Der Zoologische Garten最新文献

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.

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.

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.

The Javan Green Magpie has just been upgraded to species level in 2011. Based on IUCN criteria, it has the global status “critically endangered”. As the captive breeding is an integral aspect for the survival of this species, it is kept and bred at Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center since 2011. Here, it was possible to observe new aspects of the breeding biology, such as behaviour and diet. The experiences about keeping and breeding this species shall be summarized and presented in this article.

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.