the basis for current recommendations for the feeding of infant chimpanzees that are being hand-reared (Porton, 1992).   These recommendations provide suggestions on the frequency of feeding, volume, supplements, when to introduce solids, and weaning, which closely match dietary recommendations for human infants.\n\n<strong>Hand-rearing and Dietary Practices at the North Carolina Zoological Park</strong>\n\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a full-term, healthy infant (242 days after conception).  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing (Photo I).  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life no bouts of nursing were observed and the infant appeared weak. The mother was anesthetized on both days and the infant was allowed to nurse.  Through cooperation with the mother, on Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed the infant through the mesh caging.  During these feeding sessions the mother brought the infant to the cage front and zoo keepers used a nipple extension to offer it Pedialyte® and/or a human infant formula.  Unfortunately, cooperation with the mother declined during Days 4 through 5 preventing reliable feeding.  The mother also began leaving the infant on the floor and unattended for prolonged periods of time.  As a result of the inappropriate maternal behaviors, on Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing.\n\nOnce the decision to hand-rear was made, a team of trained neonatal volunteers was assembled to assist zoo staff in caring for the infant chimpanzee.  It is the practice of AZA zoos to mimic natural mother-infant behavior as closely as possible during hand-rearing.  Hand-rearing therefore involves almost 24-hour body-to-body contact between the infant and the caretaker, species-specific handling of the infant (including feeding the infant in a ventro-ventral position (Photo II), and exposure to<img class="size-full wp-image-2566 alignright" title="pic22" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pic22.jpg" alt="pic22" width="419" height="572" />\nconspecifics (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\n\nThe hand-rearing team recorded food offered and consumed, daily weights and temperatures, urination frequencies, fecal output and its consistency, and any behavioral or developmental data.  Dietary changes, including frequencies and amounts, were approved by the area supervisor, the Curator of Mammals, and the attending veterinarian.  Factors for diet changes were: total diet consumption, consumption at certain periods of the day, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and developmental needs.\n\nScheduled feeding was instituted, rather than on-demand feeding, due to the large number of individuals caring for the infant.  We chose a fixed schedule to avoid reliance on different individuals’ subjective judgment of hunger cues from the infant and the desire not to over or under feed.\n\nFor the first six weeks the infant was fed using a preemie bottle and nipple from Enfamil®.  At six weeks we changed to Evenflo® Classic™ bottles and silicone nipples (3-6 month, medium flow) due to issues with the preemie nipples flowing too fast.  We were concerned with aspiration and bloating due to rapid consumption.\n\nInitially the infant was provided the human infant formula Similac® Advance® Early Shield® with iron (see Table I for dietary offerings).  At just over two weeks of age the formula was changed to a soy formula (Enfamil® Prosobee® Infant Formula for Sensitive Tummy Soy formula with iron) due to several days of diarrhea and possible lactose intolerance.  The infant remains on this formula to date. When bouts of diarrhea occurred, the infant was taken off formula and offered Pedialyte® solution at 100% for 1-5 feeds (depending on length and frequency of diarrhea), then switched back to 100% formula over the course of three feeds.\n\nRice cereal was offered at eight weeks.   Novel fruits and vegetables in the form of baby food were introduced at 13 weeks.  Each item was offered for four consecutive days before offering a new item.  This was done to monitor for food allergies or adverse effects of each new food.   At each feeding cereal and/or fruits/vegetables were supplemental foods.  Formula was and continues to be the primary source of nutrition….\n<div style="font-style: italic;"></div>', 'Dietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at the North Carolina Zoological Park', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2563-revision', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:45:02', '2012-09-01 00:45:02', '', 2563, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2563-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2568, 2, '2012-08-31 19:46:02', '2012-09-01 00:46:02', '<strong><em>By Jennifer Ireland, Animal Management Supervisor\nand Terry Webb,  Former Curator of Mammals*\nNorth Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC\n*currently Collections Manager at WCS/Prospect Park Zoo</em></strong>\n\n<strong></strong>\n\n<strong>Abstract:</strong>\n\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a healthy infant.  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing.  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life, the mother was anesthetized and the infant was allowed to nurse.  On Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed through caging without the mother interfering.  On Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing as bottle feeding through the cage front became unreliable and required considerable cooperation from the mother.\n\nThe infant chimpanzee was put on a scheduled feeding regime consisting of human infant formula.   Consumption, fecal output, and daily weights were recorded.  Adjustments to the amount and type of formula offered were made based on consumption, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and behavioral milestones.\n\nTraditionally, hand-reared chimpanzee infants are introduced to adults between six and 18 months of age.  With the permission of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP®) of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), plans were made for introduction at approximately four months.   Physical development and mobility of the infant were the two factors that determined if the infant was ready.   Traditional methods for food introduction and feeding schedules were accelerated.\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nChimpanzees have frequently been hand-reared (i.e. reared by humans) in research facilities and/or zoological institutions, though the frequency of hand-rearing has greatly reduced over the past 50 years due to improved husbandry practices (Porton and Niebruegge, 2006).   Historically, hand-rearing has occurred for various reasons including: maternal incompetence, medical concerns, aggression towards the infant by the mother or conspecifics, death of the mother, rearing so that the animal was tractable for shows, educational presentations, or research, and the popularity of nursery exhibits with the public.\n\nIn AZA, accredited zoos’ female chimpanzees are given every opportunity to raise their offspring.  Only in the cases of maternal incompetence, aggression, or significant health issues are infants pulled for hand-rearing.   If total neglect or abuse is not present, institutions are encouraged to allow the mother and infant to stay together for 72 hours prior to making the decision to hand-rear (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).  Infants can survive these 72 hours without nursing (Rogers and Davenport, 1970).  Maternal care is learned and can improve with practice, so this time allows the mother and infant time to develop proficiencies.\n\nResearch has shown that even chimpanzees hand-reared in socially and environmentally complex nursery settings show higher levels of abnormal behaviors (Maki, Fritz, and England, 1993; Bloomsmith and Haberstroh, 1995) and a greater chance of developing non-breeding behaviors or maternal incompetence as adults (King and Mellen, 1994).  In order to encourage the development of a normal behavioral repertoire, chimpanzees that cannot be mother-reared should be peer-reared and/or integrated with conspecifics at an early age.  The SSP® Care Manual for Chimpanzees suggests that socialization back to the mother should occur within six months or to a surrogate by 18 months (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\n\nIn developing a hand-rearing plan for chimpanzee infants it is therefore necessary to take both behavioral and nutritional factors into account.  When the North Carolina Zoo was recently faced with the task of hand-rearing a chimpanzee infant we carefully considered the need to socialize the infant with conspecifics.  The high degree of similarity between humans and chimpanzees allows for the relatively straight forward adaptation of human infant diets to the raising of chimpanzees.  However, given the need to integrate the infant with adult chimpanzees at an early age, we accelerated some of the traditional timelines for diet presentation in order to prepare the young chimp for reintroductions to the troop.\n\n<strong>Hand-rearing Nutrition Overview</strong>\n\nChimpanzees are humans’ closest, living relative, with similarities in physiology as well as growth and development.  As a result nutritional and feeding recommendations for humans can be adapted to chimpanzees with relative ease.  In fact, prior to 2003 it was recommended that the human recommended daily allowance (RDA) tables be consulted when approximating chimpanzee nutritional requirements (Fulk, Loomis, and Garland, 1992). Currently, the specific nutrient requirements for chimpanzees are defined and are available in the book Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates (National Research Council, 2003)\n\nIn 1985, Fritz, Ebert, and Carland outlined the nutritional management of hand-reared chimpanzees at the Primate Foundation of Arizona in Tempe, AZ. This information is used as the basis for current recommendations for the feeding of infant chimpanzees that are being hand-reared (Porton, 1992).   These recommendations provide suggestions on the frequency of feeding, volume, supplements, when to introduce solids, and weaning, which closely match dietary recommendations for human infants.\n\n<strong>Hand-rearing and Dietary Practices at the North Carolina Zoological Park</strong>\n\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a full-term, healthy infant (242 days after conception).  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing (Photo I).  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life no bouts of nursing were observed and the infant appeared weak. The mother was anesthetized on both days and the infant was allowed to nurse.  Through cooperation with the mother, on Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed the infant through the mesh caging.  During these feeding sessions the mother brought the infant to the cage front and zoo keepers used a nipple extension to offer it Pedialyte® and/or a human infant formula.  Unfortunately, cooperation with the mother declined during Days 4 through 5 preventing reliable feeding.  The mother also began leaving the infant on the floor and unattended for prolonged periods of time.  As a result of the inappropriate maternal behaviors, on Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing.\n\nOnce the decision to hand-rear was made, a team of trained neonatal volunteers was assembled to assist zoo staff in caring for the infant chimpanzee.  It is the practice of AZA zoos to mimic natural mother-infant behavior as closely as possible during hand-rearing.  Hand-rearing therefore involves almost 24-hour body-to-body contact between the infant and the caretaker, species-specific handling of the infant (including feeding the infant in a ventro-ventral position (Photo II), and exposure to<img class="size-full wp-image-2566 alignright" title="pic22" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pic22.jpg" alt="pic22" width="419" height="572" />\nconspecifics (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\n\nThe hand-rearing team recorded food offered and consumed, daily weights and temperatures, urination frequencies, fecal output and its consistency, and any behavioral or developmental data.  Dietary changes, including frequencies and amounts, were approved by the area supervisor, the Curator of Mammals, and the attending veterinarian.  Factors for diet changes were: total diet consumption, consumption at certain periods of the day, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and developmental needs.\n\nScheduled feeding was instituted, rather than on-demand feeding, due to the large number of individuals caring for the infant.  We chose a fixed schedule to avoid reliance on different individuals’ subjective judgment of hunger cues from the infant and the desire not to over or under feed.\n\nFor the first six weeks the infant was fed using a preemie bottle and nipple from Enfamil®.  At six weeks we changed to Evenflo® Classic™ bottles and silicone nipples (3-6 month, medium flow) due to issues with the preemie nipples flowing too fast.  We were concerned with aspiration and bloating due to rapid consumption.\n\nInitially the infant was provided the human infant formula Similac® Advance® Early Shield® with iron (see Table I for dietary offerings).  At just over two weeks of age the formula was changed to a soy formula (Enfamil® Prosobee® Infant Formula for Sensitive Tummy Soy formula with iron) due to several days of diarrhea and possible lactose intolerance.  The infant remains on this formula to date. When bouts of diarrhea occurred, the infant was taken off formula and offered Pedialyte® solution at 100% for 1-5 feeds (depending on length and frequency of diarrhea), then switched back to 100% formula over the course of three feeds.\n\nRice cereal was offered at eight weeks.   Novel fruits and vegetables in the form of baby food were introduced at 13 weeks.  Each item was offered for four consecutive days before offering a new item.  This was done to monitor for food allergies or adverse effects of each new food.   At each feeding cereal and/or fruits/vegetables were supplemental foods.  Formula was and continues to be the primary source of nutrition….\n<div style="font-style: italic;"></div>\n<div style="font-style: italic;"><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></div>', 'Dietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at the North Carolina Zoological Park', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2563-revision-2', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:46:02', '2012-09-01 00:46:02', '', 2563, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2563-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2571, 2, '2012-08-31 19:57:35', '2012-09-01 00:57:35', '<em>By Ashley Roth, Hoofed Stock Keeper\r\nHouston Zoo, Inc., Houston, TX</em>\r\n\r\nOn 24 June 2012, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, located near the Epulu station in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Forest, was attacked by a group of poachers known as Simba rebels. They were seeking revenge on the Institute in the Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN), whose headquarters are based at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, for recently shutting down their illegal poaching and mining activities. The outcome of this attack was tragic, leaving six people dead. Everything of value, from computers to vehicles were stolen or burned. All food and medical supplies were taken, leaving the village with nothing to eat.  The fourteen Okapis stationed at the reserve, serving as ambassadors for the country’s flagship species were killed. Over 30 villagers from Epulu were taken hostage to assist the poachers in transporting the stolen goods. Fortunately most of the Okapi Conservation Project’s (OCP) staff and locals were able to escape into the forest unharmed.  Also, the villagers taken hostage were released and are beginning to return to the village.\r\n\r\nIn response to the crisis at OCP, Houston Zoo, Inc. with assistance from the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GHCAAZK) wanted to plan an emergency fundraiser.  The Houston Zoo committed to assisting the OCP by any means necessary. Due to the urgent nature and time sensitivity of this crisis, it was dire to act as quickly as possible. The decision was made to plan and implement an Okapi Crisis Relief fundraiser to raise money to be sent as emergency aid to the project.\r\nThe goal of the Okapi Crisis Relief was to raise monetary support to be sent to the OCP.  Additionally, the Houston Zoo wanted to increase community awareness and knowledge, not only about okapis but the true wildlife heroes that risk their lives on a daily basis to protect species and their habitats.\r\n\r\nThe Houston Zoo regularly supports a wide range of conservation efforts and organizations, but has not been faced with such an immense crisis with a short timeframe for fundraising. Generally several months of planning would go into preparing for such events as the Okapi Crisis Relief, but due to the nature of this emergency, several months was not realistic to offer monetary aid. The Houston Zoo is lucky enough to have a devoted conservation department that worked diligently alongside with hoofed stock keepers and the marketing/graphics departments, with assistance from the rest of the zoo, and GHCAAZK to make this event happen. From the initial planning meeting to organizing supplies, education, and promotional materials, the Okapi Crisis Relief was put together in three days.\r\n\r\nThe conservation department’s connections with the OCP initially sparked the idea to provide assistance to the project. A representative from the department organized a meeting with hoofed stock, special events, marketing, and graphics departments. The decision was made to host the conservation event on Sunday, 1 July 2012. A donation page was immediately set up on the zoo’s website; including information about the project and crisis updates from the Congo. The crisis and fundraising event was promoted via the internet using Facebook, Twitter, and an e-mail campaign which included over 50,000 zoo members and donors.  A painting done by one of our resident okapis was put on eBay to be auctioned off. Our marketing and graphics department quickly designed banners that were placed throughout the zoo with QR<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2573" title="okapi1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/okapi1.jpg" alt="okapi1" width="433" height="573" /> codes, bringing guests directly to the donation page. Local newspapers ran a story about the zoo’s relief efforts and local news stations covered the event.\r\n\r\nIn preparation for the Okapi Crisis Relief event, the GHCAAZK donated time and supplies. The day before the event, members gathered to make okapi buttons to be sold. Okapi masks were cut out for kids to color and wear the day of the event.\r\n\r\nTo raise money, several different tables were stationed throughout the zoo, with the main table set-up in front of the zoo’s okapi exhibits. Merchandise included: “I love okapis” and “Okapi Crisis Relief” buttons, conservation bracelets, paintings done by some of the zoo’s animals, magnets, finger puppets, stuffed animals, Wildlife Heroes books, and conservation snare art, to name a few. Raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win a behind the scenes tour to meet one of the zoo’s resident okapis. The okapi table highlighted the conservation efforts of the OCP and the risks the staff and locals take every day to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Volunteers set-up a biological facts table to allow guests a hands-on learning opportunity. Included on the table were an okapi skull and an animal pelt.  To involve some of the younger guests, a crafts table was set-up for children to make okapi masks and decorate an okapi coloring page. Face painting was also offered at the main entrance.\r\n\r\nMany staff and volunteers donated their time…\r\n\r\n<strong><em>For this and much more 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></em></strong>', 'Express Crisis Relief', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'express-crisis-relief', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2571', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2569, 2, '2012-08-31 19:46:33', '2012-09-01 00:46:33', '<strong><em>By Jennifer Ireland, Animal Management Supervisor\r\nand Terry Webb,  Former Curator of Mammals*\r\nNorth Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC\r\n*currently Collections Manager at WCS/Prospect Park Zoo</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Abstract:</strong>\r\n\r\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a healthy infant.  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing.  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life, the mother was anesthetized and the infant was allowed to nurse.  On Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed through caging without the mother interfering.  On Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing as bottle feeding through the cage front became unreliable and required considerable cooperation from the mother.\r\n\r\nThe infant chimpanzee was put on a scheduled feeding regime consisting of human infant formula.   Consumption, fecal output, and daily weights were recorded.  Adjustments to the amount and type of formula offered were made based on consumption, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and behavioral milestones.\r\n\r\nTraditionally, hand-reared chimpanzee infants are introduced to adults between six and 18 months of age.  With the permission of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP®) of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), plans were made for introduction at approximately four months.   Physical development and mobility of the infant were the two factors that determined if the infant was ready.   Traditional methods for food introduction and feeding schedules were accelerated.\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nChimpanzees have frequently been hand-reared (i.e. reared by humans) in research facilities and/or zoological institutions, though the frequency of hand-rearing has greatly reduced over the past 50 years due to improved husbandry practices (Porton and Niebruegge, 2006).   Historically, hand-rearing has occurred for various reasons including: maternal incompetence, medical concerns, aggression towards the infant by the mother or conspecifics, death of the mother, rearing so that the animal was tractable for shows, educational presentations, or research, and the popularity of nursery exhibits with the public.\r\n\r\nIn AZA, accredited zoos’ female chimpanzees are given every opportunity to raise their offspring.  Only in the cases of maternal incompetence, aggression, or significant health issues are infants pulled for hand-rearing.   If total neglect or abuse is not present, institutions are encouraged to allow the mother and infant to stay together for 72 hours prior to making the decision to hand-rear (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).  Infants can survive these 72 hours without nursing (Rogers and Davenport, 1970).  Maternal care is learned and can improve with practice, so this time allows the mother and infant time to develop proficiencies.\r\n\r\nResearch has shown that even chimpanzees hand-reared in socially and environmentally complex nursery settings show higher levels of abnormal behaviors (Maki, Fritz, and England, 1993; Bloomsmith and Haberstroh, 1995) and a greater chance of developing non-breeding behaviors or maternal incompetence as adults (King and Mellen, 1994).  In order to encourage the development of a normal behavioral repertoire, chimpanzees that cannot be mother-reared should be peer-reared and/or integrated with conspecifics at an early age.  The SSP® Care Manual for Chimpanzees suggests that socialization back to the mother should occur within six months or to a surrogate by 18 months (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\r\n\r\nIn developing a hand-rearing plan for chimpanzee infants it is therefore necessary to take both behavioral and nutritional factors into account.  When the North Carolina Zoo was recently faced with the task of hand-rearing a chimpanzee infant we carefully considered the need to socialize the infant with conspecifics.  The high degree of similarity between humans and chimpanzees allows for the relatively straight forward adaptation of human infant diets to the raising of chimpanzees.  However, given the need to integrate the infant with adult chimpanzees at an early age, we accelerated some of the traditional timelines for diet presentation in order to prepare the young chimp for reintroductions to the troop.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hand-rearing Nutrition Overview</strong>\r\n\r\nChimpanzees are humans’ closest, living relative, with similarities in physiology as well as growth and development.  As a result nutritional and feeding recommendations for humans can be adapted to chimpanzees with relative ease.  In fact, prior to 2003 it was recommended that the human recommended daily allowance (RDA) tables be consulted when approximating chimpanzee nutritional requirements (Fulk, Loomis, and Garland, 1992). Currently, the specific nutrient requirements for chimpanzees are defined and are available in the book Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates (National Research Council, 2003)\r\n\r\nIn 1985, Fritz, Ebert, and Carland outlined the nutritional management of hand-reared chimpanzees at the Primate Foundation of Arizona in Tempe, AZ. This information is used as the basis for current recommendations for the feeding of infant chimpanzees that are being hand-reared (Porton, 1992).   These recommendations provide suggestions on the frequency of feeding, volume, supplements, when to introduce solids, and weaning, which closely match dietary recommendations for human infants.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hand-rearing and Dietary Practices at the North Carolina Zoological Park</strong>\r\n\r\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a full-term, healthy infant (242 days after conception).  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing (Photo I).  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life no bouts of nursing were observed and the infant appeared weak. The mother was anesthetized on both days and the infant was allowed to nurse.  Through cooperation with the mother, on Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed the infant through the mesh caging.  During these feeding sessions the mother brought the infant to the cage front and zoo keepers used a nipple extension to offer it Pedialyte® and/or a human infant formula.  Unfortunately, cooperation with the mother declined during Days 4 through 5 preventing reliable feeding.  The mother also began leaving the infant on the floor and unattended for prolonged periods of time.  As a result of the inappropriate maternal behaviors, on Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing.\r\n\r\nOnce the decision to hand-rear was made, a team of trained neonatal volunteers was assembled to assist zoo staff in caring for the infant chimpanzee.  It is the practice of AZA zoos to mimic natural mother-infant behavior as closely as possible during hand-rearing.  Hand-rearing therefore involves almost 24-hour body-to-body contact between the infant and the caretaker, species-specific handling of the infant (including feeding the infant in a ventro-ventral position (Photo II), and exposure to<img class="size-full wp-image-2566 alignright" title="pic22" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pic22.jpg" alt="pic22" width="419" height="572" />\r\nconspecifics (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\r\n\r\nThe hand-rearing team recorded food offered and consumed, daily weights and temperatures, urination frequencies, fecal output and its consistency, and any behavioral or developmental data.  Dietary changes, including frequencies and amounts, were approved by the area supervisor, the Curator of Mammals, and the attending veterinarian.  Factors for diet changes were: total diet consumption, consumption at certain periods of the day, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and developmental needs.\r\n\r\nScheduled feeding was instituted, rather than on-demand feeding, due to the large number of individuals caring for the infant.  We chose a fixed schedule to avoid reliance on different individuals’ subjective judgment of hunger cues from the infant and the desire not to over or under feed.\r\n\r\nFor the first six weeks the infant was fed using a preemie bottle and nipple from Enfamil®.  At six weeks we changed to Evenflo® Classic™ bottles and silicone nipples (3-6 month, medium flow) due to issues with the preemie nipples flowing too fast.  We were concerned with aspiration and bloating due to rapid consumption.\r\n\r\nInitially the infant was provided the human infant formula Similac® Advance® Early Shield® with iron (see Table I for dietary offerings).  At just over two weeks of age the formula was changed to a soy formula (Enfamil® Prosobee® Infant Formula for Sensitive Tummy Soy formula with iron) due to several days of diarrhea and possible lactose intolerance.  The infant remains on this formula to date. When bouts of diarrhea occurred, the infant was taken off formula and offered Pedialyte® solution at 100% for 1-5 feeds (depending on length and frequency of diarrhea), then switched back to 100% formula over the course of three feeds.\r\n\r\nRice cereal was offered at eight weeks.   Novel fruits and vegetables in the form of baby food were introduced at 13 weeks.  Each item was offered for four consecutive days before offering a new item.  This was done to monitor for food allergies or adverse effects of each new food.   At each feeding cereal and/or fruits/vegetables were supplemental foods.  Formula was and continues to be the primary source of nutrition….\r\n<div style="font-style: italic;"></div>\r\n<div style="font-style: italic;"><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></div>', 'Dietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at the North Carolina Zoological Park', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2563-revision-3', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:46:33', '2012-09-01 00:46:33', '', 2563, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2563-revision-3/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2570, 2, '2012-08-31 19:46:48', '2012-09-01 00:46:48', '<strong><em>By Jennifer Ireland, Animal Management Supervisor\r\nand Terry Webb,  Former Curator of Mammals*\r\nNorth Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC\r\n*currently Collections Manager at WCS/Prospect Park Zoo</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Abstract:</strong>\r\n\r\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a healthy infant.  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing.  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life, the mother was anesthetized and the infant was allowed to nurse.  On Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed through caging without the mother interfering.  On Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing as bottle feeding through the cage front became unreliable and required considerable cooperation from the mother.\r\n\r\nThe infant chimpanzee was put on a scheduled feeding regime consisting of human infant formula.   Consumption, fecal output, and daily weights were recorded.  Adjustments to the amount and type of formula offered were made based on consumption, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and behavioral milestones.\r\n\r\nTraditionally, hand-reared chimpanzee infants are introduced to adults between six and 18 months of age.  With the permission of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP®) of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), plans were made for introduction at approximately four months.   Physical development and mobility of the infant were the two factors that determined if the infant was ready.   Traditional methods for food introduction and feeding schedules were accelerated.\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nChimpanzees have frequently been hand-reared (i.e. reared by humans) in research facilities and/or zoological institutions, though the frequency of hand-rearing has greatly reduced over the past 50 years due to improved husbandry practices (Porton and Niebruegge, 2006).   Historically, hand-rearing has occurred for various reasons including: maternal incompetence, medical concerns, aggression towards the infant by the mother or conspecifics, death of the mother, rearing so that the animal was tractable for shows, educational presentations, or research, and the popularity of nursery exhibits with the public.\r\n\r\nIn AZA, accredited zoos’ female chimpanzees are given every opportunity to raise their offspring.  Only in the cases of maternal incompetence, aggression, or significant health issues are infants pulled for hand-rearing.   If total neglect or abuse is not present, institutions are encouraged to allow the mother and infant to stay together for 72 hours prior to making the decision to hand-rear (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).  Infants can survive these 72 hours without nursing (Rogers and Davenport, 1970).  Maternal care is learned and can improve with practice, so this time allows the mother and infant time to develop proficiencies.\r\n\r\nResearch has shown that even chimpanzees hand-reared in socially and environmentally complex nursery settings show higher levels of abnormal behaviors (Maki, Fritz, and England, 1993; Bloomsmith and Haberstroh, 1995) and a greater chance of developing non-breeding behaviors or maternal incompetence as adults (King and Mellen, 1994).  In order to encourage the development of a normal behavioral repertoire, chimpanzees that cannot be mother-reared should be peer-reared and/or integrated with conspecifics at an early age.  The SSP® Care Manual for Chimpanzees suggests that socialization back to the mother should occur within six months or to a surrogate by 18 months (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\r\n\r\nIn developing a hand-rearing plan for chimpanzee infants it is therefore necessary to take both behavioral and nutritional factors into account.  When the North Carolina Zoo was recently faced with the task of hand-rearing a chimpanzee infant we carefully considered the need to socialize the infant with conspecifics.  The high degree of similarity between humans and chimpanzees allows for the relatively straight forward adaptation of human infant diets to the raising of chimpanzees.  However, given the need to integrate the infant with adult chimpanzees at an early age, we accelerated some of the traditional timelines for diet presentation in order to prepare the young chimp for reintroductions to the troop.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hand-rearing Nutrition Overview</strong>\r\n\r\nChimpanzees are humans’ closest, living relative, with similarities in physiology as well as growth and development.  As a result nutritional and feeding recommendations for humans can be adapted to chimpanzees with relative ease.  In fact, prior to 2003 it was recommended that the human recommended daily allowance (RDA) tables be consulted when approximating chimpanzee nutritional requirements (Fulk, Loomis, and Garland, 1992). Currently, the specific nutrient requirements for chimpanzees are defined and are available in the book Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates (National Research Council, 2003)\r\n\r\nIn 1985, Fritz, Ebert, and Carland outlined the nutritional management of hand-reared chimpanzees at the Primate Foundation of Arizona in Tempe, AZ. This information is used as the basis for current recommendations for the feeding of infant chimpanzees that are being hand-reared (Porton, 1992).   These recommendations provide suggestions on the frequency of feeding, volume, supplements, when to introduce solids, and weaning, which closely match dietary recommendations for human infants.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hand-rearing and Dietary Practices at the North Carolina Zoological Park</strong>\r\n\r\nOn 2 August 2010 a primiparous chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo gave birth to a full-term, healthy infant (242 days after conception).  Maternal competence was questionable as improper positioning of the infant prevented nursing (Photo I).  On Days 1 and 2 of the infant’s life no bouts of nursing were observed and the infant appeared weak. The mother was anesthetized on both days and the infant was allowed to nurse.  Through cooperation with the mother, on Days 3 through 5 zoo keepers were able to periodically bottle feed the infant through the mesh caging.  During these feeding sessions the mother brought the infant to the cage front and zoo keepers used a nipple extension to offer it Pedialyte® and/or a human infant formula.  Unfortunately, cooperation with the mother declined during Days 4 through 5 preventing reliable feeding.  The mother also began leaving the infant on the floor and unattended for prolonged periods of time.  As a result of the inappropriate maternal behaviors, on Day 6 the decision was made to remove the infant for hand-rearing.\r\n\r\nOnce the decision to hand-rear was made, a team of trained neonatal volunteers was assembled to assist zoo staff in caring for the infant chimpanzee.  It is the practice of AZA zoos to mimic natural mother-infant behavior as closely as possible during hand-rearing.  Hand-rearing therefore involves almost 24-hour body-to-body contact between the infant and the caretaker, species-specific handling of the infant (including feeding the infant in a ventro-ventral position (Photo II), and exposure to<img class="size-full wp-image-2566 alignright" title="pic22" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pic22.jpg" alt="pic22" width="419" height="572" />\r\nconspecifics (AZA Ape TAG, 2010).\r\n\r\nThe hand-rearing team recorded food offered and consumed, daily weights and temperatures, urination frequencies, fecal output and its consistency, and any behavioral or developmental data.  Dietary changes, including frequencies and amounts, were approved by the area supervisor, the Curator of Mammals, and the attending veterinarian.  Factors for diet changes were: total diet consumption, consumption at certain periods of the day, fecal output, weight, behavior, and social and developmental needs.\r\n\r\nScheduled feeding was instituted, rather than on-demand feeding, due to the large number of individuals caring for the infant.  We chose a fixed schedule to avoid reliance on different individuals’ subjective judgment of hunger cues from the infant and the desire not to over or under feed.\r\n\r\nFor the first six weeks the infant was fed using a preemie bottle and nipple from Enfamil®.  At six weeks we changed to Evenflo® Classic™ bottles and silicone nipples (3-6 month, medium flow) due to issues with the preemie nipples flowing too fast.  We were concerned with aspiration and bloating due to rapid consumption.\r\n\r\nInitially the infant was provided the human infant formula Similac® Advance® Early Shield® with iron (see Table I for dietary offerings).  At just over two weeks of age the formula was changed to a soy formula (Enfamil® Prosobee® Infant Formula for Sensitive Tummy Soy formula with iron) due to several days of diarrhea and possible lactose intolerance.  The infant remains on this formula to date. When bouts of diarrhea occurred, the infant was taken off formula and offered Pedialyte® solution at 100% for 1-5 feeds (depending on length and frequency of diarrhea), then switched back to 100% formula over the course of three feeds.\r\n\r\nRice cereal was offered at eight weeks.   Novel fruits and vegetables in the form of baby food were introduced at 13 weeks.  Each item was offered for four consecutive days before offering a new item.  This was done to monitor for food allergies or adverse effects of each new food.   At each feeding cereal and/or fruits/vegetables were supplemental foods.  Formula was and continues to be the primary source of nutrition….\r\n<div style="font-style: italic;"><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></div>', 'Dietary Practices for Hand-Rearing of an Infant Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at the North Carolina Zoological Park', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2563-revision-4', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:46:48', '2012-09-01 00:46:48', '', 2563, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2563-revision-4/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2572, 2, '2012-08-31 19:52:30', '2012-09-01 00:52:30', '', 'okapi', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'okapi', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:52:30', '2012-09-01 00:52:30', '', 2571, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/okapi.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2573, 2, '2012-08-31 19:56:42', '2012-09-01 00:56:42', '', 'okapi1', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'okapi1', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:56:42', '2012-09-01 00:56:42', '', 2571, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/okapi1.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2574, 2, '2012-08-31 19:54:19', '2012-09-01 00:54:19', '<em>By Ashley Roth, Hoofed Stock Keeper\nHouston Zoo, Inc., Houston, TX</em>\n\nOn 24 June 2012, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, located near the Epulu station in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Forest, was attacked by a group of poachers known as Simba rebels. They were seeking revenge on the Institute in the Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN), whose headquarters are based at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, for recently shutting down their illegal poaching and mining activities. The outcome of this attack was tragic, leaving six people dead. Everything of value, from computers to vehicles were stolen or burned. All food and medical supplies were taken, leaving the village with nothing to eat.  The fourteen Okapis stationed at the reserve, serving as ambassadors for the country’s flagship species were killed. Over 30 villagers from Epulu were taken hostage to assist the poachers in transporting the stolen goods. Fortunately most of the Okapi Conservation Project’s (OCP) staff and locals were able to escape into the forest unharmed.  Also, the villagers taken hostage were released and are beginning to return to the village.\n\nIn response to the crisis at OCP, Houston Zoo, Inc. with assistance from the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GHCAAZK) wanted to plan an emergency fundraiser.  The Houston Zoo committed to assisting the OCP by any means necessary. Due to the urgent nature and time sensitivity of this crisis, it was dire to act as quickly as possible. The decision was made to plan and implement an Okapi Crisis Relief fundraiser to raise money to be sent as emergency aid to the project.\nThe goal of the Okapi Crisis Relief was to raise monetary support to be sent to the OCP.  Additionally, the Houston Zoo wanted to increase community awareness and knowledge, not only about okapis but the true wildlife heroes that risk their lives on a daily basis to protect species and their habitats.\n\nThe Houston Zoo regularly supports a wide range of conservation efforts and organizations, but has not been faced with such an immense crisis with a short timeframe for fundraising. Generally several months of planning would go into preparing for such events as the Okapi Crisis Relief, but due to the nature of this emergency, several months was not realistic to offer monetary aid. The Houston Zoo is lucky enough to have a devoted conservation department that worked diligently alongside with hoofed stock keepers and the marketing/graphics departments, with assistance from the rest of the zoo, and GHCAAZK to make this event happen. From the initial planning meeting to organizing supplies, education, and promotional materials, the Okapi Crisis Relief was put together in three days.\n\nThe conservation department’s connections with the OCP initially sparked the idea to provide assistance to the project. A representative from the department organized a meeting with hoofed stock, special events, marketing, and graphics departments. The decision was made to host the conservation event on Sunday, 1 July 2012. A donation page was immediately set up on the zoo’s website; including information about the project and crisis updates from the Congo. The crisis and fundraising event was promoted via the internet using Facebook, Twitter, and an e-mail campaign which included over 50,000 zoo members and donors.  A painting done by one of our resident okapis was put on eBay to be auctioned off. Our marketing and graphics department quickly designed banners that were placed throughout the zoo with QR codes, bringing guests directly to the donation page. Local newspapers ran a story about the zoo’s relief efforts and local news stations covered the event.\n\nIn preparation for the Okapi Crisis Relief event, the GHCAAZK donated time and supplies. The day before the event, members gathered to make okapi buttons to be sold. Okapi masks were cut out for kids to color and wear the day of the event.\n\nTo raise money, several different tables were stationed throughout the zoo, with the main table set-up in front of the zoo’s okapi exhibits. Merchandise included: “I love okapis” and “Okapi Crisis Relief” buttons, conservation bracelets, paintings done by some of the zoo’s animals, magnets, finger puppets, stuffed animals, Wildlife Heroes books, and conservation snare art, to name a few. Raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win a behind the scenes tour to meet one of the zoo’s resident okapis. The okapi table highlighted the conservation efforts of the OCP and the risks the staff and locals take every day to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Volunteers set-up a biological facts table to allow guests a hands-on learning opportunity. Included on the table were an okapi skull and an animal pelt.  To involve some of the younger guests, a crafts table was set-up for children to make okapi masks and decorate an okapi coloring page. Face painting was also offered at the main entrance.\n\nMany staff and volunteers donated their time…\n\n<strong>For this and much more 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>', 'Express Crisis Relief', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2571-revision', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:54:19', '2012-09-01 00:54:19', '', 2571, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2571-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2575, 2, '2012-08-31 19:57:19', '2012-09-01 00:57:19', '<em>By Ashley Roth, Hoofed Stock Keeper\nHouston Zoo, Inc., Houston, TX</em>\n\nOn 24 June 2012, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, located near the Epulu station in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Forest, was attacked by a group of poachers known as Simba rebels. They were seeking revenge on the Institute in the Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN), whose headquarters are based at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, for recently shutting down their illegal poaching and mining activities. The outcome of this attack was tragic, leaving six people dead. Everything of value, from computers to vehicles were stolen or burned. All food and medical supplies were taken, leaving the village with nothing to eat.  The fourteen Okapis stationed at the reserve, serving as ambassadors for the country’s flagship species were killed. Over 30 villagers from Epulu were taken hostage to assist the poachers in transporting the stolen goods. Fortunately most of the Okapi Conservation Project’s (OCP) staff and locals were able to escape into the forest unharmed.  Also, the villagers taken hostage were released and are beginning to return to the village.\n\nIn response to the crisis at OCP, Houston Zoo, Inc. with assistance from the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GHCAAZK) wanted to plan an emergency fundraiser.  The Houston Zoo committed to assisting the OCP by any means necessary. Due to the urgent nature and time sensitivity of this crisis, it was dire to act as quickly as possible. The decision was made to plan and implement an Okapi Crisis Relief fundraiser to raise money to be sent as emergency aid to the project.\nThe goal of the Okapi Crisis Relief was to raise monetary support to be sent to the OCP.  Additionally, the Houston Zoo wanted to increase community awareness and knowledge, not only about okapis but the true wildlife heroes that risk their lives on a daily basis to protect species and their habitats.\n\nThe Houston Zoo regularly supports a wide range of conservation efforts and organizations, but has not been faced with such an immense crisis with a short timeframe for fundraising. Generally several months of planning would go into preparing for such events as the Okapi Crisis Relief, but due to the nature of this emergency, several months was not realistic to offer monetary aid. The Houston Zoo is lucky enough to have a devoted conservation department that worked diligently alongside with hoofed stock keepers and the marketing/graphics departments, with assistance from the rest of the zoo, and GHCAAZK to make this event happen. From the initial planning meeting to organizing supplies, education, and promotional materials, the Okapi Crisis Relief was put together in three days.\n\nThe conservation department’s connections with the OCP initially sparked the idea to provide assistance to the project. A representative from the department organized a meeting with hoofed stock, special events, marketing, and graphics departments. The decision was made to host the conservation event on Sunday, 1 July 2012. A donation page was immediately set up on the zoo’s website; including information about the project and crisis updates from the Congo. The crisis and fundraising event was promoted via the internet using Facebook, Twitter, and an e-mail campaign which included over 50,000 zoo members and donors.  A painting done by one of our resident okapis was put on eBay to be auctioned off. Our marketing and graphics department quickly designed banners that were placed throughout the zoo with QR<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2573" title="okapi1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/okapi1.jpg" alt="okapi1" width="433" height="573" /> codes, bringing guests directly to the donation page. Local newspapers ran a story about the zoo’s relief efforts and local news stations covered the event.\n\nIn preparation for the Okapi Crisis Relief event, the GHCAAZK donated time and supplies. The day before the event, members gathered to make okapi buttons to be sold. Okapi masks were cut out for kids to color and wear the day of the event.\n\nTo raise money, several different tables were stationed throughout the zoo, with the main table set-up in front of the zoo’s okapi exhibits. Merchandise included: “I love okapis” and “Okapi Crisis Relief” buttons, conservation bracelets, paintings done by some of the zoo’s animals, magnets, finger puppets, stuffed animals, Wildlife Heroes books, and conservation snare art, to name a few. Raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win a behind the scenes tour to meet one of the zoo’s resident okapis. The okapi table highlighted the conservation efforts of the OCP and the risks the staff and locals take every day to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Volunteers set-up a biological facts table to allow guests a hands-on learning opportunity. Included on the table were an okapi skull and an animal pelt.  To involve some of the younger guests, a crafts table was set-up for children to make okapi masks and decorate an okapi coloring page. Face painting was also offered at the main entrance.\n\nMany staff and volunteers donated their time…\n\n<strong>For this and much more 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>', 'Express Crisis Relief', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2571-revision-2', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:57:19', '2012-09-01 00:57:19', '', 2571, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2571-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2576, 2, '2012-08-31 19:57:35', '2012-09-01 00:57:35', '<em>By Ashley Roth, Hoofed Stock Keeper\r\nHouston Zoo, Inc., Houston, TX</em>\r\n\r\nOn 24 June 2012, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, located near the Epulu station in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri Forest, was attacked by a group of poachers known as Simba rebels. They were seeking revenge on the Institute in the Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN), whose headquarters are based at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, for recently shutting down their illegal poaching and mining activities. The outcome of this attack was tragic, leaving six people dead. Everything of value, from computers to vehicles were stolen or burned. All food and medical supplies were taken, leaving the village with nothing to eat.  The fourteen Okapis stationed at the reserve, serving as ambassadors for the country’s flagship species were killed. Over 30 villagers from Epulu were taken hostage to assist the poachers in transporting the stolen goods. Fortunately most of the Okapi Conservation Project’s (OCP) staff and locals were able to escape into the forest unharmed.  Also, the villagers taken hostage were released and are beginning to return to the village.\r\n\r\nIn response to the crisis at OCP, Houston Zoo, Inc. with assistance from the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GHCAAZK) wanted to plan an emergency fundraiser.  The Houston Zoo committed to assisting the OCP by any means necessary. Due to the urgent nature and time sensitivity of this crisis, it was dire to act as quickly as possible. The decision was made to plan and implement an Okapi Crisis Relief fundraiser to raise money to be sent as emergency aid to the project.\r\nThe goal of the Okapi Crisis Relief was to raise monetary support to be sent to the OCP.  Additionally, the Houston Zoo wanted to increase community awareness and knowledge, not only about okapis but the true wildlife heroes that risk their lives on a daily basis to protect species and their habitats.\r\n\r\nThe Houston Zoo regularly supports a wide range of conservation efforts and organizations, but has not been faced with such an immense crisis with a short timeframe for fundraising. Generally several months of planning would go into preparing for such events as the Okapi Crisis Relief, but due to the nature of this emergency, several months was not realistic to offer monetary aid. The Houston Zoo is lucky enough to have a devoted conservation department that worked diligently alongside with hoofed stock keepers and the marketing/graphics departments, with assistance from the rest of the zoo, and GHCAAZK to make this event happen. From the initial planning meeting to organizing supplies, education, and promotional materials, the Okapi Crisis Relief was put together in three days.\r\n\r\nThe conservation department’s connections with the OCP initially sparked the idea to provide assistance to the project. A representative from the department organized a meeting with hoofed stock, special events, marketing, and graphics departments. The decision was made to host the conservation event on Sunday, 1 July 2012. A donation page was immediately set up on the zoo’s website; including information about the project and crisis updates from the Congo. The crisis and fundraising event was promoted via the internet using Facebook, Twitter, and an e-mail campaign which included over 50,000 zoo members and donors.  A painting done by one of our resident okapis was put on eBay to be auctioned off. Our marketing and graphics department quickly designed banners that were placed throughout the zoo with QR<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2573" title="okapi1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/okapi1.jpg" alt="okapi1" width="433" height="573" /> codes, bringing guests directly to the donation page. Local newspapers ran a story about the zoo’s relief efforts and local news stations covered the event.\r\n\r\nIn preparation for the Okapi Crisis Relief event, the GHCAAZK donated time and supplies. The day before the event, members gathered to make okapi buttons to be sold. Okapi masks were cut out for kids to color and wear the day of the event.\r\n\r\nTo raise money, several different tables were stationed throughout the zoo, with the main table set-up in front of the zoo’s okapi exhibits. Merchandise included: “I love okapis” and “Okapi Crisis Relief” buttons, conservation bracelets, paintings done by some of the zoo’s animals, magnets, finger puppets, stuffed animals, Wildlife Heroes books, and conservation snare art, to name a few. Raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win a behind the scenes tour to meet one of the zoo’s resident okapis. The okapi table highlighted the conservation efforts of the OCP and the risks the staff and locals take every day to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Volunteers set-up a biological facts table to allow guests a hands-on learning opportunity. Included on the table were an okapi skull and an animal pelt.  To involve some of the younger guests, a crafts table was set-up for children to make okapi masks and decorate an okapi coloring page. Face painting was also offered at the main entrance.\r\n\r\nMany staff and volunteers donated their time…\r\n\r\n<strong>For this and much more 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>', 'Express Crisis Relief', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2571-revision-3', '', '', '2012-08-31 19:57:35', '2012-09-01 00:57:35', '', 2571, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2571-revision-3/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2609, 2, '2012-10-02 08:05:06', '2012-10-02 13:05:06', '<strong>Greensboro, NC</strong>\r\n\r\nSeptember 22-26, 2013\r\n\r\n<strong>\r\nOrlando, FL</strong>\r\n\r\nSeptember 8-12, 2014', 'Upcoming Conferences', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '757-revision-19', '', '', '2012-10-02 08:05:06', '2012-10-02 13:05:06', '', 757, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/757-revision-19/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2610, 2, '2012-07-20 11:12:17', '2012-07-20 16:12:17', '<h2>Coordinator</h2>\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>Total Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$4,035,876</span></h2>\r\n<h2><strong><strong>2012 Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$32,532</span></strong></strong></h2>\r\n<strong><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/AAZKBowlingForRhinoss2012/fundraiser/aazkinc"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2410" title="donate_button" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donate_button.jpg" alt="donate_button" width="135" height="136" /></a></span></strong></strong>\r\n\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', '', '', '2012-07-20 11:12:17', '2012-07-20 16:12:17', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/168-revision-45/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2608, 2, '2012-01-18 12:30:36', '2012-01-18 17:30:36', '<strong>Asheboro, NC</strong>\r\n\r\nSeptember 22-26, 2013\r\n\r\n<strong>\r\nOrlando, FL</strong>\r\n\r\nSeptember 8-12, 2014', 'Upcoming Conferences', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '757-revision-18', '', '', '2012-01-18 12:30:36', '2012-01-18 17:30:36', '', 757, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/757-revision-18/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2581, 2, '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '0000-00-00 00:00:00', '', 'October 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', '', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2581', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2582, 2, '2012-10-01 07:33:49', '2012-10-01 12:33:49', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFrom the President<span> </span>\r\n\r\nComing Events<span> </span>\r\n\r\nNew Members<span> </span>\r\n\r\nCall for Papers<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAAZK and AKF Awards<span> </span>\r\n\r\nNecessity is the Mother of Invention<span> </span>\r\n\r\nThe Turtles of the Education Program:<span> </span>\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: A Tale of Three Camels<span> </span>\r\n\r\nEnrichment Options: Highlight on Pumpkins!<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAsk the Vet: Lumpy Jaw<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFor Faunal Friends No Longer With Us<span> </span>\r\n\r\nRemembering Andy Henderson<span> </span>', 'October 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'october-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2582', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2583, 2, '2012-10-01 07:33:30', '2012-10-01 12:33:30', '', 'October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2582-revision', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:33:30', '2012-10-01 12:33:30', '', 2582, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2582-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2584, 2, '2012-10-01 07:33:36', '2012-10-01 12:33:36', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFrom the President<span> </span>\r\n\r\nComing Events<span> </span>\r\n\r\nNew Members<span> </span>\r\n\r\nCall for Papers<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAAZK and AKF Awards<span> </span>\r\n\r\nNecessity is the Mother of Invention<span> </span>\r\n\r\nThe Turtles of the Education Program:<span> </span>\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: A Tale of Three Camels<span> </span>\r\n\r\nEnrichment Options: Highlight on Pumpkins!<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAsk the Vet: Lumpy Jaw<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFor Faunal Friends No Longer With Us<span> </span>\r\n\r\nRemembering Andy Henderson<span> </span>', 'October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2582-revision-2', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:33:36', '2012-10-01 12:33:36', '', 2582, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2582-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2585, 2, '2012-10-01 07:34:57', '2012-10-01 12:34:57', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\n\nFrom the President<span> </span>\n\nComing Events<span> </span>\n\nNew Members<span> </span>\n\nCall for Papers<span> </span>\n\nAAZK and AKF Awards<span> </span>\n\nNecessity is the Mother of Invention<span> </span>\n\nThe Turtles of the Education Program:<span> </span>\n\nTraining Tales: A Tale of Three Camels<span> </span>\n\nEnrichment Options: Highlight on Pumpkins!<span> </span>\n\nAsk the Vet: Lumpy Jaw<span> </span>\n\nFor Faunal Friends No Longer With Us<span> </span>\n\nRemembering Andy Henderson<span> </span>', 'October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2582-autosave', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:34:57', '2012-10-01 12:34:57', '', 2582, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2582-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2586, 2, '2012-10-01 07:37:49', '2012-10-01 12:37:49', '<em>Julie Tougas(1) and Helene Caron (2)</em>\r\n\r\n<em>1 Curator of the reptile, amphibian and fish collection, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. julie.tougas@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\n<em>2 Education Program Coordinator, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. helene.caron@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\nThe Ecomuseum zoo is a small, CAZA-accredited institution located in Québec, Canada. The zoo is managed by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society whose mission focuses on education, research and conservation. Through this three-pronged approach, the Society fosters an appreciation and understanding of the physical and biological characters of the regional flora and fauna. Over the years, the Ecomuseum zoo has developed an extensive onsite and offsite educational program. The zoo’s onsite activities will expose over 20,000 children to the wonderful world of animals. Moreover, the zoo’s zoologist-educators will have the opportunity to influence the lives of over 6,500 children during the 280 offsite presentations scheduled every year. The zoo offers several different offsite presentations, covering general topics such as biodiversity, to more specific topics such as birds of prey or amphibians.\r\n\r\nWith its living collection of wildlife species serving a dual role as both ambassador and catalyst, the Ecomuseum offers unmatched learning experiences for both children and adults. At the zoo, we have a special appreciation for turtles. Live education turtles have become stellar ambassadors, travelling daily with our educators to offsite events and playing key roles for visitors during our onsite guided tours. Over the course of a one-year period, a turtle is presented during each of our over 900 scheduled onsite guided tours providing visitors with the opportunity to touch a live turtle’s carapace. Our educators will also present live turtles in approximately 60% of offsite presentations.\r\n\r\nSeveral factors combine to make turtles a beneficial addition to any presentation; namely their charismatic appeal, their gentle behaviour and the ease of transport. It should be noted however that the use of live turtles also presents several challenges such as: the public’s awareness that turtles can carry Salmonella sp., housing requirements and animal acquisition. In this paper, we explore and review the advantages and challenges that we have associated with the use of live turtles within our educational program. We will also describe the special care and considerations needed for the care of our education turtles. This article will not be discussing, nor debating, the advantages of live animals within any educational program.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why turtles? </strong>\r\n\r\nUnlike snakes which carry very negative appeal (Mullin and Seigel, 2009), we believe that turtles benefit from a social charismatic appeal within the general public. Our onsite presentations have supported this hypothesis as these events include interactions with both a snake and a turtle. Numerous occasions of negative responses have been observed in the presence of the snake. This fear is unfortunately reflected by the accompanying children. The presence of the turtle however created both excitation and curiosity in both adults and children. Without fear, curiosity permits participants to remain receptive to learning about the biology and conservation of turtles and of reptiles in general. As a result of the public’s openness to learn, turtles become an ideal taxon to use when educating about biodiversity, evolution and the food chain.\r\n\r\nAn education turtle, when properly acclimated to its routine, can remain calm when surrounded by a large group of people. This calmness can be interpreted in an anthropomorphic and positive manner by the public; they feel as if the turtle is happy to be held and touched. This interpretation contradicts the common misconception that zoos and aquariums are exploiters of animals (Hutchins et al., 2003). In addition, turtles remain an excellent choice when there is desire to offer the public the chance to touch a live animal. A turtle’s solid carapace and scale-covered limbs (although the head, tail and limbs are not regularly touched) offer excellent protection. The risk of physical trauma related to touching remains therefore low. Furthermore, the turtle’s ability to enter its carapace, as a form of refuge, offers the handler insight related to the turtle’s stress level and he/she can react appropriately by concluding that part of the presentation. Such protective behaviour, if displayed, can also be indicative of post-presentation physical discomfort which may or may not be combined with anorexia (unstressed turtles are always hungry!).\r\n\r\nThe turtle’s morphology facilitates its transport; its shell and scaled limbs offer a high level of protection from abrasions. Finally, the use of live turtles during presentations can help dispel four widely held misconceptions, namely: that all turtles can hide in their shell, that they can crawl out of their shell (this point can be further explained by the use of a naturalised carapace), that the carapace is indestructible and that turtles are slow!\r\n\r\nA special note in regards to the use of indigenous species: The Saint-Lawrence Valley area includes the natural distribution range of eight species of freshwater turtles. Our experiences show that much of the local population is unaware that turtles exist in the area (especially those living in urban centers). The use of indigenous species will therefore promote awareness of our local biodiversity, while also creating an emotional connection when discussing conservation issues. This association and sensitivity is compounded if participants with heightened awareness were to observe a turtle in a wild, yet local, setting.\r\n\r\n<strong>Challenges</strong>\r\n\r\nThe use of live turtles can also present several challenges. One of the biggest and most notable issues relates to the transmission of <em>Salmonella sp</em>. It has been found that turtles may be infected at a rate between 12.1% and 85% (Mader, 2006). It has been shown however that a healthy, un-stressed animal is less likely to shed the bacteria (Gray, 2011). It is recommended that a simple hand sanitization after touching a turtle can prevent infection (Gray, 2011). In consideration of these facts, our turtle interaction sessions are always followed by hand washing or hand sanitization. The participants are informed of the reason behind these practices. The chances of contamination are further reduced by ensuring cleanliness in both the turtle’s temporary and permanent enclosures.\r\n\r\nThis does however bring forth a second issue that arose: housing. We must ensure that we have enough animals from each species to complete the possible repetition of a presentation in a same day or same time period. This has resulted in the need to keep three to five individuals of each species represented in each presentation topic. There are 27 education turtles housed at the zoo, representing seven species of indigenous freshwater turtles. The genders are kept separately for two essential reasons: first, is to prevent unplanned reproduction, second, and most importantly, is to remove any stresses caused by reproductive behaviour. Males from many species, such as the North American Wood Turtle (<em>Glyptemys insculpta</em>) or the Spotted Turtle (<em>Clemmys guttata</em>), can be very persistent and exhausting to female tank mates, but as well be very territorial and aggressive towards male tank mates. In the case of these species, and most others kept at the zoo, all males must be individually housed, but females may be kept communally. For this reason, and despite the fact that turtle species native to the Saint-Lawrence Valley are relatively small in size, many tanks are required to house all our turtles.\r\n\r\nTransportation of the turtles, as mentioned above, can be considered an advantage due to their scales and carapace, but their ectothermic metabolism can cause difficulties when transporting in colder climates. The turtle’s ideal body temperature must be maintained throughout transport in order to maintain an active immune system and to promote a healthy state. We have resolved this issue by constructing insulated transport boxes. Should the need arise, the temperature within these boxes can be increased with the addition of supplemental hot water bottles.\r\n\r\nA final challenge, which may or may not be applicable to other institutions, is the acquisition of turtles. Our specimens are acquired through various methods. We offer refuge to rehabilitated and confiscated animals, but our priority is to acquire captive-bred individuals through inter-zoo transfers or through captive hatching within our facility. As a result of careful planning during recent years, we are pleased to state that our captive reproduction program is almost self-sustaining. The captive reproduction of our education turtles permits us to affect the genders (in most species) of our new generation of education turtles, by incubation temperature manipulation. We aim for high female ratio to address the housing challenges mentioned previously. Captive reproduction also permits us to work with individuals at a very young age during our training/desensitisation program (which will be explained later in this article). One disadvantage to captive reproduction vs. acquiring adult animals is that the young turtles need to attain a certain size before they can be transported safely and manipulated daily, in order to prevent damage to their delicate, un-calcified carapace.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not all are born to educate!</strong>\r\n\r\nTurtles exhibit a variety of behaviours which may or may not make them ideal education turtle candidates. It has been shown that regular handling can physiologically affect turtles (Cabanac and Bernieri, 2000). We want to ensure that our selected education turtles demonstrate positive behavioural tendencies which may reduce any <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2599" title="turtle" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/turtle-300x207.jpg" alt="turtle" width="300" height="207" />negative physiological responses. Some turtles are curious, alert and very stimulated by movement around them, while some turtles exhibit the opposite characteristics. Some can be very shy, scared and can be affected negatively by too much environmental stimuli. The selection of our education turtles is made based on an initial evaluation…\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>', 'The Turtles of the Education Program: Strong Ambassadors for the Ecomuseum Zoo.', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'the-turtles-of-the-education-program-strong-ambassadors-for-the-ecomuseum-zoo', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2586', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2587, 2, '2012-10-01 07:37:11', '2012-10-01 12:37:11', '<em>Julie Tougas(1) and Helene Caron (2)</em>\n\n<em>1 Curator of the reptile, amphibian and fish collection, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. julie.tougas@ecomuseum.ca</em>\n\n<em>2 Education Program Coordinator, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. helene.caron@ecomuseum.ca</em>\n\nThe Ecomuseum zoo is a small, CAZA-accredited institution located in Québec, Canada. The zoo is managed by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society whose mission focuses on education, research and conservation. Through this three-pronged approach, the Society fosters an appreciation and understanding of the physical and biological characters of the regional flora and fauna. Over the years, the Ecomuseum zoo has developed an extensive onsite and offsite educational program. The zoo’s onsite activities will expose over 20,000 children to the wonderful world of animals. Moreover, the zoo’s zoologist-educators will have the opportunity to influence the lives of over 6,500 children during the 280 offsite presentations scheduled every year. The zoo offers several different offsite presentations, covering general topics such as biodiversity, to more specific topics such as birds of prey or amphibians.\n\nWith its living collection of wildlife species serving a dual role as both ambassador and catalyst, the Ecomuseum offers unmatched learning experiences for both children and adults. At the zoo, we have a special appreciation for turtles. Live education turtles have become stellar ambassadors, travelling daily with our educators to offsite events and playing key roles for visitors during our onsite guided tours. Over the course of a one-year period, a turtle is presented during each of our over 900 scheduled onsite guided tours providing visitors with the opportunity to touch a live turtle’s carapace. Our educators will also present live turtles in approximately 60% of offsite presentations.\n\nSeveral factors combine to make turtles a beneficial addition to any presentation; namely their charismatic appeal, their gentle behaviour and the ease of transport. It should be noted however that the use of live turtles also presents several challenges such as: the public’s awareness that turtles can carry Salmonella sp., housing requirements and animal acquisition. In this paper, we explore and review the advantages and challenges that we have associated with the use of live turtles within our educational program. We will also describe the special care and considerations needed for the care of our education turtles. This article will not be discussing, nor debating, the advantages of live animals within any educational program.\n\n<strong>Why turtles? </strong>\n\nUnlike snakes which carry very negative appeal (Mullin and Seigel, 2009), we believe that turtles benefit from a social charismatic appeal within the general public. Our onsite presentations have supported this hypothesis as these events include interactions with both a snake and a turtle. Numerous occasions of negative responses have been observed in the presence of the snake. This fear is unfortunately reflected by the accompanying children. The presence of the turtle however created both excitation and curiosity in both adults and children. Without fear, curiosity permits participants to remain receptive to learning about the biology and conservation of turtles and of reptiles in general. As a result of the public’s openness to learn, turtles become an ideal taxon to use when educating about biodiversity, evolution and the food chain.\n\nAn education turtle, when properly acclimated to its routine, can remain calm when surrounded by a large group of people. This calmness can be interpreted in an anthropomorphic and positive manner by the public; they feel as if the turtle is happy to be held and touched. This interpretation contradicts the common misconception that zoos and aquariums are exploiters of animals (Hutchins et al., 2003). In addition, turtles remain an excellent choice when there is desire to offer the public the chance to touch a live animal. A turtle’s solid carapace and scale-covered limbs (although the head, tail and limbs are not regularly touched) offer excellent protection. The risk of physical trauma related to touching remains therefore low. Furthermore, the turtle’s ability to enter its carapace, as a form of refuge, offers the handler insight related to the turtle’s stress level and he/she can react appropriately by concluding that part of the presentation. Such protective behaviour, if displayed, can also be indicative of post-presentation physical discomfort which may or may not be combined with anorexia (unstressed turtles are always hungry!).\n\nThe turtle’s morphology facilitates its transport; its shell and scaled limbs offer a high level of protection from abrasions. Finally, the use of live turtles during presentations can help dispel four widely held misconceptions, namely: that all turtles can hide in their shell, that they can crawl out of their shell (this point can be further explained by the use of a naturalised carapace), that the carapace is indestructible and that turtles are slow!\n\nA special note in regards to the use of indigenous species: The Saint-Lawrence Valley area includes the natural distribution range of eight species of freshwater turtles. Our experiences show that much of the local population is unaware that turtles exist in the area (especially those living in urban centers). The use of indigenous species will therefore promote awareness of our local biodiversity, while also creating an emotional connection when discussing conservation issues. This association and sensitivity is compounded if participants with heightened awareness were to observe a turtle in a wild, yet local, setting.\n\n<strong>Challenges</strong>\n\nThe use of live turtles can also present several challenges. One of the biggest and most notable issues relates to the transmission of Salmonella sp. It has been found that turtles may be infected at a rate between 12.1% and 85% (Mader, 2006). It has been shown however that a healthy, un-stressed animal is less likely to shed the bacteria (Gray, 2011). It is recommended that a simple hand sanitization after touching a turtle can prevent infection (Gray, 2011). In consideration of these facts, our turtle interaction sessions are always followed by hand washing or hand sanitization. The participants are informed of the reason behind these practices. The chances of contamination are further reduced by ensuring cleanliness in both the turtle’s temporary and permanent enclosures.\n\nThis does however bring forth a second issue that arose: housing. We must ensure that we have enough animals from each species to complete the possible repetition of a presentation in a same day or same time period. This has resulted in the need to keep three to five individuals of each species represented in each presentation topic. There are 27 education turtles housed at the zoo, representing seven species of indigenous freshwater turtles. The genders are kept separately for two essential reasons: first, is to prevent unplanned reproduction, second, and most importantly, is to remove any stresses caused by reproductive behaviour. Males from many species, such as the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) or the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), can be very persistent and exhausting to female tank mates, but as well be very territorial and aggressive towards male tank mates. In the case of these species, and most others kept at the zoo, all males must be individually housed, but females may be kept communally. For this reason, and despite the fact that turtle species native to the Saint-Lawrence Valley are relatively small in size, many tanks are required to house all our turtles.\n\nTransportation of the turtles, as mentioned above, can be considered an advantage due to their scales and carapace, but their ectothermic metabolism can cause difficulties when transporting in colder climates. The turtle’s ideal body temperature must be maintained throughout transport in order to maintain an active immune system and to promote a healthy state. We have resolved this issue by constructing insulated transport boxes. Should the need arise, the temperature within these boxes can be increased with the addition of supplemental hot water bottles.\n\nA final challenge, which may or may not be applicable to other institutions, is the acquisition of turtles. Our specimens are acquired through various methods. We offer refuge to rehabilitated and confiscated animals, but our priority is to acquire captive-bred individuals through inter-zoo transfers or through captive hatching within our facility. As a result of careful planning during recent years, we are pleased to state that our captive reproduction program is almost self-sustaining. The captive reproduction of our education turtles permits us to affect the genders (in most species) of our new generation of education turtles, by incubation temperature manipulation. We aim for high female ratio to address the housing challenges mentioned previously. Captive reproduction also permits us to work with individuals at a very young age during our training/desensitisation program (which will be explained later in this article). One disadvantage to captive reproduction vs. acquiring adult animals is that the young turtles need to attain a certain size before they can be transported safely and manipulated daily, in order to prevent damage to their delicate, un-calcified carapace.\n\n<strong>Not all are born to educate!</strong>\n\nTurtles exhibit a variety of behaviours which may or may not make them ideal education turtle candidates. It has been shown that regular handling can physiologically affect turtles (Cabanac and Bernieri, 2000). We want to ensure that our selected education turtles demonstrate positive behavioural tendencies which may reduce any negative physiological responses. Some turtles are curious, alert and very stimulated by movement around them, while some turtles exhibit the opposite characteristics. Some can be very shy, scared and can be affected negatively by too much environmental stimuli. The selection of our education turtles is made based on an initial evaluation…\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>', '', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2586-revision', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:37:11', '2012-10-01 12:37:11', '', 2586, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2586-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2588, 2, '2012-10-01 07:37:30', '2012-10-01 12:37:30', '<em>Julie Tougas(1) and Helene Caron (2)</em>\r\n\r\n<em>1 Curator of the reptile, amphibian and fish collection, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. julie.tougas@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\n<em>2 Education Program Coordinator, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. helene.caron@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\nThe Ecomuseum zoo is a small, CAZA-accredited institution located in Québec, Canada. The zoo is managed by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society whose mission focuses on education, research and conservation. Through this three-pronged approach, the Society fosters an appreciation and understanding of the physical and biological characters of the regional flora and fauna. Over the years, the Ecomuseum zoo has developed an extensive onsite and offsite educational program. The zoo’s onsite activities will expose over 20,000 children to the wonderful world of animals. Moreover, the zoo’s zoologist-educators will have the opportunity to influence the lives of over 6,500 children during the 280 offsite presentations scheduled every year. The zoo offers several different offsite presentations, covering general topics such as biodiversity, to more specific topics such as birds of prey or amphibians.\r\n\r\nWith its living collection of wildlife species serving a dual role as both ambassador and catalyst, the Ecomuseum offers unmatched learning experiences for both children and adults. At the zoo, we have a special appreciation for turtles. Live education turtles have become stellar ambassadors, travelling daily with our educators to offsite events and playing key roles for visitors during our onsite guided tours. Over the course of a one-year period, a turtle is presented during each of our over 900 scheduled onsite guided tours providing visitors with the opportunity to touch a live turtle’s carapace. Our educators will also present live turtles in approximately 60% of offsite presentations.\r\n\r\nSeveral factors combine to make turtles a beneficial addition to any presentation; namely their charismatic appeal, their gentle behaviour and the ease of transport. It should be noted however that the use of live turtles also presents several challenges such as: the public’s awareness that turtles can carry Salmonella sp., housing requirements and animal acquisition. In this paper, we explore and review the advantages and challenges that we have associated with the use of live turtles within our educational program. We will also describe the special care and considerations needed for the care of our education turtles. This article will not be discussing, nor debating, the advantages of live animals within any educational program.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why turtles? </strong>\r\n\r\nUnlike snakes which carry very negative appeal (Mullin and Seigel, 2009), we believe that turtles benefit from a social charismatic appeal within the general public. Our onsite presentations have supported this hypothesis as these events include interactions with both a snake and a turtle. Numerous occasions of negative responses have been observed in the presence of the snake. This fear is unfortunately reflected by the accompanying children. The presence of the turtle however created both excitation and curiosity in both adults and children. Without fear, curiosity permits participants to remain receptive to learning about the biology and conservation of turtles and of reptiles in general. As a result of the public’s openness to learn, turtles become an ideal taxon to use when educating about biodiversity, evolution and the food chain.\r\n\r\nAn education turtle, when properly acclimated to its routine, can remain calm when surrounded by a large group of people. This calmness can be interpreted in an anthropomorphic and positive manner by the public; they feel as if the turtle is happy to be held and touched. This interpretation contradicts the common misconception that zoos and aquariums are exploiters of animals (Hutchins et al., 2003). In addition, turtles remain an excellent choice when there is desire to offer the public the chance to touch a live animal. A turtle’s solid carapace and scale-covered limbs (although the head, tail and limbs are not regularly touched) offer excellent protection. The risk of physical trauma related to touching remains therefore low. Furthermore, the turtle’s ability to enter its carapace, as a form of refuge, offers the handler insight related to the turtle’s stress level and he/she can react appropriately by concluding that part of the presentation. Such protective behaviour, if displayed, can also be indicative of post-presentation physical discomfort which may or may not be combined with anorexia (unstressed turtles are always hungry!).\r\n\r\nThe turtle’s morphology facilitates its transport; its shell and scaled limbs offer a high level of protection from abrasions. Finally, the use of live turtles during presentations can help dispel four widely held misconceptions, namely: that all turtles can hide in their shell, that they can crawl out of their shell (this point can be further explained by the use of a naturalised carapace), that the carapace is indestructible and that turtles are slow!\r\n\r\nA special note in regards to the use of indigenous species: The Saint-Lawrence Valley area includes the natural distribution range of eight species of freshwater turtles. Our experiences show that much of the local population is unaware that turtles exist in the area (especially those living in urban centers). The use of indigenous species will therefore promote awareness of our local biodiversity, while also creating an emotional connection when discussing conservation issues. This association and sensitivity is compounded if participants with heightened awareness were to observe a turtle in a wild, yet local, setting.\r\n\r\n<strong>Challenges</strong>\r\n\r\nThe use of live turtles can also present several challenges. One of the biggest and most notable issues relates to the transmission of Salmonella sp. It has been found that turtles may be infected at a rate between 12.1% and 85% (Mader, 2006). It has been shown however that a healthy, un-stressed animal is less likely to shed the bacteria (Gray, 2011). It is recommended that a simple hand sanitization after touching a turtle can prevent infection (Gray, 2011). In consideration of these facts, our turtle interaction sessions are always followed by hand washing or hand sanitization. The participants are informed of the reason behind these practices. The chances of contamination are further reduced by ensuring cleanliness in both the turtle’s temporary and permanent enclosures.\r\n\r\nThis does however bring forth a second issue that arose: housing. We must ensure that we have enough animals from each species to complete the possible repetition of a presentation in a same day or same time period. This has resulted in the need to keep three to five individuals of each species represented in each presentation topic. There are 27 education turtles housed at the zoo, representing seven species of indigenous freshwater turtles. The genders are kept separately for two essential reasons: first, is to prevent unplanned reproduction, second, and most importantly, is to remove any stresses caused by reproductive behaviour. Males from many species, such as the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) or the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), can be very persistent and exhausting to female tank mates, but as well be very territorial and aggressive towards male tank mates. In the case of these species, and most others kept at the zoo, all males must be individually housed, but females may be kept communally. For this reason, and despite the fact that turtle species native to the Saint-Lawrence Valley are relatively small in size, many tanks are required to house all our turtles.\r\n\r\nTransportation of the turtles, as mentioned above, can be considered an advantage due to their scales and carapace, but their ectothermic metabolism can cause difficulties when transporting in colder climates. The turtle’s ideal body temperature must be maintained throughout transport in order to maintain an active immune system and to promote a healthy state. We have resolved this issue by constructing insulated transport boxes. Should the need arise, the temperature within these boxes can be increased with the addition of supplemental hot water bottles.\r\n\r\nA final challenge, which may or may not be applicable to other institutions, is the acquisition of turtles. Our specimens are acquired through various methods. We offer refuge to rehabilitated and confiscated animals, but our priority is to acquire captive-bred individuals through inter-zoo transfers or through captive hatching within our facility. As a result of careful planning during recent years, we are pleased to state that our captive reproduction program is almost self-sustaining. The captive reproduction of our education turtles permits us to affect the genders (in most species) of our new generation of education turtles, by incubation temperature manipulation. We aim for high female ratio to address the housing challenges mentioned previously. Captive reproduction also permits us to work with individuals at a very young age during our training/desensitisation program (which will be explained later in this article). One disadvantage to captive reproduction vs. acquiring adult animals is that the young turtles need to attain a certain size before they can be transported safely and manipulated daily, in order to prevent damage to their delicate, un-calcified carapace.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not all are born to educate!</strong>\r\n\r\nTurtles exhibit a variety of behaviours which may or may not make them ideal education turtle candidates. It has been shown that regular handling can physiologically affect turtles (Cabanac and Bernieri, 2000). We want to ensure that our selected education turtles demonstrate positive behavioural tendencies which may reduce any negative physiological responses. Some turtles are curious, alert and very stimulated by movement around them, while some turtles exhibit the opposite characteristics. Some can be very shy, scared and can be affected negatively by too much environmental stimuli. The selection of our education turtles is made based on an initial evaluation…\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>', 'The Turtles of the Education Program: Strong Ambassadors for the Ecomuseum Zoo.', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2586-revision-2', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:37:30', '2012-10-01 12:37:30', '', 2586, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2586-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2589, 2, '2012-10-02 07:50:50', '2012-10-02 12:50:50', '<em>Julie Tougas(1) and Helene Caron (2)</em>\n\n<em>1 Curator of the reptile, amphibian and fish collection, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. julie.tougas@ecomuseum.ca</em>\n\n<em>2 Education Program Coordinator, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. helene.caron@ecomuseum.ca</em>\n\nThe Ecomuseum zoo is a small, CAZA-accredited institution located in Québec, Canada. The zoo is managed by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society whose mission focuses on education, research and conservation. Through this three-pronged approach, the Society fosters an appreciation and understanding of the physical and biological characters of the regional flora and fauna. Over the years, the Ecomuseum zoo has developed an extensive onsite and offsite educational program. The zoo’s onsite activities will expose over 20,000 children to the wonderful world of animals. Moreover, the zoo’s zoologist-educators will have the opportunity to influence the lives of over 6,500 children during the 280 offsite presentations scheduled every year. The zoo offers several different offsite presentations, covering general topics such as biodiversity, to more specific topics such as birds of prey or amphibians.\n\nWith its living collection of wildlife species serving a dual role as both ambassador and catalyst, the Ecomuseum offers unmatched learning experiences for both children and adults. At the zoo, we have a special appreciation for turtles. Live education turtles have become stellar ambassadors, travelling daily with our educators to offsite events and playing key roles for visitors during our onsite guided tours. Over the course of a one-year period, a turtle is presented during each of our over 900 scheduled onsite guided tours providing visitors with the opportunity to touch a live turtle’s carapace. Our educators will also present live turtles in approximately 60% of offsite presentations.\n\nSeveral factors combine to make turtles a beneficial addition to any presentation; namely their charismatic appeal, their gentle behaviour and the ease of transport. It should be noted however that the use of live turtles also presents several challenges such as: the public’s awareness that turtles can carry Salmonella sp., housing requirements and animal acquisition. In this paper, we explore and review the advantages and challenges that we have associated with the use of live turtles within our educational program. We will also describe the special care and considerations needed for the care of our education turtles. This article will not be discussing, nor debating, the advantages of live animals within any educational program.\n\n<strong>Why turtles? </strong>\n\nUnlike snakes which carry very negative appeal (Mullin and Seigel, 2009), we believe that turtles benefit from a social charismatic appeal within the general public. Our onsite presentations have supported this hypothesis as these events include interactions with both a snake and a turtle. Numerous occasions of negative responses have been observed in the presence of the snake. This fear is unfortunately reflected by the accompanying children. The presence of the turtle however created both excitation and curiosity in both adults and children. Without fear, curiosity permits participants to remain receptive to learning about the biology and conservation of turtles and of reptiles in general. As a result of the public’s openness to learn, turtles become an ideal taxon to use when educating about biodiversity, evolution and the food chain.\n\nAn education turtle, when properly acclimated to its routine, can remain calm when surrounded by a large group of people. This calmness can be interpreted in an anthropomorphic and positive manner by the public; they feel as if the turtle is happy to be held and touched. This interpretation contradicts the common misconception that zoos and aquariums are exploiters of animals (Hutchins et al., 2003). In addition, turtles remain an excellent choice when there is desire to offer the public the chance to touch a live animal. A turtle’s solid carapace and scale-covered limbs (although the head, tail and limbs are not regularly touched) offer excellent protection. The risk of physical trauma related to touching remains therefore low. Furthermore, the turtle’s ability to enter its carapace, as a form of refuge, offers the handler insight related to the turtle’s stress level and he/she can react appropriately by concluding that part of the presentation. Such protective behaviour, if displayed, can also be indicative of post-presentation physical discomfort which may or may not be combined with anorexia (unstressed turtles are always hungry!).\n\nThe turtle’s morphology facilitates its transport; its shell and scaled limbs offer a high level of protection from abrasions. Finally, the use of live turtles during presentations can help dispel four widely held misconceptions, namely: that all turtles can hide in their shell, that they can crawl out of their shell (this point can be further explained by the use of a naturalised carapace), that the carapace is indestructible and that turtles are slow!\n\nA special note in regards to the use of indigenous species: The Saint-Lawrence Valley area includes the natural distribution range of eight species of freshwater turtles. Our experiences show that much of the local population is unaware that turtles exist in the area (especially those living in urban centers). The use of indigenous species will therefore promote awareness of our local biodiversity, while also creating an emotional connection when discussing conservation issues. This association and sensitivity is compounded if participants with heightened awareness were to observe a turtle in a wild, yet local, setting.\n\n<strong>Challenges</strong>\n\nThe use of live turtles can also present several challenges. One of the biggest and most notable issues relates to the transmission of <em>Salmonella sp</em>. It has been found that turtles may be infected at a rate between 12.1% and 85% (Mader, 2006). It has been shown however that a healthy, un-stressed animal is less likely to shed the bacteria (Gray, 2011). It is recommended that a simple hand sanitization after touching a turtle can prevent infection (Gray, 2011). In consideration of these facts, our turtle interaction sessions are always followed by hand washing or hand sanitization. The participants are informed of the reason behind these practices. The chances of contamination are further reduced by ensuring cleanliness in both the turtle’s temporary and permanent enclosures.\n\nThis does however bring forth a second issue that arose: housing. We must ensure that we have enough animals from each species to complete the possible repetition of a presentation in a same day or same time period. This has resulted in the need to keep three to five individuals of each species represented in each presentation topic. There are 27 education turtles housed at the zoo, representing seven species of indigenous freshwater turtles. The genders are kept separately for two essential reasons: first, is to prevent unplanned reproduction, second, and most importantly, is to remove any stresses caused by reproductive behaviour. Males from many species, such as the North American Wood Turtle (<em>Glyptemys insculpta</em>) or the Spotted Turtle (<em>Clemmys guttata</em>), can be very persistent and exhausting to female tank mates, but as well be very territorial and aggressive towards male tank mates. In the case of these species, and most others kept at the zoo, all males must be individually housed, but females may be kept communally. For this reason, and despite the fact that turtle species native to the Saint-Lawrence Valley are relatively small in size, many tanks are required to house all our turtles.\n\nTransportation of the turtles, as mentioned above, can be considered an advantage due to their scales and carapace, but their ectothermic metabolism can cause difficulties when transporting in colder climates. The turtle’s ideal body temperature must be maintained throughout transport in order to maintain an active immune system and to promote a healthy state. We have resolved this issue by constructing insulated transport boxes. Should the need arise, the temperature within these boxes can be increased with the addition of supplemental hot water bottles.\n\nA final challenge, which may or may not be applicable to other institutions, is the acquisition of turtles. Our specimens are acquired through various methods. We offer refuge to rehabilitated and confiscated animals, but our priority is to acquire captive-bred individuals through inter-zoo transfers or through captive hatching within our facility. As a result of careful planning during recent years, we are pleased to state that our captive reproduction program is almost self-sustaining. The captive reproduction of our education turtles permits us to affect the genders (in most species) of our new generation of education turtles, by incubation temperature manipulation. We aim for high female ratio to address the housing challenges mentioned previously. Captive reproduction also permits us to work with individuals at a very young age during our training/desensitisation program (which will be explained later in this article). One disadvantage to captive reproduction vs. acquiring adult animals is that the young turtles need to attain a certain size before they can be transported safely and manipulated daily, in order to prevent damage to their delicate, un-calcified carapace.\n\n<strong>Not all are born to educate!</strong>\n\nTurtles exhibit a variety of behaviours which may or may not make them ideal education turtle candidates. It has been shown that regular handling can physiologically affect turtles (Cabanac and Bernieri, 2000). We want to ensure that our selected education turtles demonstrate positive behavioural tendencies which may reduce any <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2599" title="turtle" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/turtle-300x207.jpg" alt="turtle" width="300" height="207" />negative physiological responses. Some turtles are curious, alert and very stimulated by movement around them, while some turtles exhibit the opposite characteristics. Some can be very shy, scared and can be affected negatively by too much environmental stimuli. The selection of our education turtles is made based on an initial evaluation…\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>', 'The Turtles of the Education Program: Strong Ambassadors for the Ecomuseum Zoo.', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2586-autosave', '', '', '2012-10-02 07:50:50', '2012-10-02 12:50:50', '', 2586, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2586-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2590, 2, '2012-10-01 07:59:59', '2012-10-01 12:59:59', '<strong><em>Hey Doc!  What exactly is “lumpy jaw” and what can I do about it as a keeper?  ─ Animal Keeper, Great Lakes Region </em></strong>\r\n\r\n“Lumpy Jaw” is a complex, infectious process that often results in debilitation and death. It is primarily encountered in macropods and antelope. There are multiple factors involved in its genesis; if there were only one or two, it surely would have been eliminated long ago. Despite significant work on it over the last 40 years, it remains one of the most common problems of macropods and certain antelope in captivity. It is by no means an easy problem to conquer.\r\n\r\n“Lumpy Jaw” gets its name from its gross, physical appearance of jaw swelling, specifically either nodular or multi-nodular bony and/or soft tissue growth (as opposed to “bottle jaw” which denotes sub-mandibular edema, which also causes swelling but has entirely different causes and treatments) which contain numbers of heavily encapsulated, necrotic areas.6,7,14 It is also sometimes called necrobacillosis, because of the common involvement of <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em> (formerly <em>Sphaerophorus necrophorus</em>) and <em>Bacteriodes sp.</em> bacteria in the lesions.4,6,14  <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2592" title="kangaroo1" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kangaroo1-300x275.jpg" alt="kangaroo1" width="300" height="275" />\r\n\r\nThis syndrome (a constellation of clinical signs which can have multiple different causes) can develop secondary to several different inciting events.  Clinical signs often begin before the classic “lumpy jaw” swellings are even noticeable. Often an observant animal keeper will notice a decrease in feeding, dropping of feed, chewing only on one side of the mouth, or excessive salivation.13 Closer examination of the mouth by either the animal keepers or the veterinarian may reveal the typical foul aroma of necrotic tissue.\r\n\r\nThere are multiple bacteria that commonly infect both the soft-tissue and the bone of animals with “lumpy jaw.” Although any common oral bacteria may infect the tissue, most frequently there are anaerobes, or micro-aerophilic bacteria such as Fusobacterium necrophorum, Bacteroides sp., Nocardia asteroides, Actinomyces bovis, and <em>Nocardia macropodidarium</em>.2,6,7,8, 10, 14   In hoofed animals, <em>Actinomyces pyogenes</em> (formerly <em>Corynebacterium pyogenes</em>) is the most common organism. Secondary invaders are often <em>Pseudomonas sp</em>., <em>Proteus sp.</em>, and <em>Staph. sp.</em> 7 These organisms vary widely in their antibiotic susceptibility; often combinations of two antibiotics are necessary to provide coverage against the different species causing the infection. However, despite the most sophisticated and proactive clinical therapy, treatment failures and eventual euthanasia are common.\r\n\r\nClinically, a thorough physical exam and dental radiographs (often lateral oblique films are most informative) will often indicate the exact type of “lumpy jaw” and possibly its origin. It can present in many forms. Often, in kangaroos and wallabies, apical abscess will develop at the tip of the root of the lower incisors. This is usually, but not always, the result of wear or breakage of the distal tips of the incisors, leading to pulp exposure, infection, and subsequent abscessation. However, sometimes dental calculus buildup on the incisors will lead to periodontal disease and infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, eventually spreading into the bone of the mandible as well.\r\n\r\nSometimes, on oral exam it will be obvious that there was a puncture wound of the gingiva, leading to local abscess formation, and eventually infection of the bone. Indeed, sometimes plant matter is found impacted in them.6  On other occasions, dental calculus building up around the gumline will be the obvious cause of periodontal disease, and subsequent infection of the soft tissues and eventually osteomyelitis of the jaw. Indeed, in most cases “lumpy jaw” usually begins periodontally.14 Draining tracts can be cultured to determine the organisms involved, and both an aerobic and anaerobic culture should be performed.  Often, the pre-molars are the first to become infected.  Indeed, clinically, it often appears that the infection is secondary to the pre-molars not being shed normally with age, as is seen in nature. 3,9  These infections surrounding loose pre-molars are the easiest to treat, responding well to extraction and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.\r\n\r\nIn artiodactyls, infection of the bone with draining sub-mandibular tracts is often seen. Extraction, in combination with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, can be curative, or at least allow for stabilization of the patient while the osteomyelitis is combated with long-term antibiotic therapy. An alternative to dental extraction, establishment of drainage, regular flushing with antimicrobial solutions, antibiotic therapy, and apicoectomy and retrograde endodontics and filling of the tooth roots has been proposed;6 however, even these sophisticated methods are often unsuccessful.  Chronic,  inflammation from “lumpy jaw” has been implicated in the development of reactive amyloidosis in some hoofed animals.12\r\n\r\nOver the last 40 years, there have been at least two different methods of dietary management attempted. The first was to eliminate any sort of tough material in the diet, which might cause gingival puncture and subsequent infection;11,13,14 These animals were often fed many kinds of soft foods. Another method of dietary management was to increase browse and provide as much good-quality forage (either high quality grass hay or alfalfa) to allow for as much gingival stimulation and natural  “flossing” of the teeth as  possible, and to contribute to normal shedding of premolars. 2,4,9 As one author put it, “diet should be fibrous enough to maintain good oral health, so that accumulation of dental calculus is minimal, and the gums remain firm, but not so coarse as to damage the oral mucosa.” 4\r\n\r\nMy personal clinical experience, as well as epidemiological evidence gathered in the late 1970’s,11 supports the value of good quality forage and fibrous browse in <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2593" title="wallaby" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/wallaby-274x300.jpg" alt="wallaby" width="274" height="300" />reducing the incidence of lumpy jaw. While both groups of animals (those on only soft foods and those fed mostly forage and browse) did develop dental infections, my “clinical impression” is that the animals on a strictly “soft food” diet developed it at a younger age. Thus, kangaroos and wallabies on soft diets were developing it at five or six years of age, whereas those on browse and high quality forage would get it at eight or nine years of age.\r\n\r\nIn addition to diet, many clinicians believe that crowding, and subsequent fecal contamination of the paddock contributes to high bacteria counts on the food, and subsequently a higher incidence of infection.2,4,10,13 Therefore, many veterinarians recommend reducing crowding and making efforts to reduce fecal contamination of the paddock.1,2,10 Tractors fitted with commercial vacuum devices to remove fecal pellets from fields, as have been used to facilitate parasite control in other species, would seem to have utility in this regard, as would feeding from hay-racks or bowls rather than off the ground or floor.\r\n\r\nOne recent and interesting theory is that diet may contribute to hyper-phosphatemia in these animals. 5 One study sought to determine if offering timothy hay to the animals while on the grassy exhibit would encourage extra foraging, saliva production, and improved calcium to phosphorus ratios.5 Although intriguing, not enough clinical data has been gathered to support or refute this theory, although it remains an interesting question. This theory does not, however, account for the clinically observed development of periodontal disease prior to the beginning of bone resorption in most cases.\r\n\r\nRoutine oral examinations, and prophylactic scaling of the teeth would likely help to reduce the incidence of “lumpy jaw” in any herd. Similarly, attention to diet, and provision of a good quality grass hay or alfalfa, and minimizing soft foods such as fruit, which may contribute to dental calculus formation and gingivitis will also help. Similarly, making sure that forage and browse does not contain sharp weeds and stems will diminish the chances of oral punctures inciting lumpy jaw.\r\n\r\nIn some countries (such as Australia) vaccines are available to protect against <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em>, and clinicians from those countries report that vaccination does help, too. Finally, routine examinations and dental prophylaxis to remove calculus buildup, as well as to detect and treat this problem in its early stages, can also assist in reducing (although probably not completely eliminating) morbidity and mortality from “lumpy jaw.”\r\n\r\nThe animal keeper can…\r\n\r\n<strong><em>For this and much more 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></em></strong>', 'Ask the Vet!', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'ask-the-vet', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2590', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2592, 2, '2012-10-01 07:57:57', '2012-10-01 12:57:57', '', 'kangaroo1', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'kangaroo1', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:57:57', '2012-10-01 12:57:57', '', 2590, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/kangaroo1.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2593, 2, '2012-10-01 07:59:07', '2012-10-01 12:59:07', '', 'wallaby', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'wallaby', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:59:07', '2012-10-01 12:59:07', '', 2590, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/wallaby.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2594, 2, '2012-10-01 07:52:01', '2012-10-01 12:52:01', '<strong><em>Hey Doc!  What exactly is “lumpy jaw” and what can I do about it as a keeper?  ─ Animal Keeper, Great Lakes Region </em></strong>\n\n“Lumpy Jaw” is a complex, infectious process that often results in debilitation and death. It is primarily encountered in macropods and antelope. There are multiple factors involved in its genesis; if there were only one or two, it surely would have been eliminated long ago. Despite significant work on it over the last 40 years, it remains one of the most common problems of macropods and certain antelope in captivity. It is by no means an easy problem to conquer.\n\n“Lumpy Jaw” gets its name from its gross, physical appearance of jaw swelling, specifically either nodular or multi-nodular bony and/or soft tissue growth (as opposed to “bottle jaw” which denotes sub-mandibular edema, which also causes swelling but has entirely different causes and treatments) which contain numbers of heavily encapsulated, necrotic areas.6,7,14 It is also sometimes called necrobacillosis, because of the common involvement of <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em> (formerly <em>Sphaerophorus necrophorus</em>) and <em>Bacteriodes sp.</em> bacteria in the lesions.4,6,14  <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2591" title="kangaroo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/kangaroo-300x249.jpg" alt="kangaroo" width="300" height="249" />\n\nThis syndrome (a constellation of clinical signs which can have multiple different causes) can develop secondary to several different inciting events.  Clinical signs often begin before the classic “lumpy jaw” swellings are even noticeable. Often an observant animal keeper will notice a decrease in feeding, dropping of feed, chewing only on one side of the mouth, or excessive salivation.13 Closer examination of the mouth by either the animal keepers or the veterinarian may reveal the typical foul aroma of necrotic tissue.\n\nThere are multiple bacteria that commonly infect both the soft-tissue and the bone of animals with “lumpy jaw.” Although any common oral bacteria may infect the tissue, most frequently there are anaerobes, or micro-aerophilic bacteria such as Fusobacterium necrophorum, Bacteroides sp., Nocardia asteroides, Actinomyces bovis, and <em>Nocardia macropodidarium</em>.2,6,7,8, 10, 14   In hoofed animals, <em>Actinomyces pyogenes</em> (formerly <em>Corynebacterium pyogenes</em>) is the most common organism. Secondary invaders are often <em>Pseudomonas sp</em>., <em>Proteus sp.</em>, and <em>Staph. sp.</em> 7 These organisms vary widely in their antibiotic susceptibility; often combinations of two antibiotics are necessary to provide coverage against the different species causing the infection. However, despite the most sophisticated and proactive clinical therapy, treatment failures and eventual euthanasia are common.\n\nClinically, a thorough physical exam and dental radiographs (often lateral oblique films are most informative) will often indicate the exact type of “lumpy jaw” and possibly its origin. It can present in many forms. Often, in kangaroos and wallabies, apical abscess will develop at the tip of the root of the lower incisors. This is usually, but not always, the result of wear or breakage of the distal tips of the incisors, leading to pulp exposure, infection, and subsequent abscessation. However, sometimes dental calculus buildup on the incisors will lead to periodontal disease and infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, eventually spreading into the bone of the mandible as well.\n\nSometimes, on oral exam it will be obvious that there was a puncture wound of the gingiva, leading to local abscess formation, and eventually infection of the bone. Indeed, sometimes plant matter is found impacted in them.6  On other occasions, dental calculus building up around the gumline will be the obvious cause of periodontal disease, and subsequent infection of the soft tissues and eventually osteomyelitis of the jaw. Indeed, in most cases “lumpy jaw” usually begins periodontally.14 Draining tracts can be cultured to determine the organisms involved, and both an aerobic and anaerobic culture should be performed.  Often, the pre-molars are the first to become infected.  Indeed, clinically, it often appears that the infection is secondary to the pre-molars not being shed normally with age, as is seen in nature. 3,9  These infections surrounding loose pre-molars are the easiest to treat, responding well to extraction and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.\n\nIn artiodactyls, infection of the bone with draining sub-mandibular tracts is often seen. Extraction, in combination with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, can be curative, or at least allow for stabilization of the patient while the osteomyelitis is combated with long-term antibiotic therapy. An alternative to dental extraction, establishment of drainage, regular flushing with antimicrobial solutions, antibiotic therapy, and apicoectomy and retrograde endodontics and filling of the tooth roots has been proposed;6 however, even these sophisticated methods are often unsuccessful.  Chronic,  inflammation from “lumpy jaw” has been implicated in the development of reactive amyloidosis in some hoofed animals.12\n\nOver the last 40 years, there have been at least two different methods of dietary management attempted. The first was to eliminate any sort of tough material in the diet, which might cause gingival puncture and subsequent infection;11,13,14 These animals were often fed many kinds of soft foods. Another method of dietary management was to increase browse and provide as much good-quality forage (either high quality grass hay or alfalfa) to allow for as much gingival stimulation and natural  “flossing” of the teeth as  possible, and to contribute to normal shedding of premolars. 2,4,9 As one author put it, “diet should be fibrous enough to maintain good oral health, so that accumulation of dental calculus is minimal, and the gums remain firm, but not so coarse as to damage the oral mucosa.” 4\n\nMy personal clinical experience, as well as epidemiological evidence gathered in the late 1970’s,11 supports the value of good quality forage and fibrous browse in reducing the incidence of lumpy jaw. While both groups of animals (those on only soft foods and those fed mostly forage and browse) did develop dental infections, my “clinical impression” is that the animals on a strictly “soft food” diet developed it at a younger age. Thus, kangaroos and wallabies on soft diets were developing it at five or six years of age, whereas those on browse and high quality forage would get it at eight or nine years of age.\n\nIn addition to diet, many clinicians believe that crowding, and subsequent fecal contamination of the paddock contributes to high bacteria counts on the food, and subsequently a higher incidence of infection.2,4,10,13 Therefore, many veterinarians recommend reducing crowding and making efforts to reduce fecal contamination of the paddock.1,2,10 Tractors fitted with commercial vacuum devices to remove fecal pellets from fields, as have been used to facilitate parasite control in other species, would seem to have utility in this regard, as would feeding from hay-racks or bowls rather than off the ground or floor.\n\nOne recent and interesting theory is that diet may contribute to hyper-phosphatemia in these animals. 5 One study sought to determine if offering timothy hay to the animals while on the grassy exhibit would encourage extra foraging, saliva production, and improved calcium to phosphorus ratios.5 Although intriguing, not enough clinical data has been gathered to support or refute this theory, although it remains an interesting question. This theory does not, however, account for the clinically observed development of periodontal disease prior to the beginning of bone resorption in most cases.\n\nRoutine oral examinations, and prophylactic scaling of the teeth would likely help to reduce the incidence of “lumpy jaw” in any herd. Similarly, attention to diet, and provision of a good quality grass hay or alfalfa, and minimizing soft foods such as fruit, which may contribute to dental calculus formation and gingivitis will also help. Similarly, making sure that forage and browse does not contain sharp weeds and stems will diminish the chances of oral punctures inciting lumpy jaw.\n\nIn some countries (such as Australia) vaccines are available to protect against <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em>, and clinicians from those countries report that vaccination does help, too. Finally, routine examinations and dental prophylaxis to remove calculus buildup, as well as to detect and treat this problem in its early stages, can also assist in reducing (although probably not completely eliminating) morbidity and mortality from “lumpy jaw.”\n\nThe animal keeper can…', 'Ask the Vet!', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2590-revision', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:52:01', '2012-10-01 12:52:01', '', 2590, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2590-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2597, 2, '2012-10-01 08:05:45', '2012-10-01 13:05:45', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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>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><span>April 30 - May 2 2013</span> - </em></strong></em><em>Chimpanzee SSP Meeting and Husbandry Workshop</em> -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\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 October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-10-01 08:05:45', '2012-10-01 13:05:45', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-66/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2595, 2, '2012-08-31 20:02:10', '2012-09-01 01:02:10', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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>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><em>April 30 - May 2 2013 - </em><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>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 September 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-08-31 20:02:10', '2012-09-01 01:02:10', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-64/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2596, 2, '2012-10-01 08:04:47', '2012-10-01 13:04:47', '<strong><em></em></strong>\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 19-25, 2012 -<em>The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 32nd Annual Conference</em>.</strong> Location: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  For more information visit <a href="http://azvt.org">azvt.org</a>.\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>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<em><strong><span>April 30 - May 2 2013</span><em> - </em></strong></em><em>Chimpanzee SSP Meeting and Husbandry Workshop</em> -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\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 October 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-10-01 08:04:47', '2012-10-01 13:04:47', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-65/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2600, 2, '2012-10-01 07:37:49', '2012-10-01 12:37:49', '<em>Julie Tougas(1) and Helene Caron (2)</em>\r\n\r\n<em>1 Curator of the reptile, amphibian and fish collection, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. julie.tougas@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\n<em>2 Education Program Coordinator, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. helene.caron@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\nThe Ecomuseum zoo is a small, CAZA-accredited institution located in Québec, Canada. The zoo is managed by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society whose mission focuses on education, research and conservation. Through this three-pronged approach, the Society fosters an appreciation and understanding of the physical and biological characters of the regional flora and fauna. Over the years, the Ecomuseum zoo has developed an extensive onsite and offsite educational program. The zoo’s onsite activities will expose over 20,000 children to the wonderful world of animals. Moreover, the zoo’s zoologist-educators will have the opportunity to influence the lives of over 6,500 children during the 280 offsite presentations scheduled every year. The zoo offers several different offsite presentations, covering general topics such as biodiversity, to more specific topics such as birds of prey or amphibians.\r\n\r\nWith its living collection of wildlife species serving a dual role as both ambassador and catalyst, the Ecomuseum offers unmatched learning experiences for both children and adults. At the zoo, we have a special appreciation for turtles. Live education turtles have become stellar ambassadors, travelling daily with our educators to offsite events and playing key roles for visitors during our onsite guided tours. Over the course of a one-year period, a turtle is presented during each of our over 900 scheduled onsite guided tours providing visitors with the opportunity to touch a live turtle’s carapace. Our educators will also present live turtles in approximately 60% of offsite presentations.\r\n\r\nSeveral factors combine to make turtles a beneficial addition to any presentation; namely their charismatic appeal, their gentle behaviour and the ease of transport. It should be noted however that the use of live turtles also presents several challenges such as: the public’s awareness that turtles can carry Salmonella sp., housing requirements and animal acquisition. In this paper, we explore and review the advantages and challenges that we have associated with the use of live turtles within our educational program. We will also describe the special care and considerations needed for the care of our education turtles. This article will not be discussing, nor debating, the advantages of live animals within any educational program.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why turtles? </strong>\r\n\r\nUnlike snakes which carry very negative appeal (Mullin and Seigel, 2009), we believe that turtles benefit from a social charismatic appeal within the general public. Our onsite presentations have supported this hypothesis as these events include interactions with both a snake and a turtle. Numerous occasions of negative responses have been observed in the presence of the snake. This fear is unfortunately reflected by the accompanying children. The presence of the turtle however created both excitation and curiosity in both adults and children. Without fear, curiosity permits participants to remain receptive to learning about the biology and conservation of turtles and of reptiles in general. As a result of the public’s openness to learn, turtles become an ideal taxon to use when educating about biodiversity, evolution and the food chain.\r\n\r\nAn education turtle, when properly acclimated to its routine, can remain calm when surrounded by a large group of people. This calmness can be interpreted in an anthropomorphic and positive manner by the public; they feel as if the turtle is happy to be held and touched. This interpretation contradicts the common misconception that zoos and aquariums are exploiters of animals (Hutchins et al., 2003). In addition, turtles remain an excellent choice when there is desire to offer the public the chance to touch a live animal. A turtle’s solid carapace and scale-covered limbs (although the head, tail and limbs are not regularly touched) offer excellent protection. The risk of physical trauma related to touching remains therefore low. Furthermore, the turtle’s ability to enter its carapace, as a form of refuge, offers the handler insight related to the turtle’s stress level and he/she can react appropriately by concluding that part of the presentation. Such protective behaviour, if displayed, can also be indicative of post-presentation physical discomfort which may or may not be combined with anorexia (unstressed turtles are always hungry!).\r\n\r\nThe turtle’s morphology facilitates its transport; its shell and scaled limbs offer a high level of protection from abrasions. Finally, the use of live turtles during presentations can help dispel four widely held misconceptions, namely: that all turtles can hide in their shell, that they can crawl out of their shell (this point can be further explained by the use of a naturalised carapace), that the carapace is indestructible and that turtles are slow!\r\n\r\nA special note in regards to the use of indigenous species: The Saint-Lawrence Valley area includes the natural distribution range of eight species of freshwater turtles. Our experiences show that much of the local population is unaware that turtles exist in the area (especially those living in urban centers). The use of indigenous species will therefore promote awareness of our local biodiversity, while also creating an emotional connection when discussing conservation issues. This association and sensitivity is compounded if participants with heightened awareness were to observe a turtle in a wild, yet local, setting.\r\n\r\n<strong>Challenges</strong>\r\n\r\nThe use of live turtles can also present several challenges. One of the biggest and most notable issues relates to the transmission of Salmonella sp. It has been found that turtles may be infected at a rate between 12.1% and 85% (Mader, 2006). It has been shown however that a healthy, un-stressed animal is less likely to shed the bacteria (Gray, 2011). It is recommended that a simple hand sanitization after touching a turtle can prevent infection (Gray, 2011). In consideration of these facts, our turtle interaction sessions are always followed by hand washing or hand sanitization. The participants are informed of the reason behind these practices. The chances of contamination are further reduced by ensuring cleanliness in both the turtle’s temporary and permanent enclosures.\r\n\r\nThis does however bring forth a second issue that arose: housing. We must ensure that we have enough animals from each species to complete the possible repetition of a presentation in a same day or same time period. This has resulted in the need to keep three to five individuals of each species represented in each presentation topic. There are 27 education turtles housed at the zoo, representing seven species of indigenous freshwater turtles. The genders are kept separately for two essential reasons: first, is to prevent unplanned reproduction, second, and most importantly, is to remove any stresses caused by reproductive behaviour. Males from many species, such as the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) or the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), can be very persistent and exhausting to female tank mates, but as well be very territorial and aggressive towards male tank mates. In the case of these species, and most others kept at the zoo, all males must be individually housed, but females may be kept communally. For this reason, and despite the fact that turtle species native to the Saint-Lawrence Valley are relatively small in size, many tanks are required to house all our turtles.\r\n\r\nTransportation of the turtles, as mentioned above, can be considered an advantage due to their scales and carapace, but their ectothermic metabolism can cause difficulties when transporting in colder climates. The turtle’s ideal body temperature must be maintained throughout transport in order to maintain an active immune system and to promote a healthy state. We have resolved this issue by constructing insulated transport boxes. Should the need arise, the temperature within these boxes can be increased with the addition of supplemental hot water bottles.\r\n\r\nA final challenge, which may or may not be applicable to other institutions, is the acquisition of turtles. Our specimens are acquired through various methods. We offer refuge to rehabilitated and confiscated animals, but our priority is to acquire captive-bred individuals through inter-zoo transfers or through captive hatching within our facility. As a result of careful planning during recent years, we are pleased to state that our captive reproduction program is almost self-sustaining. The captive reproduction of our education turtles permits us to affect the genders (in most species) of our new generation of education turtles, by incubation temperature manipulation. We aim for high female ratio to address the housing challenges mentioned previously. Captive reproduction also permits us to work with individuals at a very young age during our training/desensitisation program (which will be explained later in this article). One disadvantage to captive reproduction vs. acquiring adult animals is that the young turtles need to attain a certain size before they can be transported safely and manipulated daily, in order to prevent damage to their delicate, un-calcified carapace.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not all are born to educate!</strong>\r\n\r\nTurtles exhibit a variety of behaviours which may or may not make them ideal education turtle candidates. It has been shown that regular handling can physiologically affect turtles (Cabanac and Bernieri, 2000). We want to ensure that our selected education turtles demonstrate positive behavioural tendencies which may reduce any negative physiological responses. Some turtles are curious, alert and very stimulated by movement around them, while some turtles exhibit the opposite characteristics. Some can be very shy, scared and can be affected negatively by too much environmental stimuli. The selection of our education turtles is made based on an initial evaluation…\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>', 'The Turtles of the Education Program: Strong Ambassadors for the Ecomuseum Zoo.', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2586-revision-3', '', '', '2012-10-01 07:37:49', '2012-10-01 12:37:49', '', 2586, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2586-revision-3/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2601, 2, '2012-10-02 07:49:23', '2012-10-02 12:49:23', '<em>Julie Tougas(1) and Helene Caron (2)</em>\r\n\r\n<em>1 Curator of the reptile, amphibian and fish collection, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. julie.tougas@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\n<em>2 Education Program Coordinator, Ecomuseum zoo. 21125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Québec), H9X 3Y7. helene.caron@ecomuseum.ca</em>\r\n\r\nThe Ecomuseum zoo is a small, CAZA-accredited institution located in Québec, Canada. The zoo is managed by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society whose mission focuses on education, research and conservation. Through this three-pronged approach, the Society fosters an appreciation and understanding of the physical and biological characters of the regional flora and fauna. Over the years, the Ecomuseum zoo has developed an extensive onsite and offsite educational program. The zoo’s onsite activities will expose over 20,000 children to the wonderful world of animals. Moreover, the zoo’s zoologist-educators will have the opportunity to influence the lives of over 6,500 children during the 280 offsite presentations scheduled every year. The zoo offers several different offsite presentations, covering general topics such as biodiversity, to more specific topics such as birds of prey or amphibians.\r\n\r\nWith its living collection of wildlife species serving a dual role as both ambassador and catalyst, the Ecomuseum offers unmatched learning experiences for both children and adults. At the zoo, we have a special appreciation for turtles. Live education turtles have become stellar ambassadors, travelling daily with our educators to offsite events and playing key roles for visitors during our onsite guided tours. Over the course of a one-year period, a turtle is presented during each of our over 900 scheduled onsite guided tours providing visitors with the opportunity to touch a live turtle’s carapace. Our educators will also present live turtles in approximately 60% of offsite presentations.\r\n\r\nSeveral factors combine to make turtles a beneficial addition to any presentation; namely their charismatic appeal, their gentle behaviour and the ease of transport. It should be noted however that the use of live turtles also presents several challenges such as: the public’s awareness that turtles can carry Salmonella sp., housing requirements and animal acquisition. In this paper, we explore and review the advantages and challenges that we have associated with the use of live turtles within our educational program. We will also describe the special care and considerations needed for the care of our education turtles. This article will not be discussing, nor debating, the advantages of live animals within any educational program.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why turtles? </strong>\r\n\r\nUnlike snakes which carry very negative appeal (Mullin and Seigel, 2009), we believe that turtles benefit from a social charismatic appeal within the general public. Our onsite presentations have supported this hypothesis as these events include interactions with both a snake and a turtle. Numerous occasions of negative responses have been observed in the presence of the snake. This fear is unfortunately reflected by the accompanying children. The presence of the turtle however created both excitation and curiosity in both adults and children. Without fear, curiosity permits participants to remain receptive to learning about the biology and conservation of turtles and of reptiles in general. As a result of the public’s openness to learn, turtles become an ideal taxon to use when educating about biodiversity, evolution and the food chain.\r\n\r\nAn education turtle, when properly acclimated to its routine, can remain calm when surrounded by a large group of people. This calmness can be interpreted in an anthropomorphic and positive manner by the public; they feel as if the turtle is happy to be held and touched. This interpretation contradicts the common misconception that zoos and aquariums are exploiters of animals (Hutchins et al., 2003). In addition, turtles remain an excellent choice when there is desire to offer the public the chance to touch a live animal. A turtle’s solid carapace and scale-covered limbs (although the head, tail and limbs are not regularly touched) offer excellent protection. The risk of physical trauma related to touching remains therefore low. Furthermore, the turtle’s ability to enter its carapace, as a form of refuge, offers the handler insight related to the turtle’s stress level and he/she can react appropriately by concluding that part of the presentation. Such protective behaviour, if displayed, can also be indicative of post-presentation physical discomfort which may or may not be combined with anorexia (unstressed turtles are always hungry!).\r\n\r\nThe turtle’s morphology facilitates its transport; its shell and scaled limbs offer a high level of protection from abrasions. Finally, the use of live turtles during presentations can help dispel four widely held misconceptions, namely: that all turtles can hide in their shell, that they can crawl out of their shell (this point can be further explained by the use of a naturalised carapace), that the carapace is indestructible and that turtles are slow!\r\n\r\nA special note in regards to the use of indigenous species: The Saint-Lawrence Valley area includes the natural distribution range of eight species of freshwater turtles. Our experiences show that much of the local population is unaware that turtles exist in the area (especially those living in urban centers). The use of indigenous species will therefore promote awareness of our local biodiversity, while also creating an emotional connection when discussing conservation issues. This association and sensitivity is compounded if participants with heightened awareness were to observe a turtle in a wild, yet local, setting.\r\n\r\n<strong>Challenges</strong>\r\n\r\nThe use of live turtles can also present several challenges. One of the biggest and most notable issues relates to the transmission of <em>Salmonella sp</em>. It has been found that turtles may be infected at a rate between 12.1% and 85% (Mader, 2006). It has been shown however that a healthy, un-stressed animal is less likely to shed the bacteria (Gray, 2011). It is recommended that a simple hand sanitization after touching a turtle can prevent infection (Gray, 2011). In consideration of these facts, our turtle interaction sessions are always followed by hand washing or hand sanitization. The participants are informed of the reason behind these practices. The chances of contamination are further reduced by ensuring cleanliness in both the turtle’s temporary and permanent enclosures.\r\n\r\nThis does however bring forth a second issue that arose: housing. We must ensure that we have enough animals from each species to complete the possible repetition of a presentation in a same day or same time period. This has resulted in the need to keep three to five individuals of each species represented in each presentation topic. There are 27 education turtles housed at the zoo, representing seven species of indigenous freshwater turtles. The genders are kept separately for two essential reasons: first, is to prevent unplanned reproduction, second, and most importantly, is to remove any stresses caused by reproductive behaviour. Males from many species, such as the North American Wood Turtle (<em>Glyptemys insculpta</em>) or the Spotted Turtle (<em>Clemmys guttata</em>), can be very persistent and exhausting to female tank mates, but as well be very territorial and aggressive towards male tank mates. In the case of these species, and most others kept at the zoo, all males must be individually housed, but females may be kept communally. For this reason, and despite the fact that turtle species native to the Saint-Lawrence Valley are relatively small in size, many tanks are required to house all our turtles.\r\n\r\nTransportation of the turtles, as mentioned above, can be considered an advantage due to their scales and carapace, but their ectothermic metabolism can cause difficulties when transporting in colder climates. The turtle’s ideal body temperature must be maintained throughout transport in order to maintain an active immune system and to promote a healthy state. We have resolved this issue by constructing insulated transport boxes. Should the need arise, the temperature within these boxes can be increased with the addition of supplemental hot water bottles.\r\n\r\nA final challenge, which may or may not be applicable to other institutions, is the acquisition of turtles. Our specimens are acquired through various methods. We offer refuge to rehabilitated and confiscated animals, but our priority is to acquire captive-bred individuals through inter-zoo transfers or through captive hatching within our facility. As a result of careful planning during recent years, we are pleased to state that our captive reproduction program is almost self-sustaining. The captive reproduction of our education turtles permits us to affect the genders (in most species) of our new generation of education turtles, by incubation temperature manipulation. We aim for high female ratio to address the housing challenges mentioned previously. Captive reproduction also permits us to work with individuals at a very young age during our training/desensitisation program (which will be explained later in this article). One disadvantage to captive reproduction vs. acquiring adult animals is that the young turtles need to attain a certain size before they can be transported safely and manipulated daily, in order to prevent damage to their delicate, un-calcified carapace.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not all are born to educate!</strong>\r\n\r\nTurtles exhibit a variety of behaviours which may or may not make them ideal education turtle candidates. It has been shown that regular handling can physiologically affect turtles (Cabanac and Bernieri, 2000). We want to ensure that our selected education turtles demonstrate positive behavioural tendencies which may reduce any<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2599" title="turtle" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/turtle-300x207.jpg" alt="turtle" width="300" height="207" />negative physiological responses. Some turtles are curious, alert and very stimulated by movement around them, while some turtles exhibit the opposite characteristics. Some can be very shy, scared and can be affected negatively by too much environmental stimuli. The selection of our education turtles is made based on an initial evaluation…\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>', 'The Turtles of the Education Program: Strong Ambassadors for the Ecomuseum Zoo.', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2586-revision-4', '', '', '2012-10-02 07:49:23', '2012-10-02 12:49:23', '', 2586, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2586-revision-4/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2615, 2, '2012-10-25 22:36:24', '2012-10-26 03:36:24', '', 'andy_h', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'andy_h', '', '', '2012-10-25 22:36:24', '2012-10-26 03:36:24', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/andy_h.tif', 0, 'attachment', 'image/tiff', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2616, 2, '2012-10-25 22:40:28', '2012-10-26 03:40:28', '', 'andy_h', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'andy_h-2', '', '', '2012-10-25 22:40:28', '2012-10-26 03:40:28', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/andy_h.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2621, 2, '2012-10-03 19:41:21', '2012-10-04 00:41:21', '<h2>Coordinator</h2>\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>Total Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$4,284,321.79</span></h2>\r\n<h2><strong><strong>2012 Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$280,997.79</span></strong></strong></h2>\r\n<strong><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/AAZKBowlingForRhinoss2012/fundraiser/aazkinc"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2410" title="donate_button" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donate_button.jpg" alt="donate_button" width="135" height="136" /></a></span></strong></strong>\r\n\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', '', '', '2012-10-03 19:41:21', '2012-10-04 00:41:21', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/168-revision-46/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2740, 2, '2012-11-02 17:23:54', '2012-11-02 22:23:54', '<h2>Coordinator</h2>\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>Total Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;">$4,321,808.48</span></h2>\r\n<h2><strong><strong>2012 Funds Raised to Date: <span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>$318,464.48 - this is a new record for amount raised in a year!</em></span></strong></strong></h2>\r\n<strong><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/AAZKBowlingForRhinoss2012/fundraiser/aazkinc"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2410" title="donate_button" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/donate_button.jpg" alt="donate_button" width="135" height="136" /></a></span></strong></strong>\r\n\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', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:23:54', '2012-11-02 22:23:54', '', 168, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/168-revision-47/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2622, 2, '2012-11-02 17:33:06', '2012-11-02 22:33:06', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors<span> </span>\r\n\r\nFrom the President<span> </span>\r\n\r\nComing Events\r\n\r\nNew Members<span> </span>\r\n\r\nCall for Papers<span> </span>498\r\n\r\nDiabetes Mellitus in Zoos<span> </span>\r\n\r\nAAZK Board of Directors Call for Nominations<span> </span>\r\n\r\nManagement of a Diabetic Golden-Bellied Mangabey<span> </span>\r\n\r\nSuccessful Management of a Diabetic Kinkajou<span> </span>\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: Helping Treat Diabetes in Non-human Primates<span> </span>\r\n\r\nDiabetes Management in a Troop of Ring-tailed Lemurs<span> </span>\r\n\r\nUse of Voluntary Restraint for Glucose Testing and Insulin Therapy <span> </span>\r\n\r\nResearch in Practice<span> </span>\r\n\r\nConservation Station', 'November 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'november-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2622', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2623, 2, '2012-11-02 17:32:59', '2012-11-02 22:32:59', '', 'November 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2622-revision', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:32:59', '2012-11-02 22:32:59', '', 2622, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2622-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2624, 2, '2012-11-02 17:50:01', '2012-11-02 22:50:01', '<em>By Dawn Stone, Animal Keeper, Jason Wark, PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, and Dr. Pam Dennis, Veterinary Epidemiologist\r\nCleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nGolden-bellied mangabeys are an Old World monkey species that has not been studied in the field.  Very limited documentation can be found on this endearing primate.  The captive population in the United States consists of 16 animals (7.9) in five institutions, and a mere 45 worldwide.\r\n\r\nCleveland Metroparks Zoo has a female golden-bellied mangabey, Janet Lee, who has been diagnosed with diabetes.  In the past, the zoo has also housed another diabetic female, the mother of our current male (Brandon).  Upon acquiring Janet Lee and diagnosing the diabetes, it has been Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s goal to manage the disease through training, medication, and diet.\r\n\r\n<strong>Overview of Diabetes</strong>\r\n\r\nDiabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by abnormal insulin production or utilization, ultimately leading to increased blood glucose levels. In humans, diabetes is categorized as type 1 or type 2, depending on the production or utilization of insulin.  Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy.  Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.\r\n\r\nInsulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.  When food is consumed the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose.  Insulin transports glucose from the blood into the cells.  When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells it can lead to diabetic complications (American Diabetes Association). When glucose in the blood reaches a high enough concentration, the kidneys can no longer reabsorb all of it, and it spills over into the urine.\r\n\r\n<strong>Janet Lee</strong>\r\n\r\nJanet Lee arrived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) on 9 October 2007.  She was brought to the zoo as a companion for its lone male golden-bellied mangabey and was quarantined in our hospital area. Janet Lee had been diagnosed with diabetes during her pre-shipment exam at the sending institution, but given the few available animals for pairing with Cleveland’s lone male, CMZ agreed to accept the animal with this medical condition. Three days after arrival, hospital keepers submitted a urine sample that showed high ketone and glucose levels. Ketones in the urine (ketonuria) is a condition seen when the body produces excess ketones as an alternative source of energy. Ketones are produced when the body starts breaking down fats instead of sugars for energy. Production of ketones is a normal response to a shortage of glucose, meant to provide an alternate source of fuel from fatty acids. Ketonuria can occur during unregulated diabetes mellitus.\r\n\r\nVeterinarians at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo initially attempted to manage Janet Lee’s diabetes with oral medication. She was given Metformin® (125mg orally twice daily) and Glipizide (5 mg orally once daily). Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin® has three functions: it slows absorption of sugar from the small intestine, it reduces the rate of glucose production by the liver (gluconeogenesis), and it enhances the sensitivity of cells to insulin. During this time, the only diagnostic test we could do to monitor her glucose was through urine tests. Janet Lee consistently had glucose in her urine, suggesting that the oral anti-diabetic medications were not working adequately to manage her diabetes.\r\n\r\nHospital keepers, along with veterinary technicians, began attempting injections on 27 November  2007.  They first began with an injection of 1 IU of saline that she accepted in her right hip.  The following day she received her first dose of insulin (Protamine Zinc insulin 4 IU IM once daily). Insulin injections were started despite the lack of sufficient behavioral training because oral anti-hyperglycemic medications were not working, and the presence of ketones in her urine caused concern of possible diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the lack of insulin results in metabolism of fats to ketones, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.\r\n\r\nInsulin injections were stopped on 13 December 2007 due to unreliability in giving the insulin injection.  The hospital keepers and veterinary technicians continued working with Janet Lee with the help of a training consultant to strengthen the behavior.\r\n\r\n<strong>Glucometer</strong>\r\n\r\nInitial blood glucose readings were done using an Alpha-TRAK® glucometer (Abbott Laboratories).  This glucometer was specifically designed for veterinary use with domestic cats and dogs.  The Alpha-TRAK® glucometer was giving inconsistent readings, so we switched to a Freestyle® glucometer (Abbott Laboratories).  The Freestyle® glucometer was designed for use with humans and provided more consistent blood glucose levels as compared to the Alpha-TRAK® glucometer.\r\n\r\n<strong>Training for Insulin Injections</strong>\r\n\r\nThe ability of having Janet Lee receive insulin injections and voluntary glucose checks was imperative and operant conditioning was used in training the behaviors.  Janet Lee came to Cleveland with training but keepers still started with basics and established a bridge using a whistle.  The whistle is the bridge of choice with new behaviors for these keepers.  With the whistle, behaviors seem to be easily shaped because of the consistency and sharpness of the bridge.\r\n\r\nThe behaviors of hip and shoulder presentation to the caging were shaped while a capped syringe was in sight.  The insulin, protamine zinc was to be given as an intramuscular injection in the muscles of the hip.  Shoulder was trained as well so that multiple areas would be available if needed.  Keepers were doing five short sessions a day beginning 24 February 2008 and the behaviors took a few short days to shape.  It is when keepers picked up the syringe that Janet Lee would pull away from caging and not have her body completely against the wire.  The act of injecting Janet Lee previously when the behavior was not solid caused some set back in the current training.\r\n\r\nIt took about a week before she let us put a capped insulin syringe up to her.  Keepers decided to work this behavior as slowly as she needed with the cap on the syringe.  Over time the cap was cut back to expose a very small portion of the needle instead of taking the cap off entirely.  Initially the needle was rubbed across her skin.  This caused her to back away at first but when she did hold for the needle touching her she was jackpotted with sugar-free candy.\r\n\r\nOver time, the needle was exposed more by cutting the cap back gradually and instead of just touching her with the needle, keepers would poke her with the needle.  This did cause a little regression at first but because of the amount and consistency of sessions it lasted only a day or two.\r\n\r\nOn 3 April 2008 Janet Lee began receiving 1 unit of saline IM in her hip in preparation of insulin injection.  By 11 April 2008 keepers were injecting four units of saline BID and on the 12th tested her blood glucose with an Alpha-Trak® reader that read HI and did not register.\r\n\r\nThe first dose of insulin was given on 13 April 2008.  She received two units of protamine zinc (PZI) IM in her right hip.  Blood glucose was taken prior to injection and read 407 mg/dl.  The behavior of getting blood glucose samples from her toes was not trained in the formal sense of the word. All of the training emphasis had been placed on training for insulin injections, and only when we realized that insulin injections were truly about to happen did we fully appreciate the need for blood <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2625" title="toe_prick" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/toe_prick-300x276.jpg" alt="toe_prick" width="300" height="276" />glucose monitoring. As this was our first case of treating diabetes with insulin injections, the veterinarians were wary of treating without any ability to monitor blood glucose, so insisted that blood glucose monitoring behaviors become incorporated into the training protocol. Keepers had been working the behavior of hand and foot presentation through caging but had never incorporated the testing instruments until the day of the first insulin injection. Fortunately Janet Lee was a willing participant in the training, and the behavior was readily shaped to facilitate routine blood glucose monitoring.  In hindsight, we appreciate the importance of detailed communication of expectations and maintenance of open lines of communication between veterinary staff and keeper staff in cases requiring intensive clinical management.\r\n\r\n<strong>Diet</strong>\r\n\r\nThe diet from her sending institution was Mazuri® Primate Maintenance Biscuit (70g), endive (180 g), carrot (35 g), yam (35 g), yellow corn (18.5 g), green peas (18.5 g), apple (35 g), red or green grapes (35 g) and banana (35g).   To decrease the amount of simple sugars, the diet was changed to Marion® Leaf Eater Biscuits (200g) Hi-Maize Resistant Starch (125g), green beans (80 g), broccoli (80g), summer squash (80g), sunflower seed kernels (56g), and endive (680g). The Mazuri® biscuit and Hi-Maize resistant starch combination was a biscuit available at the zoo as part of an ongoing study examining the effects of increased dietary fiber on gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) health. The biscuit was chosen for Janet Lee as a means of increasing the dietary fiber in her diet as well as providing resistant starch. Resistant starch is a starch that is not digested in the stomach but is fermented by bacteria in the large colon, providing nutrition without increasing blood glucose levels.\r\n\r\nIn June 2008, her diet was adjusted to remove the Marion® Leaf Eater Biscuits to further reduce the amount of sugar in her diet. The diet was changed to canned black beans, no salt added (200g), Hi-Maize resistant starch (125 g), green beans (80g), broccoli (80g), summer squash (80g), sunflower seed kernels (30g), endive (340g ), chia seeds (28g) and vitamin D (400IU). Chia seeds were added to the diet as they have been shown in humans to help regulate blood glucose levels.\r\n\r\nIn December 2008, Janet Lee was included in a diet study examining the behavioral effects of dietary konjac and fenugreek used to ameliorate diabetes in our golden-bellied mangabey and Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas).  We hypothesized that the addition of fenugreek and konjac to the diet of the diabetic animals will ameliorate the hyperglycemia, resulting in increased activity levels more closely resembling the activity levels of the clinically normal animals. Monitoring activity levels of the animals prior to and following the addition of konjac and fenugreek to the diet would provide a non-invasive means of assessing the effect of this dietary supplement. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat diseases, and are the basis of many of our modern-day drugs. Fenugreek, a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking, has been shown to have an anti-diabetic effect in dogs, rats, and mice. It also has an anti-hyperglycemic effect in humans with type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.1  Konjac-mannan, a fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac), has been used for centuries in Asia as a food. More recently, it is used in food processing as a stabilizer and gelling agent. It has a “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) status in the United States.2 Konjac fiber has been shown to help control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes in humans.2  While we did not see significant changes in the behavior of Janet Lee during this study, the dietary supplement did appear to have a stabilizing effect on her blood glucose and the supplement was incorporated into her daily diet.\r\n\r\nDiets in the zoo were evaluated in 2009 and in October 2009 this diet was adjusted to account for the fact that the animal consumed less food than was offered. The animal’s current diet is canned black beans, no salt added (50g), Hi-Maize resistant starch (8 g), green beans (65g), broccoli (65g), summer squash (65g), sunflower seed kernels (15g), endive (200g ), chia seeds (6g), fenugreek (4g), konjac (18g),  and vitamin D (400IU).\r\n\r\n<strong>Birth Control</strong>\r\n\r\nDuring the quarantine health exam she was implanted with a birth control implant of melengestrol acetate intramuscularly in the left shoulder.  MGA (melengestrol acetate) implants are a common birth control in primates and implants can function for up to two years. MGA is a synthetic progestin, and side effects of its use can include weight gain. MGA implant was selected based on its proven success as a contraceptive in primates including mangabeys. Following the quarantine period, Janet Lee was housed in an enclosure adjacent to the male mangabey until her diabetes could be managed, at which time she would be housed with the male.\r\n\r\nOnce Janet Lee was consistently receiving insulin injections, it was still challenging to regulate her blood glucose at levels within the range of 200-250mg/dl. One consideration was that the MGA implant was interfering with normal insulin regulation. As Janet Lee was not currently housed with the male, it was decided that the MGA implant would be removed to eliminate any adverse effects of the implant on diabetes management. Janet Lee went through multiple estrus cycles, and it did appear that the implant may have had adverse effects on her diabetes management. Determining this…\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>', 'Management of a Diabetic Golden-Bellied Mangabey (Cercocebus chrysogaster)', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'management-of-a-diabetic-golden-bellied-mangabey-cercocebus-chrysogaster', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2624', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2625, 2, '2012-11-02 17:47:00', '2012-11-02 22:47:00', '', 'toe_prick', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'toe_prick', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:47:00', '2012-11-02 22:47:00', '', 2624, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/toe_prick.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2626, 2, '2012-11-02 17:48:11', '2012-11-02 22:48:11', '<em>By Dawn Stone, Animal Keeper, Jason Wark, PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, and Dr. Pam Dennis, Veterinary Epidemiologist\nCleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH</em>\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nGolden-bellied mangabeys are an Old World monkey species that has not been studied in the field.  Very limited documentation can be found on this endearing primate.  The captive population in the United States consists of 16 animals (7.9) in five institutions, and a mere 45 worldwide.\n\nCleveland Metroparks Zoo has a female golden-bellied mangabey, Janet Lee, who has been diagnosed with diabetes.  In the past, the zoo has also housed another diabetic female, the mother of our current male (Brandon).  Upon acquiring Janet Lee and diagnosing the diabetes, it has been Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s goal to manage the disease through training, medication, and diet.\n\n<strong>Overview of Diabetes</strong>\n\nDiabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by abnormal insulin production or utilization, ultimately leading to increased blood glucose levels. In humans, diabetes is categorized as type 1 or type 2, depending on the production or utilization of insulin.  Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy.  Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.\n\nInsulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.  When food is consumed the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose.  Insulin transports glucose from the blood into the cells.  When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells it can lead to diabetic complications (American Diabetes Association). When glucose in the blood reaches a high enough concentration, the kidneys can no longer reabsorb all of it, and it spills over into the urine.\n\n<strong>Janet Lee</strong>\n\nJanet Lee arrived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) on 9 October 2007.  She was brought to the zoo as a companion for its lone male golden-bellied mangabey and was quarantined in our hospital area. Janet Lee had been diagnosed with diabetes during her pre-shipment exam at the sending institution, but given the few available animals for pairing with Cleveland’s lone male, CMZ agreed to accept the animal with this medical condition. Three days after arrival, hospital keepers submitted a urine sample that showed high ketone and glucose levels. Ketones in the urine (ketonuria) is a condition seen when the body produces excess ketones as an alternative source of energy. Ketones are produced when the body starts breaking down fats instead of sugars for energy. Production of ketones is a normal response to a shortage of glucose, meant to provide an alternate source of fuel from fatty acids. Ketonuria can occur during unregulated diabetes mellitus.\n\nVeterinarians at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo initially attempted to manage Janet Lee’s diabetes with oral medication. She was given Metformin® (125mg orally twice daily) and Glipizide (5 mg orally once daily). Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin® has three functions: it slows absorption of sugar from the small intestine, it reduces the rate of glucose production by the liver (gluconeogenesis), and it enhances the sensitivity of cells to insulin. During this time, the only diagnostic test we could do to monitor her glucose was through urine tests. Janet Lee consistently had glucose in her urine, suggesting that the oral anti-diabetic medications were not working adequately to manage her diabetes.\n\nHospital keepers, along with veterinary technicians, began attempting injections on 27 November  2007.  They first began with an injection of 1 IU of saline that she accepted in her right hip.  The following day she received her first dose of insulin (Protamine Zinc insulin 4 IU IM once daily). Insulin injections were started despite the lack of sufficient behavioral training because oral anti-hyperglycemic medications were not working, and the presence of ketones in her urine caused concern of possible diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the lack of insulin results in metabolism of fats to ketones, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.\n\nInsulin injections were stopped on 13 December 2007 due to unreliability in giving the insulin injection.  The hospital keepers and veterinary technicians continued working with Janet Lee with the help of a training consultant to strengthen the behavior.\n\n<strong>Glucometer</strong>\n\nInitial blood glucose readings were done using an Alpha-TRAK® glucometer (Abbott Laboratories).  This glucometer was specifically designed for veterinary use with domestic cats and dogs.  The Alpha-TRAK® glucometer was giving inconsistent readings, so we switched to a Freestyle® glucometer (Abbott Laboratories).  The Freestyle® glucometer was designed for use with humans and provided more consistent blood glucose levels as compared to the Alpha-TRAK® glucometer.\n\n<strong>Training for Insulin Injections</strong>\n\nThe ability of having Janet Lee receive insulin injections and voluntary glucose checks was imperative and operant conditioning was used in training the behaviors.  Janet Lee came to Cleveland with training but keepers still started with basics and established a bridge using a whistle.  The whistle is the bridge of choice with new behaviors for these keepers.  With the whistle, behaviors seem to be easily shaped because of the consistency and sharpness of the bridge.\n\nThe behaviors of hip and shoulder presentation to the caging were shaped while a capped syringe was in sight.  The insulin, protamine zinc was to be given as an intramuscular injection in the muscles of the hip.  Shoulder was trained as well so that multiple areas would be available if needed.  Keepers were doing five short sessions a day beginning 24 February 2008 and the behaviors took a few short days to shape.  It is when keepers picked up the syringe that Janet Lee would pull away from caging and not have her body completely against the wire.  The act of injecting Janet Lee previously when the behavior was not solid caused some set back in the current training.\n\nIt took about a week before she let us put a capped insulin syringe up to her.  Keepers decided to work this behavior as slowly as she needed with the cap on the syringe.  Over time the cap was cut back to expose a very small portion of the needle instead of taking the cap off entirely.  Initially the needle was rubbed across her skin.  This caused her to back away at first but when she did hold for the needle touching her she was jackpotted with sugar-free candy.\n\nOver time, the needle was exposed more by cutting the cap back gradually and instead of just touching her with the needle, keepers would poke her with the needle.  This did cause a little regression at first but because of the amount and consistency of sessions it lasted only a day or two.\n\nOn 3 April 2008 Janet Lee began receiving 1 unit of saline IM in her hip in preparation of insulin injection.  By 11 April 2008 keepers were injecting four units of saline BID and on the 12th tested her blood glucose with an Alpha-Trak® reader that read HI and did not register.\n\nThe first dose of insulin was given on 13 April 2008.  She received two units of protamine zinc (PZI) IM in her right hip.  Blood glucose was taken prior to injection and read 407 mg/dl.  The behavior of getting blood glucose samples from her toes was not trained in the formal sense of the word. All of the training emphasis had been placed on training for insulin injections, and only when we realized that insulin injections were truly about to happen did we fully appreciate the need for blood glucose monitoring. As this was our first case of treating diabetes with insulin injections, the veterinarians were wary of treating without any ability to monitor blood glucose, so insisted that blood glucose monitoring behaviors become incorporated into the training protocol. Keepers had been working the behavior of hand and foot presentation through caging but had never incorporated the testing instruments until the day of the first insulin injection. Fortunately Janet Lee was a willing participant in the training, and the behavior was readily shaped to facilitate routine blood glucose monitoring.  In hindsight, we appreciate the importance of detailed communication of expectations and maintenance of open lines of communication between veterinary staff and keeper staff in cases requiring intensive clinical management.\n\n<strong>Diet</strong>\n\nThe diet from her sending institution was Mazuri® Primate Maintenance Biscuit (70g), endive (180 g), carrot (35 g), yam (35 g), yellow corn (18.5 g), green peas (18.5 g), apple (35 g), red or green grapes (35 g) and banana (35g).   To decrease the amount of simple sugars, the diet was changed to Marion® Leaf Eater Biscuits (200g) Hi-Maize Resistant Starch (125g), green beans (80 g), broccoli (80g), summer squash (80g), sunflower seed kernels (56g), and endive (680g). The Mazuri® biscuit and Hi-Maize resistant starch combination was a biscuit available at the zoo as part of an ongoing study examining the effects of increased dietary fiber on gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) health. The biscuit was chosen for Janet Lee as a means of increasing the dietary fiber in her diet as well as providing resistant starch. Resistant starch is a starch that is not digested in the stomach but is fermented by bacteria in the large colon, providing nutrition without increasing blood glucose levels.\n\nIn June 2008, her diet was adjusted to remove the Marion® Leaf Eater Biscuits to further reduce the amount of sugar in her diet. The diet was changed to canned black beans, no salt added (200g), Hi-Maize resistant starch (125 g), green beans (80g), broccoli (80g), summer squash (80g), sunflower seed kernels (30g), endive (340g ), chia seeds (28g) and vitamin D (400IU). Chia seeds were added to the diet as they have been shown in humans to help regulate blood glucose levels.\n\nIn December 2008, Janet Lee was included in a diet study examining the behavioral effects of dietary konjac and fenugreek used to ameliorate diabetes in our golden-bellied mangabey and Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas).  We hypothesized that the addition of fenugreek and konjac to the diet of the diabetic animals will ameliorate the hyperglycemia, resulting in increased activity levels more closely resembling the activity levels of the clinically normal animals. Monitoring activity levels of the animals prior to and following the addition of konjac and fenugreek to the diet would provide a non-invasive means of assessing the effect of this dietary supplement. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat diseases, and are the basis of many of our modern-day drugs. Fenugreek, a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking, has been shown to have an anti-diabetic effect in dogs, rats, and mice. It also has an anti-hyperglycemic effect in humans with type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.1  Konjac-mannan, a fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac), has been used for centuries in Asia as a food. More recently, it is used in food processing as a stabilizer and gelling agent. It has a “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) status in the United States.2 Konjac fiber has been shown to help control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes in humans.2  While we did not see significant changes in the behavior of Janet Lee during this study, the dietary supplement did appear to have a stabilizing effect on her blood glucose and the supplement was incorporated into her daily diet.\n\nDiets in the zoo were evaluated in 2009 and in October 2009 this diet was adjusted to account for the fact that the animal consumed less food than was offered. The animal’s current diet is canned black beans, no salt added (50g), Hi-Maize resistant starch (8 g), green beans (65g), broccoli (65g), summer squash (65g), sunflower seed kernels (15g), endive (200g ), chia seeds (6g), fenugreek (4g), konjac (18g),  and vitamin D (400IU).\n\n<strong>Birth Control</strong>\n\nDuring the quarantine health exam she was implanted with a birth control implant of melengestrol acetate intramuscularly in the left shoulder.  MGA (melengestrol acetate) implants are a common birth control in primates and implants can function for up to two years. MGA is a synthetic progestin, and side effects of its use can include weight gain. MGA implant was selected based on its proven success as a contraceptive in primates including mangabeys. Following the quarantine period, Janet Lee was housed in an enclosure adjacent to the male mangabey until her diabetes could be managed, at which time she would be housed with the male.\n\nOnce Janet Lee was consistently receiving insulin injections, it was still challenging to regulate her blood glucose at levels within the range of 200-250mg/dl. One consideration was that the MGA implant was interfering with normal insulin regulation. As Janet Lee was not currently housed with the male, it was decided that the MGA implant would be removed to eliminate any adverse effects of the implant on diabetes management. Janet Lee went through multiple estrus cycles, and it did appear that the implant may have had adverse effects on her diabetes management. Determining this…\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>', 'Management of a Diabetic Golden-Bellied Mangabey (Cercocebus chrysogaster)', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2624-revision', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:48:11', '2012-11-02 22:48:11', '', 2624, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2624-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2627, 2, '2012-11-02 17:49:11', '2012-11-02 22:49:11', '<em>By Dawn Stone, Animal Keeper, Jason Wark, PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, and Dr. Pam Dennis, Veterinary Epidemiologist\nCleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH</em>\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nGolden-bellied mangabeys are an Old World monkey species that has not been studied in the field.  Very limited documentation can be found on this endearing primate.  The captive population in the United States consists of 16 animals (7.9) in five institutions, and a mere 45 worldwide.\n\nCleveland Metroparks Zoo has a female golden-bellied mangabey, Janet Lee, who has been diagnosed with diabetes.  In the past, the zoo has also housed another diabetic female, the mother of our current male (Brandon).  Upon acquiring Janet Lee and diagnosing the diabetes, it has been Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s goal to manage the disease through training, medication, and diet.\n\n<strong>Overview of Diabetes</strong>\n\nDiabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by abnormal insulin production or utilization, ultimately leading to increased blood glucose levels. In humans, diabetes is categorized as type 1 or type 2, depending on the production or utilization of insulin.  Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy.  Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.\n\nInsulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.  When food is consumed the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose.  Insulin transports glucose from the blood into the cells.  When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells it can lead to diabetic complications (American Diabetes Association). When glucose in the blood reaches a high enough concentration, the kidneys can no longer reabsorb all of it, and it spills over into the urine.\n\n<strong>Janet Lee</strong>\n\nJanet Lee arrived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) on 9 October 2007.  She was brought to the zoo as a companion for its lone male golden-bellied mangabey and was quarantined in our hospital area. Janet Lee had been diagnosed with diabetes during her pre-shipment exam at the sending institution, but given the few available animals for pairing with Cleveland’s lone male, CMZ agreed to accept the animal with this medical condition. Three days after arrival, hospital keepers submitted a urine sample that showed high ketone and glucose levels. Ketones in the urine (ketonuria) is a condition seen when the body produces excess ketones as an alternative source of energy. Ketones are produced when the body starts breaking down fats instead of sugars for energy. Production of ketones is a normal response to a shortage of glucose, meant to provide an alternate source of fuel from fatty acids. Ketonuria can occur during unregulated diabetes mellitus.\n\nVeterinarians at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo initially attempted to manage Janet Lee’s diabetes with oral medication. She was given Metformin® (125mg orally twice daily) and Glipizide (5 mg orally once daily). Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin® has three functions: it slows absorption of sugar from the small intestine, it reduces the rate of glucose production by the liver (gluconeogenesis), and it enhances the sensitivity of cells to insulin. During this time, the only diagnostic test we could do to monitor her glucose was through urine tests. Janet Lee consistently had glucose in her urine, suggesting that the oral anti-diabetic medications were not working adequately to manage her diabetes.\n\nHospital keepers, along with veterinary technicians, began attempting injections on 27 November  2007.  They first began with an injection of 1 IU of saline that she accepted in her right hip.  The following day she received her first dose of insulin (Protamine Zinc insulin 4 IU IM once daily). Insulin injections were started despite the lack of sufficient behavioral training because oral anti-hyperglycemic medications were not working, and the presence of ketones in her urine caused concern of possible diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the lack of insulin results in metabolism of fats to ketones, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.\n\nInsulin injections were stopped on 13 December 2007 due to unreliability in giving the insulin injection.  The hospital keepers and veterinary technicians continued working with Janet Lee with the help of a training consultant to strengthen the behavior.\n\n<strong>Glucometer</strong>\n\nInitial blood glucose readings were done using an Alpha-TRAK® glucometer (Abbott Laboratories).  This glucometer was specifically designed for veterinary use with domestic cats and dogs.  The Alpha-TRAK® glucometer was giving inconsistent readings, so we switched to a Freestyle® glucometer (Abbott Laboratories).  The Freestyle® glucometer was designed for use with humans and provided more consistent blood glucose levels as compared to the Alpha-TRAK® glucometer.\n\n<strong>Training for Insulin Injections</strong>\n\nThe ability of having Janet Lee receive insulin injections and voluntary glucose checks was imperative and operant conditioning was used in training the behaviors.  Janet Lee came to Cleveland with training but keepers still started with basics and established a bridge using a whistle.  The whistle is the bridge of choice with new behaviors for these keepers.  With the whistle, behaviors seem to be easily shaped because of the consistency and sharpness of the bridge.\n\nThe behaviors of hip and shoulder presentation to the caging were shaped while a capped syringe was in sight.  The insulin, protamine zinc was to be given as an intramuscular injection in the muscles of the hip.  Shoulder was trained as well so that multiple areas would be available if needed.  Keepers were doing five short sessions a day beginning 24 February 2008 and the behaviors took a few short days to shape.  It is when keepers picked up the syringe that Janet Lee would pull away from caging and not have her body completely against the wire.  The act of injecting Janet Lee previously when the behavior was not solid caused some set back in the current training.\n\nIt took about a week before she let us put a capped insulin syringe up to her.  Keepers decided to work this behavior as slowly as she needed with the cap on the syringe.  Over time the cap was cut back to expose a very small portion of the needle instead of taking the cap off entirely.  Initially the needle was rubbed across her skin.  This caused her to back away at first but when she did hold for the needle touching her she was jackpotted with sugar-free candy.\n\nOver time, the needle was exposed more by cutting the cap back gradually and instead of just touching her with the needle, keepers would poke her with the needle.  This did cause a little regression at first but because of the amount and consistency of sessions it lasted only a day or two.\n\nOn 3 April 2008 Janet Lee began receiving 1 unit of saline IM in her hip in preparation of insulin injection.  By 11 April 2008 keepers were injecting four units of saline BID and on the 12th tested her blood glucose with an Alpha-Trak® reader that read HI and did not register.\n\nThe first dose of insulin was given on 13 April 2008.  She received two units of protamine zinc (PZI) IM in her right hip.  Blood glucose was taken prior to injection and read 407 mg/dl.  The behavior of getting blood glucose samples from her toes was not trained in the formal sense of the word. All of the training emphasis had been placed on training for insulin injections, and only when we realized that insulin injections were truly about to happen did we fully appreciate the need for blood <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2625" title="toe_prick" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/toe_prick-300x276.jpg" alt="toe_prick" width="300" height="276" />glucose monitoring. As this was our first case of treating diabetes with insulin injections, the veterinarians were wary of treating without any ability to monitor blood glucose, so insisted that blood glucose monitoring behaviors become incorporated into the training protocol. Keepers had been working the behavior of hand and foot presentation through caging but had never incorporated the testing instruments until the day of the first insulin injection. Fortunately Janet Lee was a willing participant in the training, and the behavior was readily shaped to facilitate routine blood glucose monitoring.  In hindsight, we appreciate the importance of detailed communication of expectations and maintenance of open lines of communication between veterinary staff and keeper staff in cases requiring intensive clinical management.\n\n<strong>Diet</strong>\n\nThe diet from her sending institution was Mazuri® Primate Maintenance Biscuit (70g), endive (180 g), carrot (35 g), yam (35 g), yellow corn (18.5 g), green peas (18.5 g), apple (35 g), red or green grapes (35 g) and banana (35g).   To decrease the amount of simple sugars, the diet was changed to Marion® Leaf Eater Biscuits (200g) Hi-Maize Resistant Starch (125g), green beans (80 g), broccoli (80g), summer squash (80g), sunflower seed kernels (56g), and endive (680g). The Mazuri® biscuit and Hi-Maize resistant starch combination was a biscuit available at the zoo as part of an ongoing study examining the effects of increased dietary fiber on gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) health. The biscuit was chosen for Janet Lee as a means of increasing the dietary fiber in her diet as well as providing resistant starch. Resistant starch is a starch that is not digested in the stomach but is fermented by bacteria in the large colon, providing nutrition without increasing blood glucose levels.\n\nIn June 2008, her diet was adjusted to remove the Marion® Leaf Eater Biscuits to further reduce the amount of sugar in her diet. The diet was changed to canned black beans, no salt added (200g), Hi-Maize resistant starch (125 g), green beans (80g), broccoli (80g), summer squash (80g), sunflower seed kernels (30g), endive (340g ), chia seeds (28g) and vitamin D (400IU). Chia seeds were added to the diet as they have been shown in humans to help regulate blood glucose levels.\n\nIn December 2008, Janet Lee was included in a diet study examining the behavioral effects of dietary konjac and fenugreek used to ameliorate diabetes in our golden-bellied mangabey and Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas).  We hypothesized that the addition of fenugreek and konjac to the diet of the diabetic animals will ameliorate the hyperglycemia, resulting in increased activity levels more closely resembling the activity levels of the clinically normal animals. Monitoring activity levels of the animals prior to and following the addition of konjac and fenugreek to the diet would provide a non-invasive means of assessing the effect of this dietary supplement. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat diseases, and are the basis of many of our modern-day drugs. Fenugreek, a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking, has been shown to have an anti-diabetic effect in dogs, rats, and mice. It also has an anti-hyperglycemic effect in humans with type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.1  Konjac-mannan, a fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac), has been used for centuries in Asia as a food. More recently, it is used in food processing as a stabilizer and gelling agent. It has a “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) status in the United States.2 Konjac fiber has been shown to help control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes in humans.2  While we did not see significant changes in the behavior of Janet Lee during this study, the dietary supplement did appear to have a stabilizing effect on her blood glucose and the supplement was incorporated into her daily diet.\n\nDiets in the zoo were evaluated in 2009 and in October 2009 this diet was adjusted to account for the fact that the animal consumed less food than was offered. The animal’s current diet is canned black beans, no salt added (50g), Hi-Maize resistant starch (8 g), green beans (65g), broccoli (65g), summer squash (65g), sunflower seed kernels (15g), endive (200g ), chia seeds (6g), fenugreek (4g), konjac (18g),  and vitamin D (400IU).\n\n<strong>Birth Control</strong>\n\nDuring the quarantine health exam she was implanted with a birth control implant of melengestrol acetate intramuscularly in the left shoulder.  MGA (melengestrol acetate) implants are a common birth control in primates and implants can function for up to two years. MGA is a synthetic progestin, and side effects of its use can include weight gain. MGA implant was selected based on its proven success as a contraceptive in primates including mangabeys. Following the quarantine period, Janet Lee was housed in an enclosure adjacent to the male mangabey until her diabetes could be managed, at which time she would be housed with the male.\n\nOnce Janet Lee was consistently receiving insulin injections, it was still challenging to regulate her blood glucose at levels within the range of 200-250mg/dl. One consideration was that the MGA implant was interfering with normal insulin regulation. As Janet Lee was not currently housed with the male, it was decided that the MGA implant would be removed to eliminate any adverse effects of the implant on diabetes management. Janet Lee went through multiple estrus cycles, and it did appear that the implant may have had adverse effects on her diabetes management. Determining this…\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>', 'Management of a Diabetic Golden-Bellied Mangabey (Cercocebus chrysogaster)', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2624-revision-2', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:49:11', '2012-11-02 22:49:11', '', 2624, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2624-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2628, 2, '2012-11-02 17:57:56', '2012-11-02 22:57:56', '<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-378" title="training_tails" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/header_training_tails-300x64.jpg" alt="training_tails" width="300" height="64" />\r\n\r\n<em>By</em>\r\n<em>Mylisa A. Whipple, Primate Keeper</em>\r\n<em>Saint Louis Zoo</em>\r\n<em>Saint Louis, Missouri</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nIt can be a challenge to treat any animal that is diagnosed as a diabetic, and non-human primates are no exception.   Treatment can be constrained by a variety of factors such as the environment, social situations, and the personality and temperament of the individual being treated, just to name a few. Every situation is different, and every animal is different.  But across the board, two of the most important things required to successfully treat that animal are to have a well thought out, but flexible training plan and to keep an open line of communication between all the people that are involved in the care and management of that animal including, keepers, veterinary staff, and nutrition staff.\r\n\r\nIn the past few years, keepers at the Saint Louis Zoo have been involved in the training and treatment of two different monkeys, both diagnosed with diabetes.  Though they were different species and their situations and personalities were also quite different, a similar approach was used to treat both of them.  The same flexible shaping plan was even adapted to train them both in order to better treat their diabetes.\r\n\r\n<strong>Case 1: Bozo</strong>\r\n\r\nIn 2005, the Saint Louis Zoo housed 1.4 Hamadryas baboons (<em>Papio hamadryas</em>).  The male, named Bozo, was diagnosed with diabetes.  Keepers had observed Bozo showing signs of weakness when he walked, noticed sticky urine on the floors of the baboon enclosure, and observed the female baboons lapping up puddles of Bozo’s apparently sweet urine.  These observations suggested that something was going on with Bozo’s health and ultimately led to the veterinary work-up that resulted in this diagnosis.  In collaboration with the zoo’s veterinarians and nutritionist, Bozo’s diabetes was originally managed using oral medication and diet.  In order to test his glucose level, Bozo was trained to urinate on cue so that glucose levels could be tested in a sample of his urine.  The shaping plan for this required a keeper to observe Bozo until he urinated and then the behavior was captured using a whistle as a bridge the instant he started to urinate.  He was immediately rewarded with a jackpot item (preferred food item) and the verbal praise, “Good Pee.”  After initially capturing this, the training progressed to calling him into his holding cages and using the verbal cue “Bozo, Pee.” After giving the verbal cue, he was then observed until he urinated, which was then followed immediately with the bridge, a jackpot item, and the verbal praise, “Good Pee.”  Eventually, Bozo made the connection and would visibly try to urinate once he heard the verbal cue “Bozo, Pee.”  The success of this training allowed for regular testing of glucose levels in his urine.\r\n\r\nBased on the progression of Bozo’s symptoms, the veterinarians decided that Bozo needed to start receiving insulin injections in order to manage his diabetes.  Because he was not injection trained, he initially had to be darted with insulin daily.  Injection training of Bozo was started so that he would not have to continue to undergo the stress of being darted for any longer than necessary.\r\n\r\nA squeeze cage was custom built by one of the Zoo’s welders to use for this training.  It was installed as a permanent part of one of the baboons’ holding cages.  The outer dimensions of the squeeze cage were 92 cm in width, 104 cm in height, and 64 cm in depth.   It was composed of a metal\r\n\r\nframe with the front wall, back wall, and ceiling made out of metal chain link fencing material similar to that of the front wall of the existing holding cage.  It had two aluminum doors that could be completely removed when not needed.  The squeeze mechanism was a movable plexi-glass wall with a metal frame that could be pulled using a handle by a keeper from outside of the cage and could be locked into place as needed.\r\n\r\nThe author became Bozo’s primary trainer and was charged with developing a shaping plan that would include squeeze cage-training and injection-training.  After researching examples of squeeze cage and injection-training shaping plans from other institutions and getting advice from other animal trainers, a shaping plan was developed that would work best for the situation and included multiple options that could be used depending on how the training was progressing.\r\n\r\nOnce the shaping plan was approved, Bozo’s training started. The shaping plan included an acclimation period, followed by several training options for how the squeeze cage could be used during the training.  Depending on how training progressed, one or more of these options could be skipped. The first option was to use the squeeze cage as a narrowing tunnel or chute in which the space that he was asked to enter was simply narrowed each time prior to him entering it, until his hip and callosity were close enough to the front wall to begin injection training.  The second option was to be used if he did not want to stay in the narrowed cage for longer periods without being closed in. This option included working towards closing the doors of the squeeze cage on both sides of him. First he would be trained to allow one door to close and then the second door would be added in.  The third option was to be used if the hip and callosity were still not close enough to the front wall. In this third option the training would involve actually working towards using the squeeze mechanism to “squeeze” Bozo into the position needed for the next step of his training. Once proper positioning of Bozo’s hip and callosity was achieved, the final step in the shaping plan, injection-training, would follow.  The injection-training portion consisted of several steps including desensitizing him to the presence of a syringe, touching him with a capped syringe, touching him with needle, poking him with the needle, and then injecting him with saline (in place of insulin).\r\n\r\nThe first step in the training plan, to acclimate the baboon group to the squeeze cage, began in mid-July, 2007. In Bozo’s case, the second and third options of the shaping plan were never needed, and the training process went rather quickly. By the end of August, Bozo was accepting hand injections of insulin.\r\n\r\nUp to this point, the squeeze cage and injection-training was only used to give Bozo his insulin injections.  Urine-training was the method being used to obtain glucose measurements.  However, Bozo began to have trouble with the urine-training (he was having difficulty urinating on cue even though he was clearly trying).  Because of this and the lack of accuracy with urine glucose tests it was decided that his squeeze cage-training could also be used to obtain blood samples for blood glucose testing.  This method of sampling would be a more accurate measurement of his glucose levels.  Blood samples were obtained by using a needle to lance the skin of his callosity and then testing a drop of his blood with a blood glucose meter.  Unfortunately, the test strip of the blood glucose meter was too short to reach the drop of blood on his skin, so the blood drop had to be collected on the plastic sleeve of the syringe in order to be tested.  By the end of September, his blood glucose was successfully tested using this method.  At the beginning of October, these behaviors were transferred to secondary trainers.\r\n\r\nBozo’s training was a success for both the trainers and for Bozo, in that it made it easier to treat his diabetes.  As mentioned earlier, the animal’s situation and personality<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2629" title="insulin_inject" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/insulin_inject-300x262.jpg" alt="insulin_inject" width="300" height="262" /> can affect how its training progresses.  Fortunately, Bozo was the dominant animal in his group, he was already comfortable being separated from the girls for short periods of time, and he was a highly food-motivated individual.  Because he was a diabetic, the typical rewards we used for him that were nutritionist-approved included the limited fruit from his diet and a small amount of mixed nuts or peanuts.  Some sugar-free treats were tried as jackpot reward items, but Bozo did not like them so the fruit portion of his diet was used as his jackpot items.  Because Bozo was eager to train for these items, his training progressed even more smoothly.\r\n\r\nIn March 2008, Bozo started showing signs of weakness in that he was having trouble walking.  He was immobilized for blood work and given fluids.  In order to prevent him from having to be immobilized for fluids daily, attempts were made to give Bozo fluids subcutaneously using his trained squeeze cage behavior.  The plan was to have a veterinary technician and one of Bozo’s trainers work together to get him into his normal training position and then administer the fluids subcutaneously.  Bozo was amazing and allowed fluids to be given in this manner for several days.  Unfortunately, despite these efforts Bozo’s health continued to decline and it was decided that Bozo should be humanely euthanized on April 15th, 2008.  Because Bozo had been an amazing animal that loved to train, he accepted an injection for anesthesia in the squeeze cage just as if he was being trained for his insulin.\r\n\r\nIt was not stressful at all, but rather calm and normal for him.  Once anesthetized, the veterinarian was able to humanely euthanize him.  The training program had successfully prolonged and improved his quality of life.\r\n\r\n<strong>Case 2: Ike</strong>\r\n\r\nThe 4.0 lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) housed at the Saint Louis Zoo were moved to the exhibit that once housed the baboons in January 2011.  Because they were an aging group and the squeeze cage was located in one of their holding cages, the squeeze mechanism would be a valuable tool in helping with future medical procedures.  Acclimation to the squeeze cage began in March with the goal of working towards injection training each of the macaques.\r\n\r\nThe shaping plan from Bozo’s training was easily adapted for this new training endeavor.  However, one of the lion-tailed macaques, Ike, was diagnosed as a diabetic in May. The keepers had noticed sticky, dried urine on the exhibit floor.  A urine sample from Ike was tested with a urine glucose test strip and the results showed high glucose values.  The diagnosis of diabetes followed a veterinary work up.  As with Bozo, it was decided to try and treat Ike using oral medication and diet first.  It also became a priority to get him squeeze cage and injection-trained to help with his treatment.\r\n\r\nIke was already used to being separated from the other members of his group and because of the training that was already started he was used to entering the squeeze cage at a fairly narrow width.  From this point, training continued following the same shaping plan that had been used with Bozo in the past.\r\n\r\nIke’s shaping plan once again included several options for how the squeeze cage could be used during the training, and these options could be taken or skipped depending on how the training progressed.  Starting with the first option, Ike was asked to enter the cage at narrowing depths until it was as narrow as it could be, yet still allow him to enter the squeeze cage comfortably.  However, because Ike’s hips are much narrower than that of a baboon, both the second and the third options in the training plan had to be used.\r\n\r\nThe second option included steps working towards closing Ike into the squeeze cage.  The steps involved putting the doors back on the cage, then working towards closing one door while he was in the cage, then closing both doors while he was in the cage, and finally lengthening the amount of time he was closed in the cage.  The third option included steps working towards actually squeezing the cage down so that his hip and callosity area could be easily reached by the trainer for both lancing and injections.  The steps for this included getting Ike used to the movement of the squeeze mechanism by narrowing the area he was in by small increments, and lengthening the time he was “squeezed.”  Once Ike was desensitized to the squeeze and his body in the correct position, progress could be made towards the final steps in the shaping plan.  This included lancing/injection-training for both blood glucose testing and insulin injections.\r\n\r\nBy the end of September, Ike allowed his blood glucose to be tested.  By mid-October, he was reliably allowing his blood glucose to be tested daily.  This allowed for a secondary trainer to be trained to obtain blood glucose measurements from Ike as well.  By mid-November Ike was accepting injections with saline (in place of insulin).  This behavior was transferred to the secondary trainer and soon after, other primate keepers were trained to be secondary trainers as well.  It was important that several keepers were able to train Ike so that blood glucose measurements could be taken daily and that injections could be done daily if needed in the future.  Because of the importance of consistency in training, a protocol was written that included the steps to Ike’s training, the schedule for his daily training and medications, and any other important information regarding his treatment and training.  This protocol was posted near the squeeze cage so that it could be easily referred to and updated as needed.\r\n\r\nAs with Bozo, Ike’s situation, personality, and preferences were added components that had to be considered when planning his training.  Ike was the second most dominant animal in his group and unlike Bozo he was not as trusting of keepers.  But like Bozo, he was a food-motivated individual.  Another difference between Bozo and Ike was that Ike liked sugar free treats, so his nutritionist-approved rewards for training consisted of a small amount of peanuts, the fruit from his diet, and sugar free jack pot items including red licorice, Hershey’s York Peppermint Patties® and a variety of flavors of sugar-free powder drinks.\r\n\r\nA further complication that did not occur with Bozo was that Ike started developing cataracts, which occurred after he had already been training for some time.  Training had to be adjusted slightly for this because the cataract in his right eye was worse than in his left.  It seemed that Ike preferred to have his left side facing the trainer during training sessions.\r\n\r\nAt the present time, Ike’s diabetes has been managed with diet and oral medication.  But, if Ike ever needs to start receiving insulin injections, it can be done right away because he has already been injection-trained.  The keeper staff keeps track of…\r\n\r\n<strong><em>For this and much more 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></em></strong>', 'Using Training to Help Treat Diabetes in Non-human Primates: The Importance of a Flexible Shaping Plan and Good Communication for Training Success.', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2628', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2628', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2629, 2, '2012-11-02 17:54:53', '2012-11-02 22:54:53', '', 'insulin_inject', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'insulin_inject', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:54:53', '2012-11-02 22:54:53', '', 2628, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/insulin_inject.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2630, 2, '2012-11-02 17:57:31', '2012-11-02 22:57:31', '<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-378" title="training_tails" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/header_training_tails-300x64.jpg" alt="training_tails" width="300" height="64" />\n\n<em>By</em>\n<em>Mylisa A. Whipple, Primate Keeper</em>\n<em>Saint Louis Zoo</em>\n<em>Saint Louis, Missouri</em>\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nIt can be a challenge to treat any animal that is diagnosed as a diabetic, and non-human primates are no exception.   Treatment can be constrained by a variety of factors such as the environment, social situations, and the personality and temperament of the individual being treated, just to name a few. Every situation is different, and every animal is different.  But across the board, two of the most important things required to successfully treat that animal are to have a well thought out, but flexible training plan and to keep an open line of communication between all the people that are involved in the care and management of that animal including, keepers, veterinary staff, and nutrition staff.\n\nIn the past few years, keepers at the Saint Louis Zoo have been involved in the training and treatment of two different monkeys, both diagnosed with diabetes.  Though they were different species and their situations and personalities were also quite different, a similar approach was used to treat both of them.  The same flexible shaping plan was even adapted to train them both in order to better treat their diabetes.\n\n<strong>Case 1: Bozo</strong>\n\nIn 2005, the Saint Louis Zoo housed 1.4 Hamadryas baboons (<em>Papio hamadryas</em>).  The male, named Bozo, was diagnosed with diabetes.  Keepers had observed Bozo showing signs of weakness when he walked, noticed sticky urine on the floors of the baboon enclosure, and observed the female baboons lapping up puddles of Bozo’s apparently sweet urine.  These observations suggested that something was going on with Bozo’s health and ultimately led to the veterinary work-up that resulted in this diagnosis.  In collaboration with the zoo’s veterinarians and nutritionist, Bozo’s diabetes was originally managed using oral medication and diet.  In order to test his glucose level, Bozo was trained to urinate on cue so that glucose levels could be tested in a sample of his urine.  The shaping plan for this required a keeper to observe Bozo until he urinated and then the behavior was captured using a whistle as a bridge the instant he started to urinate.  He was immediately rewarded with a jackpot item (preferred food item) and the verbal praise, “Good Pee.”  After initially capturing this, the training progressed to calling him into his holding cages and using the verbal cue “Bozo, Pee.” After giving the verbal cue, he was then observed until he urinated, which was then followed immediately with the bridge, a jackpot item, and the verbal praise, “Good Pee.”  Eventually, Bozo made the connection and would visibly try to urinate once he heard the verbal cue “Bozo, Pee.”  The success of this training allowed for regular testing of glucose levels in his urine.\n\nBased on the progression of Bozo’s symptoms, the veterinarians decided that Bozo needed to start receiving insulin injections in order to manage his diabetes.  Because he was not injection trained, he initially had to be darted with insulin daily.  Injection training of Bozo was started so that he would not have to continue to undergo the stress of being darted for any longer than necessary.\n\nA squeeze cage was custom built by one of the Zoo’s welders to use for this training.  It was installed as a permanent part of one of the baboons’ holding cages.  The outer dimensions of the squeeze cage were 92 cm in width, 104 cm in height, and 64 cm in depth.   It was composed of a metal\n\nframe with the front wall, back wall, and ceiling made out of metal chain link fencing material similar to that of the front wall of the existing holding cage.  It had two aluminum doors that could be completely removed when not needed.  The squeeze mechanism was a movable plexi-glass wall with a metal frame that could be pulled using a handle by a keeper from outside of the cage and could be locked into place as needed.\n\nThe author became Bozo’s primary trainer and was charged with developing a shaping plan that would include squeeze cage-training and injection-training.  After researching examples of squeeze cage and injection-training shaping plans from other institutions and getting advice from other animal trainers, a shaping plan was developed that would work best for the situation and included multiple options that could be used depending on how the training was progressing.\n\nOnce the shaping plan was approved, Bozo’s training started. The shaping plan included an acclimation period, followed by several training options for how the squeeze cage could be used during the training.  Depending on how training progressed, one or more of these options could be skipped. The first option was to use the squeeze cage as a narrowing tunnel or chute in which the space that he was asked to enter was simply narrowed each time prior to him entering it, until his hip and callosity were close enough to the front wall to begin injection training.  The second option was to be used if he did not want to stay in the narrowed cage for longer periods without being closed in. This option included working towards closing the doors of the squeeze cage on both sides of him. First he would be trained to allow one door to close and then the second door would be added in.  The third option was to be used if the hip and callosity were still not close enough to the front wall. In this third option the training would involve actually working towards using the squeeze mechanism to “squeeze” Bozo into the position needed for the next step of his training. Once proper positioning of Bozo’s hip and callosity was achieved, the final step in the shaping plan, injection-training, would follow.  The injection-training portion consisted of several steps including desensitizing him to the presence of a syringe, touching him with a capped syringe, touching him with needle, poking him with the needle, and then injecting him with saline (in place of insulin).\n\nThe first step in the training plan, to acclimate the baboon group to the squeeze cage, began in mid-July, 2007. In Bozo’s case, the second and third options of the shaping plan were never needed, and the training process went rather quickly. By the end of August, Bozo was accepting hand injections of insulin.\n\nUp to this point, the squeeze cage and injection-training was only used to give Bozo his insulin injections.  Urine-training was the method being used to obtain glucose measurements.  However, Bozo began to have trouble with the urine-training (he was having difficulty urinating on cue even though he was clearly trying).  Because of this and the lack of accuracy with urine glucose tests it was decided that his squeeze cage-training could also be used to obtain blood samples for blood glucose testing.  This method of sampling would be a more accurate measurement of his glucose levels.  Blood samples were obtained by using a needle to lance the skin of his callosity and then testing a drop of his blood with a blood glucose meter.  Unfortunately, the test strip of the blood glucose meter was too short to reach the drop of blood on his skin, so the blood drop had to be collected on the plastic sleeve of the syringe in order to be tested.  By the end of September, his blood glucose was successfully tested using this method.  At the beginning of October, these behaviors were transferred to secondary trainers.\n\nBozo’s training was a success for both the trainers and for Bozo, in that it made it easier to treat his diabetes.  As mentioned earlier, the animal’s situation and personality<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2629" title="insulin_inject" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/insulin_inject-300x262.jpg" alt="insulin_inject" width="300" height="262" /> can affect how its training progresses.  Fortunately, Bozo was the dominant animal in his group, he was already comfortable being separated from the girls for short periods of time, and he was a highly food-motivated individual.  Because he was a diabetic, the typical rewards we used for him that were nutritionist-approved included the limited fruit from his diet and a small amount of mixed nuts or peanuts.  Some sugar-free treats were tried as jackpot reward items, but Bozo did not like them so the fruit portion of his diet was used as his jackpot items.  Because Bozo was eager to train for these items, his training progressed even more smoothly.\n\nIn March 2008, Bozo started showing signs of weakness in that he was having trouble walking.  He was immobilized for blood work and given fluids.  In order to prevent him from having to be immobilized for fluids daily, attempts were made to give Bozo fluids subcutaneously using his trained squeeze cage behavior.  The plan was to have a veterinary technician and one of Bozo’s trainers work together to get him into his normal training position and then administer the fluids subcutaneously.  Bozo was amazing and allowed fluids to be given in this manner for several days.  Unfortunately, despite these efforts Bozo’s health continued to decline and it was decided that Bozo should be humanely euthanized on April 15th, 2008.  Because Bozo had been an amazing animal that loved to train, he accepted an injection for anesthesia in the squeeze cage just as if he was being trained for his insulin.\n\nIt was not stressful at all, but rather calm and normal for him.  Once anesthetized, the veterinarian was able to humanely euthanize him.  The training program had successfully prolonged and improved his quality of life.\n\n<strong>Case 2: Ike</strong>\n\nThe 4.0 lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) housed at the Saint Louis Zoo were moved to the exhibit that once housed the baboons in January 2011.  Because they were an aging group and the squeeze cage was located in one of their holding cages, the squeeze mechanism would be a valuable tool in helping with future medical procedures.  Acclimation to the squeeze cage began in March with the goal of working towards injection training each of the macaques.\n\nThe shaping plan from Bozo’s training was easily adapted for this new training endeavor.  However, one of the lion-tailed macaques, Ike, was diagnosed as a diabetic in May. The keepers had noticed sticky, dried urine on the exhibit floor.  A urine sample from Ike was tested with a urine glucose test strip and the results showed high glucose values.  The diagnosis of diabetes followed a veterinary work up.  As with Bozo, it was decided to try and treat Ike using oral medication and diet first.  It also became a priority to get him squeeze cage and injection-trained to help with his treatment.\n\nIke was already used to being separated from the other members of his group and because of the training that was already started he was used to entering the squeeze cage at a fairly narrow width.  From this point, training continued following the same shaping plan that had been used with Bozo in the past.\n\nIke’s shaping plan once again included several options for how the squeeze cage could be used during the training, and these options could be taken or skipped depending on how the training progressed.  Starting with the first option, Ike was asked to enter the cage at narrowing depths until it was as narrow as it could be, yet still allow him to enter the squeeze cage comfortably.  However, because Ike’s hips are much narrower than that of a baboon, both the second and the third options in the training plan had to be used.\n\nThe second option included steps working towards closing Ike into the squeeze cage.  The steps involved putting the doors back on the cage, then working towards closing one door while he was in the cage, then closing both doors while he was in the cage, and finally lengthening the amount of time he was closed in the cage.  The third option included steps working towards actually squeezing the cage down so that his hip and callosity area could be easily reached by the trainer for both lancing and injections.  The steps for this included getting Ike used to the movement of the squeeze mechanism by narrowing the area he was in by small increments, and lengthening the time he was “squeezed.”  Once Ike was desensitized to the squeeze and his body in the correct position, progress could be made towards the final steps in the shaping plan.  This included lancing/injection-training for both blood glucose testing and insulin injections.\n\nBy the end of September, Ike allowed his blood glucose to be tested.  By mid-October, he was reliably allowing his blood glucose to be tested daily.  This allowed for a secondary trainer to be trained to obtain blood glucose measurements from Ike as well.  By mid-November Ike was accepting injections with saline (in place of insulin).  This behavior was transferred to the secondary trainer and soon after, other primate keepers were trained to be secondary trainers as well.  It was important that several keepers were able to train Ike so that blood glucose measurements could be taken daily and that injections could be done daily if needed in the future.  Because of the importance of consistency in training, a protocol was written that included the steps to Ike’s training, the schedule for his daily training and medications, and any other important information regarding his treatment and training.  This protocol was posted near the squeeze cage so that it could be easily referred to and updated as needed.\n\nAs with Bozo, Ike’s situation, personality, and preferences were added components that had to be considered when planning his training.  Ike was the second most dominant animal in his group and unlike Bozo he was not as trusting of keepers.  But like Bozo, he was a food-motivated individual.  Another difference between Bozo and Ike was that Ike liked sugar free treats, so his nutritionist-approved rewards for training consisted of a small amount of peanuts, the fruit from his diet, and sugar free jack pot items including red licorice, Hershey’s York Peppermint Patties® and a variety of flavors of sugar-free powder drinks.\n\nA further complication that did not occur with Bozo was that Ike started developing cataracts, which occurred after he had already been training for some time.  Training had to be adjusted slightly for this because the cataract in his right eye was worse than in his left.  It seemed that Ike preferred to have his left side facing the trainer during training sessions.\n\nAt the present time, Ike’s diabetes has been managed with diet and oral medication.  But, if Ike ever needs to start receiving insulin injections, it can be done right away because he has already been injection-trained.  The keeper staff keeps track of…\n\n<strong><em>For this and much more 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></em></strong>', '', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2628-revision', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:57:31', '2012-11-02 22:57:31', '', 2628, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2628-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2631, 2, '2012-11-02 17:57:56', '2012-11-02 22:57:56', '<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-378" title="training_tails" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/header_training_tails-300x64.jpg" alt="training_tails" width="300" height="64" />\r\n\r\n<em>By</em>\r\n<em>Mylisa A. Whipple, Primate Keeper</em>\r\n<em>Saint Louis Zoo</em>\r\n<em>Saint Louis, Missouri</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\r\n\r\nIt can be a challenge to treat any animal that is diagnosed as a diabetic, and non-human primates are no exception.   Treatment can be constrained by a variety of factors such as the environment, social situations, and the personality and temperament of the individual being treated, just to name a few. Every situation is different, and every animal is different.  But across the board, two of the most important things required to successfully treat that animal are to have a well thought out, but flexible training plan and to keep an open line of communication between all the people that are involved in the care and management of that animal including, keepers, veterinary staff, and nutrition staff.\r\n\r\nIn the past few years, keepers at the Saint Louis Zoo have been involved in the training and treatment of two different monkeys, both diagnosed with diabetes.  Though they were different species and their situations and personalities were also quite different, a similar approach was used to treat both of them.  The same flexible shaping plan was even adapted to train them both in order to better treat their diabetes.\r\n\r\n<strong>Case 1: Bozo</strong>\r\n\r\nIn 2005, the Saint Louis Zoo housed 1.4 Hamadryas baboons (<em>Papio hamadryas</em>).  The male, named Bozo, was diagnosed with diabetes.  Keepers had observed Bozo showing signs of weakness when he walked, noticed sticky urine on the floors of the baboon enclosure, and observed the female baboons lapping up puddles of Bozo’s apparently sweet urine.  These observations suggested that something was going on with Bozo’s health and ultimately led to the veterinary work-up that resulted in this diagnosis.  In collaboration with the zoo’s veterinarians and nutritionist, Bozo’s diabetes was originally managed using oral medication and diet.  In order to test his glucose level, Bozo was trained to urinate on cue so that glucose levels could be tested in a sample of his urine.  The shaping plan for this required a keeper to observe Bozo until he urinated and then the behavior was captured using a whistle as a bridge the instant he started to urinate.  He was immediately rewarded with a jackpot item (preferred food item) and the verbal praise, “Good Pee.”  After initially capturing this, the training progressed to calling him into his holding cages and using the verbal cue “Bozo, Pee.” After giving the verbal cue, he was then observed until he urinated, which was then followed immediately with the bridge, a jackpot item, and the verbal praise, “Good Pee.”  Eventually, Bozo made the connection and would visibly try to urinate once he heard the verbal cue “Bozo, Pee.”  The success of this training allowed for regular testing of glucose levels in his urine.\r\n\r\nBased on the progression of Bozo’s symptoms, the veterinarians decided that Bozo needed to start receiving insulin injections in order to manage his diabetes.  Because he was not injection trained, he initially had to be darted with insulin daily.  Injection training of Bozo was started so that he would not have to continue to undergo the stress of being darted for any longer than necessary.\r\n\r\nA squeeze cage was custom built by one of the Zoo’s welders to use for this training.  It was installed as a permanent part of one of the baboons’ holding cages.  The outer dimensions of the squeeze cage were 92 cm in width, 104 cm in height, and 64 cm in depth.   It was composed of a metal\r\n\r\nframe with the front wall, back wall, and ceiling made out of metal chain link fencing material similar to that of the front wall of the existing holding cage.  It had two aluminum doors that could be completely removed when not needed.  The squeeze mechanism was a movable plexi-glass wall with a metal frame that could be pulled using a handle by a keeper from outside of the cage and could be locked into place as needed.\r\n\r\nThe author became Bozo’s primary trainer and was charged with developing a shaping plan that would include squeeze cage-training and injection-training.  After researching examples of squeeze cage and injection-training shaping plans from other institutions and getting advice from other animal trainers, a shaping plan was developed that would work best for the situation and included multiple options that could be used depending on how the training was progressing.\r\n\r\nOnce the shaping plan was approved, Bozo’s training started. The shaping plan included an acclimation period, followed by several training options for how the squeeze cage could be used during the training.  Depending on how training progressed, one or more of these options could be skipped. The first option was to use the squeeze cage as a narrowing tunnel or chute in which the space that he was asked to enter was simply narrowed each time prior to him entering it, until his hip and callosity were close enough to the front wall to begin injection training.  The second option was to be used if he did not want to stay in the narrowed cage for longer periods without being closed in. This option included working towards closing the doors of the squeeze cage on both sides of him. First he would be trained to allow one door to close and then the second door would be added in.  The third option was to be used if the hip and callosity were still not close enough to the front wall. In this third option the training would involve actually working towards using the squeeze mechanism to “squeeze” Bozo into the position needed for the next step of his training. Once proper positioning of Bozo’s hip and callosity was achieved, the final step in the shaping plan, injection-training, would follow.  The injection-training portion consisted of several steps including desensitizing him to the presence of a syringe, touching him with a capped syringe, touching him with needle, poking him with the needle, and then injecting him with saline (in place of insulin).\r\n\r\nThe first step in the training plan, to acclimate the baboon group to the squeeze cage, began in mid-July, 2007. In Bozo’s case, the second and third options of the shaping plan were never needed, and the training process went rather quickly. By the end of August, Bozo was accepting hand injections of insulin.\r\n\r\nUp to this point, the squeeze cage and injection-training was only used to give Bozo his insulin injections.  Urine-training was the method being used to obtain glucose measurements.  However, Bozo began to have trouble with the urine-training (he was having difficulty urinating on cue even though he was clearly trying).  Because of this and the lack of accuracy with urine glucose tests it was decided that his squeeze cage-training could also be used to obtain blood samples for blood glucose testing.  This method of sampling would be a more accurate measurement of his glucose levels.  Blood samples were obtained by using a needle to lance the skin of his callosity and then testing a drop of his blood with a blood glucose meter.  Unfortunately, the test strip of the blood glucose meter was too short to reach the drop of blood on his skin, so the blood drop had to be collected on the plastic sleeve of the syringe in order to be tested.  By the end of September, his blood glucose was successfully tested using this method.  At the beginning of October, these behaviors were transferred to secondary trainers.\r\n\r\nBozo’s training was a success for both the trainers and for Bozo, in that it made it easier to treat his diabetes.  As mentioned earlier, the animal’s situation and personality<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2629" title="insulin_inject" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/insulin_inject-300x262.jpg" alt="insulin_inject" width="300" height="262" /> can affect how its training progresses.  Fortunately, Bozo was the dominant animal in his group, he was already comfortable being separated from the girls for short periods of time, and he was a highly food-motivated individual.  Because he was a diabetic, the typical rewards we used for him that were nutritionist-approved included the limited fruit from his diet and a small amount of mixed nuts or peanuts.  Some sugar-free treats were tried as jackpot reward items, but Bozo did not like them so the fruit portion of his diet was used as his jackpot items.  Because Bozo was eager to train for these items, his training progressed even more smoothly.\r\n\r\nIn March 2008, Bozo started showing signs of weakness in that he was having trouble walking.  He was immobilized for blood work and given fluids.  In order to prevent him from having to be immobilized for fluids daily, attempts were made to give Bozo fluids subcutaneously using his trained squeeze cage behavior.  The plan was to have a veterinary technician and one of Bozo’s trainers work together to get him into his normal training position and then administer the fluids subcutaneously.  Bozo was amazing and allowed fluids to be given in this manner for several days.  Unfortunately, despite these efforts Bozo’s health continued to decline and it was decided that Bozo should be humanely euthanized on April 15th, 2008.  Because Bozo had been an amazing animal that loved to train, he accepted an injection for anesthesia in the squeeze cage just as if he was being trained for his insulin.\r\n\r\nIt was not stressful at all, but rather calm and normal for him.  Once anesthetized, the veterinarian was able to humanely euthanize him.  The training program had successfully prolonged and improved his quality of life.\r\n\r\n<strong>Case 2: Ike</strong>\r\n\r\nThe 4.0 lion-tailed macaques (<em>Macaca silenus</em>) housed at the Saint Louis Zoo were moved to the exhibit that once housed the baboons in January 2011.  Because they were an aging group and the squeeze cage was located in one of their holding cages, the squeeze mechanism would be a valuable tool in helping with future medical procedures.  Acclimation to the squeeze cage began in March with the goal of working towards injection training each of the macaques.\r\n\r\nThe shaping plan from Bozo’s training was easily adapted for this new training endeavor.  However, one of the lion-tailed macaques, Ike, was diagnosed as a diabetic in May. The keepers had noticed sticky, dried urine on the exhibit floor.  A urine sample from Ike was tested with a urine glucose test strip and the results showed high glucose values.  The diagnosis of diabetes followed a veterinary work up.  As with Bozo, it was decided to try and treat Ike using oral medication and diet first.  It also became a priority to get him squeeze cage and injection-trained to help with his treatment.\r\n\r\nIke was already used to being separated from the other members of his group and because of the training that was already started he was used to entering the squeeze cage at a fairly narrow width.  From this point, training continued following the same shaping plan that had been used with Bozo in the past.\r\n\r\nIke’s shaping plan once again included several options for how the squeeze cage could be used during the training, and these options could be taken or skipped depending on how the training progressed.  Starting with the first option, Ike was asked to enter the cage at narrowing depths until it was as narrow as it could be, yet still allow him to enter the squeeze cage comfortably.  However, because Ike’s hips are much narrower than that of a baboon, both the second and the third options in the training plan had to be used.\r\n\r\nThe second option included steps working towards closing Ike into the squeeze cage.  The steps involved putting the doors back on the cage, then working towards closing one door while he was in the cage, then closing both doors while he was in the cage, and finally lengthening the amount of time he was closed in the cage.  The third option included steps working towards actually squeezing the cage down so that his hip and callosity area could be easily reached by the trainer for both lancing and injections.  The steps for this included getting Ike used to the movement of the squeeze mechanism by narrowing the area he was in by small increments, and lengthening the time he was “squeezed.”  Once Ike was desensitized to the squeeze and his body in the correct position, progress could be made towards the final steps in the shaping plan.  This included lancing/injection-training for both blood glucose testing and insulin injections.\r\n\r\nBy the end of September, Ike allowed his blood glucose to be tested.  By mid-October, he was reliably allowing his blood glucose to be tested daily.  This allowed for a secondary trainer to be trained to obtain blood glucose measurements from Ike as well.  By mid-November Ike was accepting injections with saline (in place of insulin).  This behavior was transferred to the secondary trainer and soon after, other primate keepers were trained to be secondary trainers as well.  It was important that several keepers were able to train Ike so that blood glucose measurements could be taken daily and that injections could be done daily if needed in the future.  Because of the importance of consistency in training, a protocol was written that included the steps to Ike’s training, the schedule for his daily training and medications, and any other important information regarding his treatment and training.  This protocol was posted near the squeeze cage so that it could be easily referred to and updated as needed.\r\n\r\nAs with Bozo, Ike’s situation, personality, and preferences were added components that had to be considered when planning his training.  Ike was the second most dominant animal in his group and unlike Bozo he was not as trusting of keepers.  But like Bozo, he was a food-motivated individual.  Another difference between Bozo and Ike was that Ike liked sugar free treats, so his nutritionist-approved rewards for training consisted of a small amount of peanuts, the fruit from his diet, and sugar free jack pot items including red licorice, Hershey’s York Peppermint Patties® and a variety of flavors of sugar-free powder drinks.\r\n\r\nA further complication that did not occur with Bozo was that Ike started developing cataracts, which occurred after he had already been training for some time.  Training had to be adjusted slightly for this because the cataract in his right eye was worse than in his left.  It seemed that Ike preferred to have his left side facing the trainer during training sessions.\r\n\r\nAt the present time, Ike’s diabetes has been managed with diet and oral medication.  But, if Ike ever needs to start receiving insulin injections, it can be done right away because he has already been injection-trained.  The keeper staff keeps track of…\r\n\r\n<strong><em>For this and much more 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></em></strong>', '', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2628-revision-2', '', '', '2012-11-02 17:57:56', '2012-11-02 22:57:56', '', 2628, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2628-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2985, 2, '2013-08-05 12:22:22', '2013-08-05 17:22:22', '<h1><img class="size-full wp-image-1654 alignleft" 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" /></h1>\r\n<h1>2014 Campaign</h1>\r\n<strong>What is “Trees for You &amp; Me”?</strong>\r\nTrees 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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>What is the “local effort”?</strong>\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\r\n<strong>How will the campaign work?</strong>\r\nTrees for You &amp; Me is still a campaign to raise financial resources to plant trees.\r\n• The funding raised will stay in your local community, with your own insititution.\r\n• 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.\r\n• 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.\r\n• And finally, that effort should be shared with others through <a href="http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/myplanetmypart">PBI’s My Planet, My Part</a>.\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>When will Trees For You &amp; Me start? </strong>\r\nThe campaign will begin January 1, 2014.\r\n\r\n<span style="font-weight: bold;">When will Trees For You &amp; Me end?</span>\r\nThe campaign will end midnight, PST on March 1, 2014.\r\n\r\n<span style="font-weight: bold;">How can chapters raise and gather campaign funds?</span>\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\r\n<strong>How will the winners be awarded and announced?</strong>\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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>What are the prizes?</strong>\r\nFirst place is awarded to the team with the most funds reported to PBI on March 2, 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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>How do I start?</strong>\r\n1.  Find a group and become a champion\r\n2.  Make plan for events and strategies to raise the funds over the course of the two months.\r\n3.  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.\r\n4. Good luck on your efforts.\r\n<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>How will reporting work?</strong>\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">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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>What is an example of an  Acres for the Atmosphere project?</strong>\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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>What is an example of an urban tree planting?</strong>\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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>What other projects are eligible for tree planting?</strong>\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<strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>How Does  Planting Trees Help Polar Bears?</strong>\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• Don’t buy products with palm oil\r\n• Purchase shade-grown coffee\r\n• Purchase local meat rather than meat produced in deforested tropical rain forests', 'Trees for You and Me', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2685-revision-v1', '', '', '2013-08-05 12:22:22', '2013-08-05 17:22:22', '', 2685, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2685-revision-20/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2984, 2, '2013-09-04 12:57:45', '2013-09-04 17:57:45', '<a rel="attachment wp-att-2982" href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/?attachment_id=2982"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2982" title="akfseptember20132" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/akfseptember20132.jpg" alt="akfseptember20132" width="604" height="768" /></a>', 'September 2013', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2981-revision-v1', '', '', '2013-09-04 12:57:45', '2013-09-04 17:57:45', '', 2981, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2981-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2969, 2, '2013-08-21 13:26:23', '2013-08-21 18:26:23', '<strong>AAZK is going paperless!!!  </strong>in order to process member information and to ensure that you receive AAZK E-lerts, Presidential Newsletters, and Membership Renewal Reminders - AAZK will need an email address.  Please Login to your Member account and provide/update your email address.  AAZK will never share your personal information, including your email, to anyone.', 'Member Informaton', 0, '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'aazk-merchandise', '', '', '2013-11-25 16:35:55', '2013-11-25 21:35:55', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2969', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2970, 2, '2013-08-21 13:25:06', '2013-08-21 18:25:06', 'It\'s time to make your shopping list for the AAZK Conference in North Carolina!  Not every keeper can attend the AAZK Conference so check with your fellow keepers and see if they\'re all stocked up on AAZK Merchandise and publications.  If not - now\'s the time to be a hero and make a shopping list', 'AAZK Merchandise', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2969-revision-v1', '', '', '2013-08-21 13:25:06', '2013-08-21 18:25:06', '', 2969, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2969-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2971, 2, '2013-08-21 13:26:06', '2013-08-21 18:26:06', 'It\'s time to make your shopping list for the AAZK Conference in North Carolina!  Not everyone can attend the AAZK Conference so check with your fellow keepers and see if they\'re all stocked up on AAZK Merchandise and publications.  If not - now\'s the time to be a hero and make a shopping list.  Go to the AAZK Store and see whats available.', 'AAZK Merchandise', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2969-revision-v1', '', '', '2013-08-21 13:26:06', '2013-08-21 18:26:06', '', 2969, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2969-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2841, 2, '2013-05-23 19:20:41', '2013-05-24 00:20:41', '', 'nzkw_2013_horz', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'nzkw_2013_horz-2', '', '', '2013-05-23 19:20:41', '2013-05-24 00:20:41', '', 1193, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/nzkw_2013_horz.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2842, 2, '2013-05-23 19:14:59', '2013-05-24 00:14:59', '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<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2839" title="nzkw_2013_horz" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/nzkw_2013_horz.jpg" alt="nzkw_2013_horz" width="705" height="103" /></p>\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/2013_logo_horz.jpg">2013 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/2013_logo_horz.pdf">2013 logo horizontal</a> (pdf)</li>\r\n	<li><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2013_logo_vert.jpg">2013 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/2013_logo_vert.pdf">2013 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', '', '', '2013-05-23 19:14:59', '2013-05-24 00:14:59', '', 1193, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1193-revision-21/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2838, 2, '2012-01-18 12:32:00', '2012-01-18 17:32:00', '<strong>2012:</strong> Syracuse - Sept. 23-27\r\n\r\n<strong>2013:</strong> Asheboro, NC - September 22-26\r\n\r\n<strong>2014: </strong>Orlando, FL - September 8-12', 'Upcoming Annual Conferences', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1187-revision-11', '', '', '2012-01-18 12:32:00', '2012-01-18 17:32:00', '', 1187, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1187-revision-11/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2840, 2, '2013-05-23 18:08:38', '2013-05-23 23:08:38', '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-2435" title="Zoo keeper WEEK.Logo.Horz 2011" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2012_logo_horz-1024x204.jpg" alt="Zoo keeper WEEK.Logo.Horz 2011" width="717" height="143" />\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/2012_logo_horz.jpg">2013 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/2012_logo_horz.pdf">2013 logo horizontal</a> (pdf)</li>\r\n	<li><a href="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/2012_logo_vert.jpg">2013 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/2012_logo_vert.pdf">2013 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', '', '', '2013-05-23 18:08:38', '2013-05-23 23:08:38', '', 1193, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/1193-revision-20/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2708, 2, '2012-12-02 10:09:12', '2012-12-02 15:09:12', '<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 14-19, 2013 - <em>ABMA Annual Conference</em> - Toronto, Canada.</strong> The ABMA is heading north, eh! Visit Canada’s cultural, entertainment and financial capital while experiencing the country’s largest zoo!  Don’t miss a keynote address by Ian Stirling of Polar Bears International, an action-packed full day site visit at the Toronto Zoo and fun events including a very Canadian evening at the Hockey Hall of Fame! Stay at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, located in the heart of the city, for only $119 a night (that’s Canadian dollars, of course!).  So grab your toque and your passport and join us for a truly international conference!  For more information, visit <a href="http://theabma.org">theabma.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>April 30 - May 2 2013 -<em>Chimpanzee SSP Meeting and Husbandry Workshop</em></strong> -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.  Please visit <a href="https://houstonzoo.doubleknot.com/event/chimp-husbandry-workshop-registration/1250219">https://houstonzoo.doubleknot.com/event/chimp-husbandry-workshop-registration/1250219</a> for more information.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 5-9, 2013 - <em>Eighth Biannual Rhino Keepers’ Workshop</em> -</strong> Hosted by San Diego Zoo Global.  For Call for Papers and more information contact <a href="mailto:laubery@sandiegozoo.org">laubery@sandiegozoo.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>May 20-23, 2013 - <em>World Crocodile Conference</em></strong> - “Living with Crocodilians” 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN — SSC, Crocodile Specialist Group. For more information and registration, go to: <a href="http://csgsrilanka.com/">csgsrilanka.com/</a>.\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>August 7-10, 2013 - <em>11th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles </em>- St. Louis, MO.</strong> Co-hosted by the Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN-TFTSG. Please visit <a href="http://turtlesurvival.org/get-involved/conference">turtlesurvival.org/get-involved/conference</a> for more information, or contact Heather Lowe at <a href="mailto:Hlowe@turtlesurvival.org">Hlowe@turtlesurvival.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\r\n<strong>October 13-17, 2013 - <em>WAZA Annual Conference</em></strong> - Hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For more information go to: <a href="http://waza.org">waza.org</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>October 15-18, 2013 - <em>ICEE ─ International Conference on Environmental Enrichment</em></strong><em> </em>- Hosted by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa at the Kwalata Game Ranch,   South Africa.  For more information, go to <a href="http://nzg.ac.za/icee2013">nzg.ac.za/icee2013</a>.\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 December 2012', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '435-revision-v1', '', '', '2012-12-02 10:09:12', '2012-12-02 15:09:12', '', 435, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/435-revision-70/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2646, 2, '2012-12-02 10:03:53', '2012-12-02 15:03:53', 'About the Cover/Information for Contributors\r\n\r\nFrom the President\r\n\r\nComing Events\r\n\r\nNew Members\r\n\r\nCall for Papers\r\n\r\nPangolin Poachers Arrested\r\n\r\nAAZK Board of Directors Call for Nominations\r\n\r\nSuccessful Treatment of Nail Cracks for a Black Rhinoceros\r\n\r\nA Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Zoo\r\n\r\nPreventing Injuries Involving Electrical Cords Near Animal Pens\r\n\r\nMy AAZK: International Turtle Conservation\r\n\r\nMy AAZK: AAZK Conferences, Fostering the Wonder Within\r\n\r\nTraining Tales: Behavioral Management of a 1.0 East African Crowned Crane\r\n\r\nRemembering John Stephan Romo', 'December 2012', 0, '', 'draft', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'december-2012', '', '', '2013-10-15 17:49:16', '2013-10-15 22:49:16', '', 0, 'http://aazk.org/?p=2646', 0, 'post', '', 0) ; 
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2651, 2, '2012-12-02 10:20:08', '2012-12-02 15:20:08', '', 'crane1', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'crane1', '', '', '2012-12-02 10:20:08', '2012-12-02 15:20:08', '', 2649, 'http://aazk.org/wp-content/uploads/crane1.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0) ; 
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2652, 2, '2012-12-02 10:19:53', '2012-12-02 15:19:53', '<em>By\nDara Girsch, African Animal Keeper\nThe Living Desert Zoo &amp; Gardens\nPalm Desert, CA</em>\n\n<strong>Introduction</strong>\n\nFor several years, “Frasier,” a 1.0 East African Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), has exhibited frequent aggression towards his keepers. These displays would often culminate in Frasier injuring a keeper or himself. The previous method for managing these behaviors was to bring in a tool for protection or restrain Frasier and place him in a holding area. Neither of these methods was especially effective, as Frasier would attack the tool relentlessly or increase the intensity of aggression upon release from holding areas.\n\nI set out, with a team of two additional keepers, to train Frasier to target to a laser pointer as a method of focusing his attention away from keepers and reduce the number of threatening displays. This became a transition to a routine shifting behavior into a holding area, taking a previously negative situation and positively reinforcing his time in holding. These initial behaviors, coupled with a newfound working relationship between Frasier and myself, led to the ability to begin desensitization and to train station behavior.\n\n<strong>Process</strong>\n\nEstablishing the intended behavior of targeting to the laser pointer (Figure 1) was accomplished using basic positive reinforcement techniques. A notable step in eliciting this behavior was to take a step back, literally. When training first began, I was standing directly at the exhibit perimeter. Because male cranes are highly territorial (Ellis et al., 1996), my position at the fence was likely instigating his aggression and his attention was on me, not the laser point. When I began training from several feet away, he instantly focused his attention towards the laser. Researching specifics of crane behavior and accounting for Frasier’s personality allowed me to adapt training methods to his ability, giving a greater probability for success.\n\nSeveral different colors of lasers were tested to see if Frasier responded more to a certain color. Birds have been hypothesized to see twice as many colors as humans throughout the spectrum, and Gruiformes are known to be able to see into the violet range of wavelengths, down to 406 nm (Odeen and Hastad, 2003). A purple laser (wavelength = 405nm, 5mW) was tested, as well as green (wavelength = 532nm, 5 mW), red-orange (wavelength = 735nm, 5mW) and red (wavelength = 650nm, 5mW). Frasier targeted equally well to all of the colors. The green laser was chosen because it was the brightest for the trainer to see in daylight, to ensure that the trainer knew where it was pointed. In the future, laser colors can be used interchangeably to stimulate visual acuity and sustain novelty.\n\nThe location of the training sessions was kept consistent, a shady area on exhibit where the laser could most easily be seen, for Frasier and the trainer. Also taken into consideration was the fact that this section of the exhibit was not frequented by keepers, so it could be recognized specifically as a training area.  To begin, with the trainer kneeling several feet away (at a pre-determined point, kept consistent) so as to be non-threatening, the laser was pointed approximately a foot away from Frasier’s’ feet on either side. Once he pecked at it, the laser was immediately turned off as the bridge, a verbal ‘good,’ was given. Frasier was then tossed his reinforcement (crickets or mealworms) through the fence.\n\nSix weeks were spent gathering initial data: the number of times Frasier targeted per session and the number of aggressive displays he exhibited during each session. The aggressive behavior under scrutiny was the “ruffle-bow,” a low level threat display, “in which the crane elevates its feathers and slowly, at first, ruffles its plumage until at length the whole body is rapidly shaking” (Ellis et al., 1996). Training sessions were kept very short – under a minute. Frasier was required to target to the laser in less than ten seconds, with five attempts per session. This was to accomplish the desired targeting behavior before any frustration or diverted attention could occur that would lead to belligerent behaviors.\n\nThere was a wide discrepancy in the consistency of executing the targeting behavior between each of the trainers.  Frasier targeted during 100% of the attempts with his primary trainer, and exhibited very few aggressive behaviors – an average of 0.1 aggressive occurrences per session over the six week period. For the second trainer, he targeted during 98% of the attempts, but exhibited the ‘ruffle-bow’ display during every session. For the third trainer, Frasier again showed little aggression but successfully targeted less than 50% of the time. It was known before training began that the levels of aggression from Frasier varied greatly for each trainer, regardless of the situational circumstances. The behaviors and their frequency towards each trainer mirrored those observed during everyday servicing of the exhibit.\n\nBecause of the variation in successful training and aggression, it was decided that in order to effectively eliminate Frasier’s aggression from affecting keepers, he should be trained to shift into a holding area.\n\nThe original method for shifting was simply for Frasier to follow the laser point into a designated holding area. Frasier had shown in training sessions (after the initial data were collected) that he would follow the laser point several feet in any direction when the trainer was stationary.  However, he would not follow the laser from across the exhibit; he needed to be directly in front of the trainer before he would initiate targeting.\n\nThe first several attempts at shifting using a laser pointer (primary trainer only) showed that Frasier would not follow the laser through a doorway. Because he would not complete the shifting behavior using the laser as the only cue, several others were attempted. Frasier responded very well to a variety of sensory cues – calling his name, tapping, walking through holding areas, facing him, walking ahead of him. In retrospect, successive approximations could have been used to shift Frasier into the holding area using only the laser. However, the time lapse between the failed attempt to shift with the laser and successfully using other cues was only one day. Once inside, he could be positively reinforced with insects or his normal diet by performing the original target behavior with the laser pointer. He performed the shifting behavior equally well for each of the trainers. While release from holding areas still caused an elevated amount of excited behaviors, immediate aggression upon release was not seen. When training for the shifting behavior began, Frasier proved that the simplest method would not be the most effective. In actuality, various other sensory cues (auditory and visual) became the primary training tools, while the laser became obsolete for the shifting behavior.\n\nBecause all of the previous training was carried out with a barrier between Frasier and me, desensitization to human contact required…\n\n<strong><em>For this and much more 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></em></strong>', '', 0, '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '2649-revision', '', '', '2012-12-02 10:19:53', '2012-12-02 15:19:53', '', 2649, 'http://aazk.org/uncategorized/2649-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0) ; 
