Little-known National Aquarium Resists Efforts to Pay Rent Washington, DC

Charging the National Aquarium rent for its space in a federal office building could lead to a financial crisis, the aquarium's executive director said.

The 20,000-square-foot aquarium is the nation's oldest and was established in 1873. It has spent more than 70 years in the basement of the Commerce Department Building at no cost, though it lost federal funding during the Reagan administration, and is now a private nonprofit organization.

By law, the General Services Administration does not have authority to provide free space to a non-federal entity and is proposing a "reasonable" $15-per-square-foot lease, agency spokesman Mike McGill said.

But Robert Ramin, the aquarium's executive director, said paying even relatively low rent would be difficult for the aquarium, which has a very low profile in Washington.

"Most of our modest admission does not cover our operating costs," Ramin said. "To put rent on top of that would make it an extremely difficult situation for us." Not nearly as well-known as its affiliate in Baltimore, the National Aquarium welcomes about 175,000 people a year to what Ramin calls a "charming, intimate experience." The aquarium charges $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.

MORE: http://www.examiner.com/a-1135903~Little_known_National_
Aquarium_resists_efforts_to_pay_rent.html

Aquarium Of The Pacific Breaks Ground On Environmental Exhibition And Classroom

A project to teach vital lessons about water in the midst of drought. New "green" building will obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design?s (LEED) highest certification, offering eco ideas for home owners.

Long Beach, CA - From cities looking to recycle waste water to restrictions on garden watering, water issues are becoming more pressing. The Aquarium of the Pacific has announced plans for Our Watersheds: Pathway to the Pacific, a new addition that will provide its Southern California visitors with sustainable solutions and the knowledge to make a difference at any age. The nonprofit Aquarium announced plans today to open a new watershed environmental exhibition, classroom, and native garden in November of 2008.

The new addition will become the first building in the city of Long Beach to receive a LEED platinum rating?the highest LEED rating for a "green" design. The watershed education classroom will be designed to maximize its use of natural light and solar energy, will be constructed with recycled and other sustainable materials, and will include a native landscaped "green roof" with live vegetation, resulting in myriad environmental benefits.

"The LEED platinum-certified classroom will be used for watershed education programs for children as well as adults. We?ll be able to provide valuable learning lessons for any age, whether its how trash in our streets can flow into our rivers and ocean or how native gardening can save water at home," said Amy Rosenberg, Aquarium of the Pacific director of education. When not in use for classes, the building will serve as a meeting space for community groups, government agencies, and others.

Adjacent to the classroom, a shaded outdoor area will feature five exhibits on our watersheds, including a model of the Los Angeles and San Gabriel watersheds with various interactive features. Hands-on exhibits will demonstrate the practical and environmentally friendly ways in which we can live more cooperatively with nature and its resources. The exhibits will define a watershed, illustrate the watersheds of San Pedro Bay region, and explore concepts of water supply and use. Surrounding the classroom and outdoor exhibits, native landscaping will represent the flora found in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Watersheds and illustrate how native gardens can significantly reduce water use.

MORE: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

Omaha Zoo Has a Coral Whisperer Beside the Tanks Omaha, NE

Forgive Mitch Carl if he sounds like a proud papa. Carl, an aquarium supervisor at the Henry Doorly Zoo, seems to have a knack for growing a rare but important species of coral from larvae.

In 2006, an international team of scientists and aquarium specialists, led by Holland's Rotterdam Zoo and including Carl, undertook the most ambitious effort ever to establish captive populations of Elkhorn coral, using eggs and sperm gathered in the wild.

Mitch Carl looks over his "babies" in a tank at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
Of about 500,000 embryos sent to various zoos, only 1,100
survived three months ? all in Carl's care.

Last year's harvest produced better success rates for researchers at nine sites in the United States, but again Carl's batch fared the best. Three months after the larvae were brought to zoos, 75 percent of Carl's had survived. The next closest success rate was about 50 percent.

It's no mere academic endeavor. The work "probably will be very important" to replenishing the rapidly disappearing coral reefs of the Caribbean, said Mike Brittsan, curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio.

MORE: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10221850

New Georgia Sea Turtle Center Receives Turtles From NE Aquarium

Jekyll Island, GA - Not only are seven sea turtles rescued from chilly Northeast waters doing well at their winter home on Jekyll Island, their transfer has spawned a new relationship between East Coast rehabilitation centers.

The seven ? including five highly endangered Kemp's Ridley turtles ? were transferred last month from the New England Aquarium at Boston to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. All had been stranded by cold water on beaches at Cape Cod, Mass. "They are all doing fantastic. They are settling in well, eating well and responding well to their different treatments," said Bill Irwin, sea turtle center director.

"The transition from the New England Aquarium to here was flawless, except for the glitch in the weather." A snow storm in New England and the Mid-Atlantic last month disrupted plans for volunteer pilots to fly the turtles from Boston to Brunswick for more than a week.

A Kemps Ridley turtle gets a daily check-up from Dr. Terry Norton while being held by Aquarist ll, Michelle Kaylor, at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island on Monday. Five of the turtles as well as two green sea turtles were sent to the center from Boston last month for rehab. So far, they are doing well.

Aquarium Plans 'Ribbit Exhibit'

Chattanooga, TN - The Tennessee Aquarium plans to raise awareness about the extinction crisis affecting the world's amphibians by opening a "ribbit exhibit" near the end of February.

The frog exhibit will feature four tropical species native to South America and Central America, aquarium herpetologist Bill Hughes said. The aquarium is opening the exhibit as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Year of the Frog campaign to promote amphibian conservation, he said.

"There seems to be a serious decline in a lot of species," he said. "I hope (the new exhibit) gets the message out about frog extinction." Of the 6,000 amphibian species living today, researchers estimate a third to half of them are in danger of extinction, according to aquarium officials.

MORE: http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/
templates/local.aspx?articleid=27538&=77

Underwater Aquarium Coming to Muttukadu (India)

Chennai, INDIA - The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation will set up a state-of-the-art underwater world aquarium, on 15 acres, at Muttukadu in Kancheepuram district.

The tourist attraction will be set up on a public-private partnership and modeled on the Sentosa Island underwater world in Singapore.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) will select the private partner through international competitive bidding. The land will be leased out to the successful bidder for 30 years.

MORE: http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/31/
stories/2007123159941200.htm

Five Years Later, Aquatic Treat for Nandan Kanan (India) Visitors

Bhubaneswar, INDIA: The Nandan Kanan Zoological Park has inaugurated its exclusive aquarium building. The world-class aquarium took Rs 53 lakh to be completed. "The cost makes sense since zoos contribute significantly to the conservation of wild species, particularly for populations whose numbers are declining," explained the zoo director, Ajit Pattnaik.

This specialized project was assigned to Idco, which came up with the project proposal, detailed plan and estimate for the 26 aquariums. This was followed by an agreement, executed by the additional president of CCF (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden of Orissa and the Idco managing director on December 1, 2003. Fourteen aquariums are now complete, equipped with in-situ filtration and recycling mechanism. Four of the ultra-modern glass aquariums are marine (salt water), while the rest are fresh water tanks equipped with titanium chillers. Of the 14 aquariums; two are larger marine aquariums, two smaller marine ones, six large fresh-water aquariums and four smaller fresh water ones.

"Marine aquariums are a big draw at any zoo, but at the same time they are very complex exhibits to maintain. They are expensive, too, as gadgets and components required to run an aquarium are imported," said Pattnaik.

There will also be displays of education materials, through 30 translides and display boards set up for the zoo visitors.

MORE: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071229/
jsp/nation/story_8720174.jsp

The Northwest Florida Zoo Now Working Phase II

Gulf Breeze, FL - The Zoo of Northwest Florida is not out of the woods just yet, but there is reason to celebrate.

After reaching its goal of raising $1-million by the end of 2007, the Zoo is working on Phase II - to raise another $2-million by the end of 2008.

"Fundraising is a big thing for us right now," said Danyelle Lantz, the Zoo's new executive director. "We are making a strong grass roots effort to appeal to those who enjoy coming to the Zoo".

In reaching their goal of $1-million dollars late December, cash contributions accounted for nearly $550,000 of that total along with in-kind contributions, debt forgiveness, cash pledges and in-kind pledges for this year.

Reaching financial stability is one of the major goals for the Zoo, which has been in existence for over 20 years.

"We are trying to meet needs here at the Zoo in phases," said Lantz. "The first thing we need to take care of is the debt to the bank, which is interest bearing".

"The 50 acres and animal habitats suffered severe damages from Hurricane Ivan and have never really been able to recover. On top of that they lost their accreditation with the American Zoological Association".

MORE: http://community.emeraldcoast.com/articles/
zoo_21127___article.html/lantz_looking.html

Detroit Zoo Tops List Of Conservation Successes In 2007

ROYAL OAK, Mich. ? The Detroit Zoo?s breeding program for the federally endangered Wyoming toad is No. 1 on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) list of the Top 10 wildlife conservation success stories for 2007. The annual list recognizes the efforts of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to protect wild animals and, in the Zoo?s case, bring them back from the brink of extinction.

"We appreciate the recognition of our professional association and congratulate all other institutions for their efforts to ensure the survival of endangered wildlife," said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.

Once abundant in the wetlands and irrigated meadows of Wyoming?s southeastern plains, the Wyoming toad (Bufo baxteri) was listed as extinct in the wild in 1994. The Detroit Zoo was acknowledged by the AZA for producing 40 Wyoming toadlets this year through a collaborative captive breeding program with other AZA-accredited zoos as well as federal and state agencies.

The breeding partnership has successfully released more that 6,000 tadpoles, toadlets and toads in Wyoming since the program?s inception in 1995. Recovery efforts seem to be paying dividends; conservationists this summer discovered the first clutch of Wyoming toad eggs found in the wild in 10 years.

MORE: http://www.detroitzoo.org

Prairie Dog Day Replaces Ground Hog Day at Denver Zoo

Denver, CO - Join Denver Zoo and Punxsutawney Phil?s distant cousin the prairie dog at Denver Zoo?s first annual Prairie Dog Day celebration. Learn about how important these native animals are to our local prairie habitat, what you can do to help them and even get nose to nose with Denver Zoo?s resident prairie dogs. Activities free with admission. February 2, Noon - 4 p.m.

MORE: http://www.denverzoo.org

Endangered Antelope Repatriated From The Wilds to its Native North Africa

CUMBERLAND, Ohio ? A male scimitar-horned oryx, an endangered antelope species native to North Africa, has been moved from the Wilds in Southeastern Ohio to Tunisia as part of a repatriation effort of this rare species.

"We're proud to be part of an important program involving national and international partnerships for species survival," said Dr. Evan Blumer, executive director at the Wilds.

The scimitar-horned oryx from the Wilds was one of five males and four females sent to Tunisia from nine United States wildlife facilities.

The Wilds' oryx arrived safely and was released into the Dghoumes National Park in Tunisia along with the others in December.

The U.S. animals were first moved in 2006 to the San Diego Zoo, the staging location, where the animals went through standard quarantine while logistics and permits for transporting the animals were resolved.

The scimitar-horned oryx became extinct in the wild in the mid 1970s, having formerly lived in large areas of arid habitats in North Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Nile. There are approximately 1,400 living in managed wildlife facilities worldwide.

Once a viable oryx population is established in the Dghoumes National Park, the Tunisian government will remove fences, allowing herds to migrate within its large national parks in hopes of creating a self-sustaining population.

MORE: http://www.thewilds.org

North Zoo Gets Aid From Family

North Attleboro, MA - World War I Memorial Park Zoo will be getting some much needed updates, thanks to a donation from a local family.

David and Pat Nicholson say they decided to donate $5,000 to the zoo fund after a recent visit, and hope others might consider making a donation.

"We made the donation because we were astounded at how little money the zoo receives to help with upkeep of the animals and the facilities," David Nicholson said. "That park is just a jewel and the staff there does a terrific job. We wanted to make the donation to help support the zoo."

The Nicholsons have a long connection with the zoo. The Aviary at the park is named after their son, Danny.

Danny Nicholson was helping a disabled motorist when he was struck and killed by another car in 1979.

MORE: http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/
2008/01/05/news/news8.txt

Idaho Woman Named Salisbury Zoo Director

Salisbury, MD -An official with a zoo in Boise, Idaho, has been named the first female zoo director at the Salisbury Zoo.

Lisa Tate, 43, who served in several positions at Zoo Boise, will succeed Jim Rapp, who resigned in May to head a regional tourism group. The director's job pays $66,400 a year; the director oversees a staff of 14 full-time employees and an annual budget of $955,750.

"When I came for my interview, it was my first time coming to the Eastern Shore," 43-year-old Tate said during a phone interview Thursday. "I really liked the area -- it has a small-town feel and it seems peaceful."

Tate has 18 years of experience in zoo operations. At Zoo Boise, she served as zookeeper, exhibit designer, construction manager, collection planner and manager and interim assistant zoo manager. She also had worked as director of a primate and avian conservation center in Boise.

MORE: http://wjz.com/local/
zoo.director.salisbury.2.623002.html

BRAZIL - Police in Brazil are investigating the theft of seven rare albino alligators from a university zoo.

Police say the alligators were missing on New Year's Day, but there has been no sign of a break-in. One albino alligator remains at the zoo, in the western state of Mato Groso.

News of the birth of the alligators at the zoo was reported around the world in 2006.

MORE: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/
2008/01/04/2132094.htm?section=world

Albino Alligators Coming to Tampa Zoo (Ed note: different albina gators)

Tampa, FL - Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa will be welcoming some rare creatures this spring: A pair of albino alligators.

Sections of the zoo will be closed off starting today so the reptiles' new home - a $1.5 million expansion - can be built.

It's set to open in April.

The alligators were rescued from a Louisiana swamp. Like their human counterparts, albino alligators lack melanin - or pigment - in their skin. This gives them a milky coloring and eyes that look pink.

MORE: http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/
story.asp?S=7576408&=menu577_2_1

South African Zoo Called to Remove 6 Cat Size Rodents From a BMW

SOUTH AFRICA - Rats in kitchens, cats in trees or maybe a snake or two. That is the usual call pet rescuers get in Gauteng.

But recently the Johannesburg Zoo was called to an animal rescue with a difference. Frightened mechanics and valets of a BMW dealership phoned the city zoo when they noticed that the Beemer they were meant to wash had some strange inhabitants. A family of six dassies had made their home inside the engine compartment of the luxury car. And the car wash was just the latest attempt by the owner to rid her car of the cat-sized rodents.

Apparently, the car's owner knowingly unleashed the dassies on the dealership after failing to rid the car of its residents by driving at high speeds on the freeway, according to Dominic Moss, the zoo's acting executive animal manager. She then booked the car for a valet service, hoping to wash the rodents out.

Following the rescue of the six dassies - including one very irate mother dassie - the lot were taken to the Johannesburg Zoo, treated for minor burns and released into the care of FreeMe, a rehabilitation centre for indigenous wildlife.

MORE: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id
=1&_id=14&_id=vn20080104063934452C370963

SHARK IQ TEST

What is your shark IQ. Can you get all 10 answers correct? Take the test and find out:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/
homework/?page=Quiz65&=65

Animal Jokes

Shark Pool
A rich millionaire decides to throw a massive party for his 50th birthday, so during this party he grabs the microphone and he announces to his guests that down in the garden of his mansion he has a swimming pool with two great white sharks in it. 'I will give anything they desire of mine, to the man who swims across that pool.'

So the party continues with no events in the pool, until suddenly, there is a great splash and all the guests of the party run to the pool to see what has happened.

In the pool is a man and he is swimming as hard as he can, and the fins come out of the water and the jaws are snapping and this guy just keeps on going and the sharks are gaining on him and this guy reaches the end and he gets out of the pool, tired and soaked.

The millionaire grabs the microphone and says, 'I am a man of my word, anything of mine I will give, my Ferraris, my house, absolutely anything, for you are the bravest man I have ever seen. So sir what will it be?' the millionaire asks.

The guy grabs the microphone and says, 'Why don't we start with the name of the guy that pushed me in!'

Snorkeling with a friend
Two snorkelers were checking a new reef when they saw a shark. The shark circled them, menacingly. One swimmer took off his fins and reached inside his backpack and pulled out a pair of super-power fins.

His buddy signaled: What? You can't out swim a shark! The snorkeler signaled back: I?m not out swimming the shark - I?m out swimming you!

Clay Animal Art Ornaments
Ages 4 - adult
Materials needed:

• If working with younger children, a washable floor with the project area covered in plastic (near a sink is best).
• Finger or water based paints
• Several damp rags or old towels (for wiping hands and cleaning up messes)
• Modeling clay from an art or craft store
• Animal shaped cookie cutters
• Cookie sheets
• Plastic straws
• 3 feet of yarn

Instructions:
Knead the clay and smooth out by hand to desired thickness. Cut with cookie cutter. Make at least 6 pieces of the same species per person. Push straw into area where a yarn hole is desired to hang the ornament. Follow directions based on type of clay purchased to determine drying time. Paint one side, allow to dry, turn over and paint the other side. Based on personal preferences, consider painting each a different bright color. Adding accents spots or stripes also adds interest and draws attention to each piece. After paint dries, consider naming each ornament and paint the name on each piece. Place 6 inch piece of yarn in hole created with straw, knot the ends.

FOREIGN AQUARIUM PROFILE

Sydney Aquarium
Sydney Aquarium - Walk underwater at Sydney's #1 attraction! Take a journey through Australia's rich and diverse marine ecosystems and discover the world's largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life, with over 12,000 marine animals. Walk underwater and come face to face with dozens of fierce sharks; marvel at majestic giant rays as they pass overhead; confront Nancy our ferocious 3 meter saltwater crocodile; and be entertained and amazed by the playful seals, secretive platypus and adorable penguins.

• Open Ocean Oceanarium: 1,250,000 litres
• Seal Sanctuary: 1,500,000 litres
• Great Barrier Reef Oceanarium 1,650,000 litres

Building information
Date started: May 1987, completed July 1988
Cost including furnishings: $30 million
Great Barrier Reef complex completed October 1998
Cost: $14 million

Open every day from 9am to 10pm Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour, Sydney AUSTRALIA Telephone: (+61 2) 8251 7800

www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Magazine vs. eNews Content

• Upcoming exhibits
• Upcoming fund raisers
• New openings and major renovations
• Animal profile - one featured animal
• Feathered profile - favorite bird at a park
• Aquatic profile - dolphin, shark, whale profile
• Meet the keeper - profile of an animal caretaker
• Meet the director - profile of a zoo or aquarium director
• Veterinarian's column
• Favorite zoo and aquarium photos - sent in by readers
• Ask a zoo - answers to readers' questions
• Ask an aquarium - answers to readers' questions

Each U.S. zoo and aquarium has been assigned a subscription code. Use of the subscription code entitles all employees, season ticket holders, and donors to a free one year magazine subscription.

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