Der Zoologische Garten最新文献

The modification of the porcupine enclosure with enlargement of the area and creation of various levels and structures in combination with a feeding management that involves the visitors has essentially increased the presentation value of porcupines at Goerlitz Zoo. This kind of animal presentation requires a high-quality animal management, which has to take the behavior as well as the number of visitors into account. The activity of the porcupines has risen notably since the described modifications, which has made these exotic rodents one of the most frequented visitor attractions at the Zoo.

The Palau Project Group at the Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Japan has collaborated with the Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium, Yamagata, Japan since 2003. The Palau Islands include approximately 70 marine lakes formed by the rising of ancient coral reefs. In some marine lakes that are completely isolated from outer lagoons, seawater can soak through minute pores in the limestone surrounding the lakes, causing tidal changes to occur. However, marine organisms cannot enter or exit marine lakes. Based on our previous evolutionary genetic analyses, certain fish (in Atherinidae, Apogonidae, and Gobiidae) and mussels (in Mytilidae) exhibit distinct patterns of evolution between marine lake and outer lagoon populations, and also among marine lake populations. Dawson and Jacobs (2001) reported that three distinct species of moon jellyfishes are distributed in Palau; Aurelia sp. 3 and Aurelia sp. 6 inhabit outer lagoons and Aurelia sp. 4 inhabits marine lakes. We surveyed and collected jellyfish and confirmed that the species are highly differentiated both genetically and morphologically. Based on additional comparative observations of Aurelia sp. 4 and Aurelia sp. 3, the former clearly exhibits specific morphological and ethological characters adapted to the environmental conditions that characterize calm marine lakes. Based on geological estimates of marine lake formation, such adaptive evolution in jellyfish occurred rapidly between 5,000 and 15,000 years ago.

Because of their very large claws, Giant anteaters are quite dangerous animals. In this study the principles of Medical Training with Giant anteaters were worked out in order to obtain information about organ health and physical development of the animals without fixation. Anesthesia-free blood sampling was performed upon three trained animals, taken from the medial saphenous vein. In most cases, this vein could be palpated only, or the blood sampling had to be done “blind”. From 23 obtained blood samples the organ parameters, hemogram, taurine and coagulation parameters were determined.

In less than a century, the fallow deer (Dama spp.) has moved from almost becoming extinct to becoming one of the most widespread ungulate species in the world. Successful translocations and introductions of the species to novel regions date back to, at least, Phoenician sailors who introduced the fallow deer to locations around the Mediterranean. Since that time, the fallow deer has spread to all continents, accumulating much interest on the impacts of their introduction on other species and vegetation. Whilst the fallow deer is still considered extinct or endangered in its native original habitat, in most areas the species has thrived and adapted successfully, playing an important role in food security and sustainability. On the other hand, the fallow deer is raising environmental concerns in many countries as an invasive species to native cervids and vegetative bio-diversity. A thorough understanding of this is needed in order to establish proper conservation and management recommendations and ensure the fallow deer flourishes within manageable ecosystems. This review reports on the different roles of the fallow deer as an ornamental, hunting and meat producing animal and points out management practises that are missing today to help ensure the species is fully utilised.

Historically, zoos have shared common features with circuses despite recent animosity toward them: Exhibition of wild animals in captivity. Experienced circus professionals can provide insight into the nature of wild animals from their sensitivity to man-made environmental components, potentially dangerous human errors, to animal escapes. These are told in numerous behind-the-scenes episodes. Zoos and circuses also have common needs such as improved animal husbandry and breeding. Moreover, both institutions face the public's naivete about animal life, and accusation about alleged cruelty to animals, often focusing on animal training. Professor Heini Hediger explained animal training from a scientific viewpoint. We can learn from his wisdom, for instance, the theoretical basis on training. Although traditional animal training has received adverse responses in recent years, accomplishments by trainers from the earlier era must be given a proper historical recognition.